Little Big Noise

too slow..... no patience

2007-04-10T22:16:00.000-06:00

I have entered the official realm of digital photography - purchasing my first SLR this weekend. The Cannon XT was the camera of choice, with much debate over the XTi, but I just couldn't justify the extra cost considering I will likely not take advantage of the upgrades.

My intent was to make a lovely little post ripe with pictures, but the first attempt to upload failed and the second and third took f o r e v e r!

So I give you my dear sweet Eme after her nap... the best time for snuggles OH the SNUGGLES

The spoils of a first Easter egg hunt - full of organic yogurt covered raisins, fruit juice gummies, and raspberry yogurt covered pretzels - all a hit! And yes I can see that I am turning into my parents.... (and it is not as bad as it used to seem - love you guys!)

And finally the oblogatory self portrait that seems a must when you have a new toy to play with - and as I am an obviously available subject.

forgot to mention

Em is sleeping throught the night again
I purchase concealer for under my eyes to cover the signs of parenthood and bring back some of the fleeting signs of youth - no longer the spring chicken
Em has had another hair cut this weekend, growing like a weed
living TV free is great, now more time for the computer hee hee
I think I might be a little smarter... just a little

in short

2007-04-03T21:38:00.000-06:00

:: we have cut off our cable

:: Emelia hasn't slept through the night in a week (and we are losing our mind literally)

:: I am part of a teaching body of assistant directors for a school play with rehearsals
3 days a week

:: the sun has been shining for many days in a row and that is what is keeping us going

:: Eme got a hair cut - a few weeks ago, but news to you... a bob and so cute

:: Anna and I are on a month hiatus from spending - no new things till April 24th

:: I am still no smarter than I was before (despite the cable being cut off) Darn - I thought it might be that easy :)

I saved a worm today...

2007-03-26T21:32:00.000-06:00

Em and I were at the park, the sun was shining the sky was blue and the air crisp. Moving from activity to activity, squishing our feet through the gravel, no cares, no worries. We made our way to the digging equipment, and practiced loading and unloading rocks with the bucket and that's when I saw him. I feel it was a him, he was wriggling and dry getting closer and closer to being scooped up indiscriminately.

Em didn't see him and darted towards the scoop, her little feet barely missing his tiny body, fighting against the gravel and yearning for the wet cool grass. My heart jumped and I started to panic. Literally, I felt that feeling of tension that happens in your chest when someone or something (usually a loved one) comes fatefully close to serious injury.

The strange thing is I hesitated, not because I didn't want to save him, he most certainly deserved it and was working hard to gain his next shot at salvation. I imagined his feeling a sense of despair at the vastness of the gravel that surrounded him like the desert, reprieve was somewhere, but he was just to small to make it alone. I wanted to help him..... but I just didn't want to touch him.

I sucked it up scooped him up, like the hands of god, and re-set the path of his life in a few seconds. How did I get here he pondered, how is it that my fortune has changed in an instant, miracles do happen. I believe!

Yup, I saved a worm and I have to say I am feeling pretty good about it.

Instead of a dream house.....

2007-03-17T14:58:00.000-06:00

Gwen over at Muddy Yellow Dog just posted about dream homes and what hers would be like. I too could go on for hours about the ideal and mine is not to far from Gwen's... instead of a dream house though I am here to offer you a look at the inside of my cupboards.

This is not something I would normally share as they are generally in a terrible state of clutter and it would normally take me ages to find what I was looking for, even though I have a mental catalogue of everything. (No wonder I am tired a lot and have little brain power for other things if I am cluttering my brain with this kind of info.... ah I digress)

I am sharing now as FIL and I have recenlty spent a little time and money attempting to get more organized - and although I am realizing now that a before shot would highlight better out success, you can still get the idea.

My newly arranged appliance cupboard - previously these items were strewn about the kitchen in dark and hard to reach corners - and this cupboard area was a giant catch all.

This masterpiece is above my fridge - the ever underused area above the fridge with the antique china set from FIL's mom - that I have not had occasion to use, but once. It previosly took up the whole of this giant cupboard, but with a few handy shelf inserts I got it down to half and used the front for more contemporary platter storage.

And finally the "piece de resistance" our pull out pantry drawers. Literally a choir of angels sing each time we open this.... in fact the first day FIL requested I open it while having supper because it made him so happy. We are so strange. We also have a tupperware pull out drawer in the lower cupboard and, wonder of all wonders, we can actually find the lids now.

Lastly I leave you with The Emster on her new Radio Flyer Wheels. (Nice Duds hey Sar?? - look familiar?) If we could only get her to lose the soo soo. Pick your battles.

I will feel the love for my house again once the sun starts shining.

:: notable ::

2007-03-13T22:29:00.000-06:00

There have been a lot of things happening around here lately, and most of them just seem to chalk up to living - however a few of the more notable occurrences are:

:: we have decided to cancel our planned trip to the UK - it was not an easy decision and one that was made for us, by unexpected expenses, those that come with owning a house, and although we could have put the trip on the credit card, it seems too daunting already, the idea of having to pay it off.

:: alas it was a lovely idea and fantastic while it lasted and not all is lost - Mom, Dad, Phil, Anna, Eme and I will be trying to plan a trip together in lieu, somewhere much closer to home.

:: I have been struck with illness as of late - going on two weeks now with a chest infection and cough to accompany. It is definitely on the mend, but I am getting rather sick of the tension that is resulting from the nagging hack - not to mention the $100 plus inhaler that the Dr. prescribed, makes one appreciate health and alternative medicine - that is another story all together.

:: Emelia is still amazing me with her constant ability to master tasks with one observation, making us acutely aware of everything we do, and sometimes too late and after the fact. She has many words in her repertoire - the usual Mama and Daddy, yup and NO ( a much favoured word) duck, truck, eooww (the sound a cat makes), vroom (car and truck and airplane noise), juice, tees (please), keys, tea, hot, tee (tree), down, uh uh uh (anything that is wanted immediately) - and I am sure more that I can't think of at the moment, but you get the idea.

:: spring break is coming and I am very ready for the break, or should I say change of pace - looks good for Phil to get some time of then as well, so it will be much needed and enjoyed trio time.

:: probably more to say, as it has been so long - but I am getting overtired and need to head for the pillow - if you have unanswered questions or queries, make a comment and I will post you and answer.

:: XO

I wonder where she gets that cheesy grin from????

2007-02-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the shots that we managed to get yesterday while doing chores in the yard, and the last one is Eme's new favorite passtime... her daycare has taken to sending her home with fountains growing out of the top of her head. I must admit though - the double pony is very cute.

Everything is CHEESE these days..... I guess it goes well with the HAM that Phil and I are dishin' up.

We have had a few problems recently with our computer (and our digital camera...) things are somewhat better, but if you know us can you send us an e-mail so we can get your address again as they were all lost as a result of a fried hard drive.

XO.

TRUE LOVES... british crisps

2007-01-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

A friend is currently visiting the "big island" and I am not reffering to Hawaii. And so I thought is appropriate to wax poetic about something dear to both of us....

The British crisp - no this is not just another potato chip this is a thing of wonder.

I could literally eat bags of these things, and as per a much beloved movie noted (although at the time they were talking about The Colonel's Chicken) they "have an addictive chemical in them that makes you crave it fort nightly - you smart ass!"

They are "crisp" no doubt, and light and perfectly seasoned and never burnt and "wafer thin" which is just so much more appealing.

In fact I recall that this was one of the strongest cravings I had while pregnant with Eme. Phil happened to be in the UK at the time and so it worked extremely well to have him import several bags of the salt and vinegar variety for me. In fact I remember he met me off the plane with a bag in his hand - ready and anticipating that he would get a much longer greeting if he got that out of the way. In fact between us (3 of us at the time, as Anna was here too) we mad short work of what he brought and so asked a friend that had not come home yet to bring in some more! How pathetic is that. But what a pregnant woman wants - a pregnant woman gets!

To be fair Anna and Phil had a bag or two each and soon realized it would be a far greater punishment than death that would meet he who dared deprive me of my crisps!

And so with that in mind I leave you with this.... but an intageable and tempting reminder.

Does it count if you think about posting?

2007-01-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

Just wondering if I can get credit for thinking about my blog - if that is the case then I am the best blogger ever.

I don't think it works like that.....

A few favorites from this years festive season... no one can deny the cuteness.

TRUE LOVES....

2007-01-24T22:46:00.000-07:00

:: TEA ::

warm and inviting
presented in tea cups with stories in abundance
coating the insides
and warming the soul
solving problems
and curing what ails you
with milk and sugar
straight up
or with friends
inviting a treat
requiring a sit down
a rest
a breath.

Expanding Ones Attributes

2007-01-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since my last post and so to be sure that this is not too boring I shall use the opportunity to answer a "tag" that was passed to me by Muddy Yellow Dog.

:: 6 WEIRD THINGS ABOUT ME ::

1:: I will not leave the house without putting on mascara. I know it sounds vain (and there has been the odd exception), but as a rule I can't see myself the same way without it, so on it goes.

2:: I collect all manner of things - and my husband thinks all of this behaviour is weird, but the strangest thing I tend to collect is bizarre and borderline, well actually sometimes beyond tacky printed fabric - and I can never think of anything to do with it. And so it sits in large bins in my downstairs.

3:: I think that my dead great grandmother is my Guardian Angel. I have felt her presence and can smell her from time to time. (the strongest I ever felt her was after a near disastrous car accident when a Jeep swerved across the road and hopped the meridian sliding within a foot of my door - thanks Nana Payne!)

