these moments

Often on Fridays I am inspired to do 'this moment' inspired by Amanda Soule from SouleMama. Well today I'm making my own 'these moments' because our week has been made up of moments. Moments I have lived in. I have chosen to revel in the moments that make up my kids days. The smiles, the teetering steps, the quiet moments they play together. I have hung up their carefully colored pictures on the fridge, and bribed Bryan to kiss me every night, although he says he's too big...

My heart has been plagued with sadness over the changes in my life I can't control. I won't say its easy or pretend it isn't there. I have days when it hangs heavy, and something small sets me off to tears. Sometimes its a touching blog post, a picture, or a long day and a short night.  But the choices I have made, this week, and past month, to live in the moment, to give the extra hug, to stop what I am doing, and help put on dolly's shirt, or build the lego house, have made the difference. I have these memories and moments treasured up and put away in my heart.

Christmas

look Klara!

footies in her size

my vintage deal. we named her Anne because she has red hair and green eyes like Anne of Green Gables

so happy with the homemade gift

Angelina made this for her momma. it adorns my desk now

sleeping in a cozy place through it all

'the gift' that one perfect gift. made me cry to see her joy

chowing down on some treats

Snow - long awaited

smiles :)

mitts bought in love

Today - leaving the smallest ones with Tata, me and the biggest girls went to see and enjoy a much luved gift from a very dear friend. Although plans got shifted slightly, my girls and I got dressed up, I pinned and netted ballet buns, and dabbed on a wee bit of makeup. Memories. On the smiles the clapping, and the dreams dancing in their eyes. 

The new year approaches. For us with the wee ones, it will be a evening with family, and then its a quiet night at home, making memories, and being together.  Sharing hopes, dreams for the new year, resolutions, and moving forward. Kisses at midnights, even for littles ones tucked into bed and sleeping. Yes, thats right. After midnight and before we go to bed, we slip into quiet rooms with night lights glowing, we smooth back soft curls, and kiss the plump cheeks and smooth foreheads of those wee babe's we luv so much.  New Years Day will take us to my mom and dads for new year wishes, and more memories to make.

How are you spending you New Years Eve?

The Day Before

The day started with high spirits and happy children. The sun was shining, and the day was spread out before us. We stayed close together, talking, sharing, helping. It was easy to stay on task and move towards time together as a family. As the day evolved, I realized we weren't moving towards that, but doing it! We were spending time as a family. In the preparation for Christmas.

We baked cookies and packed them up to spread some holiday cheer in our neighborhood. The girls finished up they're tree ornaments and  we attached them to cards. We knocked on doors and the children waited, watching the door, shifting from foot to foot. The door would open and they would call out "Merry Christmas!" The joy and smiles, and happy words. It was heart warming to do it with my kids, and watch the delight on their faces to make someone else so happy.

We have this tradition. We only began 2 years ago, but it works out so well. We bundle them up, and head over to Simoce to see the Christmas lights. They have a park in the middle of town all decorated. The kids luved it the 1st year and have asked continually each for the following year. This year they were checking with me and asking me already in November that we would go and Daddy would come too. They have been so excited. On the way home we listen to the weather man update us on where Santa is!

"Shhhhhh, quiet!" Angelina yells form the back seat.  She's at the age, looking for every sign that the big old guy in red is really real. I continue to do my best to keep the spirit alive, knowing the years of this are winding down for her.

Baka came, we ate pizza and snuggled babies in bed in warm pj's and hugs and kiss. it was quiet, and gifting began.

The house is quiet now. The tree in ready for the excitement of tomorrow. With thoughtful handmade, and refurbished gifts. I reflect on the day and smile. We did it. And joy swims through me knowing we are make new traditions, and people smile, and teaching them important lessons.

 

Merry Christmas! May your day be filled with wonder, and you heart with joy, and love.

1, 2, 3 & 4

I'm trying to make this my blog header but having problems. Have a great day! 2 more sleeps!!

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!