Scrapbooking Some More

Just a Few More Hours

Doug called me this morning to say he was almost in Jasper.  That means only 3-4 hours away depending on the road conditions. 
I survived the week.  I don't know if homeschooling full time made it easier because I didn't have to do any extra driving or if I had just sent my mind to surviving the week peacefully. 
Sarah was sick so that made it a little harder.  Joshua had moments of testing my patience and authority so that made it a little harder too.  He redeemed himself this morning when he had woken up early, gotten dressed, eaten, cleaned up afterwards and then completed his job pack.  The bathrooms were cleaned by the time I got up. 
Andrea has been a great help around the house and with Sarah... allowing me some precious moments alone... at the grocery store.  Kind of silly that I get excited about getting groceries without kids.
Arianna has had some ups and downs but overall has been very pleasant to be around.  She and Andrea have been getting along great and I love that about the sisters. 
Only a few more hours alone and then my partner is back.  God created it to be that way and I'm so glad He did.  I'm hanging in there... it won't be long now.

Thankful Thursday (03.10.11)

I am thankful for:

• My family who are the most important people in my life
• The freedom to educate my children as I wish
• My cheerful and obedient children
• A husband who works so hard to provide for his family
• Friends who encourage and inspire me on a daily basis
• A mother in law who has never tried to fill the role of my Mom and yet does a magnificent job of being a mom to me.

Photography

I've never really give myself credit for things I do well at.  Maybe I don't like the attention drawn to me or maybe I think I could have done better.  For a few years now, I've admired the work of professional photographers... especially those who have worked with newborn babies.  In some ways it looked too hard.  I mean babies move and wiggle, they don't always conform to a schedule, they can be unpredictable... that kind of thing.  A few months ago, I took Natalie's maternity pictures- she was my first ever, non family member photo subject and I loved it.

When we were done, she asked if I'd take the baby's pictures when she was born.  I was delighted to have the opportunity to do this.  Well last week, this little girl made her appearance in our world and Natalie arranged for me to come and take Alyse's pictures. That was the most fun I've had in a photoshoot.  She was such a delightful baby who cooperated and was a beautiful little person.  Today was the first day that I thought to myself: "I am good at what I do and I did a great job today!"  I'll show you one peek at this little girl but I hope you'll check out my Photography Blog for some more.

I still can't believe I took this picture! 

Monday Musings

• I love my family.  I am so blessed by each and every one of them.
• Today is the 16th Valentine's Day that Doug and I have celebrated together.
• I am still deeply in love with him and even moreso than when we first met.
• I love that on a Monday afternoon, my children have the freedom to go outside and play at the nearby sledding hill.
• I need a project... sewing, scrapbooking... something.
• Sarah is talking more and more each day.
• Arianna continues to charm me with her bright blue eyes and winning smile.
• Andrea is growing up way too fast for my liking.
• Joshua impresses me with his offers to help around the house.
• I love making the same Valentine dessert for my family as my mom did for us.
• I will attempt a heart shaped pizza for tonight's supper.
• After just a few days of introducing "Blessing {chore} Packs", my house is amazingly tidier than it ever has been.

What love looks like

I was at church tonight and sitting across the aisle from me was an older couple.  I can remember this wonderful woman teaching my kids Sunday School quite a few years ago and she was such a sweet spirited person. Sadly, dementia has taken over this lady's mind over the past few years.  Her husband faithfully brings her to church every week.  I noticed how he caressed her back and knew when to stop as she moved away from his touch.  He brought her to the front of the church for communion and I don't know if she took part but he still went through the motions with her.  I can see how much he loves her even though her mind isn't where it used to be.  He's so gentle and patient with her. 
I hope Doug loves me like that.  Unconditionally.  Tenderly.  Perfectly. Patiently.
It makes me think of another kind of love that I am unworthy of.  The love of my Father.
Unconditional.
Tender.
Perfect.
Patient.
I am so blessed.

Today

Today is the last morning that the kids will go to school on a Tuesday or Thursday.  After much consideration, discussion and prayer, Doug and I have decided to return to full-time home schooling for Joshua, Andrea, and Arianna.  It is very important to note that we still support the Stony Creek program, and that we are thankful for the time and effort that everyone involved has put into the education of our children.  The best learning path will be different for each and every student (and that includes adults too!).  For our family, we have reached the conclusion that home schooling is the best route at this time.  With Doug’s travel for work, it will also allow us to go with him as a family... seeing different areas of Western Canada, interacting with different people, and learning about the world we live in by physically being in it.  This is an opportunity that we simply can’t take advantage of while being part of the Stony Creek program. 