4:: Despite the fact that my husband and I can rarely communicate about anything without having to clarify the other persons meaning (we speak very differently) we often have the same thought at the same time which is confirmed most often by me stating the thought or asking a directly linked question - this happens on subject matter that is unrelated to prior conversations and can occur when we have not talked for hours)

5:: I hum incessantly. Sometimes it feels a little OCD-ish. I am not always aware of it and sometimes it is inappropriate. I can be caught at any given moment humming up a storm and I will often sing requests, and give mundane directives in my own little tunes.

6:: I was having trouble coming up with this last one - certainly not because there aren't enough weird things about me to talk about, but sometimes they are hard to think of, as I have grown quite accustomed to my own weirdness. So I asked Phil - and he thinks that 1) the fact that I used to eat "nit wit balls" as candy when I was a child on Saltspring Island is weird (very healthy balls made of carob, honey, peanut butter, sesame seed etc... you get the picture) and
2) my obsession with little white buns, cranberry sauce and white turkey the day after Christmas and Thanksgiving.

There you have it.... please feel free to inform me of any weird things you have noticed about me, who knows I might not even know about it yet. There is always room for expanding ones attributes n'est pas?

XO

This little light of mine....

2006-11-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

This morning I found myself getting teary eyed while watching a Gospel choir on the morning news. Teary because I was moved, moved because I love the music and need it.... I think I am going to have to join a choir sooner than later and the more Gospel the better. There is something about gospel music that just "cleanses" everything (I do believe that is the point).

I have known this about myself for a long time, that I need music, but not in the way that a lot of people do, or experience I guess I should say. I don't have to have it on all the time, or go to tons of concerts or immerse myself in it, but it is in me everyday. I sing the mundane, hum incessantly and generally crave it for expression. I can't see myself getting to indulge this any time soon as I would need to do some serious juggling and then fork out a ton of cash for a sitter, but.....

.... halleluia and amen, I will let you know when I am belting out this little light of mine and I will invite you to watch me let it shine.

You may have gathered.......

2006-11-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

Life is a little consuming these days. That is not to say that there isn't time for anything, but I am clearly finding it difficult to find the time, inspiration and state of mind to sit down and contribute to the quickly dwindling entries here at Little Big Noise.

We are fine, Phil is working a lot and late, Eme is still fun and a joy to be with and can eat up and hour or two, packing it into what seems to be her hollow leg. I am finding that my jobs are demanding more of me, as is typical for this time of the year and by the time we are home, fed and watered, bathed and Eme is in bed, I am capable of planting myself on the couch, or in bed, and that is about it.

Phone calls seems to require too much energy, or perhaps more truthfully an attentiveness that I am incapable of - I will occasionally read, but again concentration is required so that I don't have to read the same few pages again the next time I manage to pick it up.

It sounds bleak after re-reading, but it is not. Eme and I are having a ball playing together at night and she is enjoyable to be around a watch, observe and soak up. I read a statistic that says the average adult laughs 15 times a day vs. a child that will laugh 400 time in a day. Eme is helping me to bring up my quotient and throw the the stats askew.

I don't have a pic to accompany - sorry they are few and far between these days. I am sure there is one, but that would require looking as one isn't springing to mind.

I will spring one on you when you least expect it.

XO

The many faces...

2006-11-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how working almost full time and having a husband who is working more than full time, can seriously cut into your blogging time, not to mention picture taking.

Eme has been not well these past few days, getting hit pretty hard with a nasty cold. We have affectionatly dubbed her the Snot Monster. She seems to be on the mend, but it is definately not fast enough for any of us.

Hallowe'en has past and our little cow girl had a blast. We had a hat, but it wasn't a big hit so we mostly went without. Cute none the less.

Trying on Daddy's shirt was quite entertaining. She can often be found trying on peoples things, purses, scarves, shoes, bras, panties - you name it whe wants to wear it.
I was going to say she is a little more like her Aunty Anna than me, but I now recall that I used to be one heck of a dress-er-up-er-er.

This is the Daddy side of her - striking a rather intimidating New Zealand style rugby pose. Very well played.

A rather sleepy Miss - in between parties she slept for a sound hour and 45 - in the car. And very peacefully I might add. Hoping to have some quality family time tomorrow and then back to the grind I suppose.

Love to all

XO

R A M B L I N G S

2006-10-20T22:16:00.000-06:00

Phew, I have just spent way too much time pouring over other people's blogs and suddenly it dawned on me that despite the fact that I don't have thousands of subscribers, nor generate enough interest to get advertisers interested I do have a very loyal and precious following and you all deserve a post.

Much has happened since the last post, as things tend to do when multiple weeks pass by. We have gone and come from Tofino, Eme has changed yet again, Phil is working lots of nights and extra time, I remain in limbo with several things and juggling the others. We have had another gathering of the Knaughty Knitters (and this time my friend Jana was in attendance for the first time - she is calling it the Knit Spritzer!) and it all continues.....

I have been feeling the creative bug chomping at me, but usually at unfortunate times, so it is irritating - a little like a flea bite at the moment. I just keep scratching around it, hoping it will eventually go away. Not that I don't want to be crafty, but it is truthfully just one more thing to think about and I am not sure I have the room at the moment. I did enjoy starting a doll sweater for Eme's baby at knitting club and am happy that I am 2/3's complete, but fear it will wait a month for the other third.

I have embedded a few shots from Tofino, and we have more for your viewing pleasure on Flickr - which is not connected to the blog (sorry) and as I am technically challenged (despite the fact that I am teaching tech ed currently and attended a conference for the Computer Using Educators of BC {CUEBC} today) I am unable to do it so....

Try going here ,
I hope that works!

Just on the off chance that some big wig for a marketing company stumbles across my site and thinks that they can't go another minute without having these shots for their next add campaign, I am open to offers.

Until next time - and perhaps a perkier mood that is not clouded by a cold "hangover" and irritatingly stuffy nose...

hugs and kisses on the cheek (I wouldn't want any of you to catch this...)

xo

2006-09-29T21:23:00.000-06:00

I thought it was time for a few new pics, and I actually have some so...

This is the little Miss being a little miss. In case you were wondering the stuff hanging off her waist at the back is a camisole and a bra - and we didn't help her put them on. She also made her way in to my closet and chose a very flashy pair of heels to finish off the outfit. One of her new favorite activities is to wear our shoes, and I mean she really puts them on and walks around.

Just a sweet shot of her after playing on our bed last Saturday morning. She and Daddy were playing hide and go seek in the covers.

A favorite of mine - getting caught red handed trying to grab some juice boxes left here by her cousins.

Eme "the Artiste" - she loves to draw and does some everyday at daycare. I gave her a golf pencil and an excercise book the other morning and she went to town. So great! Next is the easel and washable markers.

Last but not least.... thankfully a not too common occurance around here anymore. But when you wake up at 5:00 and it is already 8:30, and you are only 1, you want a nap!

In case I haven't mentioned it I now have two continuing jobs - at two schools. One is afternoons 5 days a week at a middle school (grades 6,7 & 8) teaching tech ed (basically perspective drawing and an simlified computer assisted drawing program) and the other is 3 mornings a week at an elementary school as a librarian. So both are great, although very different. Both staffs are amazing which makes it much easier. This will be great for this year and will also set me up nicely for next year... not to mention that it looks like my days of 5:30 am call outs are over. Yippee!

Love to all - I will try and post very shortly after the traditional Thanksgiving Long Beach weekend.

Happy Thanksgiving

XO

Onward and upward...

2006-09-22T22:06:00.000-06:00

It is not easy it seems for me to have new photos for you to enjoy. First off, I loathe to mention that I am spending far less time with my dear sweet one than before and secondly the pictures I have been taking lately are on film and although I am getting them on CD also, so that I can show you, I have had to go back to the processor 3 times now for dust spots and so the CD's go back too.

SO... other things that are mentionable. I have a job; two jobs actually. Silly me for thinking I wasn't going to get work - as it is lately it is too many job offers that is causing me the stress. So I am working 5 afternoons in a middle school, teaching perspective drawing and a computer drafting program, and 3 mornings a week are spent at an elementary school down the road as a librarian. The whole thing is rather convenient actually, as my home, daycare and jobs are all within 5 square kilometers. They actually literally make a square.

So I am doing a little something new and a little something old - both in new places. The staff at both schools are great so... it should be a nice year. Now if I could just figure out when to fit in the excercise and other Mommy times for mental sanity.

Eme is doing well; better everyday with her daycare. Julie (her daycare provider) is great and so are her 3 girls (6, 9, and 11) and they all love Eme (of course). This helps me in eleviating some of the guilt that I suffer from, but in my heart know is neccessary for us at the moment in order to do right for our family in the long run.

Phil put in it well the other day when we were having yet another conversation about our choices and how we are doing. He said if we can help our kids when they are in our position; be debt free from school, offer free daycare, take the kids overnight, be a support and generally do what parents and grandparents do to help their kids get off to a good start it will all be worth it.
We can make the choices we have to now, and spend every moment possible just being together and in the end we will build a support system that will be unbreakable. So... that is the goal - onward and upward and lots of snuggles along the way.

Yikes - time flies

2006-09-13T21:37:00.000-06:00

This will be brief and I fear that no picture will be attached at this time, but I wanted to let you all know that we are still here. Life has been really frenetic around here lately. Eme started daycare and I started work on the first day of school. This was not expected at all so the time I would have normally spent getting myself geared up for this was spent wondering when I might actually get a call to a school. Instead the phone rang on Monday night and I was in a job on Tuesday morning and have been ever since. It is afternoons at a middle school, which doesn't sound like much, but when everything has changed it is alot to come up with a program when you find out Monday what you are supposed to start teaching on Tuesday.

Beyond that I have been trying to wrap my head around the fact that there are 3 other postings that I may have a shot at and am trying to figure out how that will work into the life plan.

