Hello Blog I've missed you

So it's been awhile. A serious LONG while. I really really do miss blogging though. So why have I not been writing?? Don't know. I know at first it was because I didn't want to tell the world I was expecting yet(did you catch that??) YES! We are expecting #3 in Sept. Sept 18th to be exact but since Payton was so early I am going to be ready any time in Sept, watch this one will be late!

There's so much to catch up on! Where to start?? Payton has finished her year of dance and did wonderful at her dance recital. We have a new family member, Sara, she's a Hedgehog(yes a hedgehog!) and so so cute! Sam turned 2 in feb(I just can't believe that!), I have been learning to knit and just cast on a blanket for the baby(I hope it turns out!), Payton is registered in kindergarten(I REALLY can't believe that!), we've started a purge and clean of the house to prepare for baby(or maybe more so I don't go crazy about the clutter anymore, but baby gives it a timeline to be done by!). Ok I'm going to stop there some of that really needs it's own blog post complete with pics.

I am not going to promise a post a day, but I think a few times a week sounds good. I really hate to post this without pics but think I'd better get off here, maybe I'll update it later. Or maybe not so much lol!

Ummm...Oops....

Well I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted! I was pretty busy leading up to Christmas but the truth is I'm trying to decide how much a part of my life I want the internet to be. It's such a time eater. I do miss writing on my blog so that's going to remain but I always put such pressure on myself to post everyday and that they have to full of substance. I think I will try for 2-3 posts a week then I should be fine. I also have a list of blogs I follow that is taller than I am. I'm going to cut that down dramatically. I think maybe I'm internet overwhelmed?? Lol!

I have some things I made over Christmas to show you, as well as a Christmas re-cap(I know it's January but I also use this space to remember), and a late New Years type post.

So yes, I'm still around, and intend to be.

Belated MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEARS!! LOL!!

Art will take you places.

Loved this. Half was through Payton wanted to go "do art".

Originally found here.

Halloween Snapshots

We love books.

I don't know about you but I love books. I've been reading ferociously for as long as I can remember. I would take books out of the library in stacks, even as a teen. 10-15 novels at a time and have them all finished by the time they were due. Since having kids I have a new obsession, childrens books, oh and craft books:) I thought I would share a few recent favorites. Grrrr...I can't get the link without the amazon.ca button underneath it to work. Sorry about that. I'm not trying to sell you books, I promise. Just show you what we've been enjoying.

Payton's favorite at the moment is The Balloon Tree. It is a library book so eventually we will have to return it, but this one is going on our wish list. The story and illustrations are beautiful. Payton asks for it every night and I really enjoy reading it(which makes it two thumbs up)

Another library favorite at the moment is Lily Browns Paintings. This is a really fun book about a young girl and her art. I love how it encourages kids to paint things however they want. I find so often that kids are encouraged to create only "realistic" things. If their cow is purple, or trees have shoes(as in the book) they are made to feel their creation isn't good because it's not realistic. I try to encourage Payton to use her imagination, and that whatever she wants to draw or create it's fantastic because it's hers. Art is so relative and is different for everyone, I know I hesitate to do things for fear of what other people think and am trying to get over that and just create. I hope I can instill that in my girls.




Fairy Houses is one we own and has been read over and over again. Pay is really into fairies right now, and I have to admit, so is mom!





We just got this book through a school scholastic order and I love it. It's really simple in words and art but what it does say is so big. This may have been a purchase more for mom than the girls as I teared up the first time I read it. I think I may have to get another copy so each child has their own. Payton loved how the baby grew up and had a baby of her own. She loves to talk about how things grow right now, including herself!



This is also a brand new addition, that I haven't actually read to Payton yet but will today. It's really a fun book about livestock that goes on strike. It really made me giggle and I'm sure Payton will enjoy it. Sam may actually sit for this one as well as she loves animals.




I LOVE this book. This is another library book that is going on my wish list, maybe even Christmas list. It is aimed at Children a little older than mine but I think it's a fantastic book. It's 23 different artists writing to children about their artwork, their inspirations, and tips and encouragements for the kids. It's so great for inspiration. Each artist has done a self portrait(in their own style of course), as well as a fold out of more of their artwork. It's a hardcover book that goes for about $22 on amazon.ca with proceeds going to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. I think it's a good value for this book.

I also got some inspiration in the mail this week, which are not actually books, but thought I would share them anyways :)



I got my new Ottobre Magazine. They are a company from Finland and the magazines are full of childrens fashion(they also have womens fashion) and every outfit comes with pattern and instructions. This is the winter 6/2008 issue and has some wonderful things in it like usual.

I also received some long awaited for patterns from Sandi Henderson over at Portabellopixie. The patterns are just beautiful with full colour detailed instructions. I can't wait to sew up something from these. The link to check out the patterns is here. It does appear though that she's having some website issues at the moment so here are the links to her post about them, Claire, Analise, Gracie, Ruffle Pants, and the Market Bag.


All right, back to real life now. I smell something suspicious.

Yummy Autumn Soup

I've been experimenting a little more with food lately. Trying to break out of the "same olds". Some has been good, some just ok, some very very good! This was one of the very very good ones. SO YUMMY! I didn't even use fresh pumpkin for this and it was still wonderful. The girls were so so about it even though I went light on the curry but Rod and I both agreed this will be added to our make again list.


Pumpkin Curry Soup

Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
* 1 cup (1 small) chopped onion
* 2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
* 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1 can (15 oz.) Pumpkin Puree
* 1 can (12 fl. oz.) Evaporated Milk

Directions:
MELT butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in curry powder, salt and pepper; cook for 1 minute.

ADD broth and pumpkin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in evaporated milk. Transfer mixture to food processor or blender (in batches, if necessary); cover. Blend until smooth. Serve warm.

Originally found here.

Apple Fest at the Botanical Garden

I'm feeling a little short on words(and time) today so I will treat you to pictures. We went to the Apple Festival at the Botanical Garden here on campus last weekend. Oma and Opa came too and fun was had by all. I did notice though that somehow I'm short of apple pictures, Hmmmmm.......