Two Mittens

On Mommy Guilt

2012-02-02T10:05:00.002-07:00

There seems to be a common theme among my friends lately (my real friends in real life, some of whom blog and some do not) and that is huge guilt over their inadequacies as mothers. Mommy guilt. I don't think you could find a mother who didn't experience it in some form.
No matter what she is doing or juggling or how much success there is always a feeling of not doing enough or not being good enough or that somehow our children are suffering or are being wounded with deep life long scars because of us.
My own list of inadequacies and shortcomings goes up and around the block and then trails off into the woods somewhere...

My point is that I know these women.
Not every intimate detail of their lives, but I know their character. I know how they sacrifice and give up their time and energy and work for their children and families. They make meals from scratch, they study and ponder how best to feed them, they home school, they take children to endless appts and doctors. They fight for their rights and fight for their children to be treated with decency. The have husbands who work long hours or away from home. Most of them have part time jobs or health conditions to juggle. They do fancy birthday parties!!

And yet they (we - the collective or royal 'We') all feel like it's not enough. It's kind of like we're all in some wild reality show where we're given crazy challenges but we can't stop beating ourselves up for not completing each one without stumbling or getting our feet caught along the way.

Sometimes when I need to give myself a pep-talk I try to see myself as I would see my child. I don't expect them to be perfect (well, maybe once in a while I hope they will be) and it hurts me to hear them beating them selves up for their mistakes or shortcomings. How could they possibly
get it all right? What would be the point if they did?

And so I would say to them (and to me and to you) I know you're trying really hard. And even if it's not your best effort every single minute of every day, I know you want what's best for your kids and your family. And it takes everything you have. And it's not easy or fun to juggle all the things you are responsible for. And when you have a difficult day or week just take a deep breath and keep going. And the next day will be better. Or the next after that.

Give yourself a break. And look for those moments when you can see the progress you're making. They do exist and you are making progress.
What you're doing is extraordinary. No one else can do for your children and family what you do. Even if they don't appreciate or know it yet. You are extraordinary!
And think of the funny stories our kids will have to tell when they grow up!

(We are the only ones who feel bad if they eat fast food, or get notes from their teacher - the kids are FINE. And they forget stuff ALL THE TIME. Why aren't we allowed to forget things sometimes??)

I have a new found appreciation for pain these days. Pain is an indicator. It gets our attention and makes us look at something we may have otherwise ignored. Even as a parent pain sometimes points me in a direction I need to focus on. However self induced pain and suffering just makes more misery. End the suffering!!

And if you haven't read these already you might find some inspiration/a good laugh here:
End the Suffering
Chronos vs Kairos
Momestery

Much love to you my friends!

Grateful 30/01/12 - The Arts Edition

2012-01-30T16:00:00.002-07:00

So I was asked to be a presenter at The Arts day at my boys' school last week. It was a brand new event that I'm sure they hope to continue and I was thrilled to see them put it all together.
I've identified myself as 'an artist' since I was about 4 or 5 years old and has been a constant love throughout my life.
So imagine my disappointment through my own school years when art was just a kind of throw away subject.
I even took Industrial Arts in Jr. High so I could 'make stuff' rather than the girl-typical Home Ec classes (explains a lot now, doesn't it).
However, while I enjoyed painting ceramics and printmaking and a few other subjects, what I really got was to spend time with some jacking-around teen age boys who couldn't pay attention and a teacher who was painfully shy and not very communicative (although he was probably well intentioned, the boys were a lot to manage in a shop full of power tools).
All around, less than inspiring.

(I then went to 'art school' for college which was a thrill for me although in my own mind I saw it as a bit of an indulgence since 'artists' never make any money...but that's perhaps another topic...I digress)

Now back to the present...when a lovely friend of mine asked if I'd be interested in presenting a class on Photography for the kids at school my mind became a swirl of fear and excitement.
The more I thought about it, the more excited I became. Especially with focus more on the creative process. It was so much fun just thinking about what I could talk about with a group of fresh young minds!
It become a process of paring down the information to a reasonable amount for 3-6 graders so I didn't totally overwhelm then with all my excitement about photography.
When the day came I taught 4 sessions (which is good practice at getting over nerves) and I explained a few simple concepts and showed examples from my own work and then let them loose with cameras. Which was pretty awesome/hilarious to watch!

1. I am grateful for the enthusiasm of the teachers and parents at the school who made it a priority to have different artists come in and show a diversity of creative arts to the kids. (although the ultimate goal would be to have a yearlong program or multiple programs - but one step at a time)

2. I love photography. It was fun to really ponder and reflect on what makes me happy about this medium and how I got to where I am today. And looking back at photos of my kids - fun for me.

3. I am ever grateful to my mom who came into town to spend the day with my daughter so that I could spend the day doing something that was important to me. And rather than feeling left out The Babe got to spend a special day crafting and playing and being the center of attention. It doesn't get much better than that. Thanks Mom!

Grateful 22/01/12

2012-01-22T20:17:00.002-07:00

1. Family night - on Friday we all went to a hockey game compliments of Mr. Mittens work. While we do spend quite a bit of time together (too much??) it was nice to go out for the evening and spend time with new friends (grown ups and kids) too.
It was great fun to watch all the kids watching the game. It may have been one (or two) periods too long for some 4yr olds, but it was a lot more fun than my usual night out of getting groceries.

2. I am having a great hair day. I almost hate to sleep on it.
I try not to use too many heat products during the week when I'm not going anywhere and before Christmas I tried a new hair color 'experiment' that didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I really should have known better but sometimes I just can't help myself. Anywhooo...today it all worked out nicely for a change. Yay me.

3. I'm working on a project for Wednesday. It's not a secret or anything, I'm doing a presentation at the kids school for their Arts Day. I plan to go into more detail in an upcoming post. On Sat I had a few hours to get several things accomplished, which depended greatly on the efficiency of others. I was nervous. However, it all got done. Everything really fell into place. It was awesome and I'm really excited about it. I will definitely be getting back to you on the that one!

Happy weekend everybody!

Happy 2012

2012-01-18T16:40:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year! Ok, so January is half over, but that's still new-ish, right?

My formal 'resolution' this year is to buy a really nice fitting pair of jeans. Something that says, 'hey, I may have a flat butt, but don't your eyes just love these dazzling pockets, and wow I think I might look a little taller in these' jeans. If you know where I can find them, DO TELL!

But I was also thinking that it might be a good time to try something new here. I use to really love posting. I used to love sharing little stories or my opinion or whatever was on my mind. I still love posting photos, but I haven't felt like sharing much else. I just haven't been in the mood frankly!

So in an attempt to improve my mood I think I might start posting things I'm thankful for. Not exclusively, but a little gratitude goes a long way...right?! It's quick and simple and if you feel like joining in (here or on your own blog) please do!
(you know, like if you're not too tired when you're done pinning!!)

Even though a blog is really just ME, ME, ME, I really enjoy your thoughts and opinions too!

So for today I am thankful for (I think 3 things is a good number to shoot for)

1. HEAT - The kids are home today because it's too damn cold out. Heaters are cranked full blast. Oh I just saw a deer outside. Poor guy. I wish I could give him some ear/leg warmers. I'd love to see that!

2. $2 watercolor paints I got at the grocery store - I was smart and bought 3 sets so there wouldn't be any fighting. The tiny Picasso's are painting up a storm. And it mostly washes out of everything. Sheer brilliance on my part. Did you notice #1. up there where the kids are home from school today??

3. This Muffin in a Minute recipe - I add a handful of frozen blueberries, a minute and a half in the micro and yum yum yum! I have been eating gluten free for the past several weeks (and yes, I do feel better - less bloaty) so this little muffin really hits the spot.

And voila - I'm less moody already!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-20T13:38:00.005-07:00

So it's starting to look like I might not get any cards printed this year. It's just the way it has worked (or not worked) out. And instead of getting flustered and annoyed I am close to just letting it go........one less thing I have to sit at the computer to do. So if you get an ecard from me this year (instead of a paper one), try not to judge!
I am also sending you peace and quiet acceptance and presence (so different from presents ;)
And in return you may feel free to send me organization skills and anti-procrastination juju. Send it on over!

Much love...Mrs. Mittens

Edgar Family

2011-12-15T13:35:00.003-07:00

More to see at So Smitten

Gum Lovers

2011-12-08T14:19:00.004-07:00

My kids love gum. Me not so much - gum trouble.
However, they love it so much and Mr. Mittens has taken to bringing it home for them often as a special treat. It's generally the first thing they ask for when he walks in the door.
Now Mr. Mittens is good for gum (mostly the sugar free minty variety) but he has a secret weapon.
The Gum Lady at work. All varieties of fancy special fruity yummy gum from exotic lands (like Mexico!) Apple Pie flavor! Fruity gum shaped like stars! Squirty gum! The kids are in heaven.
So thank you Sam, wonderful Gum Lady. My kids adore you and they haven't even met you :)

p.s. As I write this I have just discovered a chewed piece of gum stuck to my chair and my butt. No joke. And this folks is why mom's don't like gum.

Sister

2011-12-01T16:07:00.003-07:00

Amazing shoot. Amazing sister!

SoSmitten!

Higa Family Fun

2011-12-01T16:03:00.003-07:00

More fun over at SoSmitten!

Lilly the Ladybug

2011-10-31T13:19:00.002-06:00

When is a costume not just a costume? When you name her Lilly and she gets to sleep in your bed with you and have tea parties. It's awesome being 4.

All Hallows Weekend

2011-10-31T12:15:00.004-06:00

We had a fun busy weekend including a Halloween party with great friends (and stayed out way, way too late), Harry Potter movies and popcorn, making paper monsters with ShiShi, jack o' lanterns with daddy (they each selected a face) and generally eating treats and hanging out. I feel like we just eat more and more treats earlier and earlier each year (instead of less)...but that's a topic for another conversation!

The kids picked what they wanted to be this year and I decided we weren't going crazy buying expensive costumes. We have a lot of dress up options already around the house and I love the simple, yet effective approach! I also love how the boys decided to be skeleton twins. They make me laugh.

We've really had a great time reading books and decorating all month long. And I'm about done. Just a little trick or treating and then the Candy Man and it's a wrap. whew!
Happy Spooky Tricky Treaty Halloween!

Halloweenie

2011-10-26T10:48:00.003-06:00

There's just something about Halloween that makes me feel good. I don't like horror films or being scared and I don't even care that much about the treats. Something about the darkness and the moodiness makes me happy. And dressing up. Maybe it's just a contrast to the lightness and sunshine. Maybe I'm a closet goth. Ha. Anyway, it's always a good reason to have a little photo shoot. With my darling Drama Queen.

And a few more...SoSmitten!

True Beauty?

2011-10-13T14:16:00.006-06:00

This has been on my mind for a while. As someone who edits a lot of photos I spend a good amount of time looking at faces. And to be honest, altering them. I don't think in a bad way. And I generally really love the faces I spend time with. Even the faces I don't know very well, as they become familiar to me over time.

But I have to be honest here. I can't resist smoothing out a wrinkle here and there, or evening out some unflattering shadows. I try not to really alter the character and integrity of the face, but don't we all want to look like we're well rested and having a really great day???
As I get older, I am also a lot more aware of the images I see in the media. I have more and more appreciation/admiration/envy for those women especially, my age and older with tight skin and firm jawlines.
If I had the resources to apply those million dollar potions and elixers of youth or a fancy dermatologist, I'd be right on it! Of course there are a lot of factors that go into it and I'm not suggesting plastic surgery or anything, but a good night's sleep and eating vegetables will only do so much. Know what I'm sayin'???

Turns out I do have a magic weapon in my possession - PHOTOSHOP! And I'm not afraid to use it. ha!
The other day I posted a photo on FB and I felt a little guilty. Like I should include a disclaimer of sorts. Along the lines of...if you see me at the grocery store and I look more wrinkled and my roots are growing out and I have a zit on my chin, please don't gasp in horror!
On the other hand, if we are judging ourselves based on images we see all around us, shouldn't we have some of the same advantages?

To be fair, none of those folks in magazines or movies look glamorous all the time either. Some of them are still beautiful without the 'make-over', but then aren't we all?
My point is, I guess, that there is a certain reality we all face (pun intended) and there is another reality that is also a matter of lighting and make-up and yes, even Photo Shop. We've all seen those 'shocking' photos of stars without make-up. Just normal faces.
And don't we deserve to feel beautiful and wonderful and glamorous if we want to? Without feeling guilty. ahem...

I've been checking out the work of this amazing Australian photographer, Sue Bryce. Check out the before and after. See what I mean!

I love the idea of transformation. I love the notion of making people look great. Especially women. I think the transformation is powerful. In my images I try to find a 'natural' looking balance. But it would be fun to play around with more 'glamorized' images.

So tell me what you think. Too much? Not real? We all have the potential for glamor? Does it mean anything to you? Would you feel great or fake? Is natural always better? More honest? How much is too much? Or would you go for it?

Indian Summer 2011

2011-10-11T21:08:00.007-06:00

These trees and fields are so beautiful every time I pass by them this fall, I couldn't resist a few pics. And yes it took some bribery. And some gum. But so worth it!

