The Big ONE!

Guess who has had a birthday? It seems hard to believe that our sweet little Noah is now ONE year old! Time sure flies. It is so wonderful having him living much closer so we now see him much more often. What joy he brings to our lives.

We didn't actually see him on his birthDAY (they went camping that weekend) but he was here for several days just before his birthday as well as a few days the week previous, so I have lots of recent photos to share.

Look at that sweet little face... isn't he just totally the cutest little bug?!

Noah is a solid little guy at over 25 pounds and is a good little eater. He likes most things, and when he REALLY likes something, you know it! He can make it disappear before you turn around. It's not hard to tell he really likes Grammy's homemade spaghetti sauce... Although it looks like most of it went onto his face, he actually DID swallow a good amount as well...










Since his birthday was just a few days away, we had to have a special dessert. Fresh picked strawberries with lots of whipped cream fit the bill. We just sat the bowl in front of him and let him go at it.. what fun! Here is the progression...

"Strawberries and whipped cream!"

"Yummm, these are so good, Grammie!"

"I want to get every last bit!"

"I think there's still some cream, but I can get it if I lick the bowl..."

"Would this work as a hat, do you think?"

Peace,
Linda

He's tender and bashful but boyish and brute, impossibly clever and cunningly cute!

First Day of Spring, eh?

How much longer before we'll see tulips?

So spring officially arrived last evening. Supposedly. But we all know there is often a fair bit of difference between the "first day of spring" and the first day of spring weather. I don't think we're going to see spring anytime soon. We still have four feet of snow on the ground....
But the days are lengthening  and the sun is strengthening, so there's hope! It will come, I know it will...   eventually.
Thank you to all who inquired about Ollie. He is much better, back to normal I'd say. We're not sure what it was, a Gastro-Intestinal bug of some sort was the Vet's best guess. Anyway he's home after a one night sleepover at the Vet's office (he was NOT impressed), fluids by injection, anti-nausea meds and bloodwork, and a whopping bill!! He's been ravenous today, making up for the four days he didn't eat, I guess..
And thank you to those who answered my Bloglovin question. Not sure what's going on, but it appears I haven't lost any Followers, so that's all that matters. Maybe the leprechauns have been messing with things...

Yes, I'm using GREENS this time!!

If you are a quilter, you likely know that March is National Quilting Month, and Saturday March 21 is National Quilting Day! It also happens to be my birthday. So in celebration (of either, or both) I hope you will spend some time doing whatever quilty activity makes you happy! (Leave me a comment and let me know what you're sewing on today!) I'm going to a Guild workshop next Saturday so I have some prepping to do, cutting strips and making up some strata (strip sets). That and finishing up an iPad case for a reader who "ordered" one will be on my To Do list this weekend. (Yes, Nan it will soon be on its way to you. I got sidetracked with other things this week!) There are lots of deals and yummy things going on this weekend all over the web for National Quilting Day (although I'd love to think they're all actually celebrating my birthday! haha) One of the best deals is the "free weekend" at The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims. All their videos are free for you to watch, all weekend long so be sure to check it out here. There are lots of prizes too, including a Bernina 550QE!! Who wouldn't love a beautiful new Bernina??
I want to end with Birthday Wishes to my friend Lucy B. and neighbour Janice O. - we all share the same birthdate.  :)


Peace,
Linda

Birthdays are good for your health. Studies show those who have more birthdays live longer.

Thank you Everyone!

Just a quick post to thank everyone for the birthday greetings! I have "survived the big birthday"... I've decided to follow everyone's advice - age is just a number, you're not getting older, you're getting better, etc. etc. etc. Actually the number doesn't bother me. Although I don't really relish the thought of getting older, I am celebrating my birthday and the fact that I am still here, and in good health.  Too many are denied that opportunity....  I am blessed with a pretty good life, for sure, and I have no major complaints. (Well, maybe the weather, but let's not talk about that right now...)
It's been a good weekend - lots of cards, emails and phone calls from friends, many of whom are away (most in warmer climes, the lucky things!) and gifts included chocolate and a new book which I can't wait to start. I spent yesterday at a  Guild workday, and have continued sewing a good part of today. I have half of my blocks done!! Yea! No photos tonight, but I promise some in a few days. The blocks will be put together with a pieced sashing, and I still have to choose and purchase sashing fabric. Actually I'm still deliberating on the color... white versus pale blue.