Eme is doing pretty well at daycare so far, each day seems a little easier for her (but not for me yet...)

I will try and post some of the pictures from her first birthday party which was nice.. she did very well for having 30 people in her house, and eating her first cupcake ever, and even mamaged to unwrap her presents with a little help.

Hope you are all well and getting some of this last bit of sunshine in the bloodstream - enough to last the winter.

Looking forward to visits sooner than later if at all possible.

Who am I kidding I can't not have a picture of her cuteness..... more to come hopefully within a reasonable time frame.

XOX

Emelia Jean is ONE!

2006-08-23T22:07:00.000-06:00

Well it seems like ages ago that my little sweet pea was in here still... she is one and I can't believe it! Where does the time go and how does one manage to slow it down because it has only been a year and I am already feeling like it is flying by too fast.

So just for my sake I have made a few collages of some of her moments over the last year, and I have to say it was ridiculous trying to choose from the near thousand images we have of her digitally. I have so many darling ones of her on film too, but those will have to be seen in person.

My wee little 9lb 15oz. babe. Despite her size she was still tiny and precious and fragile, and although I loved her from the moment I met her I love her more now, and still more tomorrow.
She is a doll, so clever and bright and funny, so thoughtful and polite, and even though she, like all of us, get's cranky now and then she is a very content child.

It is amazing to me how much she has changed in her appearance. Bouncing back and forth between looking like Mom or Dad, then just like herself. We still aren't sure what colour her eyes are, but whatever colour they are, they are amazing. Blue, green, grey and hazel.

I love her still mostly toothless grin and her boundless charisma, her zest for new things, and willingness to try whatever strange and healthy food I put in front of her, but still be normal and love everything just a little more with ketchup. I sometimes can't believe that when I say, that's all she actually gets it and doesn't complain (I'm sure that won't last but I love it now..), how she uses please and thank you, and will usually comply with simple requests, yet is still just defiant enough to test the boundaries.

All of these things and a zillion more make being the Mama of this one year old darling a pretty good gig. Love and kisses to you Miss Eme Jean on your first birthday, Mama is going to go and cry now....

rasta baby!

2006-08-13T22:01:00.000-06:00

Eme is as funny as ever. Recently her new trick is to put my funky hand knit tea cozy on her head like a hat. Rasta Mon! She is growing as much as ever and keeping us on our toes with daily changes. Still only 2 teeth though.

She is also full of kisses, and not just when you ask her. She will pucker up at a moments notice and thrust her little pursed lips in your general direction looking for a smooch. It has got to be the cutest thing ever. I don't know anyone who would get tired of that game.

She is fast approaching the one year land mark and is turning into the discerning toddler. One day she only wants yogurt or toast and fruit, and then just when you think she won't eat another truly nutritious meal, she will surprise you (like last night) by eating (get ready for it....) macaroni and cheese, brocolli, chard, carrots, zuchinni, roasted potatoes, lamb, and watermelon. Wow!

Like any responsible parent I left her alone in the kitchen this morning while I put something away in the bedroom, and when I cam out I panicked initially because I couldn't see her..... this is where she was. Sitting in the cupboard beside the computer, that was left open when the reycling was taken out. She just thought this was great, so many new things to explore.
Another lesson learned.

On another subject, but very closely related to Emelia Jean - Phil and I celebrated our 6th year anniversary yesterday. We managed to get a date in today, courtesy of Aunty Anna and Grampa who babysat for us. What did we do? you ask. We hiked the GROUSE GRIND. Yes who read that right we voluntarily hiked up 1 vertical kilometer, and let me tell you it was a very long KM. I managed it in 1 hour and 16 minutes and Phil in 1 hour and 8 minutes (but only because he walked with me until the last 1/4 km - his usual is around 50 mins.) After this calorie burner we quickly showered at a friends and went to a brew pub to eat it all back again. I tell you nothing tastes as good as bad food after a good work out. We finished the afternoon by sharing a double chocolate cookie and a triple americano from Whole Foods. HEAVEN. It doesn't sound too fancy, but this was what I call a good time. We both felt very happy and grateful at the end of our time out and were welcomed home with snuggles and kisses from a certain someone we love dearly.

That is about it for now, although I am sure if I really think about it I could probably write a whole lot more, but alas it is getting close to shut down for me. So I will leave something for next time.....

XOXOXO - from all of us (just imagine them a little wetter from Em's)OXOXOX

First time at the Aquarium

2006-08-03T12:16:00.000-06:00

Well , this past Monday Eme and I, and 2 other friends and their daughters, went to the Aquarium for the first time. We all had a great time. Amazing how three 11 month old girls could be entertained without so much as a fuss for the better part of 3 hours. We saw the Dolphin show from down below and the Belugas from above. Their eyes were so wide! I think Eme's favorite tank was the tropical fish tank. It is a little smaller and the fish are abundant and so colourful, and they swim right up close to the glass. The giant amazon fish did this also, but they are twice the size of Eme and very dark and scary looking and she did not like this at all.

This is Eme and Sydney being mesmerized by the Belugas, this was after the show and the belugas were doing laps, so they swam by over and over again. The girls loved it.

Tove is in the mix here too, plus Jana's head on the side.

And here is Eme at the dolphins. These guys were so fun to watch under water because they come shooting down after they leap and scoot around so fast gaining momentum for their next trick. Awesome.

Can't wait until next time.

This weekend we are having Phil's side of the family over for a gathering. There will be 14 people sleeping in our house on Saturday night as far as I am counting. Phew! If should be fun though. I will keep you posted after the event!

a pretty big nut, but....

2006-07-27T11:52:00.000-06:00

We are back from the wedding on Powell River, up the Sunshine Coast. It is definately a mill town, but is actually quite beautiful in its surroindings. Lots of clear water looking over Texada, and Savary Islands to name a few. It was absolutely scorching hot all of the days we were there, and as we had reserved at the "Old Courthouse Inn" there was no air conditioning - only a fan to blow the warm air around. Never the less we had a great time.

We arrived Friday around 2, in time to check in and unpack a bit, wipe down and re dress for the rehearsal dinner at 4. The ceremony and rehersal and rehersal dinner were held at Sarah's (the bride) Mom's house. Marnia and Ed's place is in Malaspina and is perched over the water with a magnificent view and lush gorgeous gardens where the ceremnony was held. Here is the crew waiting for Sarah to come down - more photos to come later.....

After much precision and practice about 20 of us headed down the steep stairs to the water and swam and drank and had an amazing dinner put on for us. We were very lucky to be a part of that. Eme really enjoyed the water with her Dad, it was suprisingly warm and delightful. And of course Eme was a dream, no fussing, lots of laughs and good eating. Such a good girl.

Saturday was the wedding and because Phil was in the wedding party he was gone most of the day. We managed to sneak in a nice breakfast as a family (Eme was up nice and early both days - 6 ish with the sun) What a great treat to start the day. We had a breakfast wrap and coffee at a cute little cafe called River City and managed to run into the bride and her mom who had already been at the hall and were getting muffins for the masses back at the house, and it was only 8 o'clock. Yikes - oh happy wedding days.

Phil headed off with the boys at 10 ish and I managed to get a quick last minute shop in while Eme was napping and before Phil left (amazing what you can do when you are up at the crack of dawn). And for those of you who care I did get a new bathing suit to relpace my old black sturdy racer and this one is colourful and pretty! Who knew PR would be the place to get a new suit.

Now for the pictures.... below is Eme playing on the slide at the park while we were passing a little time before getting ready for the ceremony. She had a blast on the playground, sliding, swinging and of course eating dirt. What a face!

Here she is getting aquainted with the finer things in my toiletry bag, plus the TV remote to boot.

I have shots of the wedding on a disc that I will show soon.

We headed home first thing on Sunday as we didn't make a reservation initially and when we tried on Friday there were none to be had so... we were on the 9:30 from Earls Cove to Saltery Bay and then headed down the coast to Langdale for the 12:50. Unfortunatley the River City was closed on Sundays (go figure... I guess everyone stays home on a Sunday in PR) so we hit up the A&W with the local seniors and a few mill workers and had a bacon and egger and some of the worst coffee ever. We counter acted this with a pit stop at Wheatberries in Sechelt for a real cuppa and a muffin, hmmm hmmm good.

We hit the ferry terminal by 11:50 so headed up for a quick hello to Gram who is but a short 5 minutes from the terminal - nice to say hello, see John and Jenn and Mitchell and Cassidy, plus more and sneak a little cottage cheese and fruit for Eme.

We high tailed it back to the terminal and just made it on, PHEW! Home by 3 ish and in the pool by 3:30 - a perfect end to a hot day. Mom and Anna were here to greet us and then we had a great prawn salad for sups. AHHH

So in a nut shell that was the weekend.... a pretty big nut, but....more to come...later

First time at the beach

2006-07-18T22:17:00.000-06:00

Well, it was Eme's first time at the beach today and she loved it. She sat in the sand for close to an hour and played with a margarine tub and a plastic spoon. So much fun. We were up the Sunshine Coast to visit Grannie, Gram, Poppa, Aunty Jen and Cousin Cassidy and Great Aunty Pop too. It was quite the luncheon and we (Mom and Eme and I) were also blessed with an hour of Uncle John to boot.

It was very hard to get her to look at me, she was so enthralled, this was as close as it got. I was meant to have a shot of Eme in the water also, but I think something happened to those shots so, next time...

Here is Cassidy enjoying the surf. She was great, helping with Eme all day, practicing her "babysitting skills" and excelling at it!

Looking forward to next time gang!

XOXO

A tie over!

2006-07-10T20:47:00.000-06:00

It has been far too long, but what can I say...summer weather is here, Eme is having shorter naps and my evenings are spent watering. I know there are plenty of bloggers out there that have all of this and more and still manage to post almost every day, but alas I am not one.

