The squeaky wheel gets the grease!

Yippee!!!

I am so excited :)
I happened to send Ephiphanie (see yesterday's post) an email telling them about my troubles ordering and that what I really wanted was a turquoise Belle, not a turquoise Lola.  Guess what! They pulled through for me - they happened to have a "spare" Belle :)

Be still my heart!

So, after almost a year of coveting...this shall be mine!

I am sending this good karma out to you!

Indecisiveness.

So...

tonight I am very grumpy at myself.  I have been hovering in indecisiveness for almost a FULL year over a camera bag...
Liked it before it was even in production (at first could only preorder). The purse style spoke to me - zippered pockets on either side, relatively "small" but big enough to hold my camera body & more than one lens, and...the turquoise colour (if you know me, then you will know it is my fav colour). {sigh}

Finally made a decision. Ordering tonight (after getting almost through the "checkout" process at least five times in the last month or so, but just not quite ready to "commit" by clicking that final time).
Now not available to ship until April (was still available immediately last night & this morning when I checked).

As my heart was set on ordering this week & after almost wrecking a $500 lens by constantly chucking camera in diaper bag or other purse...decided definitely needed sooner than April.

Thus, I ordered a different style. Still in the turquoise colour that had sold me on the first one...but not my dear, sweet, Belle.

I'm quite worried that this one will be too "deep" and too "trendy".  But the anger at myself brewed strong & I couldn't help myself as I clicked "proceed to checkout". Argh!

Hopefully Lola & I find true love once we become acquainted. It will only take a week to see.

Let this be a lesson to you out there in blogland.  If you like something, if you keep coming back to it (like every week you compulsively have to check the website), then just buy the darn thing. Don't let indecisiveness get the best of you.

Yours truly,
Neurotic Nelly

PS - here is the link for the bags above - Ephiphanie Camera Bags. First one is the "Belle" (also available in brown, pink & red), second one is the "Lola" (also available in red & black). Trust me when I say I have extensively researched purse-style camera bags this past year.  These passed all reviews and are popular...so a warning that you may have to wait until spring to get the one you want...unless you are a little bit neurotic like me :)

If you are in the market for a purse-style camera bag, you may also want to check out these bags:
Kelly Moore Camera Bags
Jo Totes Camera Bags
Jill E Camera Bags
Emera Camera Bags

Also many cute handmade ones on etsy.  Happy shopping!

Happy Holidays!

Our little family is back from Manitoba and our first holiday celebration of 2010 :) We had a great time with family...ate great food, played games, read books, watched movies, giggled, ate some more, and just generally enjoyed some serious r & r.

We have another celebration to look forward to at the end of the week, but for now we are home, sweet, home.

From our home to yours...wishing you a very Merry Christmas & all the best in 2011!

Traditions!

I have come to realize that I am a devout traditionalist...

There have been many hints at this along the way. For example:
- My hubby must pick out the xmas tree
- My hubby puts the lights on the tree & the lights outside; I do the rest of the holiday decorating
- We go "away" for a weekend in Dec. to xmas shop together (this year we managed half a day...but at least we got away as a family)
- I stack all the xmas presents we have purchased in big piles on the spare bed, then wrap them all at once (usually the night before we need to leave to be somewhere for the celebrations, lol)
- My hubby & I having a slight argument over whether we shall cart the rather "large" santa gift for Baby B to MB for Santa to bring on "actual" xmas morn (guess which side of the argument I was on - and yes, I do realize that I am slightly irrational with this one)
- Filling stockings for each other in my nuclear family
- Silly gag-gift stocking stuffers from my mom every year (including the dogs)
- Xmas pj's to be worn xmas day
- Xmas baking...and participating in a "bake exchange"...my contributions including rum balls & sugar cookies each year (although this year I think I found a new fav recipe that might make an appearance next year - peppermint chocolate crackle cookies)
- making homemade presents
- attending the xmas eve church service
- and the list goes on...

Today, some would call me crazy as I headed out on the roads admidst the bluster & muster in order to participate in the yearly bake exchange.  I, being a commuter-at-heart, found the travel conditions not bad at all (however, I did leave Baby B at home). I will concede that the wind was howling and the snow was falling (even though you can't tell from this picture)...

Mmmm, I love the bake exchange.  Great friends, good treats...

A great tradition - well worth the drive! Yummmm - can't wait to sample some of the goodies :) Thanks to Trish for hosting us this year!

What traditions do you follow throughout the holiday season?

Heart is full...

Is your heart full?