Sweet Georgia

2011-10-05T08:43:00.003-06:00

Check out more Sweet Georgia at SoSmitten

Mansilla Family

2011-10-01T17:21:00.002-06:00

I know I've been a terrible blogger lately. Here are some fun new photos! And I have about a million more family photos from the summer just waiting for me to edit them...ahem...
In the meantime, let's be friends again and check these out!

SoSmitten

Duncan Family

2011-07-20T22:40:00.003-06:00

Sweet family. Oh how I love the colors of summer!

SoSmitten

Sneak Peek Sister

2011-07-20T10:53:00.002-06:00

Amazing shoot!

Canada Day

2011-07-12T21:52:00.004-06:00

We had a great day of celebrating in our neighborhood! We started by decorating bikes and then a big parade with all the kids riding around with the fire engine bringing up the rear. Bouncy castles, balloons, face painting, dancing, food, and a new skate park were all part of the celebrations.
The kids were most excited about the balloon man. They kept going back when their animals would pop in the grass.
My favorite part was the native dancing. The invited everyone to join in at the end for a group dance. It was so fun (with ShiShi and The Babe).

Later that night we all headed back to the park for fireworks. I have to say that I've never been closer to fireworks before! It's pretty exciting. And loud!
It was nice to have so many festivities right in our community. A great celebration. Happy Birthday Canada!

Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch...

2011-07-12T12:51:00.004-06:00

Animals and mud. A great time was had by all!
I think cows are funny.
The Bug is a horse whisperer. He has a kinship with animals and bugs. Ha.
It was a special place to spend some time.

A Girl and Her Horse

2011-07-11T12:38:00.004-06:00

When you have a beautiful girl with a fantastic dress AND a horse you have to take pictures...YES! I think it's a rule actually. Although we couldn't fit it all in on the day of her grad, so we planned it for a few weeks later. I'm so glad we did.
(the kids had a great time too, even in wind and the mud...or maybe because of? anywhoo, I got some great pics of them too, for another post ;)

Go take a peek at more/bw at SoSmitten!

Kimberly Graduation

2011-06-19T21:23:00.002-06:00

Congratulations Kimmy! we love you
sosmitten

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T13:08:00.002-06:00

As I've mentioned before last year wasn't the easiest for my family. My mom went into the hospital (with an undetermined illness) a couple of weeks before my Dad went in to have thyroid cancer surgery. He spent most of the year in the hospital either for his own issues, or trying to take care of my mom.
He has been a fine example of courage and determination. Even when things seemed to be at their worst, my Dad never gave up. It was not easy. My Dad can do hard things.

Thanks Dad, for your faith and perseverance. Thanks for doing all you could do. Thanks for being an example of love for all of us.

And to my husband, thanks for loving our kids so fiercely.

Happy Father's Day!

More On Mothers

2011-06-08T15:44:00.001-06:00

This post/poem over at Soule Mama is so beautiful I had to pass it along...

Look Who's 4!

2011-06-02T20:48:00.005-06:00

The day before her birthday we were at Kimmy's grad and Nana had a birthday cake surprise. YUM. And fun with cousins and family.

Then the next day was a quiet celebration with us and Auntie Shi Shi. Babe requested cheesy noodles (KD) for dinner and we had banana bread cake/muffins with nutella and strawberries on top. As usual, she really preferred her ice cream, but who can complain?

Happy Birthday Babe!

Bending It (Sort Of Like Beckham)

2011-05-31T21:24:00.002-06:00

Ok, we call it soccer (not football).
And we play it in the park. With a gazillion other kids from our neighborhood. And everyone comes out and tons of kids play and you see your friends from school and lots of moms and dads and you play at the playground and have a snack after (fruit) and if the sun is shining (when it's not pouring rain for a week) and you're running and laughing and having a good time it doesn't even matter that you barely know what you're doing!
You just think this is a pretty great way to spend an evening.

And Another First Tooth

2011-05-31T21:07:00.005-06:00

Different boy. Same tooth. If that makes any sense. And the weird thing is, IT WASN'T EVEN LOOSE.
Apparently The Bug was just playing around with a piece of string (from his pants, because ya know, he's a boy) and he yanked his tooth right out. Not a wiggle.
And yes, there was some bleeding. The kind that mixes a little bit of fear and pain with pride and a feeling of accomplishment.
And then he had to consult his anatomy book just to confirm that he had in fact lost a tooth. He likes to have the facts. My wee scientist.

And then on to the tooth fairy.
Who did such a great job with the first first tooth.
The Bug wrote out a note to the tooth fairy asking her to leave his fine specimen for further analysis and left him $10. Which would be plenty, by most standards. You just never know what that fairy has in her little fairy purse.
But honestly he was just happy to have his tooth and any kind of monetary gain was just icing on his tiny little tooth!

Update: his new tooth is already growing in, so it must have been ready to fall out. How will the others come out?

For Kimmy

2011-05-28T11:45:00.004-06:00

When I saw a photo of Kim's dress at Christmas I knew it was going to be stunning. The yellow is such a gorgeous color and suits her perfectly. My first impression was very 'Gone with the Wind'. But then it hit me. Perfectly Belle!
More of these on the way, as well as a certain 4 yr olds birthday. ;)

Motherhood Series - Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T15:00:00.004-06:00

Happy Mother's Day!

I hate to call this a wrap-up or a finale. I don't really think it's finished. I'm not exactly sure how it will continue, maybe next year? A monthly feature?
And again, please don't be offended if I didn't invite you directly to participate. I know there are still many, hard-working magnificent mothers out there! Actually I'm making a list in my head already...

I know there's a lot to read in this series. It's feast or famine over here!
Personally I tend flit around when I read blogs, not being able to stay in one place too long (did I just see a tutorial for making kids toys out of dryer lint?!!).
I invite you to return to these pages whenever you have the time. I've actually labeled them so you can find them again!

I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all of you who participated! You are brave and sincere and inspiring! It has been a joy to me to read your thoughts and learn from you, every one. It has been a joy to have you in my own thoughts and in my head this week. The time I spent thinking about you has been uplifting. I feel connected to you.

I know we may differ in our religious beliefs, but I wanted to include these final words. They are powerful. Fitting.

May I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days and your nights may be the most challenging. Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.”

Jeffrey R. Holland

Motherhood Series - Jayci

2011-05-08T00:09:00.002-06:00

Jayci is my youngest sister (Auntie Shi Shi). And my best friend and biggest support. She is the closest family, physically and emotionally to me and my kids. We adore her.
Jayci and I have long wished that we'd have kids at the same time so that we all could enjoy these experiences together. And she has been here with us, helping and playing and caring and loving since the first day my twins were born.
My biggest wish for her is that she gets all the desires of her heart, and that I can be there to help and play and care for and love her all along the way. Whatever the future holds.

And she has dibs on one of the twins to look after her when she gets old!

Love you sister!

1. Tell us about yourself!

I am a single, childless almost 33 year old. It's tough to admit that sometimes so I mostly try not to think about what I can't change and look forward to when I will be a mom. In the mean time I am a proud aunt to 3 nephews and 1 very energetic niece.

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids? (ie. Did you think you'd have a whole houseful of kids? Did you see yourself as a mother at all? Did you wonder if it would ever happen?)

I'm still in the "wonder if it will ever happen" phase of life. I definitely want to have children.

3. What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood? (different than you expected? or wish someone had told you?)

I have always wanted to have a big family. For some reason I like the idea of having five kids, though I may never make it to that many. I've always been really good with babies and little kids and I feel that my life experiences so far would be useful in helping me to relate to my own teenagers.

I can definitely say that the biggest surprise for me relating to motherhood is that I'm not already a mom. I had expected to be almost done having kids by the time I hit this age. Had I known I may have done some things differently.

4. Biggest joy?

Falling back to my "favourite aunt" status I am so lucky to be a part of my niece and nephews' lives and to watch them grow up. My favourite thing is watching them discover things for the first time and learn new things. The biggest joy is when they are excited to see me and want to sit with me over anyone else. They make me feel so loved and I am completely smitten by them.

5. Best wish for your children?

To love and be loved and to know that no matter what life throws at them they will get through it. To know their own worth. To find what they are passionate about and go after it. Finally, I wish for them to have parents that they can always turn to and to whom they want to remain close.

6. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?

I barely have time for myself now and I anticipate this will be an even bigger problem when I have kids. I try to learn from the examples of all the wonderful moms that I know and am mentally making plans for how I will find time to do things that will heal my spirit. I am learning now what those things are.

7. What do you wish you had more of? Less of?

More: self-confidence, nerve, dinners made by someone else, dresses that actually go to my knees, hugs, time to work on film school, laughter

Less: meetings, babysitting adults, making all of the decisions myself, worrying about everything

8. What do you hope your kids learn from you?

I hope my kids learn to be kind to others because people are more important than things. I hope they are creative, love to read, and appreciate simplicity in life as well as healthy living.

9. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?

I've learned that you make time for things that are important to you. Also, that there are very few legitimate reasons to yell at your children. Family is important and you can enjoy spending time with them.

My mom once told me, "Just because you are in a bad mood, does not give you the right to make others feel like crap." That has stuck with me for years and I try to live by that.

Love you Mom!

Motherhood Series - Jocelyn

2011-05-08T00:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, this is my mom. Cool heh?
To be honest, this past year has been incredibly difficult and mostly miserable for my mom. She spent almost the ENTIRE YEAR in the hospital with largely undiagnosed health issues while she suffered with a critical illness. Today she is home with my Dad (who had his own cancer crisis), and recovery her health slowly but surely.
It has been a long painful year for my whole family and a big reason why I haven't been here much. I may go into a bit more detail at a later date, if for no other reason than to sort it all out for myself. My mom and I have always been close and it has been heartbreaking to see her suffer.

And so it is with much gratitude and prayer and hope and finally relief that she is here today. It is a joy-full Mother's Day!

Mom I love you! I am thankful for the woman you are and the mother you have always been.

MUCH LOVE from all of us!

1. Tell us about yourself!

I had my children fairly young - age 20 when the first was born and 28 when the last was born. When my children were small I was a stay at home mom and for most of the time they were growing up. At age 60 I am now a grandmother, and my husband and I are "empty nesters". This doesn't change the fact that I am still a mother and that relationship will always be there.

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids?

I always wanted kids and looked forward to the time I would have them. I thought having kids and trying to raise them well was the most important thing I could do in my life. I wanted 6 kids and my husband wanted 2, so we compromised and had 4 - 1 boy and 3 girls.

3. What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood?

I think the thing that surprised me the most was how different each of my children are and how early those differences showed up. That made it a challenge to treat them all as individuals and allow and encourage those differences.

4. Biggest joy?

Watching my kids learn new things and seeing their excitement when they achieved something that was important to them.

5. Best wish for your children?
To be happy! I know that sounds simple and maybe a little trite, but ultimately that is what I want - in whatever situation they are in and whatever period their lives are going through now. They may not be exactly where they would like to be right now, but I want them to be happy where they are at.

6. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?

I was fortunate to have a husband who was a great babysitter, so I was able to have some time to do my own thing, and of course when the kids were all in school there was more time for me. I like to be creative and do things with my hands, and one way I found time to do this was to have my children do it with me. That way I was sometimes able to persue my interests and spend time with my children too.

7. What do you wish you had more of?

While I tried to spend time with each of my children individually, I don't think there was ever as much time for that as I would have liked. I feel the same about spending time with my grandchildren.

Less of?

The everyday have-tos that took time away from them.

8. What do you hope your kids learn from you?

This is an interesting question when your children are all adults. I can see things in each of them that I wish they hadn't learned from me. Some things I hope they have learned from me are that family is the most important thing; you can do anything you want if you're willing to work at it - never stop learning; books are our friends; and do what you know is right.

9. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?

Some things I learned from my mother are to value family, those present and our ancestors; be dependable - if you say you'll do something then do it, and do it the best you can; and to sew and be creative.

Motherhood Series - Alisha

2011-05-07T20:29:00.004-06:00

Alisha is a dynamic, funny, big-hearted woman. A lot of energy in a small package :) When I first knew her, she used to change her hair color every other week. And she totally made it work!
I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to photograph Alisha and Dave's engagement photos, as well as their wedding, and last fall their family with their tiny baby son. They are a great team. They laugh a lot, which is contagious!
Alisha has the heart to want to change the world and the determination and compassion to make it happen. She's not afraid to do the difficult things. She's also hilarious and girlfriend rocks a hair-do!

1. Tell us about yourself!
I am 32 years old. I am a social worker by trade and somewhat in my daily life. I hate seeing injustices done to the 'little' people. I am very passionate about helping people. I work for Child Welfare. Despite what people may think or been through, we jut don't take children away because we can. :) I love my job. I would love to adopt and or be a foster parent... the world needs good homes for children. I got married by 27 and in some circles that may be considered 'old'. I am glad I waited... not that I had much of a choice there. I was able to travel to different parts of the world (England, Australia, Spain). My husband and I both enjoy doing service - we have gone to Nicaragua to help communities there. We absolutely LOVED it. My dream is to work in Africa... we'll see.
I have one 7 month old boy who is now the centre of my actions. I can no longer do anything without thinking of him. It's great!

