Pennies From Heaven

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T23:04:00.003-05:00

Despite then lack of postings, 2011 was a good year. A good solid year.

We survived the hormonal surge of our oldest child and accepted that yes, he is getting older and going to be in HIGH SCHOOL(!). We pieced together a healthy summer of cottaging and chilling around the house/pool. We started off the school year with lots of hockey (forget schoolwork) for the youngest two.

I started a new job at The Village Idiot and worked lots of hours, in the store and at home daydreaming about what was going to happen. I love working with an Arbour and Em's Dad has been great to work for. It's been so much fun trying to figure out what to bring in to the storeand the power to buy things has been ego-boosting. (thanks Pat!)

Mike went back to school to become a Master Electrician, and although our bank account suffered with the cost of it once he got his test results it was well worth it. No initial financial gain, but we know it is just around the corner.

Life has been good for us in 2011. I'm grateful. And now, 2012 is overflowing with potential. I'm SO EXCITED with what may happen and I vow that I will try and blog a little more often!

And so, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone. Cheers to a bright & shiny 2012!!

Update

2011-08-17T22:54:00.012-04:00

Summer has been busy. Fun, but busy.

Up until a couple of weeks ago, I felt like I was juggling work and kids too much. It was a little overwhelming and would not have been do-able without my Mom & Dad taking the kids now & then.

The boys started out the summer doing lots of this:

{a little like lord of the flies, no?}

Finn learned to swim (finally!):

So we spent lots of time in the pool:

{got to love photographic evidence of back-fat}

We had a power-outage, watched soccer, and squeezed in another visit to the cottage (sans cousins, oh the torture we put our boys through):

Even my Dad jumped off the boat! And yes, Dad, your toes were pointed;)

Then we got these in the mail!

Somehow, we're already at the end of the summer and we're going on our big trip! We'll celebrate two birthdays while we're there, ride every ride, eat great dinners, swim with sharks (maybe, if hurricane irene behaves:) and create great family memories! Did I mention my sister and her family are meeting us there? Awesomeness!

Cheers to having a great summer!!

Etsy Fav's

2011-07-15T13:00:00.006-04:00

{artfulvintage, oopsIcraftmypants,tuckooandmoocow}

Checking In

2011-07-11T16:49:00.010-04:00

My week-end get-away? Why it was great, thanks for asking.

I was able to drive by myself for two hours to my girlfriend's cottage in Quebec. It was a lovely drive, and between you and me there may have a greasy drive-thru pit stop on the way.

I arrived at noon to find the other girls already there having a drink to recuperate from a four hour drive. (road closure, suckage) They were all coming from my old neighbourhood.

The age range of girls was 50ish to 24. Somehow we all met in the middle (Melissa's age?) and had a blast. We kept a steady drink in hand until midnight. Some didn't last as long, one could have kept on going (not me). Despite the crap weather, we were outside all evening and back with our families 24 hours after leaving them. Perfect.

{Melissa getting a cocktail}

{Porch roof at AM's cottage. Love it.}

{Boy the things I learned and want to erase from my brain!}

The week after school ended, and my sister, little brother and families showed up. The cottage was great (same as last year), we had fantastic weather, and even managed to meet up with my older brother & his wife for a night at a pub.

{Canada Fireworks watching on the boat}

{cousins}

Looks like every week-end of the summer is already booked. People visiting, weddings, trips. It will be a fun summer and then I know I'll give a sigh of relief come September when everything falls back into a routine.

Chillaxin'

2011-06-24T13:27:00.011-04:00

a relaxing week-end at a friend's cottage with some girlfriends.

{Only the second time away from ALL my boys in 14 years. I'm a dummy:}

Change

2011-06-22T10:17:00.005-04:00

Lots of changes are coming for my family. I like change, as long as I'm in control of them. If I'm thrown a curve ball like my husband breaking his collarbone and being off work for 6 months, I'm not so good.

But that happened 7 years ago. We survived, thanks to so-so company benefits and my amazing parents and family members.

My husband & I made the decision that I would stay home with our kids. I babysat some adorable (and not so adorable) kids while I was home with ours. At one point, when we only had Ty & Ow, I took a 6 month contract with Canada Post @ their head office. (Mike was in school at the time) That was lovely. I took the O Train from our neighbourhood to the office. I drank coffee BY MYSELF, I went to the bathroom BY MYSELF and I read all the Harry Potter books I could get my hands on.

By the end of the 6 months I was pregnant with Finn and ready to be home with my boys again. In fact, when Finn was about 5 months old Canada Post called me to go back for a new accounts management project and I said no. I loved being home with my kids despite it being so hard and financially straining.

I'm rambling.

I was home with the boys for 11 years. (That's 11 years that I did NOT spend building a career, obvs.) When Finn went into school full-time I thought it was time I look for a job and when I started at Blackbird I knew it was a temporary thing. As much as I've always made money and helped support the family in some way, I knew that this wouldn't be enough to take some of the pressure off of Mike.

Em & I have done other things, opened a side company called Handmade Nest. We hosted workshops at the shop for lots and lots of lovely women. Then we organized two amazing Craft Shows.

We're on the cusp of something new and lots of change.

The question is this. Do I go the conservative route? Steady and strong and potentially stifling. Or do I continue with this creative way we've begun to bring income in, which is essentially being self-employed, but without limitations? *Oh change, how you make me nervous*

Reasons I Feel Old Today:

2011-06-15T09:57:00.009-04:00

1) Is it just me, or is most of the new music out there about sex and partying? When I was a kid (here it goes..) music was about love, relationships, lost love, pining for someone. You get the picture. Now it's downright all about sex. And getting drunk. How am I supposed to listen to the radio with my kids?

Prime example: Lazy Song by Bruno Mars. It's a great song, kind of along the "Don't Worry, Be Happy" line BUT he has to add a line in about 'meet a really nice girl, have some really nice sex'.

2) I dropped my oldest son off at the school today for the three day grade 8 graduation trip. 3 Days!! Mixed trip. When I was a kid I never would have been allowed to go on a 'mixed' trip. Even in grade 8 when I was all innocent. Just sayin'. Plus he's going to HIGH SCHOOL next year? That can't be possible.

3) My face. A very good reason to feel old.

4) My midsection.

5) Suddenly all the cliches I heard when I was young - make sense!

'Youth is wasted on the young'
'Your metabolism halts at 40' (is that a cliche? whatever)
'Your babies grow up so fast'

There are more cliches but remember I'm old so I can't access them right now.

6) I'm starting to like country music because it's relaxing.

7) I've been married 15 years today.

8) I'm thinking of putting these pictures as my FB profile picture. They are from high school and university. {I stole them from my husband's wallet. He's yet to notice. How do I analyze that?}

**the facebook profile picture thing? that's a whole other post. but first I have to get my hairdryer out for a windswept look, hold my hand under my chin and pose in front of an exotic backdrop for my next profile pic:0

Handmade Goods in Blackbird

2011-06-13T12:50:00.012-04:00

There are more handmade items in Blackbird right now than there has ever been. Handmade Harvest has been a great event for us to organize and now Emily is using this resource to help stock the store. I love this stuff!

Adorable owls by Haley by Hand

Soy Jar Candles via Candle by Karen

Yummy smelling soy votives also from Candles by Karen.

