What do you do when it's cold???

I go to my favourite coffee shop - so creatively captured in this pic I found on flickr. Click here to see cool pic Let me tell you about Grand Cafe. There's no where like it in the world!! First of all it serves my favourite coffee - Seattle's Best javanilla! And they make me feel like Norm from Cheers when I walk in.

For the past few months (feels like forever)... the Main St. bridge has been under construction making it very hard to get my javanilla. I've parked just about everywhere to keep up my addiction to this place. In the nicer weather it's been easy but in the winter can be a bit of a challenge. Let's face it - I'm a wuss and it is COLD out there.

Their soups and baked goods ROCK too! Jessie loves stopping by before hockey for a cookie... they are HUGE! There's nothing like grabbing some soup and sitting in their newly expanded sitting area - looking at the great work of local artists hanging on the walls... I really love it!!!!

In the nicer weather you can go sit in the middle of the square where the fountain is... and look at the amazing churches - so beautiful (see the reflection in flickr pic). This is a cool link to the fountain which until this very second I didn't realize is shaped like a maple leaf?! Click here to see the fountain

Today I'm drinking my javanilla while wearing a warm poncho made by my friend Judy's mom ... makes me feel snuggly... If you look in my 365 pics of the year you'll see Jessie all snuggled up yesterday! She had on a hat, hoodie and her winter coat had 2 hoods - that's four layers on her head LOL!

I had to buy her a new coat last night because she struggles with the zipper on this one... my kids and zippers on their coats - ugh. It is quite a pretty blue though and it's super warm with two coats in one ... she loves it!

So tell me - what do you do when you are cold???????

Just call me Martha

so I've been busy today - baking... and I'm going to make some soup later today or tomorrow too!!

Here's what I made so far...

Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

1 (12 oz.) pkg. butterscotch chips
1/4-1/2 c. butter
1 c. peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1 pkg. sm. marshmallows

Combine butter and peanut butter and chip bits in a saucepan on low - medium heat until melted. Take off heat and cool mixture before adding marshmallows. Pour mixture into ungreased cake pan. Spread evenly. Refrigerate until cold and cut into squares. Keep in refrigerator.

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this one is from http://carrotsncake.com/2008/11/chocolate-pumpkin-loaf.html

I overcooked mine a bit - not sure why I have such a hard time with loaves either not cooking or overcooking...

Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup liquid egg whites
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 can (7.5 ounces) pumpkin
3/4 cup chocolate chips
Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325*F. Grease loaf pan.

2. Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl; blend well.

3. Once mixed, pour batter into loaf pan.

4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until top is firm and a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Allow loaf to cool for 15 minutes; dust with powdered sugar (if desired).

And later...

Vegetable Bean Barley Soup - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Fasting... Hump Day!

OK so this is a week of prayer and fasting for my church.

I've never participated previously - but I figured having indulged in EVERYTHING this holiday season - I could choose to do some reflecting and fasting.

The church website said...

January 5 to January 11, 2009.

Together we will be dedicating 2009 to God through a week of prayer & fasting. This is always a powerful time in the life of our church as we grow stronger in our individual walks with God and believe for increased miracles, favour and wisdom for life. While we understand that not everyone can physically take part in a complete fast, everyone can do something. Think about what you can set aside in order to make extra room for prayer this week.

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For me I figured baby steps. I gave up coffee (ugh!), sweets, chocolate and alcohol. The kids gave up dessert and my husband gave up coke.

The first day was very hard - I had a bad headache and wanted coffee. But I perservered and drank some herbal tea. Now on Day 3 I am proud of myself that I have lasted this long ... and don't miss things (too badly.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR - Some New Features

look to the right ... and you'll see some new features...

1. Books I am reading - I am going to try and keep track of all the books I read...

2. Project 365 - I am going to try to take a photo a day... why?

Click here to read more

Why do it? (from photojojo.com)

Taking a photo a day is a big undertaking with big payoffs. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider doing it:

Imagine being able to look back at any day of your year and recall what you did, who you met, what you learned… (Often we find it hard to remember what we did just yesterday or even last night, let alone a whole year ago!)


Your year-long photo album will be an amazing way to document your travels and accomplishments, your haircuts and relationships. Time moves surprisingly fast.


Taking a photo a day will make you a better photographer. Using your camera every day will help you learn its limits. You will get better at composing your shots, you’ll start to care about lighting, and you’ll become more creative with your photography when you’re forced to come up with something new every single day.

Some of my friends are doing it too.... wanna see theirs?

Jessica's 365

Kristn's 365

Danielle's 365

Heidi's 365

and I joined a flickr group...

Flickr Group

A dozen roses for Christmas...

Today I braved the crappy roads to go to my aunt's to drop off something she wanted me to pick up. When I walked it - I was taken aback by the stunning roses on her table.

When I asked her who they were from she said "they are from my guy". Well I was a little confused because my Uncle Ken passed away in June 2007.

She then explained that she found an envelope of money in a drawer tucked away and when she found it she decided to do what Uncle Ken would have done. Bought herself a dozen red roses and a bottle of her favourite perfume.

I was all teary eyed looking at the roses - I do believe they were from my Uncle Ken to the love of his life at Christmas.

And another message from above... this story makes me really believe in Christmas miracles

Missing woman, 55, found alive and buried in snow!

Hey Mom - who's Gloria?

That's what Jess asked me on the way home from church today as we were listening to Angels We Have Heard On High........Glooooooooooooooooooooooooooooria in excelsis deo...

LOL -I explained to her about "Gloria" - and she sang along with her sweet sweet voice.

I was so proud of my two beauties today in church. Nothing makes me happier then when I can hear them boldly singing a song at church - praising God - not caring if they are in tune or who can hear them. Today it was the Desert Song... they know it's one of my personal favs and they sang it loud and proud today and it just warmed my heart!

Here's a link for those who might want to hear this amazing song!

Click here to see and hear an amazing song

and the lyrics in case you'd like to sing along...

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

I will bring praise, I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favour and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow.

Does your tree tell a story?

Every year I am excited to open boxes and see ornaments from years gone by - each with it's own story and memory... whether they are from my childhood; handmade with love by friends, family, my children. Each year as I decorate the tree I tell my kids stories about the ornaments and why they are special to me...

This year as Jessie looked at the tree and told me her memories from the ornaments it made me think I should take some pics and write down some thoughts - and remember why these ornaments mean so much to me (and us!)

I wanted to share with you!!! Click here to see/read my story