As has been happening so often with groceries, someone included our family’s needs in their trip into the real world, and bought us our garden ❤️ Cher’s mom, Sandy, lovingly went in for us and brought back soil, peat pots, and all the seeds on our list that she could find.

We officially have a pack of cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, yellow peppers, dill, lettuce, grape tomatoes, big tomatoes, corn, and rainbow carrots!! My kids aren’t big carrot eaters, so we’ll see if the colour helps 😉 I also got glads, and am still hoping to find peonies somewhere. Potatoes closer to the day. And maybe berries, if I’m on the ball enough to figure out how to do them well. Thank you, friend, for offering to be my raspberry dealer 😘 You know who you are.

This year will be a low pressure garden. I hope it’s successful, but our spring plans are already lofty with the fence, grass, and shed. Those things come first. So while I’d love to have beautiful garden boxes, its likely going to be a “seeds in dirt” kind of year. 

Unless this quarantine thing lasts a lot longer, in which case we’ll have nothing but time to build boxes! Hahaha! Whats one more project when we’ve got nowhere else to be?? 

You know the current running joke that everyone is online shopping since they’re all stuck at home? We are working HARD to resist the urge, but there are a couple of things that have been on the list for a while that I “indulged” in and looked around for. 

Pots. Pots and pans. Here’s the thing. We’ve been using a set of five non-stick teflon pots for a long time, and I’m confident I don’t have to tell you how unpopular that is. Last year, I made it my mission to find a new stainless steal set. And then last year, we were SO broke. There was absolutely no money for new pots. I had one person say to me at one point “Can you really afford not to, though?” And I know where they were coming from, but we could, in fact, afford not to. The money just was not there. 

In the recent months, our pots have gotten BAD. Teflon flaking off. It was very clear we needed to start replacing them fast. Aaaaand then Brady dropped one and bent the heck out of it 😆 So I decided it was time to find some to buy. 

And it was oddly easy… 

Not everything is replaced yet, but we’re on our way! We found perfect stainless saucepans with nice heavy bases to replace our three smaller pots. They were 50% off, and oddly cheap. But the reviews were great, so we ordered them. A 1, 2, and 3.25 qt. 

Our bigger 6 qt pot has yet to be replaced. The closest thing looked right, but it was 5.5 qt and we are not in any position to be downsizing our pots. Nope nope nope. So I’m just keeping an eye out for that. 

The last pot that needed replacing is basically a pan. Its a shallow, 2.75 qt saucepan. We like it a LOT more than our basic frying pans because it has a nice lid on it and the sides are straight up, unlike a pan, if that makes sense. That pan was warped years ago, but we’ve continued to use it. But!! We upgraded 😳 Doubled, in fact. 5.5 qt. Ta daaaaaa!! 💁‍♀️

Ok, I know, I know, we went non-stick here. Not a popular choice, but we’re getting there slowly, and there are going to be things we don’t want to stick. This pot/pan/beast was originally $150 and we got it for $28. It is BANANAS. I know, I am oddly excited about it, but I guess thats adulthood for me 🤷‍♀️ Can’t afford to shop for non essentials, but I’d call the pots that cook our food essential. Yes? Yes. 

After ALL of that explanation, we got the pots home from the curbside pickup (where the store employee called us because they “couldn’t see our van” 😂) sanitized them, and discovered they gave us one wrong pot. Merp. Ah well. We’re still amped! 

Are you also amped about our pots? Because you should be. And if you’re not, if you could just fake it, that would be ideal 😆

Dear Covid,

I’ll use small words, so that you’ll be sure to understand, you warthog faced buffoon. #princessbride

I hope today finds you crappy. You’re a schmuck, and have really shaken things up. Do you just like attention? No one likes the one who just wants attention 🙄 Haven’t you figured that out yet? You’re just immature. Do you even have friends?? Do you notice that, the moment you show up, everyone leaves? The truth hurts, doesn’t it, fart face? Ya it does. 