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids?
When I go into anything I try to limit my expectations because I do not want to be disappointed. Like marriage, for example. I didn't go into it thinking it would always be wonderful. I went into it thinking at one point one of us or both us may want to leave. :) I went in thinking we would fight/argue but we'd resolve it. With motherhood, I went into it thinking, if I can get through labor I can probably handle anything else. :) Dave and I want to have 4 but my 1st pregnancy was not pleasant so I will try a 2nd one and if it's just as bad or worse, we will adopt after. I had someone say to me once that they never thought I'd be a parent... I wasn't sure how to take it. Being pregnant is super surreal and I was truly hoping I would have a great pregnancy but after 9 months of throwing up I settled with a great baby who sleeps 12 hrs a night. yep, 12 hrs. I don't even have to drug him! My biggest fear was not being able to have any children. I have been blessed with one so far. :)

3. What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood?
Because I am such a 'young' mom my experience is limited. My son is 7 .5 months old... my biggest surprises are yet to come.

4. Biggest joy?
I'd say that the biggest joy was when he was born but that's kind of selfish because the joy was related to me not throwing up anymore...
Honestly though, the first time my son laughed... it still is a joy. I love the simplicity.

5. Best wish for your children?
Health. As long as they have a healthy body and mind then anything else is possible.

6. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?
My husband is a great help. He gets up in the morning with him most days which allows me a little more sleep. I think God knows I do not function on little sleep which is why my son sleeps so well. When I do have time I LOVE baths and reading and working out.

7. What do you wish you had more of? Less of?
Less stress. I don't wish for more time because it would probably cause more stress. I do wish for more patience.... in every aspect of life. I really don't want my son seeing my road rage. :)

8. What do you hope your kids learn from you?
I hope they learn that they can do anything they set their heart on. I hope they love helping people and that there is a world outside of theirs.

9. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?
A love for learning, reading and genealogy. I was adopted and when my mom found out that her and my dad would be getting a baby she prayed the baby would be a girl and if it was a girl she prayed for twins. She got what she prayed for. Twin girls. I learned that I may not always like my family but it was where I was meant to be.

Motherhood Series - Mardi

2011-05-07T15:48:00.004-06:00

Mardi (the oldest of my two younger sisters) lives across the country so we don't see each other nearly enough.
Mardi has a compelling fearlessness to do whatever she sets her mind to. She'll just jump in and tackle the challenge.
If she's never done it before, no problem! Sew a wedding dress? She can do that. Help run a driving school? She can do that. Get married and instantly become a parent to two kids? She takes care of it (them). Home school those kids for a couple of years. She can do that too! Renovate and decorate a 100 year old stone house? No problem.
It's inspiring to to see that kind of attitude. And imagine what we could accomplish if we just did it! (I've always been the type to timidly stick my toe in and see if I'm gonna like it first. Heaven forbid I try something I'm not good at. Before I even try it!)
Mardi works hard to take care of her family, and plays hard to pursue her passions and enjoy her life. She's determined and talented and wonderfully driven! She's open and full of enthusiasm.
Love you!

1. Tell us about yourself!
(ie. if you'd like to include age or whether you were a younger mom, or waited a while, how many kids do you have, stay at home or work...etc)
I am 33years old. I love to create and work with my hands. I am not generally afraid to try something, which has lead me beyond sewing, to making jewelry and even a pair of shoes. I was a very young mom. I married at 21 and instantly was a step-mom to a 7 year old girl and an 8 year old boy. Both Zac and Kierstan were living with us full time before our first anniversary. Was I ready, not even close. We all had a lot of learning and growing to do. A little more than two years after we were married we were fortunate enough to adopt Parker. Now that the older two are on their own, and I just have my 10 year old boy, I still feel like I have a lot to learn. I am fortunate enough to be able to stay at home, but I am always busy. I help hubby run his driving school, but I also sew for a number of people lately.

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids?

I always said I wanted eight kids. That was never a question. A part of me was sad when I realized I was not going to get that, but I now know the Lord knew I would be overwhelmed by that many children.

3. What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood?
My biggest surprise was how hard it was to let go. Every time the kids would go to their Mom's house, as the older two grew and left home, as Parker started school. Hubby always calls me a mother hen, because I just want to keep my chicks close, and protect them.

4. Biggest joy?
My biggest joy is determined by the moment. I love the milestones of my kids. Zac graduating basic training in the Air Force, Kierstan Finishing High School and going on to learn to be a baker, Parker getting Baptized. Those are the most recent joys for each of them.

5. Best wish for your children?
I wish they find happiness, and find their place in the world.

6. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?
Now that Parker is in school, I have most of my days to myself. When hubby leaves to do driving lessons, my days are my own. I set aside a day for me, so I can work on what I want. It is those days that I get to try new things. I love to sew, make jewelry and the newest project is to play shoemaker.

7. What do you wish you had more of? Less of?
I wish I had more patience with my kids, but more so that we had more memory building moments. I wish we had less worries of the things of the world.

8. What do you hope your kids learn from you?
I hope that my kids learn from me, that there is more than one way to do things. Just because others say it should be done a certain way, does not mean it is the only way. Persistence will usually get us where we want to be.

9. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?
Firstly, that which I hope my kids learn from me. I also learned the importance of family. We are never alone when we have family. Together we are strong. I learned that I get to choose the kind of woman I want to be. I am the only one who gets to decide how I react to anything in my life.

Motherhood Series - Margo

2011-05-07T12:00:00.003-06:00

Margo and I met at work when we were both young and relatively new to the city. We've had a ton of fun together! You know, back in the day. Actually we still have a great time together. She makes me laugh.
Margo is a sensitive soul with a gift for telling wonderful stories about the people in her life. She remembers little things, and sees things, and makes you feel important. She has also grown into a fierce, brave mother. She fights for her kids. For what they need. For things most of us take for granted. She's an advocate and a teacher and a truly beautiful woman.
And sometimes I call her Margaret ;)

1. Tell us about yourself!
(My given name is Margaret Lucy...and only a few sweet people call me Margaret, the rest call me Margo. I am a SAHM of two boys. Warner is 5 and Rhett is 3. These boys have individual needs above and beyond the regular stuff as one lives with ADHD and the other with TSC, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.My husband says it's no wonder our kids have health challenges as our combined age at birth was mid-late 70's!:) A late blooming mom in that I was 33 or 34 (I forget and am too tired too figure it out) when my first son was born. Choosing to be a SAHM was a given for me and my husband and I wouldn't have it any other way even though it is one of the hardest things I have ever undertaken...and mainly hard due to my own expectations...I think...and the busy-ness of raising boys, my boys anyway.

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids?
Openly, throughout my early life I always vocalized that I did NOT want children as they are so precious and I didn't want to break them! I was the favorite auntie, the treasured babysitter and that was perfect for me as I lived my single and dating life. But then I met my husband and I knew children were a deal breaker as he has always known that he wants two kids. So, I wrapped my mind around becoming a mom and it was an easy decision. Very easy. I knew we would have two kids and close together because as a child I really disliked being so much younger than my siblings and wanted my children to be close and friends. Therefore the decision was to have them close in age...20 months apart. That was a crazy idea!
Growing up in a large, very blended family....7 kids with a huge age span and three different sets of parents and a couple of secret babies in there....did not give me the desire for a large family. Too much noise! Too dramatic!

3. What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood?
For me, the biggest surprise of motherhood is that I never feel like I'm getting it right, never feel good enough as a mother and always feel like there is more that I could be doing for my boys. The fierceness in which I love my children and protect them is an area that does NOT surprise me. That wasn't part of the question was it?!

4. Biggest joy?
Watching my children learn and succeed, seeing the look of absolute joy on their little faces when I pick them up from school/babysitter, etc and feeling a little hand stroke my face...petting me like a favored pet....are some of the moments that bring complete joy to my heart...an everlasting feeling that I can tap into.

5. Best wish for your children?
Where does one start?
World peace!;) Self esteem and good health.

6. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?
Recently time for myself has been to attend funerals and visit sick relatives. I'm not kidding! How sad is that? But seriously, I took a night away to attend a funeral out of town and took the long road home and it was wonderful. Two weeks later I found myself racing to the west coast to sit at an ill aunt's bedside...with my sister who has 4 kids and is a role model in the mother dpt....and it was so great to be on my own! Funerals and sickness, that's when I find "me time"!
With great difficulty! I stay up too late....utilize lovely teen neices who need pocket money & love my boys...and sometimes I even take the boys to "Playcare" or an indoor play area where I can then sit with a book or journal or something.
Since my husband now works away for 3 weeks at a time, personal time is precious, far and few between.

7. What do you wish you had more of? Less of?
More patience and less frustration.

8.What do you hope your kids learn from you?
This is such a really difficult question for me because as I write these answers, thoughts, I am not the mom I want to be...planned to be...hoped to be. Maybe next year, I'll have an answer.

9. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?
My mother taught me to put her husband and children before herself. She taught me to appreciate the little things....baking, knitting, sewing, quilting, all foods made from scratch. She also taught me to try anything at any age and stage in life. The joy of riding on a swing as an adult. Laughing until your eyes tear and you can't catch your breath during a crazy game of spoons is a good thing. To love your mother and care for her until the end....even if that love is a difficult love.

Motherhood Series - Alyson

2011-05-07T00:10:00.002-06:00

I've known Alyson since way back in the day when we were both single. Although I stayed that way for considerably longer than she did!
However we were both pregnant with our 3rd child at the same time and they are only a few weeks apart.
Alyson is honest and warm and has a wicked sense of humor! She is civic minded and intelligent and wants the world (school, community, neighborhood, government) to be a better, more responsible, positive place for her kids.

1. Tell us about yourself!
I am a 37 year old mother of 3 challenging yet beautiful boys. They are, as of right now 11, 9, and 3. I have summer babies so very soon they will be 12, 10, and 4. It seems I am only fertile between september and december. Maybe that was too much information. Oh well.

I have been married to my supportive Husband for 13 years. I am a "stay at home mum" who does some property managing on the side. It doesn't bring a whole lot in but its something, which is better than nothing.

I want to have my own business but I haven't quite found out what I like doing. I am practically interested in everything and find that the joy of doing something is taken away when I get paid for it, then it becomes a job. This really makes it hard to have your own business that you can make money at.

My husband and I decided to try to have kids almost 3 months after we got married. I wanted 4. I also secretly wanted an army of girls to dress up. I grew up in a house of 5 girls and that was all I knew. So glad Heavenly Father knew what I could handle. I got some really good boys and am content with my 3. They say that 3 is the new 10, so I guess Jen made it. Besides with inflation it costs about the same.

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids?

Its strange how we are so ready to give up our lives for these little ones and yet it isn't. My ideas of what motherhood would be like were only partially shrouded in romantic mist. I new I wanted to play at the park and hug them and tickle, but the real stuff day to day, I never dreamed about. I was confident in my ability to do those things as I was the oldest in the family and baby-sat a lot. But its different when its all on you. Baby sitting is only for a few hours in a week. I was surprised at the stamina it required.

I remember with my first I was so afraid that something bad would happen and I would be a bad mom. It got to the point that I didn't take a shower until my husband got home (for the first 5 months) What if I didn't hear him crying?

3. What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood? (different than you expected? or wish someone had told you?)

My biggest surprise... hmmm, how tired I was. Maybe that wasn't the biggest, but it was a huge factor. I was also surprised at how much I could function on so little sleep.

I also thought in order to be a good mother I had to do it on my own. My husband could help because he was the dad, but others no way. I thought that leaving my son with somebody would be an imposition and people would hate me if I bothered them. I still get that way even with play dates and I don't know where that comes from because its completely ridiculous. It wasn't until this past spring break that I realized my kids don't want to "hang out" with me all the time. So I'm trying to make plans for the summer, but that requires money ugh.
4. Biggest joy?

I love, Love, LOVE!!! when people tell me my kids are great boys. I also love it when they learn something new and accomplish something that they worked so hard on, but my best joy is when they make life decisions all on their own and learn truths all on their own. I'm sorry I cannot be more specific than that. Its not mine to share.
5. Best wish for your children?

I want what any mother wants, I want them to have a well adjusted life with nothing wrong ever happening, but I know that is unrealistic and silly.

I often think of that scene in Finding Nemo, where Dory is talking to Marlin and she says something like, if you wish for nothing to happen to them nothing will.

We don't learn when everything is hunky dory (there she is again) we learn when things don't go our way.

So I guess what I wish for them is Happiness. I want love to find them and for them to have children of their own and be the most excellent parents possible, but sometimes that isn't possible. What you can really control is if you are happy. Its a choice so I hope they choose to be happy.

6. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?

This is often my hardest thing to do. Balance is so hard to find especially when your husband is a Bishop as well as the bread winner. School, house, shopping, holidays all fall on me and it can be so time consuming that I find myself coping with a chocolate bar (or two) and a fizzy caffeinated beverage. I hate that I do that. I am trying to cut back on the treats to 2 days a week and then one. I am trying to find time for myself. I took up running, on saturdays, but lately life has been encroaching on that time too. I guess I need to just get up earlier.