Eme is almost walking. She pulls up on everything and nothing, holds her balance moving up and down and has attempted a step or two, but is very leary. If she would just forget that she hasn't tried it, she would do it I am sure.

I regret to say that it will probably be as long or longer before my next post. We have a family gathering this weekend, a wedding next weekend and then a break I think. There will be lots to report, and I will surely take a few pics along the way. Lately I have been taking more shots with my Canon EOS, I love film. It does make it harder to share, perhaps next time I will get them on a CD as well.

A few pics of the little lady to tie you over, although I fear many of you have already seen them.
No birthday shots for me, sorry! There are two and they are both on film.....so happy days ahead. Love to all! XOX

Look at this face!!! Couldn't you just eat it up?!

I do believe there is a similar one of me and my Dad floating around out there.
Seaside perhaps, rather than poolside.

Bumper crop!

2006-06-26T22:15:00.000-06:00

Well this little bowl of perfectly formed raspberries got me excited just a few days ago. I told Eme that I must love her a lot, because I gave most of them to her little mouth to try for the first time. What could be better than Grampa raspberries!?

I just got in from the garden tonight and it took me a little longer this time to get all of the ripe berries. Now I am really excited! I know the picture sucks, with the flash it was a blow out and without it is a bit blurry but you get the idea. It is about 2/3rds of a med sized bowl. Maybe 2 full pints worth and there are more coming! I didn't even cheat and pick the almost ripe ones too, just the really ripe ones. Look out mouth here they come!

2006-06-16T11:04:00.000-06:00

::RED FRIDAY::

Am I too late?

2006-06-15T08:30:00.000-06:00

I know I am a little late in joining in, but that is the week so far, see you tomorow for red.

::BLUE THURSDAY::

::BLACK AND GREY WEDNESDAY::

::BROWN TUESDAY::

:: WHITE MONDAY::

Houston, I think we have a problem.......

2006-06-09T21:52:00.000-06:00

I have always known that a thrift store can be a dangerous and tricky place, however I have never had this much trouble getting out alive. In the last week I have managed to rack up quite the collection of new things, mostly in the way of fabric, and some other unneccessary, but desired items. And so as therapy (in an effort to rid myself of some of the guilt) I thought I best share it with you. So here are samplings of what I have spent my money on lately.....

The fabric on the left is bright and fun and there is lots of it, middle is a pillow case I couldn't resist and on the right a fab table cloth in mint condition.

These are all pillow cases. The one on the left I am imagining as a dress for Eme and the middle and right are going on the bed down stairs.
On the left is a twin size vintage flat sheet in heavy cotton that will hopefully become a duvet cover for Eme's toddler bed (I know, I know...) the middle is also a sheet for the same bed and I got 2 matching pillow cases, and the right are pillow cases that I can see turning in to one of the fabulous pieces for a patchwork log cabin pillow a la a Bird in the Hand .

Left is a pillow case ( I know, but there were so many exceptionally nice pillow cases...), the middle in an apron and the right is an old curtain, with some parts lovely and faded and others rich and clear.
This is 3 yards of the wackiest fabric you have ever seen, and I am going to try a bleach some of it to see how it looks "aged" - and you may just see it in a prominent place in my home some time soon....
And who could resist this Holly Hobby, ahh this is a childhood memory in a bed sheet.

And now for the enamel ware that I couldn't pass up. Above is a mug with a lid, but it is the size of a canister, very cool.

Three shallow bowls that I had to have...

And a serving tray that is about 24 inches across in celadon green.

This 3 piece spanish childrens set was a no brainer, such a fun gift (if it makes it that far).

And finally a little taste of something I have been working on....... I actually have 3 canvases on the go and a water color....WOW look out!

Temptation and torture, plus more...

2006-06-06T16:46:00.000-06:00

So I have recently started a self enflicted diet that does not include wheat or dairy. After discussions with my cousin and Mom, I realized that the best way to try to clear up my excema was to give the wheat free, dairy free thing a go. This is particularily hard for me as I am the queen of yogurt - need a snack? have some yogurt. want a quick meal? have some yogurt. looking for a nice condiment for curry or need something to make a dip? try some yogurt. Oh me oh my. It wasn't as hard as I thought for the first few days, but then I started to run out of ideas and my palette was screaming at me. Not to mention my completely altered digestive system. The wheat thing is not so hard, there are lots of substitutes, but the dairy? Regardless - I did have to pass up some delicious looking bread at Sarah's yesterday.
So here I have pictured the "meal" I made my Hubby the other night. Who knew that temptation and torture could be embodied in a Grilled Cheese Sandwich? I didn't have one bite though, not a morsel of cheese while making it, not a snip of the finished product.... but man I wanted it. I am not even that big of a fan, often they leave me feeling heavy and bloated. But I really wanted this one. I had tofu and rice and salad. Not a bad meal and I took a picture of it too, but Eme won out in the battle of the picture post (I can only do 5 at a time and don't have time for another download.). Any ideas of there for fabulous recipes etc... it is amazing how many things you can eat without touching wheat and dairy, but there are so many things that I am used to that I just can't have these days. Tonight is salmon, yam fries and chard - good, non?

And now for something completely different....
Our little smooge after a run in with the towel, does it get any cuter that this? Not until the next photos session right?
She was so ready to have her picture taken, she was practically posing for us. Ahh the diva within. I know I say this all the time, but she is changing so much, I guess that is what happens for the first few years at least. I just can't get over it sometimes.

And of course a few shots with the parents....we get in the pictures every now and then.

I just love how she is holding on to his thumb and hand for support. They had so much fun playing together on this particular morning. She is so much more interactive when you play with her now, she is always egging you on and "cracking" jokes. What a sweetheart.

Now does anyone have any great ideas for a 1 year old birthday present? I have to get/make come up with two by the 17th. The price for one is $25-30 and the other is $10. I am hoping to get them all for less that one and have it look like more. My favorite trick ever!

Sunny... sunny.... so good for me.....

2006-06-03T21:55:00.000-06:00

Thought that I should do a little post about my now, psuedo in shape garden. As you can see from the first image it was looking rather lush. The problem with this is that I hadn't planted anything yet this year. The very large bushes are in fact the parsley border that my Mom and I planted last year. And there are a few volunteer flowers, like the 4 foot tall bachelor's buttons. The bronze fennel is enormous already and the raspberries are going gang busters. So here it is before...

And after a few hours of work in the afternoon sun.
As you can see I left the flowers for now. How can you rip out flowers?! I planted 3 tomato plants - two cherry and one reg. Some radishes, beets, beans, peppers, and despite their tragic showing last year, carrots. Oh yeah and some mesculin mix for salad. I think I will add some lettuce, and zuchinni and maybe some cukes too. Also in todays plantings.... a nastursium border along the rock wall in front of the Japanese maple. A little splash of colour.

The raspberries, from my Grampa, are doing so well this year. I put them in last year and got a small but tasty crop. This year they are all over the place, buzzing with bees and blossoms and fruit. There are so many new shoots they are overtaking that side if the garden. I don't mind though, makes me feel good that Grampa's raspberries are happy at my house!

And here they are up close in all there glory. For those of you that didn't have the pleasure of meeting my paternal Gramps, he was a true gentleman. Soft spoken, strong willed and opinionated when he felt the need - and a great gardener. He was the king of the razzle dazzle berries and man did we ever appreciate all of his hard work. He grew the berries, my Grannie transformed them some how and we ate them - fresh, in a pie or the all time family favorite; Grannies raspberry jam. This stuff is like gold. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on some, you make it last, try not to spend it all in one place and don't tell your friends or neighbours about the stash unless you are a fool. Maybe this year I will try my hand at making my own. Although there will be no comparison, ain't nothing like the real thing baby!

What a good team Grannie and Grampa were, growing and creating together - I think I may have to see if FIL wants to learn how to make jam, since I am growing the berries!

Somtimes I wonder....

2006-06-01T23:11:00.000-06:00

....how it can get any sweeter than these.
Dad and I went for a visit up the coast yesterday and Eme was her usual charming self. She wooed everyone, not acting cranky or tired, despite the fact that she was. She offered hugs and kisses on demand and even managed to pul of a perfectly timed wave bye bye. Yes , yes I am truly blessed, we are truly blessed.

This made "one old lady" very very happy! Great Grannie Jean and Emelia Jean - it just doesn't get any better than this!

A little more, a little less...

2006-05-27T21:47:00.000-06:00

:: Have I ever mentioned how much of a love hate relationship I have with computers? I just finished typing up a very sweet entry and I don’t know what I did, but some how it just vanished, and I mean POOF! So I will attempt to recreate what I can, but the moment is lost and this version will be no where near as cute as the first I fear.

What I was doing previously was waxing about friendships. And I know that all of you who read this blog can attest to the value of a good friend. There is no greater gift (kids aside) than a friend who really gets you. I have had a string of bad days over here, and that is all I will be saying about that. Why dwell? (sometimes I can’t help it, but today I am trying) Anyways, after sharing a rendition of my own personal hell with one of these friends and being reassured of course that I am not alone, nor a wretched human being, I received a strange phone call. The man on the other end was of Asian decent, and I mention this only because it played heavily in to my confusion. He talked about a delivery – flowers from Jana (he pronounce it J na) I feebly confirmed my address and then hung up in a daze, but full of intrigue. After a few minutes it dawned on me that it may in fact be Jana pronounced Yana, who had sent flowers, so I waited. Now Jana’s wise advice for a cure to my self loathing was to get myself a healthy dose of chocolate. My door bell went and there was the smiling man with the beautiful bouquet of fire tipped freesia and red gerbera daisies. The card read “Chocolate on stick”. Yum I thought and after unwrapping the flowers searched the stem for the promised chocolate. Hmm nothing. Moments later I erupted in laughter, realizing that with the combo of an ESL card writer and Jana’s sense of humour I was in fact meant to receive “Chocolate on a stick”, hence the flowers. This was just what I needed to help boost my mood. Perhaps I have not done it justice in my retelling, but trust me, if it was you – it would be funny.

