Nana's Day and Being Versatile

Today is Nana's day. We got up early, rushing around,  eating on the run, packing clothes, potty, crock pot full of soup, and running out the door. Only to go back for my keys! But we made it out the door, the second time and headed over in an enjoyable ride. Talking and sharing with my children about random things and pulling in right on time.

A Christmas tree in the corner, platters of cookies and buns and pots of soups. Company, and laughter and lots of hugs and kisses is the tradition I remember growing up. I was so happy to include my children in this tradition, and that for them it will be part of the tradition of Christmas!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Versatile Blogger Award

Kristyn awarded me the Versatile Blogger Award. I'm not sure I fit the criteria, but am happy to play along! She syas: "The premise behind the award is that the blogger who receives this award is invited to share seven things about themselves with their readers, and then pass on the award to 15 other bloggers." Of all the blogs I follow, I don't know anyone personal (other then Kristyn) so I have no one to pass it on to! But I will share 7 things about me!

1. Hubby and I bought Iphones about 6 weeks ago, and although I didn't want one to begin with, I stand in awe at how amazing it is, and I am slowly falling in luv with the thing!

2. Goran and I met on a blind date with a couple that knew each other already. The 2nd time I was with him I knew I could luv him and marry him and spend my life with him.

3. I suffer from chronic sinus problems. Sometimes it doesn't bother me at all, but when I get worn down and over tired, my sinuses begin to ache and they make me even more exhausted. I use a neti pot, eat garlic, and drink lemon tea like crazy to overcome it. These remedies REALLY help.

4. I would like to live in a big old country home, and have farm animals, have a baby in the house, and raise our family there. I'm enjoying the house I have now, and the neighborhood, but I don't know if this is my forever home.

5. I would like to have an unassisted birth.

6. This Christmas is hard for me. Over the last year my circle of friends has changed drastically. Some have been my decision, and others have not. I have tried to reach out, with phone called and emails, and have had no or little response back. This Christmas is different and I am trying really hard to make new traditions, and move forward with a different circle, and my growing family, but there is a part of me that hurt over the losses. 

7. With this warm weather with fall and winter I have worn my Birkenstock's as long as possible. I wore them today!

7 randoms things :)

A few more pics that are on my favorits this week.

bob sleeping in and empty Christmas bag. luv u bob

she's was trying to walk and pull at the same time, but was having time with balance and pulling :)

perfect - hole in the stocking!

story time at the library last night. yes, in pj's!

3 more sleeps! I hope your week is going well!

Enjoying

The house wakes up slow these days. A snuggle in bed with the baby while she nurse's, and a quiet shower while the others sleep. One by one they make their way to the kitchen, hair tousled, rubbing their eyes, and still warm and sleepy in their footie PJ's. 

These are the things memories are made of.

Memories. Oh we made some great ones on the weekend! With our favorite people, Kristyn Abby and Zach! We saw the Living Nativity, and exchanged some really great gifts that EVERYONE luved. The children played quiet games, and pulled on snowsuits and boots to play in our fist snow. The laughing and giggle and sharing of small ones! The talking and sharing of mommies! O how we share and talk and enjoy each others company. We work together to bundle up small ones in snowsuits, and as we walked  through Harmony Square in the dark, calling names, counting heads and making sure everyone had a hand to hold.

a chorus of Angles.

What better way to bake then in new aprons?

Breakfast after a sleep over!

Thank you dear friends, for making this a weekend we won't forget!

Celebrating

A friend shared this on facebook, and I luv it so much, I have to share it. Makes me well up with tears, and luvs how it brings back the meaning of Christmas right at the end!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnt7euRF5Pg

follow the link and enjoy!

5 Days, 5 Favorites

5 days left of shopping, and baking, and sewing, and gluing and coloring and wrapping. I'm not the one coloring! But the ones that do put all their heart into it, and the final product is always beautiful.

We are trying to make the most of the holiday season with trips, and stories, and crafts, and a wee bit of shopping, and goodies, and visits and the list goes on. But here is 5 of my favorite pics over the past little while.

yes she is potty learning! the diapers are put away, and she is in in undies!!

sewing on the 'singer' (this was my moms and passed down to me!)

crafting

playing with the Jesus set

Enjoy you Tuesday everyone!

Family

Oh, I have been thinking and planning this post for over a week. Actually I have meant to post long before today, a quick post or setting aside a chunk of time to make a good one, but someone always seems to have other plans. I began one Sunday night, but it didn't pan out either. I live in a house with 5 other people. Sometimes its hard to get our schedules to match up :)

So here I go, making up for a week of silence.

