just what the doctor ordered

To say that I was excited would've been an understatement. Sarah warned me that if I showed an ounce more of excitement that she might have to commit me, it was that obvious.
This trip had been in the back of my mind for over a year. I remember hearing or reading somewhere last year that a local mom here in Whitehorse had the tradition of going to a lovely inn for the night before Mother's Day. She would book a room, do her nails, have a nice dinner, a nice bath and basically give herself a little one night retreat, as her Mother's Day gift to herself. The next day her family would come and meet her at the inn for breakfast. As soon as I heard of that idea, I decided that in a year's time (when Katia would be older and weaned) that I would plan something along those lines too.
When I mentioned my idea to some girl friends, the idea was well liked. We planned out our night away and agreed that it would be fun to take off to Skagway for a night. We all okayed it with our hubbies, made sure that they understood that the children would NOT be coming with us, and we eagerly planned our trip away.
I won't go into all the details of our trip because much like the saying goes, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", I'd like to say the same thing for Skagway. Okay, so we didn't do shots of tequila and do embarrassing things, but we did have a very special time that was in a way "just for us", sometimes those things are just better left to be kept in our memories.
What can be said was that it was a relaxing day and night away from our everyday responsibilities. No one to cook for, no one to clean for, no one to take care of, we just took care of ourselves- and how often do we do that ladies?
Lunches overlooking the water, dinners that were enjoyed- we actually lingered over glasses of wine!, in hotel room pedicures, and lots of very good talks.
Thanks girls for the weekend that I so badly needed. I know we all needed it.
xox
ps. cupcake wine is very tasty indeed

campfire, baby goats, and Lake Lebarge

Lately things are feeling good. We are spending much of our days outside, running around and mucking about. We go for walks around the neighbourhood, visit the cats down the street, go to the park, wander through the "secret forrest". I've noticed a serious change in my mood since Spring has arrived. It makes perfect sense. We were just cooped up in our house for nearly 6 months straight, with little outside time...it's not good for anyone. 

I'm already beginning to think about how I will do when we move to Beaver Creek. I'm thinking about purchasing a SAD therapy light and I'm happy that our force house will have a treadmill that I can use to get some exercise. I'm also planning for some escapes next winter. Ottawa, Vancouver and somewhere hot ... I think that will help me get through next 2.5 years we have left here in the Yukon. 

Like I said, we've been spending much of our time outside. A campfire in the backyard always turns into a "family campfire night". Bring out some blankets (it's still chilly in the evenings) and get cozy in our Adirondack chairs. I do love this simple tradition and so do the kids. Noah just loves a campfire. 

Yesterday we went on a field trip to a local goat farm with Noah's preschool. It was a good 45 mins out of town and as we drove out of town, I felt such a nice feeling of letting go. It's hard to be worried stressed or sad when the sun is shining on these ancient snow capped mountains. Just starring off at the mountains is so good for the soul. They are much bigger than me. Much bigger than any of my worries. Just so beautiful. 

We arrived at the farm and were welcomed by such gracious hosts, Brian and Susan (they attend our church). The surroundings were gorgeous, the farm is situated next to Lake Lebarge*.

We got to go over and hold 48hrs old baby goats and see them play with each other and be with their mamas. We wandered around the property and saw chickens, the green house, the stables. It was such a treat for our Northern kids, who hardly ever experience what a farm looks like. I thought it was cute how all the boys seemed really interested in the chickens. 

We then headed down to the beach for a picnic lunch. It had threatened rain earlier in the day, but just for us, the sun broke through the dark stormy looking skies (my favourite kind of weather). The children threw rocks and collected rocks. They played and got lost in their surroundings. It was a sweet sight. 

And a quick note about Lake Lebarge. There is a famous poem that many Canadian's know, it's called The Cremation of Sam McGee, written by Robert Service. I remember being in junior high and having to study this poem. I also memorized it for an audition at some point in time. At the time, I was maybe 13 years old and the one thing that stuck out to me in that poem was the location, Lake Lebarge. It seemed like such a far away place, such a real place. Who would've thought, 20 years later, I'd be picnicking there. Taking in the sights. One of those crazy, I can't believe I live here moments. 

xox

The first stanza of the poem: 

There are strange things done in the midnight sun

      By the men who moil for gold;

The Arctic trails have their secret tales

      That would make your blood run cold;

The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,

      But the queerest they ever did see

Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge

I cremated Sam McGee.

      

Mother's Day, weekday adventures and date nights with the hubby

 a homemade Mother's Day gift made by Noah at his preschool 

A few random thoughts for today...

Mother's Day was sweet and lovely yesterday, thanks to my wonderful family who made me feel special. A delicious breakfast of waffles, berries and whipped cream (darn right!) and some pretty flowers to brighten my day. Ice cream on Main St, a visit to the park and then dinner out at a famous fish and chips joint :) 

At the moment I am sipping a cup of tea, watching the trees blow in the wind and enjoying some peace and quiet while the little ones sleep. 

