Another Christmas has come and gone, and once again, it was full of everything I love...topping the list being time spent with family and friends. It always amazes me how many gatherings we can pack in to only a few weeks, however am so thankful that we have so many wonderful people to celebrate with. Our stomachs are full (at least now that Jason and I are over the flu...ugh), some wonderful presents have been given and received and my new Christmas card clothes pin wreath (seen here) is overflowing with the faces of those who we are fortunate enough to know and love.
Colin was, not surprisingly, thoroughly spoiled this Christmas by our friends and family and he is loving his new toys. I, am loving his new clothes as well as some very special gifts that were under the tree just for me this year. It was pretty neat to watch him open each and every gift - equally excited and wanting to play with each one immediately. I can only imagine just how much more fun next year with him will be once he understands a little more and can really get into the Christmas spirit.
We are so grateful for all the amazingness that this year brought and if nothing else, want all our family and friends to know just how much we, and Colin appreciate every single one of them. Colin truly loves you all and therefore, sends his love and his thanks in his own, baby sign language way...
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
One, Two, Three.
Today, is Jason and my three year wedding anniversary. I know people say this all the time, and that I will probably be saying this after our 20th, 30th and 40th, but the past 3 years have flown by.
Jason and I met in the spring of 2007 and very quickly decided that we would spend our lives together. The timing of our meeting, I truly believe, was planned from the start. We had many opportunities where we could have met earlier, being that we have many mutual friends, however for one reason or another, it wasn't until a friends 30th birthday that our paths finally crossed. A few days after the party, came an invitation from Jason for a drink, which would now go down as our first official date. From that day, it took about 2 weeks for me to fall in love with him. It took about 2 weeks after that to decide that this was it for me. To be completely honest, I would have married him right then and there, 4 weeks after our first meeting. Instead we waited a little while, but not too long before sealing the deal and making our promises to each other in front of all our friends and family.
Timing has always had a way with us. The paths we took leading up to that first meeting took us many places, however I ultimately believe that they were all preparing us for each other. This year, for our anniversary, I decided to get Jason (and us, really), a bus roll graphic design piece highlighting the paths that our lives have taken which have ultimately led us here - to Clarence Rd. A local artist and graphic designer that I have really grown quite fond of, came up with the idea and sells them here. I sent her the list of places - streets, apartments, etc and she came up with this...
I am truly in love with it. I love the way it looks, especially in the spot we chose in our home, however even more so, I love what it represents. I love that we can look back and remember all the experiences we had individually, before we met and joined forces. I also love that although Clarence Rd is our squatting ground for now, something inside tells me that we won't be here forever and because of that, I am so excited to see what we can one day add to this list. At the end of the day, it just makes my heart happy to know that from Clarence Rd on, all the places we live will be together - and all the memories and experiences of this life of ours will be shared with my love and all the little loves that we are lucky enough to welcome into our family.
It has been a wonderful three years. Busy, but wonderful - just the way I like it.
Love you, J - you are my best friend and my whole world begins and end with you.
Jason and I met in the spring of 2007 and very quickly decided that we would spend our lives together. The timing of our meeting, I truly believe, was planned from the start. We had many opportunities where we could have met earlier, being that we have many mutual friends, however for one reason or another, it wasn't until a friends 30th birthday that our paths finally crossed. A few days after the party, came an invitation from Jason for a drink, which would now go down as our first official date. From that day, it took about 2 weeks for me to fall in love with him. It took about 2 weeks after that to decide that this was it for me. To be completely honest, I would have married him right then and there, 4 weeks after our first meeting. Instead we waited a little while, but not too long before sealing the deal and making our promises to each other in front of all our friends and family.
Timing has always had a way with us. The paths we took leading up to that first meeting took us many places, however I ultimately believe that they were all preparing us for each other. This year, for our anniversary, I decided to get Jason (and us, really), a bus roll graphic design piece highlighting the paths that our lives have taken which have ultimately led us here - to Clarence Rd. A local artist and graphic designer that I have really grown quite fond of, came up with the idea and sells them here. I sent her the list of places - streets, apartments, etc and she came up with this...
I am truly in love with it. I love the way it looks, especially in the spot we chose in our home, however even more so, I love what it represents. I love that we can look back and remember all the experiences we had individually, before we met and joined forces. I also love that although Clarence Rd is our squatting ground for now, something inside tells me that we won't be here forever and because of that, I am so excited to see what we can one day add to this list. At the end of the day, it just makes my heart happy to know that from Clarence Rd on, all the places we live will be together - and all the memories and experiences of this life of ours will be shared with my love and all the little loves that we are lucky enough to welcome into our family.
It has been a wonderful three years. Busy, but wonderful - just the way I like it.
Love you, J - you are my best friend and my whole world begins and end with you.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The wreaths of Clarence Rd
Ever since my Pinterest obsession started, an equal obsession with wreaths began as well and there is no better time than Christmas to start trying out some of the wreaths that I have been pinning over the course of the last few months.
I started with an extremely easy one...
This wreath now lives on the inside of the garage door and consists of a $3.99 wooden twig wreath I actually bought last year at Micheal's. After a quick spray with some white spray paint, and a bright red ribbon, it is simple, yet festive in its own way.
The second wreath was a bit more time consuming, yet much more functional at this time of year...
This wreath is made from a wire hanger (molded into a circle), wooden beads and plain old clothes pins - all sprayed white. Every year we are so lucky to have so many friends and family send us beuatiful cards with their beautiful faces. I always want to display them, however our fridge is stainless steal and therefore non-magnetic and our mantel is not quite installed yet. When I saw this idea on Pinterest, I knew it would be perfect and it really is! If anybody is intersted in making their own, a few suggestions:
- cut the hook part of the hanger off before trying to mold the hanger. I used a grinder and it did the trick quite easily.
- I couldn't find any beads that were big enough with holes already through the middle so I just bought plain wood beads from Micheal's and sprayed them.
- I sprayed all the pieces individually but realized after that it would have been easier to assemble everything and spray it once it was all set up. Would have been easier to ensure that it got a good coat everywhere.
The last wreath was an extremely easy, very quick craft that I put together this morning in about 10 minutes. Technically it is not a wreath per say, however it has the same feel.
I already had the pine cones from past years (in the past I just displayed them in a vase) however was looking for a new way to use them this year. Once again, Pinterest was the inspiration. I simply used the yarn that I had already purchased for gift wrapping this year and used my hot glue gun to attach the yarn to one end of the cone. This craft now hangs on the outside of our main bathroom door and adds the pop of red I was looking for in that hallway.
Now that our tree has been purchased and decorated, and all our Christmas things are out, I am getting increasingly excited for the holidays. Colin is so much more interested this year than last and his tree etiquette is improving slowly. When you love your family, friends and extended family as much as we do around here, Christmas really is the best time of year as it combines all our favorite people with good food, great celebrations and ultimately what is most important - time together.
I started with an extremely easy one...
This wreath now lives on the inside of the garage door and consists of a $3.99 wooden twig wreath I actually bought last year at Micheal's. After a quick spray with some white spray paint, and a bright red ribbon, it is simple, yet festive in its own way. The second wreath was a bit more time consuming, yet much more functional at this time of year...
This wreath is made from a wire hanger (molded into a circle), wooden beads and plain old clothes pins - all sprayed white. Every year we are so lucky to have so many friends and family send us beuatiful cards with their beautiful faces. I always want to display them, however our fridge is stainless steal and therefore non-magnetic and our mantel is not quite installed yet. When I saw this idea on Pinterest, I knew it would be perfect and it really is! If anybody is intersted in making their own, a few suggestions:
- cut the hook part of the hanger off before trying to mold the hanger. I used a grinder and it did the trick quite easily.
- I couldn't find any beads that were big enough with holes already through the middle so I just bought plain wood beads from Micheal's and sprayed them.
- I sprayed all the pieces individually but realized after that it would have been easier to assemble everything and spray it once it was all set up. Would have been easier to ensure that it got a good coat everywhere.
The last wreath was an extremely easy, very quick craft that I put together this morning in about 10 minutes. Technically it is not a wreath per say, however it has the same feel.
I already had the pine cones from past years (in the past I just displayed them in a vase) however was looking for a new way to use them this year. Once again, Pinterest was the inspiration. I simply used the yarn that I had already purchased for gift wrapping this year and used my hot glue gun to attach the yarn to one end of the cone. This craft now hangs on the outside of our main bathroom door and adds the pop of red I was looking for in that hallway.Now that our tree has been purchased and decorated, and all our Christmas things are out, I am getting increasingly excited for the holidays. Colin is so much more interested this year than last and his tree etiquette is improving slowly. When you love your family, friends and extended family as much as we do around here, Christmas really is the best time of year as it combines all our favorite people with good food, great celebrations and ultimately what is most important - time together.