As I was reading this blog entry, I literally stopped to think about life.  It gets crazy. I get frustrated. I get a little negative. And...I forget to be grateful for what I think is a wonderful and full life. 

My heart IS full.

I'm thankful that today I happened to decide to read this blog as an "unwind" session before bed.  It left me reflecting on all the positive things in my life.

I just love, love, love Lisa Leonard Designs.  I've been secretly wishing for one of her necklaces for quite some time...but it just doesn't seem right to order one until I know my family is complete. So I've been waiting.  And waiting.

Maybe this is for me?

Joy of the Season

One of my favourite parts of the holiday season is walking at night when there has been a good frost.  There is something so magical about the way the lights twinkle & glitter against the white of the frost.  So beautiful, and so peaceful. 

I decided to try and capture some of that magic tonight with my camera...I wasn't really successful as I struggled with my focus (for example, the picture above could be way more sharp), but what I am happy about is that is does evoke the mood that the walk brings upon me. I love that the colour is "off" as it captures the warm glow of the red and yellow lights.  It is one of the many reasons why I feel so lucky to live in a place that experiences four distinct seasons (and add to that the relatively mild weather we have been experiencing of late).

This will most likely make an appearance into my December Daily album (once I decide just how I'm going to get my pictures printed).

Sometimes it is the little things that really bring upon the joy of the season for me.  What about you?

A Moment, Sense of Wonder and Letting Go

A few more Reverb10 writing prompts...I may choose to include some of these in my December Daily album (or may not).

December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)


Hmm...it is hard to pick just one moment, so I will pick one of the most vivid sensory days for me this year (while camping in July).

I was valiantly trying to get back into my running habit, so had taken B out in the chariot for a jog...I remember feeling very energized and alive - there had been a bit of rain the night before so everything was wet and green and smelled just so fresh. I was really savouring the fresh, crisp morning air, azure sky and bright sunshine and kind of lost myself in the moment, appreciating the beauty of the park and the silence around me.  When I looked up, there was a skunk crossing not even 6 ft in front of me (and I had my dog on the leash next to the chariot...to this day I'm not sure HOW he didn't notice that skunk!). For the record, I could say the one true phobia I have is of skunks.  Amazing how I felt in that moment.  It is like time stood still...as I prayed that the dog would not take after the skunk, that the skunk wouldn't stop, how I was trying to calm my racing heart and keep breathing so as not to hyperventilate, how I was trying to keep the running rhythm so as not to disrupt the peace and cause a major catastrophe.  Honestly, the one moment felt like it took hours to pass, when in all likelihood was only a matter of seconds.  Thankfully the skunk passed and continued on his/her merry way without even a glance in our direction. The immense relief was almost palpable. I had to actually slow down and walk for a few minutes to get myself to stop shaking.
Later that day I remember loving the smell of the fire, the crackling of the burning wood and the calmness and peace that reverberates after dark in a campground, with the sound of my husband quietly breathing and turning pages in his book as we both tried to read by the light of the fire and lantern. To this day, I still appreciate the effort my husband took to spend each night that week with us at the park - for him it meant adding an hour of commute to his day, and it made me feel like B and I were the world to him.  I had such love and appreciation and my heart just felt so full.  I remember that day and those feelings vividly.

December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)



This one is easy. I watched my little boy grow :) I have always been a little struck by the wonder of we humans. Truly amazing creatures...that we start from the joining of two microscopic cells and become these complex living, breathing machines blows me away on a daily basis. 

 

This year I attempted to rid myself of all the clutter that tends to gather...I did pretty well, although would say the household could really use another thorough cleanse.  We are so fortunate to have so much so as to have excess...I have passed much of this on to those in need.

I also let go of a longtime friend this year.  Our friendship had faded and we had been out of contact for awhile, but I still harboured feelings of regret, frustration and even maybe a bit of resentment for the assumptions made during that time.  This year I was able to accept it for what it is and to let it go.  We have different lives and different priorities...and while it is painful for friendships to be lost, the waxing and waning is natural and a part of life.  I wish this person nothing but the best in life.

I also definitely let my "body" go this year...the desperate attempt at getting back running slowed to a halt.  I am frustrated that I didn't ever really lose my "baby weight" but have accepted that my body has changed forever.  In the new year, I hope to reevaluate this part of life and hope to be able to make fitness more of a focus. I won't run a full marathon by 35 (which has been a longtime goal)...but someday I WILL.

Since returning to work, I have let go many of my domestic duties.  I let dirt, grime and chaos accumulate to the point of it being overwhelming, and then I attack like a person possessed.  Definitely not ideal, but it is reality.  Something has to give when there are so many hats to wear.  This is what I "let go" of to retain my sanity.  Again - hoping to reevaluate this in the new year so as to avoid those days of being overwhelmed.

