Ian's stripped sweater.

I'm really happy with the the way this sweater turned out. I had to use needles a size larger than the pattern called for so its a bit stretchy. Its a bit big for Ian just yet. It made it 9-12 months. The neck line is bigger than I thought it would be but I think it will look better when the sweater fits him on the whole. Its so soft and the blue is so bright and warm. I'm so proud of all my seams. I find a sight called Knitting Help. It has lots of videos showing how to different techniques. So this is my first kniiting projects with such great seams.
I've just found this great website in the last few days called Ravelry This is a community that shares patterns, projects, yarn. You can find out info on all kinds of yarn. I haven't yet explored all of its possibilities. Crocheters and Knitters alike will really enjoy this site. Take a look. Lots of free patterns!

Domestic Bliss

I had bought a turkey awhile back because it was a good price. Since, I have not had the time or will to cook it, but today I finally did it. First I roasted it. I boiled the neck, liver and heart with carrot, celery and onion for Ian. I didn't puree the heart or the liver for him but I'm hoping all their goodness got into the veggies the neck meat and the broth. Then I took all the meat off the turkey and put it into a pan to rewarm later for supper. I put some pan drippings in the bottom of the pan to keep it moist. Then I made my broth with the carcass. We definitely didn't eat enough turkey at supper. Lots of leftovers. I'm going to make soup for supper tomorrow with my broth and extra meat. There is a lot of broth so I think I'll give some soup to someone. I'll make a double batch. We can use some of the turkey for lunch meat. I'll freeze some for a cassarole later. I"m not great at remembering to use frozen leftovers. I also have a hard time thinking of ways to use cooked meat. I'm hoping you can use it the way you would meat with less cooking time. I was going to make a lentil casserole this week. You'll find the recipie at my girlfriend's blog on the Jan. 19th entry. I made it a couple weeks ago and everyone liked it. I added some cut up boneless chicken thighs, but I wonder if I could put some cut up turkey?


I thought I would add a picture of the yarn I'm using to knit Ian's sweater. I rolled it all into balls this afternoon. 50g skeins don't take any time at all to ball. I'm used to larger skeins that seem to take a long time to get into a ball.
I put some puff wheat on Ian's tray today and he picked it up and ate it. He loves eating. I actually think he must be having a growth spurt because he's nursing consistently every 3 hours or sooner.

Elijah's sweater

So after i knit Grace's sweater I had to make one for Elijah. So here it is. I used one of his monster drawing as a template for the picture I stitched on the front. I think he really likes it. It is a bit of a heavy sweater. It may be good for the spring, when that's all you need to wear outside.

I also made him a hat. I got the idea for the rim off Etsy . I made a pink one for Grace but she seems to have misplaced it already. Very sad. I'm sure I'll find it somewhere and then I'll post a picture of it. I think it made it a bit deep.
My next project is a sweater for Ian. In Regina I bought some beautiful pima cotton, Merino wool mixed yarn. I'm planning on using a Debbie Bliss pattern.
All this knitting has really dug into my reading time. Not really getting any done. Its hard to knit and read. So I'm still not done "Shake hands with the Devil." Its pretty depressing, and very long. I try to read a few pages while I'm nursing. Ian doesn't take too long though so I only get a couple pages read at a time.
We have been watching a whole lot of Olympics. The TV is on alot. Its a bit addictive. I'm getting tired of hearing CTV say, we have a great chance on getting a medal and then we get 4th or 5th. I wish they would stop jinxing us like that.

The kids are all having fun crafting this morning. Ian is watching his siblings with awe and amazement. It makes a big difference now that he can sit all by himself. He'll sit long periods of time just playing with his toys or watching the older two.