Monday, December 5, 2011
2 Years Today.
It has been two years since we said goodbye to my wonderful Grandpa. It seems like just yesterday, but in the same respect, feels like way too long since I heard his laugh, or got one of his tight hugs. My sister and I were talking about him yesterday when her four year old son asked who we were talking about. We told him that we were talking about Grandpa's Daddy. He asked what he was like and the best words I could use to explain Grandpa to a four year old was "he was a lot of fun". He was. I miss him everyday but love that he and my Grandma are together again - just as they always were and were always meant to be.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Focal Point
It is tough to explain, but things have somewhat slowed down around here, all while staying busier than ever. That is an odd thing to say, I realize, however is seems the best way to describe our lives at the moment. As the snow has fallen and winter has come (although today we are getting a bit of a break from the cold), the routine of life has really set in. Work, coaching, and family time have all kind of molded into one, with the busy of the every day and the constant run around that we can only blame ourselves for. That being said, volleyball for Jason is over this weekend with provincials, and Christmas is coming oh so fast, bringing with it fun parties, gift giving and extra quality family time - all worth looking forward to.
Over the past few weeks, as the snow fell and temperatures dropped, we were able to tackle the next couple of steps to our never ending fireplace project. I like to watch the progression of toys in the following pictures - goes to show how much things change over the 1st year with a baby...
What started out as this (basically a fireplace plunked down in the living room - notice, basically no toys as Colin was only a few days old)
Became this... (notice the play mat and Bumbo - obviously a non-mobile child)
Became this a few weeks ago (toys were only put away because of the tools)
And now looks like this - all ready for stone...
The seat still needs to be mudded and then when funds and time allow we will be stoning the entire thing with a stacked stone of some sort. Over the next month or so we hope to actually select the stone and price it out so we know exactly what we are saving for. We will also install a mantel at some point too.
It is great to even get those steps completed as with every one, the fireplace gets closer and closer to the picture I have in my mind. It is definitely a focal point in our open concept home so it will be great to get it to the point where it gets the glory it deserves.
Now that winter is here, the true quiet of Clarence Road has sunk in once again. I was asked by someone the other day if sometimes it gets too quiet for my liking. I thought about it for awhile and realized that although it is quiet, its saving grace is the amazing friends we have only yards away from us. It is truly the perfect compromise of quiet and craziness - considering that there are many other little boys that come with our amazing friends. Although quiet, a visit is never far away and I never feel isolated or alone out here as I might if I didn't have next door and across the road :).
And the times where you do just want the quiet that winter often brings, Clarence Road does not disappoint there either. Nothing is as quiet as a fresh morning snow.
These past couple weeks I feel like things have really started to click for Colin too. He has picked up the signs for "please" and "more" and although he could wave before, he has now started doing it at the proper time. It is amazing how smart they really are and how much language they actually do understand, even though they cannot communicate very much on their own. I remember being awed by some of the instructions that my niece could comprehend around Colin's age and now feel the same way about my own kid. He definitely challenges me, each and every day as he pushes the limits and explores past the "no" that I try to authoritatively command, however for the most part he listens and learns. He definitely loves to be around other kids (especially his cousins), although I think my nephew liked it better when Colin wasn't quite so involved and in the way - especially when it is lego time :).
Over the past few weeks, as the snow fell and temperatures dropped, we were able to tackle the next couple of steps to our never ending fireplace project. I like to watch the progression of toys in the following pictures - goes to show how much things change over the 1st year with a baby...
What started out as this (basically a fireplace plunked down in the living room - notice, basically no toys as Colin was only a few days old)
Became this... (notice the play mat and Bumbo - obviously a non-mobile child)
Became this a few weeks ago (toys were only put away because of the tools)
And now looks like this - all ready for stone...
The seat still needs to be mudded and then when funds and time allow we will be stoning the entire thing with a stacked stone of some sort. Over the next month or so we hope to actually select the stone and price it out so we know exactly what we are saving for. We will also install a mantel at some point too.It is great to even get those steps completed as with every one, the fireplace gets closer and closer to the picture I have in my mind. It is definitely a focal point in our open concept home so it will be great to get it to the point where it gets the glory it deserves.
Now that winter is here, the true quiet of Clarence Road has sunk in once again. I was asked by someone the other day if sometimes it gets too quiet for my liking. I thought about it for awhile and realized that although it is quiet, its saving grace is the amazing friends we have only yards away from us. It is truly the perfect compromise of quiet and craziness - considering that there are many other little boys that come with our amazing friends. Although quiet, a visit is never far away and I never feel isolated or alone out here as I might if I didn't have next door and across the road :).
And the times where you do just want the quiet that winter often brings, Clarence Road does not disappoint there either. Nothing is as quiet as a fresh morning snow.These past couple weeks I feel like things have really started to click for Colin too. He has picked up the signs for "please" and "more" and although he could wave before, he has now started doing it at the proper time. It is amazing how smart they really are and how much language they actually do understand, even though they cannot communicate very much on their own. I remember being awed by some of the instructions that my niece could comprehend around Colin's age and now feel the same way about my own kid. He definitely challenges me, each and every day as he pushes the limits and explores past the "no" that I try to authoritatively command, however for the most part he listens and learns. He definitely loves to be around other kids (especially his cousins), although I think my nephew liked it better when Colin wasn't quite so involved and in the way - especially when it is lego time :).
Thursday, November 10, 2011
#2.
Yesterday, the day before I turned 29 years old, I finally heard the sweet sound of our next babies heartbeat. It was a great birthday present and made my heart smile and breathe.
For the past 2.5 months, ever since Jason and I found out we were expecting again, we were on edge, as this baby (just like Colin did as well) gave us a bit of a run. There were days where I did not think we would ever get to meet this one, but also days where I thought we just might get the chance. The unknowingness of it all was exhausting and therefore solidifying its existence with the soft beating of its heart yesterday, made my heart finally flutter with excitement and wonder.
We are expecting to meet our new little person in the middle of May. Some people may think we getting in over our heads, considering that Colin will only be 20 months at the time that our family will go from 3 to 4, and believe me, at times I think we are. That being said, I am fully aware and conscious to the fact that it is going to be a bit of a s#*@ show over here for awhile. There will be long days, laundry piled up, and tears all around I'm sure.
I guess I am just crazy enough to look forward to it all.
For the past 2.5 months, ever since Jason and I found out we were expecting again, we were on edge, as this baby (just like Colin did as well) gave us a bit of a run. There were days where I did not think we would ever get to meet this one, but also days where I thought we just might get the chance. The unknowingness of it all was exhausting and therefore solidifying its existence with the soft beating of its heart yesterday, made my heart finally flutter with excitement and wonder.
We are expecting to meet our new little person in the middle of May. Some people may think we getting in over our heads, considering that Colin will only be 20 months at the time that our family will go from 3 to 4, and believe me, at times I think we are. That being said, I am fully aware and conscious to the fact that it is going to be a bit of a s#*@ show over here for awhile. There will be long days, laundry piled up, and tears all around I'm sure.
I guess I am just crazy enough to look forward to it all.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The slowest shark attack ever.
I guess this is how sharks look when they are still learning to walk...
Sunday, October 23, 2011
M
A few months ago, during a trip to Bird Lake with the usual Bird Lake crew, my friend Tatiana and I started talking about how we would really like to expand our photography knowledge base. We are both the owners of fairly new digital SLR cameras and neither of us felt like we were utilizing them to even a fraction of their capabilities.
Speaking for myself, I lived on Automatic mode. I can honestly say that I don't think a single picture has ever been taken on any other mode...even though the camera has several. The fact is, that even on automatic mode, the camera pictures were still leaps and bounds above anything my point and shoot could EVER produce. The images are always brighter, crisper and more detailed. As I thought about this more, I realized that if this is what my camera can do with a completely uneducated user, imagine what it could do if I actually had some clue. Tat agreed that we needed help and sought out Photo Central to do just that.
PhotoCentral is a photo store in downtown Winnipeg that also offers a variety of courses. One course that they offer deals with digital SLR photography, and getting started. We knew this was the course for us and signed up for 6 weeks this fall.
At the first course we attended, the absolute first thing we did was to switch our cameras to "M" for manual. Manual means that your cameras brain is turned off, and now, rather that it tell you what would make the best picture, it is up to you to tell the camera. Instantly I was intrigued by the manipulation that was possible with the same camera that only minutes before I had no idea how to even adjust. After a lot of trial and error and some basic introduction to how cameras actually work, it amazing how much fun it is to play with photography.
Last Wednesday, in our 5th of 6 courses, we took to the streets and put what we have learned into practice. I still have a LOT of work to do before I can consistently take what I now know to be a "quality picture" but I had fun trying out different settings and seeing what kind of pictures I could get. Here are a few of my favorites. Note - I do realize that these are still FAR from what my camera is capable of...however just the fact that they were shot on manual, and in the dark, is a step for me!
Speaking for myself, I lived on Automatic mode. I can honestly say that I don't think a single picture has ever been taken on any other mode...even though the camera has several. The fact is, that even on automatic mode, the camera pictures were still leaps and bounds above anything my point and shoot could EVER produce. The images are always brighter, crisper and more detailed. As I thought about this more, I realized that if this is what my camera can do with a completely uneducated user, imagine what it could do if I actually had some clue. Tat agreed that we needed help and sought out Photo Central to do just that.
PhotoCentral is a photo store in downtown Winnipeg that also offers a variety of courses. One course that they offer deals with digital SLR photography, and getting started. We knew this was the course for us and signed up for 6 weeks this fall.