 How are YOU reflecting on 2010?

Because I don't have enough to do...

Well, OK - my title is a complete lie.  I seem to be running on all cylinders like a chicken with my head chopped off these days...so the good ol' sarcasm snuck into the blog.

I wanted to share one more little task I will be trying to keep up with through the month of December. I am following the prompts from Reverb10 to reflect upon this past year & look forward to 2011.

You might be wondering why in the world I would commit to something such as this when I am so busy? Hmmm...I think it is because I have this continuous, inner battle to find as much joy and gratitude from the everyday as possible...and when life gets busy the time I take to reflect upon these things all but vanishes. In a nutshell, I get busy, start taking life for granted, and get grouchy and negative.  I need to stop "busy" being an excuse to be grateful for the life I lead, I need to kick grouchy to the curb. I have a great life, and I need to remember this fact every. single. day.  Hence the commitment.

So - here are the first two prompts & my responses.  My goal is to summarize once or twice a week the prompts given daily (trying to be realistic with my goal-setting, lol).

#1 - what one word summarizes 2010? why choose that word? what word would you like to describe 2011 at this time next year?

Well...I chose one word to represent 2010 back in January.  That word was cherish.  I chose this word then as I felt so lucky to have become a mom and to have the opportunity to stay home with my son through his first year.  I wanted to really cherish the moments I got to spend with him as I knew the year would fly by.  Fly by it did! I do believe that I lived this word in 2010 (at least 75% of the time if I am being completely honest). The love that blossomed from the addition of B to our family continues to grow, and I will always be thankful for him (even through the frustrating times), so I believe I will continue to cherish the moments together. I have been trying to select a word that will represent 2011 for me, but haven't got it narrowed down to a winner yet.  Here are the "finalists":
balance - this is something I have struggled with oh, so very much as I've returned to work...as I've always been pretty good at multi-tasking I took for granted that balance was something that I would find sooner rather than later, but that just hasn't happened.  I want to really work on finding better balance between all the roles that I have in my life!
love - it is so easy to get caught up in negativity when you are tired, busy, frustrated (you get the idea)...for these reasons I want to have a word that reminds me to focus on the positives, the love I have for my family, friends, and life in general
nurture - this word to encourage me to focus on my family first
create - one of my goals for 2011 will focus upon expanding my creativity
no - although it sounds rather silly, I really need to add this word to my vocabulary...and do less things well

#2 - what thing gets in the way of your writing?
Hmm...since I don't really consider myself a writer (just on this blog per se), I would have to say life itself gets in the way (see above description - I've already waxed poetic)

Now a peek at December 1st:
     - have a great little project/gift planned for this fun ribbon!

   - I have titled this pic "great intentions" lol - hauled up all the xmas decorations with the intention of getting them all up...but two little things called a 1 yr old  & exhaustion got in the way...but I did get started unpacking tonight!

I hope to take time to compile the December Daily album once a week, so will keep you posted on the progress I make.  Trying REALLY hard to convince my husband (aka: Scrooge) to get a tree this weekend but not sure if I'll be successful!

Hope your December has started with a bang!

December...one day at a time!

After much deliberation, I have finally decided to take the plunge and complete a "December Daily" for 2010 - ala Ali Edwards.  The whole point of Ali's process is to have the foundation of the album built BEFORE the holiday season hits - and this is what really resonated with me about the idea (and may I add - why have I not done this with albums before???). As I made the decision with only 4 days left until the beginning of December, I decided to use Ali's overlays & photo templates to make the process simple and quick (I would normally create my own)! My goal is to have the bones of the entire album together by the end of the weekend so it is ready to roll for the 1st (wish me luck with that, lol)...
update: as of Monday evening...I am almost finished up to & including day 25...just a few pages that require stitching and they are DONE!
As is often the case with me, I got a mental picture of how I wanted my album to look before I even decided if I was going to undertake this project or not.  This is both a blessing and a curse as sometimes it is really difficult to find the necessary supplies to make the vision a reality...and then I struggle to be satisfied with the result. The "theme" of my vision is red, black & white - a patterned, embellished, & numbered page to "open the day" followed by a two page spread for journalling, photos, mementos, etc. I am tickled with the way it has turned out thus far and it is definitely making me more excited for the holiday season (I was feeling a little "bah-humbug" this year and was considering not even putting up the decorations?!!).