{always in abundance at our house!}

Wood toaster tongs, spoons, rolling pins and even back scratchers from The Wooden Snowflake.

Blackbird! styled pottery by Pine Ridge Studio. The prices are so great for this gorgeous pottery I know it'll fly off the shelves!

I love that there's local merchandise coming into the store. It's all funky, fun and made with Canadian hands! Thanks Em for making my shopping habit harder to kick:)

2011-06-11T11:32:00.003-04:00

Just poppin' in to say I'm making Sang-a-ria.

I'm loving this sunny day with a cool breeze.

Perfect for hosting an old (young) friend and her two boys.

The 5 boys will be happy playing together while us Moms enjoy homemade Sangria in cute glasses on the deck.

Homemade Sangria Recipe:

Cheapest bottle of red wine (homemade wine works very well!)

Orange juice

Cut up fresh oranges, strawberries. Can also use some frozen berries.

Splash of Peach Schnapps

Let sit in fridge. Even amazing the next day!

My Sister is Funny and Types Really Fast

2011-06-10T22:18:00.004-04:00

This is the e-mail I got from my sister at about 3 pm N.S. time today. The subject line read:

:why I drink.

1) I come home from a half-day (of teaching) and clean the remaining part of the day (bathroom, laundry, vacuuming, sweeping, kitchen… you know the drill) only to be sighed at heavily for being so loud cleaning (sorry… me so sorry…. Me try to be quiet for massuh next time)

2) Hannah bawled me out while on the phone at school – as in the Junior High office phone --with the secretary and all the teachers/principals I know around her. She cussed ME out because I dared to bug her at lunch to try to find my Minnie Mouse travel mug (which she did!!! Yay!!!) and make sure it gets brought home TODAY (that thing is me precious)

3) Hannah proceeded to stomp in the door after school, with friend in tow (sleepover here tonight), to then continue to bawl me out, lecture me, etc. Let’s just say my eyes were shooting darts at her and I used my “not nice” voice to get her to stop.

4) Matt keeps saying “I GOT it MOM” when I’m asking him if he’s using the cooked chicken for his take to work dinner (he’s leaving shortly). I don’t give a flying shit if he “has it”, I just want to know either way because I’ll put it in the freezer for another time if he’s not using it i.e. I don’t want to have more than TEN DOLLARS worth of chicken go bad and it’s due to be frozen or used.

5) 'S' shooed me out of his office saying he was too busy to hear me vent, but meanwhile I heard him then skype his business partner and start shooting the shit with him.

6) I drank last night. Obv. Probably 3 glasses of red wine and a rum and juice cocktail. It was nummy. I didn’t feel like crap after (it was spread out over many many hours). However, I did think today that maybe I should try to not have something tonight. WTF? What was I thinking??

7) Dinner? You’re asking meeee? I was going to laze out a dinner of something frozen and processed like chicken wings because Matt’s going to be at work, but now Julia is over with Hannah. Can I still ‘make’ said lazy dinner? Is that kosher?

8) It’s sunny and I’m on our deck looking at potted pansies sipping a DAMN WATER! One of these things is not like the other.

So these are all the reasons why I drink.

Oh, and of course because I am a loud and proud FAULKNER.

I then got this e-mail about 2 hours later:

Two gin and tonics later….

I’m filling my shopping basket on Garden Grocer RIGHT NOW! That’s right – it’s time to get those breakfasts and snacks figured out!

Seeing as though it’s EIGHT nights this time (how awesome were we to add that extra night?) it is NOT going to be a problem filling an order larger enough to get free delivery, eh what?

I know there are so many hidden jokes in there, but what really makes me laugh is that it probably took her all of 1 minute to type the first e-mail and I know that once she sent it off she felt better and therefore could pour herself a drink.

Cheers to my sister!! She can always make me laugh, even at my own expense.

Most Boring Blog Ever Award

2011-05-25T10:33:00.003-04:00

I win the most boring blog ever award. I'm paralyzed by the thought of knowing the people who read this blog, which is seriously dumb.

So to continue with the boring theme, here's an update on what's being going on round here parts:

1) The house has fallen into a mass of clean laundry piles needing a home, dust bunnies turning into dust monsters, a never ending mess in the kitchen (why can't I keep it clean?), and windows needing a good cleaning.

2) Finn wants to play soccer, Owen wants to do nothing, and Tyler has visions of gaming for two months.

3) Ty went to Ottawa U for the mini enrichment thingy and begrudgingly tolerated it. Awesome.

4) The craft show went off without a hitch and we are overwhelmed with all the ideas we want to put into action for the fall. Borderline paralyzing but we have a pow-wow scheduled for this week-end.

5) I NEED a day in my house to myself. With the sun shining. To organize, clean, get the goodwill stuff out of my garage.

Boring, boring, I know. On a good note, Mike & I are planning on doing the local wine & food event on Saturday afternoon. And I'm scouring the web for cheap flights to Orlando for our trip to Disney in August! Yay!

Here's a picture to wake you up, enjoy:)

(to be added later. gotcha)

2011-04-17T21:49:00.004-04:00

I am way cornier than I appear. Sentimental, wistful, corny. I'm a closet corny person because my family is a family of mockers, teasers and overall funny folk {but they're really just as corny as me}.

Here's what I'm corny about right now:

{I'm all about girl power}

Timeline '69-'74

2011-03-13T18:13:00.013-04:00

I thought it may be fun to do a timeline a la Holly from Nothing But Bonfires. I'm a military brat and so my memories from childhood are segmented by 3 year chunks in various places.

The early years aren't really mine to talk about, in that what I know is mostly from what I'm told and not what I remember.

I was born in 1969 in Middleton, N.S. My parents lived in Greenwood on the air force base at that time (which we did only twice) and since there wasn't a hospital there, my birth certificate says Middleton.

They already had my older brother Sean and sister Terri who were 4 and almost 3 when I was born.

{I love this picture of my Mom, so pretty}

We lived in Greenwood for another 3 years I think. During that time we lived in the cutest little PMQ (private married quarters) that backed onto a field. We had a maltese named Muppet. My Dad was gone a ton because he was out flying over the ocean looking for submarines.

Our next posting was to Key West, Florida where we lived for a year. This house I remember as being a bungalow that had a backyard with a swamp in the back and poisonous jellyfish. I recall there being crazy storms and eating at a restaurant near the beach and the water was coming in on the floor. I also remember going to the Officers Mess (which is like their hang-out place) and being on awesome monkey bars on the beach. My Dad caught a shark, wore cut-off jean shorts and sandals and my Mom was pregnant by the end of the year with my little brother.

{I guess Terri had an itsy bity yellow polka-dot bikini}

Apparently we went to Disney World a couple of times (it had only opened in '71) and what I remember is the Mickey Mouse shaped balloons, my Dad wearing wax teeth in the hotel, and 10,000 leagues under the sea ride.

{I found evidence!}

We were then posted to Patuxant River, Maryland where there is a naval air station. We lived in a split level and I think the house my parents bought in the last few years here is very similar. My little brother Danny was born in November. My grandparents came down for a visit, as well as help watch the 3 of us while Mom was in the hospital with the baby-that-would-steal-my-thunder. When my Grandma told me that name of the baby was Daniel I remember thinking that was a stupid name. I was only 4 after all.

