Make The Connection!

Like many of you parents another weekend just passed with many many hours spent at the local arena.  One topic that kept coming up as the moms sat in the loby between periods eating rink burgers was cooking meals.  I know not everyone is as lucky as me to have Patty cooking for the family but now you too can have a Patti make you a home cooked meal.  Dinner Connection to the rescue.  A lovely lady named Patti will do all the work for you!  Shopping, preparing, and clean up for your family supper and all you have to do is pick it up.  Don't want to do even that much?  They will deliver within Swift Current limits for $10.

Dinner Connection Website

Get a group of moms together and someone brings up Dinner Connection.  "Oh I have heard of that.  What did your family think?"  The answers vary from, "It was delicious, the kids loved it and we had leftovers", "The garlic shrimp is amazing", "The prices are so reasonable and no work involved", "The slow cooker meals are so easy."

My Patty had to leave town for a meeting and instead of hitting a drive thru I phoned Dinner Connection and ran over and picked up two meals.  For the night he was gone we had beef enchiladas.  I made myself some weight watcher food which I ate and then ended up eating half an enchilada because they looked so darn good!  

 The cool reusable bags.

What a sport.  After a day of cooking she was still up for an impromptu photo shoot!

The second meal I put in the oven the next day and took the kids to swimming.  I got a text from my hubby when he arrived back home from a long day of meetings it said..."Do I need to make anything to go with this yummy looking/smelling casserole in the oven?"  He actually thought I made it and then doubted if I had been passing off Dinner Connection meals as my own in the past!

If you are a busy mom like me.  (The two words are synonymous) I encourage you to give the other Patti a call and get some great family meals in your freezer for the long hockey season ahead! She will even do your Christmas baking for you!

(I meant to take pictures of the meals but we were ate them too fast!  But they looked good, you'll have to trust me)

Breast Friends enter the Den

For all you Dragon's Dens fans please tune in December 8th to watch 10 of the most passionate, kind, funny, giving ladies I have ever met pitch to the Dragons. 


Their fourth cookbook just came out and it is a Christmas cookbook.  It would be a great present for a loved one.  Who could resist good old Saskatchewan recipes tried and tested by 10 Grandmas!


Dragon's Den Blog


Join them on Facebook

My mother in law is hiding in this picture but she is on the far right in the picture below and in the green vest in the bottom picture.  

This is their story copied with permission from Gateway publishing
Gateway


Breast Cancer Fundraising Cookbook has now raised over One Million!

A breast cancer fundraising cookbook that started out as an idea among 10 women from the small Canadian town of Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, has become a bestseller and raised over one million. The Breast Friends fundraising group was so successful with their first three cookbooks that they produced a fourth fundraising cookbook with Gateway Publishing Inc. entitled Breast Wishes from Breast Friends - Women working together for a cure.




“We approached Gateway with an idea for breast cancer fundraising that quickly became reality. Our breast cancer and cancer fundraising cookbooks have garnered national media attention and strong continuing sales. A big part of our success can be attributed to Gateway’s professional cookbooks and its helpful staff. Gateway’s flexible approach has helped us grow from a small organization with a vision to a growing foundation that distributes cookbooks that serve a very meaningful purpose.”

– For The Breasts of Friends, Foam Lake, Saskatchewan

If you are considering a fundraising cookbook for your organization and would like to learn more, please contact us Toll Free at 1 (800) 665-4878 or e-mail us at cookbooks@gatebook.com for a free package on how to develop your own fundraising cookbook.

Breast Friends Fundraising Group - A Little History
The Breast Friends came together as a group of menopausal women from a small Saskatchewan community that, like most women, had been affected by breast cancer in their families, friends or colleagues.

Linda Helgason, one of the founders, had a scare with her own health and with the loss of some very special people, decided to ride with the Prairie Women on Snowmobiles to raise money for breast cancer research. Nine friends jumped on board to act as her fundraising committee and became Breast Friends.

The group decided to host a banquet in their small rural community to raise $3,000. The banquet was a great success to say the least. They raised $8,000. During the banquet and for many days after, the committee was asked for copies of the recipes for the dishes that they served. Another idea blossomed.

“Let’s publish a book with the banquet recipes, and a collection of our favorite recipes, and make money for breast cancer research.”

The “For The Breasts Of Friends” fundraising cookbook was the result.

Fast Forward - Where Breast Friends Are At Today

"For The Breasts of Friends" fundraising cookbook #1 hit the marketplace in June 2004 to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. The book became a national bestseller in less than three months.

"For The Breasts And The Rest of Friends" cookbook #2 hit the marketplace in January 2006 and was dedicated to fight all cancers. It was consistent with the high standards of book one and actually garnered the golden national bestseller seal before book #1.


The third cookbook in the series, Breast Wishes from Breast Friends - Women working together for a cure, was launched in April 2008. Pre-production orders for the book were so overwhelming that the book was actually a national bestseller before it even hit the shelves.

