MarMar Madness

Summer.   Summer.    Summer.   Summer....(envision opening of High School Musical movie) - bring it on!  That last week of school nearly killed me.  I dreaded finding food for lunches. I felt like some cave woman that had to forge through the rough jungle to come up with something nutritious, and if not nutritious, filling, to give to those kids!  I had a lot on my plate in terms of personal stuff too and a very long list of errands to run, etc.  Let's just say I was happy to have my meds! :)       Stress aside, I love summer vacation and I love having the kids around.   But it's not just having the kids around that I love.  I savour the irresponsibility of it all.  I don't have to set my alarm now.  I love that we can sleep in every day!   I can make chocolate chip pancakes on a Monday and have the time to enjoy them with the girls and not just shove a bowl of cereal or toast ...

We all have our days...am I right?  Days, when seriously, they (the children) aren't being bad...but somehow whatever they do just gets to you.  Be it bad, be it big, be it small....the fact that they just did that one thing sends you SOARING!  I had such an episode this week.....Let me share!      The other day I was cupcaking.  If you know me - you know I am a single task person when it comes to baking.  Do NOT mess with me when I am in my kitchen. I don't need your help, I don't need your encouragement, I just need you to stay out of my way.  I had cupcakes to do for a friends class and then treats for each of my kids classes.  Yes, I know - I took it all on, I didn't HAVE to do the kids cupcakes...but yet, I really  did HAVE to or they would be so let down.  When I bake I need to  focus and I must have on an apron and ipod.  These are the requirements.  I told my lovely girls - "I love you but stay away...

     I can't say No.  No, I am not talking about when people ask me for something.  I have learned that it's good to say no when I am feeling too busy or over-scheduled.  What I can't say NO to is baking.  Sweets are a problem for me - always have been and probably always will.       Today I had a bunch of bananas that were starting to encourage fruit flys to come and hang out and party.  I knew I needed to bake with them.  I have a kickass banana bread recipe that my family gobbles up so I knew that I would please the girls to no end if I baked for them.  I also had some fresh strawberries from the St. Jacobs Farmers Market, and rhubarb too.  I love love love rhubarb...especially in a pie....with strawberries.  So after tidying and cleaning today and feeling pretty good about life, I pulled out the bits and pieces and started creating yummy treats.  I also made this yummy curried barley and ...

      Last year Kamrin ran in the Cross Country meet of  the Christian / Catholic schools in the area.  I had never been to  a meet before and found it so exhilarating.  I missed her first race due to Mikka splitting open her head at the track and having to rush her to get her first taste of staples in the scalp.  Kamrin ran the race immediately after I took a blood soaked Mikka away and she finished so well...She claims it was the stress of the preceding event that pushed her.  The next meet was held at the Heartlake Conservation Area.  The trees were golden, the air was wet and the energy was tangible for last years final race.  Kamrin was a stress case but did so well.   I had never seen her run before and the event was brilliant.        At the finish line of the race is where it gets very intense.   Last year I remember kids climbing up this huge hill and trying to fin...