Love Lives Here

2010-10-26T00:32:00.001-07:00

So, time to completely re-do this blog? Or make a new start elsewhere? Decisions, decisions......

Really?? January?

2010-06-08T08:48:00.003-07:00

I realized it had been awhile since I posted but I didn't realize it had been since January. Wow. I've been missing blogging so the plan is to get back into posting at least a couple times a week. I know I know, promises made, promises broken. I've been feeling somewhat better the last couple weeks and think the PPD is lifting so I'm hopeful that I can start figuring out what our normal is going to look like around here.

A few tidbits: Theron is almost 9 months already! He's crawling, pulling up to standing, and starting to walk along the furniture. He's a funny, happy little guy who just happens to not like sleep. He absolutely adores his sisters and follows them around whenever he can.

Sam is one of the funniest kids I know. She has a wicked sense of humor and has known how to tease pretty much as soon as she could talk. She wasn't to sure about Theron in the beginning but now that he's mobile and can "play" they have great fun together. It's so sweet to watch. She's finally starting to come out of her shell which is wonderful to watch. She'll be starting preschool in the fall 2 days a week. I'm excited for her to have something of her own, but apprehensive because I'm unsure how she'll do. I think with gradual entry she'll do great, I know the teacher as well and I think they are a good match.

Payton is almost done kindergarten! I can't believe she'll be in full time school in the fall. She's loving school and I know she'll do great but I'm not sure I'm ready for her to be gone so much! She's been learning to unicycle with her Dad and loves anything active. She's my super social kid and is the happiest when surrounded kids and activity. I enrolled her in soccer for the fall and think she'll love it.

And as for me I've started to feel more like myself, which is wonderful. I've been sewing again, cooking, baked bread for the first time from scratch, and started running. Yes! Me! Running! I've never been a runner, and actually kinda thought runners were crazy lol! But it's time to shed some of this I've had 3 babies weight and get healthy. Running allows me flexibility in when I can go and gives me time outside BY-MY-SELF! I found a program called, Couch To 5k. It's a schedule designed to get non-runners(like me) able to run 5 k in 9 weeks. I needed something scheduled and gradual or I knew I wouldn't follow through. I found an app for my phone that has been wonderful. I finished my week 3 day 1 run yesterday and although it's getting harder I finished! So far so good.

This was just going to be a short post but when you don't write for 6 months there's a lot to catch up on lol! I'm going to stop here, upload some pics of my kids, and promise(!) to write again soon.

Look who is growing up WAY too fast!

2010-01-27T23:23:00.004-08:00

Theron is 4.5 months old now. It's going by crazy fast! He sat with us at the dinner table for the first time tonight. Well first time on his own, he's been there on lap many times before. I can't believe he sits so well already!

He's gotten very reachy grabby lately, everything is examined and tasted. Much hair has been pulled :)

I think he likes the high chair!

He watched us and played and we all got to sit down to eat together, Yay!

He also thinks Mom is pretty funny!

I love this little man so much!

Don't grow up too fast!

Small Steps

2010-01-24T15:44:00.003-08:00

I'm not sure about everyone else but I tend to be over ambitous. Now I'm not against ambition, it's a great motivator, but I tend to set unrealistic ideals for myself. Then when I don't live up to my own expectations I beat up on myself or give up completely or both. Usually both.

This has come to make me a huge believer in small steps. Small steps may be small but they are still steps none-the-less. There are big things that need doing around here, but with an infant and 2 small children always depending on me for something, big things don't often get done. And that has to be ok, but its funny how if I don't get any housework done around here it really looks like Mom didn't get any housework done around here lol!

To me the needs of my kids are far more important than having a spotless house. Yet my sanity insists on not being surrounded by clutter and things left un-done all the time. I have yet to find the balance I'm looking for since having #3. I was just getting into a good groove with my girls when I got pregnant with #3 so I know it will take awhile but I need to start making baby steps.

So my baby step for today will be getting more sleep. We're just starting to get more night time sleep around here which is a huge blessing but I've found I've still been staying up too late. Partially out of habit I think, and partially because I've been enjoying the quiet time. If I'm going to be at my best during the day, get the most accomplished, be a more patient Mom, I need to get more sleep.

I've also decided to join One Small Change over at Hip Mountain Mama. This also ties into living intentionally. I need to be more intentional about taking care of our planet. The idea is to make one small change a month until Earth Day. I think it's a great idea that could inspire a lot of change without becoming overwhelming. I haven't decided what change we're going to make over here but I have a few days to decide.

I was going to try to find some pictures to go with this post as I think a post without pics seems naked, but it appears my hubby took the laptop to work which is where all the new photos are. So another naked post it is!

Housecleaning

2010-01-22T21:34:00.002-08:00

Going to be doing some housecleaning around here, I've already started, slowly.

I've been thinking a lot about New Years resolutions, I know it's well past New Years but I've been mulling things around. I'm not a fan of New Years resolutions in general, they are often made with out much intention and don't have staying power. Which brought me to think about intentions, and intentional living, about paying attention to the here and now. To try to enjoy each day, or at least something about each day. To learn something, to do something, to just be present. I find so often I'm focused on getting through, and getting by that I miss out on the here and now. So my intention for this year is to be. Yes, plan for the future and work toward goals but not at the expense of today.

I think a journey is awaiting and I'm excited. With all this thinking I've been subjecting myself to I've also realized that I don't really know, consciously know, what makes me tick. What resonates in my soul? What makes me feel alive? Or on a more simple note, what do I like and dislike? If someone asked me how I would want to decorate, or wear if I could choose anything and I really don't know!

So I'm going to work on clearing out my actual house, my blog space, and my brain. Then re-building. I'm not sure where this is all coming from except that I'm feeling a huge drive to re-evaluate and grow. And I need to write for that to happen.

I have a feeling that wasn't very coherent but I've gotten something out of my head so that's a good first step :)

Updates

2010-01-20T20:55:00.004-08:00

Hello blog world!

I've been missing you so here I am. I'm not sure how much I will post to this space but I sure do miss writing. I think I may change things up a bit around here when time allows. There doesn't seem to be enough time in the world lately so that may be awhile :)

Our son Theron joined the family on Sept 10th, another c-section because he was breech. He was a big baby, my biggest yet weighing 9lbs 8oz. He's still big, 22 lbs and 28 inches at 4 months! He's wearing 9-12 month clothes! He's a joy and I'm totally loving getting to know my little. man. He's not much of a sleeper so we've been in sleep deprivation mode around here. 3 is so crazy busy that I'm still trying to figure out how everything is going to run around here, how to fit everything into a day and not go crazy. It's easier this time somehow because I know eventually he will sleep and won't be so dependant on me at all times.

He's a joy and I'm totally loving getting to know my little. man. He's not much of a sleeper so we've been in sleep deprivation mode around here. 3 is so crazy busy that I'm still trying to figure out how everything is going to run around here, how to fit everything into a day and not go crazy. It's easier this time somehow because I know eventually he will sleep and won't be so dependant on me at all times.

I've been itching to get my craft on again lately, now just to find the time and energy to indulge, hopefully there will be some crafty posts before too long.

I'm going to try to get some photos uploaded, it's being crazy slow and call it good for a night and hopefully be back soon! (Got them up! YAY!)

This is Theron today at 4 months. He's wearing the cutest owl hat ever knit by a close friend who recently started a blog, and taught me to knit :) I am so in love with this hat. I think he needs a non-wool one to wear as an "inside" hat :)

Hello Blog I've missed you

2009-06-06T08:51:00.002-07:00

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....

2009-01-09T09:04:00.004-08:00

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.

2008-11-24T10:07:00.002-08:00

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

Originally found here.

Halloween Snapshots

2008-11-02T11:02:00.004-08:00

We love books.

2008-10-29T09:53:00.003-07:00

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

2008-10-26T14:15:00.002-07:00

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

2008-10-24T13:58:00.006-07:00

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.......

In search of some good pumpkin recipes

2008-10-22T10:37:00.003-07:00

We went to the pumpkin patch yesterday and came home with some rather large pumpkins. My hope is to not let the pumpkin go to waste. The seeds of course will be a welcome treat but I want to try some cooking and/or baking with pumpkin. It's something I haven't tried before so I need some suggestion/recipes. I did find a few online that sound good, any suggestions??

Busy busy and a sewing first.

2008-10-21T16:33:00.003-07:00

We've been busy busy around here. In a good way but man has the housework been neglected. For the next couple days I will be in catch-up mode. We took I don't know how many pictures so I have lots of blog posts lined up, which is great for busy days, or days when I can't come up with anything to write about.

Guess what I did(not much of a guess with pictures down below I guess ;) I made clothes. Oh yes I did! I haven't sewn clothes since high school, well anything I finished or want to lay claim to anyways. And I'd never before sewn kids clothes.

It was for my beautiful little baby niece who turned 1 in September. I thought I would break out of my box and try something new for her. I've been wanting to sew for my girls but hit a block I guess. I do that, it's a fear of the unknown, fear of change, fear of failure thing. But no more!

I had set backs of course, but nothing I didn't figure out eventually. It took me longer than it should have, but I'm sure I'll get quicker with experience.

I'm not sure you can see in the pictures but it's made from some really nice soft lightweight cord. And the cherries? I LOVE the cherries. I was really hoping they would be appreciated and they seemed to be, so YAY!

