Mammapeg

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T12:51:00.002-05:00

My little ballerina...
Costume supplied by the great Nana
So Izzie could look like a "real" ballerina
Flashing Halloween pumpkin necklace not included.

this moment...

2010-10-15T10:02:00.003-05:00

Inspired by soulemama

In her words: 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.

Our Craft Corner

2010-10-14T15:20:00.003-05:00

Which doubles as our dining table.

Mommy works on her hand quilting while Izzie works on her cutting, taping and colouring. Mostly cutting, she's fascinated with her blunt, round end scissors. Toddler bliss.

Halloween Costume

2010-10-07T06:18:00.002-05:00

Izzie decided that she is going as a ballerina this Halloween...

And then pulled this awesome costume out of her tickle truck/play basket.

Halloween Costume, consider yourself done.....by a two year old. Sweet.

Another Reason

2010-10-05T10:38:00.003-05:00

To love fall

Several reasons actually. I am off to make 13.5 pounds of apples into applesauce. Love it!

2010-10-03T12:58:00.002-05:00

This summer has been the busiest in recent history. With trips, multiple weddings and a desperate need to get outside..this blog has suffered.

I could always feel that slight guilt over not having posted anything. Not taking many pictures. Not having anything of interest to post. And then I would move on.

It's been difficult for me since my father's passing to post anything. He was my main motivation to post and take pictures as often as possible. I wanted him to feel like he was a part of Izzie's life. And so I fell into a bit of a blog-slump.

But now I feel that after my summer of non-bloggyness (yes, I did just make that up) and rest that I want to start up again. So thank you for your constant check ups and sorry for the wait!

Lots of love,

Ally

J'adore Fall

2010-10-03T12:48:00.004-05:00

I always have....

..and I always will.

This Morning...

2010-09-03T08:37:00.001-05:00

Dancing in

the sunlight

tiptoes.

And On Hot Days....

2010-08-23T08:01:00.003-05:00

...we sometimes stay inside.

Izzie is getting (almost) big enough to use her Christmas present!

this moment...

2010-06-25T08:15:00.004-05:00

Inspired by soulemama:

It Begins

2010-06-21T09:59:00.002-05:00

It's Bagpipe Season.

Busy Kitchen

2010-05-12T12:44:00.004-05:00

A lot has happened in the last little while. Izzie was struck down with a stomach bug that took forever to bugger off, my birthday passed with a tired, ucky (and cuddly) toddler on my chest and good company/food/drink, and we all were kept busy with spring planting.

And while all of this has been going on, our kitchen has been the busiest place in the house.

My two yellow bowls, whom I love, love, love. One with rye dough, one with baguette dough. One from Phil for Christmas(?) and one I bought for myself at our local antique store. Izzie loves the green star. And of course my tea, warming itself on the element.

Phil's second beer attempt. His first attempt was a rousing success. We hope to be able to support our love of beer for many years to come! (I help cap the bottles....when I don't snap the necks)

And lastly, full watering cans. We all love our new little garden. So far it has only onions but I hope to plant potatoes and tomatoes soon. And then, bring on canning season!

Hope you are all enjoying your spring.

Our Easter

2010-04-29T13:38:00.001-05:00

Knit up a few easter eggs...

add a felted basket made by the Nana...

Add a note from the easter bunny..

And you have one very excited little girl!

Oh the utter glee that took over our house. Coffee and tea were not even close to being started and we were out the door.

Thank goodness the weather held off. It had rained and hailed the day before, so I...I mean the easter bunny wrapped the eggs in foil.

Izzie found all 5 of her eggs, but found one all by herself.

Do you see the egg?

And all to soon we were all done. All to soon for Izzie, not for the rest of us. We needed caffeine!

So we headed inside where I had set out the easter presents from our extended family. Everyone wanted to shower Izzie in easter love. The rest of the day passed in a sugar induced haze.

Her eggs and basket now sit on our nature table.

And we have all re-read that card to her about a gazillion times now.

Not bad for her first easter egg hunt!

Wordless Wednesday: Slurp

2010-04-28T08:23:00.002-05:00

Self Portrait

2010-04-27T13:29:00.003-05:00

Did you miss me?

Cause I missed you!
Glad to be back after a much needed break.

Now if you'll excuse me I have a recipe to prep. It's Baking Day lovies!

Rhythm in our Home: Part Two

2010-04-04T09:45:00.007-05:00

"Rhythm is the magic word for parents and educators of young children. Young children thrive on a simple, flexible rhythm that carries them through their day, through each week and through the slowly unfolding years of their lives."

Heaven on Earth: A Handbook for Parents of Young Children - Sharifa Oppenheimer

Where did the week go?! I apologize for the pause in my posts, so I will make it up to you by now giving you part two.

Thursday is ..... Craft Day

This is the hardest day for me to think of creative things to do. Izzie is still a little too young to do and focus on crafty things. We've started learning how to finger knit, use scissors, home made play dough (pizza dough!) and use pipe cleaners. We try to use what we have in the house.

Friday is ..... Painting Day

But you knew that already! We paint with either finger paints or water colour paints. And sometimes we get a little crazy and paint with Jello! With finger painting Izzie and I work on the same paper. With water colouring we paint on separate pieces of paper. Painting in the past has been a bit of a struggle but I'm getting better!

Saturday and Sunday are what I like to call Family Days. We don't have any specific activities other than enjoying each others' presence. There's lots of biking, outside time if the weather is nice, reading, grocery shopping, cuddling, wrestling and so forth and so on. Basically Izzie and I soak in all the Daddy time we can get.

I thought you might also like to know what our daily routine looks like during the week....

7am - 8am: Wake up, Izzie and Daddy have breakfast while I catch a few more winks.

8:30am: Daddy off to work, Izzie and I finish up breakfast and clean up

8:30am - 9:30am: Sing songs and rhymes. Then Izzie plays with her toys while I catch up on my e-mail and blogs.

9:30am: Snack Time

9:40am - 10:30am: If the weather is nice, we head out for a morning walk. If the weather is foul we start on our daily project. If it is Monday, the first batch of laundry is ready to be folded in the bedroom. (Izzie usually has another snack, or as I like to call it her third breakfast, around this time too.)

