Photo Surprises

I take a lot of pictures. My friends take a lot of pictures (yes that's you Karen !!!). The kids think everyone has their photo taken throughout their day everyday. They are surprised when the camera isn't there to capture whatever "neat" thing that has caught their eye. They also enjoy photographing their daily special events; often without me knowing. These pictures are a wonderful surprises for me. These are the latest from little girl.

A Quilt of Belonging

A few weeks ago we went with some friends to view a truly spectacular quilt; The Quilt of Belonging. I shared with many of you how awed I was by the work that went into this piece of art. It was created to demonstrate the unique diverse makeup of Canada. Quilt blocks were created by Canadians with connections to each nation of the world and the 70 First Nations groups that reside within Canadian Borders. The Quilt was put together and is touring. We were fortunate enough to a nearby town. The Quilt blocks were as diverse as the nations they represent. The materials used were fur, animal skin, butterfly wings, buttons, bone, ribbon, hand made silks, hand dyed, batiked, woven, metal, every color imaginable.

Even a few weeks later the kids have been creating quilts. This picture is one Ben made out of playdough.

Not so fast

Shai is almost 6weeks, at which time he won't be a newborn anymore. How did that happen? Despite my drinking in every moment possible its gone far to fast. He is such a content baby, smiling at all the crazy faces gathered around him. Maybe the next baby stage won't go so fast?

Our first Baby

A lifetime ago; living in New Brunswick, newly weds, long hair, bushy beard (haha yes that was Chris) driving Ruby(our vw van) and living in a very small slanted part of a victorian house, it was then that Marly became a part of our life. We were at the local farmer's market when we spotted an huge box with a litter of 12 pups bouncing around inside. We awed over them and kept going for our regular samosas and fresh orange juice. When we returned there were two puppies left with a very sad looking little boy. As we stood holding them the boy commented that his dad said if any came home they would end up in the bottom of the pond!!! Probably a ploy but we totally fell for it! Marly at 8 weeks old came home with us, to join into our crazy life. She came to university with us, the pub, to parties, across country numerous times. She was woven into all parts of our lives, present at all major events. When Elias was born we were very aware of Marly's feelings, living in a coop the dog walking and showering attention was gifted on us by a house mate. Marly transitioned wonderfully.

Then Ben was born. Two children under two, Chris with a new job meant that Marly was put on the back burner. Her walks, pets and attention in general was minimal. She began chewing the door frames, scratching the wood floors, and digging huge holes. I guess you could say she didn't transition so well.

Then Aria was born. We now had three children 4 and under. Life was wonderfully busy with a twist of crazy. Marly no got even less time romping through the fields, visiting the pond and fewer treats. We put her in a kennel to stop her from chewing the house, jumping through the screen windows and scratching at the doors, she bent and twisted the metal. I guess you could say she didn't transition so well.

Shai arrived 7weeks ago. We now have four children 8 and under, and life is still wonderful with a twist of crazy; the way we love it. Marly often doens't join us on adventures or walks, but there are now other hands to stroke and care for her. There has been no scratching, chewing, window jumping, metal bending this time. Even though she doesn't get the same kind of attention she once did, she is loved. She is our family, life is better for all of us with her. The big lug!

The love of winter

When Chris and I lived in New Brunswick we loved the winters. The abundance of snow, the crisp air and it lasting the entire winter season. We spent lots of time walking the dog through the woods, building our own snowmen, crosscountry skiing, and freezing in our VW van which had no heat. Our kids feel the same way about snow and winter now. By 8 am they have fed themselves breakfast, dressed in their outdoor gear and are rolling around in the snow (whether its 2 cms or 12 inches). They often talk about how great it would be to live near the tree line those crazy kids.

A Question of Money

(the paint your own tea set Aria bought)

We recently went to a toy store, the kids with wallets in hand. Both Ben and Aria have saved their birthday money which was in the early fall, Elias with a small amount left from his which was just a few weeks ago. As with everything else, they each have very different approaches to money. This is the first year they have all recieved money as a gift and they are all at the age of understanding what they could do with it.

It has been interesting to see the kids handling money, their views toward it and how they think it is best to spend it. Aria is quite indifferent, she is not that attached to things and therefore doesn't have a strong desire to spend it. She often feels as though she 'should' spend it because thats what people do.
Ben saves his money for a long time, it weighs the pros and cons of a purchase, usually opting to pass on the item. He is generous with his money, often buying his siblings toys they yearn for or offering to lend them some. Elias never has money for long. Before he even has it in his hand he has thought of a dozen ways to spend it. He finds it very difficult to leave a store money still in hand, he would almost rather spend it on anything.

We have been having lots of discussions on saving money, bank accounts, interest and loans. This has increased even more since the kids decided to take on a paper route. They have gone through a job interview, enjoyed the reward of a paycheck, wanted to call in sick, thought about quiting and realized how little they get paid compared to the amount of work they do. Above all I am amazed at the determination they have had throughout the entire process. Their level of committment far exceeds mine on this issue, they have shown a great sense of responsibility and understanding. They amaze me.