Breast Wishes is a celebration of life. It is dedicated to the many women living with, and in spite of breast cancer. It speaks to the small positive steps that are being made toward combating the disease. It talks about the strength of women and the importance of girlfriends. It makes us laugh and it serves up food for thought.

All three cookbooks are truly comprehensive, each with over 400 uncomplicated, certain-to-please recipes, from delectable appetizers, salads and well-known family favorite entrees, to comforting soups and scrumptious desserts.

The cookbooks are illustrated with appealing color photographs and also feature cancer facts and advice. These unique fundraising books also contain beautiful quotes and quips that will make you smile. They are dedicated to loved ones that have lost the fight against cancer and to the hope that we will soon see the end to this dreaded disease.

To date $1 000 000 has been donated. 

Our Latest Cookbook

Breast Wishes for Christmas Breast Friends cookbooks have generated over a million dollars in the fight against cancer. The ten Breast Friends, energized by hitting this wonderful milestone, have gleaned and gathered all of their Christmas family favourite recipes. They've included some seasonal quotes and some heart warming holiday stories in this beautiful Christmas collection. Their hope is that season after season this book, and the good grass roots work that is being done through it's sales can continue to bring folks some measure of comfort and joy. Net profits from each book are donated to cancer agencies, equipment, research and patient needs.The group makes every effort to make donations in areas where books are sold. Each book costs only $14.95 plus GST and shipping. Click here to order.

http://www.breastfriends.ca/

#51 forever 49

My mom and I had the privilege of attending the Plaza of Honor where the inductees were the three winning Saskatchewan Roughrider teams.  My Dad and Uncle played for the 1966 team so off we went to Regina to join in the festivities.  I helped my mom pick out two outfits she could wear and then convienently stole one to wear myself.  She made me return it in the parking lot as she knew she would never see it again otherwise.  

There were images and videos playing throughout the evening.  I was so excited to see this one of my Dad, Uncles and Grandpa.  

There were over 1200 people in attendance.  It felt like having supper with the entire town of Davidson. The food was beyond amazing!

Some of the souvenirs we got to take home. 

The wine was delicious but they took the lids off so I couldn't stick those in my purse.  

 My Dad's team mates.

 The slide show

 Action film of my Uncle Wayne.

George Reed spoke on behalf of the team.  

It was wonderful being there to celebrate my Dad being inducted into the Plaza of Honor.  I miss my Dad a lot and this is one way to remember him and for my kids to get to know about their Grandpa.  When he won the cup he was only 23 years old and since he passed away at the young age of 49 I never saw him grow old.  Many things he missed like seeing me convocate from University, walking me down the aisle, rocking grandbabies, retirement.  He missed a lot of good things but I realized watching some of his team mates walk with canes, inject insulin at the table, and take pills with supper, even request milk to the table instead of the wine.  He also missed a lot of the aches and pains of growing old.  For me   my Dad is frozen in time a vibrant, funny guy full of energy and life with barely a grey hair on his head.  To my kids their Grandpa will always be that 23 year old smiley faced hero winning the Grey Cup, bringing pride to his family, his home town, Davidson, and to the entire province.  #51 will be forever 49 in my mind.

 It was indeed an honor to be there!

A Perfect 10!

This year it was my turn to plan our wedding anniversary and it is the big 10 years.  Even though we went to Vancouver/Victoria I still felt the pressure to do something special on that day.  Especially after what Pat came up with last year... http://www.thecircushouse.com/2009/10/i-had-time-of-my-life.html

Well we all know I don't cook so for the third time in ten years the awesome Kelly from Pic a Deli prepared a dream meal for us!  I just told him when and were and he did the rest from picking the wine and beer to the menu.  Candles and flowers, the whole restaurant to ourselves and personal service.  I can't recommend Kelly highly enough if you want something special for an anniversary or Christmas party even at your own home.  More than a meal an experience.  

 The ambience.

Chilean wine and Mexican Beer

My cute husband.  Since I was in charge of the day's plans I made him wear this golf shirt from 10 years ago.  We wore these shirts at our rehearsal the night before we got married.  We gave them to the wedding party and our parents and will never live down the fact that I forgot to get two for my brothers that were ushers!  

We will probably pull them out again for our 20th.  

Bring on the food.  This was  a cold shrimp appy with tasty marinade.  Wow what a start.  

Look at how thin the slices of cucumber are on the plate.  The bread was warm and delicious and the avocado is my favourite.  Kelly remembered me saying that last year!  What a guy.  

A Shooter of something to go with the avocado.

Here's to ten magical years.

Unreal how this tasted. Some italian sausage and cream cheese.  And we still aren't into the main course.  

Zucchini, cheesie potatoes, teriyaki steak, cheese filled zucchini and roast tomatoes.

Some kind of frosty Baha concoction.  

A latte with liqueur.  DDDDDElllicous.  

Woops I forgot to take a picture of the cream cheese brownie swimming in warm vanilla custard.  