A Saturday with the kids

Jon is gone to Yorton for today and tomorrow. He is playing in a mens tournament.
For the most part my day with the kids went smoothly. We went into town in the morning. I wanted to get a few things at Walmart. I'll have to return a few. I definitly bought the wrong colour yarn for Elijah's sweater. It looked redish-orange in the store but when i got it home it was more pick than anything. So that won't work. I remembered to buy diapers for Grace and Ian. Surprising.
I'm reading a book called "Grace based parenting" I'm only a little ways in but he's talked about loving your kids for who God made them. I was reminded of this today when Elijah was begging and pleading for me to arrange a play date for him with one of his friends. I find this very difficult. #1 I don't want to bother other families. #2 I don't want to and often can't leave the house to take him somewhere. #3 I didn't want even more of a mess in the house from having another 5 year old to help my two take every toy out. Not today. I was getting very frustrated by his pleading and need to be with other people. I think I can say no to him and he needs to except that decision but I also think I don't want him to get the impression that there is something wrong with him for wanting to be with people all the time. I also don't want to give him the impression that he is an annoyance to me. This is very difficult. To not allow my frustration with the situation to dictate the way I treat him and talk with him about it. Lord give me wisdom.
I'm going to attempt to go to church tomorrow by myself and the kids. I may have to send the two older ones to children's church on their own if Ian is sleeping. I can't just leave him there in the pew and I won't want to carry the car seat all the way to the classroom. I talked with Cristy tonight and asked if I could sit near her. Then she could watch the Ian when I take the kids.
Anyways, off to bed for me. Never know what Ian's night will be like.
much love
amie

from bum to top...

I knit this diaper cover for Ian last summer while I was still pregnant. Very easy pattern, and you can add legs if you want. I bought the pattern online from Green Way Babywear You can buy them already made or get the pattern to make it yourself. You need 100% wool. Try to find a soft kind like, merino wool. I bought just plain wool but it is processed gently without a lot of cemicals so its pretty soft. Its called Custom Woolen Mills ltd. Make sure its not superwash because you need all the natural lanolin and a bit of felting. If you are interested in learning how to help make your woolies even more waterproof just ask and I'll send you the instructions. I really like them. They are not bulky, and keep baby dry. We live in a cold place but I've read from moms who live in hot places that it keeps their babies cool and dry. The miracles God created for us!


So I finished the sweater for Grace. I took it apart a few time before I settled on what it was going to look like. I used some wool I already had in the house. Unfortunately it was 100% wool and not a very soft variety. So she's complaining that its itchy. Poop! I had her wear it with a long sleeve shirt on underneath. This seems to appeased her somewhat. Elijah wants one now, but I'm not going to go to all that work just for him to complain its itchy too. So I may just go to Walmart and buy some cheap yarn.

Crochet

So I've decided to learn how to crochet. I found this great book at the library the other day. Yes, its for kids.
I chose to make this sweater for Grace. I think it will be good.
I've had trouble getting my tension right. The bottom of my first piece is looser than the top. I might have to take it all out and try again. I might as well do it right.
Elijah told me he wants one next and then I think I'll knit something for Ian. I want to go into Regina to Natural Fibers ( I think that's what its called) and get some nice wool for Ian's project. I got some Bebbie Bliss Knitting books at the library too. I love her patterns.
I would really like to start a knitting/crochet club but don't know who would be interested in such a thing. Its hard when we don't have a good wool shop near by. Regina is a bit far for people to go to get wool. Walmart stuff isn't interesting and their selection is bad.
Jon and I were going to go away for a weekend together this coming weekend, but it doesn't look like its going to happen now. So maybe I can convince him to take me into Regina to get the wool. Normally this would not be a good enough reason to go but under the circumstances I think he owes me one!

A cherished book

This cook book belonged to my mother. I don't remember where she got it. (Mom you can comments and tell us.) As a child I remember her using it often. It must have gotten wet in some accident in the kitchen at some point because the pages are wrinkled in places. This just makes me love it more. My mom often used the biscuit recipe on page 13. It's the only one I use now. The book naturally opens to the page. When I married a Mennonite and he told me about these little cookie his mom made, of course I wanted to make them for him and on page 279 I found, "Pfeffernusse". This young bride had a happy husband.

Recently, in an attempt to make cheap, healthy food for my family I decided to try the very affordable cut of pork, 'the ham hock.' What's a girl to do with ham hock? I opened my cookbook and there I found a wonderful recipe for Split Pea Soup (pg 41) Because I love this recipe so much I thought I would share it with you.