10:30am: Play time ramping down to quiet time in the bedroom.

11am - 11:30am: Izzie naps while I get some work done. Sometimes I fall asleep with her:)

Anywhere from 12:15 pm - 2 pm: Izzie wakes, we spend some time waking up upstairs then come downstairs for lunch.

1pm - 2pm: Start or finish our daily project.

2:30pm - 3pm: If the day is nice, we head out for another walk or a bike ride to the park. If the weather is foul we read, play with dolls and clean up the house together. This is usually when the dishes are washed and the floors are vacuumed/swept.

4pm - 4:30pm: Phil gets home, is bombarded with what we did today.

5pm: Supper is served.

6pm - 6:30pm: If it's bath night, Phil takes Izzie for her bath. If not, we may go outside for a walk or hang out together inside.

7pm - 7:30pm: Bedtime.

It would be nice to pretend that we stay on schedule every single day, no matter what, but it doesn't always happen. I always try to stay on schedule as much as possible, but some days it doesn't work or we just want to stay outside for the whole day. I rarely, if ever, waiver with her nap and bedtimes . (Izzie has missed her nap once, and it was a very bad scene.) She needs her sleep. And I need her to sleep as well.

Thank you for visiting and reading. Up next, what resources do we use in our quest for a happier and healthier home.

Rhythm in our Home: Part One

2010-03-29T21:02:00.005-05:00

We are surround by rhythm in nature: the alternation of day and night, the phases of the moon, the cycle of the seasons, the ebb and flow of the tides. Our bodies are permeated by rhythm, in the beating of our hearts, the breathing of our lungs, women's cycles of fertility and the circadian rhythms of our metabolism. But as modern human beings, we have also established a life that is removed from the rhythms of nature. Through electric light we can work well into the night; we can shop at twenty-four-hour supermarkets; we can fly strawberries to Minnesota in January. Through technology we can live outside of most of the messages and rhythms of our bodies and have forgotten the importance of rhythm in daily life."

You Are Your Child's First Teacher - Rahima Baldwin Dancy

Every day has a meaning, every day has a goal. This is something my Waldorf readings have impressed upon me. Rhythm is key, rhythm is home, rhythm is comfort.

Izzie thrives with a rhythmic balance in her life, we all do in our household. Every day has a meaning, a task to complete which gives a flow to our day. It keeps us busy, entertained and helps us love and enjoy our home and each other.

Monday is .... Laundry Day.

This day is for both Izzie and I. I love starting the week off with freshly cleaned laundry. Clean sheets on the bed, all of the outfits lined up for the rest of the week. It helps me relax, oddly enough. (I deplore doing laundry on the weekend! Weekends are for fun, not for folding!) Izzie and I tackle the laundry together. She helps me sort the clothes into piles, she carries articles of clothes to hang on the line, she hands me hangers when the laundry is clean, and she dances up a storm to my helpless giggles.

(I do not have Izzie help me put the laundry into the machines. They are down in the basement, not a place I want her to go anytime too soon. Tricky, scary stairs lead down there!)

Tuesday is ....Baking Day.

But you knew that already. We bake anything from cookies, to pizza dough, to a fruit crisp. The only stipulations are that it must be baked and it must be edible. As of now I do most of the mixing and measuring, but Izzie loves to pour, help me mix and taste test. Best baking helper ever!

Wednesday is .... Colouring Day

We have an art table set up in the living room with crayons for Izzie to colour at anytime. However, on colouring day we sit together at the dining table, listen to music and colour together. I pull out all of the colouring tools on this day, markers, pencil crayons and crayons. We both enjoy watching what the other is creating (a little too much sometimes) and chat while we work.

....to be continued.

this moment...

2010-03-26T07:34:00.001-05:00

Inspired by soulemama

Pretty

2010-03-25T08:46:00.004-05:00

An excerpt from our morning

Izzie: "Izzie pretty."

Me: "Yes sweetheart, you're pretty!"

Izzie: "Daddy pretty."

Me: "He certainly is. Daddy, come in here and give us a pretty twirl."

Daddy obliges us with a manly twirl.

Izzie: "Mommy pretty.....shirt."

Me: "Thank you for clarifying that munchkin."

Tuesday is....

2010-03-23T10:11:00.004-05:00

Baking day!

And the

best part

about baking day

the taste test.

Cups

2010-03-20T08:22:00.002-05:00

this moment...

2010-03-19T07:14:00.002-05:00

Inspired by soulemama
In her words {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

Sunshine

2010-03-16T20:03:00.005-05:00

The sun has been shining for a few days now, and we just can't get enough of it. All of us, including the cats!

Our snow is almost completely gone. So much that Izzie and I went to the park today. And stayed for a while! Oh it was glorious. Then we headed home....ran over a broken beer bottle and got a flat tire. And then I stepped in dog poop while walking home. But since today is baking day it turned into a great day with delicious homemade pizza and apple crisp. Nom!

Link time!

Trying to get someone to watch this movie with me. Anyone? Anyone? Oh, and to drink French red wine while we do...

I used to be a theatre geek. I would perform a 3 hour show (sometimes as the lead, sometimes not.) for two weeks and be so wiped and gross by the end of it. This just blows my mind. Never mind the audience, what about the actors?

I want to try this recipe...and this one.

Everybody else seems to be talking about this video, so I will too.

My dream kitchen.

I have been looking for a new purse for a long, long time. I could never afford this or have the patience to make it, but a girl can dream.

Because of my friend C, I am now addicted to the show Bones. Nards.

And lastly, tomorrow is St. Patricks Day. Here's a few tunes to get you through.

this moment...

2010-03-12T11:55:00.002-06:00

Inspired by the always inspiring soulemama

In her words {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

Wordless Wednesday: BROOMBALL!!

2010-03-10T14:40:00.003-06:00

A wonderful way to spend a "stuck inside" day.

Tutu optional.

What I Love

2010-03-08T12:53:00.004-06:00

Today;

Chopping garlic by hand. I have a garlic press....I never use it.

A clean kitchen.....sigh.

That we as a family use the plates from my childhood.

Happy, sleepy kitties.

A window full of finger paintings.

The (slowly) disappearing snow.

What do you love today?

Painfully...