I also have to remind myself that there is a Time and a Season for everything. I have a little one at home. I should focus on what I need to do now and can put some of those AWSOME and personally consuming projects till he is in school. I need to teach these guys how to be humans and good ones at that so sharing responsibilities is my next plan. We'll see how that goes. No one likes change except the one implementing it.

7. What do you wish you had more of? Less of?

That's easy. I wish I had more time so that they could get all thing things done like home work and practicing and then have time for fun. My eldest has shown an interest in sports.
My middle child is somewhat of the dramatic and I would like to put him in something that would foster his powers for good.My third, is good at everything and very energetic. I want to find out just how awesome he can be, but evenings are already full. FULL I TELL YOU!

But really that is a moot point as they all require funds and a second vehicle. So I guess I want more time, money and a car.

What I want less of? That's easy too. I want Less stuff. The clutter can be so mentally stifling. I want a space for everything and everything in its space. I want the WORLD to know that making things that breakdown after a week might be "good for the economy" but it is debilitating when one is trying to get organized and is saving money to purchase a home of their own. The constant accumulation of stuff is ridiculous. The crazy thing is we don't really have that much.
8. What do you hope your kids learn from you?

Hmmm...I can tell you what I hope they don't learn. I guess I hope they learn not to be selfish. I hope they learn to be kind and helpful. I hope I can teach them to be self sufficient and reliable. I also want them to like themselves.

9. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?

I learned how to pray. I also learned how to serve other people. I learned how to cook and a learned how to sew and do laundry. I also learned that sometimes we do things we don't want to because its good for us and those we love.

Motherhood Series - Kerry

2011-05-06T00:10:00.001-06:00

Kerry and I are also cousins, on my Dad's side. We grew up in the same small town, minutes away from each other and my grandparents. So we spent a lot of time together as kids.

After we all grew up and went in different directions we didn't see each other as often. But now that we're grown and both have kids we've found that we have some similar interests again. And our girls get along like long lost pals!

It always breaks my heart a little when I think of my aunt who passed away at such a young age. It's such a terrible loss.

Kerry's girls are bright and lively and completely individual. Kerry is compassionate, tender-hearted, and a fun and creative (and brave) mom!

1.Tell us about yourself!

I am a stay at home mom of two little girls 5 and 3. And will soon be embarking on a crazy but thrilling adventure of homeschooling .(That in itself is a story of its own)

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids?

For me I always knew I wanted to have two kids. Three was an awkward number because one always got left out and four was just way too many for my liking.

But to be hones, even though I wanted them, I was terrified to have them. I was afraid of the power I would have over them. In my family there were lots of “anger issues” and I was afraid that I would not be able to control my temper or my words.

Another expectation that I still have difficulties coming to terms with is I expected that my mom would be always be around to talk to, to get support from, and have her there just do general “grandma-y” things. I was in no way prepared for her loss when she died of Cancer. When we buried her 3 weeks before the arrival of my second child I was not sure how I would cope with out her. It gets easier but I still miss her terribly.

3.What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood?

One thing I always said to myself was that I was not going to have any expectations of who my children would be. I would not put pressure on them to be someone they were not. It wasn't long after my second daughter was born that I discovered I really did have expectations. I wanted them to be like me. I wanted them to like what I liked. I have quite often had to take a step back and fight the urge to be disappointed and just be grateful for the little people they are.

4.Biggest joy?

I don't think I could limit my “ biggest” joy to just one thing. Its a million tiny things. Like the first time they recognize you,the first time they smile,the first time they say “momma”.Its when they learn something new and they have that sparkle in there eyes because they truly get it. Its when they curl up in your lap when you read them a story book for the 100^th time or when they fall asleep in you arms. Its when they put their arms around your neck and squeeze so tight while they whisper “I love you” in your ear or put their tiny hand in yours. These are the moments that make it truly worth it.

5.Best wish for your children?

My greatest wish for my girls is that they will know JOY in their lives. Not a life devoid of hardships, but one in which they know they are truly love and they are worth it. I wish for them to be able to stand strong and have courage when the trials come, yet be humble enough to be thankful for all they have been given.

6.How do you find time for yourself/What do you do.?

Time for myself is a bit of a luxury due to the nature of my husband's job. But when I do get a chance, more often than not you will find me playing with my pictures/camera, reading blogs or curled up in a chair with a good home decorating magazine.

7.What do you wish you had more of? Less of?

More patience and less of a perfectionist attitude!

8.What do I hope your kids learn from you?

“Do as I say not as I do.” LOL! What I mean is that I hope they can learn from my mistakes.

9.What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?

My mom was a kind and generous woman who was slow to anger and never said an unkind word about anyone. She was always there when someone needed help and she was content just to step back and let others shine. She was selfless and giving and more often than not she went with out so her children could have.

Motherhood Series - Ila

2011-05-05T00:10:00.003-06:00

I think Ila may be the most glamorous mom I know. She's stylish. She wears high heels and lipstick almost every day - although not usually at the playground ;)
She is a career woman. She has run marathons. She loves to bake, and entertain and throw parties. She has her entire family over for Thanksgiving. She's a hugger. She's a ton of fun and has a wonderfully generous heart.
And if you're ever invited to her son's birthday party (or any other party she's hosting), go I tell ya! You'll make new friends and the food will be amaaazing...it will be a blast.
And it has worked out fantastically well that our sons are the same age!

1. Tell us about yourself!
I really still think of myself as 30-something, but in fact, I’m 43. Most days, I don’t feel 43…. and some days I feel much older. I’ve been with Rory for 21 years and we just celebrated our 16 year wedding anniversary. We have one son, Rohan who will be six soon. I’m a recruitment consultant and have been in this industry for a long time. It’s time for me to have some new adventures and I think this is the year…

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids? (ie. Did you think you'd have a whole houseful of kids? Did you see yourself as a mother at all? Did you wonder if it would ever happen?)
Experiences in my early 20’s affected me; so I built a story for myself that I didn’t deserve to be a mom and for much of my adult life, that was the deal. I wasn’t having children; I didn’t deserve to be a mom because I had given up that right. This all came to a head for me and in our marriage. We had to work thru this. Rory thought I had been joking when all along, I was serious as hell. We worked thru it together and I realized that this story I had created for myself, didn’t have to be my story. I had to stop punishing myself and let go. I think the story was also a bit of self protection, in that I never ever wanted to go thru that kind of heartache again. This story protected me from that. By then I was in my late 30’s and getting pregnant wasn’t so easy. We tried for two years and every month, my excitement would build, only to see the negative response on the stupid pee stick. Almost two years later, almost to the point of resignation, we conceived our little munchkin.

3. What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood? (different than you expected? or wish someone had told you?)
My sisters started their families when they were both 18, so I had been around their kids my entire life. What I didn’t realize was that moms are never really “off duty.” This is a 24/7/365 gig that is physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. My highs are high and my lows are low. I had no idea that this one little person could affect my life so extremely. I have feelings and emotions that come out of nowhere …. the pride I feel when someone compliments Rohan’s manners and the shame I feel when I’ve yelled at him unnecessarily.

4. Biggest joy?
In the wee hours just this morning, he crawled into bed with us. His skin soft and warm. His little legs tangle with mine, his arm reaches across my neck in a snuggle and he says “I love you Mommy.”

5. Best wish for your children?
To love, care and respect others and for himself. To have a life of adventure, to have the courage to try and to be ok with what doesn’t turn out as he expected. And maybe when we’re old and grey, that he’ll still call once in a while J

6. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?
My secret wish is to have a few days all to myself, with nothing but time to do what I want to do….and probably by the end of the first day, I wouldn’t know what to do with myself and I’d miss my boys desperately. For the time being, hot yoga is my thing. I sneak away in the morning and enjoy the intense heat and sweat, challenging my body and best of all, the stillness I sometimes achieve in my mind. Someday I’ll run distance again, maybe even with Rohan at my side.

7. What do you wish you had more of? Less of?
More of? A little more time to be silly and do the fun things we used to do when I wasn’t working full time. Less of? Laundry. For sure. Gosh, does it never end??? I’d also like less of the stress that I put on myself, trying to be the “perfect mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend.” The pressure is sometimes so extreme and I know that I put it all on myself; this isn’t an expectation of anyone, it’s all what I put on myself.

8. What do you hope your kids learn from you?
Love of family and friends, to celebrate and have parties just because it’s fun, to be spontaneous and silly, really, just to live life ~ and enjoy the adventure and to leave this earth in better shape than they found it.

9. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?
I learned to feed the masses; to give and give because there is abundance and God will always take care of us.

Motherhood Series - Carla

2011-05-04T09:59:00.005-06:00

Carla and I have been friends since High School. Which is like a million years ago now ;) Our lives have changed so much since we've known each other. I think it's kind of special to know someone who has that unique perspective and visa versa.
Carla is infinitely creative and surprising and talented and loyal. I'm so glad she's my friend!

1. Tell us about yourself!

My name is Carla, I stay at home with three girls ages 2, 5 and 7. I had my first baby at 35 which missed my deadline of 30 by a few years.

2. What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood? (different than you expected? or wish someone had told you?)

Trying to balance the conflicting demands; which I knew about from being a nanny but not like this. It's when I'm in the kitchen trying to get supper or clean up from supper and each one wants something different and they want it right now and it just keeps going and going.

3. Biggest joy?

Reading to my kids and laughing with them.

4. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?

Getting a babysitter one night a week on a regular basis has enabled me to volunteer at the library which solidified for me what I want to work at when the kids get older. It seems like so much money and there are still times I feel reluctant about it but it works.

5. What do you wish you had more of? Less of?

I wish I could take Heidi with me to volunteer at the school. I wish I could be in the classroom more and know more about what is happening there. I could live with less drama...will I miss the screaming, the running around half naked, the stares of the many others waiting in line at the passport office? No no I won't. I'm looking forward to the day when I look back at these times with fondness.

6. What do you hope your kids learn from you?

CALMNESS!

7. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?

Love of gardening and nature; love of sewing and knitting; love of God and the community that can be found in a church.

Motherhood Series - Brooke

2011-05-03T13:00:00.002-06:00

Brooke is beautiful and talented and my cousin. She has a wonderful gift in being able to talk to/befriend everyone. Even though I try not to make quick(surface) judgements about people, I know I do sometimes. She won't judge you, or think you have nothing in common. I really admire that about her.
And her son is totally adorable!

1. Tell us about yourself!

I am a fairly young mom. I had my son when I was 25 but we had also tried for a few years to get him here, so I felt like I was getting “old” (more so in comparison to my friends who already had 2 kids by then). I wanted to be a young mom because I wanted my kids to have young, fun grandparents that could do a lot with them. I knew I would need the breaks!

My son is 2 years old and I work 3 days a week. I find it a good balance between spending time with him and getting some “me time” where I feel like I actually use my brain a bit.

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids?

I definitely saw myself as a mother, but I always knew that I would enjoy working. I figured that staying home with kids would just be fun and I could go take them to all the fun activities I always heard my friends doing when I was working.

3. What has been (was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood? (Different than you expected? or wish someone had told you?)

The biggest shock was just how hard it is to get time for yourself. It is so overwhelming just to leave the house some days. When I am home the last thing I want to do is take care of my house. Sometimes I feel like I have to CHOOSE between being a good mom and taking care of myself personally.

4. Biggest joy?
Seeing your child do something or say something for the first time. It always shocks me a little.

5. Best wish for your children?

To be kind and contributing members of society. Get a good job and have fun with your family and friends.

6. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?

My husband and I will switch off one night a week, so we each get a night away without having to hassle with finding a babysitter. I also make time for myself a priority. I have the luxury right now with only 1 that I can let him play with his trains while I sew on the other side of the room. Or he eats in his high chair while I read my book. I just MAKE it happen.

7. What do you wish you had more of? Less of?

As all mothers, I wish I had more time. More time at work, more time at home. Less dirty diapers? I always want someone to tell me how to schedule my day. I want to me more “in the moment” with my son and have more interactive play time with him but I don’t even know how to start.

8. What do you hope your kids learn from you?

I wish my kid(s) would learn to enjoy being themselves, work hard, play hard, and just do the best they can. Learning that from me? We will have to see.

9. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?

To relax. While pregnant and with a newborn around people were always giving out advice. I would see some moms with signs to not ring the door bell. My mom always told me to let them make lots of noise so your babies will sleep through it. Don’t exclude yourself and lock yourself in the house just because you have a kid. You can cart them everywhere.

My mom was also a saving grace because I had post partum depression. Some days the thought of even leaving the house was so overwhelming that I would freak out and just watch TV because it was all I could handle. She always sensed these moments and would come pick us up and take us out. Even if it was just running to Wal-Mart or running errands it always made me feel like I could do it. For some reason, it’s loading up the car that does it for me. Once I am in, we are good to go, but getting there requires mental prep. To this day I call her when I need a mental cheer leader.

Motherhood Series - Jen

2011-05-02T21:34:00.003-06:00

Jen had her twin boys 1yr before I had mine. She was like my personal guardian angel, generous and kind and inspiring. I don't know how she found the time with such a busy life of her own, but I will always be grateful. And my intention has always been to pay it forward.
Jen is a truly beautiful woman, inside and out!

