What I'm Into: January 2015 Edition...

In the Kitchen

Coffee, coffee and more coffee.  And the odd cup of tea. But I've been obsessed with drinking coffee.  We were bad and splurged on a big box of chicken nuggets at Costco, and paired with some roasted potatoes and a salad it's a pretty tasty meal.  I bought some gnocchi thinking Adrian would enjoy it, which he did (the first time), but now I'm addicted to it, especially with a little bit of rose sauce on top.  Also, smoothies made in my new Magic Bullet.  I think I'm in love.

On my Night table 

Currently Reading: 

The Eye of the World, Robert Jordan: This fantasy novel is the first of fourteen, which may seem a little daunting at first, but I must say that I'm quite hooked.  The characters are likeable, relatable, and the story is interesting and suspenseful, a Lord of the Rings-esque tale woven with themes of good versus evil. 

Read:
State of Wonder, Ann Patchett: One of the best books I read last year, it was the adventure book to sate any adventure lover's appetite.  With the majority of the book taking place in the Amazons of Brazil, it's no wonder I was so captivated!

Love in a Broken Vessel, Mesu Andrews: It's been a while since I've read some cheesy Christian fiction, but I think this one accomplished its goal.  The story was Hosea from the Bible, and his struggles with God's call for him to take a prostitute as a wife.  I thought Andrews did a great job of focusing the book on his desire to obey his God at the ire of his wife.  It actually made me want to go back to the Bible and read Hosea all over again.  I think that is what Christian fiction books should do, give us the desire to get into the word and hear what God has to say.  

Delicious!, Ruth Reichl: Oh my, what a tasty book full of delectable descriptions of gustatory delights!  I would recommend this one for all the foodies out there, especially if you love a little dive into mystery, intrigue, and World War II.  This novel set in present day New York will gratify your senses. 

Through my headphones

Music from 'Annie'- I watched the new 'Annie' this week in theaters, and the music was not disappointing!  They stuck to the original music, but added to it making it their own, and I was pleasantly surprised.  It's definitely worth it to go and pick up the soundtrack or buy it from iTunes.

'Irresistible', Fall Out Boy- This track is a delight to all brass players, with underlying horns blasting over a rock rift.  Perfect! 

Anything Pentatonix.  Acapella just rocks!

Readings in my Bible
I've started the new plan on She Reads Truth for reading the Bible in one year.  Haven't done this in a while, so I'm looking forward to reading some of those obscure and difficult texts that I usually avoid!  I would actually like to read it in 3 months, so I need to pick a time to do that as well.  

Love, 

Ashleigh

Hibernating Like a Dream...

Happy New Year, and all that.  2015 is here, and with it resolutions, new beginnings, vacation plans, and the snow that by-passed December.  This frigid cold is too much for babies, and even a quick jaunt to the library can seem like forever when the wind is cutting like ice to bone.  So we stay in, we wait for Jake to come back with the car, and we pretend we're keeping to a schedule and doing things.  Why yes, honey, I did the dishes...maybe one.  Maybe two.  But I did them! And of course Adrian napped today, I mean, how could one baby stay awake for 10 hours straight and not need a nap?

I mean, really.  

Jake was transferred to the distribution centre in town, which means his commute is cut in half and it's much safer driving at 5:30am when the roads aren't exactly pristine.   I'm thankful for the option of driving him to work when I need the car for an appointment- not that waking up that early is my idea of a good time. 

We started off the New Year with celebrating my mom-in-law's birthday, and then a couple of days later we took Adrian to the Butterfly Conservatory.

Jake with a large walking stick

Adrian enjoyed watching the butterflies!

Family photo!!!

Watching the waterfall..and wishing he could swim in it

Right now, I'm dreaming of coffee and biscotti dipped in hazelnut spread, and a sleepy baby.  And the book that I'm finishing (which means the beginning to a 14 book series--more on that later-and-what-did-I-get-myself-into?!)

Love, 
Ashleigh

It's Been A Year...

Motherhood and busy-ness took over, and my blog suffered a little bit [meaning I wrote the least amount of posts this year since I started my blog] but would I have it any other way?  Also, I'm thankful for my ever faithful readers and your support. I've tried to keep this from being a total 'mommy' blog, but since I am a mom now, there hasn't been too much else on my radar.