2010-03-06T23:31:00.002-06:00

..cute

Man, that Santa hat is getting a lot of mileage.

Painting Together

2010-03-05T09:42:00.005-06:00

And surviving...

Rhythm is a very important part of our daily lives. Every day of the week has a special activity that drives our day. Friday is painting day.

I have been working very hard on calming my inner crank since we started painting.

Today we ventured back into painting with a brush.

I took the advice of Rahima Baldwin Dancy (love her!) and started with one colour and one colour only.

(Fingers just had to make contact with the paints.)

We painted for a good long while, then we were done.

No spazzing, no crying, no cringing. Just fun.

I think the matching headbands may have helped. Or not...

Happy Friday to you all! Enjoy your weekend.

Wordless Wednesday: Kilt!

2010-03-03T14:28:00.003-06:00

These pictures were taken the morning of the Winnipeg Scottish Festival. The same festival where I first met Phil! (Nana brought this kilt back from Scotland. It is the Dress Gordon tartan, our tartan.)

(And a shot of Izzie wearing her protective earmuffs at the festival. Bagpipes are loud!)

It's Monday

2010-03-01T17:55:00.004-06:00

And we had a wonderful weekend full of biking, adventures and family time. The temperature here is reaching balmy temps, above -10 Celsius, leading us outdoors. Sigh, I am getting excited for spring.

And in that vein of thought, here are some links!

Rhythm of the Home has their new spring edition online, lots of crafts and articles. Check it out here.

Because of this, we're changing how we do things around here. More on that later.

I would totally buy this if it was legal to have chickens in the urban center of Winnipeg....and if I could afford it.

As always the hubby and I are talking about moving someday. This is where we're thinking now. Oh, and here of course.

Because of this post, I think I now have the courage to spin my own wool. And the birthday requests to back it up!

Izzie and I are at odds for our music selection when we go upstairs. I want to play this, she wants/demands this.

This picture makes me long for a itty bitty baby to make it for.

And we finally found some pine cones to add to our nature table. Pictures and story to follow.

Happy Monday to all.

Wordless Wednesday: Pigtails!

2010-02-24T09:35:00.002-06:00

And then they were removed by force and with a little bit of temper.

A Little Piece

2010-02-23T12:04:00.003-06:00

When I first took Izzie to meet my Dad, he had his old rocking chair for Izzie to play with/on. Oh what joy she had with it. And what joy he had watching her.

It's light blue and has a picture of a kitten holding a ball. It's perfect for a kitty loving little girl.

We visited two more times. Once when Dad was really sick, and once more for his passing. Both times, the rocking chair was there.

When we last saw it, my stepmother promised to send the rocking chair our way. (My dad's best friend is the post master in their town and was happy to help.)

Flash forward to two weeks ago when we received a very large package. Inside was the rocking chair, in four pieces. My dad's friend had gently taken it apart so it would travel safely. He also wanted to give us the option of painting it.

Since the rocking chair was perfect as it is, it was glued together and set up. Then Izzie came down with the flu. Rocking was not high on her list.

Until today. While I was vacuuming, she climbed into the chair and...well, you can see from her face how much fun she had.
It's nice to have a little piece of my Dad around.

Dresses

2010-02-22T22:38:00.003-06:00

It's almost that time of year again. Yup, wedding season will soon be upon us. And this season both Izzie and I have been called upon. I will be a Matron of Honour (sob! I can't be called a maid anymore) and Izzie will be a Flower Girl with her cousin W.

Last week I went to pick out my dress. And anyone who truly knows me knows that shopping for clothes is a special level of hell for me. Flat butt, round tummy, bodacious tah-tahs. It's not fun. But the lovely bride, she let every bridesmaid(matron) pick out her own dress. Now that is an awesome bride if you ask me!

Then today, we went flower girl dress shopping. Little girl dresses! Bliss. Here are the highlights:

So regal looking, then you notice the purple and green socks poking out from the bottom.

Just so sweet! This is the colour that B. the bride is looking for. Goes so well with Izzie's complexion if I do say so myself.

And this is when it started to go down hill. In the form of Daddy-hold-my-hand-while-I-climb-up-and-down-and-Mommy-tries-to-make-sure-that-I-don't-rip-the-dress.

Who cares if we don't end up getting any of these dresses. Just going and trying them on with my little one was fun enough!

Wordless Wednesday: Where Did She Get Those Glasses?

2010-02-17T15:16:00.000-06:00

Not 100%....yet

2010-02-16T13:27:00.002-06:00

Tired, droopy eyes, very pale, not eating as much as she should, pants falling down....

But getting better every day.

On The Mend

2010-02-14T23:05:00.003-06:00

Sick.

And I mean uber stomach flu super duper gross sick.

We have been under the weather for the last week, and while it was not fun to be sick there was lots of family time and snuggles. (Izzie usually doesn't have time for lots of snuggles during the day, she's got things to do!)

I got better quickly, Izzie did not. (Phil got a bit of an upset stomach and some aches. I think his red hair may give him some sort of a sickness shield. I am wondering how to harness this power.)

Last night we took Izzie to the Children's Emergency and had her checked out. She was lethargic, having trouble maintaining eye contact and still couldn't keep anything down. We found out that her sugar levels had plummeted and after trying to raise her sugar levels orally, didn't work out, she was put on an IV. She was so tired and out of it that every poke and prod didn't even faze her. So from 1 am to 7 am she was hooked up and pumped full of sugary goodness.

And today? She has kept everything down, started bossing us around again and was annoyed with me when I snuggled her for longer than she deemed necessary.

There's my girl!

Painting with Children

2010-02-08T21:22:00.006-06:00

I have a "bad mom" confession. I don't know what it is about painting, but I tend to lose my cool.

I'm by no means the super bestest mom on the planet, but I tend (try) to lean towards slightly mellow. Until the paints come out. Then I go completely coo-coo.

The mashing of paints into different paints, the soaking/bleeding/obliteration of said paints, the inability (or desire) to actually paint on the paper. Sadly, I have lost my cool more than once.

First I tried to paint with Izzie. That was a bad idea. While I was calmly creating she was creating havoc. Now she paints and I knit, or drink tea and try not to pay attention to the mess.