Our backyard seemed HUGE to me in that house, with woods behind us where the 'easter bunny' would hide eggs on easter morning. We had a Great Dane that lived next door and I was terrified of it. In my minds eye it was 10 feet tall and would bark every time I walked by the side of the house to go in the back. I'm pretty sure I had nightmares about that dog for years.

I don't remember Mom and Dad too much from this year. I know that Sean broke his foot and walked on it for days because my Dad didn't believe it was broken. I remember my little brother had to wear a metal bar between his shoes to fix torsion in his leg(s). I do remember, again, there being crazy storms where my Mom had us stay away from the windows (maybe that was Key West) and the power going out.

When this year was done we moved to Ottawa, somewhere I had yet to live but where most of my Dad's relatives lived.

2011-03-10T18:33:00.012-05:00

I have a great boss. She's just a young thang who happens to own her own store in Almonte. Seriously who has their own shop at her age?

I think we're now great friends, and we depend on each other and complement each other well. One of us micro-manages alot and one of us doesn't really care. (Mostly because one already micro-manages at home way too much.)

But this is not an 'Ode to Emily'. This is another boot post.

Emily gifted me money towards a rocking pair of boots for Christmas. Because she's thoughtful beyond belief and is a way better listener than I am.

I have yet to find the rocking pair of boots that I'd like, but I thought that tonight I was feeling like it would be a good time to have a peek on-line.

This is the first pair I found:

Puhleeze. These are way too amazing. And yet, somehow I have delusions of granduere because they are $625. {from gravity pope}

These are pretty cute & very Blundstone-like from the Fluevog website. And they come in RED. But I think I want something a little more fun.

Ugh! These ones are only $665 from, again, Gravity Pope. {my new fav website}

I don't like these. I just think they are hilarious. How Tom Cruise are they? Heh.

Well guess what? I didn't find my boots yet. I know the way this works. Once I buy one pair, I'll find plenty I love and want in my budget. Then I'll be back in my younger boot wearing days (back when I rocked the long shorts & cowboy boots and was told I looked like Kermit the frog. cowboy boot were the rage back then. don't judge:)

Did find these though to replace the ones I outgrew and gave to my niece. In RED. Because that's how I roll.

2011-03-10T11:51:00.009-05:00

It's a snow day!

I LOVE having my kids home when I'm not supposed to. Makes me nostalgic for when they were young and needed me constantly. That feeling will pass by about 2 o'clock.

Right now I'm making cookies, not because I'm a suzie-homemaker but out of necessity. They eat a lot. Finn just ate a huge spoon of cookie dough ~ I wonder how long it will take to see the sugar kick in.

*2 minutes*

This past week I've been:

Spending lots of time at the rink, cheering on the boys. Finn's last game on Tuesday involved him hitting the boards and the trainer running out to check on him. What fun. Not. He ended up recovering after sitting off for a bit and scored a goal (doesn't happen too often) to tie up the game. Mike was so happy for him, I wish I could have his reaction on videotape.

Spending lots of time thinking about and working on Handmade Harvest. (As has Emily. Not sure how she does it, what with a 2 year old & newborn!) We've got an amazing group of vendors once again and we want to promote the show as much as possible.

Finding a great piece of retro furniture (60's?) for the dining room. I LOVE it and had a need for it. Unfortunately I have 4 males and a jack russell in the house which means there are tennis balls rolling around my house at all times. Let's just say I lost it when one bounced off the glass of the new buffet.

Finding amazing inspiration on-line = very few magazine purchases. (my contribution to the environment?)

Watching a fab episode of Glee that then became extremely uncomfortable because I wasn't watching it alone. As in my teenager was watching with me. The theme of the episode was sex. (insert 'come on' as said by one of the cougar town guys. washisface.)

Watching my oldest son push through his worries and decide to do new things he doesn't feel comfortable with. Like this. And this. And get his grad photos taken. He hates getting school photos taken. (Of course, once I started looking into him getting a ski lesson he backed down. But there's a chance I'll get him to do it!)

Hoping that I can get through another wintry week without losing my sanity. Please let spring come soon!

Photo update # 2

2011-03-08T06:40:00.006-05:00

Finn & Ow on their uncle's backyard rink Christmas Eve.

Healthy competition hockey with the some of the cousins.

I'm pretty sure my boys are the messiest rib eaters ever. Great spread & story telling with Mike's side of the family.

Home from the in-laws and opening a Christmas Eve gift. Finn's face says 'hurry up and take the picture'.

Christmas morning when they are feeling warm & fuzzy towards each other. It lasts 24 hours and it's total bliss.

Photo update # 1

2011-01-12T07:26:00.018-05:00

Some pictures of what was up in December:

Finn's Christmas concert and my view. This man, who sat at the very last minute, must have been 7 feet tall with the best posture ever.

Well, I did get one picture. That's Finn in the elf hat kneeling. He was the narrator as well. How many more of these will I get to go to with my baby being 8.

There was lots of sliding/skating on ice this winter.

Happy

2010-12-03T23:05:00.012-05:00

I'm pretty sure I have yet to mention that I have a newfound obsession. It's really a year old actually, if you want to get specific.

The reason I should not even mention it is that I should probably establish my cool and amazing taste first. Like, if I mention how much I love this place you'll get all judgy with me and no longer deem my opinions worthy. In fact, I'm pretty sure some may think I've lost all credibility.

A year ago we took our family to Walt Disney World (with my sister and little brother and families). Fourteen of us descended on Orlando at staggered times, on the same day, to surprise my boys that their cousins were also going to be there (the cousins had already been at least 4 times previously. what!)

{insert past world travels, countries visited and amazing life experiences}

It was a fantastic surprise, it was such a great time and we couldn't have asked for better people to go to Disney with the first time.

Because we are coming up to a year, I'm really itchy to go back. I'm a bit of a simpleton when I think of it all....the smells, the feeling, the innocence. I try to blame living in Key West for a year as a child on why I love it so much, but that argument falls short in justifying my little brother's obsession. Only 3 of us lived there. He wasn't born yet.

For some unexplained reason, I can say it truly is my happy place.

{love this one----}

Conservative Girl

2010-12-02T13:59:00.005-05:00

I was perusing the Anthropologie website the other night and came across this totally fun necklace. Wouldn't this be great to make for our swag bags for the next Craft Show!!

This one is adorable, and I think the seat may even be turquoise!

Wouldn't this one be easy to make? Seriously. We've already hosted a fabric flower workshop. No prob. 'Cuz that's how we roll.

I think I'm craving a little retail therapy because I'm stuck at the house with two sick boys. I should thank them for saving me money:)

Tomorrow is 'All About Finn' day as he's having his delayed Birthday Party. I'll have to blog about it Saturday.

See you then.

Ode To Shoes of Past

2010-11-29T07:21:00.006-05:00

This morning I was on-line drooling at boots. I love boots, but never buy them because apparently I have expensive taste.

I then got daydreaming about all the fantastic shoes I've worn, and never kept. I've seen an 'ode to shoes past' on a few blogs, and since everything seems to come back in style again I can find almost every style I've worn in the past on-line.

