tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16170931759295154442023-11-16T03:29:47.963-04:00The Canadian Domestic WannabeThe life and fun times of a Canadian Domestic not-so-much Goddess. egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-5305755658843193782015-07-01T21:49:00.002-03:002015-07-01T21:49:27.063-03:00Happy Canada Day!It's Canada Day! Daddy had to work, so I took the kids and went to visit my home town with a friend who still lives there.<br />
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On our way, we stopped in Uptown Saint John to catch the people parade, which kicks off Canada Day every year. We also checked out the massive craft/yard sale they had going on. Miss Salean loved the parade and was given a flag by an officer marching in it. I was surprised the bagpipe music didn't bother her, she even tried to play along with her fingers!<br />
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After the parade, we headed out to Grand Bay, we were a bit late to the festivities, but saw some firetrucks, had a picnic lunch of hot dogs and cookies, and stood while the National Anthem was played.<br />
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We had to park at the school and walk, on site parking was for disabled persons only, so after looking around we walked back to the school and let Little Miss play...we lost track of time, but it was close to two hours! She was quite the daredevil climbing on the equipment meant for school aged kids!<br />
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On the way out of town, we stopped for ice cream at a produce stand that I visited many times as a kid. It was their first visit to the shop that is quite famous in the area. Salean's cone melted quickly, and Savana enjoyed the bottom few inches of Mama's empty cone. This is a phone picture, so very low quality!<br />
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We also had two milestones today! Savana finally found the motivation to start the 'army crawl': Big sister's toast! She can boogie when she wants to! She has been pushing herself along with her toes a bit in the last few days and is able to get up on hands and knees and rock, so it won't be long before she will be off like a rocket! This evening, she was laying on the floor, I glanced away, and when I looked back she was sitting up! It may have been a one time fluke, since she didn't do it again, but it looks like she figured out how to sit up today, to!<br />
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You know a toddler had a good day when they end it with a messy t-shirt. Judging by the above, she had a great one!<br />
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Happy Canada Day!<br />
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~Natasha.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17344161014201166210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-70873587568941411172015-06-30T09:49:00.000-03:002015-06-30T09:49:00.153-03:00Our Bookshelf: End of JuneThe past weeks have been a couple of messy ones for our bookshelf. Miss Salean has been hauling books off, throwing them, hiding them, and taking them for walks. I just finished collecting the books to swap them out, I found a few under the couch, some in her room, two in her crib, and a stack in the bathroom. So, I do not have a picture of our shelf this week. I also don't have them divided up by what was new or old. But, here is what we have been reading.<br />
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<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/snuggle-puppy-a-little-love/9780761130673-item.html?ikwid=Snuggle+Puppy&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Snuggle Puppy </a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/we-belong-together/9780545307406-item.html?ikwid=We+Belong+Together&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=2">We Belong Together</a> by Joyce Wan<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/poke-a-dot-10-little/9781584769385-item.html?ikwid=Poke+a+Dot%3a+10+Little+Monkeys&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Poke a Dot: 10 Little Monkeys</a> by InnovativeKids<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/horns-to-toes/9780671493196-item.html?ikwid=Horns+to+Toes+and+In+Between&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Horns to Toes and In Between</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Thats-Not-Bear-Fiona-Watt/dp/074605159X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435623977&sr=8-1&keywords=That%27s+Not+my+Bear">That's Not my Bear</a> by Fiona Watt<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/willow-finds-a-way/9781554538423-item.html?ikwid=Willow+Finds+a+Way&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Willow Finds a Way </a> by Lana Button<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Eeyore-Has-a-Birthday/dp/0525470611/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435624052&sr=8-2&keywords=Eeyore+Has+a+Birthday">Eeyore Has a Birthday</a> by A.A. Milne<br />
Crayola Little Library: Big Dog! Little Dog!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Crayola-Little-Library-~-Colors/dp/1403798303/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435624152&sr=8-1&keywords=Crayola+Little+Library">Crayola Little Library: Colors</a><br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/tickle-time-a-boynton-on/9780761168836-item.html?ikwid=Tickle+Time&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Tickle Time</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/rock-a-bye-farm/9781416936213-item.html?ikwid=Rock+a+Bye+Farm&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Rock a Bye Farm</a> by Diane Johnston Hamm<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/blue-hat-green-hat/9780671493202-item.html?ikwid=Blue+Hat+Green+Hat&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Blue Hat Green Hat</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Chicka-1-2-3/dp/0689858817/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435624312&sr=8-1&keywords=Chicka+Chicka+123">Chicka Chicka 123</a> by Bill Martin Jr & Michael Sampson<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/brown-bear-brown-bear-what/9780805047905-item.html?ikwid=Brown+Bear%2c+Brown+Bear+What+Do+You+See%3f&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?</a> by Bill Martin<br />
Three Minute Tales: Puppies<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/toes-ears-nose-a-lift/9780689847127-item.html?ikwid=Toes+Ears+and+Nose&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Toes Ears and Nose</a> by Marion Dane Bauer<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-cheerios-animal-play-book/9780689830143-item.html?ikwid=Cheerios+Animal+Play+Book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">The Cheerios Animal Play Book</a> by Lee Wade<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Just-Like-Mommy-n/dp/1416912185/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1435624520&sr=8-4&keywords=Just+Like+Mommy">Just Like Mommy</a> by Cecilia Johansson<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-night-before-fathers-day/9780448458717-item.html?ikwid=The+Night+Before+Father%27s+Day&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">The Night Before Father's Day</a> by Natasha Wing<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/grumpy-bird/9780545990219-item.html?ikwid=Grumpy+Bird&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Grumpy Bird</a> by Jeremy Tankard<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/poke-a-dot-whats-your/9781601693587-item.html?ikwid=Poke+a+Dot%3a+What%27s+your+Favorite+Color&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Poke a Dot: What's your Favorite Color</a> by InnovativeKids<br />
Disney: <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Prince-And-The-Pauper/dp/6302053676/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1435624643&sr=8-5&keywords=Disney+Prince+%26+The+Pauper">The Prince & The Pauper</a><br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/another-monster-at-the-end/9781101931370-item.html?ikwid=Another+Monster+at+the+End+of+This+Book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Another Monster at the End of This Book</a> by Jon Stone<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/just-me-and-my-puppy/9780307119377-item.html?ikwid=Just+Me+and+My+Puppy&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Just Me and My Puppy</a> by Mercer Mayer<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/youre-all-my-favorites/9780763642976-item.html?ikwid=You%27re+all+my+Favourites&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">You're All My Favourites </a> by Sam McBratney<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Thump-Quack-Moo-Whacky-Adventure/dp/141691630X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435624796&sr=8-1&keywords=Thump+Quack+Moo">Thump Quack Moo</a> by Doreen Cronin<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Digger-Lew-Malachy-Doyle/dp/1595665773/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435624845&sr=8-1&keywords=Digger+%26+Lew">Digger & Lew</a> by Malachy Dew<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/seek-and-find-counting-colors/9780312501372-item.html?ikwid=Priddy+books+Counting+Colors&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Treasure Hunt: Counting Colors</a> by Priddy Books<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Count-Mouse-Margaret-Wise-Brown/dp/1445462990/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435624956&sr=8-1&keywords=Count+to+10+With+a+Mouse">Count to 10 With a Mouse</a> by Margaret Wise Brown<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/dear-zoo-a-lift-the/9781416947370-item.html?ikwid=Dear+Zoo&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Dear Zoo</a> by Rod Campbell<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/little-critter-good-for-me/9780060539481-item.html?ikwid=Good+For+Me+and+For+You&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Good For Me and You</a> by Mercer Mayer<br />
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<b><u>What Mama is reading</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/bones-never-lie/9781501102851-item.html?ikwid=Bones+Never+Lie&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Bones Never Lie</a> by Kathy Reichs (I haven't had time to read it in a couple weeks)<br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/chicken-soup-for-the-mothers/9781623610456-item.html?ikwid=Chcken+soup+for+the+mother%27s+soul&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul</a> by Jack Canfield, Jennifer Read Hawthorne & Mark Victor Hansen<br />
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That's it for this week! Our new books are out already, and aside from some library books that I plan on returning soon, they are all new out. As usual, I put out one Disney, two Mercer Mayer and 2 Sandra Boynton, the latter two are some of my favourites,<br />
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Have a good week, everyone!!<br />
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~Natasha.egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-82177406222333718442015-06-29T09:02:00.000-03:002015-06-29T09:02:00.136-03:00Monday Morning Muffins: Apple Oat Yogurt MuffinsI had a bag of apples in the fridge last week that begged to be used up. I thought I found the perfect recipe on Pintrest, but when I went to pin it I got a message...oops! You already pinned this one. I checked here, and found that recipe posted a few weeks ago. So, the search continued. After perusing a few more recipes, I found <a href="http://www.runningwithspoons.com/2015/01/21/apple-oat-greek-yogurt-muffins/">THIS</a>, I didn't have Greek yogurt on hand, but I had a container of plain regular, I decided to go for it anyway.<br />
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They disappeared before I got a picture of one on the plate. I found they were a little dense and wet in the centre. They didn't burn, but were just at that almost point while the tops could have used a minute or three longer. This was probably caused from a combination of the large tin and the regular yogurt, So it was my fault, not the recipes.<br />
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Once I got the apple grated, the recipe flew together. They turned out delicious and Little Miss loved them. Mr Picky missed out. The newbie got a small taste and seemed to like them. She is just starting the journey into foods, so she mostly drooled on it. </div>
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This one is definitely a repeat, I may even buy some Greek yogurt to make them again. It's not something I would normally purchase as I find it to bitter and prefer regular. </div>
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Another Monday has come, I am hoping this week does not have as much rain as last week. It is starting to get depressing! Two days of sun followed by three days of pouring rain, what a miserable summer so far! </div>
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Have a good week, everyone! </div>
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~Natasha. </div>
egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-1406430246487011652015-06-22T08:00:00.000-03:002015-06-22T08:00:02.932-03:00Monday Morning Muffins: 'Plain' Berry Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Monday! I accidentally just deleted my last post, our Mid-June bookshelf, so yeah..happy Monday. But we have some delicious muffins to enjoy!</div>
