Words from Peter

This is from two years ago.

Here's some more interesting conversations with Peter:

"Mom - I know what!! The prime minister is the government!!"

- this after talking with Ethan about it.

"Mom? Do you think kings have more power or governments?"

"I'm not so sure, maybe kings..."

"No, I think governments do because they are richer"

"I suppose you are right...they do take taxes from everyone, so when you work, they take some of your money."

"I don't want to work Mom, I just want to worship God, share, and pray"

"Oh, so you want to be a monk?" - actually I didn't say that but I thought it

"You know what Peter you don't have to go to work yet but you do have to clean your room."

"Why?"

"So the floor is clear so we can vacuum in there and then you don't have a problem with dust allergies."

"I don't have allergies Mom!! I am strong and big!!"

"You are right but some of us do. I am glad you want to worship God, share and pray (trying to get back to the point)."

"Mom, when you die do you have to go through fire?"

"No, you get to go straight to heaven"

"oh good"

Mostly Nadia...awwww

I have dedicated this whole morning to blogging and laundry - along with taking care of Peter and Nadia of course!! There are three other blogs before this one so make sure that you see those ones as well because they are easy to miss!!

These shots are from new years eve.
It's so hard to chose when everyone in the house takes so many pictures!!!

Will and I went to a 70s party. He was already in the van waiting for me, when I thought of getting a shot. I joke with him that when he does that he reminds me of his Dad!!!

Our third snowfall.

More tough choices...

What's over there?

Peter said to me "Mom, I want to sleep with someone...with someone I love." So we made arrangements for him to sleep "with" Aleana one night. She lovingly sleep on the floor - what a nice sister!

More difficult choices...these are from last week.

Now I like to laugh too!!!

Nadia can be found in the strangest places...

She doesn't seem to mind!!!!

These I took this morning - 9.5 weeks old.

Christmas Catch-up

It's Christmas Eve and before the festivities start the fire must be started.

It's a yearly event, so it is attended to with much anticipation and concentration.

It's starting!!

So peaceful to watch.

So warm and inviting.

Even Nadia was entralled.

This is the only shot of Aleana because she took all the other pictures.

Peter wrapped up some Duplo for Ethan which is always received with a confused look that soon turns into an accepting smile. Look how proud Peter is.

yah!! We caught her laughing!

Ethan refurbished his old hockey stick by cutting it down and wrapping it with hockey tape.

He gave that to Peter who was very thankful to receive such an initiation gift.

I can't remember what this is but it's another Peter gift - to Matthew. I love catching the initial confounded looks - priceless!

Matthew looking all rosy and excited.
Time for a haircut Mom!!

Puzzles and Pajamas are the annual treasures.

I bought Will some hankerchiefs - it's an inside joke.

I will never live this one down - forgive me Will?

We bought Matthew a little MP3 player - but it's only for homework and we get to pick the music. It's suppose to help him concentrate. Any others suggestions?? He does not appreciate chamomile tea too much but he does like coffee - it's suppose to help certain kids.

Nadia recieved this pretty dress from Auntie Marj. Ethan wanted to try it on!!

Thanks Auntie!!! We love the video "God of Wonders" too - God's creation is so amazing.

Later when all the kids were in bed - Dad and daughter enjoyed the fire.

Without the flash. Can you see the fire in her eyes? It won't be the first time I am sure , if she has a temper at all like the rest of them :).

I love these pictures!!!

Where's the bearskin rug?

It really held her attention.

She probably felt it too. The quiet, the peace and the love.

After all the noisy and busy love.

The wonderful end to another wonderful Christmas.

Thank you LORD for all your blessings!!!

Sick Days

Peter showing off his uvula.

The flu went through our house last week. Everyone had their turn except Miss Nadia, who managed to get by unscathed. It was nasty - it lasted 3-7 days depending who you were. Peter actually stayed in bed one whole day - I have never had that happen before. He said to me "Mommy I think I am staying in bed and not getting out for a long long time." Poor little guy. I had to change his bed three times and every half an hour he called "Mom!!!". I got lots of exercise that day.

When Will gets sick he just sleeps alot. He came home the previous day at 2pm and didn't get out of bed until 11am the next day. Here we are having our sick day together. Peter took the pictures and here is one of the few that was centred - tehe.

Just having some fun...

On a bright note - Matthew is learning how to read and we are enjoying that. If he reads 100 books his teacher will give him a book. Needless to say, everyone in the house is being delegated to reading with Matthew. Aleana and Ethan love it because it's something they can be an expert in :). Which reminds me - I have to get to the library soon...

A beautiful nursing picture - on a sick day I must add.

Visit with Grandpa and Grandma Buma

On Saturday we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa. It was long overdue. It was our first "real" visit to their new place. It is beautiful and suits their needs perfectly, I'm so happy for them that they are where they want to be.
Great-Grandma enjoying Nadia.

Both ladies are starting to smile more and more. Grandma because her hip is doing so much better and Miss Nadia because she is growing so nicely.

The two sisters - Aleana continues to be a huge help - does she mind?

Rarely ever will she turn down an opportunity to hold her sister :).

To the third and fourth generation. The second was taking the picture :).
Grandma is looking so healthy!!

And we can't forget about Grandpa who is always glad to see us and enjoys the boisterous life we bring momentarily into their lives.

Thanks for the nice visit Grandma and Grandpa - we love you!!

Hanging out with Peter

Things that Peter says that split my gut...

After devotions one night in regards to the circumcision party..."Is God circumcized?"

While helping me make my bed...

"Do you want these suitcases on your bed?"

"What?"

"These suitcases?" (holding up pillowcases)

You know that dog "Boterkoek?"

"No"

"From the movie"

"Boterkoek, boterkoek, boterkoek hmmm"

"The boterkoek dog in the funny movie."

"Oh you mean Marmaduke!"

It's a good clean family movie - other than fart jokes.

Crock Pot Challenge

Here is a recipe that I created and I was wondering if anyone would like to try it and tell me what they think about it. It just so happened that I didn't have the usual veggies for stew the day I made this so I searched my freezer and found a bag of frozen pears from the summer. Once they were in the pot - I thought why not try some cinnamon on top of that? In our family, it worked out great!! Everyone loved it (which is a feat in and of itself) and since then I have tried it with apples and that is just as good. Enjoy!!

Pear - Potato Stew

2lb of stewing beef

10-12 medium potatoes cut in large cubes

1-2 onions - sliced

1 cup of beef or vegetable broth

4-5 pears (can also use apples) - sliced and cored (leave peel on)

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

Place beef in bottom of slowcooker. Place cut potatoes and onions on top of beef. Add broth.

Place pears on top of veggies. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high 4-5 hours.