Here is a little sneak peek at a few of the pages :)

My main reason for creating this album is to document our holiday traditions (and I must say that although I plan on creating opening pages for Dec 1 - 31st, I am TOTALLY ok if I only end up filling 5 days. I am definitely taking the no-pressure attitude with this project).  I think it will be so fun for us to flip through it all next year, in five years, in twenty-five years! My plan is to pack it up and put away with all the xmas decorations and pull it out next year at the beginning of the season (as Ali does). So fun! I've totally enjoyed the process and am so thankful to have my holiday cheer "back".  Bring on Dec. 1st (the decorations are coming out of boxes that day :)

I pass on this challenge to you: how do you document or make efforts to remember your holiday season or traditions?

Merry, merry and goodnight!

What's for dinner tonight?

Oh brother...I don't know about you, but it is a constant question in this household. The trickiest part of the whole she-bang is deciding WHAT to make each night. Actually making it isn't all that bad (unless there is a whiny, clingy 1-yr-old hanging from the pantlegs...but that is another story for another time).

I have been feeling oh so very uninspired with my meal planning as of late and decided tonight I needed to delve into the archives to find a supper-worthy recipe.

So...here is the result! This is what is for dinner tonight in our house:

Spinach Linguine

(this recipe was adapted from a recipe found in a milk calendar about 10 years ago)

1 pkg frozen, chopped spinach (thawed), or 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
3/4 lb fettucine or linguine pasta
1 T butter
1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2-4 cloves garlic (we really like garlic in our house so I always use the upper end)
2 t dried basil
3 T all-purpose flour
2 1/4 c milk
1/2 c parmesan cheese, grated
3 T tomato paste
1 t salt
1/4 t nutmeg
pinch cayenne pepper

1. remove water from frozen spinach, set aside  2. cook pasta  3. melt butter in saucepan over medium heat; add onion, pepper, garlic & basil; cook 3-5 min; stir in flour; cook for ~1-2 min more; gradually whisk in milk making sure no lumps form; stirring, bring to boil; reduce heat & simmer for 1 min; stir in spinach, 1/2 c parm cheese, tomato paste, salt, nutmeg & cayenne pepper  4. toss sauce with fettucine; serve with remaining parm cheese

Note: I almost always add some garlic-sauteed chicken breast chunks to my sauce as no-meat meals around here are a big no-no. We really like to eat this with a side salad and some warm, crusty bread.  YUM!

I've got to go dig into this old favourite...I can't wait any longer.

What's for dinner in your house tonight?

Glum...and an addiction!

Wow! The state of my house when I woke up this morning was SO disasterous.  It just made me feel sad & overwhelmed that I had all that mess to deal with. Cleaning & tidying are just so constant around here...and I really feel like I just can't keep up to the mess that a busy toddler, a little but mighty dog, and a man make! (never mind the mess that momma makes as meals are prepped, cooked, etc). To make a long story short, I basically woke up feeling rather glum.  I was grouchy at the little man, grouchy at the dog and grouchy at myself (how do I let it get this out of control?). I'm sure many of you can relate.  Definitely one of the challenges of being a woman - we wear so many hats.

Rather than depress you with any more drivel & snivel, I will tell you what I did do to releive some of the angst...

I turned off all the lights.  I opened up all the blinds.  I let the grey, but natural light fill the house = peace.
I slowly & systematically tidied up and put things away.
I shoved as many dirty dishes into the dishwasher as could fit and stacked the rest by the sink. Ran the hot water, got out the dish brush (I have a thing against what I call "sink goobies" - can't handle washing dishes in a sink full of standing water - I know, I know - I apologize to the environment) and tackled the mess.
Stopped a few times to cuddle with the little man or sit down and play or read a story.
Didn't allow myself to get too sidetracked for too long.
Got back to the mess.

Finally I am at a point where I feel that I have conquered the mess (mostly).  It is such an incredibly restful feeling...now I'm just taking a deep breath so I'm ready to tackle it all once again in a few hours (because it is inevitable). 

Hopefully with B napping, I can get a little school work done.  That is another mountain that will need a slow and steady attack.

Natural light...
Deep breaths (alot of them)...
Taking time for my little man...
Persistence...

...these are the things that got me out of my glum today.
Oh - and how could I forget!
One bite brownies...my newest addiction.

Here is the recipe:
1/4 c butter, softened
1 1/4 c sugar (I use half sugar, half splenda)
2 lrg eggs
1 t vanilla
1/2 t instant coffee (dissolved in 1 t water)
     Cream butter & sugar; add eggs, beat well. Add vanilla & instant coffee.
1 c flour
1/2 c cocoa
1/4 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
    Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl.  Add slowly to wet mixture.  Mix well. Drop by teaspoon into mini  
    muffin tin. Bake @ 350 for 12-15 minutes (be careful NOT to overcook). Let cool in pan before
    removing.

