We're Definately Up to Something!

W LOVES eggs. He has a poached egg almost everyday for breakfast. However, this love of the cackles is getting him into undo mischief. There's been other egg stories, but here's the latest pictoral evidence. I was on the phone with a realtor for 5 MINUTES and in that time he managed to take the fresh eggs & crack them into a bowl of boiled eggs, then transfer it all back to the carton. As W would say, "YUCKERS!"
Of course, the babe cannot be left out either. Our littlest man has managed to dump the tree on a couple of occasions, attempt to eat the bark and dirt, but thankfully the tree has missed him each time.
Fry Guy - there was a time when I would let W play in the pantry as he was really good about only playing with certain items. However, one all too quiet morning he discovered cocoa....and now his pantry days are over.
All this mischief has led me to believe that it's not the child....it's the parental supervision, or lack thereof. There's too many incidents for this to be all child driven. I need to grow those eyes on the back of my head.

We're Definately Up to Something!

W LOVES eggs. He has a poached egg almost everyday for breakfast. However, this love of the cackles is getting him into undo mischief. There's been other egg stories, but here's the latest pictoral evidence. I was on the phone with a realtor for 5 MINUTES and in that time he managed to take the fresh eggs & crack them into a bowl of boiled eggs, then transfer it all back to the carton. As W would say, "YUCKERS!"
Of course, the babe cannot be left out either. Our littlest man has managed to dump the tree on a couple of occasions, attempt to eat the bark and dirt, but thankfully the tree has missed him each time.
Fry Guy - there was a time when I would let W play in the pantry as he was really good about only playing with certain items. However, one all too quiet morning he discovered cocoa....and now his pantry days are over.
All this mischief has led me to believe that it's not the child....it's the parental supervision, or lack thereof. There's too many incidents for this to be all child driven. I need to grow those eyes on the back of my head.

I'm So Behind

There are so many blog posts running through my head, and yet I find myself here only wanting to quickly blog and then go to bed for a nice deep sleep in which no child wakes throughout the night. What are the odds of that?
The boys have had "birthdays" (monthly ones), then there's Easter, pictures to share and the random thoughts/topics that run through my mind. Until I have the energy and time to do so, I'll leave you with the monkey story.
This week during our weeky shopping adventure at Superstore, W and I are turning to go up an aisle and find ourselves behind a man who is looking at the frozen food. This man is not of caucasian skin tone, he's quite stocky, not very tall, and has buzz-cut style hair. He is dressed all in black. Because he's stocky and the style of his hair you can see that his head is rather square and there are folds in the back of his lower head and neck. Normally, this gentleman would have gone unnoticed by me, however I was shopping with a rather loud, expressive and attentive two year old. Just when we were right behind him, W announces loudly & probably points, "There's a monkey!". (Yikes! UGH!!)" No, honey, that's a man."
"Mommy, Monkey-Man. Eeee!EEE! OOO! OOOO!" Scratching under his armpits as he finishes the sentence.
Oh my gawd! I've got to high tail it out of there without dumping W overboard, managing to not run any innocent shoppers over, and please please puhleeese don't let that poor man have heard my son!

I'm So Behind

There are so many blog posts running through my head, and yet I find myself here only wanting to quickly blog and then go to bed for a nice deep sleep in which no child wakes throughout the night. What are the odds of that?
The boys have had "birthdays" (monthly ones), then there's Easter, pictures to share and the random thoughts/topics that run through my mind. Until I have the energy and time to do so, I'll leave you with the monkey story.
This week during our weeky shopping adventure at Superstore, W and I are turning to go up an aisle and find ourselves behind a man who is looking at the frozen food. This man is not of caucasian skin tone, he's quite stocky, not very tall, and has buzz-cut style hair. He is dressed all in black. Because he's stocky and the style of his hair you can see that his head is rather square and there are folds in the back of his lower head and neck. Normally, this gentleman would have gone unnoticed by me, however I was shopping with a rather loud, expressive and attentive two year old. Just when we were right behind him, W announces loudly & probably points, "There's a monkey!". (Yikes! UGH!!)" No, honey, that's a man."
"Mommy, Monkey-Man. Eeee!EEE! OOO! OOOO!" Scratching under his armpits as he finishes the sentence.
Oh my gawd! I've got to high tail it out of there without dumping W overboard, managing to not run any innocent shoppers over, and please please puhleeese don't let that poor man have heard my son!