They were both patterns from Ottobre, Spring 1/2008. I made the pants a little longer because I was afraid they would be to capri'ish for the winter. I also added belt loops and the belt. I followed directions and sewed the elastic right to the waistband, then regretted it as Sophia is really really tiny and I was afraid the pants would slide right off her. So I just added the belt loops to help her keep them up. I think they ended up being pretty cute.

Can you see the gather detail below that first line of navy? I love little details like that. It was also fun to learn how to put in those detail stripes. I think little details like that make all the difference in the world. My only reservation was that I don't have a serger, I really feel things don't look as nice(on the inside) without it. So I double folded hems wherever possible to make it looked more finished, but I wish I had a serger. I doubt I will make to many outfits to give away until I do. Of course, that is the perfectionist in me coming out. Sigh. But it really was fun and I have a list a mile long of things I want to make for Christmas gifts and this has given me confidence to go for it! But first, I have to finish Pay's Halloween costume!

Sewing Lessons

2008-10-16T16:51:00.002-07:00

I don't usually sew during the day. The only time I really can is during little ones nap and pulling everything out and putting everything away doesn't leave me much time to actually sew. Let alone all the other things that need doing like household chores(blah), or a 4 year who needs 1-on-1 time and likes to "help"

Well, last week I tried to sew during the day as I had a deadline. I did get some done, but not much. And despite the fact that I let Pay have some much coveted computer time, she was still much more interested in what I was doing. "What are you doing? What are you making? What is it going to look like when it's done? Will you make me one? Can I help? Can I sew?" I finally decided it was time to stop and spend some time with my big girl.

Since she was showing so much interest in sewing(YAY!) I thought we'd start at the beginning and pulled out an embroidery hoop, needle, and thread for her.

She did quite well, only a few tangles I had to help her with, and of course threading the needle with various colours.

She insisted she was sewing a skirt. A skirt for Sophia(her cousin whose birthday it was). But I claimed it, insisting that mama needed to keep her first effort at sewing. I told her she could do more for gifts soon. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it. A special pillow? Frame it? All I know is it's much to beautiful to hide away.

This is where I direct you to a sweet give-away

2008-10-15T15:37:00.003-07:00

I don't really feel like posting today so I thought I'd direct you over to Pigtails and Snails where there is a give-away in progress for an absolutely beautiful quilt.

Now I'm off to wake Payton who has fallen asleep on the floor.

It's voting day!

2008-10-14T08:06:00.002-07:00

Just reminding everyone(In Canada) to go and be counted!

Happy Thanksgiving *edited to add Payton's list

2008-10-13T09:25:00.003-07:00

As much as I am looking forward to turkey dinner I am so conscious this year of all I have to be thankful for. Even my worst day would be someones best day. I've been making an effort to be thankful everyday, I'm thinking I should have a thankful journal because Thanksgiving should last more than one day a year!

I'm thankful for(in no particular order):

My wonderful husband
My beautiful girls
My Mom
The rest of my family
Close friends
A great place to live
Food on the table
Rod has a job he loves.
My health and the health of my family
That I can stay home with my girls
I live in Canada
I am free to be who I am and believe what I do
A warm place to sleep
The phone and the Internet that keep me connected.
My renewed creative energy
A God that loves me
Faith that gets me through the days I don't feel so thankful.

*Edited to add this*

Payton and I talked about Thanksgiving and I asked her what she was thankful for she said:

Going to see Oma
Daddy
Sam Sam
Doing art with Mom
The new playground at School
Being with my Family
Flowers
Falling leaves

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

October

2008-10-11T15:38:00.005-07:00

"O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away."

- Robert Frost, October

I found this Poem posted over at SouleMama and just love it. It describes October so well, I thought I would share it with you as well.

We went for a walk a couple days ago, with no destination in mind. We do that often since we've moved out here, just go and see what we find. I love it. Usually we find something new, have an adventure of some kind. I love exploring. Well this time we hit fun big time when I spied the biggest pile of leaves I have ever seen. You should have seen Pay's face as she looked at us, face shining with excitement, to see if she was allowed to jump in. And jump she did!

Sam wasn't to sure at first, it was her first time being plunked in the middle of a pile of leaves. This was her covering her face when leaves were coming down on her head.

But she figured out this was fun pretty quickly.

I'm thinking this one(below) might make a good Christmas card?

I just love the joy on their faces.

Just to give you a perspective on the size of the pile. Can you spot Sam? That's Pay jumping into the pile.

Taking a break in a bed of leaves. I've decided that the name for Payton's hair colour is now fallen leaves. Or Autumn leaves? She blended right in.

That would be me who had to get in on the fun being tackled.

It was a good day!

2008-10-10T11:32:00.001-07:00

So this blanket should have been received by it's recipient by now so I'm going to share it with you. I really love this fabric, when I bought it I had no idea what I was going to use it for(I also bought some cowgirls in flannel for the girls, maybe jammies?). But when a friend of mine moved to Alberta, I teased her about becoming a cowgirl. Then when she had a baby boy I knew where this fabric was headed!

Because there is so much going on in the fabric and just love it the way it is I decided to keep it really simple. Added really soft dotted minky to the back and top stitched in red to finish and ta-da! A cute little cowpoke blankie for a very cute little man!

Is everyone enjoying fall? It's by far my favorite time of year. From Oct through Dec. The gorgeous chill in the air, the tree's putting on their party clothes, being able to wear sweaters(I love sweaters), fuzzy socks, pumpkin patch visits, and so much more. I'm feeling an urge to knit this fall which is really strange since I don't knit, or crochet. It's on my want to learn list but I have so much else to do for now that it will have to wait. I'm thinking after Christmas I'll give it a go. I'll probably be posting for help with that! I guess in the meantime I'll have to settle for some fall/Christmas sewing, of which I have a lot! Oh, I guess I should think about Halloween costumes first!

Is't this little guy with the lasso cute? I think he's my favorite!

The results

2008-09-30T14:18:00.006-07:00

Now that I have finally given the blanket to it's recipient I can share it with you(I have another one to share but can't put it up yet.) I absolutly loved working on this blanket and was happy with how it turned out. I didn't want to give it away! This blanket it made from wool sweaters that have be felted(or fulled) in the wash. This binds up the wool and makes it thick, dense, and strong, but leaves the wool a nice texture. I used this book as a guide, Warm Fuzzies 30 Sweet Felted Projects
It was made from 4 sweaters, and I still have some pieces left for other projects. I just noticed that the green sweater pieces look brown here. They are actually a moss green.

Here is the full thing laid out. I didn't think to measure it, but it's bigger than a baby blanket but smaller than crib size I think. I made it longer than the book suggested. It will be able to be used for quite awhile.

I added a B to the pocket, that was the babies first initial, but I guess it could also stand for Baby. It's far from centered, I think next time I'll sketch the design that I want on first then felt on top of that instead of free handing.

I dry felted the B directly onto the wool using wool roving(carded but unspun wool). You use a special needle to poke at it until it blends with the wool backing and becomes firm. It was great fun, I see more dry felting in my future!

Close up of the leaf and little x embellishment I put on. I just sewed a simple x with embroidery thread. The backing is flannel which I found in my stash. I totally lucked out with that because I was so excited to get going all of a sudden I realized I didn't know what I was putting on the back and it was the night before the shower! I don't have much for flannel, or boy suitable fabric in general. I do think the pattern of the flannel works with this blanket though because it's all wintery, I think that suites a wool blanket perfectly!

On the weekend is my Niece's 1st birthday party, so today I am busy scheming up something I can make for her! And I am also starting on the girls Halloween costumes, an advent calendar, and various Christmas gifts! It's going to be a busy 3 months! OIY! ONLY 3 MONTHS! Smile! I love it!

Balance

2008-09-26T11:03:00.006-07:00

I've been having trouble finding balance lately. It's not a new thing for me, I think it has something to do with not being very organized. I have days when I get tons done at home but feel I didn't spend enough quality time with the girls. And days when I spend tons of quality time with the girls and make sure we get outside time, and we all get enough creative time(which is as important for me as it is for them), but then my household duties get neglected and I get frustrated with myself. I'm sure there is a happy medium that will work for us I just can't seem to find it.
I know I am a person who thrives on routine, yet I rebel against structure. Or at least the idea of structured routine. I want my days to be fluid, to be able to embrace a sudden change of plan. But I know I need more routine than I have, and I really know that Payton does. She is a go go go-er, whose first question in the morning is "So what are we doing today?" And if I know, I answer and she'll respond with "how about after that?" or "what are we eating?". She really is a kid who thrives on routine.

I have been researching online what works for other families and trying to decide what I want to try with ours. I need some sort of menu plan, I'm always frustrated when it comes to deciding what to eat because I've waited until it's time to start to decide what to have. I'm also horribly bored with what we've been eating, which leaves me uninspired when it comes to cooking. So a menu plan, and shopping list is on the list.

Also I need a plan of attack when it comes to housework. Something easy to maintain. It's not important to me to have a spotless house all the time. I mean lets be realistic, I have 2 small children. If spotless was a priority then something else(like playing with my kids) would have to suffer. But I do like things neat with things in their "homes" when not in use. I've done a lot of decluttering and that has certainly helped. And I don't want to spend hours upon hours everyday on housework either. I've been trying to decide what would work as far as a basic housework schedule goes. Certain things on certain days? A general list with so many things to be done each day and I pick according to what I feel like doing? Setting aside a specific hour each day instead of just doing things when I decide to? Don't know, but there has to be something that is easy to maintain.

I need to work in time spent outdoors everyday, I've been feeling a little low the last few days and I really believe it's due to the grey rainy weather that we've been having. So I really need to grab some sunshine when I can, and if it's not sunny some fresh air at least. I always feel uplifted after soaking in some of God's great outdoors.