I just can't bear to do a post with no photos at all, so I'm choosing to snub my nose at Mother Nature who obviously must be sleeping hibernating and hasn't looked at her calendar to see that it's time for some warm spring weather. We won't talk about the fact that we have another major snowstorm on the way- a real nor'easter they are saying. High winds and lots of snow. Lovely. Just lovely. So I'm choosing to ignore that fact right now and think of tulips. Sweet blossoms of spring. It's going to be "a while" before we see the bare ground let alone tulips sprouting up so let's enjoy a few tulips here and we can dream of warmer days and blossoms to come... These photos were taken near Chilliwack B.C. a few years ago...



Peace,
Linda

Birthdays give us the opportunity to stop and appreciate all the beautiful things we have been blessed with.

Of Birthdays and Blues...

Spring has officially arrived. Apparently. Minutes ago. You'd never know it when you look out the window... Yes, we have had MORE snow- a fresh 3 or 4 inches this morning, which I suppose we should be grateful about as the forecast was 6 to 8inches. Of course the day is not over yet so anything is possible. Now we're getting rain, changing to freezing rain which will make a lovely mess. Yuchhh.
Tomorrow is my birthday. A big one. You know, one of those "round number" ones that end in zero. One that starts a new decade. All I want for my birthday is for spring to come. And I want it to come NOW. I'm quite sure I'm not going to get my wish anytime soon....
So - you have to make the birthday girl happy. Leave me a comment and tell me a funny birthday story, or tell me about the best birthday gift you ever got, or what your favourite birthday was and why. Come on, indulge an old girl!!  Make me smile!



I'm doing my best to ignore the weather today by spending time in my studio. Now that the rain has started I think I might even close the blinds so I can't see out. lol  I'm cutting a huge pile of blue scraps into strips to do some string-pieced blocks for a charity quilt. Our Guild is having a workday on Saturday to work on Community Projects. One of our goals this year is to provide bed quilts for all the beds at our Veterans Unit. So I'm doing blue string-pieced blocks which I'll put together with pieced sashing and ninepatch setting squares in blues and white. I'll show you progress photos in a few days. I'll be alternating back and forth between it and the Carolina Lily Miniature until both are done.
Okay, I'm waiting for your birthday stories...





Peace,
Linda

"The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age." ~ Johnny Carson

What a Day!

I have several reasons to celebrate today- first of all the sun is shining! Hurray! It feels so good to have a sunny blue sky day- it certainly lifts one's spirits after the dull rainy weather of the past few days.
Secondly, today is my baby's birthday! Darlin' daughter is 20 today! Now that sure does make a gal feel old, to realize that her baby has moved on from being a teenager and is heading into her 20's. Just sayin'.... Here is one of my most favourite photos of Laura when she was little.... Isn't she cute??
Today is special for more reasons... it's International Women's Day AND Shrove Tuesday! I guess everyone has their own ideas on what International Women' s Day is for or about..to me it's a day to celebrate the strengths of women as well as our accomplishments over the years. I think of my mother and grandmother - they were both strong women who weren't afraid to work hard to accomplish what they wanted in life. They were wonderful role models; I only wish my children could have had the opportunity to know them better.
Shrove Tuesday- Pancake Day!! Yummmm. That's what we're having for supper - pancakes with molasses or maple syrup, and bacon on the side... and a yummy fruit salad for dessert. I remember one year when Shrove Tuesday fell on Mark's birthday. I think he was in Grade 2. Back then mothers always went into the school and made pancakes for all the children at lunchtime on Shrove Tuesday. Mark loved pancakes (still does!) and he thought the whole school was having pancakes just for his birthday!
Well, the sun is shining because it's Laura's birthday, and she was born on March 8th for a reason. I know she has some of her ancestors' good traits and she too will be a strong determined woman who will go far... Love you, Laura!
Now I must go warm up the griddle....

Peace
Linda

Birthday Rules: Stay cute. Wish big. Never let anyone count your candles.

Welcome Spring!