Here are her thoughts.

1. Tell us about yourself!

I am currently 38, have three beautiful boys, oldest 12, youngest 7 (twins). I am taking a year off work to pursue some personal interests, take better care of my children and put my home in order. These pursuits are more difficult than I had planned as other life circumstances seem endlessly in the way.

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids?
My husband and I planned to have 10 children. We had marital struggles that made me want to wait to have children so our first wasn't born until we had been married about 5 years. Marital problems worsened with first child, as is normal (but I didn't know it at the time), so wasn't sure I wanted to have more children. Struggled to get pregnant about 3 years later and planned to adopt, then came my twins.
I don't think I thought about being a mother in great detail, except for having children around me and feeling joy. I realize now that I felt an unspoken expectation from family, church and society to have children, but had unresolved issues about motherhood that I have struggled with since becoming a mother. I love my children dearly, please don't misunderstand. What I struggle with are issues from my own childhood that impact greatly on how well I mother my boys now.

3. What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood? (different than you expected? or wish someone had told you?)

I remember the first days in the hospital and how terrified I was about taking my child home, not knowing how to care for him, especially when I felt so ill. I remember days, months, years of feeling like I had died, my life was over, consumed in darkness because I was so afraid of being a mother and being alone with my child, worried that I wasn't caring for him properly, and depressed over my loss of independence and freedom. I then had guilt piled on top of it because I knew my child was beautiful and a glorious gift in my life and yet I was feeling so low. It took me years to finally get help for post-partum depression.
I now know that women are NEVER meant to bear children alone. We are meant to live in communities, close to eachother, to help eachother, not secluded in our own homes, struggling away in silence, trying to maintain the facade that we know what we are doing and are fine, when we are not. Women are so compassionate, soft and strong and we need eachother, especially when we become mothers.

4. Biggest joy?

Living life with my boys when I have taken away the guilt of being imperfect. Just watching them and listening to their amazing ideas, laughing with them when they find something funny, enjoying their views and thoughts, holding them when they cry, snuggling with them at night, trying new things with them, watching their angelic faces when they sleep, holding their soft warm hands and feeling their love.

5. Best wish for your children?

That they will learn to love themselves and love others.

6. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?

I involve my children in caring for our home so I have more time to spend with them during daytime hours. In these times, I try to get them to help with necessary activities like cooking, cleaning, laundry etc. so we have more time to play together. But, in having them help me, we also find we enjoy our time working together as well. This happens well some days, and not so well on other days.
I quit my job so I have more time when they are at school to pursue some self-care time. I didn't find time for myself at all for the past 12 years....something I would do differently if I had it to do again.
In times when I am alone, I have started doing a lot of walking. Sometimes I walk in silence, listening to the wind and the ocean and the whisperings of inspiration that help guide me in my life. Sometimes I walk with pounding loud music that lets my thoughts drift away and I let the stresses of my life flow out through my feet.
I have also started taking up creative interests that I had put on the back burner for most of my married life. Again, if I could go back and do it again, I would NEVER have let these things go because they help me feel good inside and I am a much better mother because of them. Creative pursuits I mention include dancing, writing, painting, playing and learning music, singing etc.

7. What do you wish you had more of? Less of?

I wish I had more love and patience for myself and my children.
I wish I had less baggage from my childhood and marriage that negatively affect how I feel about myself and therefore how I mother my children.

8. What do you hope your kids learn from you?

I hope they learn that no matter what challenges you face in your life, you can always change and choose how you want to live.

9. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?

I learned from my mother that small acts of love and kindness make a big difference to a tender heart. I also learned that relationships go up and down, and when they are down, we need to remember the up times and hang on, doing all we can, until the down times pass.

Anything you'd like to add?

I don't know if I am the only one....though I doubt it.....but I think that we, as women, as mothers, need to let go of society's and church's expectations of us and just LOVE OURSELVES. If we love ourselves, which includes letting go of all the guilt and all the comparison and all the negative thoughts about ourselves, then we will be so much happier and as a result, more effective and loving mothers.

Motherhood Series - Lara

2011-05-02T18:29:00.006-06:00

And I guess it's only fair that I begin...

1. Tell us about yourself!
I am a stay at home mom to 3 kids. I have twin boys who are 6 now and a daughter who will be 4 in a few weeks. I have been married for 8 years and had my twins when I was 34. I think that makes me an 'older' mom ;)

2. What were your expectations of motherhood before you had kids? (ie. Did you think you'd have a whole houseful of kids? Did you see yourself as a mother at all? Did you wonder if it would ever happen?)
When I was a kid I always thought that I'd have 3 kids. It just seemed like the perfect number. I'm the oldest of all the grand kids on both sides of my family and I always loved babies. As I grew up I was never consumed by thoughts of children. I just knew that I wanted a family. In a weird sort of way, I thought of it more as having these great people who would always be part of my life.

3. What has been(was) your biggest surprise about Motherhood? (different than you expected? or wish someone had told you?)
I have been around kids from an early age and spent a LOT of time babysitting so I didn't think I would be that surprised. I was wrong!

It has been really difficult in ways I didn't expect. Mentally and emotionally difficult. I didn't expect that having children would test every inch of my being. I didn't expect to find out that my sanity was such a fragile thread.

3 kids in just over 2 years almost killed me at times! I didn't expect it to be as hard as it has been. I think it sounds terrible to say, but I thought I would enjoy it more.
I think the almost total loss of freedom for the past few years has been the toughest part. There were just so many things I couldn't do with 2, or 3 of them. Or I couldn't do it without a huge amount of stress and often embarrassment (screaming kids, or running away tipping over a shopping cart while they're in it, or various other awesome events).

It's definitely getting easier as they get more independent. Those couple of years between when naps end and preschool begins were the toughest for me. No real down time.
I think I've just come to terms with the idea that I'll be a better mom to school age kids!

And I've said this before but it still stands. No matter how the day has gone, at night when they are asleep they are so beautiful you can hardly believe it you know you would do anything for them. Even clean puke out of an entire room and 52 loads of laundry.

4. Biggest joy?
My kids are healthy and bright and creative (sometimes too creative!).
We love having adventures together. We love going out somewhere new and exploring (usually outside, but exploring indoors more too, like the Tyrrell museum, etc). We love going on adventures together as a family and hope to do that more. I love seeing their curiosity and joy in learning new things. Or finding things they're good at.

5. Best wish for your children?
My husband and I often talk about helping our kids find their passions and pursuing them.
Basically I want them to feel they are loved and supported and capable of doing whatever makes them happy

6. How do you find time for yourself/what do you do?
I suspect this may be something we all have in common. It is elusive and ever-changing.
Sometimes I can sit here at the computer while the kids are playing in the other room. Blogging has been a way for me to feel connected. Photography is a joy for me, and I always feel lighter after visiting with my sister/girlfriends!
I'm struggling with this a bit at the moment, so I know I need to carve out some time even if it's not convenient. For my husband. HA.

7. What do you wish you had more of? Less of?
More: cheap babysitters, fun/relaxing time with my hubby, adventures/vacations, motivation to work out, cute dresses, an extra hour to sleep in the morning, sunny days, salad rolls, family photos, individual time with my kids.
Less: housework, clutter, pee around/on the toilet (as opposed to IN)

8. What do you hope your kids learn from you?
I hope my kids love to be creative and love to read.
I hope they learn to be organized from their dad.

9. What are some of the best things you learned from your own mother?

To love to learn and to read. Always continue learning. You don't have to treat your kids all the same. They have different needs, wants, and challenges. Enjoy your kids. Get involved with their activities. Listen to them.
Make time to do the things you enjoy. It's important to pursue your creativity. You can't do it all and have a clean house all the time ;)
Love you Mom!

Motherhood Series - Introduction

2011-05-02T14:27:00.004-06:00

I was thinking about Mother's Day and what a crazy 6 years it has been for me.
Then I started thinking about some of my friends who have kids and what a journey it had been for them as well. We all started out in one place and having kids has taken us all in so many directions, many we never imagined. And I thought about my own mother and her mother and how life was for them raising children.

So much diversity, yet so much in common. And I've become intensely curious to know about those journeys. Not to just compare notes, but to share insights and common challenges and inspire each other.
So I've invited some of my favorite mom's to share their thoughts here. I will post them in the coming days leading up to Mother's Day. It's going to be great!

If you're reading this and I haven't formally invited you to participate, and you would like to contribute, please do! Leave a message in the comments or send me a message (or leave a comment and I'll send you my email so I can dedicate a post to you!) Or leave a link to your own blog!

Eggies

2011-04-29T12:49:00.003-06:00

We've done colored eggs before, but these are some of my favorites. The kids love doing them too. The Bug didn't want to crack them, because they're so pretty. I get that. So instead we take lots of photos of our pretty eggs and then we eat them up!

Bunny Love

2011-04-20T21:30:00.002-06:00

I think it's fair to say that spring has been less than inspiring so far...but add some bunny ears and we have our own party!

Baby Bird

2011-03-28T21:21:00.003-06:00

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First Tooth Out

2011-03-22T16:39:00.002-06:00

This boy had a wobbly tooth for the longest time! Weeks and weeks! At one point I'd forgotten about it and thought maybe he'd just imagined it.

But finally he'd wiggled it to where it was just hanging there. For days it just hung there.
And then one night while I wasn't home, he just pulled that sucker out! Whew. Finally! But I didn't even get to see it. It's the first tooth out at our house. A big event!

We managed to talk the tooth fairy into leaving the tiny tooth behind so I could take a few photos. Document the physical evidence, in case there is ever any doubt ;)

And speaking of the tooth fairy...you may have heard rumors...yes, the Tooth Fairy DID INDEED leave $20 for the teeny tooth which she didn't even take. WHAT?? I KNOW!!
It seems the Tooth Fairy could not find $5 or a toonie. Did the Tooth Fairy forget how many more teeth and mouths there are yet to come?? At least we have determined it is the rate for a first tooth only.
So I guess the moral of this story is, kids plan wisely and pull those teeth out when Mom's not home!

Sheepy

2011-02-19T00:18:00.004-07:00

And I know Valentine's day is like, so over, but I didn't really have a chance to play around before so I declare February as Valentine's month!
Which means nothing except an excuse for me to play with cute hearts and stuff...because I can't help myself... like I need an excuse...!
sosmitten

I've been having a lot of fun lately with some great resources from these wonderfully talented ladies. Check them out!
Vol.25
Pugly Pixel
Paint The Moon

6th Birthday Party

2011-02-15T14:47:00.005-07:00

So, I managed to make it through the first 5 years without a 'proper' birthday party. It's not that I don't like birthdays or parties, just the ensuing chaos of a house full of sugar fueled toddlers/preschoolers is a bit too much for me. And I am so 'not martha', sadly. But we've always had a celebration with family.

Now here we are at 6, and the kids know.
We've always had cake and presents but they know now that the other kids have parties with friends. And lots of gifts. And games and balloons and all the rest of it.

And so we had a full-on birthday PARTY!
Robots vs Dinosaurs (who can pick just one?).
We rented a room at the community center. Invited friends. Painted birthday shirts. Borrowed a bouncy castle. Made some cakes and had some fun.
The kids helped decorate by helping me draw and color banners. We played a few games. We made robot necklaces from beads and string and beads and bolts and washers.
We built 'robots' from cardboard boxes and miscellaneous recycling items. They were awesome.
We danced like robots and dinosaurs. We ate chocolate cake (Bug) and carrot cake (Bee). We opened presents and ran and bounced and made lots of noise.
I think the boys had a great time.

I didn't manage to get a lot of photos, as often happens when you are busy 'in the moment' so here are a few and the lovely Mrs. M was thankfully handy with her camera and I will post a few more later too.
As is often the case, when we get together with good friends and family my heart is full with gratitude. Thank you for the love and all your helping hands. And I'm thankful for the two tiny boys who have grown and made us laugh and challenged us and inspired us with their curiosity and passion. Happy Birthday boys!
Love Mom

Valentine

2011-02-15T14:21:00.003-07:00

Tiny Dancer

2011-02-12T17:08:00.004-07:00

The Babe recently started taking her first dance classes. And it is just about the coolest thing ever!

She's been 'entertaining' us on the coffee table at home for a little while now so we decided it was time for some big girl dance classes. And by 'classes' I mean a room full of 3-4yr olds running around while their patient teacher tries to get them to focus long enough to figure out how to skip. Or point their toes. Or stand still for 2 seconds. It's not a formal class, but more about creative movement. Babe calls it 'ballet-ing. As in, I'm ballet-in'.

Parents aren't regularly allowed to stay in the room during class time (too disrupting) but we had a few minutes to observe at the end of class on her first day. My sassy, outspoken, uncooperative child was a model student!
She listened and focused and followed directions. In fact she was quite serious about the whole business. Although a couple of times her very serious face caught mine and burst into a huge beaming smile.

At the end of class Miss Babe was not ready to be finished and she asked if she could have one more dance. Her teacher played one more piece of music just for her. Bliss!
It was one of those moments that was kind of magical for both of us.