Where did this neat freak come from? I used to be a chaos cleaner/organizer. Where it landed, that's where it was meant to be. And now, not so much.

Yes, that is paint in her mouth. It's non-toxic.

Time to breathe. And time to let go.

First step, finger paints.

I know what you're thinking. Finger paints are so much messier. What you don't realize is that finger paints don't involve several tiny dried pots of paint, brushes and dipping water. Just paint and fingers.

It helps when you see the original super cleaner enjoying the mess of finger painting.

So I am grasping at my inner calm to help Izzie enjoy the fun of making a complete mess of things. And slowly letting go of the part of me that tries to be perfect at all times.

All a precursor for when we start with watercolour painting.

Candlemas

2010-02-02T17:59:00.007-06:00

If candlemas day be fair and bright,

winter will take another flight.

If candlemas day be cloud and rain,

winter is gone and will not come again.

From Festivals Family and Food

Taking our first tentative steps towards being a Waldorf home. Happy Candlemas/Groundhog Day to you all.

Self Portraits

2010-02-01T09:13:00.003-06:00

Should never take place when you've forgotten to shower...and brush your hair....and put on makeup. But I loved Izzies expressions so much that I couldn't resist.

She totally looks like she's telling me off. Brilliant.

UPDATED:

I may look like an unwashed freak sometimes, but I am getting better at this whole fort building thing! Case in point;

Bam, said the lady! (With an Izzie/Argyle hug for added cuteness.)

Around the House

2010-01-21T09:44:00.005-06:00

Gratuitous shot of the kitties hiding from Izzie is always a great way to start off a post, don't you think?

The past two weeks have been lovely. Lots of above average temps, to even out the evil below average temps we were battling with earlier I'm sure, and lots of getting outside on the bakfiets. But then there are the days when we stay home. Today will be one of those days.

Sure we'll get outside for a walk or to clean off the walkways/patios. But today is a special day. It's bread making day.
I make all of our bread from scratch. I love making it, and we all enjoy eating the fresh bread. But there are two main reasons why I make our bread. I never know when bread will have milk in it, (most breads don't, but I don't want to chance it. The outcome is bad.) and to cut back on cost. And do we ever! We are big bread eaters. And it shows....

I love to knead the dough. I love it when Izzie "helps" me prepare the dough. She loves to watch me while I take sevreal different ingredient and turn it into a ball of goop. It's a great way for us to spend most of our day. And yes, the recipe we settled on takes up a bit of my day....and covers me in flour.

So if you'll excuse me, my helper and I have bread to create.

UPDATED: Just asked Izzie if she wants to help me make bread. "No." Alright then.

The Family Mantra

2010-01-18T11:57:00.001-06:00

From our chalkboard cupboard.

2010-01-17T12:41:00.007-06:00

We went tobogganing. Not the tobogganing of last year....oh no siree.

No, this is the toboggan of 2010.
Look at that face. She's blissing out.

or....not.

We were at a park near our house where a soccer pitch was built last summer. It has a slight down grade leading to the pitch which proved to be a perfect sledding hill.....for Izzie.

"Get on Daddy! Now push."

"K, that's done. Now get off and pull me back up. And then down again."

"Sweet"

It was above 0 Celsius. Lovely.

That picture makes the hill look really small......it was.

Going for a tour around the soccer pitch.

Mommy's turn. Get to work mommy.

And we're off. Hope you had a wonderful weekend as well!

I Surrender

2010-01-16T22:13:00.002-06:00

Remember the fort I made Izzie? When I asked for ideas and help on how to create a better fort? This picture might help you out...

It sagged, it fell apart at a mere glance. It was sad. How was I to know that a master of fort building resided in my own house.

Look at it! It takes up our entire sitting space! And look at Izzie's face. She knows she's the creme de la creme of forts. I surrender dear. You are truly a fort making genius.

It's Neighbourly, not Neighborly

2010-01-15T08:59:00.004-06:00

Remember this post? I spoke of a sweater vest I was making called Neighborly. Well folks, it's finally finished.

Before sleeves

Took long enough, huh? First it was the fact that I couldn't find 5mm circular bamboo needles. (I only work with bamboo since metal and plastic needles make a noise that turns my stomach. I know, I'm such a diva.) Then it was the yarn I chose for the collar. It was to soft/flimsy to stand up. And that was after blocking it twice. So I decided to use seed stitch instead of buying new yarn.

I wanted to take pictures outside since it would look cool,

but that would just be mean so I took the pictures inside.

Once I got started, I was like a woman on fire! I sat and knitted while chips were present. I sat and knitted while people came to visit. I sat and knitted while Izzie cried for me to play instead. The last one is only half true. You can totally knit while playing hide and seek with a little one.

I also ran out of the grey yarn but I like how it turned out. Now I need a new project. Any suggestions?

Ever Feel Like...

2010-01-12T09:14:00.001-06:00

..it's a pj and tutu kinda day?

Note to Self....

2010-01-07T08:16:00.002-06:00

When giving your child a left over cupcake......

Do not let said child play with markers for the rest of the day.

There totally wouldn't be any left over cupcakes if I wasn't horribly allergic to them....so I guess it's all my fault. Stupid allergy.

FORT!

2010-01-06T10:14:00.004-06:00

We are in fort territory. Izzie received two play silks for her birthday and we started to make forts (and have been building them ever since) that night.

Here are W., Izzie's cousin, and Izzie's bum showing you how to peek-a-boo out from the fort.

That wall behind their fort is not properly insulated, so today I have been using all of my fort making skills in the living room. This was one of the duds.

Now we have a play silk/blanket hybrid in the same area. The entire morning was spent, constructing, playing and getting a little weepy when the fort would fall down. Anyone out there have any fort building tips?

(And after 4 hours of fighting with clothespins, I am now lusting after these. They look like they could hold anything to anything.)
Who knew so much fun could be had with square pieces of silk?

(Just before I post this, I want to say that the kitties are now fighting each other through the fort.)

2

2010-01-02T22:45:00.006-06:00

Today you turned two years old. It's wonderful, sad, lovely, sad, and great that you are two today. It seems like only yesterday that.....you were born into the world with your eyes open wide. Your passion, determination and vivaciousness have only grown.
You were surrounded by family and friends, (And many who would have loved to be here but couldn't, were here in spirit) all of whom love you more than anything. Happy birthday my darling little girl.