At the first course we attended, the absolute first thing we did was to switch our cameras to "M" for manual. Manual means that your cameras brain is turned off, and now, rather that it tell you what would make the best picture, it is up to you to tell the camera. Instantly I was intrigued by the manipulation that was possible with the same camera that only minutes before I had no idea how to even adjust. After a lot of trial and error and some basic introduction to how cameras actually work, it amazing how much fun it is to play with photography.
Last Wednesday, in our 5th of 6 courses, we took to the streets and put what we have learned into practice. I still have a LOT of work to do before I can consistently take what I now know to be a "quality picture" but I had fun trying out different settings and seeing what kind of pictures I could get. Here are a few of my favorites. Note - I do realize that these are still FAR from what my camera is capable of...however just the fact that they were shot on manual, and in the dark, is a step for me!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Stalled.
Blogging has taken a real hit lately for me. This month, I have probably blogged less than I have over the past 18 months. It has just been that kind of month.
October is always a busy work month for me, and this year it has proven to be even more so than usual. I am working full time, however am only physically in the office Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This is a great set up to be able to spend some time with Colin during the week, and I have also really enjoyed the whole "working from home" concept. It allows me to continue chores like laundry and cleaning during the day as well, instead of it all pilling up until Sunday afternoon.
If there is one down side to only be in the office 3 days a week however, it is that those 3 days are B-U-S-Y. From the moment I get to work, to the moment I have to leave to pick Colin up, I am going full speed. It is great as the day goes extremely quickly and before I know it it is 4 o'clock, however this month it has really taken a toll on me. October brings hectic work days, too many evening and weekend meetings, and lots of here, there, everywhere.
Therefore, this blog has suffered. Something had to give, I guess. I have so many ideas on things I want to blog about and share with the internet, however they will have to all wait until I get my legs under me again.
Give me 10 days. I'll be back, and I might even have new boots.
October is always a busy work month for me, and this year it has proven to be even more so than usual. I am working full time, however am only physically in the office Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This is a great set up to be able to spend some time with Colin during the week, and I have also really enjoyed the whole "working from home" concept. It allows me to continue chores like laundry and cleaning during the day as well, instead of it all pilling up until Sunday afternoon.
If there is one down side to only be in the office 3 days a week however, it is that those 3 days are B-U-S-Y. From the moment I get to work, to the moment I have to leave to pick Colin up, I am going full speed. It is great as the day goes extremely quickly and before I know it it is 4 o'clock, however this month it has really taken a toll on me. October brings hectic work days, too many evening and weekend meetings, and lots of here, there, everywhere.
Therefore, this blog has suffered. Something had to give, I guess. I have so many ideas on things I want to blog about and share with the internet, however they will have to all wait until I get my legs under me again.
Give me 10 days. I'll be back, and I might even have new boots.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
History & Future
Like so many have done before, and I am sure many will do after, Colin got his picture taken in THE rocking chair yesterday. This rocking chair belonged to my Grandmother's brother and was given to him at his birth. That was 90+ years ago. Since then, it has been in our family and protected and kept by my Grandmother. So many grandchildren and great grandchildren have been photographed in the chair, and it makes me so happy to now have this shot of Colin doing the same.
It will be difficult to describe to him just how wonderful his Grandparents who have passed were, as their love was so real and so wonderful, however I will always try. He deserves to know just how amazing they were and how much they loved him...even though two didn't get a chance to be formally introduced.
These pictures are ones for the books!
It will be difficult to describe to him just how wonderful his Grandparents who have passed were, as their love was so real and so wonderful, however I will always try. He deserves to know just how amazing they were and how much they loved him...even though two didn't get a chance to be formally introduced. These pictures are ones for the books!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Spice Drawer Makeover
This whole back to work thing has put quite the damper on my blogging schedule. First of all, I am having trouble fitting in the time to write, and second of all, not a whole lot has gone on lately! Today, however, I finally tackled an idea and project that I have been thinking about for quite some time. After finding this idea on you guessed it, Pinterest, I knew that it would be something easy, cheap and necessary for our spice drawer. You see, I think I am a pretty organized person. I like order, planning and neatness. That being said, even more than I like orgnaization, I like cleanliness. I cannot stand household items in plain view. Tucked away in drawers and cupboards however is a-ok with me, even if it not necessarily the proper place for it. Our kitchen island, in all its 4x6 foot glory is the mecca of clutter for our home. Mail, books, wallets, and other basic crap is constantly found piled on the island which drives me absolutely insane. For that reason, I am constantly shoving random items in random drawers...just to give myself the illusion of organization and tidiness. This strategy equals drawers that look like this...behold, our spice drawer.
There is really no excuse and therefore, why it needed some work. I already had the baby food jars, as well as chalkboard paint left over from another project so it was relatively simple and completely free to whip this drawer into shape. Here are the after results...
Much better! It should also be noted that the before pictures were taken on my cameras automatic mode, along with every other picture this camera has ever taken. The after shots, however were actually taken on manual! A friend and I started a photography course last night at PhotoCentral downtown and in a couple of hours started to learn the basics of how our cameras actually work. The course consists of 6 2-hour nights and I am so excited to learn more each and every week. Already I can see the difference in the pictures my camera can capture.
Things around here are hitting their groove as the temperature is dropping along with the leaves. It has now been a few weeks of me being back to work and I can honestly say that it hasn't seem to affect Colin at all. He loves it at daycare and he loves it at his Grandparents...which makes it so much easier all together. I would be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying the time away and the adult conversation as well, however at times am still struggling with how much I am missing. I have found that the hardest part of this whole thing is simple. I just want to know what he's doing. For the last year, I knew what he was doing pretty much all the time. I knew how much he slept, I knew how much he ate, I knew how many times he pooped. Now, for 3 days a week, I simply don't know these things (except for when he is at my parents...my Mom writes everything in a journal for me - thanks, Mom!). It is an adjustment that I am figuring out as I go. I read a sign the other day that said "Keep Calm. Nobody else knows what they're doing either". I found great peace in that phrase as I am not quite sure how to make home, work and my family life all blend into seamless life. It may be too much to ask, however will always try to achieve the ultimate trifecta.
There is really no excuse and therefore, why it needed some work. I already had the baby food jars, as well as chalkboard paint left over from another project so it was relatively simple and completely free to whip this drawer into shape. Here are the after results...
Much better! It should also be noted that the before pictures were taken on my cameras automatic mode, along with every other picture this camera has ever taken. The after shots, however were actually taken on manual! A friend and I started a photography course last night at PhotoCentral downtown and in a couple of hours started to learn the basics of how our cameras actually work. The course consists of 6 2-hour nights and I am so excited to learn more each and every week. Already I can see the difference in the pictures my camera can capture.
Things around here are hitting their groove as the temperature is dropping along with the leaves. It has now been a few weeks of me being back to work and I can honestly say that it hasn't seem to affect Colin at all. He loves it at daycare and he loves it at his Grandparents...which makes it so much easier all together. I would be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying the time away and the adult conversation as well, however at times am still struggling with how much I am missing. I have found that the hardest part of this whole thing is simple. I just want to know what he's doing. For the last year, I knew what he was doing pretty much all the time. I knew how much he slept, I knew how much he ate, I knew how many times he pooped. Now, for 3 days a week, I simply don't know these things (except for when he is at my parents...my Mom writes everything in a journal for me - thanks, Mom!). It is an adjustment that I am figuring out as I go. I read a sign the other day that said "Keep Calm. Nobody else knows what they're doing either". I found great peace in that phrase as I am not quite sure how to make home, work and my family life all blend into seamless life. It may be too much to ask, however will always try to achieve the ultimate trifecta.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Peace.
10 years ago today, I was in my 2nd year of university. That morning, I had an early class and as I walked to the classroom, I noticed a number of people watching a television in the hallway. I thought nothing of it and attended class. Afterwards, I headed to our team room as I was on the basketball team at that time. When I walked in, it was empty, however CJOB News was playing on the radio. I remember thinking this was odd as it was never on anything but Hot 103. After a few moments, I started to listen and absorb what had happened in New York city so far. Moments later, the second plane hit.
At that moment, I remember that I felt that I could not go on with my day any longer. Myself, and a few other teammates went to one of their nearby apartments and spent the day watching the news in pure unbelief that what happened was in fact, reality. I remember seeing the people jump from 100 story's up, I remember seeing the first building fall, I remember hearing the screams and seeing the terror in peoples eyes. No matter what, we could not bring ourselves to turn the TV off.
Eventually, it was time for us to return to school as we had a practice scheduled. I remember feeling an immense amount of guilt, as I could not simply return to my life, knowing that others whole worlds were crumbling before their eyes.
When I returned home that night, my Mom and I resumed watching the news, until my Dad came home after a long day of school and meetings. He had not been able to see any of the footage up until that point and was now seeing it for the first time. After an hour or two, I remember my parents saying that it was time to turn it off. As hard as it was for all of us, we needed to as otherwise we probably would have watched all night long.
To this day, I struggle seeing any pictures or footage of the events of that day. I do not understand how something like that can happen. As much as I do not agree with many of the decisions that the United States has made since that day, I know it is something I will never be able to understand. Instead, today I will pray for the families who are still grieving for their lost ones. I will pray for the city that was rocked to its very core. I will pray for the leaders who continue to make decisions in an attempt to keep our country and the United States safe. I will pray for peace.