Almost There

It's been a l-o-n-g Easter weekend for us. We've had guests since Thursday afternoon and have been on the go every day. Naps have been missed, we've been up too late at night, there's been outings, laughter, A LOT of food, and not enough sleep. Will catch up later when all is calm.

Almost There

It's been a l-o-n-g Easter weekend for us. We've had guests since Thursday afternoon and have been on the go every day. Naps have been missed, we've been up too late at night, there's been outings, laughter, A LOT of food, and not enough sleep. Will catch up later when all is calm.

On Any Given Tuesday....

....anything could happen or change. So, here's what's been up at the RWB household.
Well, finally I was able to grace the steps of the infamous Gina Brown's. Which has resulted in a new knitting project. Not quite what Mrs. Mittens suggested, and that one will be attempted in the future!, but this carpet bag caught my eye.
The boys....are well now, although R had a bout of loose bms and fever for days and then all is well. No further sickness and no teeth. What was happening? It's all a secret, I guess, but happily my little cling-on is back to his sweet self.
And W....he's been BUSY. (Which is what almost EVERYONE says when they meet him. Please do not tell me this, I've heard it before and it really just hurts my feelings, ANYWAY...) we were grocery shopping this past week, looking for peanut butter, when W announces very clearly and at a nice octive, " I LOVE penisbutter!"
LOL...hello, Superstore Shoppers, Penis Butter in aisle 10!
Unlisted....the house is off the market. We are staying here. Long story...So now we're not moving but we are upgrading our home and in search of a contractor to build our loft into a proper bedroom. There will be other fun improvements, like new appliances (wuhoo for the double oven and front load washer/dryer!)So, it's bittersweet this decision to stay, however, it's obviously meant to be or our house would have sold at the list price if we were meant to go.
Considering that we are staying, a few ventures have come my way. I've been feeling that I need something for myself and to contribute to this household in a differnt way than I currently do, SO....
I've landed myself a little part time job at our community centre every second weekend which will not be too disruptive to the family. Should be fun, interesting, enlightening about the community and the opportunity to participate in the available programs offered is worth it!
Being that I was in employment mode, I found myself purchasing photography backdrops. In the near future I would like to have a small, part time photography business which focusses on one particular niche market. We shall see where that takes me. It'll be fun as it's on my terms and isn't meant to be a full time career. A hobby-career shall we say?
Continuing on with this prosperity/employment theme, I signed on to be an AVON representative. Ha! Yes, I am now an AVON lady. Ha! It cracks me up. This should be an interesting adventure. Does this not bring about images of one in a peptobismal pink suit with pill box style hat ringing your bell, holding a little blue suitcase..."AVON calling."
And that's enough for this given Tuesday, what about yours?

On Any Given Tuesday....

....anything could happen or change. So, here's what's been up at the RWB household.
Well, finally I was able to grace the steps of the infamous Gina Brown's. Which has resulted in a new knitting project. Not quite what Mrs. Mittens suggested, and that one will be attempted in the future!, but this carpet bag caught my eye.
The boys....are well now, although R had a bout of loose bms and fever for days and then all is well. No further sickness and no teeth. What was happening? It's all a secret, I guess, but happily my little cling-on is back to his sweet self.
And W....he's been BUSY. (Which is what almost EVERYONE says when they meet him. Please do not tell me this, I've heard it before and it really just hurts my feelings, ANYWAY...) we were grocery shopping this past week, looking for peanut butter, when W announces very clearly and at a nice octive, " I LOVE penisbutter!"
LOL...hello, Superstore Shoppers, Penis Butter in aisle 10!
Unlisted....the house is off the market. We are staying here. Long story...So now we're not moving but we are upgrading our home and in search of a contractor to build our loft into a proper bedroom. There will be other fun improvements, like new appliances (wuhoo for the double oven and front load washer/dryer!)So, it's bittersweet this decision to stay, however, it's obviously meant to be or our house would have sold at the list price if we were meant to go.
Considering that we are staying, a few ventures have come my way. I've been feeling that I need something for myself and to contribute to this household in a differnt way than I currently do, SO....
I've landed myself a little part time job at our community centre every second weekend which will not be too disruptive to the family. Should be fun, interesting, enlightening about the community and the opportunity to participate in the available programs offered is worth it!
Being that I was in employment mode, I found myself purchasing photography backdrops. In the near future I would like to have a small, part time photography business which focusses on one particular niche market. We shall see where that takes me. It'll be fun as it's on my terms and isn't meant to be a full time career. A hobby-career shall we say?
Continuing on with this prosperity/employment theme, I signed on to be an AVON representative. Ha! Yes, I am now an AVON lady. Ha! It cracks me up. This should be an interesting adventure. Does this not bring about images of one in a peptobismal pink suit with pill box style hat ringing your bell, holding a little blue suitcase..."AVON calling."
And that's enough for this given Tuesday, what about yours?