The driving factor for us has been a verse from the Bible that has been at the forefront of our thoughts since July of last year: “Train your child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (emphasis added) We have prayed this verse since last July and we are now following through on what we believe will be best for our kids.  

Truth be told, I am sad at the thought of leaving for the last time tomorrow.  The relationships I have developed with the teachers, particularly the girls', goes way beyond the typical parent/teacher relationship.  I consider her a friend and intend to continue our friendship as we embark on this next phase of the home school journey.  I value her opinions, insights and views and I leave the school knowing she had a profound impact on my childrens' lives.  I left the school feeling supported, encouraged and appreciated by all three of my kids' teachers. 

I look forward to teaching the kids with eager anticipation.  I'm excited to see them learn things with  Doug and I and to see how our family will grow stronger together because of this change.  I am looking forward to embark on the new phase of our schooling journey.

Week 1

So I figure I've worked out 4 out of the past 7 days.  I've done the treadmill (my favorite), Turbo Jam and Jillian Michaels.  I like how getting it done first thing in the morning motivates me to do something extra later in the day.  Today was the first day, I actually got a second workout in!
I haven't seen any amazing results but I'm not giving up.  Feeling the *burn* is getting to be a nice feeling knowing I am making these muscles stronger each day.  I have a weight goal to accomplish by the time Sarah turns 3 years old in four and a half months.  I'll keep you posted.

Friday Musings

• Putting Sarah in a fleece sleeper is my most favorite thing for her to wear
• I was supported and encouraged by two amazing friends this morning
• I have exercised 4 out of 7 days this week
• My sister is leaving for Australia tomorrow and I will miss her terribly
• I am very sure that we will go back to full time homeschooling this fall
• I finished another quilt today
• I received a birthday present today:

Thank you Vera Bradley!

Quilt

A week or so ago, I made a quilt following the tutorial from HERE.  Something didn't go the way I wanted and I wasn't super happy with it.  So, being the perfectionist sewer that I am, I simply had to do it again.  More fabric shopping and sewing and cutting.  Bummer for me!  :)  Anyhow, here's a look at the second quilt.  I am in love!

Day 3

Of my new workout regime.  Just a brisk walk on the treadmill for now.

Notes:
2.22 km
30 minutes
196 calories burned
*my 2 km goal was done at 26:00- 4 minutes faster than yesterday*

Scrapbook Fun

Here's a look at some of my newest layouts:

 The next three layouts were *borrowed* from my friend Kelly!

Couch to 5K

Week one, day one is done.  A routine of a 5 minute warm up, 60 seconds of jogging, 90 seconds of walking.  Repeat the jogging/walking for 20 minutes and then cool down for another 5.  I'm not totally sure what a jogging speed is, but I'm sure I wasn't quite there...

Notes:
2.03 km
30 minutes
200 calories burned

Another quilt

A few weeks ago, I was shown a quilt tutorial on a BLOG called Aesthetic Nest.   It inspired me to try it since it was totally different than what I've normally done.  It was a lot of fun... especially to do something new.  Here's a photographic journey of what I did!

Fabric choices... LOVE the bright prints.

 Starting the sewing

110 diagonal seams!

 The finished product

I love the chenille.  I did a few things differently but that adds a personal touch right?

The time has come!

 I suppose that after 2.5 years, I can no longer excuse the condition of my body because I *just had a baby*.  Yeah, that baby is pushing 3 years old now.  I stepped on the scale and was very disappointed and frustrated at the numbers.  They aren't outrageous but on my shorter and smaller frame, it wasn't good.  So with some fierce determination and perseverance, I accomplished a 40 minute workout with Turbo Jam.

It was a doozy of a workout but I am sure that with Turbo Jam, Jillian Michaels and Couch to 5K, I will get in shape and drop those numbers on the scale.  I will DO IT!

I love my kids

Because I love them:

• I am their advocate when they need support and encouragement
• To the best of my ability, I will make sure they are safe, happy and healthy
• I will listen to their side of the story first and hear them out
• I know what is best for them
• I will make sure they do their best in everything they do
• I will teach them to be respectful, polite and courteous
• I will not show them the easy way all the time 
• They will be taught and shown how to succeed in life
• Life skills will be learned how I want them to be learned
• I get to decide how they they will be educated
• I will help them best they can be
• They will love God and be taught how to be like Jesus, even if it is a daily reminder

I am a toddler

I borrowed this from my friend Stacy's blog.  I thought it was very appropriate for my own 2.5 year old!