For instance, the man shoe:

I had so many pairs of these shoes. Multi-color, wing tip, neutral. Usually bought at Calderone or Town Shoes, because those were my shoe go to places.

The lace up boot:

I had patchwork lace-ups and a black & turquoise pair that I bought in New Orleans.

Flats with an elastic back:
Brushed suede blue ones from Club Monaco and they were SO. UNCOMFORTABLE.

Not sure what I was thinking with these, but I was in Florence when I bought them so that made it all o.k. I think I gave them to my g'friend Ruth. I bought shoes every time I went overseas.

Chuck Taylors of course. Given to my niece. I need a new pair.

There were penny loafers, platform espadrilles, cowboy boots, red boots, green boots lifted from my sister, pink runners from Paris, red suede wedges with clip on bows, and so many more......I really do miss all of them.

And these. I haven't owned. But I really, really want to. Except they are Doc Martens that aren't available here in Canada and shipping them here costs another $100. sniff.

If you really want some shoe inspiration, I recommend visiting The Satorialist. You're welcome.

I'm still here

2010-11-24T13:20:00.003-05:00

We've already established how I suck at blogging. I'm however, amazing at reading. I've found some inspiration lately that has got me wanting to paint all my trim, beams and railings white. No wait, I love them natural wood. No wait, let's paint them turquoise and wallpaper the house.

This is my problem. I'm indecisive or let's call it 'an appreciator of everything'. I'm a Libra.

Once I get on my computer tonight (and my internet is working) I'll post some of the amazing links with inspiration that I've been finding.

Happy November!

I Sing

2010-09-18T15:44:00.004-04:00

First of all, I just have to say I suck. It's been a month since I wrote anything down, beyond the posts that are sitting in draft. Pretty hypocritical eh Em?

This month has flown by. We celebrated Mike & Owen's birthdays, got the boys back to school somewhat unscathed, Owen had a huge allergy flare that had him missing school, and now hockey try-outs are in full swing.

What I really want to write about it how dorky I am. Not in the cool dorky way really. Just full-on dorky, I-can't-sing-but-break-into-song-a-lot.

I've mentioned before that I wake up my kids (not every day, that would be way too Mary Poppins) singing a song from kindergarten. When they were little, and I wasn't coping, I would break into the start of The Lion King theme song to vent my rage. (now I just swear). I've had children's songs in my head for years, from Sharon, Lois and Brahm to the Wiggles.

Last night Owen was not happy about having to wake up early for hockey, really though I think he was just worried about being evaluated. He tends to get real mopey at bedtime and loves to just complain about things he can't change. So, being the awesome parent that I am, I broke into song. Remember this one?

My poor kids.

(My poor grandchildren-to-be, because I know my kids won't be able to not break into song.)

Walking

2010-08-17T14:30:00.004-04:00

I'm predominantly home with the boys this summer. I love that they can still have a pretty low-key relaxing summer, cottaging, sleeping in, getting re-acquainted with each other.

I still have niggling guilt that we should be out doing things, and since the budget is limited this summer, if I can find something to do that is free I'm all over it.

The way I grew up was pretty typical, lots of museums, running around the neighbourhood, swimming, and walking through woods checking out everything.

Mike isn't really interested in hiking through the woods. We still haven't pieced together what he spent his time doing during his childhood, beyond running the streets in packs and crashing bikes into brick walls.

So last week, I looked up the location of the trails I have been driving by. I don't feel very safe walking them by myself (safe from all the couples trying to find a quiet spot, if you know what I mean. yuck.), but I figured if I brought a gaggle of boys with me there's no way anyone would bother me.

We went last week and did two trails. The boys loved it:

So we went out again today. Got a little lost (as in, we took a detour off the main trail and it went on FOREVER. Apparently if we continued on, we could have hiked to Kingston.), but they still had fun.

Maybe we'll conquer all trails by next August and be ready for all the walking we'll do at our favourite place.

2010-08-07T17:40:00.005-04:00

I'm not religious. I have my reasons. I was raised Catholic, and went to church and sunday school so I understand organized religion.

I am also not atheist, I've decided late in life. I suppose having a 4 year old niece die of cancer makes you want to believe in heaven and a higher existence.

If anyone could make me become hard-core converted religious it would be these two sisters: Stephanie Nielson and her sister Courtney. Somehow they are able to talk about being Mormon without being pious. They are still stylish. They are admittedly vain, confident, learning. They seem so calm in the face of chaos. They grew up with a big, laughing huge flawed family.

I'm not idealizing. I'm not. I'm just saying I appreciate all religion, I respect people's beliefs when they don't try to push them down my throat. And sometimes I think I'm more of a believer than I know because I envy (uh oh. sin.) the calm that comes from people knowing their place in the world.

Blog Love

2010-08-04T22:19:00.005-04:00

The awesome-ness is in abundance!!

Check out the Lake House that Red Shoes posted about this week!

I am green with envy, and so inspired!!!

The Irish in Me

2010-07-28T13:04:00.006-04:00

Well, our two weeks of visiting with extended family are over. The kids are numb from missing their cousins (immediately) and the lack of sleep.

We've been vegging around the house, catching up on laundry, e-mails, bills (yuck), PVR'd shows and videogaming.

I've come to the realization that we really are a truly Irish bunch. Beyond our perfectly catholic names (Theresa, Daniel, Colleen - not to forget Sean), we love our drink, we love a row, and we really like each other. There was plenty of all three over the last two weeks and my liver has begged me to take a break.

It was a ton of fun, and now I need a holiday from our holiday:

First day together

More cousins arrive, so jumping off the boat is in order

Terri & I discovered (thanks Mom!) a new store to love. Kilborn's. Where apparently they love WDW just as much as we do! We wanted to hide until they closed so we could play there all night. Mom stopped us.

Uncle Brian & Aunt Carmel came up to show us the progress on their house in Donegal, so we headed to the pub where we heard Kim Churchill. Amazing. (he's 19! what?)

Kayaking out to the island.

More boat leaping.

They cornered me on the deck with their water balloons. Aren't they funny?

I'd post more pictures of my little brother & fam, but not sure how they feel about it. They were definitely there to have FUN!

Cottage

2010-07-11T09:45:00.007-04:00

The boys and I are the cottage, just us four, and it's the calm before the storm. (Like the boys are ever calm!)

Their cousins, their favourite group of people in the world, are arriving soon and they can't wait. The rest of their favourite people will be here next week, but my sister's kids get here today.

Hopefully, as in every year, they'll fall into the routine of catching frogs, heading out on the paddle boat, going kayaking, pushing my comfort level by asking to head out on their own on the lake, teasing, joking, being shadows of their big cousins, and eating us out of house and home.

It's the best thing, watching my kids love their cousins so much. My brothers & sister & I grew up away from our cousins, and we were at least a decade older than most of them, so we didn't get this. It would have been great, because we have lots of cousins. But sitting back and enjoying their very easy & automatic bond is amazing.

I'd better get off the laptop & get the bunkie cleared out. There'll be three very big kids sleeping in there tonight, talking about god knows what way past my bedtime!

2010-07-09T06:35:00.003-04:00

Mondays are all about sharing things I find on the internet. Except this is Tuesday, so oops. (I've never been great with routine.)

found this here

Love the look of this store in Vancouver. Love, love the feel of it.