Yesterday was my birthday, so I guess I have to admit I'm now a year older. I don't feel any different... This was my first birthday without either of my kids around, so it was very low key....(no teasing over who got the biggest piece of cake, etc...) I'm past the point of worrying about my age; it's just a number after all. With so many friends lately who have had health probelms, I'm just grateful for every day that I'm healthy, happy and vertical...

The good news is it is now officially SPRING!! We've had unseasonably mild weather lately so it seems spring has been here for a while. Our snow is all gone except for where it was plowed up. We did get a dusting of snow overnight, but it won't last long. I have daffodils that are up and budded and my crocuses are pretty well done... I've never been able to say that before in mid March... Although we've had an easy winter, I'm ready for spring, green, birdies and all the other good stuff that comes with the warmer weather. Bring it on!

Thought I'd share another recipe with you today. My family are all admittedly "chocoholics". Anything related to a birthday celebration must be chocolate... This year I decided to make a favourite cheesecake for my "birthday cake" - it's kept in the freezer so I figured it wouldn't go stale or dry out before hubby and I got it eaten, NOT that anything chocolate would ever go stale in this house!! So here it is.. another Hubbard family favourite...

Frozen Chocolate Cheesecake

Crust:

1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate wafers

1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds

Filling:

3/4 cup chocolate chips

2 eggs, seperated

1/4 cup white sugar

1 cup whipping cream, whipped

1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened to room temp.

1/4 cup white sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 325F. Crush chocolate wafers to fine crumbs. (I buy the 200 g. pkg. of Mr. Christie's chocolate wafers). Add melted butter, mix well. Press into 9" springform pan. Sprinkle with nuts, bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Melt chocolate chips over low heat, stirring often and being careful not to scorch. Set aside to cool. Seperate eggs, setting yolks aside. Beat whites until soft peaks form, slowly beat in 1/4 cup sugar till stiff peaks form. Set aside. Beat whipping cream to a soft peak stage. Set aside.

Beat cream cheese, add sugar and vanilla, beat until smooth. Add egg yolks, beat till smooth. Blend in cooled chocolate, then fold in egg whites, then lastly fold in whipped cream. Pour into cooled crust. Smooth top. Cover well with foil, place in freezer. Remove about 1/2 hour before serving time to soften. Garnish with more chopped nuts, whipped cream or dusting of icing sugar or cocoa.

Note: This should be made a day ahead, it takes overnight to freeze, so cannot be made the same day. This recipe is from one of the Best of Bridge series, "Aces", I believe.

Piece,

Linda

I'm not old...I'm chronologically gifted!

Birthday #3

Today is Laura's birthday! My darling daughter! Growing up as the youngest with older brothers (who loved to tease and torment) I longed for a sister. Never got one, although my Mother told me she did try... So I had always longed for a little girl of my own... We knew she was going to be a girl... actually I really didn't believe it 100% until I actually saw the proof, so to speak... Yes, 19 years ago today I got my little girl! And now she's all grown up! I cannot believe the years have flown by so quickly. Where have those cute little pigtails gone?

Laura was born on International Women's Day, a day of global celebration of the rights and accomplishments of women. Laura has always been strong-willed. It was sometimes a pain when she was little but I'm hoping it will serve her well in this world and she won't be easily led astray. She's a hard worker with clear goals, a mature young woman who is figuring out what she wants in life and going after it.

Happy Birthday Laura. I love you! I'm wishing you sunshine, love and laughter, not just today but all the days after... You are loved for the little girl you were, the special young woman you are now and the precious daugher you will always be.

Love

Mom

A daughter is: the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, the hope and promise of the future.

Birthday #2

Happy Birthday Mark! My firstborn son turns 21 today! I can hardly believe it. It seems like yesterday he was just starting school. I will never forget how upset he was when he came home after the first day of Grade 1 because the teacher had not given him any homework. The frustration grew as the week progressed, and finally on the fourth day with STILL no homework, I had to agree to give him some! I can still hear him saying to me "Mummy, HOW will I get smart if the teacher doesn't give us any homework?" He was sooo keen, and I can remember praying that it would last as he progressed through the later years of school.... I'm proud to say it HAS lasted and he is still a good student, now in his third year of Science at Dal. He spent most of his Spring Break last week researching and writing a paper for his Transgenics class. His hard work is paying off with top marks.. can you tell I'm a proud Mama?

