12.18.2008

santa you can drive on by

Christmas is in the habit of coming early in this house. Sometimes by the hand of loved ones who know you so well, and then there are the times when you have to take matters into your own hands. The hubby and I decided that hiring out our renovations was the best gift we could give to each other this holiday season. The time that mr. Aldo has saved us and given us works out to a months of weekends that we have together and with the kids. How sweet a gift indeed. But if that isn't enough good news, a packaged arrived in the mail yesterday. I wasn't expecting it until sometime January, but things have a way of working out.

Ipod classic

I did something completely frivolous and self serving, or so it feels, I cashed in my airmiles for the iPod classic. I am now 120 GB heavier. That's about 90 GB heavier than the hubby's, not that I'm comparing. 

Ipod classic...

I realize that with the iPhone and the Touch, the classic isn't really that exciting but I will find much enjoyment and use while we set up our newly renovated space. I see many a podcast in my future. Happy weekend before Christmas. xoxo

12.15.2008

all decorated

The trees are decorated.  All four of them.  Each one completed by four creative souls that dwell under this roof. 

done

We are making the most of our current situation with lots of small handmade moments and each day our surroundings look a little more festive.

rudolf the red nosed...

It's quite a simple existence this year.  Bringing home the realization of how little we can live with and yet still have that feeling of contentment.  I want need to be about contentment, for all of my todays and tomorrows.  For my sake; for their sake.  It brings a sense of calm and peace to our way of life.  

a tree topper of tiny proportions

There have been so many transitions over the past year. Leaving one house behind to create new memories in this home, the ducky house. Now that we are here, things continue to be unsettled in the physical realm. Bedrooms are being shared and renovated, spaces are tight and cramped at times, rooms are being worked into what makes our family comfortable. All that takes time and we find ourselves living out,
patience in action. contentment. 

christmas crafting

I can't think of a better reminder as we get closer to the big C day {{Christmas}}. 

Beyond the trees
the lights
the ribbons and bows. 
The wrappings
the trappings
and seasonal shows.
It's a time to reflect
on the ones very dear
whether far & away
or closer & near.

The real gifts of the season are knowing we have each other, that we are together.
living. laughing. loving.  And finding our way today, through this merry season.  

12.10.2008

finising what I've started

skirts for two

The sewing that didn't take place last week is in full throttle this week.  I'm stuck home with a head cold and sick boys so what better way to pass time than to embrace those unfinished projects.

peasant girls

I had this idea in my head for awhile, a layered, twirly skirt.  I made a version earlier in the year but that still ended up being quite different with free moving layers.   This time around I wanted something that had more fabric to it and more twirl, girls gotta twirl don't you know.  

twirling

The skirt is made up of 4 layers that gradually increase in size as you get to the bottom where there is a oh-so-girlie ruffle, finishing the edge.  It has your basic elastic waist.  The vest is based on Burda pattern 9630. I made mine reversible because the back side of this corduroy fabric was colorless and washed out looking. I didn't get around to putting a button or tie on the vest and may not as it seems to stay in place without it.

the vest of me

I can't really decide if the skirt is peasant like.  The whole outfit has that peruvian doll feel going on with it. Then again that could just be the bright colors playing with my brain.

dancing dolls

The girls were happy to model these little numbers for me providing I let them twirl and dance for pictures. With all the dancing and moving that they do, their dance recital that is scheduled in a week should go really well. 

12.02.2008

fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la

Deck the halls

Deck the Halls with soundproof insulation.....fa-la-la-la-la...la-la-la-la


deck the hall


Tis the season for renovation.....fa-la-la-la-la...la-la-la-la


mess, mess, mess


Dawn, we're up with lots of noise.....fa-la-la...la-la-la...la--la--la


man of the hour


Listening to mr. aldo's power toys....fa-la-la-la-la...la-la-la-la


power toys


In the spirit of Christmas decorating, that isn't taking place in this home right now.