Sunday we celebrated as a family. We celebrated my parents birthdays and wedding anniversary. What did we do? Mom and Dad rented the pool in Woodstock, and we went swimming, and we went back to their house for a potluck! Everyone brought something to contribute, and as usual, there was too much food, enough for seconds of desserts and lots of love. Laughter, and encouragement, deep discussions, and a few heated moments as expected with a family of 20(?). My dad jumped of the diving board for the 1st time in his life, and the small grandchildren jumped from the side laughing and calling to each other to hurry. Back at home, sisters and moms smiled and laughed, and touched each others elbows and shoulders in reassurance and encouragement during discussions. Children played hide and seek, and laughter rang out when they found each other. The men spoke in loud voices and slipped into boots as they left the house after supper, joining us 1/2 hour later to help clean up and round up sleepy children and, Oh, they smelling of sweet cigars those men!  At the end of the evening there were goodbyes, and hugs and we called to each other through the night as we loaded up kids and empty crock pots in our vans and cars. Children running to give each other one last hug, and cries of "I don't want to go home" echoed around.

I reflected as we drove home. Family, time together, bonding, and children playing. It doesn't seem to matter how much time goes between visits, when we are together, it slips back to a comfort we know. I appreciate each and everyone of them so much. They are amazing and wonderful people. Growing and learning, making the most of what life has given them.

Among all my thoughts on this is another passing in my extended family. Its is extended for me, but much closer for my dad. His brother Jack passed away on Wednesday November 23rd. He was diagnosed with cancer in late spring, and at that point they had hoped for treatment. But after a fall that broke his pelvis, and another one breaking his hip, his health dwindled quickly. In the last few weeks of his life he had family visiting, and the pastor was called on and visited frequently. Dad spoke of visiting him about 2 weeks before his death. They reminisced of a childhood together, and other memories they shared together. My dad said Uncle Jack didn't miss a thing!  I believe Uncle Jack was filled with peace and love, and accepted that he was going home to Christ. I imagine a reunion in my mind. Uncle Andy and Uncle Jack, restored to perfect health, hugging and laughing and praising God.

This gets me thinking of my mom and dad. Oh how I love them and appreciate them. The knowledge they have to pass on, the joy and laughter they bring to our lives, the luv and admiration my children have for their Nana and Paka, and just the simple comfort I have in knowing they are only a phone call away. Every minute that they are here with us is a gift. A gift that I refuse to deny or ignore. We share our luv with words, and hugs, and small gifts, and time spent together. Tuesday morning coffees, piano lessons, messages over facebook, or text over the phone. Its dinners of take-out or home cooked meals. Memories of children climbing up on Pakas knee, Nana praising a job well done, and raising wine glasses up to good health and Gods blessings.

I have a multitude of pictures from the last week to put up. Pics of baby walking and figuring out potty skills. Dinners around the table, celebrations with family, children baking with new aprons, and a Jesus show Kristyn and I took the children too. I promise to blog these photos over the next 4 days, a post a day to catch! Stay tuned!

{this moment}

a bit late, but better later then never!

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by SouleMama

 

Happy 4th Birthday Bryan!

This weekend we celebrated my boy. He turned 4! Just 4 short years ago I looked up to Goran as my wet slippery baby rested against my chest and smile. "Its a boy!" I said as tears spilled down my checks. The joy of my boy!

Oh the way my boy has grown this year! He struggles and fights for his independence. He wants to do his own seat belt, put on his boats. He has mastered 5 fingered gloves! He sits for up to 1/2 an hour at a time colouring and experimenting with letters and numbers. He writes 20 letters/number on a paper and brings it to me say, "Mommy, what does this say?" He tries so hard to keep up with his sisters, running along the sidewalk with them often falling behind. But next time, he try's again! He works along side his dad in renovations, stopping from time to time to trace the tools. He swims with more confidence, and learned how to ride his a bike this year. 
Bryan gained a great understanding of death. We lost Nana's, Amber, and after the miscarriage, we discussed death, and went that meant. We talked about what we believe comes afterward. He nods with understanding when we discuss things, and says "Because 'it' died."

Bryan's birthday started with a snuggles in bed, birthday presents, his favorite books "Skippy Jon Jones" on CD, a Santa Clause parade, and the house filled with people to celebrate him! He wore his favorite shirt, and blew out the candles on his cake. He snuggled in my big chair with his sister and played his favorite game  ('Angry Birds') on the Iphone.

"How old are you today Bryan?"

"I don't know."

"You're 4."

"I am?"

"You are! Until next year when u turn 5!"

I luv you my boy!!

made by Baka