Well it is that time of year again when the sun stays out longer and longer and the snow melts away. The birds come back to build a nest and the days begin to feel warmer and warmer. With the impending approach of spring around the corner, also comes a fun family activity. The sugar bush. Yes it is that time honoured tradition that brings the yummy sweet maple sap to a boiler to be made into maple syrup. I'm not talking about the Aunt Jemima crap (it is tasty) but the real pure maple syrup. This is made from collecting the sap from maple trees in the spring when the sap begins to run. It is water like and carries some wonderful sugars that once transformed, bring a new life to pancakes, donuts and coffee to name a few.
In college, I went to a sugar bush to shoot a segment for a local TV show we produced in the college. It turned out to be a wonderful day. We saw the whole operation and were able to shoot every step of the process. It is amazing how such a simple thing can be so complex with temperatures and colours with the syrups. It was nice that the owners also invited us for pancakes and freshly brewed maple syrup. We also were able to take a couple bottles home. Great family run business and it had been in operation for 70 years plus.
I think we will be making another trip this year to sample the maple syrup from 2011's winter crop. There are a couple places we can go and they all offer horse drawn cart rides, maple tasting, activities for the kids and of course the chance to buy all the maple products they produce. Last year we bought a bottle of syrup and some pancakes for the girls. They had a blast and we had a nice day outdoors enjoying the great sunny spring weather. I highly recommend this for a fun family outing. It will cost you admission to go in which usually isn't too much because not everyone is going to buy something. I have started looking in Ontario and by the looks of it, it is only a week from the sap beginning to run.
Cheers!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Football (soccer)
Well we have asked the girls and they have opted for football.....or soccer as we in North America call it. I like the term football. It makes sense unlike the football we know as CFL and NFL. Don't get me started!!
So Hailey and Zoey have told us they wanted to play soccer and they have 1 practice and 1 game a week each. Yes! So that is Monday to Thursday practice and games! I'm looking forward to seeing them play and learning the team aspect of sports and how to play with other kids.
It is also much cheaper than hockey!! I need to buy shin guards and cleats but that is it. The league supplies the uniforms and also gives the kids a free soccer ball. I will keep you updated when the season begins which I think is in May.
Cheers!!
So Hailey and Zoey have told us they wanted to play soccer and they have 1 practice and 1 game a week each. Yes! So that is Monday to Thursday practice and games! I'm looking forward to seeing them play and learning the team aspect of sports and how to play with other kids.
It is also much cheaper than hockey!! I need to buy shin guards and cleats but that is it. The league supplies the uniforms and also gives the kids a free soccer ball. I will keep you updated when the season begins which I think is in May.
Cheers!!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Great New Show!
Now maybe some of you haven't seen Cake Boss on TLC yet but I love the show and would love to visit the bakery sometime for some of those yummy treats! The baker is Buddy and he took over the shop when his dad passed away and has all his family working in the shop. I enjoy the people and the cakes he makes because some of them are just amazing. Anyway, he now has his own cooking show on TLC called Kitchen Boss and it is great. I think the reason I love the show is because he uses simple ingredients and you can buy them at any grocery store. No special things and he is Italian so everything looks amazing and full of flavour. I saw 3 episodes today that I PVR'd on my Bell ExpressVu 9241 receiver. Little plug for work!!
He made Shrimp Scampi, Tortellini Soup, Garlic Bread, Eggplant Parmesan, Zucchini and Squash casserole, Prime Rib Roast, King Crab Legs and home made cupcakes. You can watch all the episodes on TLC and get the recipes. I was really excited for the cupcakes. He makes some amazing pastries at the bakery so to see him make one with butter cream icing was awesome. Too bad I am trying to eat healthy because I really wanted those cupcakes!! I will make them but for now I will focus on the eating right and losing a few pounds!!
Anyway, I highly recommend this show if you like to cook and watch for new ideas. I have watched and saved the episodes on the PVR so I can try at least the veggie dishes he made so I can hope the kids will try them.
Cheers!!
He made Shrimp Scampi, Tortellini Soup, Garlic Bread, Eggplant Parmesan, Zucchini and Squash casserole, Prime Rib Roast, King Crab Legs and home made cupcakes. You can watch all the episodes on TLC and get the recipes. I was really excited for the cupcakes. He makes some amazing pastries at the bakery so to see him make one with butter cream icing was awesome. Too bad I am trying to eat healthy because I really wanted those cupcakes!! I will make them but for now I will focus on the eating right and losing a few pounds!!
Anyway, I highly recommend this show if you like to cook and watch for new ideas. I have watched and saved the episodes on the PVR so I can try at least the veggie dishes he made so I can hope the kids will try them.
Cheers!!
Friday, February 11, 2011
What sports do you put them in?
