Cookie Exchange 2012

This Sunday my friends have organized their annual cookie exchange. I have gone over the past 2 or 3 years.

Here is what I am bringing :) They are a cross between a baby cookie (texture wise, very crunchy)... and a spice cookie. I like them.

I posted a prior blog with the Martha Stewart version of Cardamom Spice Cookies.  <--- Just click on that... and it will take you to her site.

Here are a few photos from the years past cookie exchanges too... when I was not blogging.

 This one is from 2010 I believe... My friend Andrea has always been our wonderful hostess  and she puts out quite the spread of goodies for us hard working ladies to enjoy. Rumor has it that her hubby Eric is making a treat this year too. My friend Lisa asked him it it was a mess that he was making... haw haw.  Anyways, pictured here is a boat-load of goodies from the first exchange I have attended. I can remember Steph's caramel popcorn (HUGE BOWLS!) She has a great blog I will encourage you to check out. Monica's incredible pumpkin spice cake (that I ate frozen in about 5 days time...ya), Sheri's Monster Cookies that were safe to take to   school because they were nut-free. Tammara made an assortment of goodies, and boxed them up so pretty. She makes the BEST coconut balls. OMG. I am hoping for a repeater again this Christmas Exchange.

Here is a good view of Monica's Cake... SO GOOD. She sent me the reciepe, and it was really easy to make too.... but keep in mind... she had 3 toddlers and a newborn at the time. She's kinda a hero in my books.

I feel bad for not remembering everyone's loot. I know I made Traditional Gingerbread cookies, which in my opinion are a Christmas staple. I have a old stand-by cookbook from Canadian Living from my mom. It's from 1995. Oldies for goodies as I like to say.

Thankful.

I'm thankful. Just very very thankful tonight. Overwhelmingly. I could spend the next 45 minutes listing what I am thankful for, but I'd rather curl up in my cosy bed and drift off to sleep.

Photo taken at Balls Falls 2010

That is all.

Hikes at Short Hills Provincial Park is our "piece of nature" that both my husband and I long for. We met in the Muskokas, and have both been raised around wide open spaces. City living has been challenging for us, (more post to come with our adaptations on making the best of it) but we are truly thankful for all that we have. God is faithful.

Our son NEEDS to run, and it bursting with energy. He just needs to go. Shout. Run. Search. Find. Stumble. Discover. I like to look at the world a second time around, through his eyes. Short Hills is a 15-20 minute drive from where we live, but once there... its nice to just get in the trees and take a big ol' breath of leafy-pine filled air.

For more information here is their website:
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/shor.html

2011 Stephen Moments Throw-Back

 In no particular order, just pictures Stephen said he wanted to remember and likes.

Garlic

We planted garlic a few weeks ago. I am very thankful for my gardening friend. He is always eager to help, and I find it easy to give him jobs. He is strong. Loves hard work. This guy LOVES shorts too... I believe we planted on October 28th... trooper!

They are all mulched up now, and will spend the winter tucked into the maple leaves. Once spring comes, the juicy garlic shoots will break ground. Always a lovely sign of Spring!

In this Moment...

Weekly, I am going to be searching for those beautiful moments that have no words.

Meant to remind me of {...a place that is peaceful, tranquil, a place to be thankful... }

I made this blackboard for a baby shower this summer... and use it as a gratitude board 

It's true. I am happy to have peppermint in my life. Fresh from the garden. Dried in tea (best shared with a friend). Made into a liquor. Made into a balm. As an essential oil and diffusing on my house.

Announcing.... the soon to be arrival of Baby #2 

Foggy on the Outside

I took this photo today while enjoying breakfast overlooking the street. We have been experiencing morning full of fog, and it's been reported to be cancelling buses in the area.

Foggy Morning on Sunview Street

Our son looked out the window early this morning (something he does every morning when he gets down the stairs) and declared... "Mom, it's there again". Sometimes he asks me why things are the way the are, and is a naturally curious little guy... but today he just stared out at it. Squinting to see the cars parked across the street. Maybe his buddies house.

Have you ever been foggy on anything? Not seeing things as clearly as you wish? Where do you look for clarity? Emotions? Books? Prayer? Friends? Coffee!?

When I hear that the powers that be were cancelling bus service for school... my first thought was: "Don't they know it will lift soon? Do they realize it's temporary?"

I know there have been many times when my head fog seemed to go on and on for days. Cloudy thoughts, forgetful fog.

I've realized that MOST times it's because I am dehydrated. Anyways. Those are my thoughts for today.

New Beginnings!

We have a large picture window that faces the street. Our neighbourhood is full of young families. We have so much to be thankful for. This blog is meant to celebrate the small and big blessings that are right in my frontyard, backyard and beyond. Join me as I walk my way through a thankful and humble life.