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I had some leftover blackberries and raspberries, they were on sale last week 2 pints for 5 dollars, so I got one of each. After eating a few for breakfast one day, Little Miss decided she didn't like them anymore. Typical 2 year old. So, into muffins they went. I just used <a href="http://thewholesomedish.com/standard-muffin-recipe/">THIS</a> plain muffin recipe and added the berries, which I cut in half as they were quite large.</div>
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Guess what? She wouldn't eat the muffins, either. I on the other hand, really enjoyed them, especially hot from the oven. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEHUM80uJO1usKwuQGqFzB3SBj7XOT-yJ_2kWHJ-RYE0ZazrJJpGXFayv2Vk028e1PBJLm-lCA_gkgOp-NUW-WOePerH05IiNhjCUn_33Zoy5qUoP-kcVGrsUttDwTILTII8RT3kDYHpI/s1600/DSCN6282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEHUM80uJO1usKwuQGqFzB3SBj7XOT-yJ_2kWHJ-RYE0ZazrJJpGXFayv2Vk028e1PBJLm-lCA_gkgOp-NUW-WOePerH05IiNhjCUn_33Zoy5qUoP-kcVGrsUttDwTILTII8RT3kDYHpI/s640/DSCN6282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As usual, this recipe made 6 bakery sized muffins. It is an easy recipe that I will use again with different fillings. I am not crazy about raspberries and blackberries, I find the to sweet, but they made a good mix.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYU8pGOvok09ArUgsvx3z8uSt3_dlXNL2UQgD9A4DctvX_a3XJIY5dDEcrUgY7V5-o0KvoX8e6FCHAxd_VS48To5QH2xPk8HlS13hHYocYRhfEUrIDWHt_TyLqLfNb_H2bjYJqD6Qenl9w/s1600/DSCN6285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYU8pGOvok09ArUgsvx3z8uSt3_dlXNL2UQgD9A4DctvX_a3XJIY5dDEcrUgY7V5-o0KvoX8e6FCHAxd_VS48To5QH2xPk8HlS13hHYocYRhfEUrIDWHt_TyLqLfNb_H2bjYJqD6Qenl9w/s640/DSCN6285.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yummy deliciousness! I wish I had some blueberries so I could have made bumbleberry muffins instead, maybe next time!<br />
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Have a good week, everyone!<br />
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~Natasha.egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-60115505382362111612015-06-15T07:00:00.000-03:002015-06-15T07:00:01.930-03:00Monday Morning Muffins: Sweet Potato Muffins <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is probably the third time I have made these muffins, they came out of a rogue sweet potato laying on my counter that I got tired of moving from place to place. Another Pintrest search found <a href="http://kateinthekitchen.com/2009/09/30/sweet-potato-love-and-a-muffin/">THIS</a> recipe, Little Miss loved it (not so much with straight sweet potato) so it has made repeat appearances. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRW26Yrl-lbgDyQ5_UjJsrLocTPeBpDm33DZ4fd9kjIBEHTyTjqccRqXP_TKzMfBM5uDLbr47OzvO2qwP2RGZYL6zem3nfomQjDSTSSMxrvNwRC-9388DNndl2Y-k4Oz3eoMiTFgy1NUbU/s1600/DSCN6272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRW26Yrl-lbgDyQ5_UjJsrLocTPeBpDm33DZ4fd9kjIBEHTyTjqccRqXP_TKzMfBM5uDLbr47OzvO2qwP2RGZYL6zem3nfomQjDSTSSMxrvNwRC-9388DNndl2Y-k4Oz3eoMiTFgy1NUbU/s640/DSCN6272.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I skip the ground flax seed because it isn't something I keep on hand, and the only store I can find it in at a decent price is 30 minutes away. Plus, I always forget to get some when I am in the area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXMOUAZkXeHB6QqXWMEFj05Zsvx2ny3mXVEwo_AkI0r6C0tqNgZFjKR8s_qsJcXZVz_1CljPCx8ZfqqM2iF6ioYTKSTnh9mzev5aYwKPfVvX4pYZbL4Cf1hU7BIMl07qErQE2ZHqIL7uu/s1600/DSCN6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXMOUAZkXeHB6QqXWMEFj05Zsvx2ny3mXVEwo_AkI0r6C0tqNgZFjKR8s_qsJcXZVz_1CljPCx8ZfqqM2iF6ioYTKSTnh9mzev5aYwKPfVvX4pYZbL4Cf1hU7BIMl07qErQE2ZHqIL7uu/s640/DSCN6273.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The recipe made 6 massive muffins, this is the first time I have used this pan with the recipe. I think next time I will use the smaller pan, it made 10-12 with that. They baked up quite dense, I think because the pan was to deep. It took quite a while to bake them off as well, thankfully, they didn't burn.<br />
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We loved them again! They taste kind of like pumpkin muffins, and would make a great Autumn treat. I will definitely be making them again and again to help the fussy one get her sweet potato in!<br />
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Happy Monday!<br />
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~Natasha,egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-91184434547821456262015-06-14T21:37:00.001-03:002015-06-14T21:42:01.003-03:00B, C, and D. <div>
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My experiment with <a href="http://canadiandomesticwannabe.blogspot.ca/2015/05/the-letter-aagain.html">The Letter A...Again</a> worked, she got it! At the end of the week, I tested her by writing some letters on her magnetic board and she got A every time. As well, I showed her some books and she pointed out the A each time. Yay for A! So, on we went with the next letter.<br />
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We have been spending about 4 days on each letter, a week seemed to be to much. I give her the lunch bag filled with goodies and we go through it. We then watch 2 videos on the computer, I have been using <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9JAVSruaeA">Sesame Street</a> podcasts and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI6UIqON7vQ">THESE</a> videos. If she is still interested, we go through the bag again. All in all, our school time lasts about 15 minutes a day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQVMq_8Xx885u-gczjy5gVRn995aKRxou5bhQNKLdeA-fve9yBGvsjGSP8HKkMWjXWQw7KHLp6vBS-kLLXn9vNFEXmE4D7hiaS-l3Sq8VvwGhTV8HMeCMoirJM-O2FhQPb8alj1Nxq-M/s1600/DSCN6263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQVMq_8Xx885u-gczjy5gVRn995aKRxou5bhQNKLdeA-fve9yBGvsjGSP8HKkMWjXWQw7KHLp6vBS-kLLXn9vNFEXmE4D7hiaS-l3Sq8VvwGhTV8HMeCMoirJM-O2FhQPb8alj1Nxq-M/s640/DSCN6263.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first time we went through the B bag, we were in our back yard tent. I set it up and we played and read in it for about half an hour. A storm was blowing in, so we had to go inside because the wind got strong and scared Salean. Otherwise, she loved the tent and we will be using it again!<br />
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Our bag of B's included:<br />
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Two B puzzle pieces.<br />
The Fridge Phonics set with the letter B.<br />
A Blue B made from a pipe cleaner<br />
A Blue Ball (large pom)<br />
A Bunny<br />
A Blue Boat<br />
A loaf of Bread<br />
Four First Words cards: Book, Ball, Bed and Baby.<br />
Our Books: <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/ten-tiny-babies/9781442413948-item.html?ikwid=Ten+Tiny+Babies&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Ten Tiny Babies </a>and <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/belly-button-book/9780761137993-item.html?ikwid=The+Belly+Button+Book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Belly Button Book</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD09ISOmu8-il5QoOWWtPj503XP7EumMv7vCOYVB-fSy5yrJj84gMVLiHHHXVe-QTxRIOrNhWa_W-SY3K1GaTEfGDclcL8LB5X1DGcLlZZMX6bB1GgOqn_uXDFSnMxi81x6YGMiPYwPv4/s1600/DSCN6270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD09ISOmu8-il5QoOWWtPj503XP7EumMv7vCOYVB-fSy5yrJj84gMVLiHHHXVe-QTxRIOrNhWa_W-SY3K1GaTEfGDclcL8LB5X1DGcLlZZMX6bB1GgOqn_uXDFSnMxi81x6YGMiPYwPv4/s640/DSCN6270.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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With the letter C, I focused on the K sound. This is only an introduction, so I didn't want to confuse her with to much. I left out anything I had that was a S sound like circle and words combined with C, for example CH like chair. </div>
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Our Bag of C's included:</div>
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Two C puzzle pieces</div>
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The Fridge Phonics set with the letter C.</div>
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A Cat</div>
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A Cow</div>
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A Car</div>
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Four First Words cards: Car, Cat, Crayon and Cookies.</div>
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Our Books: <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/corduroy/9780140501735-item.html?ikwid=Corduroy&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Corduroy </a>and ABC just for me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KydCDU1k2ygwYFIpqwcRXiFRss52SYdyOKFfQGSNbMe0RaPWCSDCC5VxNxUa6bM7OZ79cLJRQgOItPI7mLQ2QV9o9hJ1nL0wtZkH7OnNt85tVh7ERUvv2WpC33TUm3f0sf56Ae421Zc/s1600/DSCN6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KydCDU1k2ygwYFIpqwcRXiFRss52SYdyOKFfQGSNbMe0RaPWCSDCC5VxNxUa6bM7OZ79cLJRQgOItPI7mLQ2QV9o9hJ1nL0wtZkH7OnNt85tVh7ERUvv2WpC33TUm3f0sf56Ae421Zc/s640/DSCN6277.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We haven't started D yet, but plan to at the beginning of the week, which is why I am including it here.<br />
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Our Bag of D's will include:</div>
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Two D puzzle pieces</div>
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The Fridge Phonics set with the letter D</div>
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A Duck</div>
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A Dinosaur</div>
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A Dog (wolf)</div>
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A Doll</div>
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A Donkey (Eeyore)</div>
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One First Words card: Dog</div>
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Our Books: Three Minute Tales: Puppies and Big Dog! Little Dog! </div>
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So far, she is really enjoying her letters, I tested her on A, B and C this morning, she knew what each one was. While we were drawing, I drew a D and asked her what it was, she said D, but her main word is D so I do not know if she actually knew what it was or just said D by coincidence. </div>
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If we continue on this track, we should be through all the letters before Labour Day! </div>
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Have a good weekend, everyone!</div>
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~Natasha. </div>
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We are linked up to:</div>
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<a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2015/06/tot-school-gathering-place-week-127/"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVFT31zNZQo-6DG2lb4gqSFibvURAAVxQtjNbT-cO_ByafXVapUHlnob-BxeO2zntqdg72kQ2Hsclpcd9cjoaA4Gt08mKgHEgy3fyhT2BmqF5WMJmabjvDX3XMUVjdM7PNUE0lzPxo4g/s320/Tot-School-Gathering-Place-Week-108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17344161014201166210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-58987238058297206512015-06-10T08:56:00.000-03:002015-06-10T08:56:00.570-03:00Brown Sugar Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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As mentioned before, I have a board on Pintrest with recipes that I have found myself making several times. This recipe I made just to try a couple months ago. Mr Picky has been working away a few days at a time, so I have been baking cookies to keep him going. It isn't much for food, but it is better than nothing and cheaper than buying several meals a day. I chose brown sugar cookies as he loves regular sugar cookies and cinnamon cookies, so I thought this might go over well. I was right. Since then, I have made them about 10 times, he constantly requests 'those ginger cookies' (even though I keep telling him there is no ginger in them, just cinnamon). I am very close to memorizing <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/12/20/chewy-brown-sugar-cookies/">THIS RECIPE. </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNB9aryLc3XvADLDLm7oom63nFV4b7uL2nMo0FMRKIN-Fb2c7QUfxXp1jq2gb64NBKC4NdGFUqo05EyZqXVfIJ988idUEbncdIStncHpgxgxWkL_I-2eIu6I73iaIrGoPaneKoaeOr6iP/s1600/DSCN5944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNB9aryLc3XvADLDLm7oom63nFV4b7uL2nMo0FMRKIN-Fb2c7QUfxXp1jq2gb64NBKC4NdGFUqo05EyZqXVfIJ988idUEbncdIStncHpgxgxWkL_I-2eIu6I73iaIrGoPaneKoaeOr6iP/s640/DSCN5944.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a quick and easy recipe, it whips up in just a few minutes. The hard part is rolling and dipping every cookie, but I am sure to be given a look of disappointment were I to skip that step. The only change I made to the recipe was to not refrigerate them for two hours. Usually I am making cookies at 8 or 9 at night for him to take at 4 AM, so I really do not have time to cool them for two hours before baking. They turn out just as good, anyway!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2a9_Ed3C13PWr0kfJWc40S-g3qaA3s4Vjhkb-wcqJyyvnTpZ3fCR_mcPxfsFMOsgYDn05Wgk6gDSdZERi_6tBALQyndlrEhln3CCxrtsBFatC5jhqxXRKVID5mfv7102qn2REqVMvTsS_/s1600/DSCN5945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2a9_Ed3C13PWr0kfJWc40S-g3qaA3s4Vjhkb-wcqJyyvnTpZ3fCR_mcPxfsFMOsgYDn05Wgk6gDSdZERi_6tBALQyndlrEhln3CCxrtsBFatC5jhqxXRKVID5mfv7102qn2REqVMvTsS_/s640/DSCN5945.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Delicious little cookies that everyone seems to enjoy. Any cookies that are left behind do not last long! I think this would make a great pot luck or bake sale recipe, they are sure to be popular!<br />