I am a Toddler

If it is on, I must turn it off
If it is off, I must turn it on
If it is folded, I must unfold it
If it is liquid, it must be shaken, then spilled
If it is a solid, it must be crumpled, chewed and smeared
If it is high, it must be reached
If it is shelved, it must be unshelved
If it is pointed, it must be run with at top speed
If it has leaves, they must be picked
If it is plugged, it must be unplugged
If it is not trashed, it must be thrown away
If it is in the trash, it must be removed,
inspected and thrown on the floor
If it is closed, it must be opened
If it does not open, it must be screamed at
If it has drawers, they must be rifled
If it is a pencil, it must write on the refrigerator, monitor or table
If it is full, it will be more interesting emptied
If it is empty, it will be more interesting full
If it is a pile of dirt, it must be laid upon
If it is a stroller, it must under no circumstances be ridden in without protest.
It must be pushed by me instead
If it has a flat surface, it must be banged upon
If Mommy’s hands are full, I must be carried
If Mommy is in a hurry and wants to carry me, I must walk alone
If it is paper, it must be torn
If it has buttons, they must be pressed
If the volume is low, it must go high
If it is toilet paper, it must be unrolled on the floor
If it is a drawer, it must be pulled upon
If it is not a toothbrush, it must be inserted into my mouth
If it has a faucet, it must be turned on at full force
If it is a phone, I must talk on it
If it is a bug, I must swallow it
If it doesn’t stay on my spoon it must be dropped on the floor
If it is not food, it must be tasted
If it IS food, it must NOT be tasted
If it is a car seat, it must be protested with arched back
If it is Mommy, it must be hugged

Untitled (for now)

While I was online this morning, I was searching and researching different home school boards.  I am looking in particular for a board that accepts and encourages "parent-led" education.  I mentioned some of my concerns and thoughts a few days ago since that's when I was beginning to feel it was time to move on.  I had read the following on a website I found:

"We believe that while the government has a responsibility to see to it that its citizens are receiving an education, parents have been given primary responsibility and authority from God to determine the content and nature of what their children are taught. That is why educational services, as an extension of this parental authority, must be operated and directed by parents who together with teachers, educational assistants, and administrators develop a community that is faithful to and consistent with parental responsibility." ~Roots Homeschooling~

Their philosophy on home education was exactly what I needed to read.  Such encouragement that I AM making the right decision.  The kids love the home days and tolerate the school days.  When I asked each of them individually if they'd be interested in returning to full time home schooling, I received eager enthusiasm by all.  Another few months to complete the current year and then we'll dive into a whole {sort of} new endeavor. 

It's time

To start looking at home-school school boards.  I don't even know where to begin this endevour.  I have heard so many good things about so many boards that I know the research will be extensive.  Onto the next phase of life...

Cinnamon Bread

I love to bake.  Cookies, squares, breads... whatever.  Bread though is one of those really fun things for me.  I love watching and seeing the yeast *grow* and expand in it's hot liquid.  Today I used a recipe from The Pioneer Woman.  It was SO delicious and yum!  The smell of baking bread filled my house and my mouth watered at the anticipation of tempting my taste buds!  It took a lot of time but was super easy!

 butter melting in milk

 adding the yeast

 project coordinator

 mixing it all up

 ball of dough

 magic comes to life... it has risen

 rolled it out

 sugar, cinnamon and I added brown sugar

 ready to be rolled up

 the second rising

hot out of the oven

My kids devoured half of this loaf after school and I am guilty of enjoying two sweet slices of my own.  So amazingly good... I can't wait to make it again.  I will probably double it though to make two right away.

The recipe can be found at Ree Drummond's site HERE.  I love her blog and wish I could write and photograph as eloquently as her. 

Colorinc Contest!

There is a Giveaway at Colorinc that I would love to get!
Click here >> GIVEAWAY to find out more!

What a great prize this would be to win!!  I see endless possibilities of creative photography with these actions!

Reader Contest...

Coming soon... watch for details!

Thankful Thursday (01.13.11)

• Coffee and it's partner French Vanilla Creamer
• A garage with an automatic door opener
• Friends who encourage and support me
• The freedom to chose how my children will be educated
• Coffee dates with friends
• A warm house to live it
• A husband who loves me unconditionally
• Receiving a note from my 6 year old telling me that I am "the best mom in the universe" You can see the picture at my other blog: 

 
PROJECT 365.

