tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41466916501046413152024-03-19T06:25:32.220-04:00williamGEORGEB.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-46196451040169937852015-11-02T17:49:00.003-05:002015-11-02T17:49:54.084-05:00Fall knitting . . . .It's been a bit of a break yes, but I would love to get back to blogging and what better to start with than a few of my favourite fall knitting patterns from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>!<br />
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Top three? Well that might be hard to narrow down but maybe I can try.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/chevron-baby-blanket">The Purl Bee - Chevon Baby Blanket </a><br />
Hands down easy and stylish, chunky and warm. The perfect size for gifting or cuddling. Here is one of the versions that I have made before.<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/classic-world-war-ii-watch-cap-archived">Classic World War II Watchman Cap </a></div>
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Also a classic and so fun for boys. I love the double up as it keeps those little ears warm. Knit with a great superwash for durability. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMDhUe11AiuHpBvf9mUi_62oJfEaoMwqWU0jG7lMpc_Df5uEpf4VhNV5C9_uGGJ7dxQfyRGRk1czmo_4bYOI8R0q6XXSqaUuD8WNl4ZTEBd9OQSKvTqaoCFJ4Hcthz432CgYV5jOgLRnC/s1600/image_medium2+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMDhUe11AiuHpBvf9mUi_62oJfEaoMwqWU0jG7lMpc_Df5uEpf4VhNV5C9_uGGJ7dxQfyRGRk1czmo_4bYOI8R0q6XXSqaUuD8WNl4ZTEBd9OQSKvTqaoCFJ4Hcthz432CgYV5jOgLRnC/s320/image_medium2+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pixie-hat-17">The Pixie Hat</a><br />
If you've got a little one in your life or know someone who is expecting this quick knit is always a great choice. Solids or a mix, different ribbing? It is so easy to personalize this one.<br />
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So what are you doing these cool fall days?B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-44068121981527638122014-03-18T15:08:00.004-04:002014-03-18T15:08:57.375-04:00Yes I feel shame!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">I feel shame for so many things. Little things like I’m not a
good enough house cleaner to ever make a difference to my husband, and that I
eat too much, to the larger things like I’m not fit enough to be a parent that
and that my boys are going to end up in therapy at a young age because I’ve
either messed them up or passed on the genes that will make then that way
regardless of nurture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">The
quest for perfection is exhausting and unrelenting. There is a constant barrage
of social expectations that teach us that being imperfect is synonymous with
being inadequate. Everywhere we turn, there are messages that tell us who, what
and how we’re supposed to be. So, we learn to hide our struggles and protect
ourselves from shame, judgment, criticism and blame by seeking safety in
pretending and perfection.</span> (From I Thought It Was Just Me But It Isn’t
by Brene Brown)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">I doubt myself every second of the day, at work, at home,
with people I trust as my friends. I strive to please people who I doubt will
be in my life even three years from now. I reply conversation in my head later
wondering if I have offended someone, or said the wrong thing. I struggle to
just “be” okay. To just enjoy those around me and the people who matter most. To
see the differences in feeling shame for something and feeling bad about
something I cannot control. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">After an amazing conversation with a group of women that I
only see but once a year, I was lead to find this book, and of course, that
even ordered it immediately on my e-reader that evening. And while I’m only a
few chapters in I can already feel the value that it holds for me, so much so
that I bought three copies and gave them to women I value, and then bought
three more, one of which I have left for a reader here! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">It’s time to take back our imperfect lives, our imperfect
selves and be okay with who we are, and value that in other women we see. It’s
time to come from a place of empathy not sympathy and to recognize that while
our struggles are different we have similarities that we can come together
around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">So here is it, I’ve laid it all out! Leave a comment here and
I will draw a winner on the 26<sup>th</sup>! Visit my Facebook page and enter
there as well, if you win both you can share this journey with a friend! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-68681320553004811742014-02-10T12:42:00.001-05:002014-02-10T12:42:23.591-05:00What comes to mind when you think of the smell of coffee brewing?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have been using a few
different apps to prompt me on things to write about, not only for blogging but
also to be able to expand what I’m writing about and try and to explore new
techniques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So the three I’m currently juggling
between are Askt, Q&A Journal and 365 Topics. I’m not in love with any one
of them yet, which is why I have three! </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I miss writing, but
sometimes you need a topic, sometimes there’s just nothing I need to say, or
nothing that I want to admit on written paper or screen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today I got the above
question, ‘what comes to mind when you think of the smell of coffee brewing’,
and it brings me back to specific times and places. Both during the same part
of my life, both separate geographically by about 300km. Early to mid 20’s, it was such a different
life than the one we live now day to day with two children, a dog and full time
jobs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVRiJgR3Yw0y98bhh1KTJB8byrVr5f9dqLuFJTzDxM2-f4wipvIAsNeAazQEpoVvfEQy0qevt98gDt_Yo-8maPaLXfnX1lEvBk019GhWK5nbj4UGCudKLfDmO2vQvfJ2XfnH15Sg0NcbH/s1600/love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVRiJgR3Yw0y98bhh1KTJB8byrVr5f9dqLuFJTzDxM2-f4wipvIAsNeAazQEpoVvfEQy0qevt98gDt_Yo-8maPaLXfnX1lEvBk019GhWK5nbj4UGCudKLfDmO2vQvfJ2XfnH15Sg0NcbH/s1600/love.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">If we were in </span><st1:place style="font-family: Arial;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Welland</st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;"> at his apartment
it meant that he was </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">actually brewing a pot of coffee, which he would do, I don’t
drink coffee so it was a very distinct smell for me. It conjures memories of
laying on the box spring and mattress on the floor of the bedroom, with nothing
to do and no place to go. Warm and young, and in love in a way that only new
love in your 20’s can be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If we were in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> at my place it
would mean that we were at Starbucks, (where my obsession with it started), and
that we were out separately reading the magazines from Chapters, together.