1 ham hock

2 1/2 quarts water

2 1/2 cups split peas

1 large onion

3 medium carrots

Salt and pepper

Cook ham hock and peas together slowly for about 3 hours. Dice onions and carrots and add 30 minutes before severing. Season.

It's that easy! I added celery and cooked it longer that 3 hours because I started with a frozen ham hock. I also added the meat off the bone (its not that much) back into the soup. Mine is really thick after cooling and I like it like that. But if you didn't want it really thick just don't cook it till it gets to that point. And if you do just add water when you are reheating the leftovers! Yummy, easy, healthy, affordable soup. What more could you ask for.

At the end of the book the author has included a little jewel.

"Food for a Barn Raising" This list was found in an olds handwritten recipe book.

115 lemon pie

500 fat cakes (doughnuts)

15 large cakes

3 gallons applesauce

3 gallons rice pudding

16 chickens

3 hams

50 pounds roast beef

300 light rolls

16 loaves bread

Red beet pickles, pickles eggs, cucumber pickles

6 pounds dried prunes, stewed

1 large crock stewed raisins

5 gallon stone jar white potatoes and the same amount of sweet potatoes

Enough for 175 men.

Wow!!!! That must have taken quite the cook force. Talk about team work.

So there you have it- my favorite cookbook. Maybe one day I'll have the privilege of giving it to Grace...if she wants it...if not...I'll keep it!!!!

blessings

The Jungle Book

I was putting some books away today. I picked up "The Jungle Book" and flipped through it. The book opened to the story " Toomai of the Elephants". This is the poem the story begins with.

I will remember what I was. I am sick of ropes and chains.
I will remember my old strength and all my forest affairs.
I will not sell my back to man for a bundle of sugar-cane,
I will go out to my own kind, and the wood-folk in their lairs.

I will go out until the day, until the morning break,
Out to the winds' untainted kiss, the waters' clean caress:
I will forget my ankle-ring and snap my picket-stake.
I will revisit my lost loves, and playmates masterless!

I was moved by this short poem. I was a nice moment in my day, amid all the folding, cooking, disciplining, bum wiping, nursing and so on.

Shake Hands With the Devil

I am currently reading L.Gen. Romeo Dallaire's account of the genocide in Rawanda. I had read a book earlier this year which was a personal account of the genocide. I of course was moved by the story and became interested in learning more about what could have caused and allowed such a massacre to occur.
Dallaire's account is lengthy. There are times that I skim pages as he details all the politics and work that went into even getting a small force of Peacekeepers into Rawanda. I have to admit I love a story, so when the book become more detailed history I getting a little bored. The endless names and ranks are confusing. Not to say that this is unneeded. I'm sure there are lots of people who understand and I feel as though this book is Dallaire's account to the nation and the world for his actions and the events that unfolded.
Having a family member in the Armed Forces, I am very interested in the way his mind works as a soldier, the affects his work had on his family, his honesty about his failings to the job and his family, and the affects the genocide had on his mental health. He is very candied about his pride and ignorance going into the mission. It was his first mission overseas and he was still quite young.
In the introduction he describes a scene in which he and his patrol meet a lone boy standing in the road. The stop the truck look for his parents in the forest surrounding them and can not locate anyone who is caring for this child. (This is well into the genocide.) The boy runs into a house near by and they follow him. Inside the boy sits down beside his dead mother. The rest of his family is lies dead there too. Dallaire takes the child out of the house and he clings to him. I quote, " I made up my mind: this boy would be the fourth child in the Dallaire family. I couldn't save Rwanda, but I could save this child." I think this situation is a good example of his compassion and utter need to do something about all the destruction and death he sees around him. Who would not want to take this child to safety and give them a home? His humanity compels him to save this child. O fcourse the story ends with the child running off into the forest never to be seen again.
I"m not quite done the book yet. I'm sure once I'm into the account of the genocide I'll have more to write about.
blessings

Blueberry blue

Today Grace wanted frozen blueberries after lunch for dessert. The result...blue (purply-blue) face and hands. What a kid.


