There is little better on a winter day than sitting on a warm floor bathed in sunshine. Little better except doing so with a mug steaming with happiness.
Life's good.
Kim 365
Everyday life. Messy stuff included.
Photos
Necessity is the mother of invention, right? Well I needed to make supper tonight, and spinach was our star ingredient. It appeared in our quiche, as well as was the main ingredient with our salad. Thinking the kids wouldn't appreciate a very spinach-y salad, I dressed it up with apples, candied pecans, and a vinaigrette with a touch of cinnamon. They were not impressed. (Insert moment where Mom grits teeth and sighs deeply). Eat your spinach!!
There were quite a few apples and pecans left, so I had them for dessert with some yogurt - oh my. Yum!
There were quite a few apples and pecans left, so I had them for dessert with some yogurt - oh my. Yum!
Knowing that I wanted to read it, Clay bought me this book for my birthday last year. I read the first half, which talks about the 'what' and the 'why' of simple living, but never got around to tackling the 'do' - the second half of the book. Until now....
It's a ten day whirlwind of clearing the clutter, organizing what's left, and freeing yourself up to enjoy life rather than cleaning it up all the time. (That sounds nice doesn't it? If only the messes stopped coming!) Today was Project Living Room, and I cleaned from top to bottom, emptied everything out, and put most of it back in. I still have a bit to finish up tomorrow, and then it's on the the kitchen on Monday.
It's really not spring yet, but the weather would almost have you believe otherwise, so I am getting my house in shape so I can get the rest of my life in order as well.
It's a ten day whirlwind of clearing the clutter, organizing what's left, and freeing yourself up to enjoy life rather than cleaning it up all the time. (That sounds nice doesn't it? If only the messes stopped coming!) Today was Project Living Room, and I cleaned from top to bottom, emptied everything out, and put most of it back in. I still have a bit to finish up tomorrow, and then it's on the the kitchen on Monday.
It's really not spring yet, but the weather would almost have you believe otherwise, so I am getting my house in shape so I can get the rest of my life in order as well.
The big kids are having a sleepover at Gramma and Grampa's house, and Clay and I went out tonight for supper and a movie tonight. Deacon joined us, of course! We had a delicious supper, then went to the Broadway Theatre to see Revenge of the Electric Car (which was really interesting, I recommend it!)
This is my preferred type of high school reunion: hanging out with people I went to school with...and liked :) Noriko moved to my town when I was in grade 12, on a one year exchange program. She's been back a few times to visit since then, and today she came over for a visit. It's crazy how things change so quickly - the last time she was here, Markus was a baby, my one and only. Now Deacon - baby number 4 - is here!
It was so great to see you again, Noriko!
It was so great to see you again, Noriko!
Today was my father-in-law's birthday, which of course is shared with his twin brother (left). The kids, ever concerned with being invited to birthday parties, determined he had to come here so that we could make him a birthday cake (because in their minds, that's the whole point of a birthday party). Markus has been poring over the fliers that come to our house, looking for strawberries on sale so we could make the strawberry shortcake that Pappy requested.
The kids turned this picture into a bit of a gong show - but they're a cute gong show :)
The kids turned this picture into a bit of a gong show - but they're a cute gong show :)
Isaiah, blowing out the candles as we celebrate his eleventh birthday! Our kids refer to him as "the crazy-haired guy", and they love their big cousin like crazy. Having lived in Africa for the last 7 years, this is our kids' first real experience getting to know this crew of extended family, and we are loving the time we get to spend with them and reconnect before they make the trek across the world again in a few months. (Where owning a dog will finally become a reality for this dog-crazy boy!)
Markus and his cousin Julia, having a great time on a sleigh ride downtown today. Markus made sure to keep an eye out for horse poop...five year old boy for you :)
I don't recall these two asking for permission to get so big. I also don't remember saying, "Okay sure, you guys just go ahead and grow up while I blink." Seriously, how do kids grow up so fast? These two are seven and almost six already!
I don't recall these two asking for permission to get so big. I also don't remember saying, "Okay sure, you guys just go ahead and grow up while I blink." Seriously, how do kids grow up so fast? These two are seven and almost six already!
Sweet Deacon is seven months old today!
He is sitting like a champion, still not interested in rolling much, and gets ticked off if I leave him on his tummy too long because he pushes himself backward into all kinds of strange places. He wants to put everything in his mouth, but hasn't been having the greatest time adjusting to solid food. His bottom teeth are on the move and I suspect they will make an appearance soon.
What makes Deacon awesome though, is his who he is, not what he does. He is so sweet, joyful, and altogether FUN! I love you Baby!
He is sitting like a champion, still not interested in rolling much, and gets ticked off if I leave him on his tummy too long because he pushes himself backward into all kinds of strange places. He wants to put everything in his mouth, but hasn't been having the greatest time adjusting to solid food. His bottom teeth are on the move and I suspect they will make an appearance soon.
What makes Deacon awesome though, is his who he is, not what he does. He is so sweet, joyful, and altogether FUN! I love you Baby!