At that moment, I remember that I felt that I could not go on with my day any longer. Myself, and a few other teammates went to one of their nearby apartments and spent the day watching the news in pure unbelief that what happened was in fact, reality. I remember seeing the people jump from 100 story's up, I remember seeing the first building fall, I remember hearing the screams and seeing the terror in peoples eyes. No matter what, we could not bring ourselves to turn the TV off.
Eventually, it was time for us to return to school as we had a practice scheduled. I remember feeling an immense amount of guilt, as I could not simply return to my life, knowing that others whole worlds were crumbling before their eyes.
When I returned home that night, my Mom and I resumed watching the news, until my Dad came home after a long day of school and meetings. He had not been able to see any of the footage up until that point and was now seeing it for the first time. After an hour or two, I remember my parents saying that it was time to turn it off. As hard as it was for all of us, we needed to as otherwise we probably would have watched all night long.
To this day, I struggle seeing any pictures or footage of the events of that day. I do not understand how something like that can happen. As much as I do not agree with many of the decisions that the United States has made since that day, I know it is something I will never be able to understand. Instead, today I will pray for the families who are still grieving for their lost ones. I will pray for the city that was rocked to its very core. I will pray for the leaders who continue to make decisions in an attempt to keep our country and the United States safe. I will pray for peace.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Breaking Point.
Tomorrow, like many other Mom's have done before me, and many more will do in the future, I will be going back to work. Like in so many other aspects of my life, I always try to be the tough one when faced with undoubtedly emotional situations. Up until yesterday, I do think I maintained that persona. One of the items that Colin's daycare asked me to bring on his first day, was a list of emergency phone numbers, his normal schedule, and any other important information that will help them figure our little man out. While I got through the emergency phone numbers just fine, and even most of the schedule, as I re-read my work, looking for anything I might have missed, I instantly was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears, head in hands and sobs.
Like I said, I always try to remain very tough...through anything and everything, but I guess yesterday was my breaking point. I needed it. I needed to cry and release the sadness that has been building up inside of me as tomorrow got closer and closer.
I am incredibly thankful for the past year. I am well aware that in many other places, mothers are continually going back to work much sooner and am beyond grateful that I live in a country where a year is the norm. I am also incredibly thankful that I have a job which is allowing me to work two days a week from home, therefore making sure that every second day is at least somewhat spent with Colin. I know that I will have much more time with him than many mothers do with the own, after their year is up.
I am also so thankful that we found the daycare we did. It is everything I could ever have asked for and feel SO good about leaving Colin there. I know he will have so much fun interacting with kids his own age and older, and also believe that it will be good for him to get used to someone else for a change. I am also thrilled that every Friday, Colin will spend the day with his grandparents. They love him up.
Yes, there is much to be thankful for. I am beyond lucky to have the situation I have and I know that Colin will have a blast every single day that I am work and that he and I will reunite for some quality time every day in between.
Unfortunately, that does not make the ache go away. For you see, we came as a set for so long and the love and bond that has grown between he and I for the past year and 5 days makes any goodbye, even those that only last a few hours, hard. I know that it will get easier, and that this is just the start of a new routine and norm for us. I know that he will benefit greatly from his year abroad and can't wait to see how he grows and learns through it all.
Bottom line is this. I will miss this past year. I will miss his everyday wonderfulness. I will miss that I will not be the one who witnesses each newness with my own eyes. I will miss him.
I guess, after everything is said and done though, he is too good not to be shared.
Like I said, I always try to remain very tough...through anything and everything, but I guess yesterday was my breaking point. I needed it. I needed to cry and release the sadness that has been building up inside of me as tomorrow got closer and closer.
I am incredibly thankful for the past year. I am well aware that in many other places, mothers are continually going back to work much sooner and am beyond grateful that I live in a country where a year is the norm. I am also incredibly thankful that I have a job which is allowing me to work two days a week from home, therefore making sure that every second day is at least somewhat spent with Colin. I know that I will have much more time with him than many mothers do with the own, after their year is up.
I am also so thankful that we found the daycare we did. It is everything I could ever have asked for and feel SO good about leaving Colin there. I know he will have so much fun interacting with kids his own age and older, and also believe that it will be good for him to get used to someone else for a change. I am also thrilled that every Friday, Colin will spend the day with his grandparents. They love him up.
Yes, there is much to be thankful for. I am beyond lucky to have the situation I have and I know that Colin will have a blast every single day that I am work and that he and I will reunite for some quality time every day in between.
Unfortunately, that does not make the ache go away. For you see, we came as a set for so long and the love and bond that has grown between he and I for the past year and 5 days makes any goodbye, even those that only last a few hours, hard. I know that it will get easier, and that this is just the start of a new routine and norm for us. I know that he will benefit greatly from his year abroad and can't wait to see how he grows and learns through it all.
Bottom line is this. I will miss this past year. I will miss his everyday wonderfulness. I will miss that I will not be the one who witnesses each newness with my own eyes. I will miss him.
I guess, after everything is said and done though, he is too good not to be shared.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The BIG Birthday.
Last Thursday, we celebrated Colin's 1st birthday with a party that filled the house and brought together all our friends and family once again to love on our little man. After the house was cleaned and the pizzas made, we were ready to bring on the people and enjoy great company and lots of laughs in honour of Colin.
In keeping with my recent pinterest theme, I did find the cake that I made for this occasion there as well. Although it didn't turn out exactly as I had planned, it did taste delicious. Here is the original inspiration. And here is my interpretation...
If someone can figure out how to sprinkle the sides of a cake with SO many sprinkles, please do leave me a comment and enlighten me. For the life of me, short of turning the cake on its side, I could not figure out how to accomplish this. I didn't want to turn the cake on its side either due to the fact that it is 3 layers and I didn't want to chance one of the layers sliding and jeopardizing the cake so I opted instead to just sprinkle the hell out of the top. Another issue I had with the cake is that the swiss buttercream icing recipe that accompanys the cake did not work for me AT ALL. It calls for 3.5 cups of butter so I assumed it would be delicious, however once all the instructions were followed and the ingredients were in my Electrolux mixer, the icing just never set up. After 45 minutes of beating, I abandoned ship and opted for a classic royal icing instead that did the trick just as well.
For Colin's birthday present, Jason and I decided to get him a play table. The kid loves to stand and play and therefore we wanted to get him a table to stand at and use his toys, cars and trucks. So the morning of his birthday, we brought the table up from downstairs, selected a few of his favorite toys, and Colin got to work right away.
After dinner, we all gathered around and sang Colin his first ever Happy Birthday before serving up the cake. I think he might be the only child in history that picked up a piece of his cake, brought it to his mouth, and promptly threw it on the floor, ie. why there is no picture of him eating cake :).
After everyone else had cake, it was time for presents and boy did we have help opening up all the beautifully awesome gifts that Colin was blessed with.
After the party, when all the paper and boxes were cleared away, the table was filled up nicely with super cool toys for our little guy to gradually explore and get to know.
And of course, no 1 year olds birthday party would be complete without a keg.
For the 7 little people who attended the party, I wanted to put together a goody bag with something Pinterest inspried as well. Although I couldn't quite make what I set out to, I was able to again, make a variation of the original idea. This was what I wanted to make originally, but couldn't find the letter silicone molds anywhere in the city. That is the problem with coming up with your idea on a Monday, and needing the product finished for Thursday. Whoops! I will keep the idea in the back pocket, order the letter molds from an online store and make them for another party. For this party, I found a square mold and made these instead...
Kinda cool still, I guess?
All in all, I think Colin's 1st birthday was a complete success! Thank you for everyone who came and celebrated the day with us. We and especially COLIN are so lucky to have each and every one of you in our lives. If there is one thing Colin will never doubt is how LOVED he truly is. That boy is blessed beyond belief. As we enter into year two now, I can only imagine how much he is going to grow and change until we all congregate again to celebrate him and his 2nd birthday. What a year it will be!
In keeping with my recent pinterest theme, I did find the cake that I made for this occasion there as well. Although it didn't turn out exactly as I had planned, it did taste delicious. Here is the original inspiration. And here is my interpretation...
If someone can figure out how to sprinkle the sides of a cake with SO many sprinkles, please do leave me a comment and enlighten me. For the life of me, short of turning the cake on its side, I could not figure out how to accomplish this. I didn't want to turn the cake on its side either due to the fact that it is 3 layers and I didn't want to chance one of the layers sliding and jeopardizing the cake so I opted instead to just sprinkle the hell out of the top. Another issue I had with the cake is that the swiss buttercream icing recipe that accompanys the cake did not work for me AT ALL. It calls for 3.5 cups of butter so I assumed it would be delicious, however once all the instructions were followed and the ingredients were in my Electrolux mixer, the icing just never set up. After 45 minutes of beating, I abandoned ship and opted for a classic royal icing instead that did the trick just as well.
For Colin's birthday present, Jason and I decided to get him a play table. The kid loves to stand and play and therefore we wanted to get him a table to stand at and use his toys, cars and trucks. So the morning of his birthday, we brought the table up from downstairs, selected a few of his favorite toys, and Colin got to work right away.
After dinner, we all gathered around and sang Colin his first ever Happy Birthday before serving up the cake. I think he might be the only child in history that picked up a piece of his cake, brought it to his mouth, and promptly threw it on the floor, ie. why there is no picture of him eating cake :).