Snow Candy

I had read on Facebook of a friend who made snow candy.  So we did it today as well!

 1 cup of sugar

 A pan of snow

 Mixture of 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1/2 cup Rogers Golden Syrup

 Stir

 And stir... until it is 285* (I guessed... no thermometer)

 Drizzle over the snow

In just a few minutes, the candy hardens into a firm, sweet and sticky treat!

Considerations

Even though my kids go to school twice a week, I consider myself a homeschooling mom.  I mean 75% of their education is done at home.  I have a child who is not embracing the "away from home" part of the program.  I can tell because she tells me most mornings that she doesn't want to go.  Today I sent her despite the fact that she's been fighting a cough and such.  I received a call at 11:20 with a little voice on the other end saying her tummy hurt and asked me if I could come and get her.  I did.  She didn't appear very sick when we arrived at home.  She is coughing, yes.  She is stuffed up, yes.  Is she really sick?  I think not. 

This leaves me to wonder if I should follow my gut instinct and go back to full time homeschooling like I did a few years ago?  Or should I just keep her home for another few years.  I am not a very out going person and I hate when I have to defend my choices.  I know that I will receive questions and even disapproval from people.  I want to ensure that my children don't grow up with the same fear and intense dislike of school that I did.  Schooling can be fun and doesn't have to be done in a traditional classroom.  Kids can learn at home, in the kitchen, in the garage, on the computer, at the museum, at science centers... there is such a big world out there to learn in.  And maybe for my kids (or at least one of them), maybe the four walls of a traditional classroom isn't the place to be.

I just pray that I will do what I know and feel is right.

Tuesday Tumblings

• I started today with a visit from a very good friend
• It is three weeks until my 35th birthday
• I really do have the bestest in-laws
• I saw a man driving while eating soup.  No hands on the wheel for approx. 1.5 km!
• I do very much love my iPhone
• Coffee is (and likely always will be) my favorite morning beverage
• I *heart* homeschooling
• There is about 3 feet of snow in the field behind our house
• -29* is too cold for anything

Happy Tuesday my readers!

Video Giveaway!

Shutterbox Designs is giving away a NEWBORN POSING VIDEO on their site!  I would love to win this as it would help me expand my photography skills! 
Wish me luck!

You never know

When an event will completely throw you off guard.  I attended the funeral of a good friend's mom this afternoon.  She was 85 years old.  A long life of being a mom and a grandma. 
Two lines into the first song and I broke down.  I thought I'd be good.  I thought "it's been 11.5 years, I will be fine".  But when the song that was being sung would have been one that my own mom would have liked, there was nothing that held me back.  Once I started, I had a hard time stopping.  My own grief is still so fresh, new and painful. 
When I picked the girls up, my friend who was watching them said it's like lifting the lid again.  All the emotions come pouring out after being held in.  Held in due to busyness of life, raising little ones, homeschooling the big ones, keeping the home running, being a wife and mother.  Then in those quiet moments in the church, where the craziness is left at home, the hurt bubbles and rises to the surface, coming out in a torrent of tears. I then thought how selfish I must be.  At someone elses' mom's funeral and here I am caught up in my own sadness and hurt.  How unfair that is to them.  I am so very sorry.  I am thankful for the arms that hugged me this afternoon.  Those who knew my mom and loved her too.  I felt like a little girl who just wanted to be in her dad's lap one more time.  To have his strong arms around me, telling me that it would be ok.  I am thankful for the dad-like arms who did hold me.  
I miss my mom so incredibly much and would love nothing more than to hear her voice, see her face and be reminded of how much she loved me.

Library vs Television

I ended 2010 thinking my kids watch entirely too much television.  It would be {in part} my fault since I agreed to all the programming channels that we had.  I also was noticing a negative effect on the kids and how they talked to me and each other.  I wasn't liking it.  So this morning, we went to the library for the first time in YEARS!  It's cost me $15 for a card that can be used at most libraries in Alberta!  We signed out a bunch of books and we're going to re-program our heads.  More reading and less TV.

By reducing our television programming, I was able to cut our bill in almost half!  That will be such a nice treat next month.  Here's to changes in lifestyle and changing our thinking.

Scrapbooking...