I'm amazed at where God has taken me this year. It started out with so much uncertainty, when Adrian was diagnosed with Cri du Chat syndrome the first week of January, and I had no idea that the Lord would bring so much peace and reassurance to my heart in such a short time. From joining the Facebook group to having weekly therapy at Kidsability [I can't speak highly enough about this amazing organization and their incredible therapists!], both Jake and I have been so encouraged and blessed. Family and friends have been amazing, if not above and beyond understanding and supportive. Not to forget about our sweet little guy. Adrian is, well, if you've met him I don't have to tell you twice how social he is, how loving and affectionate, how cuddly and wise.  His laid back nature is just like his daddy's and has been SO good for me. He's got spunk and motivation that keeps me on my toes. I'm so proud and incredibly thankful to the Lord for the developmental milestones he's accomplished this year, on his own time and in his own way. I've learned so much about the important of patience [always patience, right, Lord?]

I'm looking forward to seeing what 2015 brings, and to see how the Lord continues to work in our lives.

May you feel blessed and loved as you spend the evening with friends and family, ringing in 2015.

Happy New Year!

Love,
Ashleigh

It's Warm Inside...

The thrift shop near my house is amazing, and they donate all of their profits to a men's shelter.  Their displays are artistic, nothing is disorganized or unattractive to the eye. I try to go in at least once a week, if not twice, and it's a treasure hunt every time.  I'm keeping my eye on this arm chair that's been there for about three months (it's actually hideous- bright orange- but oh-so-comfortable), and the price hasn't gone down.  Is it wrong to ask a non-profit organization to negotiate?

The sunroom in our apartment is the perfect spot for said arm chair, a soft blanket, a small side table, and a space heater--a cozy little oasis to curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book. Until yesterday we were using this room for storage, and it was actually accumulating some mildew.  A friend took Adrian for an hour and a half, giving me time to attack the floor with a vacuum and some bleach (for the mildew), and opening up the space for my dream reading corner. With a pretty area rug and a nice display of flowers, this little niche in our apartment just might become my favourite. 

What part of your home is the perfect oasis for you, and why?

Love, 
Ashleigh

More Than You Know...

This morning I made pancakes for breakfast... Delicious ones with blueberries and chocolate chips. I've been very excited that Adrian can eat what we eat, so I sat him down in his high chair and promptly set a pancake in front of him. He looked at it. He picked it up and inspected it further. He nibbled at it. Then he threw it on the floor, looked  at me and started kicking his feet. I knew he was trying to tell me something, but couldn't interpret the signs. So I picked up the pancake, offered him his smoothie from last night, cut up a clementine, did a song and dance {that last part may only be slightly true} but he still just looked at me expectantly. All of a sudden I thought, He probably wants his oatmeal! This boy starts every day with oatmeal, getting exciting when I sign and say the word for "cereal", and practically whimpers in anticipation when he sees me getting it ready.  So this morning, how could I have thought that pancakes would trump good ol' cereal?! He patiently waited for me to prepare it stove top, and sure enough, as soon as I brought it over he started squealing and squawking.  Not even the promise of fresh  blueberry chocolate chip pancakes could sway him, so excited was he for his beloved oatmeal. 

He's a creature of habit, that's for sure! 

Love, 
Ashleigh

Blowing bubbles after a messy meal 

Christmas Bucket List...

It's December. 

You've probably realized that there are only 25 days [technically only 21 now] until Christmas, and you're trying to accomplish your Christmas month bucket list.

Here's mine:

• Decorate the house [if we manage to even plug in our two foot artificial tree complete with lights, I'll be happy]
• Bake lots of cookies
• Go sledding [I'm so looking forward to doing this with Adrian.  He's a bit of an adrenaline junkie-just like his Mama!]
• Find a family Advent book [I've heard good things about Ann Voskamp's Unwrapping the Greatest Gift]
• Pick out thoughtful and meaningful gifts [which means not shopping on Christmas Eve!]
• Make homemade eggnog [at least once!]
• Spend meaningful time with family and friends
• Go to some Christmas parties
• Not lose sight of Jesus Christ, who is the reason we celebrate Christmas at all. His birth signified a time of hope for the whole world.  The Saviour Came! He came down, became a man, and died for all of our sins and was raised to life again so that we could live!!! What a beautiful reminder at Christmas. 

Love, 

Ashleigh

What I'm Into: November Edition

In the Kitchen

It's been stir fry's for dinner, and cinnamon everything.  Joy of Cooking Overnight Rolls, Joy the Baker's Cinnamon Popovers, and good old cinnamon coffee cake. I even tried making microwave cinnamon buns, but the real, yeasty ones were definitely the best. I bought a huge ten-pound bag of white flour from Costco, in the hopes that I can get some Christmas baking done this year.  I may be in over my head...

