Evening Visiting with Gramma and Grampa

Gramma and Grampa came over to visit last night.

Just because we can do that.

It's a super-special perk of having family waaaaay up here in the North.

So, I whipped up some enchiladas (by Gramma's special request), and we had a jolly ol' visit.

The girls entertained Gramma with their silliness and charms.
Together, they browsed through magazines and looked at recipes and animal pictures.

Eli and Grampa bonded over pipes, discussing politics and-- no doubt-- the boat! 

Miss G created this masterpiece for Gramma and Grampa before bedtime.

I used the hearts to cover up her name.

Her penmanship is really beautiful.

I love how her letters are so "Miss G."

The drawing is of a bunny with two big feet and two small feet (like Twofour, our pet bunny).

This bunny is happy with a big smile and big happy eyes.

It has two ears on top, and she tells me that the "people" ears on the side are mistakes. 

I think they are charming.

The girls gave out bedtime kisses are were in bed by 7 pm.

Then, the grown ups tucked into the meal and enjoyed a movie.

Tangled by Grampa's special request.

I love how kids' movies are for grown-ups, too!

Why Sick Days are Unpredictable

This family has been battling terrible colds for over two weeks.

Finally, we needed a sick day.

Actually, it began with a sick half-day on Wednesday.

Miss G had been up most of Tuesday night with an earache, but woke up cheerful and asking to go to school on Wednesday morning.  So, we let her.

I checked on her at noon on Tuesday in her classroom, and she had a fever, so I arranged for a sub in the afternoon (no easy feat, but with a supportive administration, it was happily achievable).

I picked up Miss A from preschool, too. 
Often when one girls goes down with an illness, the other is not far behind. 

Once I got them home, my girls established appropriate sick day positions on the couch. 

It was picture day at school, so they are wearing their princess dresses under the blankets.

We headed to the walk-in clinic when it opened that evening and had a little wait, so we distracted ourselves with the camera phone. 

 The next day, Thursday, Daddy stayed home with Miss G, who did have a pretty big ear infection in her right ear.
Eli and I had decided to share taking sick days on behalf of the girls so neither of us would have to miss too much work.
Miss G really wanted to go to school, but Daddy insisted she stay with him so he could keep an eye on her fever and pain. 
She's a trooper!  (And Daddy's a keeper!)

She began her sick day by washing pennies. 

Then, she picked a beautiful dress to wear.

This helps earaches go away more quickly, in case you are wondering. 

She wanted to help Daddy run a few low-key errands to the stores. 

I like how Daddy made sure she had a hat on that completely covered her ears.

This was the day that they were off running errands in Old Town before the twin otter plane crash close to that same location. 
Always counting blessings!

(As an aside, Miss A was sent home at lunch Thursday because of a non-ear related illness... tummy trouble.)


The next morning, Friday, we all planned to be back at school and work.
But, Miss A's digestive troubles were not fully mended.
And...

Miss G's left eye was swollen when she woke up on Friday morning.

Those of you who were around when Miss G had the massive allergic reaction in the spring will understand that I was concerned.

The swelling of her left eye was her first symptom then, and it spread to swelling all over her body, followed by itchy hives all over (including her mouth).

I had ensured that she did not have penicillin to treat the current ear infection (the suspect for the allergic reaction in the spring). 

Perhaps the swollen eye was related to the infection in her ear, and was not an allergic reaction, but better safe than sorry.

So, I did what any Mommy would do, I arranged for a sub and kept my girls with me.

After I dropped off my detailed sub plans (any teacher knows how difficult it is for a teacher to use a sick day... it's labour intensive!), we went to the hospital armed with snacks and colouring books.

Just after we arrived in the waiting room, we met a friendly man who introduced himself as Drunk (with a capital D, as he said it as if it were his name). 

He was pleasant. 

He said, "I'm a Drunk, you know."

He kept asking me if I was a doctor or a nurse. 