After everyone else had cake, it was time for presents and boy did we have help opening up all the beautifully awesome gifts that Colin was blessed with.
After the party, when all the paper and boxes were cleared away, the table was filled up nicely with super cool toys for our little guy to gradually explore and get to know.
And of course, no 1 year olds birthday party would be complete without a keg.
For the 7 little people who attended the party, I wanted to put together a goody bag with something Pinterest inspried as well. Although I couldn't quite make what I set out to, I was able to again, make a variation of the original idea. This was what I wanted to make originally, but couldn't find the letter silicone molds anywhere in the city. That is the problem with coming up with your idea on a Monday, and needing the product finished for Thursday. Whoops! I will keep the idea in the back pocket, order the letter molds from an online store and make them for another party. For this party, I found a square mold and made these instead...
Kinda cool still, I guess?
All in all, I think Colin's 1st birthday was a complete success! Thank you for everyone who came and celebrated the day with us. We and especially COLIN are so lucky to have each and every one of you in our lives. If there is one thing Colin will never doubt is how LOVED he truly is. That boy is blessed beyond belief. As we enter into year two now, I can only imagine how much he is going to grow and change until we all congregate again to celebrate him and his 2nd birthday. What a year it will be!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
One Whole Year.
Today, you turn one. ONE. One Whole Year. For the past few days, I have been trying to wrap my head around this whole birthday thing. On the one hand, it feels like just hours since we first met and you were laid in my arms for the first time. That night was a night I don't think I, or your Dad, will ever forget as it was the night where our lives changed forever and we both fell in LOVE all over again, with each other, but most importantly with you. In some ways, I do feel like we just met, but in others, it feels like you have been a part of this family forever. The past year has been nuts, as you shook everything up, but when the dust settled, although everything looked different, life was never as normal, as happy, or as fun.
Just thinking about the amount of learning and growing you have done over the past 12 months makes me tired! Over the past month especially, the amount of words you understand has grown tremendously. You now very much understand the word no, however are still working on whether or not you chose to obey that word. I think you understand "all done" and "please" and "thank you" as well and it seems like you are trying to form the words with your lips after I say it. You are on your way with the sign language, however we still have a lot of practice with that. When your Dad comes home now, you always great him with a big smile and a "Da-da" or two. Not that he needed a reason to love you anymore than he already does, but I think you now officially have him wrapped around your finger. With those two simple syllables, I know you make his time away from you and how hard that is on him melt away and right then and there he falls in love with you all over again.
Your balance on your feet has really improved this month as well as you now will stand, unsupported, for a few seconds before lowering yourself back on to your bum where you are much more comfortable. You will also prop yourself up on your knees, or just one knee and sit and play like that for quite some time. I have no idea when you will walk, however am hoping that it is a day where both your Dad and I are around to witness it.
This month you have really taken to playing with toys. You love to push trucks and cars around the house, and will play catch with anyone who is willing. For your birthday, your Dad and I bought you a play table and I am so sure that it will be a hit from the start as you LOVE to stand and play everywhere and anywhere. When you and I went to buy the table, the store where we were had a kids work bench set up where you could play with wooden hammers, wrenches and screws and nails. You were playing there while I was talking to the salesperson and paying for the table. When it was time to go, I picked you up like I always do and for one of the first times, you threw a tantrum. You SCREAMED, kicked your legs like mad and turned on the tears. Obviously you weren't done playing yet. It is inevitable that the discipline part of parenting is among us now and it will be interesting to see how you react to it all.
Yes, it is amazing to think about all you have learned over the past 12 months, but even more crazy is the amount that I have learned as it was all somewhat unexpected. I knew that life would be different when you were born, however I don't think I ever knew just how different I would look at life as a parent. Because of you, we have changed some aspects of our daily living that will make us all healthier. My own health and your Dad's are very important to me, but yours, my friend, that is MOST important. I would do anything to ensure that you are safe and healthy.
Because of you, I look at money very differently now. When I married your Dad, I had to alter my spending habits, but all changes were for the better. You see, I was not what we would call, a responsible spender. I bought in to the plan and budget that your Dad and I committed to, however it wasn't until you that I truly got on board. We are lucky and blessed enough to want for very little around here, however like anything in life and money, you have to prioritize. What you need is now my top priority and my own wants and desires definitely come second. I want to make sure you have everything you need, but also want to make sure you understand that you can't have EVERYTHING. The whole idea of the value of money and the fact that it does run out at some point will be a difficult one for you to learn, considering that nowadays, everything is paid for with a piece of plastic and a few clicks of an online program, however as you get older, I promise to try to drill it into you. Your Dad and I are committed to ensuring that the financial stability of this family stays strong and that we build a foundation that will hopefully rub off on you and your money habits as well.
Because of you, I now slow down from time to time. I know I have mentioned this before, but slowing down and putting the to-do list on hold is not something I do not do well. Now that you are a little bit older, you do a very good job of reminding me of this daily. Often when you are playing by yourself, I will be working in the kitchen, or be on my computer working on something. When you have had enough, you crawl over to me, climb up my leg and point at your basketball, showing me that it is time to play. You have done more for me with this than I could have ever done on my own. Going into this year, with my going back to work, I might need a few more of those reminders on our days together. I trust that you will keep reminding me that YOU need me too and even though you are such a good, independent kind of kid, that you nudge me from time to time and get me to just enjoy this time.
Because of you, I love more deeply than I ever thought possible. Last night when I was putting you to bed, we went through our usual routine of saying good night to the world (which consists of pulling your blind down), getting you in your sleep sack, and taking a few minutes to just lay your head down on my shoulder. At this point, we say our prayers, and then we sing a song before it's time for Eeyore and sleep. I started to pray for you but could barely get two words out. For the past 365 days, I have prayed for you and tonight, the emotion of it all just got to me. I cannot believe how lucky we are to have you. You are everything and SO MUCH MORE than we could have ever asked for in a child. You make us better just by being you. You are perfect and happy and fun and everything that little boys should be. You make me laugh and smile from the moment I see you in the morning, to the moment I lay you down at night. When you are all grown and don't need me anymore, I will remember the feeling I have today, on your 1st birthday. I feel nothing but love, pride and joy in YOU, for YOU and with YOU. You are my most favorite little man. The other day when someone else was holding you, you reached your arms out towards me, asking me to hold you instead. I commented to your Dad later on that there is nothing quite like having a child choose you. I remember when your cousins were your age and definitely had their pecking order of who they wanted. I was rarely on the top of that list, however the few times that I was, even with them, were moments that I still remember as some of my favorites. Now that I have my own child, I love that I am the one you want and the one you choose. I adore that I am the one that can comfort you when you are hurt or sad and love that I am most often the top of your order. I hope that you will always choose me as I will ALWAYS choose you. Even when you are a smart mouthed kid I will choose you. Even when you are a stinky teenager I will choose you. Even when you mess up so badly that I don't know what to do with you, I will choose you. Until the day that I die, I will choose you. For there is no one quite like you. The love I felt for the past 12 months is love that I have never felt before, love I never knew existed and love that I will hold on to every single day that I am lucky enough to spend with you. Happy Birthday, Bubaloo.
Love you to the moon and back x1 whole year.
Mama
xoxo
Just thinking about the amount of learning and growing you have done over the past 12 months makes me tired! Over the past month especially, the amount of words you understand has grown tremendously. You now very much understand the word no, however are still working on whether or not you chose to obey that word. I think you understand "all done" and "please" and "thank you" as well and it seems like you are trying to form the words with your lips after I say it. You are on your way with the sign language, however we still have a lot of practice with that. When your Dad comes home now, you always great him with a big smile and a "Da-da" or two. Not that he needed a reason to love you anymore than he already does, but I think you now officially have him wrapped around your finger. With those two simple syllables, I know you make his time away from you and how hard that is on him melt away and right then and there he falls in love with you all over again.
Your balance on your feet has really improved this month as well as you now will stand, unsupported, for a few seconds before lowering yourself back on to your bum where you are much more comfortable. You will also prop yourself up on your knees, or just one knee and sit and play like that for quite some time. I have no idea when you will walk, however am hoping that it is a day where both your Dad and I are around to witness it.
This month you have really taken to playing with toys. You love to push trucks and cars around the house, and will play catch with anyone who is willing. For your birthday, your Dad and I bought you a play table and I am so sure that it will be a hit from the start as you LOVE to stand and play everywhere and anywhere. When you and I went to buy the table, the store where we were had a kids work bench set up where you could play with wooden hammers, wrenches and screws and nails. You were playing there while I was talking to the salesperson and paying for the table. When it was time to go, I picked you up like I always do and for one of the first times, you threw a tantrum. You SCREAMED, kicked your legs like mad and turned on the tears. Obviously you weren't done playing yet. It is inevitable that the discipline part of parenting is among us now and it will be interesting to see how you react to it all.
Yes, it is amazing to think about all you have learned over the past 12 months, but even more crazy is the amount that I have learned as it was all somewhat unexpected. I knew that life would be different when you were born, however I don't think I ever knew just how different I would look at life as a parent. Because of you, we have changed some aspects of our daily living that will make us all healthier. My own health and your Dad's are very important to me, but yours, my friend, that is MOST important. I would do anything to ensure that you are safe and healthy.