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Hope everyone is having a good week!<br />
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~Natasha<br />
<br />egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-35351420905283986792015-06-08T07:00:00.000-03:002015-06-08T07:00:02.381-03:00Monday Morning Muffins: Blueberry <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have made blueberry muffins twice in the last week and a half, both times because I had bought some berries and discovered a few days later they were starting to look a little off before we were able to finish them, so the quickest way to use them up is to bake them into some delicious muffins. </div>
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I used a different recipe each time, I forgot to pin the first one but it was delicious! I couldn't find it when I went to make them again, so I used <a href="http://www.passionforsavings.com/2013/08/recipe-for-blueberry-muffins/">THIS</a> recipe instead. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24u0XfyP1X0lvDaU58mw6oQyEllxZfOUaUXeD1PUeBbschw6X0W6ZdhWdCE04K85Corfr6rTlqxLTOCT9Ay3D_TeJI8gv2_fuf0f2LVbAruDgfaUEeFXa3ViBcIj9dRaSeppXJiEBfNHI/s1600/DSCN6128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24u0XfyP1X0lvDaU58mw6oQyEllxZfOUaUXeD1PUeBbschw6X0W6ZdhWdCE04K85Corfr6rTlqxLTOCT9Ay3D_TeJI8gv2_fuf0f2LVbAruDgfaUEeFXa3ViBcIj9dRaSeppXJiEBfNHI/s640/DSCN6128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got six bakery sized muffins that were perfect served warm. I made a couple of small adjustments, though. I added a small dash of nutmeg and I used oil instead of melted butter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0j9EGMk1Szz262GIiTfdBNDOa8VeOI_QM9CbIktMSwGpWk9PY2tbtVAk6sQjfMQ5lBvoHjcBspzc8WoLFW4_XXXe75OcBo_ixOgSZuZmm7fMuqt9WaYbx6Srfhkiapz0trOprnMoFKnQj/s1600/DSCN6131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0j9EGMk1Szz262GIiTfdBNDOa8VeOI_QM9CbIktMSwGpWk9PY2tbtVAk6sQjfMQ5lBvoHjcBspzc8WoLFW4_XXXe75OcBo_ixOgSZuZmm7fMuqt9WaYbx6Srfhkiapz0trOprnMoFKnQj/s640/DSCN6131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also took a bit of the flour mixture and tossed the berries in it before stirring them in. This is supposed to prevent them from sinking to the bottom, but as you can see below, that didn't really work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF_x7rJj064ygKPUtdTc93EVdEShSdRs08T5yeyQk7l9WvsTM3icnlQEZFNxQfxJtdwZpPzKcc6DoYDMvih7MtPFwibiegstItn2fLTVbKDVit3b4ef2JVmisT4p_Msb5qzqUEFHUNbFx/s1600/DSCN6133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF_x7rJj064ygKPUtdTc93EVdEShSdRs08T5yeyQk7l9WvsTM3icnlQEZFNxQfxJtdwZpPzKcc6DoYDMvih7MtPFwibiegstItn2fLTVbKDVit3b4ef2JVmisT4p_Msb5qzqUEFHUNbFx/s640/DSCN6133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The picky ones really enjoyed them, but she seems to like just about every muffin and he only likes blueberry muffins. So, it is a winner! I will have to add this to my remake file!<br />
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Happy Monday!<br />
<br />
~Natasha.egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-82397831728170926372015-06-01T07:00:00.000-03:002015-06-01T07:00:03.200-03:00Monday Morning Muffins: Double Chocolate Banana Muffins. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are so many muffin recipes out there, thousands on Pintrest alone. Maybe even millions! I stumbled on this one last week, and decided that even though it looked sweet, it also looked delicious. A little chocolate can't hurt...plus, I had all the ingredients! I found the recipe <a href="http://www.momontimeout.com/2015/05/double-chocolate-banana-applesauce-muffins-recipe/">HERE</a>, it whipped up quite easily and had the house smelling delicious in no time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiz0tysNIOIoGiWrfjan5pIAh54Jiq_K6w-LyVGzQhIB2JUE-dhak-ibn5ByKL9aKh8izoxIl4euiSx340tXtRxBMJ51LOxWMzJT7dT6tGBHB4EUrYq6IgrMNTTj20MdBQ2TtBSBr8YjoY/s1600/DSCN5972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiz0tysNIOIoGiWrfjan5pIAh54Jiq_K6w-LyVGzQhIB2JUE-dhak-ibn5ByKL9aKh8izoxIl4euiSx340tXtRxBMJ51LOxWMzJT7dT6tGBHB4EUrYq6IgrMNTTj20MdBQ2TtBSBr8YjoY/s640/DSCN5972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I soon realized I had one potentially big problem. No chocolate chips! Something I usually keep on hand, and I was out. They were just about to go into the pan without chips when I remembered a bag of mini bunnies left over from Easter. They were hiding in my closet because I used them to stuff the hunting eggs, the extra bag never made it out. I poured them into the batter, then grabbed the shortening to grease up the pan...and out of the cupboard fell a small bag of chocolate chips. Just a handful, so they went in as well.<br />
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And, the masterpiece! Both Salean and I agreed these are delicious. Mr. Picky was away for work, so he missed out. Sorry (not really, hehe). I am sure he would have agreed as well. </div>
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Another week has come and gone, the time is flying so fast! I can't believe the newbie will be six months old in a couple of weeks, yikes! As they say, time flies when you are having fun!<br />
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Happy Monday!<br />
<br />
~Natasha.egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-35192830166566380102015-05-31T07:00:00.000-03:002015-05-31T07:00:01.660-03:00Our Book Shelf -- End of May. Wow, these past two weeks have flown by! I can't believe June is tomorrow, and summer seems to have hit us here, or at least every other day it has. One day it is so hot you can barely breathe, and the next two rainy and cool enough to consider turning the heat back on. But, the lawn has been mowed for the first time this season, we are able to get out and play at least every day or two and if all else fails, we have plenty of books. This is what we have been reading the last couple of weeks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Pp_rj59TjOkBKDCHGkFN6gzuW1ygZxKeFg7V3ur7etXPcBHYNNk68WmY5YVUdEeRe6G1hjSYRi84j_-jP2QF3mXKlr0lbu3ICHV4888xcguLQLxFg33Vp2G8wAcF0dTqwbffCtrlj3oj/s1600/DSCN6115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Pp_rj59TjOkBKDCHGkFN6gzuW1ygZxKeFg7V3ur7etXPcBHYNNk68WmY5YVUdEeRe6G1hjSYRi84j_-jP2QF3mXKlr0lbu3ICHV4888xcguLQLxFg33Vp2G8wAcF0dTqwbffCtrlj3oj/s640/DSCN6115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A star * indicates it seems to be, or is becoming, a favourite of Salean's. Two stars ** mean super favourite, read over and over and over again.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Library books</u> (Usually picked by Salean, this week picked by Mama)<br />
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/ten-apples-up-on-top/9780679892472-item.html?ikwid=10+apples+up+on+top&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">10 Apples Up on Top</a> by Theo. LeSeg<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-noisy-book/9781877467523-item.html?ikwid=The+Noisy+Book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">The Noisy Book</a> by Soldad Bravi<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/smile-pout-pout-fish/9780374370848-item.html?ikwid=Smile%2c+Pout+Pout+Fish&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Smile, Pout Pout Fish</a> by Deborah Diesen<br />
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<b><u>New Out</u></b> (Titles have been put away, this is their first time out)<br />
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/bambi-disney-bambi/9780736423083-item.html?ikwid=Bambi&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Disney's Bambi</a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1810946707"></span><span id="goog_1810946708"></span><a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-little-mermaid-big-golden/9780736429887-item.html?ikwid=The+Little+Mermaid&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Disney's The Little Mermaid</a><br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/i-love-you-so/9781402279539-item.html?ikwid=I+Love+you+So&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">I Love you So ...</a> by Marianne Richmond<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/mmm-cookies/9780590516945-item.html?ikwid=Mmm+Cookies&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Mmm Cookies</a> by Robert Munsch<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Just-Bully-Mercer-Mayer/dp/0307132005/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432945825&sr=8-1&keywords=Just+a+Bully">Just a Bully</a> by Gina and Mercer Mayer<br />
*<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/little-critter-grandma-grandpa-and/9780060539511-item.html?ikwid=Grandma%2c+Grandpa+and+Me&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Grandma, Grandpa and Me</a> by Mercer Mayer<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/gifts/9780590249355-item.html?ikwid=Jo+Ellen+Bogart&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=3">Gifts </a> by Jo Ellen Bogart<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Alligator-Stew-Favourite-Dennis-Lee/dp/B002IXQC36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432945992&sr=8-1&keywords=Alligator+Stew">Alligator Stew </a> by Dennis Lee<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/farmer-joe-baby-sits-a/9781443113779-item.html?ikwid=Farmer+Joe+Baby+Sits&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Farmer Joe Baby Sits</a> by Nancy Wilcox Richards<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/another-monster-at-the-end/9780307987693-item.html?ikwid=Another+Monster+At+The+End+of+This+Book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Another Monster At The End of This Book</a> by Jon Stone<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/something-from-nothing/9781443119467-item.html?ikwid=Something+From+Nothing&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Something From Nothing</a> by Phoebe Gilman<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">New This Week </u> (These have been out before, just rotated back this week)<br />
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*<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-gruffalo/9780230747937-item.html?ikwid=The+Gruffalo&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">The Gruffalo</a> by Julia Donaldson<br />
**<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/lets-read-the-gruffalos-child/9781447236986-item.html?ikwid=The+Gruffalo%27s+Child&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=2">The Gruffalo's Child</a> by Julia Donaldson<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/love-you-forever/9780920668375-item.html?ikwid=Love+You+Forever&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Love You Forever</a> by Robert Munsch<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/tickle-time-a-boynton-on/9780761168836-item.html?ikwid=Tickle+Time&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Tickle Time</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/perfect-piggies/9780761159933-item.html?ikwid=Perfect+Piggies&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Perfect Piggies</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
Mud, Muddelicious Mud by Shirley Downey<br />
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<u><b>Brand New</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/curious-george-flies-a-kite/9780395169650-item.html?ikwid=Curious+George+flies+a+kite&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Curious George Flies a Kite</a> by Margaret Rey<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/First-Look-Find-Toy-Story/dp/1412774713/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1432946591&sr=8-3-fkmr2&keywords=Toy+Story+Little+First+Look+%26+Find">Toy Story: Little First Look & Find</a><br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Old Books</u> (Books that were left out from the week before)<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Lullaby-New-Brunswick-Jennifer-Aikman-Smith/dp/1551311658/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432946699&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Lullaby+for+New+Brunswick">A Lullaby for New Brunswick</a> by Jennifer Aikman-Smith<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Little-Critters-This-My-House/dp/0307606600/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431824304&sr=1-1&keywords=This+is+My+House+Mercer+Mayer">This is My House</a> by Mercer Mayer<br />
<a href="http://www.unb.ca/fredericton/education/ecc/books/kisses-kisses.html">Kisses, Kisses, Kisses</a> by Darlene Ryan<br />
**<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/look-at-you-a-baby/9780763627454-item.html?ikwid=Look+at+You%3a+A+Baby+Body+Book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Look at You: A Baby Body Book</a> by Kathy Henderson<br />
*<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-monster-at-the-end/9780553508734-item.html?ikwid=The+Monster+at+the+End+of+This+Book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">The Monster at the End of This Book</a> by Grover<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/fifteen-animals-a-boynton-on/9780761130666-item.html?ikwid=Fifteen+Animals&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Fifteen Animals</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