Oh how I love to scrapbook and oh how it's taken a back burner position in my list of things to do.  My good friend KELLY is giving herself a goal of three pages a week and I'm going to try to keep up to her.  The kids' books all need updating and I have more than enough pictures to work with.  I'll probably do some digital, some paper and some hybrid!  Wish me luck and I look forward to sharing them with you!

My go-to person

I think everyone needs one of those.  Someone who knows *just about everything* there is to know about you.  Quite often, it's Doug.  My husband.  But... there are the times when I need to talk about him to someone.  For over 30 years, my go-to person has been my sister.  Our mom encouraged us to be friends white growing up.  And even though we had our sisterly squabbles, disagreements and arguments, we always came out on good terms with one another. 

I suppose we are quite different.  Growing up, Alicia was a huge fan of Barbies.  Driven by education goals and career minded.  Interesting how those growing up days led to her career path as an adult.  Long years of post secondary education to become a junior high teacher.  This would be one of the big differences between us... I couldn't wait to be done school, get married and begin a family.  As a little girl, I always wanted to play with dolls.  Being a mom was my greatest goal in life.  It's neat to see how our childhood play-things helped form who we are as women. 

Since Alicia had her first baby nearly 3.5 years ago, our similarities have multiplied.  Suddenly, we could share stories about sleepless nights, diaper rashes, potty training and different discipline ideas.  What a joy to be able to experience motherhood together.  I was so excited to know that my last baby and her second would only be months apart.  It is delightful to see Lucy and Sarah get bigger and grow up together!  Add a mischievous Ben to the mix and we have such entertaining visits! 

Our visits... oh there is so much I could say about them.  We talk about absolutely everything together.  Our kids, husbands, friends, church, life at home, our families... you name it.  We meet at parks weekly during the summer as we try to sip our coffees while at the same time, ensuring our toddler daughters are not falling off something!  We walk the mall, with coffee in one hand, pushing a stroller with the other.  We can be interrupted numerous times by kissing hurt knees, wiping a bum, stopping a fight or checking in on the quiet kids and yet, still manage to stay on topic and not miss a beat!

Alicia is my go-to person.  (Probably even moreso than Doug)  If something makes me laugh, cry or scream in frustration, she knows it.  She understands me and loves me no matter what.  There have been days where we've talked on the phone in the morning, met at my house for coffee and then talked two or three more times on the phone afterwards yet. 

I love her.  She's smart, beautiful and accomplished!  I am so thankful that God gave us each other.  There are days when I think I'd be lost without her.  I had read a quote a little while back and I love how well it pertains to us:


There can be no situation in life in which the conversation of my dear sister will not administer some comfort to me.  ~Mary Montagu

We've had our ups and downs and through all the storms we've weathered, we are still the best of friends.  I am so wonderfully blessed!

Happy New Year

It is January 1, 2011 and numerically it can look like this: 1-1-11... a day in history that will not occur again.  Kind of neat.  This weekend was spent at the *Fidelak Lodge*, also known as Doug's parent's place.  Every few years, they like to go to Fairmont together and this year, they needed someone to watch the house and dog.  We were asked and happily agreed.  It was kind of like a vacation but not too far and so much like home already.  We had the fire in the fire place lit ALL day... so gloriously warm!  I never had cold feet!  The time away from home was great.  I'm actually a little sad to think we have to go home tomorrow and that in just one day, routine will settle in again.  School, voice lessons, and the regular day to day things. 

I wish all my family and friends a wonderful and blessed 2011.  I hope this year is full of all the things you've dreamt of and hoped for.  My hope is for greater faith in God and learning to trust Him more.  I know He is in control and I pray that I will be filled with His Spirit and love.  I want to make sure that God is first and centre of my life.  My husband and children come next.  They are of utmost importance to me.  Their well being, education and life is on top of my list.  I will make sure that they are provided for spiritually, emotionally and physically.  I know that God will help me parent them.  Doug is the love of my life.  My partner.  My friend.  I will ensure his needs are taken care of and that I am the wife he needs.  I pray that our relationship grows stronger this year and that great things happen for us. 

HAPPY 2011!  

May this year be a wonderful one!