12.01.2008

I think it's a toque

Introducing the Irish Hiking Hat that I would like to Canadian-ize as the Irish Hiking Toque (or tuque), eh?  Much better.    I don't have a link for you but you can get the pattern from ravelry if you have an account.   (hint: sign up for an account :)

wool toque

On the needles last week and now my head has a warm, wooly cover for the frigid prairie temperatures which have settled in on us. 


irish hiking toque

It was knit up in Patons Classic Wool Merino in a neutral shade to match a scarf and mitts that my sister gifted to me awhile back.  Kind of ironic that I am talking about gifts given, while I knit for myself.  Where are my priorities for the festive season.  Really, I should be concentrating on all those cast-on gifts that will be due in just over 3 weeks.  Eek...is it true? Christmas is only 3 weeks away!??!  Let the meltdown, I mean countdown begin.

11.30.2008

My two loves of early and late.

Every morning starts with this latte mug filled with coffee.  One of 4 now sitting in my cupboard.  I would have loved a couple more, I do love my hot beverages, but the shop I picked them up at only had the 4 in stock.  Other good morning starts involve sparing a few moments of calm with the sticks.  Knitting.  Always relaxing and oh so portable.

two loves

How was your weekend?  Ours was full: wedding, electrical wiring a room, extra kids over for play dates and then it all ended with a relaxing evening spent on the couch watching Bones with more knitting and more hot beverages.  Which brings us full circle.  Happy Monday, xoxo

11.25.2008

I get around

typewriter


I abandoned all effort at sewing last week.  You have to actually stay home to do that sort of thing.  We're on the run it seems and all paths lead away from the house.  The construction that was started recently is getting really loud.  The kind of loud that you can't simply close a door to soften.


children's museum


Hammers, saws and compressors can give you quite the headache in the early hours of the morning and I've learned that coffee is not always able to set the world in order, nor is staying home to see if the pounding headache will alleviate while the pounding goes on.


kinestetic pleasures


So it goes and so do we.  We are adventuring ourselves out the door each day making the most of our fab winter weather for a little time outdoors and even some inside, like our local children's museum. Where all things play is a social expectation.


art


Oh and if I run into you out and about I'll be that mumma with 4 kids, coffee and camera in tow, probably humming that tune...you know "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?  everywhere you go?".  It really is you know.


self


Now try and get that song out of your head, it's stuck in mine.

11.20.2008

still:: playing

For today I thought I would join in on the fun over at flickr


playing

A regular part of our day, the boys have played with this toy ever since it first appeared in our house many years ago.  They prefer the large size to the smaller more technical pieces:  "builds up quicker and bigger".


building

Have a fabulous day chocked full of still moments.  xoxo

11.19.2008

is it just me?

Or are you feeling tired this month too?  I don't know what is going on with my body right now, maybe it is the season change and cold weather that is lulling me into hibernation.  I feel tired earlier in the evening, I fall asleep while knitting, I'm yawning all the time and I have grown exceptionally dependent on coffee.  I should probably just go with it and just sleep more, always a good thing.  It's just not so great on those late night crafting adventures.

corduroy wip....

I really need to finish sewing this corduroy loveliness.  It's been waiting long enough!  When I purchased this fabric it was priced as clearance, in an already clearance section, that was about 10 years ago.

corduroy wip.

I almost gave it all away a few years ago before the girls arrived but wondered if I should
keep it 'in case'.  You know in case I had to make a little soft cuddly outfit or two for some girlie. Enter today, I have the girlie (or two) and I still have the fabric.

corduroy wip..

Now my only problem is energy, I just need to stay awake long enough...or make lots of coffee!  Have a lovely day.

11.17.2008

work of a different sort

{{ picture below is from our realtor's website, of the family room before we purchased the house.}}


a character-less wonder

Umm...

:: taking out the old, dark, brick fireplace facing: great idea.


thank god for big muscles


:: seeing dust go throughout the house at demolition time: not so great.

:: doing a major basement renovation 5 weeks before Christmas: crazy


bye bye ugly dark brown brick


:: hiring Aldo, the trusty home reno guy, to do the work: priceless

11.13.2008

scenes from the day and into the night

How was your day? 

reminds me of christmas

ours involved a bit of organizing, which was happily interrupted for some winter fun. 

busy


snow man making is the best when the snow is just right. 


exhausted


sticky and wet.

so many feet


loads of fun for mumma and kids.

frosty

Lately the hubby and I have been taking evening walks after the kidlets head to bed.  We used to do this a fair amount before the girls arrived, when the boys were small.  It's an ideal time for us knowing that the children are safe and (almost all) snuggled in their beds while grandma keeps watch.  I love that we are rekindling familiar ways that allow us time for each other, time to connect.  