If a store, website, blog have a European feel to it I'm all over it!

I was at the library recently and picked up the Pioneer Woman cookbook (my Mom loves her blog) and was pleasantly surprised. By no means low-fat recipes, but great ones for feeding three teenage boys. Just preparing early, Ty's only 12 after all.

Again, with the Apartment Therapy. Ugh. What a time-sucking vacuum it is!! And now they want me to become their 'friend' on facebook. Forget it.

Rockstar Diaries always makes me feel totally uncool and old, but I read her blog anyway because I like to torture myself.

Today is going to be crazy hot here and my job as a SAHM this summer is essentially to keep my kids cooled off, happy, and fed. Challenge accepted.

{edited to add: my sister just called and said "don't you sound like a cutesy-Mom with what you're going to do all summer". laughing at me. don't let me give you the wrong impression, it's 2:00, my kids are fed & cooled off but also on the PS3 and I'm having a Heineken.}

Thrifty Fixes

2010-06-23T08:48:00.003-04:00

We all have one. Admit it.

An old Ikea shelf in our house. A little worse for wear from multiple moves, it's partner probably put out on the front lawn for pick-up. But somewhere, in the house you now live in, is the shelf.

Mine has somehow ended up in our family room. It had a siamese twin & a taller partner, but alas it is the only one that remains (and I'm pretty sure this one came from my sister).

I really, really love a pattern I've been noticing on some of the design blogs I read. Arranging your books by COLOUR! I love it. Did I say that already? Since I was feeling 'nesty' last night, that's what I did:

I couldn't help the middle shelf, unfortunately. It won't co-operate. I'll have to find all the books scattered in every room of my house & change it. I also added some fabric on the bottom, with the help of my trusty staple gun, to hide this mess:

Ahh, isn't that serene. (No judging on the book choices, I'm not a snob.)

Change of topic, Mike & I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary last week with *shocker* a pint at the local Irish pub. Why do I find signs like these sooo appealing.

At one point in our marriage, very early on, we used to discuss opening a pub. Totally unrealistic considering neither of us has actually ever worked in one. But we both love the true Irish pubs, you know the ones. Two rooms with the bar in the middle on both sides, one room having couches & booths and t.v.s, the other tables for eating. Dog lying by the bar.

Of course we wanted to own one in Ireland. We've both been, Mike in '90 and me in '93. Can't wait to go with him, let's hope it's not another 20 years.

2010-06-10T07:48:00.008-04:00

Oh, I just got a huge lump in my throat thinking about my kids in kindie. If I was to ever teach, it would be kindie kids. I love them, I do. Such a wonderful age, all vulnerable from being cozy with Mummy for 4 years, quirky because they don't know to be self-conscious yet, vulnerable, and sometimes stubborn. But such wonderful little beings, these ones.

My boys had an amazing kindergarten teacher in Ottawa in our small community school, Mrs. Briggs. I volunteered in all three boys classes when they were with her. It' where I learned her morning song, which I still sing to the boys when I wake them up much to their chagrin. (Mom, stooppppp). She was so great at picking up on every child's unique abilities. She was so calm. And when she asked them to sit down, she would ask them to sit on their bottoms. How classy. To top it off, she dressed fun. Fun, funky, and colourful!

Thinking back to that time in our lives where I was overwhelmed, exhausted, stretched thin, I loved every minute of it. We had such cute routines, the bookmobile, the park..so healthy and well rounded we were. So, so cozy.

How do you keep that feeling as the kids get older? I really don't know. Will I look back at this time in our lives in 10 years & think the same thing. I hope so.

For now, I need to remind myself to be in the moment and enjoy scenes like this:

Have I Ever Told You?

2010-06-08T10:43:00.000-04:00

Have I ever confessed how much I love blogs? Or really, how much I love the internet. It is my newspaper, my reading material, my inspiration, my connection. I'm a little obssessed.

I love blogs like Apartment Therapy and Knock Knock. They are so inspiring in design and ideas.

I love Nie Nie, Cjane, Dooce of course. Mormons and ex-mormons. I'm not even religious. My 'favourites' folders are vast and diverse and I read what's happening depending on my mood.

There are the 'Mom' blogs too, although I sincerely think it's an insult to label them just that because they are so much more. Suburban Bliss, Drowning in Kids (because, hello, canadian) and of course now local Bread Crumbs in the Butter.

I kind of feel like my repertoire of blogs that I read are legendary. Like I've compiled such an amazing list of women to read about, draw from, and relate to that it can only be shared with certain people.

Eventually blog readers will come upon a lot of the same blogs I love on their own, but I`m going to make a concerted effort to add all my favs to the blogroll. I suppose after all these years of reading I should share.

2010-05-31T10:30:00.005-04:00

Emily & I decided to offer:

Introducing the Handmade Nest Crafter's Club!

Keep your resolution to get out of the house, try new things, be creative and socialize more by becoming an Official Handmade Nest Crafter.

For only $100, purchase a Handmade Nest Crafters Club Package.

Each package includes:

1x Free Workshop to be used anytime (value: approx $40)
12x 15% off Handmade Nest Workshop (one coupon per month for twelve months - value: approx $72)
12x 15% off your Blackbird purchase (one coupon per month for twelve months - value: unlimited)
1x 25% off your Blackbird purchase (one time, anytime use - value: unlimited)

A fantastic gift for yourself or others.

Buy one today - in store at Blackbird. Neat Stuff for Every Nest.

Package expires one year after purchase.

Cottage Season

2010-05-24T08:02:00.009-04:00

We stayed out at the cottage overnight this week-end. We were a little nervous about how relaxing it would really be with the two dogs, what with Molly being deaf as a doornail and Eddie still being a puppy. I had heard our new cottage neighbours have two dogs and we didn't know what to expect.

Worry as we did, the cottage ended up being very chill. See below:

Relaxing on Grandpa's boat

Despite protests, so happy we ended up at the cottage this week-end.

Missy was getting a little overly brave. I think she was just attention-getting because there are now SIX dogs on our cove.

Finn is soo shy.

We couldn't believe that Finn took the time to have some 'quiet' moments. In between Owen complaining "Finn won't stop singing! Make him stop".

The boys spent a lot of time at Jeff's art walk, and this time I sent them with our camera. Our neighbour on the other side has created the most amazing zen art walk.

The boys helped make this one.

All made out of found materials.

After lots of time spent finding the most comfortable spot, with the best combination of cushions, drink and books-we headed home.

And enjoyed a quick nap in the car.

Seriously?

2010-05-19T06:40:00.004-04:00

Today is a long day at work. By no means am I complaining, but the fact remains I will be gone for over 12 hours. I'm working 10-5 and then we are hosting a workshop from 6-9. Maybe I'll be home by 9:30.

My point being, yesterday I felt I really needed to be organized to leave the troops in good hands. Being the uber-Mom (not!) that I am, I made a roast, caught up on laundry, had every surface cleared off (which is no small feat for me) and took two of the boys to the library after supper.

For a small town, we have a pretty great library. I'm still getting used to the fact that they don't whisper, and I'm usually the only one there whispering to my children. Dork. Anyhoo, I had to look something up on the computer/card catalogue. To my surprise, I found our library has a blog. The library?

