Summer Zoo Fun

What else is there to say really?  We love the Toronto Zoo and visit often.  Everyone loves it and it is perfect for the kids and their age.  

Time

This past weekend was one of relaxation and time.  Time for a Mama to be by herself and put energy back into the emotional bank after a few weeks of caring for sick ones.  Time for little babes to play with a Dad who works during the week.  Time for indoor play as it rained all weekend.  Time for a visit from Grandpa (Poca) and Gigi.  Time for watching the kids embrace and love them.  Time for every moment that came our way.

It was interesting to watch the kids with my Dad and Stepmom during their visit.  Sam loves Gigi, she is animated, playful and energetic.  She fills the room with her energy and Sam loves this.  She runs and plays and listens to every word he says.  He yells with delight that Gigi is here and will not leave her side.

Lily is a kindred soul so too is my Dad.  She is shy at first and eases her way into the room and is drawn to my Dad.  He sits quietly and talks to her and waits for her to come to him.  She is comforted by his calmness and once outside he pushes her in the swing until she wants down, I am sure he would have stood there all day if she had asked.  They smile at one another as if they share a secret no one else in the room knows about. It is as though they are perfectly pair with each of the kids.  Giving each of them what they want, need, and feel comfortable with.

   I see my daughter and I see myself.   Maybe that is all part of being a Daddy's Girl. 

{this moment}

#62 - Make a Rag Rug (The Beginning)

Here is the start of my rag rug.  It is the use of my first pile of fabric.  I am going to continue to add more and more and I find them in any place I can find.  Search the closets of family members, garage sales, thrift shops, and people passing on what they think will work.  I am going to try and the colours you see in the photo, but I am going to be open to what ever fabric comes my way.  I am not too sure of its final location as of yet, but I am sure that in a few months when it is completed, the right place will be there for it.

Here is the to beginning of a vary large project!!

Family Time

This weekend found us at the farm for a weekend of family time.  Saturday was the Mt. Albert Sports Day festival and Paul and Auntie Julia ran in the 5km race.  Paul had been somewhat training for this run.  He had a goal of running it in under 30 minutes.  However, the heat wave we had the last few weeks put a little kink in his training plans and he was not able to train in the way he wanted.  He was a little unsure of the run but came home having run it in 32 minutes.  While this was not the target it was 4 minutes faster than his last race so triumph!  Auntie Julia came in 3rd place.  YEAH!

The rest of the weekend was lots of family time and fun.  Lily who has been battling the chickenpox this past week was still under the weather and still very feverish.  While some may be upset by this it worked out perfect for this Mama as I was able to have Nana and other family members to help.  I got to rest during the day after being up all night as well as there was many arms willing to hold a babe who wanted to snuggle giving my arms a break.

She did perk up a bit to go for a ride!

{this moment}

Simple Moments

This week has found me up to my eyeballs in oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, and remedies for chickenpox.  I am starting to get a moment to breathe and know that my little ones will be stronger as a result of all of this.  I try and look at the growth that will take place afterwards, I can already see the change in Sam.  Illness has a way to pushing us forward.  

These past few weeks have challenged me physically and emotionally, so I try and remind myself to look at the simple moments around me.   Here are some of the simple moments guiding me through:

Outside my window we are finally getting the rain that is greatly needed by all.  

I am thinking of all the product that I should be doing for orders, shows, and my creative self. 

I am thankful for the extra days that Sam was able to use at Pre-School this week so that I could focus on Lily and her healing. 

From the kitchen the endless possibilities await me, what shall I cook tonight?

I am wearing the new kerchief that I made this morning.  

I am creating a coat of love and support for my greatest friend before her little man arrives in a few days.  

I am going to BREATHE

I am reading every recipe in Apples for Jam. 

I am hoping to hear that a space has opened up for me at One of a Kind in Toronto. 

I am hearing the buses go by

Around the house the smell of fresh rain blows in the windows

One of my favorite things Green River Coffee.  

A few plans for the rest of the week: Help Lily heal, Get ready for the market, cook, clean and Knit, Knit, Knit!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing

(soon she will be smiling again)