Because of you, I look at money very differently now. When I married your Dad, I had to alter my spending habits, but all changes were for the better. You see, I was not what we would call, a responsible spender. I bought in to the plan and budget that your Dad and I committed to, however it wasn't until you that I truly got on board. We are lucky and blessed enough to want for very little around here, however like anything in life and money, you have to prioritize. What you need is now my top priority and my own wants and desires definitely come second. I want to make sure you have everything you need, but also want to make sure you understand that you can't have EVERYTHING. The whole idea of the value of money and the fact that it does run out at some point will be a difficult one for you to learn, considering that nowadays, everything is paid for with a piece of plastic and a few clicks of an online program, however as you get older, I promise to try to drill it into you. Your Dad and I are committed to ensuring that the financial stability of this family stays strong and that we build a foundation that will hopefully rub off on you and your money habits as well.
Because of you, I now slow down from time to time. I know I have mentioned this before, but slowing down and putting the to-do list on hold is not something I do not do well. Now that you are a little bit older, you do a very good job of reminding me of this daily. Often when you are playing by yourself, I will be working in the kitchen, or be on my computer working on something. When you have had enough, you crawl over to me, climb up my leg and point at your basketball, showing me that it is time to play. You have done more for me with this than I could have ever done on my own. Going into this year, with my going back to work, I might need a few more of those reminders on our days together. I trust that you will keep reminding me that YOU need me too and even though you are such a good, independent kind of kid, that you nudge me from time to time and get me to just enjoy this time.
Because of you, I love more deeply than I ever thought possible. Last night when I was putting you to bed, we went through our usual routine of saying good night to the world (which consists of pulling your blind down), getting you in your sleep sack, and taking a few minutes to just lay your head down on my shoulder. At this point, we say our prayers, and then we sing a song before it's time for Eeyore and sleep. I started to pray for you but could barely get two words out. For the past 365 days, I have prayed for you and tonight, the emotion of it all just got to me. I cannot believe how lucky we are to have you. You are everything and SO MUCH MORE than we could have ever asked for in a child. You make us better just by being you. You are perfect and happy and fun and everything that little boys should be. You make me laugh and smile from the moment I see you in the morning, to the moment I lay you down at night. When you are all grown and don't need me anymore, I will remember the feeling I have today, on your 1st birthday. I feel nothing but love, pride and joy in YOU, for YOU and with YOU. You are my most favorite little man. The other day when someone else was holding you, you reached your arms out towards me, asking me to hold you instead. I commented to your Dad later on that there is nothing quite like having a child choose you. I remember when your cousins were your age and definitely had their pecking order of who they wanted. I was rarely on the top of that list, however the few times that I was, even with them, were moments that I still remember as some of my favorites. Now that I have my own child, I love that I am the one you want and the one you choose. I adore that I am the one that can comfort you when you are hurt or sad and love that I am most often the top of your order. I hope that you will always choose me as I will ALWAYS choose you. Even when you are a smart mouthed kid I will choose you. Even when you are a stinky teenager I will choose you. Even when you mess up so badly that I don't know what to do with you, I will choose you. Until the day that I die, I will choose you. For there is no one quite like you. The love I felt for the past 12 months is love that I have never felt before, love I never knew existed and love that I will hold on to every single day that I am lucky enough to spend with you. Happy Birthday, Bubaloo.
Love you to the moon and back x1 whole year.
Mama
xoxo
Here's to you.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Encore.
Even though my Pinterest Project Week is over, I have obviously been bit with the bug, as today, I could help but make these, another Pinterest find. And boy, am I ever glad I did.
A few months ago, I was deeply saddened by the sudden closing of the PretzelMaker in Polo Park mall. I hit that stand up often, as a soft pretzel is the perfect snack when lunch isn't possible. Although a similar vendor opened in St Vital Mall, I don't frequent that mall enough to get my fill. I knew that I would need to learn how to make my own and when I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I was reminded of this desire. I don't think I have ever made anything that tastes so similar to the one that can be bought at a restaurant. They were almost identically delicious. These will most definitely be made again. And again. And again.
Things are really shaping up on the exterior of our home, and like we set out to do a few weeks ago, many things have been crossed off the list. A lot of the projects we had to complete on the exterior were ones that simply took a lot of time and a lot of effort and I am so glad to see how beautiful the end results are. The biggest transformation has been to the front "yard". Because of the way our road was built, the large pile of dirt to the left of it has been sitting there for the past year waiting to be dispersed throughout the front. What started with this just after the winter melt...
Progressed to this weed infested mess as the summers heat boiled us all...
And now am left with this, thanks to a BIG help...
It feels great to get it cleaned up and smoothed out, with lots of time to spare before the snow covers it all. The plan is to seed it next spring and then let things grow as they may. I can already see the football and baseball games that will undoubtedly break out at a moments notice in the future years.
We were also able to get the deck built and floor completed. All it needs now is a railing, to be completed in the next few days, along with a step from the house down to the deck. Next spring, we will build the steps that will go down to the eventual grass on the north side of the house, and hopefully add some furniture so we can enjoy long summers nights out there.
Yup...it's pretty good around here right now. I am feeling great about where the house is in terms of completion going into fall, work and school. Of course there is still a lot to do on the inside, but I know that it will all happen in time.
In a few days, Colin will be one. ONE. I am busy party planning as we are getting ready for a BIG celebration over here. Colin on the other hand, doesn't seem too worried about it as he is just as happy and energetic as ever. Just for the record, he climbed in there himself.
A few months ago, I was deeply saddened by the sudden closing of the PretzelMaker in Polo Park mall. I hit that stand up often, as a soft pretzel is the perfect snack when lunch isn't possible. Although a similar vendor opened in St Vital Mall, I don't frequent that mall enough to get my fill. I knew that I would need to learn how to make my own and when I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I was reminded of this desire. I don't think I have ever made anything that tastes so similar to the one that can be bought at a restaurant. They were almost identically delicious. These will most definitely be made again. And again. And again.
Things are really shaping up on the exterior of our home, and like we set out to do a few weeks ago, many things have been crossed off the list. A lot of the projects we had to complete on the exterior were ones that simply took a lot of time and a lot of effort and I am so glad to see how beautiful the end results are. The biggest transformation has been to the front "yard". Because of the way our road was built, the large pile of dirt to the left of it has been sitting there for the past year waiting to be dispersed throughout the front. What started with this just after the winter melt...
Progressed to this weed infested mess as the summers heat boiled us all...
And now am left with this, thanks to a BIG help...
It feels great to get it cleaned up and smoothed out, with lots of time to spare before the snow covers it all. The plan is to seed it next spring and then let things grow as they may. I can already see the football and baseball games that will undoubtedly break out at a moments notice in the future years.
We were also able to get the deck built and floor completed. All it needs now is a railing, to be completed in the next few days, along with a step from the house down to the deck. Next spring, we will build the steps that will go down to the eventual grass on the north side of the house, and hopefully add some furniture so we can enjoy long summers nights out there.
Yup...it's pretty good around here right now. I am feeling great about where the house is in terms of completion going into fall, work and school. Of course there is still a lot to do on the inside, but I know that it will all happen in time.
In a few days, Colin will be one. ONE. I am busy party planning as we are getting ready for a BIG celebration over here. Colin on the other hand, doesn't seem too worried about it as he is just as happy and energetic as ever. Just for the record, he climbed in there himself.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Pinterest Project Week: Day Five
Today was another solid day. In between visiting with family, recounting our favorite parts of the show "Wicked" from last night, and catching up with neighbors, there was still time for some creations. Since the guys were building the back deck today, I wanted to make something other than sandwiches for lunch. Jason could eat sandwiches for every meal for the rest of his life, however I am all sandwiched out. Instead, I opted for this. I am always a fan of anything made in a slow cooker for its ease and convenience and this did not disappoint. Will be made again for sure with a few slight modifications to ensure an even cheesier mac and cheese.
I realize that this picture looks like plain noodles in a slow cooker...it was better than it looks here, I promise.
To top off the meal, these were made. A few weeks ago after browsing through the "Eat" board of my Pinterest account, I realized that I have quite a few different and delicious sounding truffle recipes. It was then and there that I decided that this would be the direction of my Christmas baking. Truffles, truffles, and more truffles. Anyone that is used to getting a selection of my baking at Christmas time, you now know what to expect. I promise it will not disappoint.
My mail shutter was also able to be hung today and boy do I love it. The hallway still has a lot of work left in it, but the green really livens it up.
I love it and am thrilled with how it turned out. Amazingly enough, I was also gifted a postcard today to christen the shutter that has found a permanent home there - it is that funny. To add to the hallway decor I would like to get the original house plan that Jason and I drew up on graph paper and get it properly framed for somewhere down this hallway too. Add in a little more colour and we'll be set.
Like I mentioned earlier, today was also the start of the building of our back deck. Since we have been pretty short on usable outdoor space so far around here, I think Jason and I are both pumped that the deck will soon be completed. We are hoping to have everything done, including the handrail, by Colin's 1st birthday so it will be full effort until then. Today they were able to get the entire base and footings complete and even got 10 or so boards on. Tomorrow will be a lot more of the same and hopefully in under a week, we can cross this off the list.
