Monday, March 31, 2014

Begonia's

 
A plant with a bit of a 1970's feel about it, which I am currently enamoured with. 
Above is my plant and I'm attempting to grow more from cuttings.
 
 
 
 There are so many varieties with the most spectacular leaf display.

 


Sunday, March 30, 2014

Lucille's beautiful kitchen tea



We had a stunning afternoon... beautiful setting, delicious food and a very radiant bride-to-be!

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Commonplace minutes

'We look for visions of heaven and we never dream that all the time God is in the commonplace things and people around us'

~ Oswald Chambers


Yesterday, Becca and I packed 26 big food bags for church and working alongside my girl is always beautiful.  Moments like that, or when the whole family is in the kitchen chatting and preparing supper, fill my heart.  All those everyday minutes are a holy experience. 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

I want these bookmarks

 
My mother does the most beautiful crochet work... I am going to ask her to
make me a few of these beautiful bookmarks.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Sundays are for

Church and breakfast - we love breakfast and this is another favourite... corn cakes, avocado and bacon, yummy!!


And a late afternoon drive and walk... and bought cheese (and lots of it) at one of the farms.



Sunday, March 23, 2014

Natasha's birthday

Natasha is one of my oldest friends and she always has a themed birthday!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

A kitten and a camper


This is Ally. She was a scared and scraggly cat that arrived around Christmas - she was pregnant and slept most of the day on our patio.

And she had her baby kitten - and Ally is such a good mommy.
And this is my precious baby going off to camp - it was easier saying good-bye this year. Last year she went on her first camp and I was a bit freaked out (okay, more than a bit).

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Jotting down heart thoughts is good medicine

'Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.'

~  William Wordsworth





Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Reading for lent



I think as we approach Easter, its the perfect time to explain to our children, the great love and commitment of Jesus to us and to think of activities that tie in with easter in order to explain this beautiful biblical event.

  


Friday, March 14, 2014

I love you snacktime


Rebecca has nibbles almost everyday at about 4.30-5pm to keep her until suppertime.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

My patient

 
Wayne had a little operation yesterday.  Now home for a few days of rest.

 
 
A bit of recipe foraging in the hospital magazines, to while away the time.
 

Monday, March 10, 2014

Merci

Wayne is back from a week-long trip to France... I am so happy!

He only had a few minutes to shop but he brought me the perfect gift... keep the diamonds and shoes...

 
I got duck (and goose) liver pate, jam and marzipan sweets, delightful!

 
Rebecca got the bag, so cool.  She loves it.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Spaghetti and meatballs

Becca's favourite meal for supper last night!

This is so effortless because you can mix it all and shape the meatballs in the morning.  In the evening, toss the meatballs in the oven, boil your spaghetti, grate a little extra cheese and supper is served!

I've posted the meatball recipe before at   
http://allthingspertaining.blogspot.com/2012/08/baked-meatballs.html

(last night I increased the water a bit and only added a teaspoon of sugar for the sauce, its easy to tweak depending on what you are serving it with)

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Hope-filled kids

"We want our children to place their hope in the only true God.  We have a far greater chance of seeing that happen if two things occur.

First, they need to watch parents who place their full confidence in God.  When we say that we're deriving our hope from Christ, but they see a lack of joy, a lot of fear, and a lack of patience and kindness towards those who don't know Christ, we send out a mixed message

Second, our children need to be raised by parents who treat them the way Christ treats us as parents... the primary way Christ deals with us is through His infinite grace.
It teaches children that there are some things in their lives they can trust and depend on.

God comes alongside us when we need it, not just when it fits best into His schedule."

~ Dr T Kimmel  from 'Grace based parenting'

This book has had me examining the motives of why I do what I do in parenting.  Parenting isn't just about rule-keeping but the profound privilege of building love, hope, strength and purpose into our children.  It's motivating and hope-filled! 



Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Picking plums

In the spring, our plum tree showed lots of promise...



Last summer we had our first crop of only 3 or 4 plums and this year we picked a whole bowl.  Yes!!
Luscious vitamin-packed fruit!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

The day of self-examination

Never a bad thing, right?
Today is Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day and tomorrow begins the Lenten season.
In England they have pancake races which we may attempt later today...


My pancake batter - mixed up this morning and we will cook it this afternoon!

It takes 1 minute to throw together:
about 250g flour (I eye-ball it)
3 eggs
pinch salt and teaspoon sugar
about 600 ml milk
Whisk all together and if its too thick add a little more milk (or if too runny add a little flour) - should look like pouring cream consistency.  Let the mixture rest 20-30 minutes.  Make your pancakes in a hottish pan (med-hot) which has been lightly oiled or sprayed.
Serve with castor sugar, cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon!

Monday, March 3, 2014

Big girl bike

She has been without a bicycle for a few months but now she has a new one... so father and daughter are over every hill and dale on weekends! And I get to lie and read or do my nails or some other indulgent thing for an hour or two every weekend. Everybody wins!