a long lazy weekend

Over the long weekend (Noah had a PD Day), we were treated to such a mix of wonderful things. 

On Friday, we all went out for lunch together as a family (Katia's choice, Boston Pizza), because Noah had the day off from school. In the afternoon, we attended a candle making workshop  at Applewicks in Wolfville, a L'Arche workshop/community for adults with disabilities. The kids and I got to make candles and it was educational as well as a ton of fun. 

On Saturday, I took the kids in the morning to a quick little craft workshop at Michael's. It was nice, because I was able to do some shopping for Katia's birthday, while the kids were occupied with a Halloween craft. 

The afternoon and evening were set aside for a visit with some old and dear art school friends of mine, who I've been wanting to see for a long time. I contacted them a while ago to set up a date to take photos and have a dinner together, and it was such a lovely time. 

The kids played in the leaves and I captured some family photos for both sets of families. After our photos, they all came back to  our house for dinner and drinks. It felt really nice to be able to host friends here in our home, and to have it full of laughter and familiarity. It made our house feel like a home. 

On Sunday, we took the morning easy and stayed in our jammies. It was a much needed morning of rest, but by afternoon, I wanted to go somewhere (Winslow had the day off), so we set off for Peggy's Cove. Not quite as close as I had remembered, it was still a beautiful spot to go visit. The skies were  moody grey and blue tones (my favourite), and we captured some pictures of our visit there. 

We found a nice little cafe to warm up in, and sipped chai lattes and hot chocolate. 

The weekend was full of small beautiful moments, that in whole, made for a beautiful few days. 

It was hard come Monday morning for us all to get going. It was one of those mornings, where you could feel the real let down of having had three days of being relaxed and carefree.

This week we move onto Halloween festivities. I am happy for this holiday to come (now!), so that we can move on to more exciting (in my mind) occasions, such as Katia's 4th mermaid party! 

November and December are fast approaching. I am trying to get myself organized and ready for the rush of it all, by making my lists and ticking off items as I go. 

And while I am ready for Halloween to come and go, I am a wee bit sad to say goodbye to this absolutely beautiful October that we have had. This afternoon, I think we will go for a walk in the woods to admire the beautiful leaves. 

Happy end of October! 

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

a frozen lake, hanging with the family, and my job/role/career (however you label it)

yes, my son is a bit of a crazy kid. and yes, that is a swim diaper on his head. oh dear!

The days have been so busy. They sneak into one another. Wake ups, breakfasts, play time, dressing up, play dates, lunches, snacks, naps, dinners....it's busy but a very nice kind of busy. I am reminded often when I look at these two, just how blessed I am to be able to spend my days with them. It is a gift.
Someone asked me recently how I will manage to keep up with my photography business when we move away. This is a hard one to answer, because sadly, I won't be able to commit myself quite the same way that I did in the past. But the good news for me is that, photography was and still is going to be a passion of mine. I never set up for it to be a full time career. My first priority has always been to my family and I am happy to keep it that way. For me right now, my most important job is to be at home. I made that decision (popular or not with the majority), because I want to be the one that is there to play with the kids, teach them new things, watch them grow, and make them healthy meals. ....... side ramble ......* Notice I didn't say clean? How on earth did I land the most amazing husband who cleans (and does it well?). Thank you to my mother and father in law who taught him those skills. I suppose I have to pass it on to Noah now right?
Anyways, back to where I was. Like I said, right now, while the kids are so young, I am actually quite happy to be moving to our community. This will be an opportunity like no other, to teach them about the great outdoors and how to be resourceful. It's a short time in their (and our) lives and I will always have the passion to do photography. But for now it will be on the backburner (just a bit).
This past weekend was one for family time and adventures. We strayed from our normal routines and did things a bit differently. We splurged and went out for a delicious dinner on Friday night (just the four of us) and it was so good (probably because we hardly ever go out to eat). And on Saturday morning, once again we treated ourselves to a breakfast at a restaurant and then for a drive out to see some swans that are migrating North for the summer. While we didn't see any swans up close (they are far out on the open water), we did get out for a walk on the frozen lake and enjoyed being together in the great outdoors. Then that afternoon, Noah and I snuck out to do some errands, visit Sunny in the hospital and go to the park. Dinner on Saturday night was fajitas!
Sunday morning I had a maternity photo session here at the house and the rest of the day was spent doing errands together. Again, it was so nice just to be together. Oh and dinner (if you must know) was chicken pesto fettuccine with asparagus. Yum!
So that is all around here. Just a bunch of little bits that make up a whole lot.
I am now off to watch Downton Abbey. Thank you Sarah for turning me onto it. I'm not much of a tv person, but this I am enjoying.
And how are you?
xox

lately

(valentines a bit late, we had a date night on Saturday... I got some pretty flowers too)

I've been working hard at keeping my Facebook limits and and happy to report that I have been doing well at sticking with it. I have had the urge to log on first thing in the morning, but have been forcing myself past those feelings, and have been trying to start my day off on a better, more positive note. Things like chit chat with the kids, extra long cuddles in bed, and coffee... oh yes coffee.

Trying to cut back from my computer use has been good for me. When I do come on to use it in the evening, I feel like it is a treat and I enjoy it more. I also feel like I am being more productive with my time, spending it more meaningfully. I might have mentioned this before or not, but sadly, I have used the internet quite a bit as a way to keep company. I don't watch TV, so it's common for me to look through my favourite blogs during lunch (when the kids are napping). Now instead, I make it a habit to sit quietly and not turn to the internet for fill in those quiet moments. I'm just trying to push past my not so good habits, and try to form new ones. Reading, painting, sitting quietly have all been happening and it's a nice feeling I mus say. Of course I still use the computer quiet a bit (obviously I'm on it right now!), I'm just really trying to use it effectively and not for the wrong reasons.
This past week had us staying close to home. After travelling so much and being sick (Katia), I really just craved a slow homey week. It was really nice to just be home and fall back into our regular routines.

We slept a lot (going to be d at 7 pm - even for me!) and played outside in the snow. We worked on making bread. This is something I am trying to master. It tasted great but didn't rise nicely. I'm just gonna have to keep at it.
This week will bring us much of our normal routines once again. Playschool pick ups and drop offs, gymnastics for Noah, coffee with friends, a few walks and lots of quiet home time too. Next weekend I will be very busy with a full weekend of photo sessions (4 to be exact), so I want to rest up and be energized for them!
I hope you all had a lovely weekend.
xox