I tried to sneak a few shots in during her last class. And when she realized I wanted to take her picture I got 'spazz-face'. That's her favorite thing to do when I try to take her picture these days. Then she likes to look at her goofy pictures in the camera. She cracks herself up. Spazz Girl.

Royal Tyrrell

2011-01-17T16:44:00.004-07:00

Whuhoo, dinosaurs!
We ventured out as a family one freezing cold day to go visit the museum. We've never taken the kids before and thought it would be a great way to spend the day. And it was.
One advantage to going in the winter is that is wasn't busy at all. We had a lot of room to ourselves.
Of course the disadvantage to going in the winter is we couldn't play and explore outside.
Oh well, I guess we'll just have to go back again!

Blue Guitar

2011-01-08T22:42:00.004-07:00

My lovely sister is learning to play this gorgeous blue guitar. How cool is that?
(My other lovely sister is making herself a pair of shoes. But that's another story...)

SoSmitten

The Wesolowski/Myroniuk Family

2011-01-04T22:31:00.002-07:00

Whew, this was a huge shoot!

SoSmitten

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T22:17:00.007-07:00

I think it will be fun to look back someday and remember what you were totally 'into' when you were 5. Or 3. So fun! So here's what we are 'into' this Christmas.

The Bug: Bionicles, Ironman, AstroBoy, trains, remote control monster trucks (although his real love would be a car or a train, the color blue, coloring and drawing awesome pictures, his anatomy book (how does all that stuff work?), Zhu Zhus, fleecy pants, eating mandarin oranges like crazy, and playing with anything his sister has. Whether she wants him to or not.

The Bee: Bionicles (he wants a collection and has tried to get his siblings to contribute), Spiderman, cutting and taping endless decorations and projects, the color orange, his dinosaur book, Zhu Zhus, AstroBoy, hot chocolate, candy canes, and constantly bugging his little sister.

The Babe: Making Barbie cupcakes, her new gold shoes, makeup, wearing dresses, PAJAMAS (loves, loves, loves them, especially one piece sleepers or fleece - she used her own Christmas money to buy more pj's rather than a toy), pink, ponies, Zhu Zhus, being sassy and bossing everyone around.

Daddy: Playing hockey on the neighborhood rink, eating cheese, building snow forts, cross country skiing, playing remote control trucks and cars with the kids. The Babe is the pit crew. He cooked the turkey in the bbq (no vegan meal this time). Sorry Mr. Turkey, but you were mighty tasty.

Me: drinking tea from my reindeer mug, listening to Swifty (surprisingly enjoyable), and Glee (not surprisingly enjoyable), eating leftovers instead of cooking real meals, thinking about home decor, reading Eating Alive, thinking about photo shoots I'd like to do, and avoiding laundry.

Together we have been trying to learn to skate. Daddy is the only real pro so far but we're working on it. Spending time with ShiShi. Visits with Nana and Papa and Grandma and Grandpa. Watching The Grinch, Prep and Landing and Despicable Me. Staying up too late and sleeping in. Eating lots of treats. Generally not doing too much at all and loving it!
Hope you had a great holiday too!

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-30T20:56:00.006-07:00

Go Daddy Go!
Christmas Eve in the backyard.
Later ShiShi came over and we had hot chocolate and super nachos and played games with the kids before bed. I think Christmas Eve might be my favorite. I love the anticipation and the preparation for the surprises to come. And the calm before the excitement!

Merry Merry

2010-12-21T12:19:00.001-07:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

The Westhavers

2010-12-16T09:37:00.003-07:00

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For The Believers

2010-12-10T16:39:00.003-07:00

Bug: Christmas isn't about Jesus, it's about having fun. Church wants us to think it's about Jesus.

Babe: Yeah.
...pause...
Jesus is a fairy.

Bug: No. Jesus isn't a girl.

Christmas Countdown

2010-12-06T23:20:00.002-07:00

Aaaaahhhh it's that time of year again. The time when I try to get all 3 of my kids to cooperate and look nice together. I had a fleeting notion of getting the family in a shot, but that was short lived.
Wish me luck!

Does anyone else feel way behind even though it's only Dec 6th? Yikers...!!!

Edgar Family

2010-11-30T23:11:00.004-07:00

LOVE these people! Loved this shoot.

SoSmitten

p.s. playing with text overlays from vol25

Hudson Family

2010-11-26T15:19:00.007-07:00

It's true. I have often suffered from Photographers Weather Envy. I look at sites where the sun is always shining and everyone is running on the beach looking gloriously sun-kissed. And I look out the window at the cold grey landscape, and sigh...

However, I am determined to work with what we have. Right here in front of us.
Which leads me to this shoot. It was somewhere near -30 with the windchill. We only had one little window of opportunity to get this entire family together. And so we just did it!
(I think of it as gorilla photography sometimes, just facing challenges of the landscape and making it work. No fluffy clouds or sunny beaches for us! Feeling in your extremities? That's for pansies!)

The Hudson's were great sports. And look, they are often even smiling through their frostbite!
And I love love love the whirling snow. And the mittens and parkas. And this is life. Where we live. And this is a great family. And I'm a tiny bit less afraid of having teenagers if they all look this good!
And I'm starting to get feeling back in my trigger finger...awesome!
SoSmitten

Oh My Deers

2010-11-21T19:01:00.004-07:00

We've spent most of the week at home. Snow snow and more snow. Of course cabin fever starts setting in after a few days, but it wasn't all bad. Maybe because it's the first big snow. And towards the end of the week I totally gave in to it all and we pulled out the decorations, the Christmas music and I made gingerbread cake (which no one seems to like nearly as much as I do...I must make that one again!).

I like to think of the deer in our yard as our pets. Pets that feed themselves and look after themselves and never come in the house. We're always happy to see them. There is a doe with twins that I'm especially fond of. It's fun to see them now all in their winter woolies!

Bokeh Bokeh Bokeh!

2010-11-12T11:08:00.005-07:00

The kids and I were playing with lights outside the other day. There is something quite addicting and gratifying about those colorful little dots. I don't know if this qualifies as an actual 'project' but it was for sure an activity we all enjoyed. I love it when that happens!

Bowl of Yum

2010-11-07T10:40:00.002-07:00

For my birthday Mr. Mittens and I went to a wonderful veggie restaurant called Nourish. It came highly recommended by friends and we loved it. They have an outstanding nachos platter that comes with a varied combination of toppings ranging from beans to strawberries and everything you can think of in between. We also had the shepherds pie which was another unusual but delicious combination. And it's all yummy together. I highly recommend eating there too. YUM.

So, I still have difficulty at times (often) finding a tasty vegan meal that everyone will eat. Without bribes or threats. So I decided to 'channel' my experience at Nourish and make my own combinations. And I love it.
Basically you take quinoa, or brown rice or whatever and add as many fun 'toppings' as you like and add a fun sauce and there you have it!

Here's my 'taco salad'.
quinoa
avocado
chopped apple
corn
lettuce or spinach
pinapple tidbits
red pepper
black olives
walnuts
peach salsa
raw cashew cream
taco chips crunched on top or on the side

Sounds kinda weird, but the fruit and vegetable flavors just taste light and slightly sweet.We like the sweet salsa too, but any kind will do. The kids love to pick their own toppings and individualize. The Bug said he felt like a chef. The Bee raved about how good his dinner was. Score one for mom!

The key for me is the cashew cream. I've read several recipes which all are a variation of putting raw cashews in a blender with a few other ingredients.
I use about a cup of cashews, a cup of almond milk, whiz it up and then change it up to suit my taste. Like lime juice and cilantro. Or taco seasoning. We're not huge garlic fans but a little garlic, basil and oregano and drizzle on a pizza (again I've been letting the kids pick toppings on a flat naan or pita bread). The creamy texture is very satisfying and you can heat it in the oven (I LOVE real sour cream, but it does not love me back).

I also love asian rice bowls.
brown rice
apples
edemame beans
crunched nori sheets or dulse (I'm trying to love sea vegetables)
cucumber
chopped or shredded carrots
sesame seeds
lettuce
wasabi sauce drizzled on top (equal amounts water, braggs, maple syrup with a squeeze of wasabi paste, to taste)

I just thought I'd share, since it's not often I get such an enthusiastic response (that doesn't involve cheeseburgers or chicken nuggets).

Sweet Alexandra

2010-11-04T19:34:00.003-06:00

Have I ever mentioned how I love babies this age?! Pure sunshine!

SoSmitten

Hey Ho Halloween's Here

2010-11-01T16:18:00.010-06:00

The kids and I had so much fun with Halloween this year, and now I'm glad it's done! This weekend we went to a couple of parties, including our first Trunk or Treat, we got to have great fun with friends, and then a bit of ol' fashioned Trick or Treating in our new neighborhood. We missed our friends in our old neighborhood, but the real treat for me was watching a certain little panda tail wiggle and wag as she ran after her brothers. A great fun weekend but now I need a break before we start on Christmas! And yes, the Candy Man has come and gone, trading treats for new toothbrushes and other non-edibles. Whew!

Special Project - Eva

2010-11-01T14:27:00.003-06:00

Oh she is scrumptious!!

SoSmitten

Powell Family

2010-10-28T09:16:00.006-06:00

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Haunted House

2010-10-27T13:25:00.004-06:00

Ok, I don't think it's really haunted, but it's definitely scary at times!

I don't have a mantle to decorate anymore (tv on top of the fireplace) so I took over the table near our entryway. And we have a great big bay window in the kitchen that we've filled with window clings and things (like sticky fingerprints). And this cool chandelier from the dollar store. It's only paper, but I like it! The fabric garland is from last year.

I also made a garland out of skeletons and fabric scraps and clothes pins and photos. I love taking little bits and pieces of things I have already and making them into something fun.

I think our most favorite thing (so far) is our 'art project'. I've had a few treats and toys lately to provide incentive (bribe) the kids to be more helpful/cooperative. We did the 'art project' in a few steps over a couple of days. It kept their interest and I was able to stretch it out a bit.

I asked Mr. Mittens to cut up some wood. Then the kids each sanded, put on a base coat, painted and picked out pictures to mod podge onto their blocks. Awesome! And again, pretty cheap (I had most of the supplies and got the cute paper cuts on sale at Michaels).
We all had fun! (and yes, my walls are a weird 'dusty plum' color. that's another post)

Newborn Nori

2010-10-26T13:42:00.004-06:00

It's wonderful to see your friends become new parents!
(and I totally mean that in a nice way and not a 'welcome to your life with no sleep, haHA' kind of way)
Welcome sweet Baby Nori!
SoSmitten

Fall Photo Special

2010-10-18T10:04:00.009-06:00

Photos For Christmas?

$150 per session (payable at your session)
Outdoor natural lighting (don't be afraid of the weather!)
15-20 edited images on a dvd to print as you like
Calgary/Bragg Creek area

email: sosmittenphoto (at) gmail.com

Feel free to email me or leave a comment if you have questions!

Lara

Spooktacular!

2010-10-17T10:06:00.004-06:00

I love taking photos with a Halloween theme! Last year I was feeling very Tim Burtonesque, but this year I just grabbed some things we already had in the house and headed out to the backyard. I found a really sweet spot in the trees and that was it. If only getting the kids to cooperate was so simple. Luckily a pouty face often works just fine!

SoSmitten

Thankful-Turkey Dinner

2010-10-15T20:47:00.007-06:00

The past few years Mr. Mittens and I have worked out a pretty good system for holiday meals. He prepares the big meats and I do the veggie sides. My sister often brings appies/condiments or some other tasty dish. And we buy the pie, preferably pumpkin from SunTerra. Yum! It's not too stressful, always tasty, and has worked really well for us.
This year Mr. Mittens wasn't feeling well and didn't go out and buy the bird. So we just sort of agreed not to have one. I didn't even have to beat him with the vegan stick. I have enjoyed many a turkey in the past, but I like a lot of other things too, so I figured it wouldn't be a huge deal.

So we had:

whole wheat buns (and no, I didn't make those either. I don't have ALL the time in the world)

homemade cranberry sauce (with maple syrup and orange juice instead of the white stuff)

spinach salad with those yummy little oranges and homemade dressing (easy peasy)

pickles and olives (always a crowd pleaser around here, certain small people consider them main dishes)

roasted vegies (potatoes, sweet potatoes, a few turnips and rutabaga, and carrots)

quinoa dish (I 'adapted' the Sensational Stuffing With Nuts recipe from The Vegan Table. I had the notion that I could take the recipe for stuffing and substitute the bread for quinoa. It didn't really taste like stuffing, but it was yummy.

cook quinoa in veggie stock
saute onion, celery, carrot
mix together with a few spices like sage, thyme, rosemary
throw all together with some dried cranberries, walnuts and chopped parsley

Mighty Miso Gravy (From How It All Vegan. A key component to add a meaty/hearty flavor. It's been a hit around here. I've also made this into mushroom soup just by increasing the veggie stock and flour and then adding a big of almond milk at the end. Adjust herbs to taste)

Mighty Miso Gravy

6-10 mushrooms chopped
1 medium onion chopped
1 tbsp. Olive oil
2-3 tbsp. Braggs Liquid Aminos or soy sauce
Cayenne pepper (to taste)
Dried basil (to taste)
Dried dill (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
1/3-1/2 cup of flour
1 1/3 cups vegetable stock or water
1 tsp. miso

In a medium saucepan, saute the mushrooms and onions in oil on medium high heat until onions are translucent and mushrooms are tender. Add the Braggs, cayenne, basil, dill and pepper and stir. Remove from heat and slowly stir in the flour, mixing together well. It will become past and dry. Slowly start adding the stock a little at a time until everything becomes well mixed and there is no lumps. Place back into medium heat and simmer until sauce is thickened, stirring often. At the last minute, stir in miso and serve.