**<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/poke-a-dot-whats-your/9781601693587-item.html?ikwid=Poke+a+Dot&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Poke a Dot: What's Your Favorite Color?</a> by InnovativeKids<br />
** <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Counting-Colors-Priddy-Roger-Board/dp/B00MXBAPK4/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431825517&sr=1-4&keywords=Counting+Colours+Priddy+Books">Counting Colours</a> by Priddy Books<br />
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<b><u>What Mama is reading this week</u></b><br />
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I still haven't had time to start a book, but got the following from the library.<br />
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/quirky-kids-understanding-and-helping/9780345451439-item.html?ikwid=Quirky+Kids&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Quirky Kids</a> Eileen Costello and Perri Klass<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/bite-me-a-stomach-satisfying/9780981283500-item.html?ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Bite Me</a> by Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/wiped-life-with-a-pint/9781552638279-item.html?ikwid=Wiped&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=19">Wiped: Life with a Pint Sized Dictator</a> by Rebecca Eckler<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/green-smoothies-for-dummies/9781118871164-item.html?ikwid=Green+Smoothes+for+Dummies&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Green Smoothies for Dummies</a> by Jennifer Thompson<br />
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We have a few extra books out this week because I have been bribing her to get her diaper changed by giving a 'new' book out of the closet. These ones have ended up staying out. Next week we will hopefully have a couple more library books as well, I have put a couple potty training ones on hold and hope they are in soon. We have been trying for a few months with no success, she is definitely ready, but is quite stubborn!<br />
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Hope everyone is having a great weekend, Happy June!<br />
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~Natasha.<br />
<br />egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-12315406776814088132015-05-30T21:41:00.001-03:002015-06-07T09:28:49.595-03:00The Letter A...Again. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am still trying to figure out Miss Salean's learning style. She seems to pick up some things rather quickly, specifically dance moves (although she is to young to take classes), musical tones, and things she watches. Other things, she seems to not get at all, like talking, letter sounds, and the word No...but, she is only two! She is so mature on so many levels, a great helper, very generous and a loving big sister. But, she does not seem to get the alphabet. I know she is a bit young for knowing it, but she potentially will be starting kindergarten at age four and a half, because of her late birthday, so I want to get the talking and alphabet underway, We are still 'stuck' on the letter A, but I think I finally may be cracking her shell.</div>
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Since she seems to pick up things she sees on television, I signed us up for an American program called ABC Mouse. It is free for the first month and only 8 dollars after that, so I decided it was worth a shot trying. She always wants to play with my computer, so why not give it a go. We have played with the Toddler portion of the program 4 out of the last 6 days, and she does not seem to like it. She isn't the sitting type, I guess. She likes to watch me do the puzzles (she isn't handy with a mouse), but there are sections that just play music (no video); songs that relate to the alphabet, and she wiggles, wants up and down, and is just not interested. So this morning. I went over to You Tube and found a Sesame Street video about the letter A. She sat and watched the whole thing without moving, it was about 6 minutes long. She even said 'Ah' once with a character! </div>
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Every Saturday, we go to Grandma's for dinner. This week, the cousins were not there, because they go away weekends during the summer. When there is no one to play with and she is hungry, Salean gets cranky and underfoot while the cooking is being done. I decided today I would pack up a little bag of As to take with us. Into her lunchbox, one of her favourite things to carry around books, I packed the following:</div>
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Our library book, Ten Apples Up On Top.</div>
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The Leapfrog Fridge Phonics set, with the letter A.</div>
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An Alien.</div>
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An ATV.</div>
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A flash card with apple written on one side and Telly (from Sesame Street) holding an apple on the other. </div>
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A puzzle piece with the letter A on it, and an Ape.</div>
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A plastic apple from her toy food set (not shown).</div>
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An A I made from a pipe cleaner.</div>
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An A I made from pop sticks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xZtDqjZ4vOXg_WZWVHJ1FdXTtOqG2meeyssAhs1S7DwGdRwyxzC5xC9S13nr7QrQ60PRftMngVz6rdPdWkrdwiZdCPf7tYsliWiBgA34o8nlYqokIHWM8Pdx7Mg4Nfgo-HCFAevW4j34/s1600/DSCN6118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xZtDqjZ4vOXg_WZWVHJ1FdXTtOqG2meeyssAhs1S7DwGdRwyxzC5xC9S13nr7QrQ60PRftMngVz6rdPdWkrdwiZdCPf7tYsliWiBgA34o8nlYqokIHWM8Pdx7Mg4Nfgo-HCFAevW4j34/s640/DSCN6118.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I thought we had an ambulance to pack into it, but it turned out to be a mail truck, so the ATV had to do. I wanted to add an airplane as well, but we do not have one and I didn't get time to search through the bins at Grandma's.<br />
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I gave this to her while we waited for the food to cook, I let her just pick through it at first, but later at home I went through all the items.. I also managed to have her say the A sound twice! After going through them and talking to her about them, I read the book as part of our bedtime routine.<br />
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It is difficult introducing food as a part of our learning as she is so fussy. We can do apples, but she won't eat asparagus, avocado, or much else along that line. We did discover today that she seems to like apricot, though. There were some samples at the store, it was as we were checking out so I didn't think to purchase one. Maybe later in the week. I plan on using this bag for a few more days and maybe trying a test on her close to the end of the week, see if she is retaining the information. If she is, we will move on to a bag full of Bs! So for now, it looks like she may be hands on and a video learner, but we will see!<br />
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Have a good weekend, everyone!<br />
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~Natasha.<br />
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<br /></div>egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-54681130738585415082015-05-25T08:15:00.000-03:002015-05-25T08:15:00.477-03:00Monday Morning Muffins: Gingerbread Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mr Picky loves gingerbread. Plop a bit of whipped topping (<i>not </i>whipped cream) on top and he will gobble it up! I found this recipe on Pintrest, a link that led to <a href="http://abeautifulbite.com/bakery-style-gingerbread-muffins/">THIS</a> blog, and decided to give it a go. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZVDIBkVngG4QxmZomrh8qurAdYPt08faSZ53lyCzMeSSCvGfxJ5XwpsX6m1iUFZ4N7CvQYVp5fevRgEXhTXfPNfOs58Ls5jqT2xkOzjhPqPrILOQddF_Glu1oxR4qM-nfDV3hFXO-x8c/s1600/DSCN5907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZVDIBkVngG4QxmZomrh8qurAdYPt08faSZ53lyCzMeSSCvGfxJ5XwpsX6m1iUFZ4N7CvQYVp5fevRgEXhTXfPNfOs58Ls5jqT2xkOzjhPqPrILOQddF_Glu1oxR4qM-nfDV3hFXO-x8c/s640/DSCN5907.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The batter mixed up really nicely, instead of butter I used oil, and I didn't bother putting the sugar on top. I figured as a breakfast item, they really didn't need it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjeM5t-I-_CcW4A8Z2Gf65WdUvRRnjzfa0-diY-JHJcrlU_elbDAYy7tZ4LVOQju0KQ2GkGwvhUYKzObcQdjl_C2EDrERI7pRSVdEd-OzOknMTaQ8DEgamGMtbiALtp9Aim0n_sITO7i1/s1600/DSCN5911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjeM5t-I-_CcW4A8Z2Gf65WdUvRRnjzfa0-diY-JHJcrlU_elbDAYy7tZ4LVOQju0KQ2GkGwvhUYKzObcQdjl_C2EDrERI7pRSVdEd-OzOknMTaQ8DEgamGMtbiALtp9Aim0n_sITO7i1/s640/DSCN5911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my new muffin tin, they are massive, bakery style muffins. This recipe filled the six cavities nicely. I got six delicious, gingerbready muffins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNF8NcwHt-Y4lWG9gUnj0Qe6GHHwAwL81r361m9p3Q8EtxiraF0QRsotZDYkb2js3tV7CxzWhu8L-8KUae8fg4Zg09uKU3aQA74xBabs3uHZAHzGgJQR0ZJPpQy1Adfz2eHft-ZFbexjB/s1600/DSCN5913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNF8NcwHt-Y4lWG9gUnj0Qe6GHHwAwL81r361m9p3Q8EtxiraF0QRsotZDYkb2js3tV7CxzWhu8L-8KUae8fg4Zg09uKU3aQA74xBabs3uHZAHzGgJQR0ZJPpQy1Adfz2eHft-ZFbexjB/s640/DSCN5913.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have a hard time calling these muffins, throw the batter in a square pan and it would make a lovely cake. It is heavy and thick. But, they were delicious! Little Miss ate a bit, she wasn't wild about them, but Mr Picky gobbled one up!<br />
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So, another weekend has passed, and another week begins. Time to bake more muffins!<br />
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Have a good week, everyone!<br />
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~Natasha.egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-83639672675903286282015-05-23T21:17:00.002-03:002015-05-23T21:17:20.796-03:00Oven Fried Chicken. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started a new board on Pintrest for recipes that I have made several times, because each time I want a recipe I have been searching through several boards wasting time and energy trying to find that recipe that we loved last time. This was one of the first recipes added to that board, it has been made 3 times. </div>
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Mr. Picky loves chicken from a certain restaurant, one that serves it in greasy buckets, and one that isn't cheap. When I asked him what he wanted for dinner one night, he told me chicken, but that he wanted it from this restaurant. Well, that was a no money night, so we ended up staying home. A day or two later, I was telling him about copy cat recipes, he asked me to find this one, and so <a href="http://www.thereciperebel.com/the-best-oven-fried-chicken/">I DID</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCTupLWT52yLCXyGQKUWVQGF2g8DKxCM_nCHWfNpQ_tn8tKyK18UsxcmvEprTFlySKOnvHpgrJuot5GwusD0caXRQ9wXCQCbwnWq9QYb7JKv7ft2JYLL3pQ66Yr8AfqdTremTl6SZFl_M/s1600/DSCN5683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCTupLWT52yLCXyGQKUWVQGF2g8DKxCM_nCHWfNpQ_tn8tKyK18UsxcmvEprTFlySKOnvHpgrJuot5GwusD0caXRQ9wXCQCbwnWq9QYb7JKv7ft2JYLL3pQ66Yr8AfqdTremTl6SZFl_M/s640/DSCN5683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It took me awhile to find the seasoning salt, and when I finally did it was with the help of a store employee/ floor walker who then tried to sell me on a store credit card and bank account. No thank you. Salean liked her, though, because she cooed over her red hair. We get a lot of that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdr9g8deBNBIMNrTdW2cMU918YhvtChV1OTk-iv_lF_WFcPLydvMSLW91ZRNnrq4SUWMbrggXHO1_ky2bhdeIZp6aDGpT_wG3vaoiNXJonBFrKQ3ftJ6MxGCJfvOT7XtMpPBaHMRJkVvb/s1600/DSCN5660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdr9g8deBNBIMNrTdW2cMU918YhvtChV1OTk-iv_lF_WFcPLydvMSLW91ZRNnrq4SUWMbrggXHO1_ky2bhdeIZp6aDGpT_wG3vaoiNXJonBFrKQ3ftJ6MxGCJfvOT7XtMpPBaHMRJkVvb/s640/DSCN5660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is hard to see the spice mixture in the picture above, white flour doesn't exactly show up well in a white bowl. I always get enough to make four chicken breasts, two for him, half for Salean and one and a half for me. The pictures above were from a night we had thighs, I think it made six.<br />
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This recipe is sufficient for Mr Picky's craving for restaurant chicken, but I find it is not the same. I think it is actually better than the greasy bucket chicken, and tastes much less salty as well. Eventually he has to go out to get his 'fix', but for now this satisfies.<br />
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Hope everyone is having a good weekend!<br />
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~Natasha.<br />
<br />egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-72763836663701962612015-05-18T06:14:00.000-03:002015-05-18T06:14:16.115-03:00Monday Morning Muffins: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another Monday, another beautiful muffin. I am running a week behind; I made these muffins on Mother's Day, Mr. Picky took Little Miss out to get presents while the newbie napped, so I took advantage of the time to get some baking done. I was told I should have rested and relaxed with the down time, but to me, baking is relaxing! </div>
