Embrace Life

For Today: Exhale

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... it is staying darker far longer in the mornings. It is well before 6AM on a Sunday and I can see the glow of the streetlight through the trees.

I AM THINKING ... this has been a difficult summer - at times feeling excruciatingly long and at other times is whizzed by in a blink. I'm glad for our time to be filled with other distractions.

WE ARE LEARNING … to live in a smaller space and it really does better suit our drop-and-go lifestyle. (Thank goodness I made the right choice!) There are still some nagging old habits, but for the most part things are running pretty smoothly ... so far.

I AM THANKFUL FOR ... wonderful people. I am so fortunate to be surrounded with lovely, kind and supportive people.

FROM THE KITCHEN ... it's time to get my act together again and focus on good home-cooked food, consistently. The fridge is absolutely miniature and things have to be made and eaten, not made and stored. I'm enjoying the challenge.

I AM WEARING ... White t-shirt, black pants, ancient baggy sweater duster that I love (I really can't bear to throw it out, though it really needs tossing).

I AM GOING ... to spend the day in Markham. First watching my younger son play on his Crusaders rugby team and then watch my older boy watch his Crusaders rugby team. Hopefully both teams will end the day in victory.

I AM READING ... plenty of blogs and "how to" ideas on Pinterest

I AM CREATING ... a new way to incorporate my love of photos + words in a way that will work best for me in my new and improved now.

I AM HOPING ... to get a good night sleep sometime soon.

I AM HEARING ... the re-run of the US Open Semi's - poor Roger :(

AROUND THE HOUSE ... rooms are coming together and I think this place will be spectacular when it is all done.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... sleeping in a cool-ish room with an overhead fan while I'm covered in a light, but warm, douvet.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... Carpet installation - finally! First day of school - finally! House League hockey draft - finally (Caden's driving me crazy)! Mattress purchases - finally! Ultrasound on Cole's shoulder - finally!  My life is full.

A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

It's been gray and drizzly here for most of the week. These arrived as a belated birthday gift and brought a bright spot into my days.

A quick add:

I AM REMEMBERING ... I went to hit "save" and realized the date. Ten years ago, while workmen were renovating my master bath, I was cleaning my bedroom with the television on. I rarely, if ever, watch American news, but that morning I had ABC on to watch something - probably Regis & Kelly - and there it was, the stunning events in New York City. Then the news of what was happening in Pennsylvania, the Pentagon and Gander, Newfoundland. At the time my sister lived in Arlington, VA and worked in Washington, DC. While I was scared for all of us, I was terrified for her. A lot has changed in the last decade, but that morning will always be fresh in my memory.

For Today: Typical Tuesday

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... at 7AM it is still dark. This morning was the first one I really felt how hard it is to wake up to a blanket of black, though I do appreciate that it is no longer dark at 5PM. I'd like to wake to some light.

I AM THINKING ...the deep freeze of the last few days (-20C/-4F) can't possibly last much longer, can it?

WE ARE LEARNING … not much gets accomplished without a plan, or a realization of how the result is supposed to appear.

I AM THANKFUL FOR ... always having something to do. Always having something to look forward to, even when the deadlines are coming fast and furious.

FROM THE KITCHEN ... the spoons are disappearing again. We have none and I always wonder where they all end up. Maybe I should buy plastic instead!

I AM WEARING ... Big black fleece, black pants, black slippers - and a bright red scarf.

I AM GOING ... to spend the day finishing up the purge and edit of the 1400+ photos taken at the tournament in Stratford.

I AM READING ... it's more a hope to read Fall of Giants which was given to me by Claire at Christmas. More than likely I'll only have time to read the latest Oprah Magazine - bought yesterday for in the car consumption while I wait for one child or another.

I AM CREATING ... a plan for LOAD which starts next week!

I AM HOPING ... to get everything on my list done, today. No excuses.