The photo above is one of my favs from last August when "TSN Sportscentre" was in town to broadcast live from Fredericton Junction, one of the winning communities in the Kraft Celebration Tour. Mark was happy to pose with TSN celebs Dan O'Toole and Jay Onrait at the Opening Celebration of the Tri County Complex. Today Mark will be engrossed in another big sports event- watching Canada play in the Gold Medal hockey game. I sure hope they give him a GOLD performance....
Happy Birthday Mark.. I love you...

Believe!
Linda

It's always nice to wish the best to someone who really is!

Birthday #1

Today is our eldest's birthday- Ian is 32! I can hardly believe it! Ian's special day is the beginning of "birthday fest " for us - all three of our children have their birthdays in the next two weeks! I guess my hubby was "dangerous" during Apple Blossom Festival, an annual festival in the Annapolis Valley in late May.... or maybe it was just a very "fertile" time, with all those blossoms and little busy bees buzzing around..?? Regardless, it's birthday time at the Hubbard household. And since my two are home this week and will be back at University for their "official birthdays", I will have to stock up on chocolate cake ingredients this week. Any birthday cake at our house must be chocolate!

Back to Ian. Happy Birthday, big guy! This is your first birthday as a married man! Hope your wife has something special planned for you....

As you have no doubt guessed, the photos here are from Ian's wedding last October... Above left to right, Ian, Laura and Mark. At left is today's birthday boy and his lovely wife Tiffany.

Peace,

Linda

Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live.

A year older....

Another birthday has come and gone... and I'm a year older. The big 55 - halfway between 50 and 60...ugh- that sounds OLD. I'm trying to look on the positive side, telling myself I can now get Senior Discounts at some stores!! Whooppeeeeee.....
Yesterday was a good day - I went to an Embroiderer's Guild Show, treated myself to a few new threads, went out to supper at our favorite Greek restaurant..yep, a good day!! I even received flowers and chocolate - now what more could a girl ask for?? (Well.... fabric maybe...)
Tonight I cooked one of my favorite meals - Maple Curried Chicken, with rice and fresh asparagus, and a decadent Chocolate Cheesecake for dessert. Yummmmm.. Because it's going to be tomorrow before I share photos of my progress on the CQ stocking, I'm going to give you my recipe for the chicken dish. Hope you like it.


Maple Curried Chicken
2 Tblsp. olive oil
2 Tblsp. butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 each red and green peppers, choppped
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
3 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup cream
1-2 Tblsp. medium curry paste
Heat oil and butter, soften onion and peppers. Add chicken and garlic, sprinkle sugar over and cook for 3 minutes. Add maple syrup, cook 5 minutes. Add curry paste and cream, reduce heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes. Serve over noodles or rice.
Note- I often add mushrooms as well, and sometimes just make the sauce and serve over cooked chicken breasts

I promise I'll post a few photos of my CQ stocking later tomorrow. Meeting with my Fusion group in the morning , we're going to try out some heat set ink-dyes...

Piece,
Linda

Birthdays are good for you- the more you have, the longer you live!

Happy Birthday Laura...

I can hardly believe that my baby girl is 18 today! The years have flown by waaay too quickly. Not that I would choose to go back to diapers and all that.. but .. how can my children be young adults already? Its true what they say - the time seems to go faster as you get older. Being an only daughter, with older brothers, I always wanted a sister..never got one. And as long as I can remember, I've wanted a daughter. I had her name picked out years before she appeared on the scene...

At right is one of my favourite pics of her as a little girl. This was taken in our backyard, wearing her favourite hat at the time.. and the next shot was taken when she was.... about 5, I'm thinking. This was just before we cut her long hair- she tells her friends that she had no arms when she was little - haha.

And - here she is today, all grown up. This is one of her Grad pics, taken by MaryEllen Nealis. She's into photography, so here she is with her beloved camera. Because she's so busy with school and summer work, she really hasn't had much opportunity to take courses yet, and is pretty much self taught. I think she has a really "good eye" and I'm sure that when she gets around to some serious study of photography she will do some incredible work. You can check out her current work at

www.flickr.com/photos/lkhubbard

All the dreams I prayed you'd be,

are all the things you are.

You were once my litle girl

And now my shining star!

Happy Birthday Laura! I love you....