I am looking forward to this week. I have some things to look forward to, which is helping me to stay positive. A walk with a friend is planned. A field trip to a goat farm is planned. A date with my hubby is planned. 

Speaking of dates, I never really followed up on how my year of dates has gone with my hubby. To be honest, we didn't do so well at keeping up with them, for a few reasons actually. The biggest problem for us, is that over the winter, the kids really seemed to have a hard time falling asleep. One of us would be up in the bedroom until they fell asleep at 9pm. At this point, we were both often too tired to watch a movie (which many of the at home dates entailed). But on a positive note, last weekend we (actually I), booked a babysitter, and Winslow and I went off for a date to the Takhini hot springs together. It was a beautiful evening (plus 17!) and we soaked in the natural hot spring fed pool.... it was lovely. I'll be honest, we were both exhausted upon leaving the house and Katia cried up a storm just as we were leaving, but it was so worth it to have that time together. So good in fact that we are planning our next date for this Friday (if the babysitter will come). 

Oh and next weekend something big is going to happen. For the first time ever, I will be taking off for the day and night with 2 amazing girlfriends of mine. We are driving down to Skagway for some much needed and deserved girl's time (or more importantly mama rest time). I can't tell you how excited I am to sleep on my own for the first time in years! 

And that's it for now. Just been enjoying the Spring here so so much.

xox

sunshine feels good

 Katia spotting a "beeboo" (bird)

 beautiful McIntyre Creek

 Noah's best friend, Sinclair the cat

Walks in the woods and down to the creek, trips to the park, bike riding, visits with neighbourhood cats (this is seriously the kids' most favourite part of the day) sidewalk chalk drawing, bubbles. Spring is here and we are drinking it in! The smells, the feel of sunshine seeping into our skin. We've been outside for much of the last few days and it feels great.
Today I was listening to an interview with David Suzuki on Q (with Jian Ghomeshi). They were talking about this lack of connection that we as a society have with nature. How we feel the need to fill our children's days up with activities, so that they never feel bored, but in turn by not letting them get bored we are doing damage to them. If children don't have the time to be bored, they don't learn to fulfill their own needs, they will have less opportunity to explore their world, less chances to problem solve ect.
It felt good to listen to the birds and squirrels chitter away today. They are just  as excited as we are about the arrival of Spring. It was nice to wander around the forest just behind our house. The smell of dried pine needles was so delicious. It was nice to see Noah and Katia explore the forest floor. This evening we had a campfire in our back yard, the first of the season. I smell of camp fire and I like it.
Spring is such a welcome and needed change from the long winter that we had. These days I am still finding it a struggle to find energy, happiness and joy. It's been a hard few months, but I am trying to do things to make myself happier. Exercise, outdoor time, grace and forgiveness, simplifying.
A few happy things to end the day with...

:: I have started to knit. I am just beginning with a cowl that will most likely never be worn. I am just making it to practice various stitches. This is not my first time knitting, but I am eager to move on to something other than a scarf or cowl (all I ever did before were scarves and squares). Hats for both of the children are next on my list.

:: This lovely quote. I've seen it many times, but it always resonates with me. Especially when I need a morale boost in the parenting department.

"It is the nature of the child to be dependent, and it is the nature of dependence to be outgrown. Begrudging dependency because it is not independence is like begrudging winter because it is not yet spring. Dependency blossoms into independence in its own time."

--Peggy O'Mara, Editor, Mothering Magazine.

:: Noah and I watched this film together in bed tonight. So so sweet, wholesome, and dear. I wanted to introduce Peter Rabbit to him for a while, and this was just a nice way to do it. We borrowed it from the library.

And that is all for today.
xox

the weekend ...

the weekend...

:: we finally had beautiful warm Spring weather. much deserved, I'd say.
:: had our first meal outside on the back deck. it was lovely.
:: visited with new and old friends
:: had many walks around the block, trips to the park, visits with the neighbourhood cats.
:: enjoyed watching the snow melt.
:: picked up a free bouquet of pussy willows at an art show.
:: Noah had a terrible fall and scratch on his tummy :( at the art show.
:: Katia pointed to many "beeboos" (birds) in the sky.
:: did some Spring cleaning.
:: had the windows open for some time.
:: family movie night.
:: had a photo session with a charming couple who were celebrating their 60th anniversary.
:: enjoyed our first real bbq of the season (burgers, beer, potato salad!)

It feels great to have the warmth back. It's amazing how much my mood has improved. We are in the midst of figuring out our plans for the summer and our upcoming move to Beaver Creek. I'm a hots of different feelings. Nervous, excited, ready to go, distant. I remember feeling this way when we first moved here to Whitehorse.
Happy Springy days!
xox