I get it. You’re scary and important and intimidating. Maybe that makes you feel important. Whatever. You’re nothing but a bully. If thats who you want to be 🤷‍♀️ Your call, dude. You can have your negative attention, and be a lonely sad sack. 

You should know that, when you finally leave, we’re all going to PARTY!!! And you will not be invited. And no one will miss you. Because nobody likes you. Idiot. 

I’d put you in my burn book, if I were mean enough to have one. #meangirls 

I hate your stinking guts. You make me vomit. You are scuuuuum between my toes. #littlerascals 

I hate so much about the things you choose to be. #theoffice 

You are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity. #toystory

via GIPHY

Peace out, dork. ✌️ 

Sincerely, 

Hailey, and the rest of the world

If you’re on my Facebook, I was concerned yesterday about getting to my Click & Collect pickup at the right time. As humour would have it, our order was booked for next Monday 🙄 So it became clear we were going to need a grocery shop ASAP. We were out of evvvvverything! Brady took the hit and offered to hit Costco for us this morning. I advised him to grab an orange flat deck cart. He laughed, but said he might. He did. 

Unfortunately, his hands are gigantic and his gloves ripped immediately 😕 Buuuuut the shop still needed doing. 

We needed a LOT of things. 

Familiar?? 😆

Costco didn’t permit Brady to use our green bins, but they only used one teeny tiny little box for a couple of things and the rest was reloaded onto the orange cart willy nilly. After many little spills and no one being able to help, Brady made it back to the bus and loaded it up. My goodness….. 

When he arrived home, it was a long process of unloading the items into the garage, disinfecting everything, and then putting things in their spots. We bought two of most items, just to cover us longer, so there was more than our pantry is used to holding, but we made it work. 

We came home wiiiiiiiith…

Two bags of red potatoes, two containers of grape tomatoes, six cucumbers, two bags of bell peppers, three bags of apples, three bunches of bananas, two big bags of frozen broccoli, two bags of burger buns, three bags of hot dog buns, two sleeves of English muffins, six farmer sausage, two packs of sandwich ham, four milks, three almond milks, two sour creams, a close of kombucha, a box of perogies, a bag of fries, three pounds of butter, four blocks of cheese, cheese slices, cheese strings (I know, I know, cheese cheese cheese,) One bag chicken nuggets, a box of quick oats, two boxes of Cheerios, two boxes of Froot Loops, two boxes of goldfish crackers, three boxes of granola bars, a big box of spaghetti noodles, twelve tins of tuna, tostitos, two bags of trail mix, cooking oil, potato salad, salt, raspberry jam, two rolls of parchment paper, aaaaaaand a big pack of toilet paper. Finally. 

It all came to $600 😳

I hope that lasts a GOOD long time!! 

Not because I don’t want to shop again soon, but I don’t want to wipe down $600 worth of groceries again anytime soon! 

Thank you, Lord, for keeping us afloat and providing for us, always. 

First…

I had SO MUCH FUN with yesterdays post! I did not expect the response I got, but I’m SO thankful so many of you answered! I’ve received comments, private messages, texts, articles, phone numbers, and general opinions and information. WOW! I am SO lucky to have you all following along, so willing to help in a variety of ways! It was suggested to me to make a post of the most popular answers, and I think that is SO smart! And I will! Except I’m going to give it a day or two, to make sure I get all the responses I’m going to get and to be as informed as possible! I know some people only read along every few days, so I’m going to wait and see, and also do some figuring myself. But I WILL update soon! 

What I wanted to make a little post about today is our supper yesterday. 

It. Was. Delicious. Mixed veggies, garlic roasted potatoes, and sausage. Pretty simple, nothing fancy at all. This meal always feels like a “back to basics” meal to me, yet its one of my favourites. Which I guess it ideal. I’d love to feed my family things like this absolutely always.

