Wednesday, March 26, 2008

spring is here!


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Well, I think spring is approaching and I couldn't be more pleased! Here are some photographs of our weekend! We spent some much-needed time outdoors, snowshoeing and exploring.
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Henry had such a great time in the backpack. He was laughing his head off all afternoon!
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What a babe!
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Being with my two loves, the simple beauty around us, and the fresh air made this day so very special!
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Oh! And here are some more delicious photos in the tub!
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Could this munchkin get any sweeter? No, I think not.
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Monday, March 24, 2008

Rio's Quilt


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As some of you may know, I have a major crush on handmade goods. In particular, handmade quilts. When I was a child, I had a quilt hanging from my bedroom wall, and I can still remember how special and beautiful it was. But it has only been in the last few years, as I have collected a few for myself, that I have truly come to appreciate the real beauty of a quilt.
Old quilts, to me, are especially magical. The more worn and frayed, the more, I am sure, it was loved. Every time I come home from the thrift store with a vintage quilt, I find myself thinking about the women who made it. Who was the quilt for? How much love and time was put into the project? Where was the fabric from? Who did it keep warm? And how did it come to be alone and separated from its original family? Oh, I could marvel for hours over a beautiful, beat up, old quilt!
When Pete's sister and brother-in-law announced they were pregnant, I knew right away that I wanted to make them a baby quilt. I decided Amy Carol's quilt pattern was simple and lovely, and perfect for my first project.
And finally, after three months, I am finished. It is my hope that my niece Rio, loves her quilt, as it is, a gift from the heart.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

bonne fete.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about celebration and traditions, and how exactly I want to incorporate them into our lives. Pete and I are both turned off by many of our major holidays for the simple reason that in so many respects, we have deviated from the original spirit and meaning of the events we are meant to be celebrating. So many of our traditions have been corrupted by money and consumer impulse. That being said, I think that we can make the decision to celebrate in a deliberate and unselfish way that honours our traditions and our modern views and ways of living. And besides, I love a reason to cook. Any chance to prepare a slow cooked meal, made with love, care and patience is brilliant and in itself something worth celebrating.  I also believe that in all of our celebrations we should take time to venture outside and connect with Mother Nature. After all, without our natural environment there's no ground or possibility for celebration what so ever.
Birthdays have never been terribly important to me, until I gave birth. Now, I know that the day we entered into this world is worth celebrating.
So, today is Pete's birthday! Pete is such a dream come true and my soul mate who helps me to be the best that I can be. He has such integrity and conviction and always supports me in following my dreams. He is a wonderful father and for all of these reasons, I wanted today to be extra special. So, I made him something from my heart (shown below), and for the rest of the day, we are going to walk the mountain, hit up the flea market, and make a yummy dinner and cozy up on the couch!
Wishing you all a wonderful, relaxing weekend!
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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Haven't got much to say these days (weird, I know) so I'll just leave you with a few photographs...
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Look at those delicious feet!
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My baby is growing up!
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Saturday, March 8, 2008

today is the day.

Hey everyone,
Sorry I have been M.I.A. for the past few days, I'm visiting my family out west! Pete, the babe and I are having a wonderful, relaxing time. I will post pictures when we return later in the week.
I just wanted to pop in and remind you all that today is International Womens Day. One in three women suffer from domestic abuse. It is not just happening to strangers. It is happening to our friends, family, and neighbours. It's happening to us.
Life starts with a Mama and child. The way we raise our children, literally, helps shape the future of the world. If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend, you can help change the world through the eyes of a child. I want to raise a babe who is aware of the problems in the world, educate him on how to make changes, love him and teach him to love others.
This is it. It starts now, with us.
UN International Womens Day information for children
Faces of Survivors-Voices Reclaimed photo project
Stop Violence Against Women Amnesty International
End Violence coaching boys into men
Have a fantastic weekend! Let the women in your life know how much you love and respect them!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

nap time

nap time

As some of you may know, Henry has given us quite a hard time in regards to his sleeping. In the past, he has been completely sporadic with his naps, and let me tell you, this little man needs his sleep. When he doesn't nap, he doesn't sleep well at night, and a vicious cycle forms, where Mama and Baby are both miserable and sleep deprived. So you can imagine our delight when a few weeks ago, he decided to really start napping, and I must say, we are all much happier. Just that little break gives me the chance to recharge and it makes all the difference in the quality of our afternoon playtime. There is something so magical about nap time.  Besides the chance to rest, it's also another opportunity for that special, falling asleep snuggle, as well as the refreshing opportunity for 'beginning again' upon waking. And then there's the quiet whispering it prompts, as we constantly remind each other, "he's sleeping!!" His heavy, rhythmic breathing is the pulse of the house in these hours, as Pete and I settle in to our quiet, individual activities. Until that waking moment when we are greeted with his cheerful squeals, and we both race to get him. Open the door, and there he his, a smile spread across his face, ready to start all over again. It is really, very special. And I will cherish this time always.
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