This is my kitchen almost any time during the day. Morning till night. Elijah especially really loves drawing, cutting, gluing, stringing beads, sticking fun foam on paper, etc... I'm really happy that he can entertain himself like that, and that he's getting really creative, but my house is so small and my kitchen therefore is small and he rarely remembers to put away the mess (being a 5 year old this comes naturally). I'm trying really hard to love him through this. I guess I just got to keep reminding him..."honey, can you put it away now?" Ah, the life of a mother!

I had to add this one. Elijah and Ian are smiling so nicely. And then there is Grace. She looks like she's half monkey. This photo is reflective of her diverse colourful character. What's not to love? This picture sums up my kids so beautifully!
blessings
Amie

Betsie ten Boon

In the final year of the first world war, when food was scares and hope thin corrie remembers Bestie saying to the family,
" It is going to be a harder winter than we have ever had before. We must show through our joy the worth of being a Christian. We should already be doing this, because seeing the dark clouds approaching is often harder than being covered by them."
In the second world war, the the sisters had been taken as prisoners for hiding Jews. At the concentration camp before she went to be with Christ, in that dark place, she knew the love of Christ, and not only that but wanted others to know it as well.
"We must tell them that there is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still"

Oh that my faith would rest so in Christ.

Blessings

Currently reading...

Jonathan gave me a read through the bible in the year Bible. It is divided into daily readings which include Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, and New Testament. It is very easy and enjoyable. I like how my reading for the day is right there and no flipping around is necessary. I have been excited each day to come to the Word. I am hopeful that I will be able to read the whole bible this year.

I am also reading "Life Lessons from the Hiding Place. Discovering the Heart of Corrie Ten Boom." I stole this one from my parents book shelf when we were there visiting this Christmas. Besides the wisdom and beauty of Corrie that is so inspiring, I am finding all the information on Holland very interesting. My Grandfather immagrated to Canada from Holland. I have always been disappointed not to learn more from him about this place from which our family comes. It sounds like a beautiful country with strong, resourceful people.
I'll leave you with a quote that caught my attention last night. " We never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answers. If we are true intercessors, we must be ready to take part in God's work on behalf of the people for whom we pray." Pg. 38
Blessings

Sick

Not feeling really well today. The kids and I didn't go to church today. Jon had to go because he was leading the service. I thought about it but as the time grow closer and I still needed a shower I decided I wasn't going to make it. I feel achy and tired. Jon let me have a nap this afternoon. I slept for two hours. I felt a bit better after that. It's a little after 9:00pm and I'm wasted. I'm heading to bed. Ian hasn't been sleeping well, so who knows how much I'll be awake tonight. I can't figure out what's wrong with him. Teething, growth spurt, the tea I'm drinking. I guess I'll never know.
Off to bed.

In Jesus Name.

The other day I was emailing Jon about an email that we needed to send to a friend. I wrote, "would you like me to write the email in your name?"
It reminded me that of the classic closing to our prayers, "In Jesus name, Amen." It struck me that when I say this phrase I am saying, "God, I say all this through Christ." or " Hear my words as if it were Jesus talking to you." The whole concept of Jesus interceding at the throne has become personal and more dear to me with this insight.
Its amazing how we do and say things without realizing that they are a part of our theology. Or we do and say things out of habit even when it doesn't line up with our theology.
Food for thought.

artist at etsy

One day I'm going to spend my days looking for fabrics and then sitting at a sewing machine creating new wonderful things!
Hope you can apperciate this little video like I did

a day in the life

I'm a mother of three with what always seem to be full days, and yet when I sit down in the evening to write a blog I have a terrible time thinking of something to write.
My Moms and Tots group is doing at cookie exchange tomorrow. So today I did my best to make something for the exchange. I don't know why I had to try something new. I made Cream Cheese Swirl Blondies. All three of the kids were either crying, begging , or complaining during the mixing process. I was about to throw in the towel, but I sent to two older one's to their rooms and put the youngest down for a nap. Problem solved! The blondies didn't turn out the way I thought they would. Oh well. I'm supposed to have the recipe typed out for whoever takes my cookies...but that's not going to happen the way the day has gone.
It is so cold outside today. It seems like the past week I've either been in my house or in my van. Walking somewhere is not going to happen. This is not a particularly good thing seeing I've just had a baby, its Christmas and there are always more sweet things to eat, and when it gets cold I always want to eat things with either or both flour and sugar. What's with that? It is as predictable as the canada goose going south for the winter. The temp. starts dropping and I start baking. Hey it just hit me, that would be the good thing about living in the Kenyan heat...I wouldn't ever feel like baking. Who wants to turn on the oven when it's plus 30? Not me!
Well, wish me luck with my blondies at Moms and Tots tomorrow. Hope someone wants them.
Off to bed I go.