This sausage came from the parcel of meat that was gifted to us anonymously. It was peppery and delicious and tasted like love. Hahaha! I know that sounds dumb but that kind of stuff really sits with me. It drives me a liiiiittle bit nuts that I don’t know who gave it to us, but I also really love to bless people anonymously. So I get it. But whoever you are, if you happen to read this, PLEASE know how grateful we are, how loved we feel, and what a difference you made! You’ve saved us money, as well as trips to the grocery store. 

Last nights supper was ridiculously delicious. The end. 

I have a lot of questions. I keep wanting to ask them on Facebook, but it would just be SO MANY. So here’s my list! PLEASE comment if you can help! Hahaha! 😆

1. Where does a person buy yeast?? Has anyone found a secret store somewhere that has any? I don’t NEED any immediately, but I want some so I have the option to make bread and buns when we run out.
2. Can we apply for CERB if our cheque’s come a month after earned? Can Brady and I BOTH apply if we’re legally business partners? Getting through to anyone on the phone is next to impossible.
3. What is the best way to grow raspberries? 
4. What should we put in the section of our front yard between the walkway to the front door and the garage? Just a little space. I was thinking succulents? Or maybe pots…
5. What is a food-producing tree that is actually pretty? Thinking about maybe the front yard.
6. Are the national parks closed?
7. Do you worry about surfaces during the quarantine or more about exposure to people? (Takeout food, mail, parcels, drop offs, etc) Both? I wish we could drop treats off for our friends and neighbours, but I not thats not everyone’s jam.
8. Any new quarantine music you’re enjoying?
9. Whats the best way to support your loved ones during this time? 
10. When do you seed grass? 
11. What comes first, grass or fence, if we’re aiming to hydro seed? 
12. Where do you go to buy a butchered pig? We’re not as much “side of beef” people but we love sausage. Does anyone buy a pig? Around here?
13. How about fresh fish? I wish I fished…
14. Is there an excellent detangler for kids that doesn’t smell so strongly of fabric softener? What about leave-in conditioner? 

I’m sure there’s more, but these are some of the questions that swirl around in my mind these days. Themed towards Covid and my garden, mostly, lol! Please, help a person out! I want to be so organized when Spring shows up so I can make the most of my time! 

Yesterday was the warmest day of the week, and that is not saying much 😳 It was still freezing out, but we were a little desperate. Some of us were, anyway.

Also, the kids hadn’t eaten as much supper as they usually do, and we had six egg in a holes that were going to go to waste. So we threw them in a bag and bundled up to go walk them over to Cher’s house for her dogs. 

It. Was. Freezing. But it was still a pretty cute gig. 

The walk there wasn’t too bad. It was just that the wind was pretty biting. The walk back was another story 😆 Yet another walk where we just put our heads down and powered through! As we walked, I tried to remind them how nice it was being outside. Hahaha! It was an effort, anyway. They all agreed, as the wind left them breathless. 💨 (Did you know the wind emoji is also the fart emoji? Lol!)

Everyone was tired and freezing when we got home, which was actually perfect for bedtime. We let the kids take a breather before we started bedtime stuff, and I’ve gotta say it was our smoothest bedtime in a while. Not in the way that no one struggled. They did. But they didn’t get up a bunch or make up any excuses. They were ready to sleep. I love when that happens. 

It was a really nice way to wrap up the day. A little miserable outside but totally worth going out in it! That being said, I REALLY anticipate warmer weather!

Last night was taco night. I really love taco night. We used to make a big bowl of taco salad for the kids while Brady and I made wraps, but the kids didn’t love it. Now that the kids are a little older, four out of five eat wraps, and they eat really really well! 

Our tacos are far from authentic Mexican food, but just taco meat, a ton of veggies, and a few little toppings and sauce options. That being said, the kids get SO many veggies on taco nights, and I feel great about that. Tacos are something I can eat a lot of without guilt, which I also really like 😆 Its a win all around. 

The only downfall of taco night is that wraps take time to make, and the kids aren’t super capable of making their own. They could, but it would need to be closely supervised all along the way. 