I AM HEARING ... Caden collecting garbage through the house and the rattle of recycling. It's pick up today.

AROUND THE HOUSE ... The kitchen is filled with evidence of the annual Science Fair board-making project, done until 11PM last night. My Cole is the king of the last minute project creation. He is also hopeless when it comes to using a tape runner! I'm tempted to leave it for him to clean when he gets back from school. I won't only because it would really be punishment for me to look at it all day long!

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... my first sip of coffee in the morning. Bliss.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... More hockey. Seven games by two boys in the next five days. Deadlines to meet. Concepts to create. Projects to be done. My life is full.

A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

The Nations Cup was a tremendous experience! I wasn't there for the Sunday Championship games (Louis took the photo above) but I know it was a great few days if the results were not what was hoped. Our boys should be proud. They kept up in a few tight games with some of the best competition around. I can only imagine how incredible the Rangers team would be if they had to play at that level all season long. Wouldn't they be amazing?

For Today: Remembrance

I write this with the knowledge and gratitude that today wouldn't be today without those who fought on behalf of all of us to make our lives as free and as comfortable as they are, every day. So, with respect and remembrance:

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... there is a stunning band of bright orange settled along the horizon where sky meets lake. Looking up, the sky turns from a deep orange to yellow to green to blue and a bright star - or the space station - is twinkling. I love the break of dawn.

I AM THINKING ... I'm happy I live in a country where the Rememberance Day ceremonies will be covered on television - on every channel - from 10AM through 12 noon.

WE ARE LEARNING … that sometimes the best workout is rest. Simple rest.

I AM THANKFUL FOR ... always having something to do. Always having something to look forward to.

FROM THE KITCHEN ... the cupboards are bare! A grocery shop will have to be done today for us an company on the weekend.

I AM WEARING ... Khaki top, black tank, black pants and black flip flops. And my big black duster sweater. Love winter!

I AM GOING ... to spend the day preparing the guest room and cleaning the house. A big job. I think I underestimated!

I AM READING ... blogs, blogs and more blogs. So much goodness in my Google Reader.

I AM CREATING ... the bones of my December Daily project. I have to say it is coming along nicely.

I AM HOPING ... to get everything on my list done, today. No excuses.

I AM HEARING ... Footsteps. At least I know one is up!

AROUND THE HOUSE ... There is always something to do. I think we've finally figured out plans for Claire's room re-decorating project. Happy Birthday, baby. Hardwood floors - before I get mine!

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... a morning conversation with Chloe. The footsteps heard earlier belong to her and she continues to fill the silence by describing her DARE for the last couple of weeks. She's keen :)

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... An anniversary, parent/teacher meetings, visits with family, a baby shower, a few hockey games, project COMPLETION, hugging hello, waving goodby and lots of laundry.

A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

Image found here.

Enjoy your today, and the rest of your week, and don't forget to give thanks to the memory of those who fought for it, and the reality of those who still do.

ETA: My apologies, I forgot to leave credit for the meme! I hate it when I do that, very rude. Go visit The Simple Woman's Daybook to join in.

For Today ...

I love this meme as an occasional my-life-right-now check in. Over time, I find it fascinating those things that change, even moreso, those things that stay the same.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... it is black as pitch. I've had another night where my mind has been spinning filled with ideas and I had to sit down at the computer and write them all down.

I AM THINKING ... there are too many plans. It's time for some creative execution.

WE ARE LEARNING … that even the strongest of family bonds are tested with growing pains.

I AM THANKFUL FOR ... always having something to do. Always having something to look forward to.

FROM THE KITCHEN ... the cupboards are full with a grocery shop finished late yesterday.

I AM WEARING ... white t-shirt, gray sweatpants and black flip flops.

I AM GOING ... to spend the day in the studio and not come upstairs until one project is completed. Start - Middle - Finish - Photo and UPLOAD. Accountability! That's what I need :)

I AM READING ... the new Barbara Erskine book!