Other things that I know will make me feel more balance(whether I am or aren't lol) are getting enough rest and exercising. I've turned into a horrible night owl and need to concentrate on getting to bed before midnight on a regular basis. Early I don't think is realistic for me but I think in bed by 11 is reasonable.

Simple Mom has been very helpful for me, if you haven't checked out her site you should. She had a great series lately entitled How to be disorganized and unproductive at home, which I will be re-reading. I also downloaded her ebook, Spring Cleaning for normal people. Which looks great, I've printed it out and am going to give it a good read. I'm hoping to find some solid inspiration there.

So what works for everyone out there? What helps you keep balance in your lives? Cleaning schedules? Meal plans? Share any words of wisdom you have for me, as well as any websites/links you've found helpful. I think this will be a continuing topic for me until I get this figured out!

My helper

2008-09-24T10:54:00.006-07:00

I was talking to a friend yesterday about how Payton likes to wash the floor, which reminded me I had taken pictures of the last time and thought I would share.

My Payton likes to help. And anyone with a 4 year old knows how much "help" they can be! But I really want to encourage helping and make her feel like she's making a contribution not that I'm going to re-do it after she's done. So when she wanted to help me wash the floor(one of her favorite things to help with, I think it's all about the bubbles) I help her get started, remind her that the carpet is not to get wet, and that the floor needs to be dry when done(she creates a bit of a flood), and let her go at it.

She and the floor get oh so wet(biting tongue).

But things do get washed.

Including toes.

Because I'm crazy

2008-09-20T17:35:00.003-07:00

I decided sometime last week to make a blanket for a baby shower on Sun. Then I decided I would do it out of recycled wool sweaters, from Warm Fuzzies 30 Sweet Felted Projects Nothing like a last minute project that you've never tried before. So last night I decided which sweaters to use(didn't get before pictures, Darn!) and felted them up in the washer. So far today the pieces are cut and ready to sew. Now I need to feed my kids and get them in bed so I can sew. What do you think? Am I getting any sleep tonight? I'm not sure. Lol!

This one is for Kay

2008-09-18T17:31:00.003-07:00

Kaylyn just loves mushrooms. Just ask her!

I thought I would share a little something that has been making me smile. Isn't he cute? It's a tin I found at toys r us, filled with....yes....mushroom shaped candies. Payton thinks I brought it home for her. Not so. I claimed him first.

Thought he looked a little lonely.

Much better. He usually sits on my entertainment unit, surrounded by pine-cones, acorns, leaves, and whatever else takes our fancy.

Acorns are another thing I've become enamored with recently. Gotta love a nut that comes with a hat. So fun!

Scattered

2008-09-17T12:42:00.002-07:00

Today feels heavy. No big catastrophe, just a series of small things with a cherry on top. Just enough to throw me off balance and hit the floor. Thankfully I know that when I hit the floor not to jump and try to run again, it's a subtle reminder to spend some time down there, on my knees.

2008-09-16T09:44:00.005-07:00

I've got a couple blog posts brewing but not ready so I thought I would share some pics of my favorite girls in the world. I just love the affection they have for each other already. Of course it's not always friendly around here, but I find that more often than not they are piling on the love for each other. One of the favorite games of late has been sitting in bins, different sizes and different activities but apparently there is something special about bins.

Priorities

2008-09-12T14:28:00.003-07:00

It's amazing how quickly we can lose sight of priorities. I'm going on a ladies retreat this weekend, and am so excited to get away for a couple days. Somehow I decided that I needed to get a bunch of things done today before I could go. I think because I knew I wasn't going to be able to do them this weekend. So as my daughter was asking to play a game with me I heard myself saying I couldn't that I was to busy. A little later I realized that I didn't want to wash my floors, vacuum, or empty the dishwasher, and that it didn't matter if they got done either. I wanted to play with my kid. And that's what I did. Some things are just to important to put off. Have a good weekend everyone!

Paytons First Day of Preschool(2nd year). Alternative title: I'm such a poser

2008-09-11T11:29:00.006-07:00

This is what happened right after I said "Let's get some pictures of your first day!"

"How about a smile?"

Payton says "ROAR!"

After "Why don't you put your head down by your sister and I'll take a picture of you together."

Sam thought it was all very amusing.

After I asked if she was excited.

I would say that was a yes.

Pay's squishy smile that is seen commonly in pictures these days.

Sam's still amused.

The only shot that she's standing still in. After all that work to get her to stand still I like the others better, this just doesn't show her personality!

Who dresses that kid? Why Spider-Sam.

2008-09-10T20:34:00.006-07:00

We spent some time outside enjoying the sunshine today.

There were chalk roads to build, with houses, forests, and a happy Sun. A ball house to play in, and babies to be cared for. Oh yes, and a very hungry horse family.

I've been learning a lot about my second born as she gets older. She's fiercely independent and so so stubborn for someone so small.

"Would you please stop calling me, I will look at you when I'm good and ready."

I love our little fenced courtyard. Sam on the other hand is not so fond of the fence.

"Somebody, please let me out. I'm cute. And I want to take my baby for a walk."

"Anybody?" Doesn't the diaper tu-tu bum just kill you? I love it. I must have taken 20 pictures of her back side today.

I must add of course that I did not do this to my child. She did it herself. Yes folks she's 18 months old and is already taking charge of her fashion. She brought me Pay's dance costume and was trying to get it over her head and was very pleased when I helped her get it on. Then was twirling in the living room(I think Rod got pics of that). Later she was helping me do laundry by taking everything out of the laundry basket and handing the odd thing to me. I thought she handed me the Spiderman jammy shirt to wash but she objected rather loudly until I helped her put it on. Then she was as pleased as punch. She added the binoculars at some point and spent the rest of the afternoon like that. Who am I to object? I think she looks fabulous!

A few books I've been enjoying

2008-09-07T09:06:00.003-07:00

I'm a little grumpy today so instead of boring you with the details of PMS I thought I'd share some books I have really enjoyed lately.

The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule. I actually first found her blog and loved it, then discovered she wrote a book and promptly went and ordered it. I ate it up. I just love how she incorporates creativity into her life, and stresses that not only do the kids need it but she does too. That really resonates with me right now as I've discovered that the creative process is really an integral part of me. If I ignore it or squish it down I am not content. Anyways I really am not doing it justice, I love this book and will refer to it time and time again. Check out her blog here.

Warm Fuzzies 30 Sweet Felted Projects by Betz White. This book has so many amazing projects that I'm itching to try. They all use wool sweaters which are then felted(or fulled) and sewn into something else. I just love that these projects recycle old objects into new ones. The problem I've been having is finding wool sweaters, I've scored a few at local thrift stores but I'm not finding the much for a variety of colours or kid type patterns. So my local friends and family if you find wool sweaters at a thrift store or garage sale(or in your own donation bag) scoop them up for me please! Betz White also has a blog you can check out here.

Felt Wee Folk: Enchanting Projects by Sally Mavor. Payton and I can't wait to get started on making these cute little people. Payton has asked if we can start with the fairies. I just need the wooden balls for the heads. There are variations for the kids to make, and the instructions are very clear. This is going to be a fun rainy day project!

That's one cute baby

2008-09-03T16:35:00.005-07:00

Here is one of the things I was working on. A blanket for a new little one. I have to admit that I have to dig for boy suitable fabric in my stash. I have lots of girly prints, not so much for the boyish prints. I wonder why that would be lol!

I kept it really simple, I didn't have much time. It's just 2 layers, the 3 prints(4 stripes) on one side, and the fuzzy super soft dotted blue on the other. I want to give quilting a try, machine quilting not hand, but I want a walking foot for my machine before I attempt that. I'm thinking it won't be until after Christmas as I have so many other things on my list before that.

I just love the texture of the bumps. Little hands just love it.

And of course a couple pics of the blanket it action.

Isn't he a cutie?

Guess what I've been doing?

2008-09-01T15:56:00.004-07:00

Oh yes! I finally feel organized enough to spend some of my "free time" sewing. YAY! I've been just itching to create. I'll post more pics when I'm finished. I have so many projects on the to-do list! I hope to make most of my Christmas gifts this year so I'd better get cracking! Anyone else starting to get ready for Christmas?(no, this isn't a Christmas gift, it's for a new little one.)

Hello World

2008-08-24T22:18:00.005-07:00

Today was a good day. You know, not hugely exciting, or even very busy, just good. The kind of day when you sit back, look around and just smile. I felt reminded today how good it is to be here, to be so lucky, so loved, so alive.

Rod's Dad and Step-mom(whom I LOVE) came over and brought picnic lunch. As I was tidying this morning I was not panicked about having people over. Just excited that they were coming. When I realized that I felt so peaceful. Like maybe I can give up my need for perfectionism and just enjoy things more. I have found lately that my fear of failure keeps me from doing more, enjoying more, and just living in the moment. I hadn't realized that it crept into my housekeeping as well. I don't entertain much. I never feel like my space is neat enough, big enough, or just nice enough. I have got to let that go. I want to have people here, to have people feel comfortable here. I think I'm making a start.

We had just a great visit. The girls love playing with their grandparents and we grown ups got to visit too. Rod got to take them for a tour of his work, then they watched the girls so I could take a tour! Wow that place is incredible! Rod absolutely loves his job, and it was so very worth it to move closer. I really enjoy seeing him so happy.