    Devour.  Enjoy.  Smile. (and add chocolate chips if you are a chocoholic like me :)
What gets you out of the "glum"?

Happiness is...

...the presence of this little man in my life!

There has been something in the water the last two nights as Mr. B has been in an extremely happy mood after daycare/school. 
Like I mean F.U.N.N.Y...laughing at himself do silly things (uh-oh...think he may be more like his momma than I had thought - my family still teases me about thinking I'm far more funny than I am, lol).
It is not that he is normally a hard child to take of, but he does normally come home from daycare tired and grouchy.
It has been so fun to watch him just be himself, muttering in his baby jabber while he plays and interacts with me.  He is getting so grown up in so many ways, but yet still so much a baby. I absolutely LOVE this contradiction....and I desperately hope it means he has finally kicked this silly chest/ear infection bug to the curb!

Anyways, on with the story.  He has been loving feeding himself with his spoon - he actually does surprisingly well with his left hand for a one year old.  So good, in fact, that it is a bit of a struggle for momma to get anything into that mouth as he insists on hitting my hands away and grabbing the spoon himself.  Tonight, I decided to give him the yogurt right off the start (and got a little cocky that he didn't even need his bib on).  Everything was fine and dandy until he decided to switch to the right hand.  Let's just say he is obviously less coordinated with that hand...however, he was SO proud of himself (and therefore momma was proud, too). Just had to capture it, even though the light was terrible and my camera settings were all off - to me, this is what life is all about and why I want to take pictures...to evoke these moments and memories.

I hope I always remember the joy that this moment brought to me :)

Another totally B thing right now is to climb into/onto/between anything and everything. He is definitely a MONKEY.

As I was chasing him around to get him dressed for the day, he decided to evade me and climb onto the towel basket...where he proceeded to talk/laugh and bounce away.  Kind of like saying na-na-na-naNA can't catch me, momma!

I'm cursing myself a little over these pictures, as all capture such "B-ness"...something I've really been neglecting the last few months but have terrible light & colour (blame my absentmindedness for not changing the settings after being outside for pictures on the weekend).  Sometimes I think I need a point and shoot for these quick moments so that I don't have to worry about my settings being all wonky and missing the moment...but seriously? I have better things to worry about these days. And the point is - I captured the moments. For this, I'm grateful.  For this, I'm so happy!

Gosh, B, how I love you.
xoxoxo

I Won't Be Outdone!

This little girl is a pistol! She keeps everyone around her on their toes...and there is no convincing her when she doesn't want to do something. Trying to get her to smile was no easy task - so this will have to do...but the intense look is just so her!

She has the most lovely porcelain skin and perfect lips.  I think this picture just shouts "Hey big sis! I will not be outdone..."
Two seconds later and she is off to help B and tell him not to eat rocks (cause that's what you do when you are one and your mom is distracted by some cute little girls).

One more option...

Just 'cause I am eternally indecisive...thought I'd add yet another choice to the mix!

She is such a gorgeous little model :)

Still haven't got the edit 100% where I want it...but it is fun to play around!

Hmmm...

I always struggle to find a picture I like better in b&w than colour (that I have taken...I like others' b&w just fine).

I snapped this one of B's friend today and am having a hard time deciding if I like the b&w or the colour.  The colour captured the pretty warm evening light we got for just a few minutes, but is it too warm? Hmmm...just can't decide!

Either way, she is just getting so grown up! We love her just like a sister :)

Baby B...

is not really a baby anymore.
He is a toddler.
He is a BUSY toddler.
Tried to get some pics of him today that represent his toddler self.
Boy, oh boy, that is a hard thing to do.

Still...

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm still alive :)
Life is just crazy & I'm trying my best to adjust to that new "normal" that everyone says I'll find...

Busy making jewellery up a storm - loving introducing so many of you to the {bead} items (I just like them so much & am so glad they are being well received).  Looking forward to being at a few more "open house" events leading up to the holiday season. Have some new ideas for fabric jewellery items...just need to find some time to "play".

Can't remember the last time I picked up my camera - vowing to go out & get some shots of Mr. B tomorrow as the weather is supposed to be super dooper.  Thankful I took so many pictures of him as a wee one - I already forget so much about that stage! Regretting that since he has been crawling, then walking, that I've neglected to do the same.  I want to be able to remember and cherish each stage with memories...and pictures sure enable that!