Being a family of chocolate lovers, the birthday cake is usually chocolate with thick fudgey chocolate frosting. But Laura chose another family favourite for her cake this year- Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Cake. It really is yummy and it never lasts long. Here is the recipe:

Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Cake

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup sour cream

2 cups flour
1 tsp. each baking powder and baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

Topping: 1/4 cup white sugar mixed with 1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Mix as usual, alternating dry ingds. with sour cream. Spray tube pan with Pam, and spread half of batter in pan. Sprinkle half of cinnamon sugar over , and spread with half of nuts and chips. Top with remaining batter, then rest of cinnamon sugar, chips and nuts. Do not stir. (I'll be honest, I'm more generous with the nuts and chips - I use probably a cup of each). Bake at 350F, for 40-45 minutes.

What I like about this cake, as well as it's yumminess - is that it's so easy - no frosting required!

I'll post a few more pictures tomorrow of my little darlin' Laura. Then it's on to some crazy quilting! I did a little stitching last night- it felt good!! I've started another miniature quilt too, but it will be a few days before it's anywhere near ready for pics! Stay tuned!

Piece,

Linda

A daughter may outgrow your lap...but she will never outgrow your heart.

Little Boys are Treasures

Little boys are treasures

Who are worth their weight in gold,

And charm everyone around them

From the time they're hours old....

They're Mummy's little darling,

They're a special pal to Dad,

And they bring the very happiest days

A family's ever had.......

-Author unknown



Yes, my little boy is all grown up. These two photos taken at age 7 are among my favourites. I wanted professional photos taken of Mark and Laura, before he started losing his teeth and before we cut her long hair. Karen Hawkins of ProLab on Regent Street did an awesome job; she put the kids at ease and despite a very hot sticky summer day, got some great shots.... Some people seeing this photo asked if they were twins...

This seems like sooo very long ago...





Where have the years gone? Wasn't it just yesterday I was watching him learn to play basketball with the YBC program? He went on to play on Junior Varsity and Varsity teams at both Albert St. Middle School and Fredericton High School. Here he is in his FHS Black Kat uniform he was so proud of - this is one of his Grad photos, taken by Harvey Studios of Fredericton. Six foot two, tall dark and handsome..that's my boy!!!!

And here he is on Prom Night, June 18, 2007- his first Tux! What a handsome guy! I am such a proud Mother.... can you tell? He's now in his second year of Science at Dalhousie University in Halifax. A young man, all grown up...This is the first year that he's not home for his birthday.. I miss him....

You have always been so special

In all things you've said and done,

I am so very proud of you

Just because you are my son!

Piece,

Linda

"Being a full-time Mother is one of the highest salaried jobs - since the payment is pure love."

-M.B. Vermont

Labour of Love....

Twenty years ago tonight, I was "thoroughly involved" in a labour of love... yes, I was in labour for my firstborn- a son, Mark Kelly Hubbard. I remember it very well- it was a very cold day, but sunny and bright. I was two weeks overdue and more than ready to have the entire process overwith!! I won't bore you with the details, suffice it to say Mark was born at 1:06 a.m. on Feb. 28th.

Here is one of the first professional photos I had taken of him - we did them in October as a surprise for Daddy for Christmas - Mark would have been 8 months old- isn't he cute? And look at me- that BROWN hair - where did that ever go to? Guess that proves that grey hair comes from children! We lived in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia at the time- this was taken by Blaine MacCall of Hantsport.

It's true what they say, time flies! I can't believe Mark turns 20! Here he is on his first birthday - a photo that I had cut into an oval- hence the weird shape here... He had such fun with his birthday cake- chocolate cake with boiled icing. I put a piece in front of him in his highchair, and let him go at it. Those little fingers sure were sticky!! Chocolate cake is still the cake of choice for all family birthdays. I guess we're a family of chocolate lovers....

Where do the years go? How can this sweet little guy be all grown up- yes, over 6 feet tall now? Time is passing much too quickly and when I look back at pics like this, I realize just how many years have flown by....of course I'm not getting any older... yeah, right!

Check back tomorrow to see what the birthday boy looks like now...

Happy Birthday, my darling son! I love you!

Piece,

Linda

With every little baby's birth, a bit of stardust falls to earth......