I fed and played with the girls after our visitors left, then off to bed for them. I love love love watching them play and interact. I was an only child so this is all new to me and I feel so fortunate that they have so much love for each other. Payton is such an amazing big sister, she prayed last night at dinner that Mommy have another baby. I was so surprised, how cute is that? I guess she likes Sam if she figures we should have another lol!

Then I sit down to check my email and found that I won a giveaway off a blog I've been enjoying lately! How cool that? I really need to update my links because I've found some really amazing blogs I want to pass along. Which is yes what I've been doing online instead of writing on my own blog(blush). For now I'll pass along a few links that are worth a check out,

Jessica at Juicy-Bits(where I won the prize)
Melissa at Yummygoods
Mary at Owlhaven
Amanda at SouleMama (I have her book The Creative Family, which I LOVE)
Hillary at Wee Wonderfuls
Bridget at Everyday Chaos (she just had a beautiful baby last week)
Sandi at PortabelloPixie

And last but not least

Little Birdie Secrets who have been having awesome back to school tutorial all last week!

Now I'm off to see if I can find some pics to add because a post without pics really seems naked don't you think?

The girls all ready for their first ride behind Rod's new electric bike. That bike is really a lot of serious fun! It means even me who is seriously out of shape can pull the trailer with both girls in it up a hill. It's not like a motorbike in that it's only power assist, you still have to pedal(well maybe not on flats). I was still plenty tired and sweaty after our last bike ride.

Bike in action, you think he likes it? The girls love it, "Faster Daddy FASTER!" lol, so fun!

Yes, I'm still here

2008-08-06T17:01:00.003-07:00

It's been crazy busy around here. I fully intend to get back into the blogging groove soon as it's calling my name. I'm also horribly behind on getting photo's up as well.

We are almost finished organizing. I think everything is unpacked it's just the finishing now. I had hoped to be done before we went camping, but that didn't happen. Then as soon as we were back from camping Rod's mom and sister were here for a few days. So now that they are gone I can get back to finishing on this place. And finish packing away the camping gear as well!

I can't wait until everything around here has a home!

I just can't believe it!

2008-07-22T21:32:00.006-07:00

In a few short hours it's Payton's birthday! I can't believe that one of my babies is 4 already! It's been just amazing watching her grow from an itty bitty babe into the beautiful little girl she is now.

Happy 4th Birthday to my Payton!!

Well, tomorrow is the day!

2008-06-28T22:41:00.004-07:00

Moving day is almost here and no I'm still not ready. Probably won't be ready until I'm walking out the door lol! But we are working on it.

I'm not sure when we will have internet again. We still aren't sure if we can connect to the wireless or if we'll have to get our own installed. I'm sure I'll have all sorts of things to tell you about when I get back on.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Oh My!

2008-06-22T15:21:00.003-07:00

A week until moving day!

Am I ready?? NO!! But we do have a lot done already, and will be ready when we need to be. I've been pretty good about not being to Sad about going. After all it's not THAT far. But it is far enough that we won't be around that often. I had it in my head that I'd be back a lot, then when we drove out there I realized how long it was and how hard that would be to do very often.

I found myself teary walking away from Church today. We have such an awesome group of friends and support here. Some really amazing people. Getting into the van I shed my first tears. I imagine there will be more over this coming week(like now as I type). I find myself gazing over the backyard realizing this is not going to be my daily view. Ack! I wasn't going to make this all sentimental and it happened anyways!

I can hear Payton playing the backyard with the kids from upstairs, and I know this is going to be quite the adjustment for her. I've got her enrolled in a soccer camp the week after we move, I'm hoping it will help her adjust. I'm just going to have to keep her busy and find some kids for her to play with.

But what an adventure it's going to be!

This is very cool - cars that run on air?!?

2008-06-20T23:17:00.004-07:00

Just took a break from the monotony that is sorting yet another box full of papers(I have issues with paper hording I think, note to self, file or recycle) and came accross a very cool car here.

I searched a little more and found this video on youtube.

Can you imagine a car that runs on air? And is reasonable to buy to begin with? I really hope it pans out because if they make it over here I'm all over it!

Moving

2008-06-16T11:19:00.004-07:00

K, I know these aren't pictures. Sorry. Shouldn't make promises lol!

But we have things we need to get rid of, including:

~~A chest Freezer: older, used, but works~~ Taken
Coffee table: Square, wooden, opens up for storage
Dresser: White
Waterbed drawers,we don't actually have a waterbed just had our mattresses on top of them.
Shelves: Ikea floating shelves. Beech.
Shelves: also ikea, basic, not sure how to describe them, wall mounted adjustable height

There may be more, and some smaller things. Just let me know if your interested. Thanks!

Where's the pictures.

2008-06-12T21:24:00.003-07:00

I think posts look a little naked without pictures don't you? I must admit to enjoying reading others posts with some eye candy thrown in there. I guess that may be my visual artsy side that needs fueling and encouragement. But alas I'm not uploading anything tonight or I won't ever get off this computer and back to doing something toward moving. I'm already tired of packing, organizing, cleaning ect. Sigh. Better get back at it. I'll post a pic or 2 tomorrow for you. I promise.

Not the best planning

2008-06-11T22:11:00.004-07:00

And why did I think committing to any type of blogging for the next month was a good idea?? I have managed to take some pics of things that made me happy/smile during the day the last couple of days. But getting them uploaded then writing an actual post may not happen regularly. Maybe every few days? Maybe

A simpler life

2008-06-10T08:30:00.004-07:00

Do you ever wish that things were simpler? Lately I've been feeling an almost constant desire to simplify. Purge my surroundings, get rid of the clutter. Simplify. We(as in me personally and western society) have to much stuff. It seems your "status" for many comes from what you have. The "American" dream has become more about the size of your house and they type of vehicle you drive than about anything else. We are constantly trying to keep up with what we think we need because other people have it, or the media says we need it. Wants and needs have become so intertwined that we can't tell the difference. Debt is soaring because it's so easy to get and there is always something we "need" to justify the spending. Does all this stuff make us happy? Content? The answer is almost always no.

The pace of life is crazy busy, no doubt largely due to the fact that we have to work so hard to pay off those debts to get more stuff. When do you have time to enjoy that stuff? Or anything?

I've also found myself concerned about waste. Along with the consumerism is a tendency to replace things that maybe don't need replacing. With our busy lifestyles we've become dependent on convenience. Disposable everything. When I stop and think(or look) at the amount of stuff that goes in the garbage it really upsets me. I recycle a lot but I think we could do better.

I get overwhelmed thinking about how many things I'd like to change in our life. Things that I believe would improve our sense of being. Things that would be better for the environment. But I don't have to do everything at once, I can't do everything at once. I think the key for me is to remember that even small steps make a difference. If I can make an effort to live consciously in all area's of my life I believe change will start on it's own. It's going to take awhile, the "need" of things is so ingrained that it will take me awhile to figure out my needs vs wants.

I admit to wanting to own my own home, but lately what that will look like for me has changed. I'm no longer in a rush. I don't want to jump into owning something before we can handle it financially. The stress of owning something you can't really afford is something I don't desire. And when we can afford it I'm not sure what my "dream" house will be, I don't want the big house anymore. I find the look of large houses lonely.

I think you will be reading more about this on my blog in the future. It's going to be another journey in my life, the journey to a simpler life. A more family centered, God centered life. More about living and loving than earning and buying. At least that's the goal.

As there is a lot going on in my life with moving ect I'm not sure how much I'll be able to post. But I am going to make an effort to keep up with the blogging because I want to keep everyone updated and I really do love having everything documented. I thought for the next month I'll try to post something everyday, even if it's little, that makes me happy. A blog I've been reading has given me the inspiration for this. Bluebirdbaby, check it out here.

"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking."
Marcus Aurelius Antoninu

I was going to add pictures but it got long and late and I really need to pack something! I'll hopefully be back later with my moment of happiness!

Dance Recital

2008-06-08T00:08:00.005-07:00

I should be in bed but I really wanted to post some pictures from Pay's first Dance Recital. It was so much fun watching all the kids perform. When Pay was on she did so well and looked so cute I just wanted to shout out that she was mine! I'm so proud of her!

I was using Rod's new lens, it's a 50mm f1.4 . It's got a great wide open aperture which is awesome for low lighting situations. The downside is that this particular lens is completely manual, aperture, shutter speed, focus, everything! It's been a challenge to get back into manual, especially when shooting children. But I've been enjoying the challenge and am improving. These were all taken in a church with no flash, and dancing, twirling bodies! Even with the good lens I still had to have it set to 1/60th at iso 400. I am to tired to edit so they are as taken.

The song was Jolly Holiday from Mary Poppins. You know imagine Dick Van Dyke singing:

"t's a jolly 'oliday with Mary
No wonder that it's Mary that we love!"

Without further a due, I present to you my little Dancing Queen!

Umm....WOW!

2008-06-06T00:21:00.002-07:00

There has been a lot going on in my absence from the blogging world. One of these things being that Rod got a new job. It's at Triumf, which is a particle and molecular physics lab, he's running some of the machines. He was SO SO SO excited. And he loves it. The down side being it's location, it's at UBC. Which is a beautiful area but makes for a crazy commute. In the middle of the night(he works weird shifts) with no traffic it's still 75min, during the day it can easily be over 2 hours. We decided that his time could be much better spent at home, and decided we needed to move. We thought about moving closer but not to far away from here but he still had a fair commute then and our cost of living would rise without us being able to give up the car to balance that. Rod found out that he qualified for on campus staff/faculty housing and we decided to apply. And as of today we got a suite! We are officially moving to Vancouver!!