Totally fallen off the picture of the day bandwagon (obviously) - but thinking that one week soon I need to do another "week in the life".  Need to get back on the daily journalling habit - it is a great way to look back at what daily life is all about...kind of like a really brief diary of life.

Contemplating undertaking a "December Daily" but thinking that maybe it best wait til next year. 

Thinking about what I can "give up" to make life a little more sane.  Definitely need to add the word NO to my vocabulary (and allow myself to not feel guilty if I say it).

Enjoying getting out for some late evening walks these days as the weather is so balmy - there is such a peace induced within me due to the stillness (LOVE no wind) and crisp, clear sky. The stars shining bright are a joy to see.

Wondering if I have the time/energy to do handwritten xmas cards this year.  Chances are I don't...seeing as how I STILL have baby, birthday & christening thank-yous to do (if you are one of those people that has been so kind & sent gifts...please know that we are SO VERY thankful for your generosity & thoughtfulness even if you haven't received a formal thanks - my intentions seem to get in the way of reality).

Liking having a roof over my vehicle, but not liking that the garage project is far from finished...talk about the never-ending story...(and between "work"work & "garage" work, it sure would be nice to see my hubby a bit more!

Trying to remember if the rest of Canada switches time this weekend...or next?! Also counting on my fingers to try and remember if B's last day of nebulizer meds is tomorrow or Monday (I have a calendar...I obviously need to find a place to hang it & get writing these things on it).

Thinking that I'd better go try and zone out the snoring coming from our bedroom & get a few zzzz's myself.

Realizing I've rambled on about nothing, yet again!

Mmmm-hmmmm, this really is what ran through my brain in the last five minutes. It is true, a person really CAN be that random.

Still rambling...
Still...

Good night. Sweet dreams.
Be back sooner than later.  With pictures :)

Random...

Sometimes the most random things catch my attention...like how I am so tired that while undressing for bed I started to slip my arms out of my sweater to pull it off over my head...until I remembered mid-pull that it had a a zipper down the front, lol.

So random, so representative of where I am with life RIGHT now.

Just wanted to record it.

Life is all about the little things.

Really.

The older I get, the more I realize this...

Life is random. I am random.

I love life...sometimes I just get so busy that I forget I love it :)

G'night all.  I'm going to go and unzip my sweater now!

THINK PINK!

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I have created a very special LIMITED EDITION Breast Cancer Awareness watch band, dangle and fabric flower collection.  They will be available for order on http://www.jmdcreate.com/ starting October 20th (along with some other very pretty LIMITED EDITION designs). A portion of all proceeds from the limited edition collection will be donated to Breast Cancer Action Saskatchewan.

I encourage you to think pink!




PS: jmdCREATE {bead} prices are increasing as of November 1st, 2010...take advantage of the current prices until October 30th :)

More Examples...

Here are a few more preliminary examples...

A special offer for all of you, my faithful blog readers...
If you have been toying with the idea of creating/sending a photo card this year for the holidays and have a photo (or two, or three) in mind for the card - email me your pictures and let me "fool" around! If you like the results...I will offer you the template/final design @ 50% off!

Happy Weekend :)

Digital Templates!

I have had many people ask me about creating digital templates - for Christmas photo cards, baby announcements, etc.

Exciting news!

I will be offering a selection of digital photo card templates over on my website (http://www.jmdcreate.com/) as of October 15th.  Don't see one that you like? Contact me & I will create a custom template just for you! These templates are designed as layered templates (meaning they are designed to be used in photo-editing software)...however - if you do not have such software available for your use - just email me the pictures you wish to use along with which template & I will customize for you :) Once you have a finalized template, then you are able to print wherever your heart desires! It is THAT EASY.

Photographers - purchase a grouping of templates for creating photo cards for your clients!

I was playing a bit with some preliminary designs...here is an example of what a finished product could look like:

For more information: email jmdcreate2009@gmail.com!

Keep watching for more examples :)

Gift Wrapped!

Packaged these little cuties up today as they prepare to head to new homes!

(WristArt Bracelets from jmdCREATE {bead} with gift wrapping!)

All jmdCREATE custom fabric pieces come packaged in this cute gift wrapping and bead pieces can be gift wrapped for $2 - 4. Check out all the offerings on jmdCREATE.com!

Some exciting new products coming soon to jmdCREATE include:
  - Breast Cancer WatchArt & DangleArt
  - Limited Edition WatchArt & DangleArt (special designs in limited quantities only!)
  - CharmArt
  - Double WristArt (the look of our WatchArt bands in a bracelet format!)