I AM CREATING ... the best home I possibly can for people who mean everything to me.

I AM HOPING ... the naturopath is able to help Claire with her eczema.

I AM HEARING ... Lisa LaFlamme reading the news. Obama on the Daily Show? Interesting.

AROUND THE HOUSE ... I see such improvement. Rooms are actually getting organized and purged!

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... the first sip of coffee in the morning. I expect to be pouring my first cup momentarily.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... A little bit of hockey watching, some movie rentals, raking leaves, some candy consumption, baking a cake, studying for exams, hugging hello, waving good-bye and plenty of laundry.

A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

Doesn't this looks wonderful? Divine Twine indeed. The three spools arrived earlier this week. My plans for Christmas wrapping is almost complete!

For Today ...

I love this meme and can't believe I haven't done one since January! Things change ... and they stay the same!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... freighters are floating by which always makes me wonder where they are from and where they might be going, so many stories.

I AM THINKING ... These last weeks, and the next few are so full of anxiety, promise, frustration, restraint and tension. Big emotions.

WE ARE LEARNING … to trust.

I AM THANKFUL FOR ... always having something to do. Always having something to look forward to.

FROM THE KITCHEN ... the cupboards are bare.

I AM WEARING ... white t-shirt, black shorts and black flip flops.

I AM GOING ... to enjoy every minute left of our summer holiday.

I AM READING ... my camera manual!

I AM CREATING ... the best home I possibly can for people who mean everything to me.

I AM HOPING ... Louis' new job starting on Monday is everything he wants, and more.

I AM HEARING ... Caden playing on his Wii.

AROUND THE HOUSE ... it is a disaster! What a mess.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... my morning peanut butter sandwiches made for me, with love, by Caden. He's done this all summer long. What a sweetie!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... Claire will, no doubt want to buy another book ... or ten. Cole comes home from Camp Olympia after a mini-tournament, a "friendly", at Nottawasaga and we can't wait to have him back! Chloe will hopefully become more herself because what she is now, is just plain scaring me. Caden? If he gets a new start up disk for the Game Cube, he'll be thrilled. Though he says it's "only $10" so he has to pay it. "Only" when you have zero takes on a whole new meaning!

A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

You never know what you'll find inside a magazine!

For Today ...

(inspired by the Simple Woman's Daybook)

I love patterns and today is 10-01-10, isn't that fun?

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... it's still dark as pitch. And, judging from the energy radiating from the closed windows, it is C.O.L.D.!

I AM THINKING ... I'm a bit nervous about the big game today. Cole and his Ranger team are playing in the final game of the International Silver Stick Tournament and I'm hoping they can pull it off! They're a great little team, but they are just 12 years old. A lot of pressure on a bunch of little boys.

WE ARE LEARNING … to trust. All of the boys want to win. Championship games are more about coaching, not about the players. We have to trust the coaches will make the right calls: the right plays and the right combination of players.

I AM THANKFUL FOR ... a tremendous experience I am able to share with my son.

FROM THE KITCHEN ... the cupboards are bare. Truly! We've been in St. Catharines for what feels like forever. We'll be heading off to Fortino's sometime today.

I AM WEARING ... black t-shirt, green waffle-weave pyjama pants and my favourite, now threadbare, black floor-length sweater. It's chilly! Thank goodness Santa brought lovely thick "Life is Good" socks!

I AM GOING ... to wake Claire in a few minutes for her time-keeping gig at Kinoak; to wake Louis to take Claire and get his convening replacement all set up; to leave for St. Catharines at 6:30AM, right now I'm going to enjoy the coffee that's been dripping and make some breakfast for Cole. Ah Sunday. We worship at the church of the rink, the altar of ice.

I AM READING ... Canadian House and Home magazine. It has to be one of the best publications out there. Clean, accessible, classic. Perfect! (And, one of the girls I went to elementary school with is now the editor, awesome!)