So yesterday, when everything was ready but before the kids set the table, I got to work assembling tacos. I made four, asking each kid what they wanted on them. They came to the island and selected their taco stuff, kind of like Subway. #tacoartist They didn’t differ too far from one another. They are all required to have for sure three out of four veggie options (lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes), so the whole beginning part is about the same. We had four sauce options (sour cream, salsa, ranch, and honey mustard), and they could choose two. There are also crunchy onions and bacon bits, if they want. Usually sunflower seeds, too, but we’re out. Cheese tops it all off, and everyone is happy! 

I made four tacos for the kids, and a bowl of taco salad for Waverly. Once everyone was settled and eating, Brady and I went to the island to make our tacos, helping Wavy get a bite here and there. Before I had even finished one taco, every kid wanted another. Mom life, right?? So I got up and made another round of tacos. Some kids were done two tacos before I was done one. 

Waverly finished her taco salad and wanted to get down, but immediately asked to sit on my lap. I hauled her up while I tried to eat my supper, but the moment she was on my lap, she said “Oh yum” and started smacking her lips and leaning. Sooooo she ate my taco 😆 

It was pretty cute, honestly. And she didn’t eat it all, by any means. But the whole supper situation felt very #momlife to me. 

And I wouldn’t trade it 🥰 

I wouldn’t trade the taco leftovers, either….. 🌮 

Once again, we were loved on by our neighbours. Not only was our grocery list fulfilled, but a gift for each of our children was dropped off as well. And flowers 💐 Because SPRING!

Games, kits, and books have been in active use this morning. Dekker is dusty from mining crystals, and Laela is reading everything to everyone. Solly isn’t having a particularly smooth go of it so he’s not in todays photos. Don’t worry, we love him too 😘

The only thing that would make this morning better would be nicer weather. I’ve been feeling a bit gross the last couple of days, and I think my body is just a bit eager to get out of the house again. I don’t have a heavy sense of cabin fever, because my usual is being home in the day, but I don’t have to tell you guys that these days are just different. Uncertainty is hard, even when you’re coping well, which I truly think I am. But no one is firing on all cylinders, thats for sure. 

I’m so thankful for our friends and loved ones who keep us in mind and help with both needs and non essentials, to lighten our load. I’m struggling knowing how to help my friends myself, but its not lost on me how loved it leaves me feeling. I want that for others, too.

Its been a different kind of day today. I’m not feeling 100%, so because Brady is home, I’ve spent the day upstairs in bed. Even more isolated than usual 😳 Its a bit bizarre, though restful. If I turn my head too fast, I get dizzy, and my stomach is off. Truly, I think I’m just grossly overtired. My kids are unsettled since school closed, and we get a lot more midnight “I can’t sleep” wake ups, where the kids have clearly been sleeping, but they’re disoriented and upset. So, we’re trying to be sensitive to how they feel, but also trying to restore order. And my body is feeling it!! 

Thankfully, I have a competent, loving, willing husband to hang with our kids for the day while I laze it up on my own. Meanwhile, our family is being SO well cared for! 

Just the other day, we were gifted a big pan of fresh cinnamon buns and fresh bunsy buns from our neighbour. On the SAME DAY, a big box of fresh meat was dropped on our doorstep! I’m talking ground beef, sausage, breakfast sausage, and hot dogs. SO MUCH! Beyond that, people have gifted us flowers, and activities for the kids to do while they’re stuck at home. I feel SO fortunate because not only do those gifts save us money and sanity, but they save us from having to go out in the world. 

Once again, today, someone offered to grab us a few things on their grocery shop, saving us a trip. Our staples are being replenished, and we’ve yet to go without what we truly need. God is watching over us! Thank you, friends, for being good neighbours, and filling needs you see in this time of uncertainty! 

This is one of the things I hope we never forget about this year, and this time of our lives. The part where we all really kept an eye out for each other. I’m excited for the new appreciation we could gain from this experience, and how much more grateful we’ll be when it all blows over. 

Its going to be ok. This I know.