I never really considered myself a city person and didn't think I would ever move right into Vancouver but it just goes to show that you never know what is going to happen! I'm excited and scared. We're moving away from everything I know, I've lived in Mission since we moved to BC when I was 11! Rod's lived in Mission all his life! I'm apprehensive about leaving our family, friends, and Church. I know it's not really all that far but it seems worlds away.

We've prayed and prayed about it, and everything fell together. I really feel like this is the best choice for our family right now. When the possibility of moving on campus was first mentioned, I flat out refused it as a possibility, but slowly my heart has softened to the point where I actually feel excited. A little afraid, but not terrified.

Anyways, I'm rambling because it's late and my mind is spinning. There is SO much to do. AHHH!!! Have I mentioned I hate moving? Because I do.

So off we go to start a new adventure!

Yay!

2008-06-04T10:55:00.003-07:00

Rod got the header to work. There is still some tweaking that needs to be done but I'm pleased with how it looks so far! I have to quit fiddling for now because the real world calls.

2008-06-04T09:17:00.004-07:00

Nothing is as simple as you think

2008-06-03T23:30:00.003-07:00

I was going to post today, you know really post, something insightful. Or at the very least a good welcome back to me blog lol! But I wanted to get my blog looking somewhat how I wanted to first(I decided it needed an overhaul). I wanted something simple, but fun with maybe a bit of whimsy thrown in there. Once I figured out what I wanted I figured it would be simple. Yeah. No! I did mange to find and install a simple layout with 3 columns as desired, and find a header I wanted. I just can't get the header to show up! Argh!

So after fighting with it for awhile. I am going to temporarily admit defeat and go to bed. I think I will let my technical savior figure it out when he's able.

Good night all! And yes. I'm officially back!

Is anybody still out there

2008-05-22T10:09:00.002-07:00

Well, I've been having the desire to blog again. Haven't obviously but I think I will. The blog needs an overhaul though. Something new.

Wondering when the sunshine is going to come back.

Don't close your eyes

2008-02-27T22:58:00.002-08:00

This is your life-Switchfoot

Yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead
Yesterday is a promise that you’ve broken
Don’t close your eyes, don’t close your eyes
This is your life and today is all you’ve got now
Yeah, and today is all you’ll ever have
Don’t close your eyes
Don’t close your eyes

This is your life, are you who you want to be
This is your life, are you who you want to be
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose

Yesterday is a kid in the corner
Yesterday is dead and over

This is your life, are you who you want to be
This is your life, are you who you want to be
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed that it would be
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose

Don’t close your eyes
Don’t close your eyes
Don’t close your eyes
Don’t close your eyes

This is your life are you who you want to be
This is your life are you who you want to be

This is your life, are you who you want to be
This is your life, are you who you want to be
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed it would be
When the world was younger and you had everything to lose

And you had everything to lose

Big thoughts coming your way soon.

I think I've decided

2008-02-22T01:30:00.002-08:00

I've been wrestling with blogging. How much do I want to share? Does it defeat the purpose of an online community to go private? Who if anybody do I want to read because I can't be surface and superficial on my blog that's just not me. It's an outlet, somewhere to wrestle with myself, to hash out in words what's swirling through my head. And I've been feeling rather private about my journey this time, it's kept me from writing altogether.

I think for now I'm going to go private. I'm hoping that just knowing that those surrounding me are those that are caring and supportive in whatever manner they can will give me the freedom to write again.

I guess I will be turning off the feed to facebook as well.

Of course this decision is being made in the middle of the night cause I can't sleep again so we'll see how I feel after I hopefully get some sleep. Which I'm off to attempt once again.

Good night all.

And it begins. Edited

2008-01-13T16:27:00.001-08:00

Edits: Added in Red, Taken in Blue

Well it's been 2 weeks since my last post. The start of 2008 has been hard on us. I've had 2 flu's and a cold since the new year. The girls both had the stomach flu and have a cold as well. Rod thus far has managed to only catch the cold, but his is worse than ours. Thankfully Rod was able to stay home a couple days when I was at my worst. I don't get sick very often so this has been an interesting start of the year for me. I wonder what the rest of 2008 will hold?

Between the Christmas craziness(including lots of new things) and being sick the state of our house has suffered. There is stuff everywhere, I can't even think in here anymore. So, as the title implies, THE EXODUS OF STUFF HAS BEGUN!!! I can't, just can't, concentrate on anything else until this house is tidy, clear of excess, and organized. I can't stand not being able to find things because they don't have a home. We have been thinking about moving, about finding a bigger space, and although I think eventually we will have to do that right now I need to concentrate on the space we have. I just know that if we move now that we will just take all our clutter with us and be able to fill up all the "extra" space right away. First things first, take care of the space we have. It turns out the landlords aren't selling the house anymore so we don't have that to worry about.

So to start off with, I have a few things to give away:

A disco ball(yes we have a full size disco ball)
A full set of China (it was given to me and I do like it but we never use it and want to use the room for stuff we use)
An electric hand mixer (we have 2)
A couple boxes of wine bottles for making wine(not refundable types)
A small Japanese rock garden(Taken), you know with sand, figurines, small rake. Although I'm not to sure how much sand is left because we have a small child who loves to "play" in it.
A Knife block with assorted knives(again we had 2)
A Wine chilling bucket, stainless steel
A Slurpee Thermos mug, because we all need to keep slurpees cold
A 4 cup glass measuring Cup, Fire-King(Anchor Hocking)
A white ceramic casserole dish, I have too many this size
Oversize Purple mug & saucer, really like it but never use it

So if anyone is interested let me know. Otherwise I think I'll donate it somewhere, I was thinking freecycle but I'm leary of having people come here to pick things up. Maybe I could just leave stuff upstairs on the front steps. Don't know.

There will be more to come, and I know it's going to be painful to let things g0(we are such pack rats) but it HAS to happen. So here's to getting rid of the cluttler in 2008. I read somewhere someone was trying to get rid of 2008 things from their house in 2008. I wonder if I could hit that? We'll find out.

2008-01-11T13:03:00.003-08:00

A belated Christmas card! Or a Happy New Years card?

2007-12-31T23:15:00.002-08:00

A belated Christmas card! Or a Happy New Years card?

2007-12-31T23:15:00.000-08:00

Here's to another year

2007-12-31T21:09:00.000-08:00

I've had so many thoughts racing through my head that I wanted to share about the end of this year and the coming of the next but as I sat to type I can't seem to form a sentence. One that says what I want to anyways.

I'm not one to form New Years resolutions but I have had some lifestyle changes I want to make in mind and now seems like as good of a time as any so I think I will write those down. They are more things that I would like to see happen in the next year that require some pro-activeness on my behalf than anything.

Yeah, I'm giving up on the writing for now. Happy New Years everyone!

Oh yeah, Rod and I have started a Photography Blog, there's really nothing there yet. But there will be. Check it out here.

2007-12-16T21:33:00.000-08:00

Got this in an email today. Usually I roll my eyes at the forwards but I quite liked this one.

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I

had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless

baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself

exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true

meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season

for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's

"Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the

production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She

assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All

parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately,

Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found

a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several

other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students

were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat

cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday

as Christmas, I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial

entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my

son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its

bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens,

red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front

row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of

the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold

up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child

holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small,

quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down totally

unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W."

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's

mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall,

proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the

laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it

together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant,

we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the

first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

C H R I S T W A S L O V E

And, I believe, He still is.

Amazed in His presence...

Humbled by His love.

May each of you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on His amazing love for us.

Haven't been blogging much

2007-12-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

I'm still around, just busy busy with the girls and Christmas preparation. Hopefully come the new year I will be more frequent with my posting. For lack of anything interesting coming from me here is a link to a wonderful post by DaMomma about Santa and Christmas Spirit. Really...it's worth a read!

Happy Birthday!

2007-12-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

28years ago today the best husband and father in the world was born. I can't say enough about how blessed I am to have him in my life, I am so excited to get to spend the rest of life with him. I never tire of having him around. We love you!

Happy Birthday Rod!

The dark side of Christmas

2007-12-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

Before I start I want to state that I LOVE Christmas!! I love the lights, the music, the decorations, everything really. It makes me happy. When I became a Christian Christmas became even more significant. I hope to pass on my enthusiasm onto my girls.

That said, Christmas has become very very stressful financially. We knew when we chose to have me stay home with the girls there would be sacrifices. We had debt to pay on top of regular monthly bills that were going to stretch us tight. And they have. Yes we were "helped" into debt in the beginning but somewhere along the way every "emergency" made it ok to dip into the available credit. I hate hate hate where we are financially, it makes me feel inadequate, like I can't take care of myself. I think though that I have to forgive myself for the past, let it go and quit beating up on myself. I send myself into overwhelm when I start the hate on myself.

It seems that even while we can be financially responsible during the year at Christmas everything seems to go out the window. I don't want to deprive my girls of anything. Really though what do you remember from Christmas? What is it that makes you all happy and warm around Christmas? I remember decorating the tree, going for a drive and looking at Christmas lights, decorating sugar cookies, making a gingerbread house, visiting, and feasting. Sure I remember the wonder at waking up Christmas morning to a full stocking and gifts under the tree, but it didn't have to be excess, and it wasn't what it was all about. I am not helping Payton learn about Christmas when I am stressed out and distracted. The damage has been done this year as far as the spending goes and truthfully I really enjoy the giving. The choosing, wrapping, and gifting. But I rarely feel like I can live up to expectations.