Well here we are...the final day of my Pinterest project week. I do still have a few that I want to tackle in the next few weeks, however they will have to wait until later. I feel great about the stuff I completed and the recipes I tried over the past week. There were some high points and there were definitely some low points, but all in all I think I would call the week a success. My main goal was to feel that I had completed some to-do list items and projects heading into going back to work. I didn't want to start working and feel like my home life list was all over the place and already discouraged by the number items waiting to be tackled. There are always going to be more things to do and try (ie. wreaths, wreaths and more wreaths...read: I love wreaths), but for now, I am sitting solid on the work out my sharpie has gotten the past few days. Today, I was able to cross off:
- stain front deck
- stain back deck
- hem curtains
- complete growth chart
- complete garage door mail holder
- feed my family for 5 days
OK, so that last item wasn't really on there as it is just sort of a given, however I did complete it and with a little more pizzaz that normal.
I absolutely adore Pinterest and the fact that it allows seemingly uncreative people a place where they can be inspired and be encouraged and uplifted enough to give something a try. It continues to inspire my home, my appetite as well as my closet and I am sure that it will continue down that same path for many more pins. I am hoping to do another one of these weeks again before the end of the year. Whose in?
Happy pinning, Happy home, Happy family, Happy life. Yes, please & thank you.
I realize that this picture looks like plain noodles in a slow cooker...it was better than it looks here, I promise.
To top off the meal, these were made. A few weeks ago after browsing through the "Eat" board of my Pinterest account, I realized that I have quite a few different and delicious sounding truffle recipes. It was then and there that I decided that this would be the direction of my Christmas baking. Truffles, truffles, and more truffles. Anyone that is used to getting a selection of my baking at Christmas time, you now know what to expect. I promise it will not disappoint.
My mail shutter was also able to be hung today and boy do I love it. The hallway still has a lot of work left in it, but the green really livens it up.
I love it and am thrilled with how it turned out. Amazingly enough, I was also gifted a postcard today to christen the shutter that has found a permanent home there - it is that funny. To add to the hallway decor I would like to get the original house plan that Jason and I drew up on graph paper and get it properly framed for somewhere down this hallway too. Add in a little more colour and we'll be set.
Like I mentioned earlier, today was also the start of the building of our back deck. Since we have been pretty short on usable outdoor space so far around here, I think Jason and I are both pumped that the deck will soon be completed. We are hoping to have everything done, including the handrail, by Colin's 1st birthday so it will be full effort until then. Today they were able to get the entire base and footings complete and even got 10 or so boards on. Tomorrow will be a lot more of the same and hopefully in under a week, we can cross this off the list.
Well here we are...the final day of my Pinterest project week. I do still have a few that I want to tackle in the next few weeks, however they will have to wait until later. I feel great about the stuff I completed and the recipes I tried over the past week. There were some high points and there were definitely some low points, but all in all I think I would call the week a success. My main goal was to feel that I had completed some to-do list items and projects heading into going back to work. I didn't want to start working and feel like my home life list was all over the place and already discouraged by the number items waiting to be tackled. There are always going to be more things to do and try (ie. wreaths, wreaths and more wreaths...read: I love wreaths), but for now, I am sitting solid on the work out my sharpie has gotten the past few days. Today, I was able to cross off:
- stain front deck
- stain back deck
- hem curtains
- complete growth chart
- complete garage door mail holder
- feed my family for 5 days
OK, so that last item wasn't really on there as it is just sort of a given, however I did complete it and with a little more pizzaz that normal.
I absolutely adore Pinterest and the fact that it allows seemingly uncreative people a place where they can be inspired and be encouraged and uplifted enough to give something a try. It continues to inspire my home, my appetite as well as my closet and I am sure that it will continue down that same path for many more pins. I am hoping to do another one of these weeks again before the end of the year. Whose in?
Happy pinning, Happy home, Happy family, Happy life. Yes, please & thank you.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Pinterest Project Week: Day Four
Today, I tackled a project that I have been excited about for quite some time. This.
I found this image on Pinterest and immediately knew that something like this needed to be in our house. The hallway to the garage needed a bit of colour and this idea seemed like the perfect solution. Finding a shutter, however, was not as easy as I thought it might be. Originally I just planned on buying a new one from Home Depot or Rona, painting it and calling it a day. Yes, the aged look of an old and worn shutter is nice, however I wasn't all that concerned with bringing in that detail to the project. My main goal was just to have a shutter up on the wall in a fresh and bright colour. Surprisingly enough, at least to me, home improvement stores don't simply sell pre-made shutters, they only sell them on special order. I guess I can understand why, being that almost all windows are different sizes. So my plan was altered and I started to brainstorm other possibilities.
A few months back, a couple of friends and I checked out this place and I blogged about my trip here. Once again, it did not disappoint and offered me a couple of vintage/used shutters to look through. I am disappointed that I forgot to take a before shot, but today, it looks like this...
It is slightly bigger than I originally wanted, and I somewhat second guessed its size all the way home, but when I held it up to its future home on the wall, I loved its proportions and was forever sold. It will hang beside a mirror and key holder in our garage entrance just outside the mudroom after a little more work and some hanging hardware attached. If I had been smart enough to take a before shot, you would have seen that it was originally (at least originally to me) painted white, over top of a cream colour which was obvious due to the enormous amount of white paint that had and was presently chipping off. At first I contemplated stripping the whole piece down and starting fresh, however opted for a good sand and fresh paint job instead. This picture doesn't really show it, but the shutter does have a nice aged look due to the multiple layers of paint, dents and scratches from which I can only assume was some solid years of duty. The colour I chose was non other that Benjamin Moore's Dill Pickle, which is the colour that our spare bedroom is painted. I heart this colour big time in that room and am equally in love with it on this project. I think it will be the perfect addition to a builders beige hallway and can't wait to see it hung and in place tomorrow after it is dried and dressed up to be hung.
I will definitely be smart enough to take some completed shots of everything all together tomorrow and include them in my daily report. Tomorrow is an exciting day around here as the back deck is going in. I have about 20 boards left to stain but considering I have completed about 60 so far, I am feeling pretty good about my progress and know that those 20 can be done pretty quickly during a morning nap. Tomorrow will also bring a few new recipes that I have been itching to try...especially since one is done in a slow cooker and anything in a slow cooker is usually easy and delicious.
Now will someone please mail me some pretty postcards so I can stick them in my shutter?
I found this image on Pinterest and immediately knew that something like this needed to be in our house. The hallway to the garage needed a bit of colour and this idea seemed like the perfect solution. Finding a shutter, however, was not as easy as I thought it might be. Originally I just planned on buying a new one from Home Depot or Rona, painting it and calling it a day. Yes, the aged look of an old and worn shutter is nice, however I wasn't all that concerned with bringing in that detail to the project. My main goal was just to have a shutter up on the wall in a fresh and bright colour. Surprisingly enough, at least to me, home improvement stores don't simply sell pre-made shutters, they only sell them on special order. I guess I can understand why, being that almost all windows are different sizes. So my plan was altered and I started to brainstorm other possibilities.
A few months back, a couple of friends and I checked out this place and I blogged about my trip here. Once again, it did not disappoint and offered me a couple of vintage/used shutters to look through. I am disappointed that I forgot to take a before shot, but today, it looks like this...
It is slightly bigger than I originally wanted, and I somewhat second guessed its size all the way home, but when I held it up to its future home on the wall, I loved its proportions and was forever sold. It will hang beside a mirror and key holder in our garage entrance just outside the mudroom after a little more work and some hanging hardware attached. If I had been smart enough to take a before shot, you would have seen that it was originally (at least originally to me) painted white, over top of a cream colour which was obvious due to the enormous amount of white paint that had and was presently chipping off. At first I contemplated stripping the whole piece down and starting fresh, however opted for a good sand and fresh paint job instead. This picture doesn't really show it, but the shutter does have a nice aged look due to the multiple layers of paint, dents and scratches from which I can only assume was some solid years of duty. The colour I chose was non other that Benjamin Moore's Dill Pickle, which is the colour that our spare bedroom is painted. I heart this colour big time in that room and am equally in love with it on this project. I think it will be the perfect addition to a builders beige hallway and can't wait to see it hung and in place tomorrow after it is dried and dressed up to be hung.
I will definitely be smart enough to take some completed shots of everything all together tomorrow and include them in my daily report. Tomorrow is an exciting day around here as the back deck is going in. I have about 20 boards left to stain but considering I have completed about 60 so far, I am feeling pretty good about my progress and know that those 20 can be done pretty quickly during a morning nap. Tomorrow will also bring a few new recipes that I have been itching to try...especially since one is done in a slow cooker and anything in a slow cooker is usually easy and delicious.
Now will someone please mail me some pretty postcards so I can stick them in my shutter?
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Pinterest Project Week: Day Three
It was bound to happen. 2 of 3 of the projects I had planned for today bombed. Brutally. First, let's talk about what went right today. Thanks to my Mom and her sewing skills and confidence boost, I was finally able to hem the curtains in ours and Colin's bedroom. This item has been on my list since we moved in and for some reason, was difficult for me to just get done . Almost 1 year ago to the day I hung those curtains and pinned the hems and not until today was the job complete. If there is something I learned from having my first baby, is that you don't mess around with the darkness factor in their bedrooms. The darker, the better. Bottom line, no excuses, you make that room as pitch black as you possibly can. For us, that means a black out shade, black out curtains, and just for good measure, another layer of black out material between the two. That room is dark.
