In case you missed my first two posts - I already wrote about how to make a kick-ass German Apfelstrudel this week and I've shared some of my parenting secrets in Auer Parenting 101.

I don't really have anything substantial to say now, but I need to share some of the things that have been going on this week - I'm home by myself all day, mkay? And even though my dog is a good listener, he does not get quite as excited as I'd like him to.

So here we go:

On Sunday I had the opportunity to go to a movie screening. Last year a film team from Switzerland came and filmed a movie in Merritt and the Nicola Valley, using all local people from the Lower Nicola Indian Band. The only professional actor was a wolf - the wolf from Twilight actually - and he was apparently a real diva.

I have no idea what my parenting style is. I don't even know the definitions of alltheparentingstyles, like Dolphin Dad and Tiger Mom, Helicopter parent and what not. All I know is that I try to do my best, every day.

I want my kids to become respectful, kind adults who have the coping skills to deal with all the highs and lows life has to offer.

This is what I teach them:

Always question authority. This is one of the most important and valuable things I learned in college. Questioning authority does not mean being disrespectful. It means holding elected officials, experts, doctors, lawyers and teachers accountable. A person of authority in a child's life - like a teacher or a doctor - sometimes seems to have an aura of "untouchable" about them. I encourage my children to ask questions and insist on answers. And yes, questioning authority does include questioning my parenting. I have bad days and need to be reminded that I am not an absolute ruler of my children, but rather someone who helps them to be the best they can be.

How about a slice of German Apfelstrudel? Yes? Then make your own! I'll show you how, mkay?

For the dough you need:

1/2 pound of flour

1 pinch of salt

1 egg

1/2 cup warm milk

2 tbsp. oil

1tsp. sugar

put it all in a mixing bowl and start kneading...

You know what I love?

When things end on a high note.

I love it when that last bite of bacon is just the absolute best. I love it when after an already good day my husband comes home early from work and makes dinner. I love it when something I wrote that I'm proud of gets a comment by someone new to my blog.

Sometimes things go really well and then something happens that makes it even better - ya know?

We just had a weekend like that.

After my last day at work, where my coworkers gave me flowers, candy and cards and my boss' wife threw a lunch party for me, we took off to one of my favourite places ever - the Echo Valley Ranch.

We ate lots of delicious food...