Knit-wit

Any suggestions in regards to a new kniting project? I'm about to complete my second felted bowl....just at the felting stage. The bowls are fun & easy, plus I really enjoy the whole felted look. (I'll post a photo later.)But now it's on to something new. But what?

Knit-wit

Any suggestions in regards to a new kniting project? I'm about to complete my second felted bowl....just at the felting stage. The bowls are fun & easy, plus I really enjoy the whole felted look. (I'll post a photo later.)But now it's on to something new. But what?

Recipes of the Day

Soup De Jour
Although it's supposed to be a balmy +10 today, it feels cooler and a definate soup day. So I whipped this up with the idea that I'll feast all week and pretend I'm in the carribbean while enjoying the pumpkin & coconut flavors. Now all I need is a "ron punch" to go with it!

Pumpkin Coconut Bisque.

Chicken By the Sea Dinner
An easy meal was on the horizon tonight at the RWB household. And as frugal and simple as it was, tasty was also an accurate description as well. Here's the recipe I used with a few changes. Such as 2 cups fresh broccoli, 3 T diced onion, dash of garlic salt, no thyme, and freshly grated parmesean and marble cheeses.

Recipes of the Day

Soup De Jour
Although it's supposed to be a balmy +10 today, it feels cooler and a definate soup day. So I whipped this up with the idea that I'll feast all week and pretend I'm in the carribbean while enjoying the pumpkin & coconut flavors. Now all I need is a "ron punch" to go with it!

Pumpkin Coconut Bisque.

Chicken By the Sea Dinner
An easy meal was on the horizon tonight at the RWB household. And as frugal and simple as it was, tasty was also an accurate description as well. Here's the recipe I used with a few changes. Such as 2 cups fresh broccoli, 3 T diced onion, dash of garlic salt, no thyme, and freshly grated parmesean and marble cheeses.

International Woman's Day part 2

The IWS post is down on March 3. In addition to it, here's a site or two to peruse:
International Women's Day
Women's Commission
Women's Centre

International Woman's Day part 2

The IWS post is down on March 3. In addition to it, here's a site or two to peruse:
International Women's Day
Women's Commission
Women's Centre

Goats...work to rule?

Are the goats on strike?
Every time I've gone to the grocery store in the past week, three different stores, there is NO goat milk. So, thinking that I've got to give my eldest son something, the lactose free milk jumps into my cart and comes home with me. The result? Pooping proof that it's all about the protein, not the lactose for my W. He is back to multiple bms per day. It's not pleasant. For either of us.
So, where are the goats? Vacationing in Austria or somewhere else just as glamorous? Crossing the bridge with hopes of avoiding the troll that lives beneath it? Please, Mr. Troll, let the goats be. Return to the milk barn and provide sustenance for my boy.

Goats...work to rule?

Are the goats on strike?
Every time I've gone to the grocery store in the past week, three different stores, there is NO goat milk. So, thinking that I've got to give my eldest son something, the lactose free milk jumps into my cart and comes home with me. The result? Pooping proof that it's all about the protein, not the lactose for my W. He is back to multiple bms per day. It's not pleasant. For either of us.
So, where are the goats? Vacationing in Austria or somewhere else just as glamorous? Crossing the bridge with hopes of avoiding the troll that lives beneath it? Please, Mr. Troll, let the goats be. Return to the milk barn and provide sustenance for my boy.