On my Night table 

Currently Reading: 

Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert (Audiobook[AB]): I watched the movie a while ago, and decided to "read" the book to gain a better perspective.  Not sure how I feel about it yet.

Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda, Henry & Richard Blackaby: So far, this book is great, and I'm getting some good insight into what godly leadership looks like.  It's tedious, but has a lot of great information.

The True Story of the Whole World: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Drama, Michael W. Goheen, Craig G. Bartholomew: We're studying this one in our weekly Bible study, and it reminds a lot of one of the classes I took in college.  Progress of Redemption took us through the Bible as a whole, with the focus being on Christ as the center, everything before Him leading up and pointing to His time on earth, death and resurrection, and everything after telling the story of His hope.

Read:
A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle (AB): I have heard of this book for many years, but now that I've finally listened to it, I want to buy it for our own home collection.  In my opinion, it's on par with the Narnia books in terms of the fight between good and evil, and good always winning.  There were some Biblical references, and many, many biblical analogies.  It's definitely a children's story, but has merit for adult readers as well.

Amity and Sorrow, Peggy Riley: I wouldn't recommend this book unless you feel like exploring the extreme oddity that is polygamous and cultish communities.  It tells the story of a woman and her two daughters who run away from their community and try to live in the 'real' world, juxtaposing their 'rules' and 'values' with a society where, to them, anything goes.  This book was truly disturbing, and exposed issues you would expect to find in a typical polygamous community, things such as brainwashing, emotional abuse, and incest.

Juliet's Nurse, Lois Leveen: I would highly recommend this book if you're a Shakespeare fan.  A new take on Romeo and Juliet, as seen from the nurse's perspective, is moving and tragic, but very enjoyable and detailed.

Through my headphones

Iesu dulcis memoria, Tenth Avenue North ft. Audrey Assad

The Piano Guys Christmas

Audiobooks - I love how I feel like I'm still getting books read, knowing that I can do it when I'm walking, doing housework, or nursing Adrian.  How convenient!

Sermons and The Current (CBC Radio Show- I love this one because I keep informed but I don't have to browse a newspaper)

Readings in my Bible
I downloaded the She Reads Truth app, which is a great devotional app for both iPhone and Android users.  Geared towards women, the app focuses on one particular theme or book of the Bible for a couple of weeks.  I just finished the study on 'Hospitality', and it was some great insight for me.  I realized that I don't let the Lord lead me to be hospitable enough, and I don't allow people to see me in my mess [without guilt, at least].  

Love, 

Ashleigh

When the Craving Hits...

The sweet tooth is unpredictable, or at least mine is.  Some days I can go without anything sweet, feeling so proud of my resistance to temptation. The next day, though...oh! how it hits me hard.  Wait, perhaps it's hormonal ups and downs?! 

Whatever the reason, I have recently discovered a little something that helps me during that sweet craving slump, specifically during the early afternoon after lunch when I'm a little tired, and also in the evening when I feel like ending my evening with tasty confections.

So here it is: Coffee Cacao hot drink

Mix 1 tsp instant coffee with 1 tsp cacao powder and cover with boiling water in a regular size mug. 

I usually drink this without any sugar (I sometimes add a drop of stevia), but it hits the spot.  If you prefer to add sugar, try a couple drops of stevia, or a little maple syrup.

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**Important Notes

• Don't confuse cacao powder with cocoa powder.  Cacao powder is the cacao bean in its purest form.  Cold pressed and made into a powder, it contains many health benefits, including antioxidants, fiber, and magnesium.  You can get this at natural food stores or any grocery store that has a natural food section. 
• Instant Coffee. I know. I went there.  People who know me know I drink my coffee black, so I can tell when coffee tastes bad (*cough cough Maxwell House cough cough*).  I picked up Giant Tiger brand instant coffee for a recipe, and was curious enough to try drinking it, too.  People, it's good! Don't believe me, try it yourself.  In a pinch, when you're desperate for some instant coffee, Giant Tiger delivers.
• I have tried to double this recipe to make a giant mug, but for some reason it doesn't taste as good.  So I usually make another cup if I feel like more (again, the beauty of instant!) If you can figure out how to double the recipe to make it doubly delicious, please leave a comment.