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This is another Pintrest recipe, this time I searched chocolate chip muffins, and I found <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/12/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-muffins.html#_a5y_p=712006">THIS</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgxZZ6lqP9GUPWaqk7_SwNsOxKrOr51FAS7MHPSekTedAtdeSVJkjoAnNopt3s5ZzX-4WcCbE0N-2aKV_qqAU3Z_xk2IMBbZZBakOUAQ5NOSd3KrwiaaO6HgwUffcbvfJnWjKMFNqE9OV/s1600/DSCN5769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgxZZ6lqP9GUPWaqk7_SwNsOxKrOr51FAS7MHPSekTedAtdeSVJkjoAnNopt3s5ZzX-4WcCbE0N-2aKV_qqAU3Z_xk2IMBbZZBakOUAQ5NOSd3KrwiaaO6HgwUffcbvfJnWjKMFNqE9OV/s640/DSCN5769.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I find this size is good for a toddler, but I have to eat several to get filled up. I found a larger pan and plan on giving it a try, it will create bakery sized muffins, yum!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XEoAbtVCtWX-eYq9WwLK_W7iBA6uz8u-90pPIRgsu_2XxTpRd7mrpUauDBGcDWUa3CDBaBSNxsmSclv5W3gSiFi63Uj2vuOAzmGC3AeLDNog4j06VUg0AFsLOzn8fyCNgU83Q3H4fNRV/s1600/DSCN5750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XEoAbtVCtWX-eYq9WwLK_W7iBA6uz8u-90pPIRgsu_2XxTpRd7mrpUauDBGcDWUa3CDBaBSNxsmSclv5W3gSiFi63Uj2vuOAzmGC3AeLDNog4j06VUg0AFsLOzn8fyCNgU83Q3H4fNRV/s640/DSCN5750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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These whipped up quickly, and made plenty! I got a dozen medium sized muffins and 10 smaller ones. Both my older pans have the same size circumference, but one is deeper than the other and so makes slightly larger muffins. They seemed to bake fairly fast to, I checked and they had started to darken.<br />
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After coming back from her flower hunting expedition (I got a dozen white roses with pink tips, Daddy said she was very insistent on them) Little Miss enjoyed a muffin. While I can't say she disliked them, she definitely didn't love them. Mr Picky, on the other hand, liked them and took several with him to work when he left for the week. I personally found them a little bland, but still good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznAQJ2iU_wRKihwXj4fLLzALgchP6LvsU8UejOYssVRgA36PGlQ0JV6aFo9Dj3Z-v4_NQnxisKvL2IoEwlHKiqhOTaH5xbswgOC3CnXBqJdxT_XEQb_Ny_CFMZ2aDILjandGIQVJ2liQg/s1600/DSCN5761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznAQJ2iU_wRKihwXj4fLLzALgchP6LvsU8UejOYssVRgA36PGlQ0JV6aFo9Dj3Z-v4_NQnxisKvL2IoEwlHKiqhOTaH5xbswgOC3CnXBqJdxT_XEQb_Ny_CFMZ2aDILjandGIQVJ2liQg/s640/DSCN5761.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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In this picture, she is blowing on her fingers, which is her way of saying 'hot'. She still isn't talking much, but it is amazing how she has figured out how to communicate. She has made up her own signs for drink, hot, dirty hands, and "I need a soother". </div>
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Here's to the start of another delicious week, more muffins to come! </div>
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Have a good week, everyone! </div>
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~Natasha. </div>
<br />egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-72364360728715001482015-05-17T20:00:00.000-03:002015-05-17T20:00:49.679-03:00Tot School Tot Trays & Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a few weeks since I updated Tot School but we are chugging along! It seems every month or so I change the format of our learning, so I am not really sure if she is learning anything or not. She is definitely having fun, though, and that's what matters! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnFtld1Ih4XxfEvvtv5iRZOaoCrZkQwygUSxQlUHAo1Itn0Tpk-FU2E1k7SoeWMaJebR-Ra1SE4Ks-ypXOskS7j1dndIoZi2Nmh7fprrC2PmG2pRCnU7O8DXWTc4OMg7P5gyRMhAZ6YTd/s1600/DSCN5659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnFtld1Ih4XxfEvvtv5iRZOaoCrZkQwygUSxQlUHAo1Itn0Tpk-FU2E1k7SoeWMaJebR-Ra1SE4Ks-ypXOskS7j1dndIoZi2Nmh7fprrC2PmG2pRCnU7O8DXWTc4OMg7P5gyRMhAZ6YTd/s640/DSCN5659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Every Monday, I have been swapping out the contents of the sand table, Coloured pasta, coloured rice, orange lentils and coloured chick peas have all made an appearance, I am hoping in the future to do coloured oatmeal, and if I can find enough at a decent price, aquarium rocks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh118yFL9Rd1cbu4qJDlP7VhFdaMV6RNBrs8YPboNfpu9uo-X2CF_6gxtEA_n-D0muM2kGlApigSxGwPXqW8llAIsV2EtaNML9o7pXxTzC3DkWZXqdUib2loDdQsoFsnIxmbdMzCQJauSiI/s1600/DSCN5677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh118yFL9Rd1cbu4qJDlP7VhFdaMV6RNBrs8YPboNfpu9uo-X2CF_6gxtEA_n-D0muM2kGlApigSxGwPXqW8llAIsV2EtaNML9o7pXxTzC3DkWZXqdUib2loDdQsoFsnIxmbdMzCQJauSiI/s640/DSCN5677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pasta is one of my favourites because it can be used in many ways. We sorted colours and shapes, and attempted to thread onto pipe cleaners.<br />
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She had some success, but she was being a bit to rough, causing the pipe cleaner to bend and making it harder.</div>
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For the last couple of weeks, we have been settling into a format. While I cook dinner, Salean either does art or works on a tot tray, I chose dinner prep time because Daddy is working away again and she wants to be with me all the time. It is also a good time because I can keep an eye on her without interfering, and it has a concrete end time, when dinner is ready. I find transitioning from activities easier when there is a concrete end time and can present something else right away, like a plate of food. </div>
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We always go out to Grandma's on Saturday night, and Sundays are usually crazy or we go out as a family, so art has been on Monday, then tot tray introductions Tuesday and Thursday and continued play on Wednesday and Friday. This week's art was painting, above. The one on the left was done the Friday before during a play date at a local private school, we got to go in to check it out and play with the preschool class for an hour. </div>
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This week's tot trays were stamping (Tuesday and Wednesday) and gem transferring (Thursday and Friday). I got some gems and olive tongs at the dollar store and showed her how to pick up the gems and drop them into a mini muffin pan. She really needs practice on this one, and preferred to use her fingers. No big deal, it will come. </div>
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As you can see above, I made two tot trays with old cookie sheets. I put scrapbook paper on them and put about 5 layers of modge podge, plus additional around the edges that had lifted a bit. She is prone to picking at loose papers and stickers, so I didn't want her to peel it off! With these trays, she can do magnetic activities as well as regular activities. </div>
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So this was our week at a glance, I made up next weeks tot trays this afternoon, we will do matching and threading more pasta on pipe cleaners. </div>
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Hope everyone has a great week! </div>
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~Natasha. </div>
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<a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2015/05/tot-school-gathering-place-week-123/"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuNyrl2Ucurdohxbqewx-CCO1wJ1ZOj4snIWTq3sIGzKAYX57oe04InYLJfETcXb-Ow_31L_OjyddtTP6MkhRLbrr6jD1j8IqUXnFXhNR4kWzNINl9581lvyToVNWT_JmpT7cjJywmViU/s320/Tot-School-Gathering-Place-Week-108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-86846010389196940972015-05-16T22:48:00.001-03:002015-05-17T11:33:43.329-03:00Our Book Shelf -- Mid MayThis post is a day or two late, but I decided I am going to start keeping track of our books. I will be posting our books here twice a month, the middle and the end.<br />
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Every week or two, I swap out Salean's reading books, we have so many we just can't keep them all out! We are also starting to transition from board books to paper books so even more are coming out; she is still tearing some pages so we are making sure all library books are still board books.<br />
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Here is her shelf, that Grandpa M made. At the beginning of the week, library books are in the upper right corner. The top and part of the middle shelf are new books out, and the bottom shelf houses books that were left out from the week before and larger books. Here is what we have been reading the last couple of weeks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMls6Q0u9xtDGnFZ__EkL920HN_qxM2P6kWTxl2Gm1cNhOpWfLxpXci3qXC9AOZI_gYOsvlMGWnOANDlVwsRU-7sKC3vmhuXLZLpcMh_Nhsc-XtKHb8y7CHLyNdalj9FGVWvmRIxfPFk_D/s1600/DSCN5880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMls6Q0u9xtDGnFZ__EkL920HN_qxM2P6kWTxl2Gm1cNhOpWfLxpXci3qXC9AOZI_gYOsvlMGWnOANDlVwsRU-7sKC3vmhuXLZLpcMh_Nhsc-XtKHb8y7CHLyNdalj9FGVWvmRIxfPFk_D/s640/DSCN5880.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A star * indicates it seems to be, or is becoming, a favourite of Salean's. Two stars ** mean super favourite, read over and over and over again.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Library Books </u> (we try to visit every 2-3 weeks and usually get three each time)<br />
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/waddle-a-scanimation-picture-book/9780761151128-item.html?ikwid=Waddle&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=4">Waddle </a> by Rufus Butler Seder<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Hungry-Bunny-Sparkling-Learning-Book/dp/1581175566/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431823672&sr=1-7&keywords=Margaret+Wang">Hungry Bunny</a> by Margaret Wang<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/m-is-for-maple-a/9781585362356-item.html?ikwid=M+is+for+Maple&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">M is for Maple</a> by Mike Ulmer<br />
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<b><u>New Out</u></b> (titles that have been put away, this is their first time out)<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Picnic-Buddies-Marjorie-Hakala/dp/1934706213/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431826106&sr=1-1&keywords=Picnic+Buddies">Picnic Buddies</a> by Marjorie Hakala<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Lilo-and-Stitch/dp/190696517X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431826073&sr=1-4&keywords=Lilo+%26+Stitch">Lilo & Stitch</a>, Disney Movie book<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Just-Not-Invited-Golden-Books/dp/0307132897/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431824115&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=Just+Not+Invited+Mercer+Mayer">Just Not Invited</a> by Gina & Mercer Mayer<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/One-Day-Daddy-Picture-Book/dp/0786807326/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431824247&sr=1-1&keywords=One+Day%2C+Daddy">One Day, Daddy</a> by Francis Thomas<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Little-Critters-This-My-House/dp/0307606600/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431824304&sr=1-1&keywords=This+is+My+House+Mercer+Mayer">This is My House</a> by Mercer Mayer<br />
<span id="goog_165015756"></span><a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/how-to-be-a-grouch/9781618312167-item.html?ikwid=how+to+be+a+grouch&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">How to be a Grouch</a><span id="goog_165015757"></span> by Oscar the Grouch<br />
* <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-monster-at-the-end/9780553508734-item.html?ikwid=The+Monster+at+the+End+of+This+Book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">The Monster at the End of This Book</a> by Grover<br />
* <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/dont-let-the-pigeon-drive/9780786819881-item.html?ikwid=Don%27t+Let+teh+Pigeon+Drive+the+Bus&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus</a> by Mo Willems<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Which-one-doesnt-belong-featuring/dp/0307231275">Which One Doesn't Belong?</a> A Sesame Street Book<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/little-critter-just-a-little/9780061478024-item.html?ikwid=Just+Not+Invited+Mercer+Mayer&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=19">Just A Little to Little</a> by Mercer Mayer<br />
<a href="http://www.unb.ca/fredericton/education/ecc/books/kisses-kisses.html">Kisses, Kisses, Kisses</a> by Darlene Ryan<br />
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<b><u>New This Week</u></b> (These have been on our shelf before, just rotated back this week)<br />