Fun in the Sun

After a grocery shopping trip which included tasty and messy cookies, the boys and I went to the Butterfly Park. While listening to them and watching the grins of pure pleasure, I decided that there really is nothing like listening to a child's laughter and watching their faces explode with joy. Even little R was able to experience the thrill of a swing on a sunny day. If only I had brought my camera along to capture is fluffy cheeks encased by the red hood, the huge grin spread over his face and laughing blue-blue eyes. What a lovely experience to share with both boys as W giggled from the tips of his toes and requested, "Another Big One!" Meaning, big push on the swing.
Also enjoying the lovely weather was another family. Their little boy had a crane and dump truck to play with in the rocks. W of course played with it too while the little guy was on the swing, but how sweet when W gave the boy his toys back, then hugged him, pointed at him and claimed, "Cute!". I think the mom found it humorus and sweet too. It's moments like these, that cause my heart to swell just a little bit more.
What a super morning.

Fun in the Sun

After a grocery shopping trip which included tasty and messy cookies, the boys and I went to the Butterfly Park. While listening to them and watching the grins of pure pleasure, I decided that there really is nothing like listening to a child's laughter and watching their faces explode with joy. Even little R was able to experience the thrill of a swing on a sunny day. If only I had brought my camera along to capture is fluffy cheeks encased by the red hood, the huge grin spread over his face and laughing blue-blue eyes. What a lovely experience to share with both boys as W giggled from the tips of his toes and requested, "Another Big One!" Meaning, big push on the swing.
Also enjoying the lovely weather was another family. Their little boy had a crane and dump truck to play with in the rocks. W of course played with it too while the little guy was on the swing, but how sweet when W gave the boy his toys back, then hugged him, pointed at him and claimed, "Cute!". I think the mom found it humorus and sweet too. It's moments like these, that cause my heart to swell just a little bit more.
What a super morning.

Alberta Elections

As I write this, Premier Stelmach is giving his thank you speech here in Calgary. A PC majority is declared.
Did you exercise your right to vote? This time I did vote, admittedly there have been elections that I did not participate in for whatever reason. Sometimes it frustrates me that in Canada we vote for a party in order to choose the candidate. That being said, the party is always voted for but it's certainly different than say, in the US. What made me vote? It's our right. When I think about current events where countries are war torn and wanting democracy, yet some of these countries have gained the right to vote yet corruption and violence still prevails. Then there's the suffragists of past. For them in itself, is a strong reason that I should vote. Will my vote make a difference? It's hard to say. Did I really know the candidates and their platforms well....not really. I reseached their websites, but found them lacking. Explaining more what they have done, rather then what they will do. Quite weak to me. There was no knocking on my door, no rallies in my area that I was aware of so I felt somewhat uneducated in regards to my local representatives. But at the very least I did get out there and not remain completely apathetic and I must say that the polling station I attended was busy today, and most people were under 45yrs...interesting....
So, what's the point of this "political" ramble? I actually did vote...for better or for worse, and not necessarily with strong political convictions, but vote I did.

Alberta Elections

As I write this, Premier Stelmach is giving his thank you speech here in Calgary. A PC majority is declared.
Did you exercise your right to vote? This time I did vote, admittedly there have been elections that I did not participate in for whatever reason. Sometimes it frustrates me that in Canada we vote for a party in order to choose the candidate. That being said, the party is always voted for but it's certainly different than say, in the US. What made me vote? It's our right. When I think about current events where countries are war torn and wanting democracy, yet some of these countries have gained the right to vote yet corruption and violence still prevails. Then there's the suffragists of past. For them in itself, is a strong reason that I should vote. Will my vote make a difference? It's hard to say. Did I really know the candidates and their platforms well....not really. I reseached their websites, but found them lacking. Explaining more what they have done, rather then what they will do. Quite weak to me. There was no knocking on my door, no rallies in my area that I was aware of so I felt somewhat uneducated in regards to my local representatives. But at the very least I did get out there and not remain completely apathetic and I must say that the polling station I attended was busy today, and most people were under 45yrs...interesting....
So, what's the point of this "political" ramble? I actually did vote...for better or for worse, and not necessarily with strong political convictions, but vote I did.