Well after years and years of reading blogs, and having my own neglected one for some time...blogs? Hmm, not so cutting edge.

*disclaimer - I do love that they have a blog. Nice that our library isn't just gray-haired old fuddy-duddies.

What Was I Thinking?

2010-04-16T09:06:00.005-04:00

Our house out here in the country is a 70's house. It reminds me of the house we had in Halifax as kids, with a big fireplace that is exposed at the back in the dining room.

I have fallen in and out, and back in love with this house. There is a long list of things that need to be done, some big renovations and a few small cosmetic. For instance, our main bathroom is a mess. It has a green tub & surround, blue sink, blue toilet, navy blue peel & stick tiles and had navy blue walls! It has potential for sure, but our money has been designated for other more fun things right now (disney!) so it can wait. I painted the walls, and for now I can tolerate it.

Unfortunately what I've found, having this be our third house we've owned, it takes me at least two tries before I get a room colour right. Our first house I painted our foyer twice (once neon yellow, oops. and then the right shade), the second house I painted the hallway and our bedroom twice.

This house, so far, I have re-done our bedroom twice. And now the living room. This is the first colour I tried.

Check out the vivid green behind the dining room table. Mmm, not so much loving it. Oops again.

So I picked up some paint samples (finally! samples! $5 at Home Depot). Thankfully, my youngest son sees colour better than I do. He informed me that of first two samples I brought home, one was too brown and the other too grey. So the third one really was the charm.

Yay! So much better. The colour doesn't fight with the wood trim (which unfortunately has a lot of orange in it) and it's warm and cozy. It's my favourite room again. All it needs are some great curtains and rug and I'm ready for my Project Runway marathon.

Mondays

2010-04-12T05:47:00.010-04:00

It's monday morning at the crack of dawn. Mike's started his commute and the kids and dogs are all asleep. This is my time to get a moment of peace. Despite feeling like I was going to die waking up when Mike left, it's too good of an opportunity to waste. Our house is rarely quiet with all the personalities that live here (mostly just Finn really).

And it's so lovely right now!

I assume that the general public hates mondays. I don't. Kind of love them. They bring back order to the day, we all have things we have to do regardless of our energy level, and it's a fresh start.

I hate wednesdays. They are boring, people call them 'hump day' (dumb if you ask me), and they seem to drag on and on.

In celebration of mondays, I'm going to start posting some links and pictures to all the wonderful inspiration I find on the internet ( a.k.a. my reading material, really. my news, my magazines, my entertainment. that is what the internet means to me. call me a loser-go ahead. I still love it.)

Apartment Therapy, how I love thee. I will never have enough time to pore through every picture on this site. I love seeing how people decorate their spaces, their use of colour (some c-razy), and the amazing architecture of their homes. LOVE this site!

A stitch in dye is to die for. She designs and dyes her own fabrics, then turns them into amazing creations like these pillows:

Finally, Color Me Katie! She's amazing, really. I'm pretty sure I would love to be a fly on her wall. She's a street artist, photographer and I'm sure creative in every aspect of her life.

Case in point.

Have a wonderful monday!

Sick Kids and Whole Lot of Stuff Going On

2010-03-23T09:28:00.009-04:00

I have all the boys home today from school. One is sick, one is at the tail-end of the flu, and the other just smartly slept in enough to have his Mom not want to go out in the freezing rain and drop him off. I really don't mind having them home, it's very cozy and reminds me of when they were little. I know one day I won't have anyone here and these will be the memories I need.
Beyond that Emily and I are hosting another workshop tonight. It's the second time doing this one, and although I'm looking forward to a night out crafting I find that we do move on after finishing a workshop and can't wait to create something else new.

Our next workshop will either be Sock Monkeys or Embroidery Hoop Art.

We are also going to start working on hosting a Craft Show in Almonte in the fall. Our intention is to get a craft show together that is full of funky crafters who are creating fun and amazing affordable items. Not that we don't appreciate the 'artisan', but we kind of want to avoid all the snobbery and expense that goes along with that title.

While all this happens, I am still coveting other blog's photos of beautiful spaces. Like this one below that I found on daisy chain.
Oh, how I'd love to sit here with a coffee and my sister before heading out to explore Paris for the day!

Big Dump

2010-02-27T07:52:00.006-05:00

It snowed all week and for some reason I don't seem to mind! It's very pretty outside.

Emily & I hosted another workshop this week and we think it went really well. We had a great time, anyway. We're already looking forward to getting another idea out there and see how the wonderful women of the community respond. Can't wait!

Funny things my boys have done this week. I 'zerberted' Finn's belly the other night (raspberry?), and he asked me if he could 'pervert' me. I think he's spending too much time on the bus with the big kids!

Owen woke up at the crack of dawn this morning, miracle of miracles since he loves his sleep, for a hockey practice. Within minutes I could hear him discussing the Canada vs. Slovakia hockey game with Daddy in the kitchen. Too cute, and it put me back to sleep. zzzzz.

Tyler is off of gaming right now and seriously involving himself with his Bionicles. I love that my 12 year old still plays with toys despite being almost as tall as me.

My biggest boy Mike? Well, annoying and cute as ever. He's very lovely to me but I'm so outnumbered in this house I think he needs to be reminded that I'm a girl that does girl things.

*just dumped my old blog on this one, feels good to keep a record. particularly since we lost all our 2006 photos*

2010-02-06T07:24:00.005-05:00

There are a few things I've had to get used to over the last 2 years about living in the country. One of them being that when I wake up in the morning, I no longer peek out the window watching neighbours, students, and friends with strollers up and about starting their day. In fact I don't see anyone. I have a beautiful view of the sun rising out a room full of windows.

I'm just not sure what I prefer.

When we decided to move out of the city, I didn't necessarily want to be out in the country. I wanted to be in a small town. Except that meant we wouldn't have a little bit of land, and that was something we thought the boys would benefit from.

So the jury is still out. Not to say I want to move back to the city, but a small town would be nice. I miss walking to get errands done. My body and mind both.

I suppose I'll go through this conversation with myself every February.

Head dressings

2010-02-05T21:47:00.005-05:00

Emily & I are deciding on our next workshop for February 23rd. Our first workshop was successful, and we are hoping that people are keen enough to get out and create again this month.

We love the idea of making some accessories, and these are some examples of what we have planned:

Button bobby pins, for the days we are feeling conservative.

A rosette or two, because we still love Sex and the City.

Maybe a hairband?

And more bobby pin projects! (cabochons for sure)
(I will credit these photos later. Can't find my links at the moment.)

2010-01-27T06:56:00.006-05:00

I did end up getting some sewing done last week. Never as much as I want but I completed projects which is always a good feeling. There has to be a balance, right?

This week Emily & I are gearing up for a workshop we are hosting under our new business called Handmade Nest. We want to be organized so that when we get back from our road trip we can just move straight into our workshop. Should be fun and we are both very excited!

Beyond that, I was thinking this morning about how some of the funniest moments in my life come from the children. Yesterday while I was in the shower Finn came in to grab his toothbrush and as he was leaving asked if I could wash his "lucky underwear".

