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I will be the first to ‘fess up to the fact that I am NOT a domestic diva.   I am nowhere near close to being crowned the next Martha Stewart or being monikered June Cleaver (although for some odd reason, I like the idea of serving dinner in heels and pearls).  Dinner is often a fast food affair and when I do cook, it’s often with disasterous results (or decent results and then a 2 hour battle to get everyone to eat their meal without complaining!)   All that being said, however, I do enjoy my time in the kitchen when inspiration strikes, I’m not feeling rushed or pressured and all things go as planned.

I often find baking a great pick-me up.  I’m sure there’s a scientific explanation that has to do with the smells triggering emotional responses, blah, blah, blah… but really, it just comes down to having fun and putting a smile on my face.  I tend to achieve better results (or at least better customer satisfaction – and my monkeys are two tough customers!) when I roll up my sleeves, don an apron, and facedown the mixing bowl than when I’m faced with having to come up with yet another chicken dish that will keep everyone happy.  I have a huge recipe book collection and an even bigger clipped and/or bookmarked recipe collection amassed from the internet, magazines, friends, tv, etc.

Despite this gargantuan mess of recipes, many of which I am still waiting to try – one day, I have my failproof, fall-back favourites.  One of these is my mom’s Banana Bread recipe, which of course I’ve tweaked a little.  I’ve probably shared it before, but I have never (okay, rarely ever) had a flop with this family favourite. (So much a favourite, even the in-laws enjoy it and my sister-in-law requested it as the cake to celebrate Mom & Dad Brown’s anniversary tonight.)  Originally a zucchini bread recipe, perhaps from an old Unico oil cookbook, it works well for banana cake, loaves, muffins, etc.   

Mom’s Banana Bread

2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup sugar  (the original recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups but I find it works just as well with a single cup!)
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
4 or 5 ripe, mashed bananas

Combine dry ingredients in medium bowl.  In separate large bowl, combine eggs, sugar and oil.  Alternately add milk and dry ingredients to egg mixture.  Add bananas and vanilla.     (If using stand mixer, combine dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients all together and mix until well blended, then add bananas and mix some more.) 

Bake in preheated 350°F oven for approximately 40-45 minutes.  (Check at the 35 min mark if you desire.  My oven is slightly warmer so it takes about 35 minutes to do a bundt pan or two loaves.)

As a cake, it’s delicious with a fluffy cream cheese frosting, topped with walnuts.  One of these days, I’d like to try it with a maple frosting.   I’ve also done a streusel topping if baked as loaves.  It’s perfectly delicious on it’s own and our usual serving method is warm from the oven, sliced and slathered with some butter!  Yum!  \

I also use my garden fresh zucchinis in the recipe but it’s more of a feel-it-out type of thing than an exact recipe.   Usually, I’ll grate a zucchini and use just 2 bananas;  everything else remains the same.  It makes a slightly denser cake.

Successful baking is like a warm hug from someone you love – comfort from the oven!  No wonder it puts a smile on my face.

Have you ever heard/read the quote saying implying that those who rely on quotes lack inspiration or the creativity to think for yourself?  I can’t remember exactly how it goes and I’m too sleepy to Google to find it.   Anyhow, everytime I ‘hear’ this quote, I tend to chuckle as I’m a BIG relier on quotes and I find them very inspiring.

Today I was browsing some of the local home decor stores for wall art (my kitchen is now painted and all that’s left in our reno project is a few baseboards and the transition piece at the stairs.  It only took all summer but it’s looking good!  Thanks, baby!)  Anyhow, HomeSense and Winners had slim pickings, a few hopefuls but nothing that struck me enough to buy and Pier1 is just a scary store to go into with 2 rambunctious monkeys.  The couple things I saw were pretty close to what I was looking for but way out of budget.

