Sunday, February 27, 2011

Friday night video.... on sunday night, oops!

Ok... so the weekend kinda got away from me, sorry :D

My FAV-OUR-ITE song, by my FAV-OUR-ITE music group! And totally Canadian, EH!

Ahead by a Century.... The Tragically Hip.... 'nuf said, enjoy :D



courtesy youtube

Friday, February 25, 2011

Ramblings of a crazy woman....

I don't know about you; but, when I'm putting on my make-up in the morning, I find that my mind wanders.... and not always in the same direction - it goes to places that I sometimes find really bizarre and sometimes it goes to what I'm making for dinner.

This morning I found myself thinking about how I got to where I am.... and I don't know, maybe it's because my hunny is a whole 7 hours away; but, I started wondering where I would be if I had never met him....


It's funny how life's roads can twist and turn.... When we met, we had both just turned 18.... I was the freaky new girl in grade 13 homeroom clad in white Doc Martin boots, black turtlenecks and hounds tooth minis; he was the quiet, tall guy with hockey-hair (a.k.a. mullet - totally acceptable in the early 90's, BTW).... And it seemed the moment I saw him, I knew we would be together; never mind that I was still dating someone else from my previous school for 2 years.... But, I knew it wasn't going anywhere; and not that I was looking for long-term commitment; I mean I was only 18. I think I was just ready for someone more mature and not into the EVERY weekend partying groove.... that got really old, really fast.

I was in a very vulnerable state at 18.... trying to make sense of a childhood that was lonely and uncertain; trying to make peace with things that had happened that were totally out of my control and ability to fix.... trying to forgive myself for wasting so many of my childhood years blaming myself for things I didn't even understand.... and on top of all of that, trying to decide what I wanted to be for THE. REST. OF. MY. LIFE.... phew...

And, here's this guy, who I was totally smitten with, and at every opportunity would sneak in to the arena to watch him play hockey and then leave before he could see me.... not that it would matter if he did, he didn't know who I was anyway. He didn't know that when it came down to it; I was stalking him.... I really was! People go to jail for that, ya know?! I mean, I wasn't psycho-stalker-girl; I didn't murder his bunny or anything.... But, when I did get up enough courage, I told his friend that I liked him. And the rest, as they say, is history.... well, after I ditched the other one anyway.... please don't judge me.... Literally, it was two days of talking to my husband on the phone before I let the other guy go.... and it was funny (well, to me anyway) but, the other guy was as emotional as a rock - hated anything sentimental; even threw out a bunch of flowers that I had given him, in front of all of our friends no less, then stomped away from me.... But, at the end, when I finally told him it was over, he cried.... What-the-XXXX!!!!! Are you serious?! I was speechless.... and truth be told, felt kinda good that I actually cracked that nut and caused him some pain.... *evil little laugh and wringing hands together*

But; aaaaanyway, here I am.... February 3rd marked 21 years together for my husband and I. Wow! He met me at my worst, and helped me to figure out the person I was meant to be. He helped me to see that I was a good person and that I deserved love and attention. I've embraced his love in this kung-fu grip ever since. He gave me three beautiful little versions of himself.... He makes me laugh every day.... And tests my patience too.... But in the end, we compliment one another.... I feel very rich.... See, for me, being rich doesn't involve money, it should never involve money....

Safe travels home hunny, we all miss you ;)

I'll be back later tonight with my Friday Night Video.... enjoy your day everyone ;)

photo courtesy of Microsoft

Monday, February 21, 2011

Ambient lighting made easy....

A while back, I saw these really neat candle holders in a home magazine.... and I know we've all said it, and I certainly say it all. the. time. "I can make that." But, do we ever really make what we see? Well, speaking for myself; No, I never really get around to making whatever it was.... Until now, that is! Me, being the queen of the quick craft; it was a project that fit right with my crafting criteria: fast and easy :)


Simply put, I took an empty salsa jar (for some VERY strange reason, unknown even to me, I have great difficulty letting go of empty jars.... weird or what? please say 'or what'). Aaaanyway, I grabbed my white cotton yarn and crocheted a light and airy 'sock' to slip the jar into; added a tea light candle; lit it up; and VOILA! Instant ambiance! I LOVE IT!!!! I'll definitely be doing a tutorial for these soon.... EDIT: Tutorial for this is available through my Etsy shop.