I have been mulling over this question for the past year. It is not an easy question with both of us working shift work. Hopefully Nicole will be covering a maternity leave shortly and can work straight days for a year. This way we can put the girls into some sports after school. I wish I could make my own shifts but hate working day shifts!! I also hate night shifts so I guess what I am saying is that I hate working period. The girls wanted to skate but I haven't bought myself any to teach them and they have now decided that they want to play soccer! Cheaper than hockey and the program in Oshawa offers free everything. I just buy the shoes and shin guards. Something good for them to get into and get them more active. We are also looking at a YMCA family membership so we can get more active and shape up! I need it and so does Nicole. With the new healthy eating thing it is only going to help in our ultimate goal.
I would love for them to play hockey but can't commit to that with the shifts I am on. I would like to see them choose and with playing and exposing them to different sports through gym class in school, they have a better idea of what they want to do. I'm not pushing them into anything but hope once they choose that they stick with it because I'm not into wasting money....what little extra we have. Once they get active I think they will really enjoy it and with the YMCA membership, they will have access to free classes they can learn other things. They have talked about karate and swimming to start and the Y also offers childcare included in the membership so it works out!
Anyway, we are still weighing the pros and cons of the YMCA and to make sure we take full advantage of it once we do decided to commit. The pros are more than the cons so I will let you know if and when we decide.
Cheers!!
I would love for them to play hockey but can't commit to that with the shifts I am on. I would like to see them choose and with playing and exposing them to different sports through gym class in school, they have a better idea of what they want to do. I'm not pushing them into anything but hope once they choose that they stick with it because I'm not into wasting money....what little extra we have. Once they get active I think they will really enjoy it and with the YMCA membership, they will have access to free classes they can learn other things. They have talked about karate and swimming to start and the Y also offers childcare included in the membership so it works out!
Anyway, we are still weighing the pros and cons of the YMCA and to make sure we take full advantage of it once we do decided to commit. The pros are more than the cons so I will let you know if and when we decide.
Cheers!!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Avoiding the major battles
Now most of parents would say you have to discipline when children get out of line or won't listen. You set boundaries and limits for everything to help them grow up and learn to have the basic skills when it comes to dealing with people and the public as a whole. I know they are watching how I handle myself with people and how I react to situations. Most people want their kids to grow up to be polite, kind to others, considerate and caring. I'm sure most people grow up with those key things but I find some parents who constantly freak out and swear at their kids when they do something they don't like. I have seen someone tell their kid to come with them and they said no. The parent grabbed the kid by the arm and said lets go. The kid was hitting and yelling at his dad and he dragged him inside. I don't agree with this because it doesn't teach the kid anything about how to behave and reason why the are being asked to come inside.
I told the girls last Saturday before we went outside that we can go out and play but they have to listen and if they don't we will go inside if they are not behaving. They both agreed and I had no problems. I also told them I was shoveling the driveway and when I'm done I will play in the snow with them but we will have to go in to get warm if it gets too cold. They asked to go in and I didn't have to tell them twice. I set the guidelines early before we went outside so we were all on the same page but find some people don't. You are going to run into problems when you don't set the guidelines early. It is just a fact.
The easiest way to make an outing enjoyable for the whole family is to discuss what you expect and what might happen if the kids don't behave. They will know the boundaries and you will have a better time knowing that you have the control over the outcome of the activity. If they are bad you can leave but if they are good, you can reward them for a great time out with something simple like an ice cream cone or candy from the bulk barn. Doesn't cost you more than $5 bucks and they will remember that they will be rewarded for being good. Like training your puppy, if you do it enough times they will remember and you can stop with the reward because they will do it because it will be out of habit and not for reward.
Cheers!!
I told the girls last Saturday before we went outside that we can go out and play but they have to listen and if they don't we will go inside if they are not behaving. They both agreed and I had no problems. I also told them I was shoveling the driveway and when I'm done I will play in the snow with them but we will have to go in to get warm if it gets too cold. They asked to go in and I didn't have to tell them twice. I set the guidelines early before we went outside so we were all on the same page but find some people don't. You are going to run into problems when you don't set the guidelines early. It is just a fact.
The easiest way to make an outing enjoyable for the whole family is to discuss what you expect and what might happen if the kids don't behave. They will know the boundaries and you will have a better time knowing that you have the control over the outcome of the activity. If they are bad you can leave but if they are good, you can reward them for a great time out with something simple like an ice cream cone or candy from the bulk barn. Doesn't cost you more than $5 bucks and they will remember that they will be rewarded for being good. Like training your puppy, if you do it enough times they will remember and you can stop with the reward because they will do it because it will be out of habit and not for reward.