This disappointment led me to browse Etsy, which I haven’t done in some time. The category I opted to give a quick perusal offered alot of painted signs and vinyl wall art – often with well known quotes.  I was struck by a number of them – humourous, feel good, inspirational – but I was reminded at how much I love children’s literature and Winnie the Pooh offers some of the best lines out there! 

Before I fall asleep at night, I often blog in my head.  I come up with witty and wonderful things to share but by the time morning comes and I’ve shaken the cobwebs out of my brain, I’ve completely forgotten what I was going to write.  Tonight while I’m waiting for my Kobo (thanks, boys!) to sync, I thought I’d utilize the time to share some of my favourite quotes while I’m feeling inspired.

In no particular order (and without proper credit and even misqouted I’m sure), here are some of the words I try to live by:

* Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.  Speak kindly.

* Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

* If there ever comes a day when we cannot be together, keep me in your heart… I will stay there forever.  ~ Winnie the Pooh

* Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

* Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.  ~ Winnie the Pooh

* I meant what I said and I said what I meant.  An elephant’s faithful 100%. ~ Horton Hears A Who

* Never tease a weasel.  Not even once or twice.  A weasel would not like it, and teasing isn’t nice. ~  Never Tease a Weasel by Jean Conder Soule.  (We hear this one a lot around here! It’s a great little picture book that I highly recommend.)

* Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ~ Phil. 4:8 NLT

* There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think; but the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you. ~ Winnie the Pooh

* Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation. ~ D. Elton Trueblood

* I have faith in God similar to how I have faith in the sun. Not because I can see it, but because I cannot see without it.

* Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

* Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ~ 1 Corinthians 13

That’s all I’ve got for now!  There are a ton of others I could share but these are what I’m offering tonight.  I hope you find some inspiration among them and share with me the words that give you encouragement, hope, inspiration or just a smile!

This weekend offered a spectrum of choices in the celebration of life.  My great-uncle, Frank Weening, passed away suddenly on Thursday in his 78th year and while I have not maintained a close relationship  with many of my extended relatives, he was still much beloved and will be missed by many.   My heart is saddened on behalf of his children, many of whom I’ve become good Facebook friends with, and of course, for his wife, Auntie Rita, and siblings, especially my Pake.   While it is necessary and normal to mourn, I’m always struck by the laughter that often can be heard at the visitations and memorial services of those who cherished life, family, faith.    What a wonder that in the midst of such great sorrow, we can look back and remember all the good and know that above all we love and are loved.   That not only do we say goodbye and mourn, but we celebrate happier times and a life well-lived.

I was touched by many of the Facebook statuses and messages I read over the last few days regarding Uncle Frank.   It served to remind me of how my family finds itself anchored in faith.   It also reminds me that we touch many lives- that our reach extends further than we know and as such should strive to walk in kindness and love.   These reflections also spurned my Facebook status today:  “All I want is to know I lived life to the fullest, never missed an opportunity to laugh, and have loved greatly and without abandon. Let it be said that I’ve treasured and cared for that which is important: my faith, my family, my friends.”   A sentiment I’ve voiced before, no doubt, but perhaps spoken a different way.

In another aspect of life’s celebratory moments, Sunday we ventured to Centreville with the kids to spend the day with the Weening boys in lieu of a birthday party for Knightley (just 3) and Hawksley (1 on Thursday).   Kaleb, Justin & Knightley had a blast starting off with the ferry to the island.  It was busy but not too bad and they are all at the perfect age to enjoy the rides – lots of laughter and smiles all around.  Mommy forgot her camera but Uncle James had his always at the ready and hopefully will share the captured moments with me!   Happy birthdays to my sweetest Weening nephews – we love you boys sooooo much!

On a side note, tonight is t-ball night which means we rush to get dinner served and everyone out the door on time.   I got a jump start on dinner prep.   I have tons of recipes clipped from various sources (mostly magazines) and found some inspiration.  I baked some yummy Tex-Mex Cheese Biscuits, recipe courtesy of the milk calendar.  My only variation was to grab some fresh basil from the garden, finely chop and mixed it in before adding the milk.   I also have an Old-Fashioned Pear Crisp in the oven, receipe from Chatelaine, to be reheated and served for dessert.  Now what to do with for the entree?   I’m thinking peppery maple chicken, corn on the cob and a side salad.  For me, yummy food is definitely one of life’s little pleasures!  If I have to eat, I might as well make sure it tastes good!

