update

Not the most creative title but I am in that one week to move limbo where I've stopped etaing fruits and veggies, cut out vacuuming and have packed my toiletries. Oops.

Just an update - we move March 27th and I've lost the camera so there won't be much posting until we are settled.

Thank you to all for your support while I run around like a headless chicken. Much appreciated!

Winterlude

We had so much fun at winterlude this year. Wes has put up great pictures on facebook with wry commentary but here for Nicole and other not so fans of the FB are some pictures..


Daddy and Willow enjoy street meat



OOhh a snowmobile! Once I took Willow to Toys R us ( to get diapers ). She made a Bee line for the baby Jeeps and stayed there for 20 minutes. How is this my daughter?


Mommy and Willow happy in the snow.



The Giant Spider - made of re- used garbage bags.




Nothing says awesome like taxidermy..



I could have comtributed to this awesome knitting tree but I was too chicken. Next year, watch out trees!!



and now kids I am off to work and when I think that my eyes are going to pop out of my head I'll just think of Winterlude.

just like mommy

So I turned 34 at the end of January.

For some reason, 34 hit me pretty hard. Thirty was fine - it seemed cliche to be upset by 30 and to be honest, my twenties were a bit of a mess - so I welcomed my thirties with open arms and midnight sledding, if I recall correctly.

Thirty four, for some reason, had me thinking about how fast time flies; about how I really am a grown up now and never get asked for ID. I rarely do anything to warrrant proof of age mind you, but then, that is another sign of my age.

My mind had been going around in these circles, dusting off unwelcome thoughts and taking up time and brain space that should be used for more interesting, or at least upbeat thoughts, when my 34 th birthday arrived.

I decided that at 34, I would learn to wear make up like a grown up. Not just sultry eye make up for a night of dancing, but real grown up maintenance activities like moisturizing and exfoliating, as recommended on about.com. I would apply light makeup on a semi regular basis.

So with that in mind, I picked up some all natural face wash, a mint and rosemary exfoliator, and a moisturizer. I got mascara, eye shadow and lip stick. I chose a cover up to hide the shadows and lines I could see under my eyes.

For a few days I practiced applying my new and improved face, my youthful mask,my middle age security, uh, face blanket. I told myself this would help Willow when she got older because I would be able to teach her about "self care". She watched me intently all week as I made myself up and
This



Is what



She learned



Willow had been watching me all week, putting on makeup. So one fine "nap" time she grabbed the lipstick and made herself right up. When I look at these pictures I stop worrying about my age, I stop wondering if I'll grow old gracefully. I just laugh.

Family dinner!

Aunty J decorates from a seated position . Efficient!



Aunty Jehnny and Mike decorating the tree. The hat really suits my sister.



Aunty Jehnny, Mike, Lauren and Dudley dropped by for a Christmas tree decorating party last night. I love the stories my sister tells that always make me laugh. I love that Mike and Wes and Lauren can chat about web sites and games and I love the thumping of toddler feet and the pitter pat ( seriously ) of puppy paws followed by squealing. I love the house full of family.




Dudley - chilling out waiting for belly rubs - he is so well behaved and awesome with Willow. He's our pseudo pet and I am hoping when we get a house we can doggie sit when needed.

O' Christmas tree ..

This is NOT the greatest picture of our Christmas tree which Lauren and I (mostly Lauren), carried home all the way from the Glebe . I have photos of that on the cell phone and will have to e-mail them to myself so I can post them. She is fabulous. We also saw the Olympic flame on the way home while standing next to our Christmas tree on Bank street. Best day ever.

This is a locally farmed Blue Spruce (I think). It has the softest needles ever and went up without protest. I love real Christmas trees. I have many many fond memories of putting up giant, pine smelling trees and decorating them with crafty homemade ornaments and of course, Christmas balls and ancient candy canes, drinking egg nog and listening to carols. That is my favorite part of the holidays. Presents I could seriously do without, but the tree is about tradition and beauty and family time. Those are thethings I value most.

This year, Willow helped with the bottom - mostly candy canes. She tried to eat the first one but after that got the hang of things - no pun intended! Every year, I try to make something new for the tree - this year I'm waiting for the rest of the family to get here.

Happy Holidays!

Summer 09

Wes (Dad or Daddy to some of you), took much time and effort to put together this video compilation of some of the best bits of this past summer. When Willow watches it she squeal and says " Arrr ( Arrow), " Mak" ( Max) and " Ty- yen" ( Tyren) . Dad and I just laugh and smile.

We hope you enjoy it - looking forward to seeing you so soon.

All our love,

Dad and Kathy