I AM CREATING ... order, focus, results, joy.

I AM HOPING ... for a good day for everyone: Cole at his hockey game, Caden at his hockey game, Claire at her "work" and Chloe should enjoy her day of leisure!

I AM HEARING ... nothing. It is completely silent. Bliss. I'm writing that a lot with these crack-of-before-dawn postings!

AROUND THE HOUSE ... There is always something to do. Today? Clean out the fridge, wash it all down then re-stock with the necessities of our life!

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... the relief I feel when I moisturize my elbows and arms with my Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion. Nothing is quite as soothing.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... finishing up the "regular season" of hockey, a few Appleby focused activities, watching Claire play volleyball, the American Idol premiere on Tuesday, catching up on more than a few projects, putting together a few nice gifts for a few nice people :)

A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

Can I tell you how much I would love to just transport myself to this event? On Friday, Colourful Creations in Hyannis, MA (Cape Cod) is hosting their annual VIP event. Bar none, this is my most favourite crafty store on the planet. I've been to many, many places, but this is by far the best! Ah, I can barely wait until I get to go back there in June!

For Today ...

(inspired by the Simple Woman's Daybook)

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... there is snow, finally. Now that we've had our first stick-to-the-ground kind, it can go!

I AM THINKING ... I'm looking forward to helping Cole with his science experiment today. Should be fun ... I'm afraid of the potential for mess, but hey, that's what science is, right?

WE ARE LEARNING … to respect boundaries, and that the kids are allowed to have theirs.

I AM THANKFUL FOR ... my washer and dryer which never seem to get much rest.

FROM THE KITCHEN ... planning on preparing our big pork roast we didn't have on the 1st!

I AM WEARING ... pajamas and a big grey sweater.

I AM GOING ... to Caden's 8AM hockey game once I get this typed. He's already left with Louis.

I AM READING ... blogs, blogs and more blogs. Tons of good stuff!

I AM CREATING ... a plan.

I AM HOPING ... the start of school, tomorrow for Chloe and Caden, goes smoothly.

I AM HEARING ... nothing. It is completely silent. Bliss.

AROUND THE HOUSE ... there is no evidence we just had Christmas or New Year's. Perfect.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... the first sip of coffee in the morning.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... getting new sneakers for the kids, implementing the new menu plan, reacquainting myself with my studio (I haven't been there in two weeks!), taking Cole to his tournament in St. Catharines, putting the house back in order.

A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

Cole and his Ranger team managed to win the Regional Silver Stick in Alliston (Cole won game MVP for their second game vs Orillia) which qualifies them for the International Silver Stick later this week in St. Catharines. 

Have a great week!

For Today ...

(inspired by the Simple Woman's Daybook)

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... the spectacular sunrise over the lake quickly converted itself to a blah and grey day which is making it feel like sunset was far earlier than scheduled.

I AM THINKING ... it would be nice to be a teenager again, or even an almost teenager, my girls slept until after 1PM this afternoon! (Cole and Louis left for Alliston at 7:30 and Caden joined me for a morning in the kitchen.)

WE ARE LEARNING … to slow down and relax, enjoy the season, enjoy each other. It's been fun. It's been enlightening.

I AM THANKFUL FOR ... foot massages (provided by Chloe with Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue from the Body Shop)

FROM THE KITCHEN ... we're still eating leftovers, yummy. That standing rib roast went a long way!

I AM WEARING ... comfy black pants, a bright green hoodie sweater and slippers.

I AM GOING ... to get my laptop organized by the end of the day today if it kills me!

I AM READING ... file names, document names, all kinds of names.

I AM CREATING ... order.

I AM HOPING ... the boys play better tonight then they did this morning (a squeaker 2-1 win, Louis scouting report: the boys were flat).

I AM HEARING ... the kids laptop, I've just requested, again, the use of ear buds.