Christmas Recap

We are slowing returning to our regular scheduled program.  This Christmas was less stressed than previous ones as we chose to spend Christmas Eve at home,  On Christmas morning, the kids eagerly opened their gifts and once that was done, we enjoyed our traditional cinnamon bun breakfast.  The same one that we've been eating since I was a little girl.  While I was cleaning up, the kids hurried off to enjoy their new treasures.  After Sarah had a much needed nap, we headed out to Doug's parent's place for a turkey dinner.  Although I'm not a real fan of large groups (you can read about that HERE), I managed to enjoy the afternoon nicely.  We made sure we were home on time to watch one of the new movies received and spend the last part of the day together as a family.  On Boxing Day, we headed back to Doug's parent's to exchange gifts with them in a more quiet setting.  Their guests were mostly gone and it was nice to be able to talk to them one on one and really visit.  Again, we headed home in time for Sarah to have a good nap in order to be good for our evening.  A long standing tradition is that my siblings and I get together on the 26th for a quieter get together and exchange presents.  Because there are 7 of us adults, we draw names and that way each couple only needs to buy two gifts.  It's easier on the pay cheque that way.  Our meal consisted of delicious appetizers and yummy baking treats.  My kids (including Sarah), didn't settle down until we left at 11:00.  It was a very quiet ride home though! 

This might very well be the first time that I didn't get to the end of the festivities with thoughts of how to simplify for the following year.  As the kids get older, they are becoming much more well behaved which truly helped in the enjoyment of the holidays.  I wasn't behind the camera much.  I wanted to be there to help take the dolls or Barbies out of their packaging, to inspect the newest Lego set or get excited at the money in hand as my children's faces glowed in the excitement. 

I hope you and your family had a blessed Christmas and we pray for a happy and wonderful New Year for all of you!  God bless.

Christmas Eve

This is the night that our family has been eagerly anticipating for a year.  Tonight is different from many.  We went to church at 4:00 and then delivered cookies to the firefighters who have to work tonight.  We were treated to an all out tour of the firehall, trucks and some equipment.  After ordering pizza in for supper, we opened one present (jammies of course) and snuggled on the couch for some movie time.  What a wonderful and blessed Christmas Eve this has been.  I am sure this is the first *annual* Christmas Eve tradition for our family and I look forward to many more like it.
Tomorrow we will enjoy our traditional Cinnamon Sticky Buns... the very same buns we ate growing up at home. We will take a few minutes to read the Christmas story and remember why we truly celebrate Christmas.  While the buns bake, Doug and I will watch the kids open their presents which is a highlight of the day.
I hope this Christmas is as wonderful and special for you and your family as it is for ours.

Dear Sarah

You have reached a milestone today... you are exactly two and a half years old.  I am so excited to see what the second half of this next year brings us.  Here are things about you that we love and make you who you are:

• You do not sleep through the night (this isn't a good thing)
• You are still nursing.  I love the connection you and I have this way.
• Your vocabulary is increasing and you try to repeat us as best you can.  My favorite words are: Joshie, 'Nana (Arianna), cupie, downie, movie, all donie, bah-bee (baby- think Martin Short from Father of the Bride), need you mom, daddy, mine, Mama (grandma)... Everything you say ends in *ie* sounds.
• Your favorite foods are cold cereal like cheerios or rice crispies, Ritz Crackers, cheese in any form, sandwiches with peanut butter, bananas, yogurt and oatmeal.  Notice the lack of veggies and meat in that list?
• Your face lights up anytime one of your siblings walks into the room.
• Bolt is your favorite movie... especially on Daddy's iPhone while sitting on his lap.
• You look for trouble and get into EVERYTHING.
• You are the sunshine that greets me in the morning.
• You hate your carseat {still}.
•  Everything is yours in your opinion.
• You love to help bake with me.
• You have not been blessed with much hair yet, much to my dismay.
• You are not potty trained.
• You are pretty much the center of attention in this home.
• You are still really small.  About 22.5 pounds.

I love you sweet girl.  Happy 2.5 years!

From a 6 pound little doll...

To a 22.5 pounds fun, talking toddler

Christmas 2010

I made a decision for my family this year.  That the entire day of Christmas Eve would be spent together.  We wouldn't go visiting anyone this year and that the day would be full of *us* and things to do with just the six of us.  For the first time in many years, I don't feel the crazied rush and hub-bub of the Christmas season.  I have all the presents wrapped and under the tree, baking is done and in the freezer, the cards were mailed out in the last week of November... I was on the ball.  Being this organized has really helped me relax and take in some of the beauty and magic of Christmas.  One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Luke 2: 1-20... the written account of how the birth of our Saviour came to be.

¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.
 ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
 ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
 ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Camera Strap Giveaway

Ok, I LOVE these straps from CITY STRAPS.  They are giving away one of these super cool and cute camera straps and oh, I'd love to put one around my neck!  Check out the giveaway here:

Camera Strap Giveaway