Finn is seven. Turns out his striped underwear are lucky. Who knew?

(I have a friend who has a journal for all the funny and clever comments her children have made throughout the years. Wish I had thought of that 12 years ago! Is it too late?)

2010-01-18T10:02:00.002-05:00

So I did say I wanted to get creative last night. Apparently that means pouring myself a glass of wine, throwing on some pj's and watching the Golden Globes with my husband.

Not sure why I can't take advantage of small windows of time. Tomorrow, pinky swear, I will be in my sewing space. Cutting, sewing, ripping. (With a little baking and cooking in between.)

2010-01-17T19:09:00.005-05:00

We spent the whole week-end in the arena and the sewing that was due to get done...did not. It was a bit too much for me. As much as I LOVE watching the boys play sports, I need time at home to recharge, tidy, organize, and veg.

Despite the seven (yes 7!) games I found a little time to myself to sneak on-line and check in with some of my favourite blogs. Cjane, SouleMama, and tollipop to name a few. I really enjoy Kelly McCaleb's blog and was going through her tumblr. She has some really wonderful images on there. Like this one:

I'm hoping to find some creative time tonight, and so off I go to get those little troublemakers in bed!

2009-11-17T10:09:00.005-05:00

I was a stay at home Mom for 10 years. There was a little break in there for 6 months where I took a contract for great money because my husband was going back to school, but it's been pretty hard core parenting for the last 12 years.

Now that all the kids are in school full-time, I spend the hours they are gone at an amazing store in the next town. It's a creative outlet beyond my expectations, and although I don't make much money my soul is nurtured. The lack of pay is not because my contributions aren't appreciated but because, as in any small business, there isn't a lot of extra to pay employees.

Ideally I would find another way to augment this job I love, because really money is unfortunately an important part of being happy. You'd think at my age I would have this all figured out. So many ideas roll around in my head and then I watch another more brave individual put those ideas into reality.

*I started this post in November. It is now January and I'm going back to my blog. Some things have changed that I am very grateful for. My amazing boss gave me a raise, and changed up my hours so that I have a couple of days off a week! This will give us time to work on the handmade business she and I have been brewing for some time now.

So here I am back at the store today, very excited for 2010.*

2009-11-03T12:42:00.000-05:00

There once was a store near my first apartment called Pennies from Heaven. It was owned by a young lady (but a wee bit older than me at the time) who made everything in the store. Everything. And the store was FULL of beautiful, funky things. This was in the early 90's, and if I could find that girl again and go back in time and look at everything she had created I would be very happy.

I have to say this has been the craziest winter photo journal. (ha)

2008-01-13T09:11:00.000-05:00

After the huge snowstorm.
This past week, 3 weeks later. Notice the boys shed in the background, to be re-floored and re-shingled in the summer.
Yesterday the boys played at the front on/in the huge ice pond. This was dry in the fall when we bought the house.
Owie soaked but happy.

Finn!
This was when I was talking to you on the phone Terri. I had Missy on the leash with me. Don't worry, she wasn't being neglected.

Now for some holiday pictures. Shocking!

2008-01-11T08:27:00.000-05:00

Tyler not yet realizing what a truly cool game Clue is
Owen writing a note to Santa
Christmas morning before opening the loot
Daddy, Guitar Hero
My ass trying to get a timed picture of Christmas dinner

More Christmas Pictures

2008-01-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

Matching Sens boys.

Christmas Eve excitement!

Christmas Pictures

2008-01-09T13:08:00.000-05:00

New Year's Eve with the Faulkners

2008-01-02T00:22:00.000-05:00

(click on photo to enlarge. please.)

then try to imagine me hysterically laughing in the background

My first post in a long time should be, yay, we did it!

2007-12-15T19:35:00.000-05:00

We sold our house twice, went into major temporary debt, had my wedding rings stolen, fired our real estate agent.....but we both agree that it was all worth it.

We got out of the city, at least for the next 5 years, and hope to enjoy every aspect of our (not quite) 3 acre property!

Soccer star

2007-05-25T07:05:00.000-04:00

The picture is out of focus, but Owen isn't. He is a very determined player and definitely stands out.

Wee soccer player!

2007-05-24T10:57:00.000-04:00

Some pictures

2007-05-15T11:02:00.000-04:00

Mike was working....boys getting 'quality' fresh air
Finn had a spring concert...so cute.

Ron Ron IS getting rest.

2007-04-25T20:21:00.000-04:00

Ride Home

2007-04-04T11:02:00.000-04:00

Road Trip

2007-04-02T09:02:00.000-04:00

Dan & Maggie are great hosts!
Coralling the kids
Really tasty french fries
Easter egg hunt, so cool
Finn hacking up a lung, hanging with Daddy

Pendant

2007-03-27T11:30:00.000-04:00

The great thing about going through old boxes and cleaning house is finding the person you used to be.

Visit

2007-03-22T08:29:00.000-04:00

HRH doesn't like how I make hot chocolate.
Notice Finn's little finger?
Cosmic Adventures
Balancing.
Before the war.

Kev brought gifts, that are still being used daily.
Ah, the bonding.
Clean teen.

Mom stroking my ego again.

This is the worst I could find, I knew I should have been on the camera more!

2007-03-19T06:43:00.000-04:00

Our boys traumatized because, once again, their Aunt is leaving them.

We miss Kev

2007-03-17T17:45:00.000-04:00

After dropping Kev & Ter off at the airport, the silence was deafening. The boys did not say a word. The shock of their big cousin leaving, I guess.

Remember this Mom?

2007-03-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

Ow's First Hockey Tournament Pics

2007-03-06T10:53:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it was - 42 with the wind here this morning!! Alas, I had the van, so the boys got to go to school. Across the country it is +3 in Nelson and -7 in Halifax. Does someone want to explain why it is so cold here?!

Barf...

2007-02-28T10:39:00.000-05:00

the only thing coming out of my mouth today. This is the kind of day I wish I had a wife to watch the kids so I can hole myself up in the bedroom and sleep it off.

He makes me so proud

2007-02-22T06:59:00.000-05:00

After picking Ty up from a playdate with Neal, the first thing he does is sit down to get his homework done. He is a shockingly conscientious student, and I love that.

Went skating on the canal yesterday

2007-02-19T06:26:00.000-05:00

We took the kids skating yesterday on the world's longest skating rink, it was -22 with the wind so by the end of it Finn was freezing. You would think they would then be exhausted, but by the late afternoon this began.......
Finn literally looks like a lion.
Check out Finn's expression here, landing on Ow, feet tense. I think I see a smile on Ty's face. Yup.
Owen's big moves involve going for the legs which is why he is mostly on the ground in these pics. Finn is trying to take advantage of Ty leaping in mid air.

Shockingly, we were able to end the chaos before one of them starting crying. Aren't we great parents (minus us taking pictures of the boys pummeling each other).

2007-02-17T16:00:00.000-05:00

Suggestions Welcome

2007-02-13T18:51:00.000-05:00

I had the day off yesterday because of Finn's dental appointment ($2000 quote! what!?). So I did this after. Only cost $7 for the trim, and of course now I have to make a trip to the fabric store to sew a cushion. What I wanted to do up top is a series of hooks and shelves ~ I'm taking the bar down.