AROUND THE HOUSE ... it looks like all four kids have been home just about every minute of the day for the last week or so. Oh, yeah, that's right ... they have!

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... folding laundry while watching the news.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... hope to head to Alliston to watch Cole and Rangers play three games, fingers crossed; going skating with the kids; hoping for snow to go sledding with the new saucers; learning to use Chloe's new fancy hot chocolate maker; maybe even do some of the baking I didn't get around to ... at all, this holiday!

A PICTURE TO SHARE ... Ah, the holidays by the light of the laptop! The room was completely dark - this was taken without a flash using my 50mm/1.4 lens. Love it! Cole is enjoying his downtime. He had no hockey for three whole days! Time was spent catching up on Facebook and YouTube videos. I rarely even knew he was in the living room except for the occasional escaped giggle or full-blown belly laugh.

For Today ...

(inspired by the Simple Woman's Daybook)

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... it is dark, pitch black in fact, not even a twinkle light.
I AM THINKING ... while I watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with my kids that the Christmas specials are my favourite part of the season!
WE ARE LEARNING … that though we are always faced with choices, some we don't like too much, we have to make the best of things. Sometimes making the best turns out to be the best :)
I AM THANKFUL FOR ... children who naturally understand the importance of working hard and studying hard.
FROM THE KITCHEN ... sometimes an order of Chinese food from Red Chillie is the best choice.
I AM WEARING ... pajamas and my long black - can't bear to give up - sweater.
I AM GOING ... to take a long hot shower before heading to bed tonight.
I AM READING ... blogs, plenty of catch-up to do on Sunday nights!
I AM CREATING ... a plan.
I AM HOPING ... to get the house decorated and all the baking started - and finished!
I AM HEARING ... Yukon Cornelius scaring the bumble into the big crevasse.
AROUND THE HOUSE ... things continue to be so tidy it echoes!
ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... making lists for the upcoming week.
A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... exams finish tomorrow which means Claire and Cole are on holiday a of noon; Claire has to pack for her big trip to NYC; a couple of hockey games, a couple of parties, some secret Santa givings, getting ready for Claire's 14th birthday, and Christmas. Big week!

A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

Caden and his teammates getting their last minute direction from Coach Dan during their exhibition game at the Hershey Centre earlier tonight. They lost, but hey, they had fun!

For Today ...

(inspired by the Simple Woman's Daybook)

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW ... it is dark, with just the hint of Christmas twinkle lights from our neighbour's yard.
I AM THINKING ... this was a crazy busy weekend and as wonderful as it was, I'm happy to be sitting here watching the Amazing Race with my kids.
WE ARE LEARNING … that we can manage our hectic lifestyle as long as we don't get short with each other - especially when mama turns right, not left, when going to the rink in Milton, making us late!
I AM THANKFUL FOR ... good humour, what a joy it is to head to the rink these days.
FROM THE KITCHEN ... it was discovered this evening that my kids love meat loaf, finally!
I AM WEARING ... my nice thick black & white knit sweater.
I AM GOING ... to bed early tonight. Well, early is relative. Before midnight, I hope!
I AM READING ... the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Literary Society is so wonderful, I'm enjoying it immensely. I read only in the car so books last a long time!
I AM CREATING ... some really nice ideas, in my head and slowly putting into list form.
I AM HOPING ... to get some order into the next week so it doesn't spin completely out of control.
I AM HEARING ... one of the contestants on the Amazing Race completely freak out. Classy.
AROUND THE HOUSE ... things continue to be so tidy it echoes!
ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS ... hanging out with my kids on Sunday night.
A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK ... exams start on Wednesday, so there'll be plenty of studying, hockey games, hockey practices, more choir performances, gift making, errand running, decorating, and I make it through all of that maybe some baking and crafting!
A PICTURE TO SHARE ...

This was my dining room this morning with the sun streaming in. Gorgeous. I love that room. The colours are so rich and it is such an inviting space. We should use it more!