I assured him that I did not work at the hospital and was not a medical professional. 

Did I have any Morphine, Demerol, Cortisone or weed?

That would be a "no."

I consistently stayed pleasant and answered his repetitive questions clearly.

There was a nice security guard close by, and the cops came by to escort him somewhere safe after a few repetitive minutes of polite (but sad for me) conversation.

We went into a treatment room and waited. 

The girls entertained themselves with invented games.

Like clap your hands and feet at the same time. 

And they coloured. 

They used the spinning stools to entertain their toys. 

Beautiful colouring! 

We played musical beds and went to a ward later on.

Six hours.

Six hours later we left the hospital. 

The girls were amazing for that long waiting in a hospital.

Mommy was bored and tired.

Final verdict for the six hour wait:

The doctor seemed unconcerned about the eye, and possible allergic reaction. 

The doctor also suggested that the girls attempt to blow up balloons to pop their ears. 

Balloons curing ear infections... 

Infections. 

Not plugged ears. 

Well, colour me skeptical, but thanks for the suggestion.

We went home and relaxed (Miss A's tummy was still giving her some trouble).

Then, we drove downtown to pick up Daddy from work.

This was the girls' first time seeing Daddy's work.  They thought it was beautiful. 

We got to visit the monuments around the building. 

(And, yes, they are in their PJs.  I put them in the tub as soon as we got home from the hospital, to drown any hopeful germs.  Plus, it is a sick day...  Not that I need to justify PJs all day in my house.)

It was very exciting! 

 

This aviation installation was captivating to my girls.

The girls wanted pictures with their Daddy (Miss A above) 

Daddy with Miss G 

Then, we went into Daddy's work. 

There is a polar bear in the lobby. 

And another in the Officers' Mess.

Miss A told me that he was climbing.

I like to think so. 

There were boats. 

And a steering wheel.

In all, very exciting.

But the main thing about sick days?

It tires Mommy out!!

Get well, family.  Kick those germs out the door and keep them out!

(I just hope we don't end up swapping our illnesses... we've all had different symptoms...)

Perks of my Job

Teaching is more than a job.

Teaching is a lifestyle.

Teaching is a vocation.

And today, my teaching job had a very cute perk.

Her name is Miss G.

I can tell you that I only wish I had a picture of this,

but it happened so fast,

and my camera is broken,

and my phone camera was in my purse,

locked in a cupboard in my classroom,

so the moment passed without a photo,

but I just have to document it,

so I do not forget this day.

As you know, my girls and I have the lucky experience of spending each school day under the same roof.  I'm busy teaching and learning with my students, and my girls are busy growing and learning in their classrooms, so we do not see each other for lengths of time, but it is pretty thrilling to get those stolen moments during the day.

Usually, our moments of "Hi Mommy!  Hey, friends, that's my Mommy," and "Hi!  Miss G's Mommy.  Are you really a teacher, too?" are initiated by me. 

Usually, I have a prep period, and I stop by their rooms to say a quick hello. 

Or, I pop by during lunch for a quick kiss and to tell each of them how proud I am that they are being a good friend and a good listener.

Or, our classes pass one another in the hall, and it's a wonderful adventure for everyone.

Today was different.

This morning, as usual, I walked the girls to school.

We stop first in the girls' hallway where they hang up their outdoor gear, change their shoes, and organize their back packs and lunch boxes.

Miss A joins the preschool class right away after a kiss from me and a hug from sissy (drop off time begins at 8:00 am). 

Today, she had this very awesome life-size line drawing of herself for me to take home! 

The resemblance to Miss A is there... it's her creative spirit on paper!

Miss G comes with me for my morning routine, until the first bell rings.

Miss G and I walk to the staff room, where I wheel the wagon for daytime parking, and hang my coat and change my shoes. 

Miss G stays outside the staff room, and waits for me, greeting friends and teachers as they arrive at school. 