We are indeed blessed.  We live in an amazing country.  We have a roof over our heads, food on the table, 2 beautiful boys, the joys of family and friends.   It is at once incredibly easy to count our blessings and impossibly difficult to number them all.

Every season I’m struck anew with a wonder at the beauty and bounty surrounding us.   Summer brings with it it’s own particular set of blessings to count and enjoy.  Some of the simplicities – small things that bring me pleasure, are:

* My gardens – I don’t really have a green thumb but I love to pretend I do.  I’m always amazed when I can pull produce from the garden and glow with pride because somehow I managed not to kill it!   This summer, once again, my beans are thriving, my zucchini is an overwhelming jungle, my basil is fresh and fragrant, the cucumbers survived and the rest are hanging in there.

As for my perennial beds, my lilies (always a favourite) are indulgent with blooms – a deep pinkish purple and a striking contrast of white.  Beautiful!   Unfortunately, I think this may be the year that my hibisicus has not resurrected itself and I lost my huge chive plant.   I blame it on the dog.

* Reading in the sun.   Nothing quite so relaxing as finding a quiet spot and hopefully a nice breeze to curl up with a good book and work on that tan.  Yes, I know the dangers of sun exposure but no, I will not give up my tan.  Life is too short to worry about all the things that could go wrong – the sun can just join the list of thing that are bad for me in excess but I cannot live without.

* Patio nights with friends.  Whether in the backyard or a local restaurant, it’s always fun to dress up, get in some good conversation, lots of laughs and enjoy a nice frosty drink with the girls.  Conversation runs from the ironic to mundane, silly to serious with everything in between.  For all of us busy moms, these nights are a must-have sanity saver – reminding us that our whatever role we’re filling at any particular moment, it is not the sum of us – it is only a part of the whole, beautiful, wonderful, strong woman we are.

* Watching the boys in the sprinkler.  It makes me giggle everytime.   They love water play and some days I’m hard pressed not to join them myselves.   Fortunately for us, Durham region is loaded with splash pads too – so they will make (and have made) for some excellent sunny-day adventures that are easy on the wallet. 

* Picking fresh fruit and hitting the local farmer’s market.  Ontario has some great produce.  Our area in particular has some great berry farms (yummy blueberries!), a few good orchards and all that goes with it.   It’s another great way to spend a summer afternoon – and the best part is enjoying the bounty once we get it home.   Fresh, baked or even on the ‘que, fresh produce is a hit at our home!    Here’s a great guide to in-season produce Ontario-wide:  http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/english/availability.html

* Road trips, day trips or lazy days at the cottage.  I know they’re not the same, but for as long as I can remember one or the other or all of the above have been part of the summer experience.  Kevin’s family has a cottage on Sturgeon Lake – a little rocky for swimming, but with water shoes the boys don’t mind and they’re quite content to go fishing.  I’d like to fit in a few more road trips as they get older too – we have so much to discover all within a couple hours’ drive.   Day trips are always exciting – Wasaga, Niagara, how fun!

Here are some pictures from the cottage on the weekend and snapshots of my blooms at the end of June.  Oh, and if you know what to do with my over-abundance of basil or zucchini, please share!  I’m good for pesto and zucchini bread but need to add some variety to my recipe book.

We’ve known each other for 10 years.  We’ve been marred for 6 – yesterday was our anniversary.  You would think by now, the shininess of our relationship would have worn off.  Don’t get me wrong, most of the time, with two kids underfoot and busy lives, the grime of daily life means you have to look for that glimmer but when I look at him, really look at him, and think of how blessed I am to be married to and started a beautiful family with such a wonderful man, I can see the sparkle and I still feel like a princess! 