Now mommy simply must dissolve into the tears she has been fighting off all day. Silly? Yes, most certainly. But you have a very silly mommy.

The Last Week of 2009....in Pictures

2009-12-31T13:15:00.005-06:00

Opening presents....

Riding on presents...

Present aftermath....and tickle trunk from Nana.... (for those of you who don't know what a tickle trunk is, it is from a popular Canadian children's show named Mr. Dressup.)

Enjoying her new dress up clothes and accessories...

A new doll sling made by Mamma....which turned out to be a little to small, so....
another was whipped together. Now she can carry several stuffed animals or her new doll(s)...

Tree down, more space for toys.

Preparation

2009-12-24T19:37:00.002-06:00

Construction of box and toys to be seen tomorrow...

and the putting together of cards and pictures that have finally arrived. Better late than never?

Our little helper

2009-12-23T14:53:00.003-06:00

Izzie has been very busy helping us around the house. She helps with dishes, (meaning she throws, plunks or dunks them into the sink the asks "More?") she helps with putting her dirty clothes away at the end of the day, she helps me sweep....or just holds the broom for me. And here she helps Phil feed the kitties.

She's the best little helper we could ask for!

Happy Winter Solstice

2009-12-21T12:31:00.003-06:00

May your day be full of warmth and light and love.

Also, FYI, it is super hard to take a picture while a kitty is in need of love and keeps snuggling your picture taking arm. (Not the kitty in the picture, obviously.)

Staying Warm

2009-12-18T13:56:00.002-06:00

(Trying to Get) Back to Normal

2009-12-16T10:30:00.004-06:00

Last week was a hard one, but I think you already know that. Travelling, late nights, early mornings, lack of caffeine and a motel room that I'm pretty sure I was allergic to. On top of that, grief so thick that my tears started to hurt my cheeks. A sense of relief that confused and made me feel guilty.

And through it all, Izzie was a trooper. With everythingt she went though and saw last week, we expected her to have more than one well deserved melt down. But she only started to get upset when she knew we were heading home....because she wanted HOME NOW!

We were all happy and sad when we arrived home. We all missed my stepmother (who Izzie took a great loving to, and for whom she still asks about) and my brother R. and his girlfriend K. I enjoyed hearing stories about my dad from his friends, old and new. I hated leaving so soon, but life doesn't wait for you to get over things.

(And boy oh boy did we pick a crappy time to come back! It's frigging cold out there! So cold that Izzie and I didn't leave the house for two days. Phil didn't even bike to work, he took the bus. And he biked almost all winter last year, except for one week.)

So now we are home, and getting back into our routine. Early nights, early mornings, cups of tea, tea parties, puzzles, colouring, more veggies than chicken strips, less giving in to crying and temper tantrums and more standing firm, dancing and Christmas songs playing all day. Breathing and allowing myself to cry when I need to.

...and stopping little kitties who have developed bad habits in our absence. Bad kitties!

Dad

2009-12-14T13:43:00.004-06:00

My Father with Izzie last April

On December 8th in the early morning, my father lost his battle with cancer.

Dad, I'm angry that you were sick, but glad you didn't suffer any longer. I'm glad you got to meet Izzie and were an amazing Grandpa, I'm sad that you only met her twice. I'm sorry and feel guilty that I lived so far from you but know that if I didn't I would never have met Phil or had Izzie.

Thank you for walking me down the aisle. Thank you for telling me how to handle and take care of my car. Thank you for showing me the heavens through your beloved telescope. Thank you for being there whenever I needed you.

There are too many things to apologize and thank you for. I love you and miss you and wish you were still here.

Trooper

2009-12-04T10:04:00.002-06:00

He's a trooper.

It's -12 degrees Celsius (9 Fahrenheit) but -20 (-4 Fahrenheit) with the wind chill.

And he loves it.

Bike safely my dear.

Travelling Toddler

2009-12-03T07:40:00.004-06:00

While driving to and from the US last weekend, Phil and I had an education. How To Entertain Your Exhausted Toddler Because She Doesn't Want To Sleep and She Hasn't Slept For 8 Hours Straight.

Ouch.
None of us are used to travelling in cars, which could be the reason Izzie was unable to fall asleep around her normal nap time. But we tried everything, and I mean everything. Including stopping for over an hour at a mall so she could play in the indoor playground. Surely that would tire her out? Normally, yes. But alas....
Feeding the backseat beast seemed to appease her. Playing with puzzles (ugh, puzzles while travelling) and reading stories over and over again also helped. And then, once the sun had set after the 8th hour of being awake, our backseat beast would quietly slip into slumber. We would sigh with relief....and then reach our destination 10 - 30 minutes later.

Moving on to my purpose of telling you this. Yesterday, Izzie, and I went to the Museum for some fun away from the house. Along came my friend and Izzie's Auntie. And her car. We strapped Izzie in and away we went.

Fun was had, slides were slid, stairs were climbed and we called it a day. Plunked Izzie into the seat and headed home. Two minutes into the drive, we look back....

Seriously?!

Wordless Wednesday: Say Cheese

2009-12-02T08:21:00.002-06:00

(Here is what comes from teaching your child one, two, three, CHEESE!)

The Best Way

2009-12-01T21:11:00.004-06:00

To welcome December...

is with a Santa hat....
and shiny shoes.

You Spin Me Right Round, Daddy

2009-11-28T08:36:00.003-06:00

Taken in our kitchen just before we left.

Cousins

2009-11-27T08:59:00.004-06:00

Izzie's rules of getting to know your cousin.

Sit at the same table,
and play it cool.

Find a common interest,
even if it's only for a second.

Play a game of hide and seek,
and find your cousin. Points are lost for losing interest and leaving your cousin unfound.

Go for walks and dress appropriately.

Have a tea party.

And watch a show. Even if it stuns you slightly.

Greetings from the U.S of A. We're here visiting Phil's sibling and Izzie's cousin. (Also my siblings in law and my niece.) Happy American Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good weekend!

Awesome

2009-11-21T13:30:00.002-06:00

Izzie has been trying to get the cats to interact with her for months. Now, she has a way. Pure genius.