I am glad after that meal I wasn't the one who had to curl.  Pat and his crew at the CUMA bonspiel.  He made the uniforms all by himself.  What a crafty guy.  

The last suprise of the night I had the CU marketing girls print out a poster for the lounge.  I also called Rod Pederson's radio station to have him wish Pat a Happy 10th Anniversary on 620 Sports Cage. It was awesome he actually did it!  I am sure it will probably get him beat up in the dressing room at his rec hockey game!

Well there you go.  Tag Pat you're it I can't wait to see what you come up with for #11!

Halloweeeeeeen- Updated!

**** This portion of the blog is an update because Levi complained he wasn't in this post and because Miss K also comented, "Where is Levi"****

First of all Levi sleeps until noon if I let him and we carved the pumpkin at 10 am.  Next everything Levi says to me now begins with .... Don't put this on the blog but......

As for Haloween there comes a time when unless you are a parent taking a child trick or treating you are too old to Trick or Treat.  There are cities and towns that have passed bylaws that children over the age of 12 are not allowed to Trick or Treat if you get caught you have to pay a $100 fine.  If your town has not passed such a law and you are a parent trying to decide whether your child is too old to trick or treat let me give you my list (this is only my opinion you can feel free to disagree)

You are to old to trick or treat if:

You shave.You own a blackberry.You have to ask your boss for time off to go trick or treating, you have a car, a girlfriend, boobs bigger then the moms handing out the candy. Your Haloween costume consists of your second year Bantam hockey jersey. Part of your Haloween plan involves trying to get into the Shack. 

This is just my opinon. 

*************************

If you think a parent of 5 can sleep in the morning after Greek Nite you would be wrong so when everyone is asking why are you going home so early that is the reason.  

Sunday Morning Pumpkin Carving.  Ellie doesn't want to be recognized.  

We pu the guts on top for hair.

You can see the roses Pat bought me for our anniversary behind Ellie.  They are from Smart Flowers!

Happy Haloween!  I love pictures there are no sound.  These kids were driving me bananas but when I look back at this picture in 10 years I will think how sweet they look.

We set the box of chips on the step and went Trick or Treating and Olivia was so worried someone would steal the whole box.  I told her what about your bike on the driveway you aren't worried someone will steal that I think the chips will be fine.

Costumes,  Avatar, Monkey in a tutu, TNMT and scary face!

Look at all the loot!

Sweeties in the wagon.

Blue Princess. I wasn't going to buy her this costume since it was only in an adult size and was expensive but she cried for an hour and I caved.  She promises me she will wear this costume for the next three years.  We will see.

This cracked me up.  What a good Dad to dress up.  Homemade by a colleague it is construction bristle board covered with felt and styrofoam balls.  Love it!

Sleeeeepy Monkey.  

Fun With Glue

I used to consider myself somewhat crafty.  I  cross stiched, quilted, painted, made the occasional popsicle God's eye but lately I have been to busy creating people to create many crafty projects.  So you may be surprised to see a post about what to do with glue but don't worry there is no glitter in sight.

Monday was a day off from School which means a whole day of, I'm bored, all we ever do is clean, I had it first, he's bugging me, I'm hungry, Mom why are you crying...  if you are a parent of school aged children you can relate to the PD Day anxiety.  Well yesterday we broke from the boring old routine and took a field trip not once but TWICE to the E.R. for stitches!

First was Carson.  Kelsey and Carson love to wrestle.  When I ask them not to they say, " We aren't wrestling we are playing bull rider at the rodeo" (ok even I like that game but that's beside the point) or that it's ok I'm not hurting him, he wants me to.  Well today it was, we aren't wrestling we are pillow fighting.  Well I think they were using the pillows from Halloween filled with pop and candy because, BOOOOM Carson was bleeding.  Well luckily no stitches just GLUE!

Something about Carson, Halloween and stitches.  Below is a picture of Carson when he was 2 and his 2 day old sister.  We just were discharged and then we were back again to get stitches.  It looked great with his Skeleton costume.  Kari came to the rescue running over to take care of the brand new breastfed baby!  What a great friend.

This year the cut wasn't as bad.  Just a blackberry picture as I don't know what blogging etiquette is in the E.R.  Didn't want to look to TMZ.

I felt pretty bad returning only 8 hours later with my second kid in need of a good gluing.  Olivia smacked her neck on the swimming pool wall.  The nurse wrote down that she hit it on a pole and they kept asking her about hitting the pole and falling off the pole!  Pool  Poool I said,  No daughter of mine is going to be on a pole!

The Doctors, Nurses and staff were as always incredible.  They did drop one bottle of the skin glue on the floor and since they were all gloved up I offered to grab it and throw it in the garbage.  I have to admit for a minute I did think about throwing that bottle in my "Let's Make a Deal Purse".  Just to have in case for the next PD Day either to glue together cuts or possibly glue some mouths closed or maybe my ears closed...........