Beaming Mother Photos

Shai turned 5 weeks yesterday. I am so enjoying having a baby; this baby. He is sooo beautiful in every way. Can't you just smell the sweet scent, those milky lips and soft skin?

Fruit kebobs and kind words

After Aria left for her preschool the boys and I went to a friends house for a Valentines Day party. The morning was filled with cupcake decoarted, playing, some very impressive snacks (melon in the shape of hearts put on skewers, goldfish crackers in blue creamcheese to be fished out with pretzels....our host is a very talented closet Martha Stewart we were impressed Amanda!) and valentines exchange. This exchange was a little different. Each person wrote something they liked about their friends. It was nice to hear what everyone wrote. Who couldn't use more kind words?

Happy Valentines Day

Yesterday the kids worked on making valentines cards to give to their friends at a party they are heading to this morning. I went to pick Shai up out of the bouncy chair this morning and noticed this heart covered card. Ben made this card for his baby brother, with a beautiful picture of himself rocking Shai and hearts floating around them, with the words "i luv u shi". I am not a huge fan of Valentines day....but this has me changing my mind!

Skating Lessons

All three kids are taking skating lessons with our local homeschool group. Aria has quickly taken to being able to stand with ease on her skates, which has been especially surprising seeing as last year she only went out on them once. Elias and Ben have been enjoying road hockey with their friends this year and have recently become interested in watching the game, it has been a natural extention for them to practice some drills in their class. The program is run completely by volunteers from the group, as are most of the programs we do. Those teaching the lessons are their friends, adults they feel comfortable with but more than that, they enjoy their company, enthusiastically share parts of their life with and look forward to being together. I am thankful for these wonderful volunteers/friends that the program runs....but more that I am able to sit in the warm room nursing and watching!

Wilderness at the mall

We are not a mall family. My kids went twice throughout the entire year in 2006. Neither Chris or I enjoy the crowds or the hustle and bustle- it always comes down to us niot needing something so badly we need to go!
We are a birding family though, birds of prey being a real favorite. While out and about we decided we would brave the mall and have alook at the birds of prey on display and the reptiles. The was a wide selection of snakes, many of whom we learnt are native to this area which left us looking forward to looking for more snakes on our hikes in the spring. The birds were ones we are very familiar with. It was humourous to listen to people ask the handler questions and my kids pipe up with the answers. They have really embraced the information on their own; all of them and feel comfortable sharing it. So this trip to the mall wasn't so bad.

A PJ Party

We have great friends in Toronto that we get together with every other month or so. This month was their sons birthday. We met up for bowling, in pj's of course and then back to their house for food and festivities. The boys really enjoyed playing game, especially with the smaller lighter balls and Aria was drawn into the lights to dance and twirl. It's a long trip, but one we love making.

A Year

It was just over a year ago I started writing this blog. Prior to starting it I had no idea how they worked, how many were actually out there (there really is a blog world out there!) and how satisfying writing it would be. A good friend shared her beautiful blog with which inspired me so much I wanted to start one. While everyone's reason for writing one is as unique as they are, I didn't start with a clear goal. I knew that I wanted ease, which for me meant writing freely; whatever came out in the first draft was posted, no rounds of editing and that included grammer and spelling (I am sure that is of no surprise to you!). I now know I want a place to celebrate our life and the path we have chosen, to be able to reflect on the growth our family makes and to have a place of remembrance and inspiration for us on the days that hold more challenges. I have no intention of entertaining readers, although it gives me such joy to share it with my family and friends. It has been more difficult to write (literally as I often only have one hand free) and I find myself looking forward to times I am able to record more. As I look over the year and re-read my entries I am awed at how blessed I am, how great my kids are, how I love the path we continuously choose.

family time

January and February are busy birthday months for both sides of our family. We have enjoyed gathering to mark these special days. This past weekend we enjoyed a very nice meal at a fancy restaurant with my parents and sisters family. It amazes me how the kids rise to the occassion and blend wonderful while fine dining! We had a wonderful time, great food and great company.

Time together

I have talked of Elias' love for the outdoors, his ability to amuse himself outside for literally hours at a time regardless of temperature. Aria is completely the opposite. The temperature and mood need to be aligned just so for her to be excited about outdoor time. While she will join her siblings and friends to romp in the snow...but for a limited time. This morning Chris and the boys decided to go skating at a nearby outdoor rink. Aria, Shai and I opted for an indoor activity and there happened to be a program for preschoolers at the library. We had a great time.
There were different stations including playdough cake making complete with flour, cutters, candles, stove and baking tools, a postoffice section with stamps, envelopes and mailboxes and a grain mixing station. We enjoyed each others time and being warm!

-messy play age group