Ah so that coupled with a trip to IKEA, and too much singing and dancing our way through the market place, purchasing nothing of consequence and I am mostly back to my old self.

Now for what you really came for…. Pictures of Eme. One with Dada, one with Gran some with Mama and a few “on her own”…ENJOY! ::

My first mother's day, classic Eme face..
As Grampa says, wetting her fingers for her fast ball....
I look cute in this one I think so ... good enough right?
Gran, with another classic Eme face....
Working with Dad...
Little sweetness...
FIL freaked when he saw this...."Oh my, can you see what she will look like when she is 16?" he said
My nice wet slobbery Eme kiss, I know you are all jealous right now!
What can I say, BEAUTIFUL!

So many milestones I can't keep up

2006-05-18T14:31:00.000-06:00

Who can resist taking yet another food covered face shot. Remind me that I should take a few of the second child too, I think we have 50 of these already! She is such a good little eater when she is in the mood, she will try anything and seems to like most everything - even radichio!

This little munchkin shot has to be my current favorite. The bath is just about the only place she will sit still these days. Scootching around everywhere and with lightening speed, always wanting to pull up to standing anytime a person is near by, and walking with so much more precision and speed, with a little help of course. What with the clapping, teeth and fabulous sense of humour I can barely keep up. I must admit the recording of events has fallen by the wayside this month as there is so much to write down!

This darling shot is just after a nap on Mama's day. Her Aunty was mighty content to be the one getting the post nap snuggles! Mother's day was a treat, by the way. Waffles made for me for breakfast, lots of fun during the day, my house cleaned with a friend the day before, lobster and artichokes and other foods you can dip in butter for dinner, and two, yes two turquoise "diaper" bags (both of which ironically have to be returned because some part of them is falling apart or coming unstiched!) and a solar garden light from Pat! What a day! Photos of me and my darling to come.

This little shot is going to go out to her Aunt Heather (S) who got her this darling outfit, and it was too cute to not put here for your enjoyment too.

I think most of you know that we are involved in the Roots of Empathy program in the Coquitlam school district. Here we are at the thank you event, getting our book and cerificate and meeting the founder of the program who flew out from Toronto to be with us. This was crazy, about 50 babes and Mom's and then all of there respective classroom teachers and coordinators. Quite the overwhelming environment. Lots of fun though.

And finally a shot of my Clematis which was absolutely magnificent this year, covering a huge portion of the fence with a mass of soft pink blooms. It was unfortunately not sunny on the day that I managed to get out and take the shots, but it gives you a small idea of the magnificence.

We have been in the pool several times and the weather is just getting better and better. Eme was not impressed with the water her first time in, but we will conquer that I hope with a bit more time and exposure. Other than that we have been just doing what we do, walking, visiting, playing and the like (such a hard life I know!). I think the garden will have to go in this weekend, so that I can have some fresh produce to enjoy in the months to come. Have a great long weekend all. (no time for proof reading - sorry for any mistakes)

nothing new..

2006-05-10T12:21:00.000-06:00

I am sorry, but there are no new photos at the moment. What is wrong with me you ask? Well little miss has been teething and up at all hours of the night and it, truthfully, just hasn't crossed my mind lately to grab the camera. We have been doing a lot, but nothing that seems exciting enought to post about.. so I shall post about nothing.

I think often that if I spent some of the time that I spend reading blogs and getting inspired on actually creating things I would have more to share, but alas we must do what comes naturally at times, yes?

I have recently started working on a painting/collage for a wedding gift for friends who are getting married in July. Always a bit of a risky gift as art is so personal, but when money is tight and I am inspired I might as well combine the two. Once I have something to show ya'll will be the first to see it.

Eme has started to scoot around with proficiency, which is sort of nice because she is less frustrated and more able to entertain herself, but it does mean a lot of changes are in order around our house. That is what the weekend holds I think. She has also figured out how to get up to sitting from her tummy, also something I thought would be great until we found her crying in her crib last night, sitting! I think I may have to get some kind of bumper pad or some such thing, she was attempting to sit this morning while I was in the room and managed to get her foot "stuck" in between the rungs of the crib side - not good!

Latches on the cupboard doors, gates everywhere, make sure the doors are closed properly, remove anything too "fun" from any sufrace that is too low and perfect for moving babies to get into - this list will continue I am sure.

Will try and get a shot of the "chiclets" to show you, they are very cute poking through her gummy grin.

Must go and gather images to feed you all.....

XO

Construction of the Head... and other garage sale finds

2006-05-03T17:56:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I managed to sneak in a little of my favorite hobby and went to a garage sale. It was fabulous. You know the kind where you can immediately tell that the people getting rid of the stuff have no idea how great it is. Beth was my guide and after a brief conversation directed me to these gems....

Her first sewing book...

The heirloom tin that her mother used to keep soda crackers in and she, sewing notions...

this is the side view...

And this great how to book. It is the inside that really gets me going. Great illustrations and classic glamour.

this is the look I will be wearing this summer...

these I will be practicing in the mirror later tonight...

what I wish for...

fabulously fabulous....
perfect brows....
and lucious lips....
So much fun. I can't wait to do more garage sale-ing! Ah spring!

Intentions

2006-04-27T10:25:00.000-06:00

I keep intending to post about other things, but who can resist taking pictures of this little honey pie. And since I don't get a chance too often these days to post, I use what I have.

Here she is at her favorite play spot these days, the tupperware cupboard. So many things to entertain!

Just having too much fun in the bath with Dad! She is such a doll, so inquisitive and so willing to try everything new. We lucked out! Of course it is the exceptional parenting that is really to credit for such an great kid! (wink)

There is the obligatory eating shot. This one is her attempting to conquer a teething bicuit and although it looks like it is getting the better of her, she won in the end.

And finally, my new favorite shot. Usually I put her in a onesie, but on this day she had soaked it and so as we were staying in I just threw on a t-shirt. Well, what a new experience! Being able to pull up on her shirt was so much fun she ended up pulling off one of the all time great hockey moves on herself. She was sitting in the middle of her blanket, shirt over, head flipping back and forth, saying Ahh Ahhh AHH. I just started to laugh and that is when she fell over. Phil thinks the funniest thing about this shot is that I took the time to go and get the camera and take the picture before I came to her rescue. BAD MAMA, BAD! But so funny!

As for the rest of our lives.... what rest of our lives. She is it! Not that I am complaining though. I will hopefully make it down to the new craft room some time soon. Sad that it is finally there and I don't get to use it very often. Although I do have a few things on the go and am loving that I don't have to clean them up.

We had another meeting of Knaughty Knitters this past Monday, and I got to go sans Eme. It was such a different experience. I didn't have to wear a nursing bra and I got to put on hoopy earings! Ah the little things in life! Phil said she was great and went down no problem. So nice, look out Phil, Mama's got her groove back! I managed to fix a hole in a darling little sweater that I used to wear when I was little, so that Eme can wear it too. I think I will have to make an embellishment to cover the darning job though. A few flowers perhaps.

It was lovely to get to start and finish a conversation. Although I must admit that I had a few panic moments re: diaper changes and feeding times, thinking that I was forgetting to tend to the mistress, but then realizing she wasn't there. Sorry to all of the Aunties who wanted a love!

I must go as we are hosting the Thursday walking group, and I must put on airs. Removing the cat hair from every fabric surface, picking the puffed rice from every nook and cranny, preparing the healthy and not so healthy home made snacks - generally becoming the super mommy that I know I can be! Actually they are great and wouldn't care either way, but there is something about people coming over for the first time that makes you want to put your best foot forward.

Hugs till next time...

As promised......

2006-04-19T20:50:00.000-06:00

here we are at the ferry terminal

Here is darling Eme in her bonnet

the lemon meringue pie (made and photo taken by my sis)

ready for her close up

Eme and her cousin Osha (who loves to have a hold any chance she gets)

I am just about to partake of my current guilty pleasure...America's Next Top Model, coming in the Canadian version May 31st - are you ready Canada?

This is the side of me I am not proud of, but I am learning to embrace. Love thy self and all that is encompasses, even if it includes crappy TV.

XO

What a weekend.

2006-04-18T13:04:00.000-06:00

A belated Happy Easter to all of you who I didn't see over the weekend. It sounds as if all were well fed and entertained over the holiday. I know we were.

We left on Friday morning to go to Saltspring Island to visit my parents and brother. My sister, Anna, came with and we had an uneventful travelling day. We arrived around noon and had a great visit, followed by our Easter dinner, as not everyone could make it on the traditional day. Lamb, roasted potatoes, kale and leeks, carrots, and lemon meringue pie a la Anna for dessert. So tasty. We, like so many, were washed out on Saturday. This was particularily annoying as it was the first Saturday market of the season, and it was hard to enjoy while getting drenched. Ah West Coast weather is so unpredictable. I spent a good amount of time being cold as I had only packed sunny weather clothes.

Sunday morning we headed to Victoria to visit with FIL's family and then home by 6 ish. It was nice to get in a quick visit. The best part was Eme's laugh. Phil's mom mamaged to get Eme going in a full on laughing fit. This is not the first time she has managed this. What is your secret Gran? She was laughing so much she had tears in her eyes, and so did we. This has got to be the best sound in the world. I wish I could bottle it, it would be the best medicine ever!