Wordless Wednesday: Hide and Seek with Diapers

2009-11-18T07:29:00.002-06:00

Hair

2009-11-12T07:58:00.006-06:00

We have a pigtail, people!

I knew this day would come, but I was ill-equipped for it! That pigtail is held together by a poor elastic from my "I'm gonna wear pigtails cause it'll make me look cute!" phase. I can't believe it still worked.

Then the pigtail was out. She was far to fascinated with that new development on the back of her head to leave it alone. Izzie 1, pigtail 0, pictures.....tons.

2009-11-10T09:09:00.011-06:00

The last few weeks have been chilly, windy and overcast...but not the last few days! Imagine my delight when I awoke to sunny, sunny skies. I raced to the computer to check the weather...11 degrees Celsius? Seriously? SWEET!

Off to the park we went (I've avoided going to the park while it was cold and windy. Nothing like being at the park for two minutes then needing to leave because you can't feel your hands anymore.) and I finally remembered to bring my camera. I took many, many pictures so settle back and enjoy!

I was surprised that we were the only ones there. Come on people, the sun is out!

Full out run towards the slide.

Weeeeeee!

When she pushed off here, I think she was annoyed that I wasn't waiting at the bottom. Sorry peanut, but the sounds you made were priceless.

Done with the slide, time for other things.

Run away from mommy time!

HA! Love this.

I'm not a huge fan of the climbing, her boots get slippery from the park dust, but you tell her she shouldn't do something and see how far you get.

SWING!

SWINGER!

It looks like it's going to be another beautiful day here. I'm so thankful that we can enjoy the park a little more before the snow flies and temperature plummets.

Installation Art

2009-11-06T07:23:00.005-06:00

I was quietly checking my e-mail while Izzie started her first piece. I watched as she piled and piled a stuffed animal wall between us.....do you think she's trying to tell me something?

Piece #1 Titled: Stuffed Animals in a Row to Block Me From Mommy

Here she is hard at work on her first piece.

To get these photos, I moved from the table to our couch seat....and the artist moved with me.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that my artiste was not finished.

Piece #2 Titled: That's What You Think
Had lots of fun showing Izzie how a cup sits on a saucer during our tea party yesterday. (I didn't think she was paying attention since she was more interested in pouring imaginary tea into the sugar bowl.) When I came downstairs after putting her to bed for the night, I saw that she had been listening, but had a different perspective. That's my girl!

Halloween is All About Recycling!

2009-10-31T18:59:00.005-05:00

It's Halloween, and you know what that means....costume buying time. And I will admit that I had a hard time convincing myself that I should buy a new costume since I was pretty certain that we would only make it to a handful of houses before Izzie hit the "walking-and-new-people" wall.

Last year Izzie was a puppy dog and in a spotted snowsuit. Perfect for our chilly northern October weather. So perfect, that we decided to recycle! I knitted up some cow ears and a cow tail, sewed them on and we were in business.

Getting ready.

Cow tights are a must.

Leaving with a make-up-ed nose and refusing to put her hat on.

Getting some help down the stairs.

First house. (Can you see the tail?) She was shy until the candy hit the bottom of her bag. And then.....

All smiles!

She didn't last for long, so we headed home after 20 minutes.

The aftermath. She loooooves Cheezies.

And now she's full of junk food and beans! Way past her bedtime with no end in sight. Hope all of you are having and have had a wonderful Halloween.

The Hat

2009-10-28T12:36:00.003-05:00

Remember this picture?Well, it's done. It's a bit small for Izzie's head at first (it stretches) and she didn't enjoy it when I first put it on her head, but I think she's coming around now.

I think the trick was to put it on her when she's in her highchair, distracted by apples...

The colours remind me of falls in southern Ontario. And the peak at the back? That's why I made it. I mean, come on. How is that not the cutest thing ever?

But now onto my next knitting project. A very cute sweater vest called Neighborly. (Or neighbourly up here.) Now if I could only find size 5mm bamboo circular knitting needles...

Pumkpin Video

2009-10-27T08:34:00.002-05:00

Whoops, totally forgot to post this yesterday. Izzie at her finest.

At the end, she started to blow on the camera, but I had turned it off. C'est dommage.

Carving a Pumpkin Toddler Style

2009-10-26T15:00:00.005-05:00

Last Halloween I was so behind with my planning that I purchased our pumpkin the night before and carved it by myself. I felt like I'd jilted Izzie out of a super fun and messy time that she would have loved. Well, I swore to myself, not this year. We bought our pumpkin from a pumpkin farm a week ahead...the following is what happened.

First incision complete. Toddler interference run by the Daddy.

I thought giving her a spoon would ease her into it, she was confused.

Interested and still confused as to why I am pulling things out of the orange ball.

Daddy tries to get her to touch the pumpkin guts. Yes, that is what he called it.

Weirded out by said pumpkin guts.

Peering inside and...

Pointing to either the guts or something she'd like us to buy from the grocery store. Who knows.

And she's done. Mommy is much more interesting since she has the picture box. Did I cause irreparable damage to her by denying her her first Halloween???

It's Always Time to Dance!

2009-10-25T20:47:00.003-05:00

Two posts in one day! Can you sense that I feel super guilty for taking an eleven day break? Yes? Alrighty then.

This is Izzie's new "puppy" toy from Toronto. As you can see, she likes it.

I love that she's wearing a cowgirl-like shirt while she gets her groove on.

What Fall Should Look Like..

2009-10-25T13:28:00.007-05:00

(Wow, has it been a week since we returned home from our trip? Jeepers! Sorry all, had a bit of a hard time getting back into my groove. I am remiss and will try to make it up to you!)

The day we arrived at Grandpa W. and N.'s house, they had had an overnight foliage fall. BrilliantTrying to teach Izzie how to shuffle in the leaves.

"Why do you keep running away Mommy?" To take your picture, now hold still...

My little poser.

Oh, wait..she wanted to go down the hill.

So I tossed her into a pile of leaves instead!

This is her "Me no likey" face.

And then she realized that she was wearing mittens.

Still entranced by her mittens.

And then we went down the hill.

Picking out a leaf to bring back to Grandpa.

I think she's done.