Now, to find more jars.... is it wrong to rifle through your neighbours recycle bins? .....What?

Have a SUPER-FANTASTICALLY-FUN Family Day ;)

Friday, February 18, 2011

Friday night video....

Such a sweet voice and a beautiful song.... Ingrid Michaelson singing Far Away.... hope you like it too.... Have a great weekend and a fun and happy family day on monday ;)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Bits and piecing....

I've been a busy little lady lately.... hat making; birthday party planning and hosting; valentine card production; surprise valentine decorations made and set-up before everyone arrived home yesterday; and then today.... when I really should have been doing laundry.... piecing together a Moda Lollipop Charm Pack....

To be honest.... it's kind of a cheater, it's really not quilting.... my sister is a quilter who cuts and pieces intricate shapes together to create one-of-a-kind beautiful blankets.... Me? I've made one quilt in my life, a denim square block quilt that fits a queen size bed and weighs a TON.... but I made it and I LOVE it.... and the best thing about it is that my boys love it (note to self: make another one because each of them says he wants it for his bed when he grows up.... dilemma)....

So, aaaanyway, back to the charmer.... It's not the Central Park Charm Pack that I ordered for my best little gal (still PATIENTLY waiting for that to arrive after ordering it on Jan 12.... *says through gritting teeth*.... but, I digress).... Here's what the Lollipop Charm Pack looked like pre-piecing....


And after....


Still much to be done to finish it off.... but the tedious part is complete, and I'm happy to report that I only messed up on one square, requiring the seam ripper and some adjustment.... but, all-in-all, easy-peasy!

And here's a peak at what the boys gave to their classmates for Valentine's Day yesterday....


I found these free printable You Rock Valentine cards over at Living Locurto.... TONS of fun and fantastic things to see over there! Check it out! We added our own twist to these cards by putting 2 individually wrapped Life Savers into small zipper lock baggies (from the dollar store) and stapling them to the backside.... the boys thought these were their best Valentines ever! Can't beat that.... or, I guess I'll have to try next year :O ....

Have a nice day everyone ;)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

The season is coming to an end....

Hockey season, that is.... This year, I find I'm yearning for spring just a little more than normal; too many colds, flus and other nasty stuff attacking everyone; we need some sort of repreive....

Aaaaanyway.... this is about hockey, again, I know enough about hockey already.... but I swear this is that last post about it (I think).... I just wanted to take a moment to give thanks to everyone who has had a hand in our successful second (and maybe last) tyke hockey season....

First, to our amazing and patient coaches.... Dana, Doug, Garth, Rob, and some others who I didn't actually have the pleasure to shake hands with.... You are the most patient bunch of men I have ever met.... you should all give lessons in patience for parents.... We've seen our little guys and gals go from falling all over the ice to screaming from one end of the rink to the other and taking shot on net.... the progress has been overwhelming and full of proud moments. I always said I would never be that Mom in the stands hooting and hollering; and I can honestly say with all of my dignity intact, I AM THAT MOM, and make no apologies for it.... my guys are number one in my heart and I will show my support in any way I can.... GO PARIS!!!!!!

And to the many, many friends who have helped me with my little restless wiggly-worm, Cammy.... from inviting her into your homes for friday night practices and feeding her dinner; to bouncing her on your laps in the cold arena; to string cheeses and fishy crackers; to walking the lobby 5 thousand times just so Mommy could have a little time to watch the boys on ice.... So here it goes: Tasha and Mark; Umma and Boppa; Nanny and Papa; Gran & Gramps; Becky, Greg, Lillian, Carly and Isaac; Sherry, Mike, Max and Ty; Jacquie, Chad, Madi and Caiden; Kim, Steve, Haliena and Annaka.... and if I forgot anyone else, I'm sorry.... it's just that my list of people who I can count on is just. that. long.