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** <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/look-at-you-a-baby/9780763627454-item.html?ikwid=Look+at+You%3a+A+Baby+Body+Book&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Look at You: A Baby Body Book</a> by Kathy Henderson<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/kids/books/canada-in-colours/9781554537600-item.html?ikwid=Colours+Priddy+Books&ikwsec=Kids&ikwidx=46">Canada in Colours</a> by Per-Henrik Gurth<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/canada-123/9781554532353-item.html?ikwid=Canada+123&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Canada 123</a> by Kim Bellefontaine<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Chicka-1-2-3/dp/0689858817/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431825965&sr=1-1&keywords=chicka+chicka+123">Chicka Chicka 123</a> by Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson<br />
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<b><u>Brand New</u></b> (Grandma & Daddy bought us some new books)<br />
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* <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/poke-a-dot-10-little/9781584769385-item.html?ikwid=Poke+a+Dot&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=4">Poke a Dot: 10 Little Monkeys</a> by InnovativeKids<br />
* <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/poke-a-dot-whats-your/9781601693587-item.html?ikwid=Poke+a+Dot&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Poke a Dot: What's Your Favorite Color?</a> by InnovativeKids<br />
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<b><u>Old Books</u></b> (books that were left out from the week before)<br />
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/horns-to-toes/9780671493196-item.html?ikwid=Horns+to+Toes+and+In+Between&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=1">Horns to Toes and In Between</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/fifteen-animals-a-boynton-on/9780761130666-item.html?ikwid=Fifteen+Animals&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Fifteen Animals</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/a-to-z/9780671493172-item.html?ikwid=A+to+Z+by+Sandra+Boynton&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=32">A to Z</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/snuggle-puppy-a-little-love/9780761130673-item.html?ikwid=A+to+Z+by+Sandra+Boynton&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=15">Snuggle Puppy</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/hey-wake-up/9780761119760-item.html?ikwid=A+to+Z+by+Sandra+Boynton&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=29">Hey! Wake Up!</a> by Sandra Boynton<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Dress-Ups-Anne-Geddes/dp/1559120142/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431825099&sr=1-1&keywords=Dress+Ups+Anne+Geddes">Dress Ups </a> by Anne Geddes<br />
** <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Colors-Anne-Geddes/dp/0740755838/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1431825157&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Colors++Anne+Geddes">Colors </a>by Anne Geddes<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-cat-in-the-hat/9780394800028-item.html?ikwid=The+Cat+in+the+Hat+Comes+Back&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">The Cat in the Hat Comes Back</a> by Dr Seuss<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-rainy-day-usborne-picture/9781409574811-item.html?ikwid=Anna+Milbourne+and+Sarah+Gill&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">The Rainy Day</a> by Anna Milbourne and Sarah Gill<br />
** <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Counting-Colors-Priddy-Roger-Board/dp/B00MXBAPK4/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431825517&sr=1-4&keywords=Counting+Colours+Priddy+Books">Counting Colours</a> by Priddy Books<br />
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<b><u>What Mama is Reading:</u></b><br />
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Mama isn't reading anything this week (which is very rare) because I just finished two books and have not had time to start another. The two I just finished are:<br />
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<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/donna-bells-bake-shop-recipes/9781476771120-item.html?ikwid=donna+bell%27s+bake+shop&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">Donna Bell's Bake Shop</a> by Darren Greenblatt, Matthew Sandusky and Pauley Perrette<br />
<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/adhd-does-not-exist/9780062266743-item.html?ikwid=ADHD+does+not+exhist&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0">ADHD Does Not Exist</a> by Richard Saul, MD<br />
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This is actually a lot more than what I usually put out, but because this is the first week I put in the paper books, there is quite a few more. The books will be rotated sometime in the next day or two, titles that will be read until the end of the month.<br />
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Little Miss Salean loves her books, she will sit and 'read' them all day. We also keep a stash in the car instead of toys, because she seems to prefer them. She gets so absorbed in the books, as if they are telling her the secrets of the universe! She will definitely be a reader, I think.<br />
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Well, that's the end of our bookshelf this week, have a good weekend, everyone!<br />
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~Natasha.egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-39934322761567323522015-05-15T21:51:00.000-03:002015-05-15T21:51:52.798-03:00Felt Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been wanting to make a felt board for quite awhile, I just haven't gotten around to it. I finally picked up the supplies a couple weeks ago, so all I needed to find was the time. A few nights ago, I got both kids in bed by 7:10 (the newbie has been up until about 9 for the last month, usually crying and fussing, so by then I am to tired to do anything). What was I to do with the evening that stretched ahead? So I went for it!</div>
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I must say, this did <u>not</u> turn out anywhere near how I would have liked it to. I used the back of a black board I was given, this way I can make it a two sided activity. I could not find full pieces of felt, but I am still keeping an eye out for them so I can redo it someday. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae9FuiKEVgi-GOAJKHDhi0aNoy9bIhsMjmS4QD7uKZCZMayR2M_595hEM0vaWGwVA-WDjawKOMNXUrkn_v2IfEV8GtANgIA6seewNXlieADB5Oruw-OVyTdpBKHLQnhVLiQDueKtqaa3V/s1600/DSCN5846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae9FuiKEVgi-GOAJKHDhi0aNoy9bIhsMjmS4QD7uKZCZMayR2M_595hEM0vaWGwVA-WDjawKOMNXUrkn_v2IfEV8GtANgIA6seewNXlieADB5Oruw-OVyTdpBKHLQnhVLiQDueKtqaa3V/s640/DSCN5846.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I started by hot gluing one piece of felt to the board. The rest had to be cut to fit. Hindsight tells me that because I had an upper and lower section I should have used blue and green, to represent sky and grass.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRk5GypPjkGs_9fUjNOdEgQfWKsDM8YnYtTaIkX349KDVWOr7n3BWX0TOZrLdlGMEXHVQbKHK19QNMaA0wfwDAWRpespuIjqP5ial8WzD2EwvwCzD9qyZNL57nSfJutsOeixI1dlnLdAs/s1600/DSCN5847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRk5GypPjkGs_9fUjNOdEgQfWKsDM8YnYtTaIkX349KDVWOr7n3BWX0TOZrLdlGMEXHVQbKHK19QNMaA0wfwDAWRpespuIjqP5ial8WzD2EwvwCzD9qyZNL57nSfJutsOeixI1dlnLdAs/s640/DSCN5847.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The flash makes the end result look a little worse than it actually does. Again, I am definitely going to keep an eye out for larger pieces of felt. There is only one craft store in my city, so prices are not very optimal. I got these small pieces at a dollar store, out of the three in my town, only one carries it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWAOVPxGrrJw_INJEmSGOkPNa2ClONLzkzvilEUjHh2twx8EXewNWVwU0otLznuSdpmEGT4eapVVa7kg2QqYnqxEoA4hD7ZhG2qReKsTFR8RRygrrZs02omXCbh9oEbpj7hToUhIVTF21/s1600/DSCN5849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWAOVPxGrrJw_INJEmSGOkPNa2ClONLzkzvilEUjHh2twx8EXewNWVwU0otLznuSdpmEGT4eapVVa7kg2QqYnqxEoA4hD7ZhG2qReKsTFR8RRygrrZs02omXCbh9oEbpj7hToUhIVTF21/s640/DSCN5849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hopped on Pintrest for ideas, my first project was a face. It was all done freehand, so forgive the fact that he looks like a redneck bumpkin from some 80's cartoon. I do not have access to a printer at home to make templates, so it looks kind of funky. The eyes, nose, mouth and hair are all removable. The ears I glued on. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTrEoGdS-36qI3_uQqtNwtraU1_su7N0VVEVcXZBrDtQjvrfkdqA24ezyrvd8oJqBKH58G9o-OM7_eQy1-YQaGfYP1b3dE_zEeoNhoaJOPrk5UW2Y165IhBo-V5SC0RA5IleMn2wCHKmP/s1600/DSCN5850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTrEoGdS-36qI3_uQqtNwtraU1_su7N0VVEVcXZBrDtQjvrfkdqA24ezyrvd8oJqBKH58G9o-OM7_eQy1-YQaGfYP1b3dE_zEeoNhoaJOPrk5UW2Y165IhBo-V5SC0RA5IleMn2wCHKmP/s640/DSCN5850.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Project number two were some shapes to match. Peach circles, white ovals, green triangles, orange squares and blue rectangles. I decided not to get into octagons and such, especially while cutting freehand. She's only two, so the basics are all she needs now anyway. <br />
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Finally, a set to dress. I stuck with just a head and neck, and I skipped out on hands and feet for now. I gave my person two shirts, two pants (that are smaller than the shirts because they were made first), two hairstyles: blond straight and a red pigtail, and a baseball cap to make it more boyish.<br />
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Here she is all dressed up in black and blue.<br />
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And by switching out the hair for a cap, we have a man dressed in black and blue. After making these, I figured I'd give up while I was ahead and before I wasted all my felt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtp7u7OMdJYcbJV9F6XVLEt491SzbV4wV0X6U9oSxN5beJPkBtiYNuxJ2fyLfEGd6m_I2B7j6SyLvmlylYbWJz__iy0a1fz1J9Xf7aSGFlvnnRG15ACpOJ1e1AyrcLUKyX0HXz5Cf96w8/s1600/DSCN5857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtp7u7OMdJYcbJV9F6XVLEt491SzbV4wV0X6U9oSxN5beJPkBtiYNuxJ2fyLfEGd6m_I2B7j6SyLvmlylYbWJz__iy0a1fz1J9Xf7aSGFlvnnRG15ACpOJ1e1AyrcLUKyX0HXz5Cf96w8/s640/DSCN5857.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Each set is being stored in an individual zipper sandwich bag, and in a plastic container. Eventually, I may make a small spot to hold them out of cardboard to go on the bottom of the board, where there is a different section that I didn't felt (on the front, it is a spot to hold the chalk for the chalkboard).<br />
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So, was it a hit? Meh...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOltucLrmv4kmqfBvTzCPEYfsQB4Utgvwd7EGl5J3PZGB9cJ6kQIArBxYXtAHx9TX4LCV09LK9YfPeJS8zyKRVVRRLoH1EtBntaqsG8G7wcgUtil5iAGeLcLjBwTZgkaFUTwxtV8wdPA3h/s1600/DSCN5859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOltucLrmv4kmqfBvTzCPEYfsQB4Utgvwd7EGl5J3PZGB9cJ6kQIArBxYXtAHx9TX4LCV09LK9YfPeJS8zyKRVVRRLoH1EtBntaqsG8G7wcgUtil5iAGeLcLjBwTZgkaFUTwxtV8wdPA3h/s640/DSCN5859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It caught her attention for maybe 10 minutes. The pieces didn't stick as well as I had hoped, so that disappointed her a little, causing her to lose interest. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX0iQ1RQFI9Pcd-pSYTc7g9fxR_SOYbT10zS9MqZZwp-bB4JzgJXe06lSIkIwht3PCMFnuS-nPrb9VN1_U909w9HmClQzvEAB7JqZ8qjoLIeFjVLE3RyCriYpHcCv6CZPUR5LmhrTYf7K/s1600/DSCN5869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX0iQ1RQFI9Pcd-pSYTc7g9fxR_SOYbT10zS9MqZZwp-bB4JzgJXe06lSIkIwht3PCMFnuS-nPrb9VN1_U909w9HmClQzvEAB7JqZ8qjoLIeFjVLE3RyCriYpHcCv6CZPUR5LmhrTYf7K/s640/DSCN5869.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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She pointed and chatted, telling stories in her own little way, the whole time. After awhile, though, she basically packed it up and told me to get it out of her play area by pointing to it and to the kitchen.<br />
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So, I think it needs a revamp before rolling it out again, and figure out a way for it to stick better. Otherwise, it was just a project to wile away an evening.<br />
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Have a good weekend, everyone!<br />
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~Natasha.egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-53396646895475338682015-05-11T22:06:00.000-03:002015-05-11T22:06:09.308-03:00Monday Morning Muffins: Cinnamon Coffee Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lately, I have been trying to bake some muffins at least once a week. I love trying new recipes, so I have decided to start posting them. I am going to aim for Monday mornings, since I usually bake Sundays and we indulge on Mondays, they are a great way to kick off a new week.</div>