Ah Winnipeg for all your fine qualities, and there are many, I just haven't experienced a fall day like this in your vast prairie-ness. So many colours. And the shining sun. Can you try and work on that Winnipeg? No? K, good talk.

Away

2009-10-14T06:47:00.002-05:00

Hello All!

Izzie and I are taking a trip. A flying trip. (And leaving behind poor Phil.) We are flying to Toronto to visit friends and family.

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week and we'll see you here next weekend.

And to Phil, good bye my dear. I miss you already.

Our Weekend

2009-10-12T07:31:00.002-05:00

Filled with....pulling the snowsuit out of storage,

And taking a picture.
First snow = first snowman
Time to pose!

There we go.
And then I raced back inside from the unholy sight of snow on the ground. That and I had a turkey to cook.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to all!

October and I are no longer on speaking terms

2009-10-10T08:12:00.002-05:00

Front of house. Not opening the door, so sorry for the flash!
Back of house.

Yarg

In Progress

2009-10-06T10:26:00.004-05:00

Now that fall is fully upon us here in Winnipeg, with threats of snow not far behind, we have been spending a bit more time inside. Cozying up underneath blankets, learning new things and starting on new projects. Here is what we've been busy doing:

The constant and steady stream of dishes.....where is the dishwasher fairy when you need him?

A new fall hat for Izzie.

My quilt so far. I'm continuing with my lessons this Saturday

And starting to teach Izzie her colours.

Good times.

Izzie's New Sound

2009-10-05T08:42:00.002-05:00

Is only heard when she's terrorizing the cats.

Piercing.

October

2009-10-01T08:35:00.002-05:00

Dear October,

You're here! It's good to see you. We're glad you're here since you bring so much joy into our house. Granted you make us turn the furnace on, the furnace that is on it's last legs and being replaced very soon, but that's okay. You also bring us Halloween, pumpkins, fall, apples, blankets to snuggle under, sweaters to wear, bike rides without sweating through clothes. Lets face it October, you rock!

I have one request. I know you must get this a lot, but it is coming from my heart, my soul...and my cockles. Please don't snow. Please? Even if you get the urge, hold back. Seriously.

Thanks October. Hey, are you close with November? Cause I need to talk to November.

Once again, thank you.

Mammapeg

The Week in Pictures: Friday Sept, 25

2009-09-25T07:31:00.007-05:00

Too many pictures that were perfect, but not enough for an entire blog post? Well here they are, a mish mash of pictures for you to see. This is how our week went....

"Dang, these boots are hard to walk in." Well, that's the reason we bought the scratching post! Not for cats. Nah, not at all...

Attack of the alfalfa hair!

They both looked so proud that I had to take a picture. Look how straight she's sitting.

Coming back from the kitchen with her milk, this sight greeted me.

A tidy toy area? This is the only time I've seen this, so a picture was necessary.

Learning to quilt. Lots of precision, lots of grumbling, lots of fun.

Izzie's big girl bed, just waiting for her room to get its second coat of paint.

Hope you all had a great week as well!

Wordless Wednesday: Our Kitties

2009-09-23T07:23:00.004-05:00

Children of the corn kitties?

Speakerphone

2009-09-22T10:22:00.002-05:00

For Grandpa W."Gimme that phone!"
Listening to her Grandpa W. Thank goodness for speaker phone. She tried to walk away with him!

Toddler + Chocolate Ice Cream..

2009-09-21T17:29:00.005-05:00

...equals this:

From her face,
up her nose,
and
all
the
way
down to
her toes!

What Happens..

2009-09-19T19:34:00.004-05:00

....when your child dresses themselves.
Now that is fashion sense.

Yard Sailing

2009-09-11T12:52:00.004-05:00

I am officially a lover of all things yard sale. Well, not the gross falling apart furniture or the used toys that totally should have been wiped of before my daughter got her hands on them. But I love all the other things. Like orange chairs that are totally cheap for Izzie's room...

That chair is in great shape, and we got it for a steal! And it rocks, much to Izzies delight.

Yard sales are one of the best things about this season, and I mean the season of summer ending. Everyone is desperately trying to get rid of their stuff and they don't care how much you pay for it. Score! I have grabbed many pieces of fabric to reuse and we also have an end table for our couch. It's circular and a wee bit wobbly, but slap on some turquoise paint and distress it and it'll be golden....just have to figure out what paint to use....and decide which colour of turquoise.

And lastly, while shopping at a thrift store, I found this little gem..

A handmade wooden rocking horse for Izzie's delight. It now has diaper cream smeared on it, but at least it knows it's loved.
And it goes with our floor.

Wordless Wednesday: Fence Building Buddy

2009-09-09T16:57:00.004-05:00

Every fence building party needs a picnic!

So, whatcha doing?

She is bringing a nail over...

Trying to nail the nail in with her hammer.

Whew, this fence building is tiring.

Lazy Days of Summer

2009-09-02T10:50:00.003-05:00

..in September!

We are enjoying some lovely weather.

Going out for bike rides

Biking to the park and/or water park

Picking up some fine things at yard sales

Eating outside, picnic style

Running around in diapers...well, Izzie is at least

Basking in the warm glow of the sun and then breathing a sigh when a cool wind comes.

Yes siree, summer is upon us. (Hopefully for longer than three days. We're in day number two right now.) And the in-laws are coming to visit today and Phil is taking some time off of work. That's right, we're having a family weekend in the middle of the week.

Am I a lucky gal, or what?

What Are You Looking At?

2009-08-28T07:57:00.002-05:00

While Izzie and I walk to the library through the lovely Winnipeg skywalk, we received more than our fair share of looks. There were the "aw, cute" looks that come with towing a young one. There were also the "over-the-shoulder-stop-hogging-the-stairs-with-your-brat" stares that I feel both guilty and annoyed upon receiving. And then of course the "ugh, another child" looks. I can't feel bad about receiving that one since I did hand it out in my pre-parent days. I was a tich anti-child.

But then there are the stares that I don't like. The "Stop. Stare. Follow with your eyes." Creepy. Seriously, creepy. They have actually stopped in their tracks and are staring at me. I can see them out of the corner of my eye, and am trying not to stare back. I wonder what they're staring at. Their youth? Their long lost (however they are lost) child? I am saddened, and thoughtful...and then I start wondering....