And to seal the deal, I also had some Tofurkey deli slices so we could have them in buns with cranberries and gravy. And no, it wasn't the same. And no, Mr. Mittens wasn't having any that.
But the kids like it just fine.

All in all, I think it was fairly successful. I don't think it was completely comparable to a full-on turkey feast, BUT, my stomach and my conscience are happier for it.
We are still blessed with abundance beyond measure. And we are thankful. And so is some crazy gobbling turkey somewhere running around today. HA!

I didn't get any photos of the BIG meal, but this is a bowl of leftovers. Still just as yummy. Maybe even more.
I don't want to give the impression that I'm 100% pure, healthy vegan eating all the time. Some things are pretty easy to avoid but I find myself still making my kids KD when I want a fast meal (with Earth Balance and almond milk) and then wanting to eat the whole pot of cheesy goodness myself.
And do not ask what we had for lunch at the amusement park, ACK!
I just tell myself that every good choice counts!

Sunshine and Stripes

2010-10-13T07:55:00.000-06:00

Sometimes the light is just right and my subject so sweet, I can't resist! Even if it only lasts a few moments...

Chillin' Thanksgiving

2010-10-12T22:00:00.009-06:00

The kids and I have been to the amusement park several times ourselves, but it's a whole different experience when Daddy comes along! And all decorated up for Halloween. Even though it's Thanksgiving!

In this kind of situation it is wildly clear how different my boys are. I have one daredevil and one, not so daring.
The Bug was so excited to h ave Daddy go with him on the log ride, and his ultimate The Roller Coaster...and not the kid one, the BIG ONE. My five year old on the BIG ROLLER COASTER. He also likes the big swings and the drop of doom.
He's a lot of fun to go on rides with too, just to listen to him giggle with delight!

Sometimes The Bee doesn't want to be left out, and will agree to go on a ride, but then squeeze his eyes shut tight. I have to give him credit for pushing himself to be brave, when it's clearly not where he's comfortable.
Strangely, The Bee's favorite thing is the haunted house. He loves it.

Any other time we've gone, The Bee has wanted to play the games. And I always say no. I don't like them. Probably because I'm no good at them, and does anyone ever win those things?? Just a waste of time/money.
BUT, we were going all out this time and so we played. The kids tossed a few balls. Then the boys threw a couple of basketballs. The Bee got one in but didn't win anything. And then they tried to knock over some fuzzy monsters with baseballs. A couple of tries and nothing (even Daddy tried). One more game.
And then The Bee hit 3 of those fuzzy dudes, IN A ROW! My five year old won himself a prize! He was so cute. And so proud. He knew he could do it!
(and yes, then we had to buy weird stuffed animals for the other two, so that everyone was happy)

It was so fun to watch them having fun in their very different ways. To see them shine. We had a great day as a family with our favorite Auntie Shishi.
And then we went home and didn't have turkey. But that's another post...

Poetry Bites

2010-10-07T11:07:00.004-06:00

Red Sings From The Treetops

"Red splashes fall trees,
seeps into every vein
of every five-fingered leaf.
Red swells on branches
bent low.
Red: crisp, juicy
crunch!"

This Is Just To Say

to Bobby

What Girls Want

Girls want a lion with a great shaggy mane.
Girls want a horse fast and sure.
Girls want a coyote that sings with his heart.
Girls want an eagle, soaring through the mountains.
Girls want a breeze that whispers its name.
Girls want a snowfall that makes the world new.
Girls want a dog that wags all over.
Girls want a cat that purrs to the moon.
Girls want a hedgehog that carries its own armor
but doesn't
always
use it.
Just to let you know.

by Maria

I have a poetry crush on Joyce Sidman!

Luke and Sienna

2010-10-07T08:29:00.003-06:00

SoSmitten

Close To Home

2010-09-28T21:22:00.003-06:00

We went for a little walk through the woods the other day just minutes away from our house. And this is a big reason why we live where we do!

Geoff, Julie & Eva

2010-09-23T17:04:00.001-06:00

SoSmitten

Eva 6 Months

2010-09-15T09:07:00.005-06:00

I love babies this age. I don't think she could be any more delicious!
SoSmitten!

Peak Eva

2010-09-07T20:25:00.002-06:00

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-07T10:05:00.003-06:00

Ok, their very first day was last week. They had one morning with a small group of classmates and today is their first day back and riding the SCHOOL BUS! The Bug was SO EXCITED. He's been waiting for the past week to get to ride that bus. The Bee, on the other hand, was a little scared. Luckily they have each other.
We all waited together (Daddy and The Babe too) outside in the chilly air with the sun shining bright and cheery. There was a little group waiting with us (much more experienced 3rd graders and such, as well as another cutie girl from their class).
As I expected The Bug ran on as soon as the door opened while I helped The Bee on. The bus driver had saved them a seat right up front. Both 5yr old faces looked pretty excited as we all waved goodbye and off they went.
SO. EXCITING. for them and for me. I'm happy for them to meet new friends and learn exciting things and have their own little place in the world. So proud of them!
It feels similar to when they had their first birthday. Like we have accomplished something and onto the next phase of our adventure.
And now 4 days a week for a few hours it's just me and The Babe. And that's awesome too!

Baby Girl 3 Years

2010-08-23T10:13:00.008-06:00

I figure that when I look back at this it won't matter that is a couple of months past her actual birthday...
I love taking birthday pictures. I love how it captures the moment just as they are. And the attitude you see here does just that! She was happy to dress up but not terribly interested in being my model.
I get a lot of attitude these days. Sometimes it is happy and loving and sweet. Full of compliments (Mommy, I love your blue eyes! I like your stripey pants.) And other times it is defiant and shrill. It is always a fluffy top of blond curls and little gap teeth with her daddy's baby blues. She's a whirling dirvish and little miss sunshine, both on any given day or moment to moment.
She's not afraid to stand up for herself (self preservation with 2 big brothers) while still loving her dollies and princess dresses. She's girly but tough. She loves to sing and dance and dress up. And change her clothes 14 times a day. And eat play dough.
She loves olives and pickles (salty girl). She prefers to snack all day rather than eat a big meal. She likes a lot of different kinds of food and isn't overly picky. Unless she's just feeling picky.

Ultimately there's no feeling like her little hand slipped into mine or her arms wrapped tightly around my neck. Her kissy cheeks. Her pouty lip.
She's such a big girl now and we love her to pieces!

more to see... SoSmitten (I'm an updating fool)

Family Hike

2010-08-16T22:07:00.007-06:00

Aaahhh such a pretty field of wildflowers! Lovely view! Snacks! Bugs! The poor Bee itched all the way. Poor kid. Those scratchy flowers seem a lot taller when you are only 3ft high.

It feels like I've been away for ages. Only I haven't actually been anywhere. Oh boo.
The good news is that my laptop was fixed on warranty. What are the chances of that?! Oh yeah!

Hope you are having a great summer!

Computer Woes

2010-07-25T19:30:00.001-06:00

A couple of weeks after replacing the battery my laptop is back to the shop. Sadness. Back soon!

What We Do When It's Not Raining

2010-07-13T22:12:00.006-06:00

um...apparently we get wet anyway...but it's way more fun when the sun is shining!

Book Shelf

2010-07-12T10:10:00.003-06:00

Books I have been reading lately...

The Kind Diet - I like the whole approach of this book. And the website is really helpful and informative. Love it!

Super Natural Home - We are constantly being polluted by everything we touch, eat, or breath! Ok a little overwhelming but Beth Greer gives a lot of suggestions how you can take small steps to better health in every aspect of your home.

Raw Living - I don't want to eat raw all the time, but there are some tasty fresh ways to eat more vegies, whole grains, and fruit. I'm considering a dehydrator...

Probiotic Foods for Good Health - we need more fermented foods! (although much of this book focuses on yogurt but there are other non-dairy ways to get probiotics)

Skinny Bitch - talks about the benefits of vegan eating with a lot of sass and some cursing for emphasis. I wouldn't give it to my mom to read, but it does get the point across and made me laugh.

The Organic Pharmacy - love the idea of treating health issues naturally and with homeopathic remedies.

The Macrobiotic Path To Total Health - like a textbook of cures for many ailments, healing with macrobiotic foods. I find macrobiotics kind of intense, but I like the approach of including some recipes regularly. The Kind Diet, Superhero status is based somewhat on this approach to food.

The Great Paper Caper (a kids book with sweet illustrations) This is totally unrelated to the other books and topic of this post, but I have an art crush on Oliver Jeffers. ;)

I haven't been eating animal products for a a few months now. I don't have much problem avoiding meat (although it still smells really good when I'm hungry) and dairy isn't too bad, but sugar is still tough at times. And it's not like you can't eat sweets, but white sugar is everywhere!

I can't say that I've experienced any miracle cures so far, but I do feel better. The past few months have been crazy stressful and that always wreaks havoc on my digestive system. I feel that I've fared much better eating vegan. With a little less stress and a little more exercise, I think I will see more improvements.

One thing that seems obvious is just how much what we put in/on our bodies can effect our health. Yikes. And how much we don't know about the food we eat. Or we take for granted.
It feels overwhelming at times, but also empowering to know we can make different choices. Getting your kids/husband to appreciate those choices is a whole other matter!

p.s. All of the are from the public library, except The Kind Diet which I bought. I'd consider buying some of the others as they are a great reference or go-to recipes.

Hello...hello......hello..........?

2010-07-07T22:55:00.003-06:00

Hello Friends!
And strangers who leave flattering but insincere comments in asian characters...
Instead of catching up on all the whoopla that's been going on I'm just going to start slow with a few pics. Just dip my toe in a bit. I'll be back to catch you up. I'm sure you can't wait!
(I'm going on the premise that we're the kind of friends who can go for chunks of time without seeing each other or talking a lot and then we get together and it's like we were never apart - the best kind of friends!)
xo

Veggin' Out and Veggin' In

2010-03-23T20:07:00.005-06:00

Yikes. It's been a while. Have I been avoiding you?? Never! Well, maybe just a tiny bit but don't take it personally. Really.
There's just enough chaos going on that at the end of the day I just can't muster the oomph to sit here and chat. Or edit photos. Which are two of my favorite ways to spend some time usually. Nice quiet time. My happy time. Just not lately.
I miss you happy personal time and internet friends...

Since you're here, let's chat!
I have recently become intrigued with Alicia Silverstone's book The Kind Diet. I haven't yet got my hands on a copy so I've been reading/stalking her site.
It's not that I'm super freaked about eating animals (although maybe there is enough reason to be, but you are yummy Mr. Roast Turkey and Mr. Chicken Leg. Did I mention Mr. Mittens makes a mean steak??). Anyhoo, I'm more drawn to the selfish byproducts of a plant based diet such as claims of Better Health! Clear Skin! More Energy! Weight Loss! And so on. And if it's better for the planet and those critters then I can feel virtuous at the same time!
But in all seriousness, stress makes me clench into a tightly wound ball and my digestive system takes a beating. I'm feeling like I need to make an effort to take care of myself. In a mind and body kind of way. So this sort of makes sense.

I'm still in the checking things out stage. I need to actually read The Kind Diet for starters. But I've picked up a couple of vegan cookbooks. To be fair, I really like reading cookbooks, but I'm much slower to actually use them!

How It All Vegan - Lots of fairly simple recipes. Pretty easy ingredients. Mostly tasty so far. Even the bread I made my husband liked (he is generally not a fan of my bread making attempts).

Get It Ripe - More serious approach. Lots of information, which I like. All around good nutrition and yummy looking recipes I could manage without much trouble.

What I like about vegan eating: I don't really think dairy products are very good for us. I have a lot of sinus problems and diary is notoriously bad for that.
I like trying new food and using ingredients in new ways (cashews and nuts for cremes for example). Fun and tasty. Did you know you can substitute ground flax seeds for eggs in baking? Cool.
I have no doubt that eating a lot more fruit and veggies would make us all healthier. And for the most part taste pretty yummy.

What I'm not crazy about:
Soy. I don't have any real problem with the taste/texture, I just don't think I should be feeding it to my kids. And it seems to be a real staple in a lot of vegan diets.

Beans. I like beans. But without eating soy am I left eating only beans for most of my protein? Do they sell Beano at Costco?

Meat and dairy taste good!

Inconvenient. Sad but true. It's just a lot more work. Not that it isn't totally valuable work, but it will take more planning and organization for me. Which is why I haven't gotten any further than this so far!

