Family Photos

I realize I haven't posted any photos for a little while. I still have a lot to edit, but here are a couple of the family.
We had such a good time and many adventures while we were away...

Rainbows and Lollipops

So I figured since I have shared some of my shopping horrors, that it's only fair and reasonable to share our successes. Few that they are.
Having said that, I recently had a nearly perfect shopping experience. With all 3 kids. At the huge grocery store. Where you must bag your own stuff.
All 3 kids were actually IN the cart for starters. Their idea, not mine. Which is why it was so perfectly executed. We got a lot done. Some bribery was needed, but I don't mind at all when it works so well. No one cried or screamed or fell out.
At the checkout we had a helpful, cheerful cashier. Another lovely employee came over and helped me fit all my groceries into my new green bins AND helped me fit them all in the cart. Which was full of kids.

And diapers were on sale.

AND we got a free turkey. Which our spectacular cashier had brought to us so we didn't have to go find it ourselves.

It truly was the most Super shopping experience I've ever had.
SUPER!

Goodbye Summer Hello Fall

To whom it may concern,
I don't feel like being the mom today. I have plenty of things I'd really like to do. The kids are fine. I'm just feeling creative and distracted and I don't want to wash the floor, pick up the disaster trail behind each kid that goes from room to room, or clean up any poop today. So if it's all the same to you, I'd like the day off.

Thanks,
Mrs. Twomittens

Home Again

Hellooo internet, we're back! I've missed you. It was nice to have a bit of time away, and now it's nice to be back and to catch up again.
We stayed away a little longer than we planned but this week was so beautiful. The leaves changing and the sun shining...
On the way home today I was thinking how nice the past few days have been. Life was less hectic and less busy. We all seem to relax and enjoy each other a little easier. I wish I could bottle that feeling and open it up whenever I need it.
Now there's plenty of unpacking and laundry and I think I have a trazilllion pictures on my camera (that's slightly more than a googillion). But what makes coming back to 'reality' a bit easier? Presents waiting at our doorstep! I've started receiving some of the gifts from Tutus and Turtles. I will post more on that later as well.
So much to catch up on!

Best Before

Away

Hey, we're going on a little vacation this week. Off to visit the chalets for one more time before Grandma and Grandpa move.
Have a great week and we'll see you soon!

Blue on Blue

I've been feeling 'blue' lately. Not blue/boo hoo/sad, but the color blue.
I find that at different times in my life I'm drawn to different colors.
When I was pregnant I had a craving for green. A beautiful vibrant 'living' green. So I went out and found a pair of earings with a perfect green stone in them. It was the perfect color.
And I have felt drawn to reds and yellows and pinks. Mostly warm colors.
But never blue.
I'm not a blue person for the most part. I have no blue in my house and not much in my wardrobe. I chose some light blue/green colors for the boys, but that's about it. Blue is generally a bit bland for my taste. Not that it can't be beautiful. Just not my thing.
But I guess it is right now.
Particularly navy blues and soft muted blues. Overcast skies and ocean shores.
(sorry 1980 electric blue, you still make me gag)
I keep thinking about these colors.

When I googled this is what I got,
Blue is the color of truth, serenity and harmony, by helping to soothe the mind. Blue is good for cooling, calming, reconstructing and protecting.

Which goes along with how I'm feeling I suppose. I feel like I have turned inward a bit. I'm trying to find some answers to some questions. Looking for change in a positive way. Searching for ways to establish more harmony and peace in my life and my home.
(Serenity Now!! I could be Frank Costanza)

Three

Tagged by Jamie!

The rules are: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 surprising facts and then tag 5 other people. Leave a comment for the people you’ve tag so they know they have been tagged.

*I say it should be tag 3 people...all 3's.

My 3 Joys:

• I think everyone would say their family, so that goes without say, but I have to add my baby girl especially. She's so sweet and such a joy to our family. And she doesn't talk back. Yet.
  
• photography
• travelling

My 3 Fears:
*There is something a bit scary about naming fears in my mind. I don't like putting it all out there, so I will refrain from putting down any kind of family tragedy etc. It creeps me out. Maybe that counts as a fear? Naming fears.

• dark water
  
• having things touch me when I'm in the water (so yeah, no scuba diving for me)
  
• not having a close relationship with my kids when they are grown
  

My 3 Current Obsessions:

• sewing (see below) although I haven't actually DONE any yet
  
• I can't stop thinking about upcoming holidays (Halloween and Christmas are just around the corner??!!)
  
• The Creative Family - how to make my days and projects with my kids more meaningful
  

My 3 Surprising Facts:

• I don't think I am quite 5'6, but to my dying day I will tell people that I am 5'6
  
• I am allergic to a lot of smells/perfumes but food smells are usually ok (I can't wear flowery/grassy scents but you may find me smelling of coconut or pumpkin spice)
  
• I cut my own hair yesterday. Just a trim. I know I really shouldn't do it, but I've done it before and I will probably do it again. I just get too impatient to make an appt. I don't recommend it.
  