Yesterday was great, lots of yard work and gardening, sun and a visit from a friend. It felt like a Sunday (my favorite day of the week incidentally).

As an unfortunate addition, it seems that our little one has come down with a cold. She was a bit feverish last night, and was wakeful through the night. She is on her second nap of the day and it is only 12:19. Poor thing. Amazing to me is how good she is even when she is feeling like crap. A little cranky, but mostly just wants some love. Who can blame her.

Pictures to come of more weekend fun, when I manage to find them....

Polka Dot Eme

2006-04-11T21:41:00.000-06:00

She is just too cute sometimes. My little sweet darling girl.

Always entertaining and learning. Thinking and observing.

Laughing and making us laugh. She is pure joy!

We shall cherish these times with you my sweet pea, and I know you will bring us many more!

::Love you::

Making a DIFFERENCE...

2006-04-09T15:52:00.000-06:00

We just returned from participating in the Supercities MS Walk for the cure, what a great way to spend the morning. As a team we raised over $1000, $1235 actually. Thanks to all of you who helped us make a difference. We felt amazing being able to give over that much in donations. The top team raised $10,000 and the top individual $8500, YIKES! We have something to strive for as a target for next year.

The weather was misty, not too bad all in all, and there was a pretty good turn out. As a group we raised over $45,ooo today and there are still other pledges to come in and other walks happening. Well done everyone. What a cute little team!

These are a few shots of some amazing cards that Eme was given by a friend of my Mom's. Thanks Babs. They are all of birds with numbers. Each card depicting a different kind of bird. They are composed of water colour paints, pencil drawing and fabric. They are so beautiful. Despite the fact that I am generally an anti-border kind of gal, I put them up as a border in Eme's room for us to enjoy. The pictures below will give you and idea. I would go and take better images to show you, but Eme is sleeping right now, which is why I can post. Thus waking her up by taking pictues in her room seems counter productive. I will try to get better close up shots to show you the details.

I love how it all starts with one robin.
As for other bits to tell... we are off to Maplewood farms tomorrow morning with Cam, Zoe and Sarah. This should be very interesting for Eme. It will be her first time seeing animals other that dogs and cats. (Phil's mom is over tonight, and so she will be joining us.) It should be great. Keep your eyes peeled for entertaining photos of this to come, and hope for nice weather.

Also, we have decided to head over to Saltspring, a lovely little gulf island in the Pacific, for Easter. It will be a bit of a trick to get there and back with the ferries being mostly booked at this point, but it should work out ok. It will be well worth it I am sure. We will see most of my family and then detour to have a quick visit with Phil's fam in Victoria on the way home.

Other than that, I had a great sleep last night, probably due to the fabulous dinner my sister made us (and the couple of glasses of wine that accompanied). It is always lovely to have someone make you dinner. I don't care what it is... however it is hard to appreciate grilled cheese when someone has made you pork tenderloin with a cranberry chutney, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and green salad followed by raspberry rhubarb pie and ice cream for dessert. Yum! I shall be spoiled for other things for a few days at least.

time flies...

2006-04-05T22:49:00.000-06:00

::I can't believe it has been a week already since my last post. I must admit, now that the weather is nicer I am spending less time indoor and subsequently less time on the computer.
::I have been taking photos lately, but have gone back to my manual camera for a spell, something about getting the film in your hands and experiencing the waiting process again that seems vaguely romantic.
::I know I have said this before, but I really think Eme is teething now, REALLY! At least I am hoping that she is because it would be a nice way to explain the inexplicable crying out in the night, and mild rash around her mouth and sudden clingyness. This coupled with her having a little separation anxiety is making for a fun week. Not that I am officially complaining, because that would be wrong of me. She still is such a good girl and is very easy all things considered.
::Phil jokes that this might be our only one, because he doesn't see how it can get better than this. I fear he may be right. My theory, however, is that it would be wrong not to, as we could get another just like her!
::I have not been having very restful sleeps as of late. Not sure why, but am feeling a little anxious these days and actually had a nightmare the other night that caused me to call out in my sleep. BIZARRE! I don't know if I have ever done this before. I am trying to excercise lots to get rid of extra energy and eat well etc... but it isn't doing the trick. I get a few good hours a night, don't get me wrong, but not a full night, and I am a girl who likes her 8 hours at least.
Alas, I am off right now to try and meet a few fairies and get them to sprinkle a little dust in the eyes.

::PS it has been pointed out that my editing is rather shabby and I appologize for that and any errors I have made in the past and will make in future, perfection is not to be had when time is at a premium or fog is in the brain::

Tickling the ivories

2006-03-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to be given a piano. It arrived yesterday and after just fitting through the doorway (both doors came off and we had but a quarter of an inch of play) it is sitting in its new home. It originally belonged to my Grandmother who, now in her mid 80's, is still a phenomenal piano player. You hum it and she can play it. This is a gift that many of my family members possess actually. If I remeber correctly it was bought for her by her father, and was made in about 1910 I think. It was her first piano and it is a beauty. I will try and post some detail shots for you to see.

It has been with my aunt and uncle for many years now as it stayed in my Grandparents original house when my Aunt and Uncle moved in, after my Grandparent retired to the Sunshine Coast. They have since moved and are now moving again, this time across the country, so no room for a piano on the plane. That is where we come in. As you can see my little monkey is enjoying it already. I had her sitting at it for a bit this morning and she was going crazy. A natural I suspect. I will have to remember not to force her into lessons....
I am thinking that I must try to teach myself to play again. I say again, perhaps I should just say play as I was never very accomplished. My Mom sent over all of my old books so I can re-learn slowly and from the start. C C C C C, D D D D D, E E E E E ....... you get the idea.

I will let you know if there is any progess.

Speaking of progress i am ashamed to write that I have yet to start a new knitting project. I am sheepishly considering another pair of mittens. This will be my new hat I suspect. The old stand by knitting project you start when you can't think of anything else to do. I shall leave it at this... my Dad just arrived and I should be visiting.

Sing a little song for me!

Motivated...

2006-03-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well it is just past noon on Monday morning and I have already done an aerobics class and a yoga class, re-done my car insurance, prepped dinner, am making some baby food, the sun is shining and all is looking pretty rosy around here. I thought I was going to have time to write a nice philosophical rambling, but it sounds like Little Miss has just woken up from her second all too short nap of the day. Alas I did manage to get some lunch in the old gullet before so I am good to go for a bit. Perhaps a walk is in order. Why waste the sunshine I say.

Speaking of sunshine, here is a picture of Gwen and I from a few summers ago. It reminds me of fun in the sun, good friends and good times. This makes me smile as much as sunshine.

Spoon feeding...

2006-03-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

It is crazy to me how fast kids grow up....it is Eme's 7 month birthday today (Happy Birthday to you sweet Eme) and yesterday morning she decided that she was going to help me by assisting in feeding herself. Now, I still got the food on the spoon and took it to her hand, but she took the spoon to her mouth and ate it. Crazy and very fun.

I am currently trying to get her to go down for a nap. As of late this is not an issue at all, but today she has decided that she is going to roll over in her crib and after about 5 minutes of fussing I was going to check on her when she went quiet, so I gave her a few minutes and then went to check and she had fallen asleep, but one of her arms was out of her sleeper, she was on her stomach with her head in a corner and one hand through the crib slat...hmmmm. As I suspected this snooze didn't last long and so when she woke up a mere 30 minutes later I fixed her sleeper and rocked her a little and tried again. Well I have just rolled her over again and we shall see. No luck and so we will have to wait and see what the day brings.

Funny how she can roll over and over again on the couch, so much so this morning that she almost rolled off, but in her crib she just stays on her tum and complains. Ahh, the intricacies of the infant mind.

I thought a few pictures of her highness were in order as I have recently been posting about other things more than her. And who couldn't use a dose of this to brighten their day?

I especially love the "MIND THE GAP" bib that FIL brought back from England. Ahh tube humour.

Nope, I am not kidding around here...

2006-03-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

It is true, you can believe your eyes. I have actually finished a knitting project that I started, and it hasn't yet been a month! What? Unbelievable I know! And to boot I have also ventured into a sweet but simple experiment with another real pattern! Too much.

I don't know what came over me, it was as if I was inspired or something wierd like that. I am very happy that I will have something to show at knitting club this Monday, it is a long time coming.

These are the result of a post I did a while ago - I was excited because I actually did something at our last knitting club and felt that I had to share, and look where that got me. In fact I actually ripped out the ribbing I did at Knaughty Knitters and started over so that I could knit both mittens at the same time. I would reccomend this whenever possible, that way you don't finish one and not start the other. That is my usual MO.

This is a little practice square that I did to try and get the hang of following a template. Pretty cute I think. I thought it might make a cute addition to the next quilt that we make as a group. The down side of course is the flip side, it isn't quite as cute as the front, so perhaps no.

I guess I better think up a new project for Monday's meeting.... any ideas?

Who says procrastination doesn't pay off?

2006-03-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the meal that my husband prepared for me the other night - after a "What are we going to have for dinner?" conversation at 6:00. As I was mulling over the speediest and most uninspiring options in my head he says from the corner of the room, "How about garlic- chilli prawns with peanuts, noodles and broccoli?" - "I'm sorry what? I don't think I heard you right. Did you mean to say grilled cheese and soup from a box?"

As you may have noticed the noodles were replaced with rice (I am a bit noodled out at the moment) and the broccoli with chard (as FIL doesn't like either and we had chard in the house)
and voila! It was sooo tasty and has given me the idea to be less organized a little more often. God bless Martha Stewart, by the way, as it was her FOOD publication (left here by FIL's mom) that gave him the idea.

Hmmm... I just don't know what we should have tonight! FIL, any ideas?