Miss G also likes to hold the door open for any teacher coming or going.

Then, we mosey on up to my classroom, and Miss G entertains herself with my teacher stamps, markers, or drawing on the white board.

She loves to chat with the Big Kids, and likes to sit with them at the big tables.

They are very gracious to her.

When the first bell rings, I walk her back to her room, give her a kiss goodbye and we both begin our separate days.

This morning, during second period, I was with my Grade 7 homeroom class giving a Math lesson.

We were reviewing the problem solving questions from the last week to prepare for the test coming up, so I was near the front of the room.

I heard a scurrying noise at my door.

I looked over, and saw, to my delight, a very familiar blond ponytail and pink headband bobbing around.

I walked to the door and opened it.

"Miss G!  Hi!  What are you doing here?"

"Mommy!  I am in the library with my friends and Mrs. F, and I really had to pee, so I am going to the bathroom right now.  OK!  Goodbye!!"

(This is funny because she walked past the bathroom to get to my classroom.)

"Oh, that's a good idea.  Do you remember where the bathroom is up here?"

"Yes!  I am going to go and I will flush and wash my hands."

"Good girl."

So, I returned to my classroom, getting ready to reveal the Fibonacci series to the Grade 7's for the first time.  Less than five minutes later, the scurrying noise outside my classroom door returned.

"Hi, Miss G!  Why are you back?"

"Mommy, can you help me?  I can't reach the sink to wash my hands."

Well, of course I said yes.  How could resist??  I left the classroom in the very capable hands of my Classroom Assistant as the students completed their notes on the last problem solving solution, and helped my girlie wash her hands.

Middle school sinks are too high for Little Kids.

I have since put in a request for a stool, so Little Kids can use the washroom independently when visiting the library upstairs.

Not that I would ever discourage another mid-day visit from my cute little Miss G.

Drooling on the Computer Screen- Enchilada Style

We've all done it.

Drooled on the computer screen...

Mmm.  Check out my version of this enchilada recipe from the Pioneer Woman.

Now, I make a mean batch of enchiladas.

For best results, I encourage you to listen to Bon Jovi's Greatest Hits loudly whilst preparing this meal. 

It helps.

Even if you have to chase your husband out of the kitchen.

You know this is going to be good.

The sour cream alone is enough reason to try this recipe. 

It is the main reason I tried this recipe in the first place.

Yum!!

So, you will need:

12 whole corn tortillas (though flour tortillas will do)

Canola oil for frying

1 can of enchilada sauce (though you can use liquidy taco sauce instead)

2 cups of sour cream (THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!)

3 cups of grated cheddar cheese, though I'm partial to marble cheese

1 cup of chopped green onions

1/2 teaspoon of round cumin

1/4 teaspoon of Cayenne pepper

2-3 chicken breast, cubed

Put the enchilada sauce in a sauce pan on medium heat until it "simmers." 

Once simmering, you might be able to turn it down a smidgen so it doesn't scald or burn.

The first time we made this recipe, Eli got the "hot" enchilada sauce and it almost rendered the meal inedible, except that I couldn't let that much sour cream go to waste so I ate it anyways.

I recommend the "mild" enchilada sauce for better flavour and less pain on the taste buds. 

Heat the canola oil in a big pan.

I like my cast iron pan, and it works great. 

You'll know it's hot enough it you throw a pinch of flour into the oil and it sizzles instantly. 

I find that I have to turn down the oil as I go, so that it's not crazy hot and splattering all over my apron. 

While you are at it, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix the Cayenne pepper and ground cumin together.

Do not be afraid.

Yes, they are spicy spices, but you are TOUGH and you can take it!

Plus, there are 2 cups of sour cream coming along to help to dilute the heat.

Trust me, it's a flavourful hot.

You CAN take it.

Up the Cayenne pepper if you are brave. 

Grate your cheese, and put it in the fridge for right now.

