12.18.2008
santa you can drive on by
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 with soundproof insulation.....fa-la-la-la-la...la-la-la-la
Tis the season for renovation.....fa-la-la-la-la...la-la-la-la
Dawn, we're up with lots of noise.....fa-la-la...la-la-la...la--la--la
Listening to mr. aldo's power toys....fa-la-la-la-la...la-la-la-la
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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".
Have a fabulous day chocked full of still moments. xoxo
11.19.2008
is it just me?
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.
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.
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.}}
Umm...
:: taking out the old, dark, brick fireplace facing: great idea.
:: seeing dust go throughout the house at demolition time: not so great.
:: doing a major basement renovation 5 weeks before Christmas: crazy
:: 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?
ours involved a bit of organizing, which was happily interrupted for some winter fun.
snow man making is the best when the snow is just right.
sticky and wet.
loads of fun for mumma and kids.
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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...
I slowly backed away when I spotted this very large, short necked Canadian Goose:
When he realized that I was approaching he quickly headed for a safe spot away from me, in water.
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.
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.
As for princess blue, she took a more thoughtful stance admiring the leaves.
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.