Pomello out my kitchen window

2006-03-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

i love the colours in this for some reason.
have you ever tried a pomello?
this one was nothing to write home about...

It is snowing...and now it is sticking

2006-03-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

I love the fact that it is snowing in March, for pete's sake, what is going on here? It looks so lovely and peaceful and I want to be romanced by the drifting flakes and perpetual softness that is evokes. However, I am finding myself distracted by the thought of what the heck is going to happen to my walking group that is supposed to meet at 12. I really want to walk and there is no reason that a little snow should stop us, but if it turns to rain I should think that would be enough of a deterrent to squash the event. We shall see.

I have had the opportunity this week to get together on a few occasions with old friends and just yesterday managed to re-connect with some new one's (if that makes sense). At my Parent and Baby (really Mommy and Baby - only one Dad and only once) I met two ladies whom I had been in prenatal yoga with and had become friendly. Of course with new little ones occupying the majority of our time we managed to lose touch, but now I shall see them once a week at least and as it turns out one of them lives about a block away. On that same note, just before the class was to start in walked one of my old neighbours from our old town house complex with her 2 month old son and she too has moved within about 5 minutes of me. Too fun, so now I have some very nearby companions to call up when the sun peeks through the clouds for those precious few moments and you want to seize the opportunity, but would like to have some company as well.

I find that talking to Eme is not the same, I do enjoy a 2 way conversation. Sometimes I feel as if I am not talking to her enough, did you others mothers out there talk to your babies a lot? I talk to her often and make comments about what she is or I am doing, but find that the full running commentary about every moment of our day eludes me and I realize that I perhaps haven't said anything in 15 minutes or so... I do sing alot but wonder "Am I damaging my childs chance of being a literary genius by not stimulating her vocabulary sufficiently from a young age?"

Beautiful things to behold

2006-03-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is the back of a purse I just scooped up this morning for a mere 25 cents. The pictures were meant to be in order, and regardless of the fact that I uploaded them in order they are now not.. sorry. The front of the bag is two pictures down and is fabulous in real life. All beads and sequins hand stiched onto white satin and is probably about 4 inches by 8 inches. I love finds like this.
This beauty is a pot of tulips that my lovely friend Heather brought to me last week as a thanks. No thanks needed I say, so I love the flowers all the more. She brought them as a gift for having her over for for supper weekly. We have a date night of sorts to watch our new obsession in TV "24" - just can't get enough of Jack Bauer covertly whispering into his cell phone in order to thwart terrorists! I have to say this is one of my favorite things to do each week - dinner with a great friend, and Eme loves play time with Aunty Heath, and a good hour of tv after a catch up session. The front of the purse...
And these Lovely's need no introduction, but I will anyways. This is Darling Gwen and Darling Eme, just having a hoot - enjoying each others company on a visit yesterday. What a great way to spend the morning and part of the afternoon. First a walk in Lynn canyon with some sunshine to boot and long over due chats, then tea and cheese sammies and a piece of lemon meringue pie - Yum oh! Can't wait to do it again....

What do these have in common?

2006-03-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

This is the most adorable dress that I just bought for Eme at the thrift - it is for 12 months, so perfect for her 1st birthday party. The photo doesn't do it justice, perhaps a re-shoot is in order. Can you see the little stiched chicks and the ribbon edging at the bottom ?

And this is the dancing man in the dish pan. I just loved looking in the sink and being inspired instead of dragged into the quagmire - can you see him?
And so the question remains.... what do these have in common - they both happened on the same day, and they both made me happy.

"Spring has sprung - the grass has ris...."

2006-03-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

Well this was not what i was expecting in terms of layout, but as time is at a premium, it will have to suffice. This is what I managed to create this morning, after doing laundry and cleaning toilets, while Eme slept. Amazing what a little creative time can do for the soul, and also amazing what one can accomplish when their child has a real nap.

Not sure where they came from, but i guess I was in need of a little spring and out they sprung. I am rather pleased, it has been ages since I have done anything in terms of drawing etc, so this was a great excercise and very rewarding. Sorry the pictures aren't perfectly crisp, but you can get the idea.

4 things that made me happy...

2006-02-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

I intended to post this yesterday as that was when the moments struck, but the day got away from me and.....alas here I am

4 things that made me happy yesterday

1 - putting my daughter in pattern and colour combinations that I don't have the guts to pull off myself (i love how babies can wear anything and look put together)
2 - the sunlight and its effects on my surroundings - the first thing that caught my eye was the light reflecting off the water in the backyard and dancing on my dining room ceiling (but that was too hard to photogaph, and then I saw the light hitting the orchid in my bathroom and voila a photo opportunity (although much more spectacular in person)

3 - noticing an elderly gentelman walking on the sidewalk putting something white into his mouth and realizing seconds later that it was in fact his teeth

4 - having someone make me lunch - I spent the afternoon with 6 other moms and babes having a delightful lunch and ensuing chats and winning two "door prizes" for having the longest labour and the biggest baby at birth - ah the rewards just keep on coming ( and so did the oohs and ahhs, both from amazement and pity)

and for today...too many things to mention, but I will start with waffles for breakfast, puttering around the house and late afternoon gelato, coffee and a walk with the promise of snow - FABULOUS!

little window in....

2006-02-21T22:26:00.000-07:00

here it is...my list of 4 things

4 jobs i have had (it would be easier to list 4 I haven't had)

teacher (k-12 and every subject you can imagine)
nanny (for 3 families all of whom had girls named Sophie - weird)
barista (at the same time as nannying and going to school)
"do it all" at an RV park (with my now hubby)

4 movies i love

the princess bride
so i married an axe murderer
garden state
anything that makes me cry - truthfully i am not an avid movie watcher, at least not enough to remember any more than 3, but if you mention one i might have an opinion

4 places i have lived

saltspring island
north vancouver
victoria
port coquitlam
(all in beautiful british columbia)

4 place i have vacationed

tofino, bc (my current favorite)
pinner, england
almeria, spain (well most of europe really)
the interior of bc (very fun car camping here)

4 tv shows i will rush dinner for

24 (just got addicted this season)
house
the o.c. (i know, saying it out loud makes me ashamed - it must go back to the 90210/melrose/days of our lives part of my personality)
oprah (always good for a cry or a tidbit of life saving info)

4 albums i can listen too over and over and over again

joni mitchell - blue
alison krause - forget about it
michael franks - the art of tea
and lastly anything by chicago, foreigner, toto and the like (good lung stretching tunes)

4 of my favorite things to eat

pie (yup, just about any kind will do)
thanksgiving dinner (not the same as christmas, must be the atmosphere that does it)
salad (also any kind will do)
corn on the cob

4 plus 1 sites i visit daily (there are way more than this...)

muddy yellow dog
fred and toots
bird in the hand
superhero journal
soulemama (a new favorite)

4 places i would rather be right now

anywhere with my hubby and babe
chestermans beach, tofino
pinner, england
sitting in my pool in the summer sun with a bevie and a trashy mag

4 things on my to do list ( i was just saying last night how i need one of these)

sing in a radio/tv commercial or any kind of studio recording
take more wedding photos - heck take more photos all together
pursue my creative talents (and figure out a way to exploit them for money)
get a body like elle macpherson (by the time i am the age she is now - 41 i think)

the 4 people i would have tagged have already been tagged so if you haven't then...you're it

So much to say...

2006-02-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

Trust me, this is what success looks like as far as knitting club and me lately. Having a little one to tend do does hamper the knitting a bit - as one needs both hands in either case. I know it is only a few rows of rib stitch, but it is the start of a cute as nuts pair of baby mittens that I am intending to make for a friend of mine for her upcoming bundle of joy. It will be my first adventure into knitting an actual project. Yup, I have been part of a knitting group for about 10 years and this is my first intentional project, how sad is that. That is not to say that I haven't knit other things for fun, or practice, but not from a pattern and not as a gift. So I better complete them now that I have told you lot about them. I must also comment on how fabulous it is to belong to the Knaughty Knitters -a lovely bunch of women with different lives and backgrounds, all knowing each other for different reasons, with a common hobby and a love for eating, drinking and chatting. I look forward to the next one the minute I get in my car to drive home.

This is the start of my room. I haven't done much organizing as of yet, but I have made something already, which is amazing. I sewed up a baby sling this morning with Eme sitting on the spare bed playing, and the best part was, everything I needed was right there and I didn't have to clean up the sewing machine in order to have a meal! WOW. It is in it's infancy at the moment, but I can't wait to crowd the walls with inspiration and art on the go, ideas and wishes and pictures and whatever I want. As a whole the space looks so much better. New light carpet and fresh walls. It is so much brighter in there with out the brown shag and green paint. Ah but for the brick everywhere it is pretty perfect. And soon to have a piano.....

As it stands my desk is make shift, using and old metal medicine cabinet salvaged from a nursing home down the road, our filing cabinet and a sheet of painted MDF for the desk top. But it is smooth and white and a thing of beauty to me. And I have a place to put my vintage chair that was purchased simply because it was turqiose.

And this is just because.... I find it so fun and such a reflection of my life at the moment. They both sit on my kitchen window sill, the little succulent I just brought in from the back yard where it had rotted a bit and needed pruning, and the stacking cups are Eme's play toys for her baths in the kitchen sink - which are not as prevalent these days. She is so big and likes to splash so we have her in the big bath most nights. It reminds me not to try to hard, not to worry about the "look" of the house too much and to just enjoy the new life all around.

I have been tagged by Muddy Yellow Dog and will attempt to get to my version of 4 things promptly - I must say that I love this...a window into peoples lives and preferences, and I love love love reading everyone I can find. (please note the link provided.... I think I might finally be getting the hang of this blog thing)

Subject, What subject?