I tag:
Alyson
Mrs. Mmmmaaahvelous
Mrs. Sweetpeas

Sew What?

I feel like sewing.
Which is weird for me. Because I don't like to sew. I find it frustrating and annoying. I have trouble following patterns with all those picky little notches and allowances. And then there's the thread...don't get me started. It just always seems like a lot of work to only be disappointed in the end.
And yet, there are so many cute little things that I think maybe...just maybe...

Un-Freakin'-Believable!

My day was starting out in a crappy sort of way and then low and behold...I'm a winner!
Shock and awe, shock and awe!!




I shall never whine about not winning a contest again!
(you didn't know I was whining, but I was)

Thank You Tutus and Turtles and all your generous sponsors.

Baby Girl 15 Months

Wowzers. My Baby Girl is determined to grow up fast! She is literally growing and getting taaalller and taller. She is also trying to do everything and anything the big kids are doing. She does not want to be left out.
Example A. The Backpack. I had to get her one because she kept trying to wear the boys'. Of course, they do not like that. A girl needs her own stuff anyway.

And naturally she is very into shoes. Her brothers', mine, even daddy's. She will often get upset when I take her shoes off. She is just starting to wear 'big girl' shoes and it's pretty fun.
Speaking of Daddy...The Babe and her daddy have become pretty tight lately. They like to hang out. Daddy makes her laugh. And she likes to feed him!

The Babe has been mimicking sounds for a little while now. I wasn't sure at first if she was really saying words, but she definitely is. She says her brothers name. In fact, I think that was her first word. The first one I recognized. The longer one mostly, but I've heard her say the other one too. She says 'hi' and 'bye' and 'uckie' and 'hi daddy'. I really expect her to be quite a chatterbox. She has the gift of gab like her Nana! **Hi Nana**
She also loooves animals. She sqeals and gets excited whenever she sees them. She almost jumped out of her seat and jabbered on like crazy when she saw the horses at the zoo. I guess they are her favorite?

I really am excited for all the new things my babe is doing these days. She is so much fun and we all enjoy her so much.

I just wish she wasn't in such a hurry to grow up.
Although I suspect that is not going to change anytime soon.









*I want to nibble all of their juicy little munchkin legs in this photo!

42 Months

I think it's safe to say the boys had a pretty good summer. We didn't do everything I had on my 'fun things do do this summer' list, but you have to save something for next year. Right?













We had fun at the zoo, fun with friends close and far, fun with bikes and little skateboards, fun at the park, fun with each other.










One of the themes of the summer was definitely water. Hardly a day went by when they didn't at least try to get the hose. And if they did get the hose when they weren't supposed to, I got to spray them with it. Hey, my hose, my rules! The Bee really loves to be the sprayer, but hates to get sprayed! Even when it's hot out.
We spent a lot of time playing in our backyard, but a lot of time this year riding bikes and playing with chalk and playing with neighbours in the front yard too.

I don't remember anything about the summer I was 3, so I don't suppose these guys will either. Hopefully they'll just remember they had fun, they played a lot, and mom didn't yell too much.

p.s. I did not buy my kids Slurpies. Our neighbour did. But I wasn't going to tell them 'no' when she came over one particularly warm evening. And she knew it! Gotta love summer.

August

Aaaaaahhh August. I actually like it when it's hot and sweaty because then you feel like you've had summer and the cool weather is more welcome. But today was downright chilly at the park this morning. And so this is the end of August. It always makes me a little sad...

We've been super busy the past week or so. And by 'we' I mean 'me' really. I've been to a BBQ, a birthday celebration, 2 baby showers, a day at the zoo and visits with cousins. Whew!
AND I've been making jam. Lots of jam.
I have friends (and you know you who are) who are hard core and make the real kind, but I'm doing freezer jam. SO easy. Who knew little containers of fruit could be so satisfying. I'm feeling a bit addicted...must make more jam!
I've already made blueberry, blueberry strawberry, strawberry peach, and strawberry rhubarb. Taadaa!








So I'm behind on updating and washing my kitchen floor, but all things in time as I try to soak up every last inch of summer.
(I always count the beginning of Sept as still technically summer, but we all know it's not the same)

Birthday Boy

ummm...this was for yesterday...!!
My dad is a handy guy. The handiest. In fact it was quite a shock in my adulthood when I realized that not all men are handy. Not at all.
My dad can fix just about anything. He could give McGyver a run for his money.









He's also the kind of guy who would do anything to help his kids or family or a friend/stranger in need.
He enjoys the outdoors and took my husband for his first kayak ride.
He loves his grandkids and enjoys spending time with them, and they especially like going for 'rides' on various wheeled apparatus. He's not afraid to comfort them when they're upset and he's always up for a cuddle or a hug.

We love you Dad.
Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Feeling Like Inspiration

I think this applies to many creative pursuits, whether with a pen, paintbrush, a camera or even a glue stick...