Do you want my child? You do, don't you! You want to snatch her out of my hands and run away with her?!?!? You want to kidnap her and pass her off as your own, or pretend she's a doll, or attach stings and call her your marionette! Oh, it's on. I have never won or actually truly engage in a fight, but bring it stare-sy. We shall dance the dance of war!

And then it's over, and Izzie is annoyed. My slight mental detour has kept her from the fountain. Sorry peanut, mommy's just...well, she just loves you soooooo much that crazy people make her crazy. That's right, it's all about the love.

Poor Grey Sweatshirt

2009-08-27T12:40:00.004-05:00

Poor grey sweatshirt. You've stood the test of time. You have been used, and used, and used. You'd think that you'd give up, but you haven't.

Why is it that I always feed Izzie a ketchup related meal while you are worn? Am I mean? Well sorta, but I don't even think about it. I just look over and there you are. Suddenly covered in ketchup. It smeared all over you like a wound. Spreading. Searing into the fibers.

I sometimes wonder if you're asking things like; "Why am I being worn in August? Are you guys crazy?" or "What kind of mother gives her kid grilled cheese for lunch this many times?" or "Why am I being worn AGAIN?"

Sorry grey sweatshirt, but you dilute the steady stream of pink that I shove my little one into.

And I Wonder...

2009-08-22T19:17:00.007-05:00

....why our hard drive crashed.

A surprise video taken while doing dishes.

And then I looked over to see a suprise visitor in our newly cleaned out pantry. Thanks to Izzie for making a space for Argyle.

The Art of Sticking Stickers

2009-08-21T08:38:00.007-05:00

Where should stickers go? On paper? No, they should go up your nose.

First, you must sport a Marie Antoinette style sticker while munching on toast. Then...

Study your stickers. Really study them...

...

Then select that perfect sticker.

Make sure the sticker to nostril ratio is good...

Then go for it before your mom puts the camera down and intervenes.

When All is Quiet..

2009-08-20T13:21:00.005-05:00

This morning, while I was busy vaccuming the downstairs, I realized that I had not seen or heard Izzie for at least 5 minutes. I checked her "play area," nothing. I checked the downstairs bedroom, where we've squirrled away our T.V., no sign. I walked to the bathroom.....and there she was. Sorry for the vaccum noise, but I didn't want to disturb her while I took this video

Yes, that is her taking toilet paper from our stash and dumping it in the toilet. I will not mention how much paper was in there when I happened upon her. Little monkey.

Wordless Wednesday: How To (Not) Eat a Watermelon

2009-08-19T07:34:00.002-05:00

Yeah, the green part isn't that tasty!

Early Morning Walks Part 2

2009-08-17T09:59:00.005-05:00

Our technical difficulties are over! Well, they were over a few days ago. but we were so busy enjoying each others company and downloading all of our files to the new hard drive that there was no time to post.

So we're back, and it's the middle of August! Last week we had temps in the humid 40's and sunshine and night time thunderstorms. All of Winnipeg was breathing a sigh and shouting that summer had arrived.

And then the last two days....it rained. And rained. And the temperature dropped like a brick.

She is not over dressed.

But she sure thought she was! Outside stripping? Better get it out of her system before the snow flies.
Our previous walks were very kitty centric, (and by that I mean that I could only get Izzie to walk by saying, "Lets go find the kitties!") but now Izzie has learned about squirrels.

Sorry kitties, but squirrels can fight and chase in circles on trees. You just can't beat that!
The only picture of a squirrel that I could get before the camera died. (Looks like the city is fixing the sidewalk that's been torn up since we moved into our house. Well, they've made the hole bigger and cleaned out the litter. I guess that could be considered fixing it....)

That's it for our walk, I shall now leave you with a picture of the chocolate cake I made yesterday....

..because every dreary day should have a chocolate cake! (Is my oven dirty or is it just me? Oh well.)

Broken and Busted

2009-08-11T14:07:00.003-05:00

Our computer has decided that I should take a slight hiatus this summer, since it is now summer-y outside.

The hard drive keeps sending us messages that it's not happy and it will collapse and take us all down with it. At least we have a warranty!

So, I shall be away from here for a wee while. Hopefully only a few days, but I am at the mercy of Dell now.

See you back here soon!

26!

2009-08-10T06:32:00.005-05:00

To an amazing father,
a wonderful husband,
a kick a$# bagpiper,
an expert repairsman,
a financial guru,
and the best guy in the world to hang out with...
Thank you and Happy Birthday! There's grilled kolbassa, home made potato salad and beer waiting for when you get home.

Backyard Shenanigans

2009-08-08T07:40:00.004-05:00

This morning I looked out our window and, for a very short second, thought I saw a dead body.

In my defense, it was 6 am and I hadn't had my tea yet. Looks like someone had fun last night.

Shoes!

2009-08-06T11:16:00.002-05:00

Big developments in this household.

Izzie has learned to put on her socks and shoes...all by herself.

They may be on backwards, but they are on! Good job little one!

She is now working on pants, upside down of course.

Magic Show

2009-08-03T20:37:00.002-05:00

Early Morning Walks

2009-07-31T10:47:00.004-05:00

The last few days here have been very chilly, rainy and wet. ( I've started to think that we've moved to Scotland!) This hasn't stopped us from going outside since rainy days mean lots of puddles.

In fact, I've made a point to go out for walks as much as possible. The early morning walks have been very fruitful. Izzie is taking a shine to finding rocks, twigs and various forms of animals and insects.
We set out. The red vest makes its' way back into our regular clothing rotation.

What do you see, Izzie?

Yup, that is what she found. A super small rock. She wants it back!

Then we went to visit one of our neighbours and I gave Izzie the camera.

Feet!

Finger!

Then we set off for home so a very sleep little one could take a nap.

A Few Pics..

2009-07-28T11:57:00.003-05:00

...from the weekend.
No bike ride is complete without Izzie's Dog and Cat books. Man, that is one full bakfiets.

In the park, Daddy/daughter time while I...
..watched the sunlight through the trees.
Then I was attacked by my little dinosaur!

A very lovely weekend, if I do say so.