Keep watching the website...I'm excited about these changes and I hope you are too :)

ONE!

It is official! We no longer have a "baby" - but a toddler.  In the week of turning one, the little man decided it was also a great idea to start walking (much to his momma's chagrin as I would have been happy had he not walked until 18 months...but I think I was in a bit of denial on this one as he has been cruising hard core since 7 months and walking a few steps here and there for quite a while now).

Here is a glance at all things Baby B @ one:
- loves, loves, loves bananas & yogurt (fav foods at this point in life by far!)
- talks like crazy to himself and to us while alone, likes to be silent and stare in a crowd
- giggles uncontrollably when stomach tickled
- watches intently at the adults in his life then mimics what they are doing
- loves putting things in and out of other things
- likes any kind of ball
- is into looking under the furniture to find long lost items
- likes his soother but is willing to play without it - only really wants it when tired
- teething like a mad man
- still loves pushing his little "car" around our kitchen/living room loop
- mooches any food that any adult is eating (or drinking for that matter)
- will eat a banana like a "big boy" (and is starting to prefer his food NOT being cut up into little chunks)
- likes to pick up books, look at the pictures & turn pages
- finally holding his bottle on his own (although he has been able to do so for a long while has been too stubborn to do it himself until now)
- has four teeth (with more to come in the near future)
- likes to push cars around
- loves the computer & skyping with Gramma
- uses his blankie as a pillow - loves to drag it around with him when allowed and lay his head on it
- loves opening drawers & cupboards (and then completely emptying them)
- has adjusted well to babysitters
- likes to share (especially with the dog)
- is a pretty easygoing, happy little boy that is definite in his likes & dislikes

Happy Birthday, Mr. B!

Here are some pics from B's birthday bash. We were so lucky to have a wonderfully warm, sunshiney day!

What to do...

What should one do when it is almost midnight, they are sick with a cold & ear infection, have a list a mile long of schoolwork to-do's and are already mourning the five days to come spent away from baby?

Well, write a blog post...isn't that obvious?

Baby B is on the birthday countdown...he is a week away from being ONE!

Holy smokes. 
I've said it before and I'll say it again! WHERE, oh where, does the time GO?

I can't believe how much I love this little man. I know it is so cliched (sorry...have no idea how to get the accent above the e), but I truly did not understand how much I could love another being.

I'm already so proud of him. Yup, I'm bound to be one of those parents.

I really wanted some "1 yr old" photos of B before he actually turned one...and because I'm being incredibly stubborn and waiting for "fall colours" for our family photo shoot, it meant trying to get some pictures on my own (and with my friend's help, thank goodness!).  He is such a little monkey - was too busy sticking his tongue out & staring at us to pop too many smiles...but it does capture him at this point in his life, lol! Although I'm not super excited about any of the pics I got of him, the point is I did get some pics.  Life is crazy busy enough that just this effort is important :) I can't wait to show you some of the ones of my friend's girls and the ones she got of B...we had some killer light!

Love you, little man! I will miss you while I'm gone...

(and I'm sure that the moment I'm back in his presence it will feel like we've never been apart - funny how motherhood has a way of doing that to you - but I'll be sure to keep you posted nontheless...)

Long Weekend...

Wait just one minute...

Where, oh where, did the long weekend go?

Have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the time to just be...but I must have enjoyed it far too much...because I just blinked my eyes and there it went!

I have been really, horribly bad at remembering to take pics these days. I was in fact lamenting such to a friend today.

It must have something to do with being back to school.  It has taken just a little more energy than usual to be both a mom & full-time professional...I really have to think about being organized more & use every minute to full advantage or I fall behind - and there is nothing more stressful than running late in the morning with a giant to-do list once I walk in the doors of the building, and thinking of all that needs to get done at home.  I love teaching so much - but this year has really made me realize that it is definitely a job where you are "on" from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you walk out. Your brain is constantly in motion, making tiny decisions every second. I have to admit the last two weeks have left me feeling completely exhausted. No wonder I can't even remember where my camera is, never mind actually taking a picture with it (although I really should have made the effort to catch my hubby stuck with the skid-steer on our future garage site today...all this wet made the ground just a little more wet that he judged).

It is one reason why this weekend was so special.  I got some time to just slow down a bit, because I had an extra day with which to knock everything off my list.  Add to that some pretty rainy weather...recipe for relaxation.

Because the next two weeks of life promise to be absolutely nutty - here are a few pictures to summarize life by...