2006-02-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

I have been playing around in the world of BLOG lately and realizing more and more how little I know. You may have noted that I, for an extremely short time, had links to fav sites to visit. You may note they are no longer there, WHY? because I did something stupid and gacked the page and so reset it and lost all of my customizations. Why not just do it again? Well I can't seem to find the appropriate place in the code to insert it. HMMM puzzling yes, I will get to the bottom of this eventually if I don't go nuts first.

On a happier note - the sun is shining again and I am happy to say I can't remember how many days in a row it has been as such - Yah! It was odd earlier this morning - the sun was trying to break through, but it was as if a kid had found a dimmer switch and was playing with it for the first time - bright, dull ,bright, dull - now just bright.

The painting is happening tomorrow dowstairs and I am sad to report that we will be painting it a very safe and recyled mixture of prarie wheat and clear moon - which combined make a safe and neutral beigey taupe colour. We are doing this because we want to neutralize the room for one, and secondly it won't cost anything as we are using up already purchased paint. I feel a little bright colour blocking coming on though.

I have been saying to the hubby lately that I am a little tired of the neutral palette of our house - we need a little punch of colour, I have been collecting paint chips from the local hardware store and am noting that they are much more fun, cheerful and spa like in colour with a little kick, although this pic doesn't really do them justice.

Below is the Valentine's card I got this year - FIL is so sentimental sometimes. I am sure that his is not what he thinks I do all day, although sometimes I look like this when he gets home.

I am also loving this color, although am not sure if I am bold enough to use it on a wall in my house. Perhaps in the creative zone - ahh I love the thought of that, I can't wait for it to be Saturday because we get to start and work on it all weekend. This feels more exciting than Christmas.

The best Valentine's ever

2006-02-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I had a delightful day. Spent most of it with my fabulous cousin, reconnecting, chatting, drinking hot beverages and watching the little ones be little. Then home to prepare a yummy pasta dinner to have with my hubby who brought me one bright orange gerbera daisy and a silkscreened card created by someone at his work (image to come) - PERFECT! To top it all off the little miss fell asleep a little after 8 and didn't stire until 6:15 this morning, and after a quick nurse was asleep again until 7:30. Bliss, eight whole hours of uninteruppted sleep for Mama and Daddy! Here is a picture of her first experience on a swing, this is the very first moment! She loved it!

Too cute for words.

This is what she looked like after a few minutes of swinging - HAPPY MUCH?

peek-a-boo

2006-02-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

Is anybody out there?

peek-a-boo

I have just had to fix a problem with a previous post and so am re-doing these last two posts, but the magic is just not the same. However I could not deprive my mass of loyal followers the pleasure of an EME UPDATE. I am pleased with myself as I have jsut discovered how to include more than one picture at a time within the same post. I know, how could I have not known this previously? Well I was posting all of my images through Picassa and it will only let you post one at a time, however if I had been smart enough to read the help section earlier I could have saved a lot of frustration. C'est la vie. Much more to come, but not now....

Valentine's cometh early

2006-02-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist making a few of these tasty morsels to share - and as Valentine's day is on a Tuesday; the weekend won. So I will deliver a few tomorrow and hopefully spread some cupid style love. Happy Valentine's day to all if I don't post again before!

just can't help myself

2006-02-09T23:35:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, a little biased - I honestly have other things to share with you, but at this time I have not taken any pictures to share and of course I always have new pictures of this little monkey so... what is a proud Mama to do. Tomorrow we are having new carpet installed downstairs - very exciting. Some of you may wonder why we are having new antique ivory carpet installed in what is soon to become my art and craft "studio" - this question would not even come to you mind if you had seen the brown 1970's mostrosity that was there before. Perhaps the color choice is not the most practical, but with red brick on half the wall and buying at a budget store and having specific size requirements... well it was the best choice, not to mention how bright and beautiful it will be.

When you come to visit - if you do, I think you will appreciate the transformation, I will try and dig up a photo of the before and will definately show you the after in progress and hopefully a few of the things that get created down there.

Until then, some cuteness to carry you through.

exciting things to come

2006-02-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

I have just spent the majority of the weekend and really a few days before the weekend, planning and organizing for my new creative space. Over the years I have relegated my creative energy's to short intense bursts, usually carried out on my bed or at the dining room table - not the greatest places as both are used for other purposes at least once a day. So the time has come to have a space that I can leave "messy" and full of creative energy and clutter if I choose. It will be a work in progress as it is being carries out with minimal expense, but I am sure that I will love it and make it "mine" not matter how cheap - I love a good bargain anyways. Stay tuned for some photos when it is "done".

A CLOSER VIEW

2006-01-29T23:02:00.000-07:00

Another perspective of the deck, so lovely to sit on in the summer and sip G&T's.

A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

2006-01-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the house that I grew up in. Amazing the things that we take for granted, such as this, until you see it through someone else's eyes. My Dad's cousin took this shot while visiting my parent and I can see it froma whole new perspective now. Have had a lovely visit here the last few days, and am looking forward to home as I will get to see FIL. YIPEE. More later.

Better than Vitamin D

2006-01-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

We had our first day of sun here yesterday in something crazy like 35 days - Yikes. I was out there drinking up the vitamin D, but I dare say who needs it with this little ray of sunshine in my life everyday. Here are a few shots of our Eme sitting up that are supposed to be proof, however you can see my hands in all of them. This is for safety reasons as she decided to give it a try for the first time on the kitchen counter, but we have video footage, I promise. Sorry aobut the order of these posts - a little backwards - I will get the hang of it someday.

SO CUTE AND SO SMART

2006-01-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

Our little munchkin did something very cool this past Saturday...she sat all by herself. She started in the classic tripod position and quickly realized that with a little attention to the abs and good posture she could have a whole new experience. We were so excited it was hard to contain ourselves.

I have had the opportunity to be the sole caregiver these past few days as FIL is in the UK with his mother saying goodbye to his Granny and reacquainting himself with the rest of his massive extended family there. It has actually been quite nice, less work than I thought, Eme is a very good girl - THE BEST GIRL IN THE WORLD I call her. Everytime my nervous mother syndrome takes over she has this calm way about her and I wonder why I ever get worried. So amazing. I am off to visit my parents for a few days and let them bask in her glory for a while.

HMMM

2006-01-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Not sure, I am trying to figure out a few things here and am not too happy yet, bear with me!

2006-01-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

Jolly Jumper! Need I say more!

A little something new...

2006-01-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

It has obviously been too long, and I must admit that all of my blogging time lately has been dedicated to reading other peoples blogs and getting thoroughly inspired and despressed at the same time. Depressed in that I dont' have all of that time to sit down and seriously do the things that I want these days, perhaps a change of perspective is in order - I could do a few minutes a day rather than the many hours I like together.... we shall see.

Is this not the cutest mother and daughter shot ever!

Ahh memories

2006-01-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

As I sit here in the living room of my lovely house with every inside light on to try to counter balance the dark grey drearyness of the blustering rainy outdoors, I am thinking fondly of our backyard and what it looked like on a beautiful sunny day last summer - ahh I long for htose days again.

Cutie Pie

2005-12-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that I think that she is teething, check out the drool running down her Dad's hand. We had a nice weekend of making Christmas treats and putting up Christmas lights all over the house. And then found out Monday morning that the lights we had bought from Costco and spent hours putting up, and only could because Nanna was here to help with Eme, have been recalled for an electrical problem! Arghh, now we have to take them all down and return them and see if we can get time to try again. I can't see how that is going to happen though, what a shame as we decided to go all out this year as the whole family is coming over. C'est la vie I suppose.

growing up so fast

2005-11-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

a few new pictures of our little bun! she is getting better at everything, lifting her head, almost rolling over, trying to sit up - and it seems that she may also be teething - YIKES! Such a cutie.

a great weekend

2005-11-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was amazing. The first time since Eme was born that her dad and I have had a real "family" weekend with just us. We went for a walk and got a coffee and managed to talk, then out for breakfast and more talking, then home - and if you can imagine didi outdoor chores and really enjoyed it. The little monkey just hung out on my back for hours - she even had a nap there. It gets better, we went out to dinner with friends and she slept the whole time which meant more talking and a real dinner. She fell asleep at 6:30 and didn't stir again until 8:30 - so I fed her and she fell back to sleep and woke up the next morning at 7:00 - WOW! She didn't manage to do this again last night, but... it was nice, such a break. She is amazing and really not alot of trouble, but a break is always nice. I managed to make a wreath for the front door from some laurel prunings and a bike tire (a pic will follow once it is hung) and this morning before 8:00 i got in the baking of some banana bread. Phew! I haven't accomplished that much in ages. I am off to Knaughty Knitters tonight - I guess I better find a new project as I have finished my purple and orange tea cozy and the colourful boucle poncho for Eme, very cute.

This weekends project

2005-11-13T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well we had a busy weekend, at least the two FIL's did - we started with the image at the top left and now have the image on the top right. Not 100% finished yet, but quite an improvement over the blankness that was staring back at us in recent months. I can't wait to fill it up with all of my "treasures". The cutie-pie at the bottom is my latest treasure.

A little bit of Heaven

2005-11-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

just for visual effect - I love clouds!

A little Sunshine

2005-11-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Well the sun broke throught the clouds for most of the day here, and to take advantage I went on a thrift store crawl. Eme was somewhat cooperative and slept for most of the adventure. I managed to find several little outfits for the angel - a house warming gift of vintage glassware for a friend, some kids books and a fabulous vintage croquet set for a friends summer use in her amazingly large back garden. Quiche for supper and all is right with the day.

The little Angel

2005-11-05T22:48:00.000-07:00

First picture, first comments, better be about the greatest little gift to ever enter our lives!!!