One Part Inspiration...

We have begun the "process" of moving. Maybe I should say, the "pieces" of moving. There seems to be so much to remember. I keep making lists. And then losing them. Some of what we are doing, is paring down. We need to fit inside a smaller place, where we will live, while we renovate the permanent abode. I suddenly woke up this morning and realized, that I have moved many of the kitchen items, except for the dishes, cutlery and pots and pans, and we will have to find a place for them too. Some of what we are doing it moving items we don't need immediately, to the Pokeaway. Workshop, camping, Christmas, crafts, books, music, good dishes, pots and pans, blankets, tablecloths.........the list seems to be growing, rather than diminishing. It is good to have older kids who can carry boxes and put them into the van and take them out again. They have many ideas about the best way to do this - so I have to remember not to be too efficient with carrying out boxes, becaus...

Some things I say make no sense to my husband. This is a complete mystery to me. I can use the same words with my girlfriends and they won't even bat an eye. They just get it. But when I say it to him, he just looks at me as if I "no speakah da Eengleesh". For an example of this, I give you exhibit "A". It happened last night.... We have a family event this afternoon. I should further explain, it is extended family event. This part of the extended family doesn't get together very often. So it is difficult to remember protocols for things like: " Should I bring a dessert? or an appetizer...even though I've been told not to worry about bringing either. . " or "S hould I bring a card for the host? ...or one for each of the aunts? " .... or even more important " What's everyone wearing? I certainly don't want to be the only one in casual dress if everyone else is dressed to the nines. " There are no s...

I'm sitting here wondering how much work I could get out of by telling them I had two shots today. A twofer. The Hiny (H1N1) and the Flu shot. I feel like I've been punched in each shoulder by a well-meaning relative. Maybe I can get out of vacuuming, and dishes,....it might be stretching it to ask to get out of making dinner. Although it's worth a shot. Ha ha. I think the needle affected my brain too.Peace. Out.

As we were coming in the driveway last night, after a full day of regular work, meetings with the bank, and moving, the song "Goodbye Yellowbrick Road" was playing. Somehow, it seemed appropriate to listen, and feel a little nostalgic for the years we have spent enjoying the view (figuratively and literally) here at the farm. I am excited for the plans we have. It feels right to be moving. Still, the years we have spent here have given us a richness of family life that I will treasure.

Ladies and Gentlemen!!! "In this corner, Marni, who is weary and ready to go to bed. In this corner, Sleep Evasion, who is up for the fight." [Marni has had a long day. She has gotten up early, worked hard, attended a soccer game, (where she was chilled to the bone), and then returned home to get a few chores done, before running out the door again, to help her husband and children in their quest to become human bulldozers. Sleep Evasion waits in the other corner. He looks innocent enough, but he is a wily opponent.] Round 1: Ding. After a late supper, Marni stumbles upstairs and falls into bed. She flips on a movie. Soon, it's too hard to keep her eyes open. Ahh.... precious sleep. Round 1 to Marni. Round 2. Ding. The corner man shouts out to Sleep Evasion that Marni's defences are down. She thinks she is out for the night. "Go get her", the corner man advises. Sleep Evasion delivers a sucker punch - husband crawls into bed and takes the covers. Marni wak...

Occasionally, one of the kids asks me to help them with studying. I get to take a step back into time, and challenge myself to re-learn some of the same things I was instructed in when I was in school. We watch French videos with vignettes of every day life , and answer the questions. " Pourquoi est-ce Marie confusée ?" Answer: " I don't know why Marie is confused, but I know I'm confused because I didn't understand what she was talking about ...". Or we read through the Science text (now there's some can't-put-it-down stuff) and learn the periodic table. Occasionally, we go way back in history and look at the nasty Kings of England. I am always a little relieved to know I don't have to actually pump these facts out on the test. That's their job. Usually the next day, I think about what learning has gone on, and try to challenge myself to remember which part of the bean seed creates the root .... umm....it's the.... the radic...

Today, studio audience, I am going to show you how to save time, save face, and stretch your dollars on dinner. I like this product. It fits my criteria for a meal I can serve in a hurry. It is delicious and quick and easy to prepare. The ingredients are good - it has protein, carbs and veggies, - and the sauce is really yummy. I found it earlier in the year, when my family was away more than they were at home. Served for two, it goes a long way. Served to voracious consumers of food (kids ), it doesn't go very far at all. And to buy two or more packages to serve the family is cost-prohibitive. So I haven't served it since the summer. Still, last night, as I was coming home - knowing I was the last to arrive there - and knowing I only had only half an hour from the time I arrived until I had to be out the door again, the ease of preparation appealed to me.... I knew two things: Time was of the essence and every one was hungry. I rose to the challenge. I took out two ...