I have discovered the joys of stevia recently, since it's a way to add natural sugar taste without the calories OR the added grams.  It is actually derived from a plant, and can be found in any grocery store/health food store in either liquid or powder (like sugar) form.  Be careful to check the label when buying stevia in packets.  I made the mistake of buying a brand that added dextrose!  

I would be interested to hear if anyone tries this delicious drink, and what you think/how you made it according to your taste.

Love, 

Ashleigh

It'll Do You Good...

Our poor cat has gone through quite a bit of stress in the past few months.  She moved to a new location with her previous owners, then transferred to our place within a month of that and has had to adjust to new owners and lifestyle.  So I would not fault her for a little bit of hissing and standoffish-ness {which she is completely over now}.  But the spraying on our carpet? The urination on our bed? So not cool.  I have been doing a bit of research and the latest bit is that, after cleaning up and completely eliminating the smell of her urine in various places in your house, you have to make her litter box irresistible.  You have to clean out the poop daily, change over the litter weekly, and make sure it's in a private location so she feels comfortable.  It's all mind games {including putting aluminum foil over top of freshly washed areas that she previously sprayed on-apparently cats don't like the sound or feel, so they avoid it!}  

I'm curious to see how it works {including that over-priced organic "Cat Uriinate No-More!" spray we bought from the pet store}.  In the meantime, she is still proving to be useful and boastfully brought out a dead mouse she had caught the other day.  She is also quite affectionate at certain times of the day, and plops herself down into our laps no matter how inconvenient the timing. 

I guess we can keep you, Pepper...

Love,

Ashleigh

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A Reading Biography...

Reflections on questions from The Reading Tutor's Handbook

How did I learn to read and write?

-My mother always told me that I taught myself how to read, but I can't even remember learning how to write.  It seems like I've always done it.  I vaguely remember drawing out countless letters as I practiced, but I'm pretty sure my mom worked with me at home even before I went to pre-school.

When did I learn to read and write?

-Some time between the ages of 3 and 4 years old

Who was most helpful in teaching me to read and write?

-My mom and I'm sure lots of teachers at school helped as well

What are my first memories of stories and books?

-These have captivated my attention for as long as I can remember.  My mom used to buy books for my sister and I, she even ordered them over the phone.  We used to die of anticipation before they were delivered to the house.  I don't remember much before "Mandie" books and "The Christian Heritage" series.  I remember loving my "Precious Moments" Bible, and I know that my parents read us books before bedtime.  

Was learning to read and write easy or difficult for me?

-As far as I know, it came easy to me.

How have reading and writing helped me over the years?

-My parents homeschooled my siblings and I over the span of five years.  My mom used to set aside time after breakfast for us to write a paragraph about something.  I can't remember if she picked the topic or if she left it up to us, but the practice of writing a little bit every day was strongly encouraged.  I was at least 7 or 8 years old, and my sister even younger than that. When I was eleven years old, my sister Melissa got a "diary" for her birthday. I loved the idea of having a place to write my secrets, something I could keep under lock and key, so I got a 'diary', too.  These earliest writings were extremely childish, angry, and detailed (down to what we ate for lunch).  I still keep a journal now, but my entries are much more focused on my devotional times with God and for personal/spiritual change in my life rather than teenage angst and petty drama.  I have kept a blog since 2006, and my blogging persona versus my journal writing persona are different, which I find rather interesting.  Writing has helped me to organize my thoughts, to explore my creativity (I wrote poems as a child and well into my early twenties), and it's challenged me to become a better person.

Reading, though, is one of those passions that has never seemed to go away, even though some days (especially lately) it looks more like learning how to make butternut squash soup from a pinterest article.  I have always enjoyed reading, the more fiction the better, and I have learned new words and explored a thousand worlds.  Reading the Bible has changed me as a person, to be more like Christ, and reading other books has taken me into the minds of countless authors, exposed me to thoughts, ideas, and stories I never could have dreamed.  Some books I wish I could forget, and some I wish I had time to read a thousand times over.  I can't imagine a world without reading, and I'm so thankful that my parents encouraged this in myself and my siblings.  

Why do I want to help someone learn to read and write?

- I want other people, especially children, to have the same exploration that I did as a child, to feel the freedom of a thousand words at their fingertips, to choose from whichever book they want at the library, to have a spate of words to pluck from their minds as they describe their day, to express themselves with ease.  Reading and writing give me opportunities to share my thoughts and opinions, and now in this technological age to share with countless readers.  I want to nurture this in someone.

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