Allowing me the opportunity to focus on my little men means so much to me; Thanks from the bottom of my heart.... I am forever indebted to you all....

Have a great day everyone ;)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Graduation of sorts....

Officially, at 11:33pm tonight, my baby boy (my big boy) will turn 8 years old.... I try not to get all weepy in the eyes about the birthdays; but as any Mom and Dad know, it's difficult.... we take extra time on birthday days to reflect on the year past; and each year before....

How did our little bub....


transform into this handsome and warm-hearted little man???....


And so, today, ecstatically, you graduate from your little boy booster seat to no car seat at all.... you've been counting the days for well over a month and Mommy and Daddy have enjoyed watching your excitement grow with each passing day.... revel in it; you deserve every bit of happiness you can hold in your very warm and loving heart.... And tonight, on your birthday night, you get to skate out onto the ice in our amazing new community arena, something you've said was all a part of your birthday present. I LOVE that about you, you see the thrill and beauty in everyday life.... you get that it's the small wonders that are the best gifts we can receive....

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of all of the strides and accomplishments you've made in your young little life.... and we are so excited to watch you grow into the wonderful man you are meant to be....

We love you so very much Liam; don't ever change; you're perfect just as you are.... Happy Birthday Buddy, we can't wait to share in all of your excitement tonight.... xo Mommy and Daddy ;)

Sunday, February 6, 2011

The Life of a Hockey Family....

So, the blog post heading should say it all.... It's tournament weekend; and it's an away tournament; and it's a very, very, very snowy weekend; and it's a Daddy work weekend.... ugghh! And I know I say it time and time again; but, FRIENDS... they really do come through for you, EVERY. TIME.

Special, special thanks to SHERRY for taking my little ham-hock on Friday for hockey practice; and BIG thanks to JACQUIE for enduring a FULL day; that's 12-1/2 hours of full-on Hamdom, on Saturday for Day 1 of the tourney.... You ladies are somethin' else! I OWE you both a Brown Dog visit... looking forward to showing my appreciation :D

Today for Tourney Day 2 (technically 3, but we didn't play the 1st).... Hammy's coming along.... I've packed TONS of snacks; TONS of toys; and TONS and TONS of patience for Mommy.... It'll all be good; I'll survive.... I'm hoping the new venue will peak her interest and she'll be able to sit still for more than 10 minutes of the game.

Aaaaanyway, I have managed to do some crafty things of late.... mostly filling hat orders, which I am totally ecstatic about.... and I did make up these nifty little package inserts to go with my orders....


And two weeks ago, I took a trip to my local consignment shop and picked up a bunch of things for $1 each.... I'm thinking re-purposing/re-fashioning/de- and re-constructing.... will show you later what I've done with what I've found....

That's it from me for now.... Have a lovely Sunday everyone ;)

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

For the birds....

I love Canadian winters.... springs.... summers.... and falls.... I guess I just love four seasons; and being able to live in a place where I can experience it all makes me feel very fortunate....

I went to bed last night, prepared to wake up to a snow day; and Mother Nature did not disappoint.... easily there are about 8 inches of the fluffy white stuff resting against my front door.... I was hoping to open the door and snap a photo of the actual depth; but something more amazing caught my eye....


Two shivering birds all dressed in their wintery puffs sitting atop my snow buried cement cat taking refuge in the nook that is my front entry way.... their billowy bodies sprinkled with icy cool sugar.... I was very quiet and still when taking the pictures; and I know they noticed me but were far too cozy to fly away.... I just want to go open the door and scoop them up; but I know if they're in my house they'll likely meet a dreadful demise at the paws of two very spry 12 year old cats....

Take care little birdies.... Hopefully the wind will die down soon and you'll be able to find more adequate shelter.... but, til then, you're more than welcome to stay; and thank you for brightening my day....

Have a cozy snow day everyone ;)