Simple

Sometimes the things that mean the most are the simplest of things. 

A sunny day with a small breeze means diapers drying (and bleaching) in the sun.  

I am happy with diapers that smell just a little bit fresher after being outside all day and Lily's bum is happy with crisp clean diapers. 

How to Make Pottery at 31 Weeks Pregnant

With this being the last week of the studio before creating something smaller for me I was really starting to get into the slow motion of things.  The cleaning out, organizing and gifting that has been happening over the past few weeks has creating a sense of calm.  Then at the last minute I received an order from a long standing and faithful customer. 

How I was I going to fill the order?  I had been told a few weeks ago from my chiropractor that throwing on the wheel was no longer an option for me.  That the position that I needed to sit at the wheel was putting pressure on the pelvis and creating not only the pain I was constantly feeling but also uterine constraint (not good for baby positioning)

So we tried something new.  Throwing while standing.  

We took the portable wheel and put it on the table and it was just the right height for me to stand at the wheel and throw.  

What a strange feeling when I have sat in the same position each and every time I sit down to throw and create.  The first few pots I had to think about new positioning and hand movement, but after that I was off to the races.  

The order dried in no time and is in the kiln for a bisque fire. 

{this 'honest' moment}

I awoke with a headache leaving me in a fog and feeling like everything is out of focus

My house is a mess

I have cried twice today

The kids have cried more

I called twice for support, just an I Love You, this makes me feel better

I run errands

Sam steals a chocolate bar from the store, it is a hard lesson to learn for both of us. 

Dinner is in the slow cooker

Everyone is having a nap

All is quiet for at least a few moments

My life could be quiet, clean, and simple but then I would miss out on Motherhood

Third Trimester Creative Energy

At 30 weeks I am starting to get the creative bug to finish some of those projects that have been sitting there waiting for a creative rush of energy.   In the fall I ripped a bunch of sheets for rag rugs.  Today I finished up the last ball and the last rug.  I was hoping that it would be large enough for the kids play area, but alas it is going to be a bathroom rug instead.  

Just a simple granny square crochet pattern with the largest crochet hook.  

Just Another Lazy Monday

After a weekend away there was a few grumpies that thought they would visit us.  This makes for a very unstructured day as I just let the kids (and myself) do what we need to.  Sometimes after some time apart it takes a moment or two to get back into our rhythm together. 

 This means playing outside in the warm afternoon in our pajama's 

 Playing and working together learning about colours and memory. (We use a great website called Linked to Learning.  All the activities are for preschoolers and Kindergardens)

This even means an afternoon nap with the cutest toddler toes. 

#3 ~ Celebrate our 5 year anniversary with a special trip

This past weekend Paul and I finally had the opportunity to get away for some much needed time away and time together.  We had planned on going away in January for our 5 Year Anniversary but the timing wasn't right and it was only recently that all the pieces fell into place.  

A few weeks ago Paul surprised my with all the details taken care of for this past weekend.  Everything was booked and child care taken care of with a special weekend at Nana's for the kids.  

We were booked in at the Delta Sherwood Inn located in the Muskokas. For those of you that don't know this area it is the most beautiful part of Ontario known as the Canadian Shield.  While this time of year it is rather muddy and in some places still snow covered, we took in the drive and area knowing the beauty that lay beneath.  

 Each night they had a campfire outside for us.

 The beautiful Main Inn.  We had the most amazing gourmet food and large fireplace in the main room.

 The panoramic view from the main dock.

 The most beautiful trail from the main inn down to what looks like in the summer is an archway for weddings.

 We went into town and found a little antique shop and in the back I spotted this blanket.  Heavier wool blanket with crochet flowers felted and sewn on with fringe hanging from the flowers.  It was truly a piece of artwork.

The view from our room.  We had large windows that looked out onto the lake, a fireplace to keep us warm and a large comfy king size bed (I am trying to figure out if a king would fit in our room at home there was so much space it was amazing, but alas, not enough room)

The weekend away together was amazing.  Lots of time resting, relaxing, and of course what most parents want and need with small children; SLEEP!  We had some special moments as well just being together without worrying about what needs to get done, who is watching who, and feeling lazy for just sitting around all weekend.

It was out first weekend away since out honeymoon and I am sure it will be awhile before we are able to get away again.  Now back to the daily routines which I am finding a little more difficult on this Monday morning.  I think everyone missed each other and so we are going to continue the relaxation for just one more day!  Routines can wait until tomorrow.  

#36 ~ Learn for Love my Body by 30

When I listed this as one of the things that I wanted to do in my 730 days I had followed it up by saying lose that last 15 pounds.  Losing poundage is clearing not something that happened.  However, I have come to love the body that I was given.  In reality how can a woman not love her body when she is pregnant?  It is one of the most amazing things that our bodies can do.  It changes shape, it adapts and changes hormones, it knows to self sacrifice if need be, and it creates a new life.  

 I am heading into my 30th week and while I am becoming more and more belly by the minute I am not as uncomfortable as I have been in the past.  I remember being big, uncomfortable, and frustrated while pregnant with my other two.  This time this is not the feeling I have (well I do have 10 more weeks to go, maybe we will check in at 39 weeks and see how I feel!).  Maybe it is the shift in thinking about my body while pregnant that has changed my feelings or maybe it is the knowledge that this is my last pregnancy and I want to cherish these moments rather than complain and wish them away.  Don't get me wrong, I want to meet my little guy, and if he was to come a few weeks early I would be o.k. with that as well. (wouldn't it be cool and unique if all the kids had birthdays on the 26th of the months of birth)

So with 10 (or 8) weeks to go I am going to continue to love this body I was given and I will try and love it even more after pregnancy knowing that it gave me three amazing children.  Should I not honour it every day for such a beautiful gift.