Here are some of my favourite shots (or at least they invoke some favourite memories!) of time with my favourite guy!

                                                                                                                                                            

It’s Father’s Day tomorrow.  It’s also our 6th anniversary.  On June 20th, 2010, I not only will I miss and remember my incredible Opa (maternal grandfather),  marvel at my industrious Pake (paternal grandfather), celebrate my incomprable father, but I get to celebrate 6 years of mostly blissful marriage to the love of my life.   10 years that we’ve known each other, 6 as husband and wife, 4 as the most amazing father I’ve been privileged to know (and that’s alot of amazing dad’s when you realise the size of my extended family!)

For now, I’m going to post laud to my dear old dad and save the anniversary accolades for tomorrow.   I have tender memories (and some not so tender as most of us do!) of Daddy & Me.   I can remember ‘working’ in the greenhouses with him, fishing, camping, snowmobiling (and then having to pee in a snowbank – no small feat for a girl in bib-front snowpants), cuddling when I couldn’t sleep and he watched the evening news.  He surprised me with a Father-Daugher dance at our wedding, held my hand in the wee hours when I laboured with Kaleb, and glowed with pride when Justin was born.

We haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, and have often butt heads with each other (that makes me giggle because when the boys give each other head-butts, they always yell “butt head” at each other… not in a bad way but because the reverse the words… but I digress.)   Some would say Daddy and Me are too much alike – and that’s often not a positive reference.  I would say I agree… but if I am lucky, I’m also akin to him in ways that matter – faith, unconditional love, the need to stand for what’s right, and a stubborn tenacity!

I read this quote today and I loved it: 

“Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever. ~Author Unknown” 

On that note, I’m not a big country music fan at all – but Dad has made two songs important to me.  Once upon a time (okay, probably more than once!), I heard Holly Dunn’s “Daddy’s Hands” – and it always makes me think of my Dad (and grandfathers actually.)   Number two is the song Dad surprised me with for the Father/Daughter dance at our wedding, “Tough Little Boys” by Gary Allan (look it up on YouTube if you get a chance).

Man, this year is just flying by!  I know they say that happens as you get older, but really, c’mon now, I’m not even 29….    Kaleb has less than 2 weeks of school left and it’s crazy to think how it seems like yesterday we were taking pictures of his first day of JK. 

It’s also amazing the things they pick up when their out from the sheltered life that mommy encourages.  I’m by no means overprotective and they are probably exposed to stuff that is slightly older than age-appropriate at times as a result of having slightly older kids in the house… but some of the things they say leads to some pretty mixed reactions – laughter and the knowledge I should probably address it because it’s wrong.
The most common refrain we here these days is the ever-popular “Well, you’re not my (blank) anymore.”  This always comes on the heels of someone they are playing with not wanting to play by their rules.  Everyone wants to lead and no one wants to follow.   Yesterday, Kaleb & Justin were arguing over who got which car and Justin (he’s just 3!) piped up with that line.  “You not my brother anymore.”   He got the last word in although Kaleb tried to convince him he had to move out if they were no longer related.

I get told I’m not their mommy anymore on a daily basis – it’s usually something I laugh off – but the refrain does get tiring! Ok well if I’m not your mommy anymore, I’m just gonna go do some un-mommyish things (i.e. be completely selfish) while you both fend for yourself.   No?  Don’t like that one, do you?  I guess you’re stuck with me then….

The “You’re Not My” line is generally followed by the retort (and ultimate penalty):  “Yeah, well you’re not invited to my birthday.”  (It matters not whether that birthday is in 2 weeks or 8 months… it’s a threat and unless you play nice, they’ll remember!)  In all fairness, I’ve seen many an adult behave in similar manner if albeit a little more smoothly and slightly more saccharine.

So, yeah, Kaleb’s picked up that and much more over the last 10 months and has been more than willing to share with his brother!  I accompanied a class trip to the local zoo on Friday and after watching the behaviour of his classmates, I could more readily see where some of the traits (and not all bad!) were coming from.