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Last week, I got a craving for coffee cake, it is something my Mom would bake once in awhile when I was a kid. I searched Pintrest for a coffee cake muffin recipe and came up with <a href="http://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/2014/05/17/cinnamon-coffee-cake-muffins-recipe/">THIS</a> one. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshE-hmxqpe3I_aVVNgdvNIeUTJsXgVrva3llKVK3zb4HQd4MUePnDeRI46Jv7saaF_tMibsw5GQu2i1AbLtcDRlkQylyADcdRfEXW3uifPK8_2UlTYjwtjb1Z0jQnJriSQrmhAIoevQ8j/s1600/DSCN5737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshE-hmxqpe3I_aVVNgdvNIeUTJsXgVrva3llKVK3zb4HQd4MUePnDeRI46Jv7saaF_tMibsw5GQu2i1AbLtcDRlkQylyADcdRfEXW3uifPK8_2UlTYjwtjb1Z0jQnJriSQrmhAIoevQ8j/s640/DSCN5737.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The only thing I did differently was halve the topping. I always end up with a lot of left over topping with recipes like this. As you can see below, even with halving it, I still had plenty of leftovers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTq21xmScW2mYa6J9TVKrvmkimabUPswVPvxulEoythu7ZgzmLuDcajbws0GNZvt3m11IzPM54cBfmyIxRdVWQbX9RUFj-0p5aaUOENNFBEj_hUhzFX-7sawUyOYcxsIqXyKcP-u4RLjd/s1600/DSCN5735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTq21xmScW2mYa6J9TVKrvmkimabUPswVPvxulEoythu7ZgzmLuDcajbws0GNZvt3m11IzPM54cBfmyIxRdVWQbX9RUFj-0p5aaUOENNFBEj_hUhzFX-7sawUyOYcxsIqXyKcP-u4RLjd/s640/DSCN5735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Little Miss got one muffin and a few grapes, and the muffin disappeared! I gave her another for snack later in the day, it disappeared as well! So this recipe is definitely a hit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmRTLAzghZOqV5xzFX8S9FczFBdRQVhXRUkFpX5jh3b78avRIGBYPIk8b6_DkWUenAA1Xt0ZAIv-YC0mZALitwOJ1eqQsgvqNfk88VhRZ779_4ORj4xBvVfFDmIg0QBgujjyUZy1SxgL0/s1600/DSCN5738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmRTLAzghZOqV5xzFX8S9FczFBdRQVhXRUkFpX5jh3b78avRIGBYPIk8b6_DkWUenAA1Xt0ZAIv-YC0mZALitwOJ1eqQsgvqNfk88VhRZ779_4ORj4xBvVfFDmIg0QBgujjyUZy1SxgL0/s640/DSCN5738.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I loved them as well, I got a dozen out of the batch, and we only had 5 left by the end of the day. Poor Mr Picky didn't get to try them, he works away and they were long gone before he got back! I am sure he will enjoy them should I make the recipe again, as he loves cinnamon.<br />
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So this is our first Monday Morning Muffins...we will see you next week with more breakfast goodness!<br />
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Have a good week, everyone!<br />
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~Natasha.<br />
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<br />egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-75645556504993548352015-04-23T07:04:00.000-03:002015-04-23T07:04:00.492-03:00Homemade Mac & Cheese.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Last Sunday before we went out for the day, I poked my head into the freezer to see what I could find for dinner. The first thing I laid my eyes on, I grabbed. A package of sliced ham. 4 PM rolled around and I had absolutely nothing to go with it. I peered in the cupboard and found a box of Mac and Cheese. A meal the masses usually like, so that will do! While I was boiling the water, I changed my mind: who cares about the masses, I want homemade!! I quickly did a Pintrest search and found a simple recipe <a href="http://www.thatwhichnourishes.com/the-mac-and-cheese/">HERE</a>. I cut the recipe in half, because 2 adults and a toddler can't eat that much! There were still plenty of leftovers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLnbLzR96n-kSSyQQe6o6sNXJCKXVeHl9AvCKcAuWc94lgx0OwJ7Ozt5pxVj4xxVhZg9C3AKLyQcwVCjoDMA0b99XqXBz7Z4ugA8bD9xYXdF2nQVvcvIzMTQIKTUfttElig4PjS3E4Zq_/s1600/DSCN5653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLnbLzR96n-kSSyQQe6o6sNXJCKXVeHl9AvCKcAuWc94lgx0OwJ7Ozt5pxVj4xxVhZg9C3AKLyQcwVCjoDMA0b99XqXBz7Z4ugA8bD9xYXdF2nQVvcvIzMTQIKTUfttElig4PjS3E4Zq_/s1600/DSCN5653.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the same amount of time it would have taken me to take the boxed variety, I made this delicious concoction. While the macaroni boiled, I made the white sauce; and while it baked, I fried the ham on the stove top. The only changes I made was less salt and I used crushed croutons on top. I don't usually keep Panko on hand, so it worked in a pinch. They gave it sort of a garlicky twist. I also gave it another sprinkle of cheese on top after the crumbs were added, just for kicks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl6d6KhLaEf5q4dZbPdeNZ1mHh7_OwSNDF-nhv2KzIsLD3P0S0viXPnwCZi6_ndh1Ym9L6lldHmYJA5rhFN8pkOJdojK66Dv5NXKpThzdZQ-xT9Cmk1G6rAGp1eq4tyzQIWDjbwGcNiE8/s1600/DSCN5655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl6d6KhLaEf5q4dZbPdeNZ1mHh7_OwSNDF-nhv2KzIsLD3P0S0viXPnwCZi6_ndh1Ym9L6lldHmYJA5rhFN8pkOJdojK66Dv5NXKpThzdZQ-xT9Cmk1G6rAGp1eq4tyzQIWDjbwGcNiE8/s1600/DSCN5655.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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A decent sized toddler portion. She ate half the ham and it looked like she didn't touch the macaroni. I hope her sister is a better eater when her time comes! As for Mr Picky? He liked it, but didn't love it. He thought it was to chewy, and when I asked if I should make it again some day he just hummed, so I am guessing that is a no. Grr. I do agree, it was a little chewy, but otherwise I thought it was delicious.<br />
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So, another meal 'flop'...maybe next time!<br />
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Have a good week!<br />
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~Natasha.egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-66027415853584111452015-04-21T06:55:00.002-03:002015-04-21T07:02:14.044-03:00Pom Sorting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week, we got a new addition to our little school area: a sand table! They were on sale and because she enjoyed the sensory bins I made the week before, we decided to buy one using the money the girls got in cards over the last year, which so far has been sitting in the piggy banks. They don't realize it, but this is the first toy they have saved for! Although she has been told many times not to sit in it, Miss Salean still loves to. Here it is on the first night filled with rice, but a few days later I emptied it and it had red (orange) lentils in it all week. They are now all over my house. She loved it, though! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDMy7Z4RiydBQKwnggjoeXRE4GfNcAZxmknI0DfMkUNfsYxvTTvmc7Cv5PAAWjaODTmhgUgi8KgBYWV359DF-ecWz-Kmno_nn_ZkJMqamvLzITlUy3yZb14R8vuxrLgNmDMXQ5PoFRAlk/s1600/DSCN5559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDMy7Z4RiydBQKwnggjoeXRE4GfNcAZxmknI0DfMkUNfsYxvTTvmc7Cv5PAAWjaODTmhgUgi8KgBYWV359DF-ecWz-Kmno_nn_ZkJMqamvLzITlUy3yZb14R8vuxrLgNmDMXQ5PoFRAlk/s1600/DSCN5559.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I decided this week to experiment with Tot Trays, which is basically a tray with a learning activity on it. I built this colour learning game myself. I gave her 4 large poms and 9 small ones in four different colours: blue, red, green and yellow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZW8Jb5YzZcHGgSh_TtnOinDJs2vBx1RXYLcMlFlfaQRFffxZTwpuuc9ZzN7vKzFKrOa1j4yIS9DBaE2FbY5kM3z4FcaqZSBBIB70JXSbg0XMPgJiwN_Ol59u4tXIQnBPwqibv_ahGilH/s1600/DSCN5568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZW8Jb5YzZcHGgSh_TtnOinDJs2vBx1RXYLcMlFlfaQRFffxZTwpuuc9ZzN7vKzFKrOa1j4yIS9DBaE2FbY5kM3z4FcaqZSBBIB70JXSbg0XMPgJiwN_Ol59u4tXIQnBPwqibv_ahGilH/s1600/DSCN5568.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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The labels on the cups didn't last long, Salean has a thing for peeling stickers off stuff.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8KD6HyPK_5QvjxqSdxwX3e8ceVS_0_571avpbfl5PpYeHMggUYUZncYapxTduxN7ckvNCE5KHxCU07qmYzJWwJh1gFfsbM8fYFdMpTlKOALrhP71Ott0nDrYCisdH5NKuQeepirEP4i7/s1600/DSCN5567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8KD6HyPK_5QvjxqSdxwX3e8ceVS_0_571avpbfl5PpYeHMggUYUZncYapxTduxN7ckvNCE5KHxCU07qmYzJWwJh1gFfsbM8fYFdMpTlKOALrhP71Ott0nDrYCisdH5NKuQeepirEP4i7/s1600/DSCN5567.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I left it on her toy shelf presented as below, she was pretty excited to see something new!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJQci1CF2vlzJBx_aaNqiqjO6lhiXbtucogIESlsi_ePos0toHAQBDvZ5VILxrUH49TVxASgUquYSxxb_cGgtkIMzcBSXJB5EU65HMg8GrZEeO_0GCnkN26YbCu35CwpCJJJg5MF4ny96/s1600/DSCN5569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJQci1CF2vlzJBx_aaNqiqjO6lhiXbtucogIESlsi_ePos0toHAQBDvZ5VILxrUH49TVxASgUquYSxxb_cGgtkIMzcBSXJB5EU65HMg8GrZEeO_0GCnkN26YbCu35CwpCJJJg5MF4ny96/s1600/DSCN5569.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I showed her how to divide the poms by colour, labelling them as we went. After we went through them all, I asked her if she remembered which a certain colour was. She got most right on the second try, so a little more work is needed there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdkYnAvoimwVYiJccXfkjZRfVQz79fGliM2ZUC7xt624RKbU_Dty0tas9zwsGBm7Q-iSncbU54-7_bFtL1Avdzv9cnNk4MhdmJvUPNWibMvevYiFXBG_T6hlq9llSCs67PgYKHlhxEwdy/s1600/DSCN5577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdkYnAvoimwVYiJccXfkjZRfVQz79fGliM2ZUC7xt624RKbU_Dty0tas9zwsGBm7Q-iSncbU54-7_bFtL1Avdzv9cnNk4MhdmJvUPNWibMvevYiFXBG_T6hlq9llSCs67PgYKHlhxEwdy/s1600/DSCN5577.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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After a few hours, the poms ended up being spread all over the room. From what I could tell, she was experimenting on the bounciness of poms. By the end of the week when I collected them, I was only short one or two small ones, I am sure they will pop up somewhere!<br />
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Building on this, I decided to try teaching a few shapes as well. She brought her magnet drawing bored to me, and after drawing Daddy, Mama and Salean (she forgot sister) a few times on request, I moved onto a little learning game.<br />
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I first drew 2 circles and a triangle. I asked her which were the same and which was different. She didn't understand, so I pointed out the circles were the same and the triangle different. After that, she got it every time. Like the colours, I labelled each shape and then asked her if she remembered which one was a triangle. She got it! I did the same with squares and a circle and then triangles and a square and then finally with the 3 different shapes as a test. She got most of the shapes on the first try!<br />
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I was told by a speech pathologist not to bother teaching shapes, colours etc. since she is still working on talking; but in my opinion just because she can not say the word, does not mean she can't understand and show me what they are. This proves that she is ready to learn, even though she refuses to talk!<br />
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I hope everyone has a great week!<br />
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~ Natasha.<br />
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egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-17466686054805511462015-04-11T23:00:00.002-03:002015-04-18T22:32:43.775-03:00A Week of Sensory Bins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spring is here, sort of. The rain has come but we still have (literally) about 3 feet of snow, which means we are quite limited in what we can do outdoors. Monday morning, we were very bored, Salean was going stir crazy and so was I. We did a small painting project, pictures to go to her Great Grandmas with the photos we had done the week before. While I was digging through my craft bin, I found a bag of orange lentils that we had used <a href="http://canadiandomesticwannabe.blogspot.ca/2014/04/tot-school-lentil-sensory-bin.html">last year</a>. That might be something interesting to do! </div>
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At first, I just put them in a small box, but she was having a hard time playing in it. There just wasn't enough space. I remembered a bin I had under the newbies crib, it originally had baby clothes stored in it, but they are now being worn as hand me downs. This was a perfect size! With a little fuss (she thought I was taking it away) I swapped her toys over to the new bin and she played for over an hour! </div>
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She really got into it, I added 2 dump trucks, an excavator, and a cup and measuring spoon.<br />
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Tuesday afternoon, I was digging in the cupboards for some paper towel, and a bag of rice fell out. This was one I bought at the dollar store that had been intended for a sensory bin, but never got there. I quickly dyed it while I made lunch and gave it to her the next day in the same bin with the same toys. Another hour was killed, yay! She came out of this one with slightly purple hands, but it wiped off easily.<br />
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Friday, I looked for the pasta we had used <a href="http://canadiandomesticwannabe.blogspot.ca/2014/04/tot-school-sensory-bottles.html">last year</a>, it was a hit again. I put a dinosaur, 2 cups, a spoon and bowl in the bin. By the end of it, all her dinosaurs were in it.<br />
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We had a little lesson with the pasta, I scooped out a yellow tube and asked her to scoop out more. We then repeated it with blue penne and green bugs. She only played with this one for about 45 minutes, but once she filled the box with dinos, it became a little crowded and she lost interest.<br />
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Even the newbie, Savana, got into the fun with some sensory bottles I made almost a <a href="http://canadiandomesticwannabe.blogspot.ca/2014/04/tot-school-sensory-bottles.html">year ago</a>, she is getting big and will be 4 months next week! She loved sitting and batting them around! </div>