I was also able to find the key piece to the project that I am MOST excited about tackling this week. I have been on the hunt for this piece for quite some time and just when I thought I might have to give up hope, the basement of a local antique store saved the day. Just like that place always does.
So now for the brutalness. I had originally planned to make these today. I wanted some new prints to frame in our dining room and thought these would be nice. In my defence, I have no experience with acrylic paint and boy did it show. My prints looked like a goopy mess and this project was quickly abandoned. At least I already owned the paint therefore it only cost me a stock of celery which was cut off at the paint end and turned into a snack.
The next project on my list today was this. Again, it did not turn out at all. Jason and Jordan (Jason's brother) did their best to choke it back...I chose not to and ate leftovers from last nights stacked vegetable enchiladas instead. I am a big fan of substituting items in recipes that I may not have on hand and clearly, that is not possible in this recipe. I don't have a deep fryer or a wok and it showed. I didn't have any rice wine and again, it showed. Needless to say, this one will not be made again. It also probably didn't help that right in the middle of the cooking, Colin somehow found a dishwasher soap tab thing and ate a small part of it. I noticed pretty quickly and tried to get the grain out of his mouth but the vomit that came after (strategically projectiled onto one of only 2 pieces of carpet we have in this ENTIRE house) proved that I was too late. A quick call to poison control assured me that there was no problem and we moved on, however I will blame the suckiness of this meal on Colin. It's easy to blame things on him anyways :).
At this point in the day I was feeling pretty defeated until I remembered the last project I was going to tackle. This one I KNEW I couldn't screw up and I was right. How could you ever screw up these? I will now drown my sorrows in these all night long and am sure that they will do just the trick to catapult me into a new day of Pinterest awesomeness.
I will now go and eat my cookies and cry in Colin's extremely dark room. Actually, check that, I have about 400 feet of decking to stain and a few hours of daylight left. The cookies will have to wait.
I was also able to find the key piece to the project that I am MOST excited about tackling this week. I have been on the hunt for this piece for quite some time and just when I thought I might have to give up hope, the basement of a local antique store saved the day. Just like that place always does.
So now for the brutalness. I had originally planned to make these today. I wanted some new prints to frame in our dining room and thought these would be nice. In my defence, I have no experience with acrylic paint and boy did it show. My prints looked like a goopy mess and this project was quickly abandoned. At least I already owned the paint therefore it only cost me a stock of celery which was cut off at the paint end and turned into a snack.
The next project on my list today was this. Again, it did not turn out at all. Jason and Jordan (Jason's brother) did their best to choke it back...I chose not to and ate leftovers from last nights stacked vegetable enchiladas instead. I am a big fan of substituting items in recipes that I may not have on hand and clearly, that is not possible in this recipe. I don't have a deep fryer or a wok and it showed. I didn't have any rice wine and again, it showed. Needless to say, this one will not be made again. It also probably didn't help that right in the middle of the cooking, Colin somehow found a dishwasher soap tab thing and ate a small part of it. I noticed pretty quickly and tried to get the grain out of his mouth but the vomit that came after (strategically projectiled onto one of only 2 pieces of carpet we have in this ENTIRE house) proved that I was too late. A quick call to poison control assured me that there was no problem and we moved on, however I will blame the suckiness of this meal on Colin. It's easy to blame things on him anyways :).
At this point in the day I was feeling pretty defeated until I remembered the last project I was going to tackle. This one I KNEW I couldn't screw up and I was right. How could you ever screw up these? I will now drown my sorrows in these all night long and am sure that they will do just the trick to catapult me into a new day of Pinterest awesomeness.
I will now go and eat my cookies and cry in Colin's extremely dark room. Actually, check that, I have about 400 feet of decking to stain and a few hours of daylight left. The cookies will have to wait.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Pintrest Project Week: Day Two
It is only day two around here and already I have come to the realization that I am capable of making a lot more myself than I ever thought. Exhibit A: today, I made my own marshmallow. Many of you may not be impressed with this. You may make your own marshmallow 3 times a week already and are pe-shawing my achievement all over town. I, however, was not aware that making marshmallow was as easy as it is, or for that matter, even possible at home. I am here to tell you now that it is relatively easy, and quite quick a process. The finished product...
For day two of this Pinterest week, I shifted to a few of the recipes that I have been coveting and thinking about for quite some time. Since we are having company for dinner tonight, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to try them out. Somewhat risky as if they are a flop as it is more than just Jason I am disappointing but then I quickly remembered that Half Moon is just a quick 5 minute drive up the road.
Currently in the oven is this. A stacked vegetable enchiladas casserole. Something about this dish just drew me. I love a good casserole, I love vegetables, and we are already a fan of a similar, more taco inspired casserole around here. This might be the newest addition to our repertoire. There were only two annoying parts to the process of getting this made. For one, finding corn tortillas is actually quite challenging. Flour tortillas are everywhere, however it wasn't until a random conversation with a baker at Superstore where I got a tip on where I might find the corn variety. So off Colin and I went this morning to a little convenience store not too far from home which was surprisingly filled with a large variety of Mexican spices, condiments and foods. Nowhere on the many signs this store had on its facade did it once mention that these delicacies where within, something that I found strange. It will definitely be remembered as a place to peruse as if there is one thing we love in this house, its Mexican food. The second annoyance was that it actually added something to my to do list as cutting up all the vegetables reminded me of how severely we need to get our composter together. Maybe this Pinterest week will need to repeat itself...next week.
For dessert, it is yet another Pinterest project and this is where those homemade marshmallows come in. These. Here is my version (first picture from Instagram, another obsession of mine right now):
Moon Pies (aka Wagon Wheels) are one of those things that I never would have thought I could make on my own...but I did! I have yet to try one, therefore this excitement is very premature, however how could they really be bad? Cookie, marshmallow and chocolate? I don't think those 3 things together could be bad if they tried.
It just wouldn't be cooking and baking around here anymore without this guy rummaging through each and every drawer he can possibly get into. Thankfully there are only a few that I really need to keep him out of...think platters and sharp knives :).
A notable to-do list item tackled today was starting to get the lumber for the back deck that will be installed later this week stained. I wanted to make sure that I got at least the handrail stained with two coats, as this would be extremely annoying to do after the fact. Check & cross it off...
The rest of the week will see the staining of the actually decking, however I am not as worried about getting them done as they can also be done after installation if necessary.
This week has been so great so far. My project for tomorrow will need to be small and quick as I will be working for the day but have another art project up my sleeve that I have thought about each and every time I am in the produce section at the grocery store. It is definitely time for less thinking and more doing.
For day two of this Pinterest week, I shifted to a few of the recipes that I have been coveting and thinking about for quite some time. Since we are having company for dinner tonight, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to try them out. Somewhat risky as if they are a flop as it is more than just Jason I am disappointing but then I quickly remembered that Half Moon is just a quick 5 minute drive up the road.
Currently in the oven is this. A stacked vegetable enchiladas casserole. Something about this dish just drew me. I love a good casserole, I love vegetables, and we are already a fan of a similar, more taco inspired casserole around here. This might be the newest addition to our repertoire. There were only two annoying parts to the process of getting this made. For one, finding corn tortillas is actually quite challenging. Flour tortillas are everywhere, however it wasn't until a random conversation with a baker at Superstore where I got a tip on where I might find the corn variety. So off Colin and I went this morning to a little convenience store not too far from home which was surprisingly filled with a large variety of Mexican spices, condiments and foods. Nowhere on the many signs this store had on its facade did it once mention that these delicacies where within, something that I found strange. It will definitely be remembered as a place to peruse as if there is one thing we love in this house, its Mexican food. The second annoyance was that it actually added something to my to do list as cutting up all the vegetables reminded me of how severely we need to get our composter together. Maybe this Pinterest week will need to repeat itself...next week.
For dessert, it is yet another Pinterest project and this is where those homemade marshmallows come in. These. Here is my version (first picture from Instagram, another obsession of mine right now):
Moon Pies (aka Wagon Wheels) are one of those things that I never would have thought I could make on my own...but I did! I have yet to try one, therefore this excitement is very premature, however how could they really be bad? Cookie, marshmallow and chocolate? I don't think those 3 things together could be bad if they tried.
It just wouldn't be cooking and baking around here anymore without this guy rummaging through each and every drawer he can possibly get into. Thankfully there are only a few that I really need to keep him out of...think platters and sharp knives :).
A notable to-do list item tackled today was starting to get the lumber for the back deck that will be installed later this week stained. I wanted to make sure that I got at least the handrail stained with two coats, as this would be extremely annoying to do after the fact. Check & cross it off...
The rest of the week will see the staining of the actually decking, however I am not as worried about getting them done as they can also be done after installation if necessary.
This week has been so great so far. My project for tomorrow will need to be small and quick as I will be working for the day but have another art project up my sleeve that I have thought about each and every time I am in the produce section at the grocery store. It is definitely time for less thinking and more doing.
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