No need to get hasty. 

See that blender full of salsa?

I made it myself.

The recipe is delicious, and I'll share it with you another day.

And, no, a blender full of salsa is never too much!  

It is well known that I don't "do" meat.

Ask Eli.

Ask Nini... she has a few good stories on the topic to share.

One involves me passing out cold when Ken served me a rare steak.

Let's just say, he always remembered to make mine burnt after that.

Eli prepares the chicken breast for this recipe on the barbecue with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 

Then, Eli cubes the poulet for me.

I would be a vegetarian by choice if I ever had to prepare my own meat.

However, I live in a house with carnivores, and Daddy Carnivore knows that if he wants meat to be added to the meal he's got to do the caveman thing and find me a mammoth. 

Alrighty.

In a large bowl (I use my big Pyrex mixing dish), put in half the cheese. 

If fractions freak you out, half of 3 cups is 1 1/2 cups.

Don't laugh.

Some of you are laughing.

Some of you are grateful that I just did that calculation for you. 

Add in the Cayenne pepper and ground cumin.

Now, plunk in 2 cups of sour cream.

It's OK if you taste it.

Mmmm.

For the record, 2 cups is 500 mL (one medium container).

I use the "light" sour cream most of the time, but it is divine with the sinful "restaurant" style sour cream. 

I tried it once just to I could attest to its flavourful powers.

Pour in the chopped green onions.

Every time I eat green onions it reminds me of the green onions that Nana used to grow along the driveway.

Dodie showed me that snipping them with kitchen scissors (reserved for veggies only) works super well!

If you have extra green onions, and I hope you do, set them aside for topping the enchiladas. 

And, because you are all always wondering about Twofour the bun, yes... yes, he eats green onions (some, not a lot).

He's a freaky bun!

Now add the chicken on top. 

Use a rubber spatula to mix it all together.

Scrape the sides and turn it well, so the spices are evenly mixed.

You, quite literally, can stop right here and eat this with nacho chips.

You can even leave out the chicken.

It makes a delicious dip. 

Now, the canola oil has been heating up and is ready for the first tortilla.

Finding corn tortillas has proven to be a challenge in Yellowknife.

I've had to make peace with the flour tortillas, but I look for the corn tortillas every time I'm out and about. 

This is the fun part. 

You sear it it for about 7 seconds on one side in the oil...

It bubbles and is highly entertaining.

Then flip it over.

You do not want it crispy, but you do want it fried a bit. 

Use tongs and carefully put the tortilla in the enchilada sauce that is simmering.

I've been unable to find canned enchilada sauce in Yellowknife, and have had to use taco sauce (not salsa). 

It's a little sweeter, but works.

Coat both sides of the tortilla. 

With the tongs, place the tortilla on a plate.

What?  You don't have a plate out?

Get on it! 

(OH, and this gets messy, so I hope you have an apron on!)

Take a dollop of the sour cream filling and plunk it in the centre of the tortilla. 

Fold it up, one side, then the other (leave the ends open), and carefully plunk it on the baking pan.

Be careful!  It's HOT! 

I usually have to rinse my hands after each enchilada, because it's messy food prep.

Now, do that same thing again for the other 11 tortillas, trying your best to have equal delicious-sour-cream filling-filled enchiladas.

(Note:  the flour tortillas here come in packs of 10, so I just pace myself and make 10 big enchiladas)

Admire the enchiladas. 

Give the enchiladas a little more love by putting the other cup and a half of cheese on the top.

Mmmmm...

Now pop them into the oven for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is all melt-y.

I usually clean up the kitchen, and get the table ready!

Hello spicy enchiladas.

I love you. 

Use a scraper to scoop them onto a plate, and top the piping hot enchiladas with cold sour cream and fresh chopped green onions.

Divine.

Oh, and if you have some homemade salsa, it is heavenly.

Now, cue up an episode of Friends and enjoy!