Family History Journal - Family Traditions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGyFG4QFWOs&feature=related

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU........

I love birthdays, to me it represents that one day of the year that is yours, to be spoilt by family and friends, not so much with presents but with best wishes and love. This tradition has really taken on a mind of it's own over the years. It started as a cute little response to one birthday when Stephen was only a toddler and we were singing Happy Birthday to a family member and his Happy Birthday singing went something like this:

"Ha -ee  Boyay oo-ooo, Ha-ee Boyay oo-ooo" (sing along to Happy Birthday tune), it was very cute and for quite a few years whenever it was someones birthday we would sing it like Stephen did. Then all of a sudden, I don't know why, I started to sing different versions of it to family when I called them on the phone on their birthday. So instead of wishing them "Happy Birthday" I  sing the song in whatever style takes my fancy on the day.


To date we have had: Operatic style, Rap style, Jazz, Hip Hop, Elvis, Folk. I know that to a lot of people this is a VERY unusual tradition but I am sure that if I didn't do it, my family would be a little disappointed ( or perhaps relieved) I'm not totally sure. What I am sure of is that when I sing down the phone to them I know that they are smiling and enjoying every minute of it, not one person has been grumpy after an Angela "Happy Birthday " song.
Click on the You Tube link above to see and hear another great version  from Ernie on Sesame Street. You can't beat a great "Happy Birthday" song to put a smile on your face.

Check out this cloud..

Last night we were expecting a huge rainstorm, and as the clouds got darker, we saw this brilliant white cloud against the blue/ black sky , reminded me of a puppy at first and then it changed and ended up looking like a rabbit.  Very Cool.

What we can learn from dogs..

If a dog was a teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home always run to greet them
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy
Take naps
Stretch before rising

Run, romp and play daily
Thrive on attention and let people touch you
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass
On hot days drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree
When you're happy dance around and wag your entire body
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk
Be loyal
Never pretend to be something you're not
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

"In loving memory of Beau, who was part of our family for 14 years. Passed away 12 November, 2009"

Just have to share this recipe..

with you all. This is a great recipe for those times when you are stuck for  ideas (specially if your husband takes his lunch to work), or if you are wanting to do something different for lunch on the weekend or over a holiday break. I can't imagine it appealing to children unless yours like to eat eggs. Don't freak out by the number of eggs that are used, it is very healthy. Full of protein and not  empty carbohydrates.

MINI FRITTATAS:

6 eggs, 1/2 cup low fat milk, 1/2 cup grated Edam cheese, 2 cups of frozen mixed veges

Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees celsius (sorry I don't know how to convert to fahrenheit)
Use either a shallow muffin tin that holds 12, or deep muffin tin that holds 6, and spray with cooking oil.
Put the frozen veges into a bowl and microwave until cooked (depends on the microwave).
Whisk together the eggs, milk and cheese, season with pepper.
Once frozen veges are cooked, drain off, and spoon into the muffin tray. Ladle the egg mixture evenly into the muffin tin. Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and the egg has set.
Serve hot or cold, with some yummy chutney or relish.
Note, than when the frittatas go cold they tend to shrink quite a bit, but are still yummy!

Hope that you have a go and enjoy!

There is an old NZ saying that goes "When there's an egg in the house, there's a meal in the house".

Just as a side-note, our eggs were farm fresh, from free-range happy chickens supplied by my work colleague Kim. Which is why they look so yellow.