More than that I love that how the walk allows me to release the events of the day, both good and bad. 
At home it can be hard to finish a thought let alone a complete sentence, especially when 4 little people, so full of life and excitement, have so much to share.  

I am looking forward to sneaking out tonight for our evening stroll.  I'll be bundled warm while the brisk air wakens my mind, loosens my tongue and I revel in the safety of being with my best friend. 

11.11.2008

wip the Juan scarf

I cracked open my Mirasol collection book to work on this scarf pattern.

hacho yellow browns..

I'm fairly certain this yarn, with shades of brown, green, yellow & muted orange, will go lovely with my brown winter jacket.  I have enough to complete a scarf, hat and perhaps even some fingerless gloves.  The only problem is I'm not enjoying the stitch in this pattern so the knitting is going excruciatingly slow.  The stitches are primarily a switch between knit and purl at different intervals over 12 rows.  

hacho the "juan scarf"

I can't quite figure out what it is about this pattern because it works up in a nice diagonal.   Perhaps it's just a case of stitch boredom?  I hate to put it that way as I'm still a long way off from the end.  I need some fresh love for "Juan" so that I can get this scarf done before winter ends.

Today is Remembrance Day here so the hubby is off work and we are heading to a family gathering to celebrate a few fall birthdays.  I'll take Juan with me and see if I can knock a few more rows off this evening.  Have a lovely day.  xoxo

11.06.2008

f-all gone

The last of my fall photos to keep us warm as we settle into a new season of cold and, I can hardly say it, snow.  Oh how I am going to miss the warm days and being outside without layers of clothing to keep me warm.  Thank you mr. fall for staying so long and giving us so many wonderful colorful days, please do come again. 

fall days


I can't think of a better way to welcome in a season change than to have a party.  Coincidentally, we are hosting a few be-lated birthday celebrations tonight with a dinner & cake for my patient children; Miss A & Miss J who turned 4 in September and the J-man who is now 11.  


fall leaves


I'll be baking cakes and cooking all day so I should hardly notice the blanket of snow that is predicted to fall from the heavens today.  Until I have to shovel a path on our driveway for our guests tonight.  Hmm, maybe I can delegate mr. duckyhouse to do that?  Smart plan, very smart.  He shouldn't mind, I've been cracking the whip all week.  I'm
glad his skin is thick because he still loves me after I'm bossy with him.

doggie, I love

Here's another guy who loves me: my pooch, he needs a hair cut big time but beyond that I love my cute and furry, faithful friend.  

Stay safe and warm.   Happy weekend.  xoxo

11.03.2008

story time

November is here but before we get to far ahead of ourselves let me tell you a story about the last day of October. I went outside to enjoy the beautiful weather just before Halloween started and I stumbled upon this sight in my tree

owl

Not as timid as I thought, this owl didn't scare while I snapped a quick picture. I didn't want to push the big guy too far though after I saw the size of his talons...

owl talons

I slowly backed away when I spotted this very large, short necked Canadian Goose:

goose

When he realized that I was approaching he quickly headed for a safe spot away from me, in water.

goose..

I sure hope he migrates soon, I hear snow is coming.  I certainly love all the nature in my back yard! On my way back to the house I must have slipped and hit my head because when I awoke it was like being in a story book. There were princesses everywhere. I admit I felt slightly intimidated by their presence but they did agree to stop for a picture as long as it didn't take too long.  So gracious.

princesses

As soon as I snapped the picture one of them took off like she was playing a part in the movie Runaway Bride, quick on her feet is she.

runaway beauty

As for princess blue, she took a more thoughtful stance admiring the leaves.

princess

Yes indeed there certainly was a motley crew of individuals in my backyard that magical
evening. I'm glad I have the pictures to prove it because it still feels like one crazy
dream.

motley crew

~~ The End ~~

Blog Archive