Next year, and onward we are not going to be doing expensive gifts, birthdays or Christmas. I am going to get creative with what we have and I'm sure our finances will thank me. For the next couple of years we are going to be playing serious catch up. I will not feel sorry for myself when we can't have or do something because sometimes this is what it feels like to take responsibility. I want to teach my girls responsible spending, living within your means. The only way to do that is to live by example.

I hope everyone out there is enjoying the Christmas season!

Our Church

2007-11-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

New Heights updated it's website. It looks GREAT!! Check it out here.

I should have been cleaning.....

2007-11-20T13:47:00.001-08:00

Instead I was doing this. WAY to much fun. I am still laughing.

Boring post about being tired. I know, the title could use some work.....

2007-11-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

Well, one thing I've discovered is this self-discovery thing is hard when your tired. And I'm tired. I have realized some things about myself, important things that I hope will help me along the way. But my emotions and thoughts are so fleeting and scattered when I'm tired, I'm so useless. I'm rather surprised that I've functioned as well as I have, but really I have no choice. You do what you have to do as parents.

Is it wrong that this morning I had a fleeting wish not to be a parent? Just long enough to get a couple hours more sleep? I have got to figure out how to help Sam sleep better, for my sanity. We will all be better off with a well rested mama.

And I think the girls have the start of another cold. Sigh.

Oh well, no worries, the world will seem brighter after a cup of coffee and a shower. It always does.

Mind like a load of laundry

2007-11-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

You know, waterlogged, spinning around in circles. I feel though that I'm almost done, coming into the spin cycle. When I emerge I'll be fresh, and clean. Maybe still in need of a dryer and iron, but at the very least a work in progress.

Hmmmm....think I got ahead of myself there. Let's start at the beginning shall we?

I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately, mostly inwardly but some outwardly as well because it's all connected. I've been feeling rather dis-jointed lately, and that's a trend in my life. I plod along rather well for awhile then I seem to loose my footing. I think it's rather common and everyone has their seasons yet I feel like I'm missing something, or missing out on something maybe? One thing that has been rather slow in coming to me is that there are important chunks of me missing. No I'm not missing limbs or digits(your welcome for the visual;) ) but there are internal parts of me missing, maybe unexplored is a better term. I have often struggled with self image and self worth. I think in reality I don't really "know" myself. I have gotten wrapped up in what I do instead of WHO I am.

The Christmas season is rapidly approaching, and this seems like a good time to explore me. God made me as I am, he sent his Son to save me. Me as I am, not me how I think or feel I should be. I have often felt I am not worth getting to know, that I'm boring or something equally demoralizing. But if I believe in God(as I do) then I have to accept that I was made without mistakes. I am perfectly as I am supposed to be. If God created me then I have to be worth getting to know.

So I want to surge forth into self-discovery. And I want to share my journey with you, well actually I don't want to but I feel like I should. Over the Christmas season I long to get to know God better, I want to draw close to him and let him show me all that I am, all that he created me to be. I want to thank him, and praise him for sending his Son to us, and celebrate with him that Birthday so long ago that brought us all Hope.

I call this photo fustration

2007-11-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

This was at the Apple Barn. They had a flatbed truck set up with pumpkins for photgraphy purposes. I thouht GREAT we can get a shot of the 2 girls together, WRONG! Samara would have no part of sitting. So Rod thought hey we can get her standing in behind. Ha! Well that was fun too. I took many in hopes of getting ONE good one! LoL! I think all-in-all they are better viewed as a series. Happy Viewing.

Pachelbel Bedtime

2007-11-07T22:11:00.001-08:00

LOVE THIS! All parents must watch!!

Making new friends

2007-11-07T14:13:00.001-08:00

Halloween

2007-11-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

I'm behind on blogging and posting pics. Been busy and contemplating. So I'm going to throw some Halloween pics up tonight, and later this week I'll get to some others I've been meaning to post. We had a good Halloween, the kids had a blast. Well Sam wasn't quite sure what was going on but enjoyed the ride anyways!

Our Pumpkins. Rod did the big one and I did the smaller two. Payton requested the wolf.

My mom wanted to see the girls in their costumes. So see drove out after work to see them then headed back home! That's lotsa driving!

All ready to go! Payton and Samara with friends Ethan and Lyndon.

My happy Froggy!

The spoils!

Technical Savior strikes again

2007-10-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

I was going to tell you about all the things I've cleaned up this morning thanks to a very active girl being in a mischievous mood, but I changed my mind. Instead I'll share with you a huge what was I thinking moment from this weekend.

Have you ever watched a movie or tv show where someones laptop or similar storage device is confiscated. Which of course they have previously deleted whatever incriminating information was on it. Yet miraculously it is retrieved and the person receives whatever just punishment is required. Now I, not being all that computer savvy never really thought about whether or not in the really real world that was actually possible. I just like a happy ending and accept them as they come. I have learned now that it is indeed possible and I am so thankful.

We took a ton of photos sat. When we got home I took out the SD card from the camera and put it into the card reader. Here is where I usually copy them over to the computer then browse through them. For whatever reason I started browsing through them right away from the card reader. Then of course life happened and I was away from the computer. Much later I sit down at the computer think oh, I didn't delete the SD card and proceed to do so. Then take it and put it back in the camera like I usually do. Do you see the step I missed? I DIDN'T ACTUALLY COPY THE PICTURES!!!!

I didn't notice right away, until I went to finish browsing through them and they weren't there. I sat looking at the Oct picture file wondering where are they? I closed the file and re-opened it, still nothing. Then it dawned on me, I didn't actually remembering copying them over. I sat in horror with my hands poised over the keyboard staring at the screen letting the realization of what I did wash over me. 150 pictures, some really cute ones, Samara's first time to the pumpkin patch GONE! When I could speak I said "um....Rod......I think I did something really stupid.....I think I erased the memory card without transferring it." By now it had really sunk in and vocalizing it somehow made it worse and here is where I threw my head into my hands and cried. Rod stayed calm instructing me to "back away from the computer." I think he was afraid that in my hysterics I was going to somehow make it worse! haha! So he checked the computer and the SD card and yes indeed no pictures. Still he's calm, I'm frantically pacing while he's trying to explain to me that it's fine, that the pictures are still on there he just has to find a program to find them. How are they still there when I deleted them? Something about that because I just hit delete and didn't re-format the SD card the actual pictures aren't deleted just the directory to find the pictures are deleted. Then we just re-write over them when we take new pictures. Since we hadn't taken any new pictures they are still there. So my wonderful computer savvy husband not only found a program to find the pictures on the SD card, he found a FREE program. I paced until he had the program running and it started finding pictures, then I sat in front of the computer and watched it transfer pictures one by one to the computer. It found not only the pictures we had lost, but a bunch from the summer, Payton starting preschool, and a ton of MP3's Rod had transferred to give his mom. Phew! Catastrophe diverted!

So yeah, once again Rod: Technical Savior saves the day. I will indeed be able to share those pictures with you as I am once again in possession of them. So if you ever do something stupid like delete a bunch of pictures off your SD card, remember, Don't panic just DO NOT USE IT! Then proceed directly to someone who knows what they are doing with computers and let them help you retrieve your precious memories.

And as for posting pictures that will come soon, this got long and I need to go clean, and play with my Payton.

Happy Monday All!

Today was a good day.

2007-10-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

Samara still isn't 100% but it ended up being a really nice day so we bundled her(and Payton) up and headed to the Apple Barn. We jumped, slid(well Payton did), petted animals, fed animals, chased birds, ate hot dogs, went on a very bouncy hay ride, played with lady bugs, picked pumpkins, and of course took many many pictures. Which will come later.

Good Night!

Colds, YUCK

2007-10-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

I hate having sick kids. I would much rather be sick myself. Payton I think is almost done hers but Sam is right in the middle. The congested, miserable, I don't want to be away from mom, and definitely not sleep, middle. There was a moment last night(around 2ish I think) when I thought I could grab my keys and go, where would I go you ask? Anywhere there was somewhere I could sleep, uninterrupted sleep. Yeah, then reality hits, darn reality. Hopefully we can all get healthy over the weekend.

The final product

2007-10-24T23:30:00.001-07:00

What a very busy day we had. And it's late, and I'm tired, so tired I'm not even going to photo shop any of the pictures before I share them! The cupcakes are ready to go to Payton's Halloween party tomorrow. I'm very excited to dress her up and see all the other costumes. Very fun! Before I forget I got the idea's for the cupcakes here. I found this blog recently and quite enjoy it.

Baking today started with the cupcakes, Vanilla this time.

Ready to decorate.

Isn't her apron sweet?

When all was said and done.

And the rest.

Close ups of some favorites.

This one makes me giggle every time I see it.

Baking

2007-10-23T23:26:00.000-07:00

Payton and I made cupcakes today. Chocolate ones, from SCRATCH! I'm very impressed with us. I haven't made cupcakes from scratch ever in my adult life(Sad I know). I did with my mom when I was younger. And they are so much better! Did I mention I was impressed with us? And in actual practice, it wasn't that much more work and the difference in taste is worth it! Yum! We are working on some Halloween creations to take to her Preschool Halloween party on Thurs. There are some Vanilla cupcakes and frosting making on the agenda for tomorrow!