Cheers!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Family deals
We have been looking to do some fun activities with the girls over the winter since it is so cold and starting to snow more and more. What can you do other than winter activities? Well we have been looking at both outdoor and indoor things. We have been looking at the rec centres for free activities and also ones we pay for such as dance, sports and arts. Another good place is the library. We were there today to grab some books so the girls can read and we can read to them. That's something I don't do enough is read. A good place to find family getaways if you like to travel and let the kids have a fun night away is Travelzoo. It has deals that offer vacation packages, tickets to events and other deals you can't find else where.
We recently book one night at the Ramada by the Falls in Niagara Falls for one night at $60.00 in a really nice hotel that is located between Clifton hill and the falls. The kids will get a blast out of being in a nice hotel and it is nice to get away for a night to just have fun. I think we will play some games at the midway, see the falls, go to Clifton hill and have dinner at the rain forest cafe. $150-$200 for two days for gas, hotel, food and parking isn't too bad.
Anyway, Tonight Zoey lost another tooth and she was excited because she said she is growing up. I hate to admit it but she is. Today when she came off the bus she told the bus drive to have a good day. She says and does things like an adult but still acts like a kid most of the time. I can't believe they grow up so fast but I am loving every minute of them being around me. They are amazing!
Cheers!!
We recently book one night at the Ramada by the Falls in Niagara Falls for one night at $60.00 in a really nice hotel that is located between Clifton hill and the falls. The kids will get a blast out of being in a nice hotel and it is nice to get away for a night to just have fun. I think we will play some games at the midway, see the falls, go to Clifton hill and have dinner at the rain forest cafe. $150-$200 for two days for gas, hotel, food and parking isn't too bad.
Anyway, Tonight Zoey lost another tooth and she was excited because she said she is growing up. I hate to admit it but she is. Today when she came off the bus she told the bus drive to have a good day. She says and does things like an adult but still acts like a kid most of the time. I can't believe they grow up so fast but I am loving every minute of them being around me. They are amazing!
Cheers!!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
I am sending this out to anyone who actually reads my blog. Drew I know you look at it once in a while but haven't seen much from you on yours lately.
Anyway, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Drink to your hearts content, cherish everyone who has been and still is in your life and try to start the new year on a positive note. I will miss my friends this year as no one will be "home" for Christmas but families grow bigger and everything costs more the bigger they are. I would like to wish Andrew, Sylvia, Olivia & Lexie the best over the holidays from Paul, Nicole, Zoey & Hailey. I would also like to wish Chris & Joanna, Lee & Jayne and Cameron & Beth a happy holidays as well.
Hopefully we can get out and visit some friends over the next year but can't promise. Life is busy with kids and school. Nothing takes up more of your time but is worth it for the rest of your life like children. It does make me sad to think the girls will be out of the house soon (maybe another 15 years) but I hope they will always find their way home if they ever need anything.
I want to share something with you. This year I asked for nothing but clothes. I don't care about what I get because nothing makes me as happy as my girls. The look on their faces on Christmas morning makes my whole year and brings me so much love I can barely keep from crying. I want to make them as happy as possible and to keep them safe. I know we as parents want nothing more than that so I hope you all see as much pleasure in your children this Christmas morning as I see when they see those presents under the tree.
The best thing I could have ever done was to have two wonderful kids who I love more than life itself. Nothing makes me happier than seeing their faces and hearing them laugh. I love their hugs and cherish my time with them because they are my everything. Without Nicole in my life I couldn't have had such amazing girls and I thank her everyday for being the mom and wife that she is.
Cheers!
Anyway, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Drink to your hearts content, cherish everyone who has been and still is in your life and try to start the new year on a positive note. I will miss my friends this year as no one will be "home" for Christmas but families grow bigger and everything costs more the bigger they are. I would like to wish Andrew, Sylvia, Olivia & Lexie the best over the holidays from Paul, Nicole, Zoey & Hailey. I would also like to wish Chris & Joanna, Lee & Jayne and Cameron & Beth a happy holidays as well.
Hopefully we can get out and visit some friends over the next year but can't promise. Life is busy with kids and school. Nothing takes up more of your time but is worth it for the rest of your life like children. It does make me sad to think the girls will be out of the house soon (maybe another 15 years) but I hope they will always find their way home if they ever need anything.
I want to share something with you. This year I asked for nothing but clothes. I don't care about what I get because nothing makes me as happy as my girls. The look on their faces on Christmas morning makes my whole year and brings me so much love I can barely keep from crying. I want to make them as happy as possible and to keep them safe. I know we as parents want nothing more than that so I hope you all see as much pleasure in your children this Christmas morning as I see when they see those presents under the tree.
The best thing I could have ever done was to have two wonderful kids who I love more than life itself. Nothing makes me happier than seeing their faces and hearing them laugh. I love their hugs and cherish my time with them because they are my everything. Without Nicole in my life I couldn't have had such amazing girls and I thank her everyday for being the mom and wife that she is.
Cheers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)