My thought is to give this a try on a trial basis and I'm going to wait a bit until I can focus more. Commit to a few weeks or a month to see if I see changes. But I am kind of excited.
If any of you have any thoughts or suggestions please feel free to comment. It seems like a lot of information to process. I'm trying to take it all in!

Would it be wrong to order some ginger beef as a farewell meal?!

And here's us trying out my new tripod...

Baby Eva

2010-03-12T22:40:00.010-07:00

And yes we call her 'Baby Eva'. Never just Eva! We like to distinguish between the babies and the big girls, or big kids around here.
I haven't seen her since I took these a few weeks ago. I bet she has grown leaps and bounds already. Which is the beauty of newborn photos. They are just so fresh and new! Skin like velvet. Tiny baby cries. So much love! A few more here...

Baby E

2010-03-09T11:53:00.002-07:00

I'm editing photos of the sweetest wee baby girl. She has some hard core fans around here!

Bug 5

2010-03-05T22:43:00.008-07:00

Ok, The Bug's interview:
How old are you? 4...oh 5!
Fave color - blue
Fave food - pickles and sandwiches (peanut butter) and burgers and cereal
Fave movie - Transformers with Decepticons and Megatron and Bumblebee
Best Friend - Beck and Sideswipe
Fave drink - orange juice
Fave activity - building blocks (lego) and playing with transformers
Fave letters - R & B
Likes - fuzzy things (coats and hats)
(apparently I asked him what he likes, not what he likes to do!)

My funny Bug. Kinda goofy. A little uncoordinated at times. Brave and daring. Adventurous. A night owl. Loves being outside. Silly. He's a little more quiet at home (relatively speaking), but he's very outgoing and friendly in public. He's more of an independent thinker than an independent doer. Stubborn. He likes puzzles and studying things and figuring them out (like instructions for transformers). He likes to draw and color but he is sometimes too busy playing. Although quite recently he has become more passionate about his art! And growing things from seeds. A gardener. He's not as dramatic as some of the other individuals in our home, but he has very specific passions at times. He can get very excited and focused on something and it will keep him up at night or consume his thoughts. He loves babies and can be very kind hearted. He does not like to clean up. But he likes to help 'do' things. Plays well on his own and can get lost in his own world. Likes people and gets along quite easily. Sweet and funny.
He has grown from the boy who used to say 'thank-you' if you told him you loved him into a fairly affectionate boy. He happily gives hugs and kisses and tells you he loves you!

Such an interesting and fun boy, my Bug. Your enthusiasm is contagious and joyful. I look forward to spending more time together! love Mom

Bee 5

2010-03-01T21:23:00.016-07:00

Mr. Bee
Mr. Busy
Mr. I Can Do It Myself
This kid is a doer. Even at times when I don't really want him to do it. But chances are he can and will do it!
I conducted a little questionnaire for 5:
Fave color - red and green
Fave food - cheerios, cheese toast, steak
(Lately cheeseburgers are very popular - healthy, I know. He actually will try a lot of different things and likes quite a few. He is definitely a carnivore though. Those pesky veggies are usually last on his plate.)
Fave movie - Transformers (big surprise)
Best Friend - Jordan...and The Bug! (Jordan is our neighbor. Nice to know his twin is a close second! In reality they are pretty lost without each other)
Fave drink - water, milk, and apple juice
Fave activity - transformers, coloring, making stuff and cutting (paper), writing (he loves letters and often asks what letter a word starts with)
Fave letter - B!
Fave activities - going to the zoo, the park, playing in the snow

The Bee is fast and smart and quick to learn. He has an iron will that you do not want to tangle with (trust me). He is boisterous, but shy. I think he has as nice voice and can carry a tune. A performer. A clown. A creative mastermind. I have little doubt that he will get what he wants out of life.
He is bossy/a leader, depending on his approach (we're working on using his powers for good!). He can be very sweet and is always up for a hug. An early bird. He still hates getting his hair cut. He's very strong. Loves to dress up. Dramatic. Helpful. Likes to do things for people. Can get his own breakfast (even the big milk) and brush his teeth. One of my favorite things about kids in general is their creativity. And this boy is a machine. It's so fun to watch him draw and cut and paint and color with such enthusiasm!
And one of my favorite things about 5 is the explosion of learning. It's exciting (and sometimes tiring) to be constantly answering questions, and explaining, and helping to figure out. Is it just me or are kids smarter these days?
I love that mischievous twinkle (and fear it a little bit too).
I'm so proud of you and I look forward to all our upcoming adventures my handsome busy Bee!
love Mom

p.s. the Bug will get his own blurb too...all in good time...(ok, I'm on it)

Girl Next Door

2010-02-19T09:35:00.002-07:00

When Krystyn is a big star my kids are totally going to tell people she was their babysitter!
More at sosmitten...

Seize The Day

2010-02-18T13:50:00.002-07:00

Often the best results come from just grabbing my camera and heading outside. Ok, I had put some thought into it (they aren't wearing transformer shirts) and the hearts were our single decoration for Valentines day. The big fluffy snow is a perfect backdrop. I'm working on the rest...

Let Them Eat Snow

2010-02-18T12:18:00.002-07:00

I can't believe I haven't heard of this before!

You'd think with the weather around here it would be a National Dish or something!
We tried some yesterday after the fresh snowfall overnight. So fun. It was mostly like a milk slushy, but the kids quite enjoyed the whole process. We're trying some today with chocolate milk.

5th Birthday!

2010-02-16T22:19:00.003-07:00

My tiny valentines are 5! Whew that seems very grown up. It really does feel like a milestone. For me and for them. I'm mostly really excited for them. They are learning so much and taking it all in. I'm just amazed at how we've all grown in the past 5 years. Just thinking about the next 5 kind of freaks me out!

My little Bug was so excited for this birthday. The Bee was too, but having been quite sick the week prior, he was not quite 100%. It's really a lot of fun to enjoy their anticipation to special occasions. Sometimes the waiting is frustrating, but it's easy to get excited along with them.

First we got to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie Shishi on Saturday. The kids love spending time with them (even if we were at the crazy mall - does anyone else find the Bass Shop amazing and disturbing?) and The Bug was quite disappointed that they were leaving before the 'official' day.
He was also worried that we had to go to church on his birthday. I reassured him that it was still his birthday, all day, and we could open presents as soon as we got home. And of course they had a great time seeing their friends, and having all the kids sing to them and special treats.

Finally time to open presents! Hurray!
An afternoon playing with new toys and then a yummy dinner with Auntie ShiShi (when you're 5 yummy = chicken nuggets and drumsticks)
And then cake. Cakes. Oh my goodness. I was worried with all the Cake Boss going on around here. I am like the Cake mail room employee...so I thought this would be fun. And it was pretty and colorful. Note to self: no matter what the instructions say, LINE THE PANS WITH PAPER SO THEY WILL COME OUT IN ONE PIECE. *ahem*

Thank goodness for lots of icing! yeah! Crazy sweet, but a huge success with the 5yr olds.
I also managed to finally make them birthday shirts. Well, not make, but paint. I made a freezer paper stencil and it was fabulous (too bad the shirts were too small - curse you old navy 5T). I will be having more fun with this in the future!

How old are you? High fives!!

When asked what their favorite part of the day was,
The Bug said: The presents and the cake! (they ate a lot of cake)
and The Bee said: Blowing out the candles! (Daddy relit them several times)
Success!
Happy Birthday to my sweet Valentines!

And So It Goes

2010-02-15T20:39:00.004-07:00

February seems to be a tricksy month. We start off with the best intentions. January is behind us and Feb is just a cute, short month filled with candy hearts and birthday cake, right?
Until we get the SICKNESS and we're stuck inside being sick and then miserable and grouchy and nothing gets done and I remember why this time of year is the most difficult.
Best intentions are replaced by sleepless nights and terrible coughing (people prefer you to please keep that to yourself) and the grumpy grumblings and bickering (by parents and children alike).
Then throw in a few more showings just to keep us on our toes. And I have to say that one of the things I missed the most this year was not being able to do fun decorations with the kids. Trying to keep up our non-reality 'show home' is no fun at all. That and not being able to really plan ahead.

I had hopes for a creative and charming birthday photo shoot. Didn't happen. Not that I've given up, but hasn't happened yet. Birthday cakes and plans and celebrations were on the 'to do' list.
My big boys turning 5 seems like a big deal. I feel similar to the way I did when they turned one. Like I had really accomplished something. You know, we survived!!

And the boys have been excitedly counting down the weeks/days since Christmas.
Luckily, much like when the Grinch stole Christmas, it all came anyway. Valentines were exchanged (one boy went to school and collected them for his sick brother), cakes were made, gifts were opened, family gathered and all is well. Just not exactly as I had originally hoped. I always tell myself I'm going to do better at these sorts of things and then I end up feeling just as frazzled and harried as the last time.
C'est Le Vie!

I actually have a few fun shots to post, now where is my camera cord...?!
And then I read this and I laughed!

Baby Girl 32 Months

2010-02-02T11:00:00.002-07:00

Oh my girl. My sweet little beastie. She's so bright and quick it amazes me. She's president of the 'I'm just as big and smart as you and I can totally keep up with whatever you're doing' Club. I'm sure in her mind she is exactly the same age as the boys. And whether it's saying poopy words or sticking out her tongue or being sassy, she can do it!!

Lately The Babe loves to read books (have them read to her), sing (Old MacDonald, Jingle Bells, and Twinkle Little Star), color, and recently cut with sissors. As a matter of fact, the other day she was trying out her brothers new 'leftie' sissors and she chopped her soother. Oops. She had to throw it out. And now it seems there are no other soothers to be found. Well, she's not impressed with that. But what can you do when you've done it to yourself?! *evil laugh from mommy*

The Babe has been in the (bad) habit of waking up pretty early lately. Luckily she calls out for Daddy as some days she only sees him in the morning or for a few minutes before she goes to bed. She calls him, Dad... Dad... c0ckadoodad0000!
Clearly if you hear the morning rooster, it is time to get up...

It's true that we still have our share of tantrum fits at times, but some things, like getting dressed, are getting to be less of an issue. She hardly ever has a fit getting dressed for church anymore! And she can do a really good job of getting herself dressed too (if she wants to). Her favorite part is socks. She likes to pick them out especially.

Unfortunately one of her new skills is the curse word. And it's a bad one. No one likes a two year old who drops the 'f' bomb. It was easier to miss with a soother in her mouth, but she's much more clear without it now. I don't think I have to explain that this one didn't come from me...*ahem* I'm hoping she'll lose interest before anyone else really hears what she's saying.

And so goes another month. January was so busy we hardly took any photos. Not that we haven't been out a lot, and we've had some fun skating and visiting friends and driving around for no good reason other than to be out of the house while it's being shown.
And on to February, our big birthday month. Hurray!

Moving To The Country

2010-01-21T10:27:00.002-07:00

Well, it's not a farm or anything, but it's a small community about 20 minutes outside the city. We've been talking about this for a while now. We even tried selling our house, but I guess the timing wasn't right. Now we've found a place we like (dusty pink walls and all) and have made an offer which has been accepted.
HOWEVER...we still have to sell our house in the city. Where we still live. The sooner the better.

Which brings us to my 'favorite' point. Trying to have a house ready to show, while still living in it with 3 small, but lively children. The constant picking up and stashing all our personal affects, to give the illusion of a homey home where NO REAL PEOPLE LIVE is exhausting. Did I mention the children. Yes, they are ever so helpful. And 'lively'. And the constant state of 'flux' we find ourselves in...I can't keep track of where everything is 'put away'. And no, I am not an organized-brain person. This is all a special kind of hell to me.
Ironically my husband considers the new tidiness and de-cluttering a special kind of heaven. Even if it's fake.

Note to Universe:
Please send someone to love (or just really like) and buy our current home. And send them right over!
Thank You.

And while I'm not 100% excited about moving, I am warming up to the idea. There are some great points about our new locale.
- lots of space in the house (not that we are cramped here, but it's nice to have open space)
- more room in the yard (one of our favorite things, lots of trees)
-hot tub and sauna (of course the kids will be thrilled with the new 'pool')
-husband loves being away from the noise of the city
-lots of outdoor places to play (skating rinks, pathways, river, playground, etc) It's good for little boys and girls, and big boys and girls too.
-fantastic new school (I went out to check out the kindergarten program and it's amazing - the whole school looks/sounds amazing)
-remodeling (it will be fun to take our time and update the 80's theme - not fun while you're in the middle of it, but when it's finished!)
-I like the idea of having friends over (big and little) and enjoying our surroundings. We're hoping we can lure people to come out and visit/play!

And the stuff I'm still working on:
-all the driving (I almost ran out of gas on my way back from the school. Yes, I know, better planning on my part)
-it will now take an hour of driving to go to the gym. Will have to revise work out plans.
-we have some great neighbors here. The kids and I will really miss them. Part of my problem is that I worry we won't meet any other really great people. It's probably not the case, but it's a fear. Although I've told the kids that we'll meet new friends. And we can visit our friends here.
-I will miss our ward at church. I'm not super easy to get to know and it takes me a while to settle in with new people. I know we're not leaving the country or anything and we'll see them again, but it's not the same. I will miss the company and friendships we've made here.

And now I have some laundry to find and a million bins to fill...