The Chai Latte Incident

2007-10-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

I decided after I dropped Payton off at school that today felt like a Chai Latte day(really what day doesn't?). So I stopped and treated myself. Back at the van Samara in one hand Chai in the other, I placed my drink on top of the van and put Sam into the car seat. I go to pick up the Chai and somehow catch the bottom of the cup on the roof rack and loose my grip. So now my drink is not only falling to the ground but spiraling down spewing chai in a circular pattern everywhere. Picture me watching, horrified, screaming NOOOOOOOOOOOO in slow motion. When it finally hits the ground much to my horror it rolls under the truck next to me. Thankfully the lid stayed on but I could no longer see my drink. Now, some of you might have walked away at this point admitting defeat. I was not so inclined as this was a treat and those darn things aren't cheap. So after doing a quick scan to see if anyone is watching I get down on hands and knees to peer under the truck. I see my drink and it seems to be within grasp, but not an easy grasp of course. At this point I don't care if anyone is watching I maneuver so that I can stretch far under the truck and manage to just get enough finger hold to move it towards me. SUCCESS! I get back in the van and go about accessing the damage. After wiping the cup down I am thankful to see that I am only missing about the top inch of my drink, YAY!!. I do however have a nice spray of coffee on my shirt and who knows what on my knees. It was worth it though, they are just SO yummy.

There has got to be a way to make something comparable at home. I think I'm going to have to experiment a little with that!

On another topic, I am a little annoyed with Payton's Preschool. She loves it, and over all I'm really happy with it. We both like her teacher, and the program. So where is the annoyance you ask? Well her Teacher is leaving, she is going to be managing the Musikids Day Care as of Nov 1st. She was already gone once for a couple weeks because she got married(which is understandable) but it took Pay awhile to get used to her replacement, then of course her teacher was back and she had to re-adjust again. Now She's going to have to re-adjust again. Sigh. I hope her new teacher is good and this will be it for the changes, all this inconsistency isn't good for the kids. There is also going to be 3 more kids in her class starting Thurs, as in the M-W-F Preschool class there is only 3 kids so they are changing to T-W-T and joining Payton's for T-T. Which is good because that brings Payton's class from 9 kids to 12 which means her teacher will get a helper. So the student teacher ratio is going to be better. But Waaaaaah......I really like Miss Sam. :(

Monday

2007-10-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

My regularly scheduled Monday was interrupted. Interrupted in the best possible way. Rod took today off to give me a break and give us a family day since he was away at Men's Retreat this weekend. He's going to work 4-10 hour shifts to make up for it. Isn't it nice his boss gave him that option? And I feel so blessed to be married to such a considerate man.

And I'm sure I'll say it again

2007-10-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, I have so much respect for single parents. That's a tough job, probably the hardest one I can think of. I feel so blessed to have Rod helping me navigate through parenting.

Rod is at men's retreat this weekend, I know I think they are crazy too! Camping in the wet & cold of October is not my idea of a good time. Maybe that's because well...I'm not a man! That would be why our ladies retreats include real beds and running water. I sure hope they are having a good time though.

Last night was hairy. Payton coughed until she threw up. At the time I wasn't sure what came first the cough or the vomit. I was so worried she had a flu. But she wasn't hot and after whatever flem was lodged where it wasn't supposed to be worked it's way loose she was fine. I cleaned and changed her and watched her like a hawk for awhile but she was fine. Thank goodness. Meanwhile Sam had already been up a handful of times and started screaming heartily again while I was occupied with Payton. I was starting to feel a little frazzled at that point. Eventually everything calmed down and I heaved a great sigh of relief. Said a little prayer of thanks, and was once again in awe of what single parents do 24/7.

The girls and I are off to have a sleep over at my Mom's. We haven't been for awhile and are very excited. So I better get back to packing. Have a good weekend all!

A little thrift store luv

2007-10-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile! Truth is I've been humming and hawing about whether or not I want to continue blogging. There's been a lot going on within me and around me and I wasn't sure to what extent I felt "safe" sharing with the world. I'm still not sure but what I do know is that I've missed blogging. Therefor I am going to surge ahead and see what happens.

I've been feeling a great desire to create lately. So I've decided I am going to reacquaint myself with my sewing machine. I'm so excited! There are so many things I want to try my hand at! I have to remind myself to start small and go from there. I tend to overwhelm myself with the big ideas I get and never actually do anything. I dug through my fabric stash the other day, I found a few pieces of promising flannel. I have been wanting a new nightgown for Payton and have found that they are really hard to find. I think I have enough flannel for one, and maybe enough of the others for some jammy pants. And what do you think I found at MCC today for 10 cents? A nightgown pattern! I was so excited!

This is my little pile of thrift store treasures I found today. The whole bunch cost me $2.35.

I just love these little shoes! I fear they are a little boyish but I am going to put them on Sam anyways. They are real leather and so soft.

Guess how much? $1!

Turn them over and guess what? Old School Buster Browns! Gotta love that!

These are the flannels awaiting a makeover. The white(it looks yellowish here, sorry bad lighting) is the one I think I have enough of for a Nightgown for Pay. Then the clouds and bunnies for pants. I have enough of the clouds set aside for jammy pants for me. So who knows? Pay and I may be matchy-matchy in the future.

2007-10-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

2007-10-01T13:20:00.002-07:00

Ok, this is very cool.

2007-09-25T19:16:00.001-07:00

Found these neat paper dolls here. She custom draws the doll to look like the image(s) you send her. I thought that was pretty fun!

How fun does this look?

2007-09-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

I've been browsing online looking for neat reasonably priced Christmas gift ideas. There is some fun stuff out there! Especially if you have the dollars to spend and the space to put it all! Reasonably priced just doesn't seem popular in our society.

What is the best gift you've ever received, or gift you were the most excited to give??

That said, Payton would have tons of fun with this though!

The Real Projects Workbench.

Find Your Wings - Mark Harris

2007-09-19T00:00:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist a re-creation.

2007-09-15T14:07:00.001-07:00

I remembered this morning that I had pictures of Payton in this exact pink sleeper sitting on her couch. So now I have the same pics of Samara. Very fun. They are very similar yet there are distinct differences! Payton is a week short of 6 months here and Samara is 7 months.Thought I would share....can you tell the difference?

Music

2007-09-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

I read Su e's blog today it was very touching and as I sat and listened it got me thinking about how I also have special songs that remind me of those I've lost.

I love music, most of us do, not always the same types of music but music none-the-less. Some music marks me, it leaves an imprint on me, on my life. Sometimes it is an era, a phase of my life, sometimes it is an event, sometimes sad, sometimes happy. Certain songs will always conger up images and feelings, they will take me back, entice me to dance, or make me cry. Shari did a post like this awhile ago that I enjoyed so I thought I would do one to share with you.

My first specific musical memories take place in my mom's old Caprice classic. I remember we always had music on and both liked to sing along, and not always all that well! The Poppy family, Anne Murray, Connie Kaldor, Toto, Bonnie Tyler, Juice Newton, Chris De Burgh, and Raffi, to name a few, all bring me back to riding with my Mom when I was young. Good Times.

Wow, I'm having fun with this! Rod is rolling his eyes at me hehe! And it's taking a long time cause I'm listening to everything as I go along! So I think I'll do one more "era" tonight then it will be to be continued....

Next thing that comes to mind is listening to music with my friends in early, well I guess it would be middle elementary. When I was still in Alberta so grade 3 or 4. You know when we thought we were cool to have a pink hand held cassette recorder and sing along at the top of your lungs! Ok, I admit it, some of these where only on vinyl..... I remember listening to Tiffany, Billy Joel, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Culture Club, Wham, and The Shangri-Las. Picture fake microphones, exaggerated movements and lots of giggling. LOVE IT!! With Thriller though we would play the beginning and pretend someone was coming to get us, scream and run and hide!! Oh the fun!! hahahaha

To be continued...next up the embarrassing years.....

1st day of school!

2007-09-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

Payton had her first day of Pre-School today. I was nervous, way more than she was! I was expecting her to stick by me a little more than she did. Pretty much as soon as we were in the classroom she was off exploring. Miss Sam said she did great. She thinks it's so funny her teachers name is Miss Sam! Anyways I'm tired and should really be making dinner so here's a few pics for you enjoy!

All ready to go!

Come on Mom!

Just one more! Smile!

Are you coming yet Mom?

Really mom, that's enough pics!

Payton and Ethan out front of the school.

This was what they did when asked to smile! LOL!

Really...smile.....hahaha!

Waiting outside their classroom.

Heading inside, notice they are holding hands!

Straight to the toys. Notice the boy in the window with his finger where???

Payton working on her place mat.

Raymond Crowe - A Wonderful World

2007-09-05T23:22:00.001-07:00

This is SO cool. Check it out!

Kyle Krichbaum, vacuum savant

2007-08-31T23:22:00.001-07:00

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2007-08-29T10:34:00.001-07:00

Views from my house.

2007-08-25T22:50:00.001-07:00

Samara at 6 months

2007-08-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

With a few of Payton at 6 months thrown in for fun!

Payton first time in the bath ring.

Samara today ready for lunch.

One of Paytons first meals

Payton in the bathring

Samara: First time in the bath ring

Samara

Samara: She had just splashed herself!

Payton

Samara's first cereal

Samara: Guess she liked it(she grabs EVERYTHING now!)

Sleep

2007-08-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

I have sleep issues. I feel redundant talking about it but it's my whole world right now. I'm tired, very very tired, close to non functioning tired. Sigh. This could be a boring post.