"...No one can advise or help you–no one. There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: MUST I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet the solemn question with a strong, simple ‘I MUST,’ then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your whole life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse. Then come close to nature. Then, as if no one had ever tried before, try to say what you see and feel and love and lose."
-Rainer Maria Rilke, February 17th, 1903

via Sara Remington

Circus Of The Sun

Because my husband is not only charming, but super-fantastic, he surprised me with tickets to see Corteo. And because he is spectacularly sensational he insisted on staying home with the kids (at mealtime/bathtime/bedtime) while my sister and I went to see the show.



And it was pure joy as I expected it would be!
There is always something magical about a live performance. We had front row seats, which is an experience unto itself. What we missed in getting an 'overview' we made up in being able to look into the faces of the performers and feel the air move as they rushed onto the stage.
My hubby asked if we could smell them. We totally could. That stage perfumey-make-up smell. Smell-o-vision.
I just love the way the Cirque Du Soleil combines music and dance and theatrics with pure athletic power. The final act was brilliant. It was like watching the beauty of Olympic gymnasts in gorgeous costumes and music and dance with an old man on a bicycle passing overhead.
And it had robots.
Magic!

No cameras are aloud inside the Big Top, so these are a couple of shots from outside.

Flickr Fun

Thanks to Jamie for this fun idea...
This could be addicting! (making mosaics)

The concept:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The Questions:
1. What is your first name? Lara (this is lego Lara Croft - she kicks butt)
2. What is your favorite food? noodles
3. What high school did you go to? nothing came up so this is a photo from a 'landmark' old motel in town, the Telstar, in Brooks.
4. What is your favorite color? Pink
5. Who is your celebrity crush? McDreamy
6. Favorite drink? Mango lassi
7. Dream vacation? Mediterranean somewhere...
8. Favorite dessert? gelato (today anyway)
9. What you want to be when you grow up? artist
10. What do you love most in life? family
11. One Word to describe you? tired
12. Your flickr name? **twomittens** (this was the ONLY photo that came up...ha

1. Lara Croft, 2. vietnamese noodles, 3. motor inn, 4. vintage tea set with cupcake, 5. Patrick Dempsey in Dolce e Cabbana, 6. Saravanaas - Mango Lassi, 7. roman tavern on the mediteranean HDR, 8. k., 9. The Photographer, 10. bless from above, 11. yawn, 12. twomittens

The Longest Weekend

So we went out to visit Grandma and Grandpa for the long weekend, and then we just never left. We ended up staying for most of the week. The Babe had a terrible fever for a few days and the poor thing was miserable. Once she started to feel a little better The Bee got it. It was really lousy, but everyone survived and we had a really nice, mellow week. It was strangely quite relaxing and we all enjoyed spending time with Grandma and Grandpa.
We did manage to do a few outings. This day The Bee stayed behind and snoozed on Grandma's couch while the rest of us did a little trip to Moraine Lake.











It was really busy but the lake was gorgeous as always.
Thanks to daddy for some of these great shots!

Faeder Lake Kayak

Away for the long weekend! Even if it's cold and the kids are sick, you can still enjoy a long weekend in August...




Boys and boats. We often spend most of our 'water time' in the river (throwing rocks or playing in puddles) when we visit Gamma and Gampa, but we thought we'd try out some calmer water.












The color of Faeder Lake is what you notice first. The clear aqua blues and greens are beautiful and the water is pristine. It looks shallow because you can see the bottom out quite far but it's not.
Daddy thought thought the boys would like to go for a spin.
Boating on the grass has its limitations!
The Bee wasn't quite sure at first, but he thought he's give it a try after The Bug gave his approval. Playing in the water is always fun!

Birthday Girl

My sister had a 'big' birthday earlier this month. I'm not at liberty to say which one, so let's just say she's 29...again...
And really, since I am 8 years OLDER, I have little sympathy.
Birthdays often seem to be fraught with emotion. A time to celebrate for some. A time to reflect perhaps. Or a time to bemoan everything in life you thought you'd have or accomplish by this time and still haven't. Maybe some of each.
I tend to be of the celebration mindset. And whenever I start to freak out too much I remind myself that it is all relative. Like, in 10 years I'm gonna be thinking this year was pretty d*mn great. And sometimes you even need to mark the occasion with photographs. So that in 10 or 20 or 50 odd years when things wrinkle and sag and pucker, you can look back and show your kids and grandkids just how beautiful your youth was...before the sleep deprivation and stress and worry (the kids) came along.
So Happy Birthday little sister. I hope when you look back at these pictures, at any time, you remember the friends you had and the fun and all the great things that come along with this time in your life. And remember how beautiful you are!








(we'll see if I still feel this way when my BIG birthday comes rolling by...I still have a couple years to prepare...40 is the new 36.8, right??!! maybe if I start sleeping now...)

These shots are all pretty much SOOC (straight out of camera) without much editing. We found the coolest color backgrounds and had really nice light. FUN. Except for the brief ant attack. AAH!