So, any suggestions? I figured I would put a half shelf up pretty high for my nice basket (with new lining sewn). But what about spacing of hooks? Should I put them on the inside wall too?

Since I'm the only one who updates, I'll post this wonderful picture of my men.

2007-02-13T14:04:00.000-05:00

Scotiabank Place, Hockey Fun!

Sewing!

2007-02-09T15:43:00.000-05:00

A brown suede-lined tote bag.
The full effect.
Fleece baby blanket and doll blanket for a friend's shower & daughter. Question is - do I give the blankets to her in the bag? I'm kinda liking it so much it's hard to part with. I did buy a "Sisters" picture frame as well. Not everyone appreciates home-made stuff.
New couch pillows with amazing fabric, but I'm still getting the hang of stuffing a pillow. Can't quite seem to get the right amount.

Finding beautiful pictures of the boys

2007-01-31T08:34:00.000-05:00

well......

Boring Post

2007-01-26T06:54:00.000-05:00

I haven't taken any pictures lately. Nothing new around here really. Tyler took part in his first Spelling Bee, Owen got to play hockey at Eric & Keegan's rink last night, and Finn is still eating all day every day.

Terri's link - bad boy Danny! (sorry Maggie)

2007-01-16T21:27:00.000-05:00

Danny was at the Golden Globes.

2007-01-16T11:14:00.000-05:00

Why I haven't called you back, Mom.

2007-01-14T17:23:00.000-05:00

Fleece was on sale, buy 1 metre get 2 free. So Tyler got a new cozy housecoat this week-end. Neckwarmers for the boys too.

To My Mother

2007-01-11T13:35:00.000-05:00

Thank you for showing me that it is healthy to keep a warm, cozy home. For showing me that it is o.k. to want to sew, knit, and bake. That I can do anything I want to do in life, yet keeping a home filled with comfort (whether it be food, wine, homemade blankets/clothes) can be my choice too.
Thank you for giving me recipes that remind me of you. For creating memories for us from smells and sounds and peaceful moments.
You are a founding member of the 'slow' movement.
A true hippie. I understand now more than ever what you started out wanting to create for us. (p.s. politics aside.)

NHL Experience

2007-01-09T06:55:00.000-05:00

Shopping and Sewing!

2007-01-08T08:44:00.000-05:00

New sheets (Sigrid Olsen, funky designer turns out)
New mixing bowls & salt shaker to go with our funky pepper mill. (ignore the dirty counter)
Made a pillow, check out my pillow model.
Coffee table, may get stained/painted later.

This is why I need daughters

2007-01-07T14:25:00.000-05:00

I made a quiche friday night, and Tyler was the only one sweet enough to eat his piece.

So the next night I had to make stew to make up for torturing the men in our family.

Owen is at the Corel Centre right now, he will go on the ice 1st intermission and play a 3 minute game. His first NHL game!

Ty's new shelves

2007-01-03T21:11:00.000-05:00

It runs in the family...I've got the golden nugget....

2007-01-03T17:59:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T00:30:00.000-05:00

Playing 'Call of Duty 3' against Matt, Kev & Squat. How cool is that!
Mike focused, for once.
Nice one Dan.

Holiday Cheer

2006-12-30T18:33:00.001-05:00

Owen playing hockey Christmas day with the H's
Ty talking pirate at Montana's

Pure Joy

2006-12-28T07:18:00.000-05:00

Finn the Giant, ruler of Fernwood.

2006-12-27T07:11:00.000-05:00

Great Christmas!

2006-12-26T10:08:00.000-05:00

We gave the boys their C'mas Eve gift (HeroScape) from us around 2:30, and they played with it for 5 hours.
Pretty calm considering all the presents behind them.
A true smile from Tyler, thanks to Santa.

Happy Birthday Terri!

2006-12-22T20:12:00.000-05:00

Wow, you're 40. You've always had such great fashion sense. Nice sweater set!

(Good luck with the hangover)

Finn had his first concert

2006-12-21T06:24:00.000-05:00

There were only 4 boys there, all of whom looked a little dazed while the girls annunciated and projected. I thought at one point that Finn was going into a coma from staring off into space. It was also really bothering him that a little brother of one of his classmates kept trying to climb up and sit with them. He is definitely one of those kids who stops everything he is doing to stare obviously at people in public. Hilarious.

Thank-you Mike!

2006-12-13T13:11:00.000-05:00

Mike is so sweet that he understood that this is what I really wanted for Christmas.

Ter, check out what I did with Mom's antique Christmas balls.

Owen's Homework

2006-11-30T18:52:00.000-05:00

Don't let it break your heart. He just doesn't want to have a best friend as he is picky. Like his gifts, he only wants "quality" friends. He also doesn't like hurting anyone's feeling as you can see from his answer for #4.

Visitors

2006-11-28T21:51:00.000-05:00

Strong-man Dan. Dan the Man.

That Dan the Man, that Dan the Man. I do so like that Dan the Man.

Do you like him at the house?

Do you let him catch a mouse?

Is he the brother of the bopster?

With the fingers of a lobster?

We do. We do. We do like Dan the Man.

We like him as a Dad, as a Brother,

as a Husband, and as a Mother.(huh?)

We think he's funny, and he's nice,

Plays with kids, buys a slice.

We like him when he's laughing,

We like him when he's sad,

We like it when he drinks a.m. coffee,

and avoid him when he's mad.

And so, we like Dan the Man.

For all the fun he brings,

And surely it is evident,

He makes his girls' hearts sing.

Bought at Kardish

2006-11-22T17:57:00.000-05:00

Let's hope. I need all the help I can get in the morning.

All I can say is.......

2006-11-21T19:08:00.000-05:00

Finn & his flames belt are way too cool for 2006.

Another list

2006-11-21T08:53:00.000-05:00

I posted a list I had written a couple of years ago on the benefits of staying home with my kids. And now I shall post the benefits of working:

1) The kids are with someone else.
2) My children are spending time at another house.
3) My kids aren't with me.

* I say this coming for a very healthy place, just wishing for some space.

This is our singing one, our dancing one, and our hockey one.

2006-11-20T22:24:00.000-05:00

Colouring boys and new chairs

2006-11-19T07:59:00.000-05:00

Before (I actually kind of like the red velvet minus the dust & cat hair)
After, new foam & material. I had to use something with a pattern to hide all the food stains to come.

Simple things make me happy

2006-11-18T08:43:00.000-05:00

Thank-you Terri, Scott, Matt, Kevin & Hannah!

2006-11-15T17:48:00.000-05:00

Finn loves his new playmobile because

1) he loves anything with little men, and

2) the abundance of swords, cannonballs, axes and overall weaponry.

He carried them in a little tin lunch box. So cute.

We had a great mini-break to Perth

2006-11-14T12:16:00.000-05:00

(I'll post pictures on Flikr later.)

Newest reno

2006-11-10T14:15:00.000-05:00

I went to the Habitat Restore and picked up this wood (not hollow mdf) door for $70 w/ the doorknob already included. Just needed to pick up some hinges. Up and actually completed in one day. Now if I could just finish all the other partial jobs in the house.

~ notice the beer cases on the floor. I don't know why I have an extra 10 lbs on my gut ~