Tick, tock, with each day that’s passing by, I’m realising my little boys are not going to remain so little for so long!

On a completely unrelated note, check out the websites and Facebook profiles of these talented ladies aka entrepreneurial mama’s in my area: 
Crazy Baby Accessories on the web – adorable handmade baby clothes and accessories in trendy designer prints or Crazy Baby Accessories on Facebook

Live Love Bath on the web – handpicked natural ingredients for body and bath or Live Love Bath on Facebook

…hubby.   Kev’s the best.   I know I don’t always show how much I appreciate him (and his hard work) but I really do.   He is an amazing husband and father and I can’t imagine how different (and lacking) my life would be if we had not met.

…kids.   They light up my lives.  Two very active, excitable, crazy little monkeys come with their challenges and endless patience-testing occasions, but moreso, they come with hugs, cuddles, kisses, funny antics, and a ton of moments that make me stand back in awe and pride that I am so blessed to be their mother.

…kitchen gadgets.   I figured I should get the important stuff out of the way first, but now that everyone knows my priorities are straight I want to rave about my new T-Fal Actifry!   (Check it out on the T-Fal website.)   Kaleb won’t eat potatoes unless they’re in french fry form and I was feeling guilty feeding him the frozen variety too often (and let’s be honest, baked from frozen just doesn’t cut it.)   I tried fresh cut oven baked but they never came out ‘perfect.’  Always too crispy on the outside and hard in the middle, or mushy, or just yuck.   The Actifry has solved my problems and it only uses a tablespoon of oil!   We’ve used it for diced potatoes and I’ve made fries a number of times (easy-peasy to cut thanks to my Kitchen Stuff Plus house brand potato chipper.)  They come out golden and crispy.  Don’t be fooled though – this is no quick and easy fryer.  Still takes a good 30 – 40 minutes and it costs a pretty penny.   We got ours at Home Outfitters with a 25% off  coupon and I know they’re also available at Sears.    I still have to try wings and it came with a recipe book so I won’t be stuck on ideas.  I figure it’s an investment if I use it a couple times a week – I’m just a little sad it can’t make Olliebollen healthier!  To see some other reviews, just look up Actifry on YouTube.\

We’ve been busy, busy around here… but I promise to update soon with more insight into what’s been going on.    Big weekend ahead – Kaleb gets to meet his t-ball coach and pick up his uniform tomorrow.  Kev has 3 games this weekend.  Kaleb has a birthday party… and if the boys can manage to not beat each other up, we’ll probably be seeing the new Shrek movie too!

I’ve been remiss in my posting but I have a good excuse.  Really!  Honestly!  We’ve been busy and THIS weekend is only going to get a whole lot busier.  I’m sure I posted about my ‘worries’ re: the whole daycare situation…. well it’s worked itself out for now and I’m looking after a good friend’s little boys for the mornings.  They’re close in age to my monkeys and the school schedule is the same so it works well all around.   This week was our first with this switch up in the schedule and while it’s going well, change always takes it toll on us.

Speaking of change, thanks to my magnificent, wonderful, generous mother, Kev & I put a huge dent into our main floor rejuvenation project.   Mom (and Dad, I suppose), took the boys last weekend (while tending to my youngest brother recovering from knee surgery – brave souls!)  The absence of my precious babies means that we were able to tackle the next step, also known as Phase 2:  Painful Painting.

I *HATE* painting… but we limited our arguments and got it done.   The 2 family/living rooms are finished minus the trim work and a couple spots I have to touch up on the ceiling because I find the paintbrush/roller unwieldy.  Seriously, a roller or paintbrush has a mind of it’s own and my inherent clumsiness has no bearing whatsoever on any of the flaws speckling my main floor.