Christmas excitment.

The tree is up and cookies are made. Its christmas time at the Chalmers house. I'm so happy we are going to Ontario to celebrate with my family. Only 7 more sleeps until we go! Very exciting. We will be at Josh and Becky's house for 11 days and then in Hamilton for 5 days. It has been too long since Josh and I have celebrated Christmas together.
Last Christmas I was submitting to Christ as I was unable to see my family. Its amazing to me how when we give our lives completely to Christ, even what may seem like small things He often remembers us and our trust in Him. How many times have I longed for something and given it to God and He has in His own time blessed me. I want to trust my Father in heaven. He is so good. Even when I was crying last Christmas because I was not with my family, He was good then.
See you in seven sleeps

Food inc.

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This was a really interesting movie. We definitely shopped a little differently today. Jon was really into reading all the labels. It really is unbelievable how many things that corn is in. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in what they eat.

Soup, a night out and my growing boy

So this is a mix-mash of the last week.
I made some amazing soup on Monday. Cream of Pea and Spinach. I love the beautiful green color and texture was so smooth and velvety. Here's the recipie
1 small onion chopped small
5 tbsp of butter
1/4 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
1-2 cups water
2 cup frozen/fresh peas
1 bag of spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream. I use coffee cream

1.melt butter in larger pot
2. add onion and cook unto translucent don't brown them
3.add flour stirring let it start bubbling
4.add broth slowly stirring all the time
5.add water
6.bring to boil and turn down to simmer stirring ferquently. let it thicken to consistency of cream. let it simmer for 10 mins to get rid of flour taste.
7.add peas and spinach. simmer until wilted and mushy.
8.puree in blender in batches. Don't fill blender too much with each batch
9.put back in pot add cream and heat. Don't boil or you may ruin your cream.
Enjoy!!!! Try using broccoli that's good too!

On Wednesday night Jon and I were able to go the Agrobition. We had a lot of fun together. Blayne and Penny Banting offered to look after Elijah and Grace. What a blessing that was. We felt so served and loved by them. We bought tickets for the rodeo. We saw some bucking broncos, cattle roping, calf wrestling, sheep herding dogs, mutten bustin' and lots more. Its a nice crowd, its not too loud and Jon and I were able to watch and have a conversation.

I thought I throw and picture of Ian in the jolly jumper for the first time. He just loved it. I think he was in there for a half hour or more. What a cutie. He's getting so big so fast. Always smiling expect when he's hungry or tired.

I've been given so many good gifts. Thank you Lord.

my last day alone...kinda

Jon had been out of the house for the last three days in a row. I'm tired of parenting by myself. Today he went with his Dad to the Riders game. They had a blast. I'm really glad they enjoyed themselves. Jon has been wanting to do that for so long.
When I'm alone at home without another adult I end up on the internet all day. Today I became a member on www.lionbrand.com Its a yarn company. I don't know if its Canadian but they definitely had a canadian site with canadian prices. They have lots of free patterns. Some nice ones too. I hate it when free patterns are aweful looking.
The kids have watched the third Ice Age movie atleast 5 times over the past three days. They are still laughing. We borrowed from our neighbour. I think we'll give it back tomorrow so I don't have to say no to watching it for the sixth time.
Elijah was eating Cheerios this afternoon as a snack. I said to him, "I don't know if there are Cheerios in Africa" He said, "What will we eat for breakfast?" I said, "maybe eggs." He said, "you don't eat eggs at breakfast." I realize I maybe haven't given a lot of variety at breakfast for my family. :)
I'm praying Ian sleeps well tonight. I can't handle being woke after only sleeping for an hour.