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So, because the little misses loved sensory play so much, we are going to get them a little sand table to go indoors. We rearranged the living room tonight to make space for it, and I purchased a few different items to go in it today. I can't wait until it is discovered! From here on out, Tot School will have sensory play included! </div>
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Have a good week, everyone!</div>
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~Natasha. </div>
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egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-46888516119185319192015-03-28T20:04:00.000-03:002015-04-11T22:08:25.538-03:00Colour Matching with Paint Chips.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lately, Little Miss Salean has been taken with matching. She pulls out a sheep from both her puzzle and her farm, showing me pointing "look, same!" Socks are matched, Pictures in books, balls, even patterns. We were watching Sesame Street and they were counting red mushrooms with white dots, she ran and grabbed her red ball with white dots, pointing to show me it was the same. I decided to take advantage of this natural curiosity and made a colour learning game with paint chips and cups. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzlVTKdIKvKgusFOLTWLBg8pQwY0U_h-8V03JbskNgyg1sSIW8njkBz9DB1JRWKRd1aKBaRGartBPwc-XZKr9xtp7fo8RaRscsd_8SvTatCDT2pRw7JSOOr0kdJ88c3_N7LM-38PF5dzM/s1600/DSCN5315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzlVTKdIKvKgusFOLTWLBg8pQwY0U_h-8V03JbskNgyg1sSIW8njkBz9DB1JRWKRd1aKBaRGartBPwc-XZKr9xtp7fo8RaRscsd_8SvTatCDT2pRw7JSOOr0kdJ88c3_N7LM-38PF5dzM/s1600/DSCN5315.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I cut up a paint chip for each primary colour, red, blue and yellow. I found three plastic cups and covered them with construction paper of matching colours (I had to use a crayon to make the red, as oddly our package of construction paper did not have red in it). I put the paint chips into another cup and showed her what to do, naming the colours.<br />
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I was quite surprised, she really took to it and got all but one in the right cups. She quickly realized her mistake and corrected it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuoM4yeIpF09UYORAiCygKbxCmOD8DRZrpL8Jw5jDxC7GyucLGGQS-JV7RBRyPin67fXPxDgBwGBbz6hwUVY8Q9vdJ1xcqjnYOPSFpt7hyphenhyphenCi07DtbkhflE3yPN1ABtFjbz920NpYbbIE1/s1600/DSCN5321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuoM4yeIpF09UYORAiCygKbxCmOD8DRZrpL8Jw5jDxC7GyucLGGQS-JV7RBRyPin67fXPxDgBwGBbz6hwUVY8Q9vdJ1xcqjnYOPSFpt7hyphenhyphenCi07DtbkhflE3yPN1ABtFjbz920NpYbbIE1/s1600/DSCN5321.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a couple of rounds, she got a bit bored with the colour matching and just started dropping them into random cups. It occupied her for about 10 minutes, though, which is a fair amount of time for a busy 2 year old.<br />
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Even though she can not say the colours, I am hoping this little game will teach her to recognize the three primary colours, and then we can move on to some secondary ones, like green, orange and purple.<br />
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Hope everyone is having a great weekend!<br />
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~Natasha.<br />
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egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-63196938346224184512015-03-27T07:24:00.000-03:002015-03-27T07:24:00.223-03:00Lemon Chip Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One day last week, I got to go to town without the toddler. Taking advantage of the trip, I stopped at the Bulk Barn, one of my favourite stores. It is hard to go in there with 2 kids, because their carts are to small to put the baby car seat-carrier in, it is difficult to carry the baby or push a stroller and a cart at the same time, and it is even harder to allow the toddler to walk because it is very enticing for little fingers; rows and rows of bins filled with sweets and surprises, at a perfect height for a little one to get into! </div>
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Anyway, last week, I got to go in a take a peek around. I found a new treat! Lemon flavoured baking chips. I decided to get a handful or two just to try them out. When I got home, I figured the best recipe was chocolate chip muffins, with a minor tweak, of course. <a href="http://addapinch.com/cooking/chocolate-chip-muffins-recipe/" style="text-align: center;">HERE</a> is the recipe I used. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaqwNvsMTUoGX6HlmIIqYLam9-lLLJVZKFtHDmt_E9nt9qMV6kSjY_3Ofp67h__dTUCB-RQDXab_e6xIK24UFOw18sO0OUv_JpW1xkMK3pm9oUk_1Vo1XxoID5li_zivNe7FoRXN0GcVq/s1600/DSCN5286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaqwNvsMTUoGX6HlmIIqYLam9-lLLJVZKFtHDmt_E9nt9qMV6kSjY_3Ofp67h__dTUCB-RQDXab_e6xIK24UFOw18sO0OUv_JpW1xkMK3pm9oUk_1Vo1XxoID5li_zivNe7FoRXN0GcVq/s1600/DSCN5286.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Without the contrasting chocolate, they look a little plain, but they turned out delicious! I had one for breakfast for the next few days, as did Little Miss, of course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPxCEoLOXAJoVicq2stoURowHLBoTym-ZgmqVNjZyQ2ncLvuJb5hyphenhyphenPKgoFGPWaWlY4QRBAEwM8I1O8-rLXBdk9te-c9IGr7Ag3pWux-iqwDJ-AMGnmKFsDK_kuG9mMf4XpIqZeRgVicbr/s1600/DSCN5289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPxCEoLOXAJoVicq2stoURowHLBoTym-ZgmqVNjZyQ2ncLvuJb5hyphenhyphenPKgoFGPWaWlY4QRBAEwM8I1O8-rLXBdk9te-c9IGr7Ag3pWux-iqwDJ-AMGnmKFsDK_kuG9mMf4XpIqZeRgVicbr/s1600/DSCN5289.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The little one liked them, but I wouldn't go so far as to say she loved them. She ate about a half of one at a time. Mr Picky didn't like them, of course. It is the lemon, he thinks it tastes like dish soap.<br />
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Either way, I will be making this one again. I have enough lemon chips for a do-over and we always have chocolate chips on hand so I will try those as well. Maybe they will get a better reception that way.<br />
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Hope everyone is having a great week!<br />
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~Natasha.egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-68969134886992314402015-03-25T07:08:00.001-03:002015-03-25T07:08:46.329-03:00Inside Out Chocolate Chip Cookies. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been doing a lot of baking lately, muffins for breakfast, cookies for Mr Man to take to work, and rolls for meals. Instead of making the same few recipes over and over, I have been trying out some newer ones that I have been finding around the internet. This one is a backwards chocolate cookie, I found the recipe <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/04/21/inside-out-chocolate-chip-cookies/" style="text-align: center;">HERE</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPu6Tzs-WNFV6ikaNROwWohaNReDH0hOTS_6y7WVm3gmQGsBDksG2kuc4Ct5SmhrrfSkJdxKdqm9u1DZNe-IZsLf2ssvXhtb6HqTZgMoHvEXEmbRQGnNEi6qGOoclQnXpYuvteP5ovVT4/s1600/DSCN5282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPu6Tzs-WNFV6ikaNROwWohaNReDH0hOTS_6y7WVm3gmQGsBDksG2kuc4Ct5SmhrrfSkJdxKdqm9u1DZNe-IZsLf2ssvXhtb6HqTZgMoHvEXEmbRQGnNEi6qGOoclQnXpYuvteP5ovVT4/s1600/DSCN5282.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first thing you can notice is that mine are a lot gloppier than the original bakers. This is because she states they have to be refrigerated for 2 hours and then rolled between the palms. It was 8:30 PM, and I was tired from chasing a toddler all day and taking an hour and a half to get an infant to sleep. There's no time for waiting around, they have to go in the lunch bag at 4 AM, so I just scooped them onto the pan and baked them off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi8QZ_G_BxtoOjXCl1qiB5JjirzBtXwU4kyooO6io9qX3Jv4ZJ3KAn5Rh6DKTNPL7lCjYuX1tY4r3PxjEmgyfBQJV1dQsJbSWaHR08rUQ-hjkU2bSpfp5jWOPUKnatuAksxh-4D5Q7DQl/s1600/DSCN5285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi8QZ_G_BxtoOjXCl1qiB5JjirzBtXwU4kyooO6io9qX3Jv4ZJ3KAn5Rh6DKTNPL7lCjYuX1tY4r3PxjEmgyfBQJV1dQsJbSWaHR08rUQ-hjkU2bSpfp5jWOPUKnatuAksxh-4D5Q7DQl/s1600/DSCN5285.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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My cookies ended up a little flatter because of this, no big deal. I found these cookies tasted better the next day, after they were cooled. They had a more chocolatey taste. Mr Picky liked them, but said they were a little to sweet to be an everyday cookie. The recipe will go into my remake file, but it probably won't be one I use right away. </div>
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Have a good week, everyone! </div>
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~Natasha.<br />
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egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617093175929515444.post-15600001493060182282015-03-06T07:00:00.000-04:002015-03-06T07:00:02.459-04:00Winter Storms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I mentioned before, we have been getting a lot of winter storms this year. We actually had a green Christmas and up until mid-January it looked like we were in the clear...then the tides turned on us and we have been getting dumped on since. Our city declared a state of emergency in one of the older sections because there was literally no where to put it, they had to shut everything down so it could be removed. We have had two more storms since.<br />
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Each storm has dropped between 30 and 50 cm, which is 12 to 20 inches. And we have had (that I can remember) about 5. As well, we have had quite a few snow days that have just dropped between 5 and 10 cm (2 to 4 inches). These pictures are from February 25th, when they called for 10 cm but we ended up getting 25.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19USWPfMcNlXzzQw6BjHvALYsXhG6I2qYcyKT_KHiqgfLOYj1XdZd6bB3z71z-wahRSc9atnwLfcBuzyweLvR7ux5wtEAqu-BNUN1-bGC43gdMGw7hghiyXdd15_U3MilbRiIxp300tiE/s1600/DSCN5105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19USWPfMcNlXzzQw6BjHvALYsXhG6I2qYcyKT_KHiqgfLOYj1XdZd6bB3z71z-wahRSc9atnwLfcBuzyweLvR7ux5wtEAqu-BNUN1-bGC43gdMGw7hghiyXdd15_U3MilbRiIxp300tiE/s1600/DSCN5105.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The morning started with the snow below the windows. By about 1:00 PM, it was over the windows!! This is not blown into the screen, this is actual accumulation. Our windows are about waist high to Mr Picky, and he is 6 feet tall, so these windows are about 3-4 feet off the ground.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxVySmph0_WIQPIYGAT_YlQlNpAhjVRnO7z1UmpE7nbtmSv35z9qr0-ZQP0dvnsmaJFkLOn3pqUc52aI7UolP8JBx9JWv5O1RGzlpbW_RpjJQLHWHYAt8pH-S-AI96SXEehaBtcJA59JA/s1600/DSCN5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxVySmph0_WIQPIYGAT_YlQlNpAhjVRnO7z1UmpE7nbtmSv35z9qr0-ZQP0dvnsmaJFkLOn3pqUc52aI7UolP8JBx9JWv5O1RGzlpbW_RpjJQLHWHYAt8pH-S-AI96SXEehaBtcJA59JA/s1600/DSCN5133.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The above is the snow outside Salean's bedroom window. This is not started in a spot that had snow plowed from the drive way, nor is it in a spot that it drifts into. This is purely snow just dropped onto the ground and piled up. Poor Mr Picky had to climb over our porch railing into waist high snow piles to shovel out the windows. He said if he left it, they would leak when it started melting. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_pnpUSs9erMfMTlyJnZpmxhkjCbAcuhJurHoicBQh7vf4YBrgb3RaMt6VNBvZ8qws4_WTWzy9rXuVqDgmoE3vhE89cBDmanglP3IsX93zs7UXGIEcbX_sZ8aziYRBCgLLheZNhj3mwMd/s1600/DSCN5140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_pnpUSs9erMfMTlyJnZpmxhkjCbAcuhJurHoicBQh7vf4YBrgb3RaMt6VNBvZ8qws4_WTWzy9rXuVqDgmoE3vhE89cBDmanglP3IsX93zs7UXGIEcbX_sZ8aziYRBCgLLheZNhj3mwMd/s1600/DSCN5140.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mr. Picky got home around 11 AM, we are glad he came home early this day the roads were getting terrible. I took this picture at about 2 PM. All that snow on his truck had been dropped in 3 hours.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZO1LpToO6o-Rv24300uwEG-IYiIhR4rvXLXmTnwap1W08NJYUtEzBlzl3OZTtIDCyhTwqeLXeh0TRhtdZ5q8OMea759OS_f9H8jAfH_A7GUEnOzWpggTm1nwYT-4bBVusvsnKuRmNDAH/s1600/DSCN5141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZO1LpToO6o-Rv24300uwEG-IYiIhR4rvXLXmTnwap1W08NJYUtEzBlzl3OZTtIDCyhTwqeLXeh0TRhtdZ5q8OMea759OS_f9H8jAfH_A7GUEnOzWpggTm1nwYT-4bBVusvsnKuRmNDAH/s1600/DSCN5141.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And finally, my car, which appears to have gone missing. It hadn't been cleaned off at all during the storm. This was taken around 2 PM. Around 3:30, it suddenly stopped snowing and the sun came out, it turned into a beautiful day!<br />
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This was hopefully the last major storm this winter, although not to jinx it, we usually get one good one in March. Altogether, our city has had about 185 cm (74 inches, or 6 feet) of snow drop since mid-January<br />
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Please, Mother Nature...no more snow!!<br />
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It's almost Spring have a good week, everyone!<br />
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~Natasha.egbkidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302430382927472499noreply@blogger.com0