Baby B & I had lots of quality time together this weekend as Da was busy getting ready to build a garage.  This is by far one of B's most fav activities...walking/running (seriously) behind this "car".

With one glance at the skid-steer, B's eyes were wide and he was reaching to get in.  Although too jerky to actually take a ride, he got a chance to sit and show us both that he could totally drive this skid steer business if it was controlled by only the hand joysticks.

About ten times a day, Baby B finds some drawer or cupboard to completely dismantle/empty.  This is what happens when you turn your back for just two minutes (and hear absolute silence - that always guarantees a big mess when you turn back around again).

I'm not sure who is the bigger mooch in our household - the baby or the dog.  Here is Baby B getting his first big boy sandwich - hot sauce, mustard & all - diving right in - each bite bigger than the next.  I'm not sure Da had planned on sharing. For only three teeth, this boy can EAT!

A little sample of the clean & order that I managed to restore to parts of my house this weekend.  Every time I open the fridge, I just smile to myself. This picture brings me total joy. It brings out the inner perfectionist that just never seems to organize itself all the way to the outside.  I love order. I love clean. I'm so glad I finally decided I couldn't live with the stink that was coming from this appliance. I just wished it would have stopped raining long enough to get my car vaccuumed out...although completely de-junking it felt good enough (for now)! The closet is half-way cleaned out, but the guest bedroom will have to wait until next weekend.

So long, long weekend. Ironic I didn't find you all that long at all! (How is that for two sentences with repeated words?!)

Hope your weekend was a good one :)

See you when life settles back down a bit!

Cherish!

Today was perfection in my world!

I woke up to a day with absolutely nothing on the agenda (except maybe to make the house just a little less like a bomb aftermath).  I made a conscious decision to really savour the day...

The first perfect checkmark was that I got to sleep in (I woke up at 7:20...all by myself...what a treat!) and Baby B decided to sleeeeeeepppp in - until 8:30!

The second thing I really enjoyed was taking the time to be able to feed Baby B breakfast - the first time in a week I had this pleasure (and the boy loves his food so it makes feeding him all the more enjoyable).

Then Baby B & I played, played...vacuumed...mopped the floor...played...vacuumed again, mopped the floor - again (thanks to a certain little white, four-legged, fuzzy-haired someone)...

We tidied the kitchen, had a snack, went outside for awhile, went for a bike ride...

Hit the pool at noon for lap swim for moi (Baby B just watching today...just a bit too chilly for him to swim, too)...

Came back home, ate lunch, had a little visit with a friend, and laid down for a nap (both of us :)

Baby B slept for THREE hours! He had his daddy scared & checking on him to make sure all was well (he is historically just not a "napper")...

Got up, played a bit more, went outside for a bit...

Made supper, ate supper, played...

Went for a family bike ride :)

Came back...

Momma & Da completely entertained by the very awake & enthusiastic Baby B! What a firecracker! Played non-stop for two hours...belly laughs, tickles, dog growls, singing, walking, talking, up...then down, over, stories, dancing...(Da says no more 3 hr naps for baby, lol)!

I can not believe how blessed I feel to be at this place in my life.  I am truly lucky.

Today I got to live my "one little word" like nobody's business!

Today, I cherished :)

Down Home...on the Farm!

Today, I am mourning the loss of my summer...officially only one day left & I am a "working" woman again.  Not that staying at home isn't work, it's just a different kind of work. A work I really enjoyed, although it took some bumps in the road to get to the enjoyment part.

I thought I'd recap the mini-family reunion we had in August to help re-live some of summer's finer moments.

It was so much fun.

We gathered on the farm...

We managed to cook,

(don't see this guy in front of the stove/griddle all that often, although he is a b-fast specialist...so had to record it!)

(and eat...boy, oh boy...did we EAT)

golf (although I didn't get to partake so have no pics),

swim,

watch Team Penning,

enjoy nature,

snooze,

smile,

laugh,

enjoy fresh apples off the tree (& fresh fruit straight from BC),

ride horses,

drive farm equipment (my cousin's husband aced the combine & semi!),

enjoy each others' company,

(The cousins three...ages 4 months, 7 months & 10 months...couldn't get Baby B to stop showing the love long enough to get him smiling)

perpetuate some's addiction(s),

and simply have fun, for the fun of it!

We had such a great time relaxing and enjoying being in each other's presence. So many giggles and memories made! We must make sure to do this as often as possible.

What we didn't manage to do?

Get a group pic of all the clan...what were we thinking?

Guess we were too busy having fun!

Bye-bye summer! Loved you while you lasted...