After all my agonizing over the paint colours (and thinking I was thrilled with them), I have to say they look a lot different on such a broad space and different between rooms due to the lighting.   I wasn’t thrilled first off (but seriously, ANYTHING is gonna look better than it was!) and now that we’ve lived with it for a week, I’ve grown accustomed.  Perhaps I don’t love them but they work.  (Although I did a test patch of “A Quiet Moment” and it makes me smile…. really, I love it that much.  I can’t wait to do the kitchen!)

Saturday, we didn’t get down to work til about noon… and worked our butts off sanding and priming until about 6.  Stopped for dinner and started on the first coat of  “Cup of Cocoa” in the family room (fireplace).   Saturday morning, we got a slightly earlier start and finished the 2nd coat in that room and got both coats on in the living room (front room).   Then we slapped on two quick coats of  “Traditional” and after cleaning up and seeing midnight, we called it a weekend.   “Traditional” looked like chcolate pudding being spread on the walls.   Kaleb said he wanted to lick it!

The project:

What with Mother’s Day and the youngest monkey’s birthday tomorrow, this is what we’re living with in reno world.  Not so bad and I’m excited to pick out my accents and know what I’m on the lookout for scheme-wise.

On a completely unrelated topic, J has requested popsicles (not cupcakes) to celebrate his birthday tomorrow with the kids.  He wants chocolate popsicles.  I’m fine with that – it’s his special day!   For the life of me though, I could not remember what were in pudding pops (duh, just pudding!).    I googled it and came across this blog which I will definitely be bookmarking:  Culinarily Obsessed.   It hasn’t been updated in a while but she has some quick and easy recipe ideas and I want to explore some of her links.   Yum!

Sounds relaxing, doesn’t it?   Well let me tell you, it wasn’t!  Selecting paint colours stresses me out.  I don’t know why.  Maybe because I have no eye for decor and HATE the painting process – so whatever I choose, I’m stuck with until it’s so bad I can’t live with it anymore.   (Helloooo?!? 6 years in a 7 year old house and we still have builder white on the walls!)

Friday night we thought we’d get a start on our remodel beginning with a trip to Home Depot.  Usually I love browsing at Home Depot but Friday night we had two cranky kids with us who didn’t want to sit still and then, after multiple trips to the bathroom, Mommy had enough, Daddy had enough and all we did was pick out our paint and supplies.     After all the suggestions on my Facebook note query, we opted for “A Quiet Moment” for the kitchen, with “Traditional” as our accent wall and “Cup of Cocoa” as our main colour throughout.    It sounds peaceful… maybe some of it will transcend into our daily lives!   Altogether, it reminds me of one of those winning scratch Crossword cards…. so maybe we’ll win with this combination?  (I tried for chocolate cupcake instead of traditional but Kev just wasn’t buying it…)

They don’t quite look the same on the screen… which was a whole other frustration.  I  *knew* that colours on screen will not be the same as the chip in store but I spent quite a bit of time selecting a whole other pallette online and got to HD only to decide I didn’t like it after all and couldn’t find any equivalents that made me happy.

Saturday we started Phase 1: Deconstruction.   The carpets (eww!) and underpads made it out.  We pried off all the baseboards and decided they weren’t worth salvaging.   Spent a lot of time trying to contain dust and cleaning up debris.   Forgot to feed the kids (Mommy, we’re really hungry!).  We decided to call it a day.   The boys were cranky after being brushed aside and told repeatedly to stop throwing toys across the floor.    We took them out for dinner and bought a little bit of happiness at the local Kinsmen carnival.  Kaleb is a little ride junky! 

Sunday, we finished some of the tidying and then patched the gazillion holes and dents in the wall.  Yikes!   That also required a lot of furniture shuffling.  It’s amazing how over-optimistic I am when it comes to these things.   3 days later and the kids leave slippers or shoes on in the house, half the patches have been sanded down, and a coat of paint has yet to hit the walls.

On the plus side, it looks like we’re making progress (or a big mess)… and we only fought two or three times!  (Kevin is a patient, patient man ♥)