International Women's Day

In recognition of International Women's Day, here are some of the women who have graced my life and are definately notable.
My little Aunt Sis....baby sister to my Grandmother G. These ladies are both amazing in their own right. There is so much for me to learn from them and emulate in my own life. Both were 98 yrs when they left this world and still active amazing women. Aunt Sis was living on her own on 10 acres in this huge house in the southern states. Still having her hair done once a week (truly...I would love to do this! but not sleep with my head wrapped in toilet paper!), belonged to a literary club (at 95yrs she introduced me to the Poisonwood Bible), attended church regularily and loved to go for a spin in her neices convertible with the top down!
My grandmother was the epitome of a southern belle...in a rebel kind of way. She never swore, never raised her voice and things were to be done in a certain way (ie girls should wear their hair up), but she was loving and gentle and taught me to love reading. I have fond childhood memories of lying with her on the bed, holding her hand as she read to me. And of watching her get ready for bed at night; unlacing her corset (uh...she's in her 90's!), taking a swig of some magic milk (Milk of Magnesia, unbrading her hair and letting her bun down and lathering Rose Milk on. That scent will always take me back to her. She took care of herself. Even in her 90's. At 96yrs she had a mild heart attack during the aquasize class she regularily attended, and was so MAD that the Dr's wouldn't do anything for her because of her age! She volunteered in her community. knit up a storm and wrote letters to her loved ones faithfully. She moved to Canada a single woman in the early 1900's with her brother, later married and had her first child at 42yrs. Imagine how scandelous all of this would have been back then? She had courage.
Then there's my sister D....who was married at 16yrs. Yes. You read the number right. 1-6! And after many, many years, left this terriblly abusive marriage to set out on her own and give her youngest two children a better life. She is an amazing mom. She is a survivor. She is warm & loving and not at all bitter, yet she has every reason/right to be. She is fearless and such a success story.
I am proud to come from a line of strong women. Strong in their own ways. They leave a legacy of which I have much to learn and live.
Are there amazing women in your life? Share their story. Shout it out! Spread the love.

International Women's Day

In recognition of International Women's Day, here are some of the women who have graced my life and are definately notable.
My little Aunt Sis....baby sister to my Grandmother G. These ladies are both amazing in their own right. There is so much for me to learn from them and emulate in my own life. Both were 98 yrs when they left this world and still active amazing women. Aunt Sis was living on her own on 10 acres in this huge house in the southern states. Still having her hair done once a week (truly...I would love to do this! but not sleep with my head wrapped in toilet paper!), belonged to a literary club (at 95yrs she introduced me to the Poisonwood Bible), attended church regularily and loved to go for a spin in her neices convertible with the top down!
My grandmother was the epitome of a southern belle...in a rebel kind of way. She never swore, never raised her voice and things were to be done in a certain way (ie girls should wear their hair up), but she was loving and gentle and taught me to love reading. I have fond childhood memories of lying with her on the bed, holding her hand as she read to me. And of watching her get ready for bed at night; unlacing her corset (uh...she's in her 90's!), taking a swig of some magic milk (Milk of Magnesia, unbrading her hair and letting her bun down and lathering Rose Milk on. That scent will always take me back to her. She took care of herself. Even in her 90's. At 96yrs she had a mild heart attack during the aquasize class she regularily attended, and was so MAD that the Dr's wouldn't do anything for her because of her age! She volunteered in her community. knit up a storm and wrote letters to her loved ones faithfully. She moved to Canada a single woman in the early 1900's with her brother, later married and had her first child at 42yrs. Imagine how scandelous all of this would have been back then? She had courage.
Then there's my sister D....who was married at 16yrs. Yes. You read the number right. 1-6! And after many, many years, left this terriblly abusive marriage to set out on her own and give her youngest two children a better life. She is an amazing mom. She is a survivor. She is warm & loving and not at all bitter, yet she has every reason/right to be. She is fearless and such a success story.
I am proud to come from a line of strong women. Strong in their own ways. They leave a legacy of which I have much to learn and live.
Are there amazing women in your life? Share their story. Shout it out! Spread the love.