Everything else seems big because I'm so tired. I was talking to the Health Nurse when Samara was getting her shots and when she asked me how I was doing I said I don't know. And I honestly don't. I don't know if I'm just tired, and that's making me feel bad or if PPD is still there. Samara is up every 1.5 -2 hours at night, wanting to eat. It started 2-3 months ago, I thought she was going through a growth spurt, and she probably was, but then it continued. I'm sure it's just habit now but it's a hard one to break because if she's really hungry I want to feed her. In reality though I'm done, I'm so tired I can't think straight and emotionally, and physically I just feel done. Ready to throw the towel in. Somehow, something has got to give.

The last few days I have upped how much cereal Samara has been getting as well as introducing chicken(which she wasn't sure about). To ensure she is getting enough calories during the day. Then last night we said I wouldn't feed her unless it had been 4 hours. Gotta start somewhere. So if she woke 1.5-2 hours after I fed her(which she did) Rod went and tried to get her back to sleep. She was not a happy camper. None of us got much sleep but I did only feed her 3 times last night instead of 6-7 so I guess that's improvement even if we didn't get anymore sleep than usual. And in Rod's case less sleep than usual. I'm blessed to have Rod to help me out, I think he really sees that I can't go on like this.

We even cancelled our camping trip for this weekend because it's just to much. We are exhausted and then we would be completely off schedule again. I start to fall into overwhelm just thinking about it. It was a hard decision to make because we were really looking forward to going and spending some time with the relative we don't see very often. But we feel we would really be pushing to go. Maybe next year.

Anyways I hear Sam so my complaining is done!

How did everyone out there deal with nighttime sleep issues? Especially when the baby is still in your room?

Samara

2007-08-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

Samara went for her 6 month shots today. She now weighs 19 lbs 9 ounces, and is 25.25(as well as I could measure!) inches long. I can't believe she is so big already! She has also started on solid food now! Growing so fast! She sits pretty good as well but we are still working on the balance! I'm not sure if I mentioned her rolling but she rolls both ways. She started rolling from back to front about 2 months ago, then she would SCREAM. She hates being on her tummy. She started rolling from front to back about a month ago but it doesn't happen very often as she doesn't like it on her front. She will usually roll so she can see the floor, check it out, and roll back onto her back to avoid her front, it's pretty funny!

She's become super chatty, and she's LOUD! I know she seems so quiet and serious sometimes but usually it's pretty loud around here between the 2 girls. Sam squeals, shouts, babbles(mamama, babababa mostly), she scrunches up her nose and huffs, she fake coughs now as well and thinks it's great when you do it back!, there are also many many indescribable noises that I have to turn and see who it was! So fun! She was talking away one evening when I was on the phone with my Mom and she asked if that was just Sam because it sounded like we had a houseful of babies here LOL! I need to get it on video and post it because it really is too cute!

One word only: No explanations.

2007-08-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

1. Yourself: seeking
2. Your spouse: blessing
3. Your hair: hiding
4. Your mother: amazing
5. Your father: recovering
6. Your favorite item: camera
7. Your dream last night: forgotten
8. Your favorite drink: milk
9. Your dream car: unknown
10. The room you are in: livingroom
11. Your ex: who?
12. Your fear: loss
13. What you want to be in 10 years: growing
14. Who you hung out with last night: Rod
15. What you're not: bored
16. Muffins: chocolate-chip
17: One of your wish list items: Digital SLR
18: Time: short-supply
19. The last thing you did: nursed
20. What you are wearing: clothes
21. Your favorite weather: crisp
22. Your favorite book: bible
23. The last thing you ate: granola-bar
24. Your life: family
25. Your mood: distracted
26. Your best friend: husband
27. What you're thinking about right now: this
28. Your car: mini-van
29. What you are doing at the moment: uploading
30. Your summer: busy
31. Your relationship status: married
32. What is on your TV: nothing
33. What is the weather like: damp
34. When was the last time you laughed: today

2007-08-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid of the size of the task, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. (1st Chronicles 28:20)

Found a blog post this afternoon that I find very powerful. It speaks to me where I am. I'm struggling with many things as most of us are and often wonder why bother?

From Steve over at Ragamuffin Ramblings:

"But I'd pray that my epitaph would be in the lives God has allowed me to touch, the love God has given me to share. Love for the outsider, love for the stranger, love for the unlovable. And for so long as I still have breath, dear God, let me "be strong and courageous, and do the work." There's so much of it left to do..."

For more go here.

6 Months

2007-08-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Samara is 6 months old today! Can you believe it? I can't!

Samara,

My sweet baby, you are 6 months old today. Time goes much to quickly. All I can do is try to enjoy every moment with you I can. You are amazing and Daddy and I feel so blessed to have you in our lives. Payton loves you like crazy, sometimes I have to remind her to give gentle hugs and kisses because she loves you so enthusiastically! Your personality is growing and unfolding. You are quietly intense, looking, taking everything in before reacting. People really have to work to get smiles from you unless you are very familiar with them. It seems like your gaze can see into my soul. Now that I've said your quiet I must add that you can be very vocal, making many noises, babbling, squealing, and laughing. I love hearing you "talk" and we've had some wonderful conversations. Mommy is still your favorite person in the world, but Daddy and Payton follow a quick 2nd. You are very interested in everything right now and are quick to touch, grab, pull, and suck on anything you can get your little fingers on. You like to have quiet time and are unhappy if you don't get play time on your mat. Like your sister you haven't bought into the whole sleep thing but I have faith that you will eventually. I love you so much it hurts baby girl and am looking forward to watching you grow and helping you along the way. Just don't grow up to fast my love I don't want to miss a moment!

Love Mom

Look how you've grown!

Newborn

6 Months(well almost!)

Processing

2007-08-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't been much of a blogger lately. I've said that I have nothing to say really, which is not completely true. There has been a lot going on both around me and internally. I've been using the external busyness to distract me from myself. Which has been easy because it really has been crazy busy around here for a long time. It should be a little quieter now that we are back from vacation which hopefully will give me time to unwind and and unpack.

We had a wonderful vacation. It was great to see and visit with my family. I really miss them. I wish we weren't so far from them. I get so emotional every time we leave, like I'm leaving part of me behind. I guess I am really, my family means so much to me. Love you guys! I am though glad to be home and sleeping in my own bed! It will take awhile to get the girls back on schedule but we'll get there. The girls were great on the trip, adapted very well to the changing locations and meeting new people. I'm so proud of my girls.

I have been on Facebook, and I really enjoy it. But I find it's easier for me to hide there than here though. I'm not as open, as vulnerable. I'm not really writing(like here) just conversing. I've gotten in contact with some old friends and have been able to build more of a relationship with Rod's family which I'm excited about. But it's not like blogging. I don't think blogging will die out because it's just not the same.

Since I've been home I feel like hiding. I always do when something big is over though. It's like I lose all my umph. Emotionally I'm done and need a recharge. I'm sure once I get this place a little more straighted out and catch up on my sleep(yeah right) I'll be ready to go again.

That's all I have for now.

A New View

2007-07-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

Payton got the Fisher Price Digital Camera for her Birthday. I don't know who was more excited us or her! It's pretty low res but can take a beating from a three year old which is a must! I can't wait to see the world from her perspective. Here's a few shots from today. She wasted no time in filling up her internal memory.So much fun. I think I'm going to start a photo blog for her. Just for fun!

This was me teaching her the fine art of self portraits!

Today is a special day.

2007-07-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Payton Newborn

Payton First Birthday

Payton 2nd Birthday

Payton almost 3(Don't have any party girl pics yet)

Today Payton turns 3!! I can't believe she's 3 already!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAYTON!!!!

Happy Birthday Miss!

2007-07-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a great birthday Misty!

Love you!

Love Lives Here

Really?? January?

Look who is growing up WAY too fast!

Small Steps

Housecleaning

Updates

Hello Blog I've missed you

Ummm...Oops....

Art will take you places.

Halloween Snapshots

We love books.

Yummy Autumn Soup

Apple Fest at the Botanical Garden

In search of some good pumpkin recipes

Busy busy and a sewing first.

Sewing Lessons

This is where I direct you to a sweet give-away

It's voting day!

Happy Thanksgiving *edited to add Payton's list

October

The results

Balance

My helper

Because I'm crazy

This one is for Kay

Scattered

Priorities

Paytons First Day of Preschool(2nd year). Alternative title: I'm such a poser

Who dresses that kid? Why Spider-Sam.

A few books I've been enjoying

That's one cute baby

Guess what I've been doing?

Hello World

Yes, I'm still here

I just can't believe it!

Well, tomorrow is the day!

Oh My!

This is very cool - cars that run on air?!?

Moving

Where's the pictures.

Not the best planning

A simpler life

Dance Recital

Umm....WOW!

Yay!

Nothing is as simple as you think

Is anybody still out there

Don't close your eyes

I think I've decided

And it begins. **Edited**

A belated Christmas card! Or a Happy New Years card?

A belated Christmas card! Or a Happy New Years card?

Here's to another year

Haven't been blogging much

Happy Birthday!

The dark side of Christmas

Our Church

I should have been cleaning.....

Boring post about being tired. I know, the title could use some work.....

Mind like a load of laundry

I call this photo fustration

Pachelbel Bedtime

Making new friends

Halloween

Technical Savior strikes again

Today was a good day.

Colds, YUCK

The final product

Baking

The Chai Latte Incident

Monday

And I'm sure I'll say it again

A little thrift store luv

Ok, this is very cool.

How fun does this look?

Find Your Wings - Mark Harris

I couldn't resist a re-creation.

Music

1st day of school!

Raymond Crowe - A Wonderful World

And it begins. Edited