Quilts

Don't you just love a good quilt? One that's been washed many, many times so that it's a soft, muted, cozy cotton...a good friend kind of quilt, to cuddle up with during a movie or good book....or to make a fort or tent from...a soft on your cheek kind of quilt?
Quilts have always been a part of my life. My Grandma G quilted and so did my mom. I'm pretty sure she taught my mom to do so. I remember the wooden quilt frame being set up in our dining room or basement with a project on the go. There were mainly patch work quilts of every color with contrasting wool, log cabin quilts, butterfly quilts, embroidered quilts, etc. etc. My mom even belongs to a little quilting club that creates these blankets of comfort for charities. Right now they are working on quilts for little ones who have found themselves staying at Stollery Children's Hospital or Ronald McDonald House. I think of how comforting a cozy quilt can be for me, imagine what it can do for a little one who is away from home and ill?
Last week while my mom was visiting us, I gave her more than she bargained for. An arm load of material, quilt batting, notions and pattern for two quilts for two little boys. These puppy shaped, rag quilts will be made from their receiving blankets and hopefully will be a much loved keepsake for W & R. Thanks Grandma G!

Quilts

Don't you just love a good quilt? One that's been washed many, many times so that it's a soft, muted, cozy cotton...a good friend kind of quilt, to cuddle up with during a movie or good book....or to make a fort or tent from...a soft on your cheek kind of quilt?
Quilts have always been a part of my life. My Grandma G quilted and so did my mom. I'm pretty sure she taught my mom to do so. I remember the wooden quilt frame being set up in our dining room or basement with a project on the go. There were mainly patch work quilts of every color with contrasting wool, log cabin quilts, butterfly quilts, embroidered quilts, etc. etc. My mom even belongs to a little quilting club that creates these blankets of comfort for charities. Right now they are working on quilts for little ones who have found themselves staying at Stollery Children's Hospital or Ronald McDonald House. I think of how comforting a cozy quilt can be for me, imagine what it can do for a little one who is away from home and ill?
Last week while my mom was visiting us, I gave her more than she bargained for. An arm load of material, quilt batting, notions and pattern for two quilts for two little boys. These puppy shaped, rag quilts will be made from their receiving blankets and hopefully will be a much loved keepsake for W & R. Thanks Grandma G!

It's 4am

There's not alot of sleep going on for me and the babe. It's 4am. We're both awake.
R is 9 months old and hasn't been sleeping through the night...again. Last night he was up twice. Which for some mom's would be acceptable, but it's getting really hard for me to be continually sleep deprived. My family suffers for it. My patience is low, my attention span is scattered and there are days that it's a challenge to remember the littlest things and really, is there an motherhood induced form of Alzheimer disease or Senile Dementia? If so, I'm definately more than borderline. So, all this has prompted me to yet again train/teach/encourage R to sleep through the night and give up his night time feedings. My little babe is not starving so he should be able to go 12 hrs without nursing. I think it's a comfort feeding, it's nice to have a snuggle and drink in the night. But the problem is his mother is getting grouchier and grouchier about the whole thing. So here we are at 4am, R is very sad and I'm feeling incredible guilt and wondering what the big deal is. Have you met a school aged child who is still getting up in the night to nurse? The odds are probably not so why am I doing this? Putting us both through this? Especially him. Poor R. I feel so badly for him. The attachment parenting folks would be sad that I am scaring my child for life. Oh, I do hope they're wrong.
I also hope tomorrow night is a quiet, peaceful, sleepfilled night for all of our household.
Sweet dreams dear readers. Sweet dreams.

It's 4am

There's not alot of sleep going on for me and the babe. It's 4am. We're both awake.
R is 9 months old and hasn't been sleeping through the night...again. Last night he was up twice. Which for some mom's would be acceptable, but it's getting really hard for me to be continually sleep deprived. My family suffers for it. My patience is low, my attention span is scattered and there are days that it's a challenge to remember the littlest things and really, is there an motherhood induced form of Alzheimer disease or Senile Dementia? If so, I'm definately more than borderline. So, all this has prompted me to yet again train/teach/encourage R to sleep through the night and give up his night time feedings. My little babe is not starving so he should be able to go 12 hrs without nursing. I think it's a comfort feeding, it's nice to have a snuggle and drink in the night. But the problem is his mother is getting grouchier and grouchier about the whole thing. So here we are at 4am, R is very sad and I'm feeling incredible guilt and wondering what the big deal is. Have you met a school aged child who is still getting up in the night to nurse? The odds are probably not so why am I doing this? Putting us both through this? Especially him. Poor R. I feel so badly for him. The attachment parenting folks would be sad that I am scaring my child for life. Oh, I do hope they're wrong.
I also hope tomorrow night is a quiet, peaceful, sleepfilled night for all of our household.
Sweet dreams dear readers. Sweet dreams.