Enjoying the life of weekend visits, trying to figure out where we were going,
our career paths, how they would fit together and what this adventure would all
turn out to look like. Surrounded by students, or other young professionals, or
moms and their babies, or business men working on weekends. Everyone there for
a different reason, but ours was always the same. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now I don’t notice the smell
anymore, we have a Keurig and so he does it a cup at a time, it doesn't give
the same effect and I’m kind of glad because it if did the memories of the
smell wouldn't be as evoking as they are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-67539958968223415402014-01-30T12:24:00.001-05:002014-01-30T12:24:30.865-05:00What do you spend too much of your time doing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM9KLbSWJerKlDIlN5e-Ehp4ZAmVm81yfeKYvEhl8ZMFPg_oSK-hUnYOKE_4vV_A6l3pAE6fzH4joFvKO-ejBI6XVC9eXMz2dqF_HnnoPlrADJqWaeppHgJwyWGr6DC184Mmx5m4Z_nVb/s1600/482032_10151929368755526_1557907173_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJM9KLbSWJerKlDIlN5e-Ehp4ZAmVm81yfeKYvEhl8ZMFPg_oSK-hUnYOKE_4vV_A6l3pAE6fzH4joFvKO-ejBI6XVC9eXMz2dqF_HnnoPlrADJqWaeppHgJwyWGr6DC184Mmx5m4Z_nVb/s1600/482032_10151929368755526_1557907173_n.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m sure like many others the answer is worrying. I can’t
remember a time when I didn’t worry, and as I get older I like to trick myself
into believing that I worry less but it is a fine balance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do worry less about what people think of me, well let’s
clarify that; I do worry less about what SOME people think of me. About having
friends that fit the right mould , but I worry more about having friends that
support my family and ones that I can have fun with and not be judged by. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carer wise I worry less about the perfect job, and the
corporate ladder than I did even five years ago. I want to do something that
makes a difference and be doing something that will have a lasting effect, and
while I’m not doing what is my perfect job yet, there is a goal and when I
reach it I will cross this all off the “worry list”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My parents are high on the worry list, and have been their separation.
Will Mom ever be truly happy? Will Dad find someone else and if he does will
she at least be older than me! Ha ha! Will we finally get to a place as a
family where they can be in the same room with each other without one or the
other feeling awkward and then feel the need to call me after and tell me about
it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where the worry metre goes up is with my kids of course.
Will they grow up to be happy and productive, and is there something I’m doing
that will ruin them for life that I don’t know about now but will see perfectly
in hindsight? How do my husband and I teach them how to be strong, independent
young men as well as boys who have an emotional intelligence to them as well. I
intensely worry about my husband, our relationship and how to keep a marriage
happy and healthy when the world around you is often neither of those. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom is a worrier so maybe it’s an inherited quality? Or
maybe I just need to someone to blame for my shortcomings. I am forever wishing
that I could worry less . . . add it to the list! </span></div>
B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-61342544995667687332013-10-01T12:56:00.004-04:002013-10-01T12:56:36.878-04:00Falling back . . . into a groove!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is so much that I love about fall but the biggest thing is that I can get back into a nice routine. The insanity of the summer is over, weekends are spent back at the hockey area, nights are full of play, homework and bed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong. I love summer as well, but it always seems to busy and hectic and when it's over everyone feels disappointed. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I strive on routine. I do better when I know what to expect and I think that the boys do to. Fall also gives me a chance to tackle a few more things than I do in the summer. I've picked up cross stitching again thanks to </span><a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Frosted Pumpkin Stitcher</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">y. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't seen it yet, I've got a new hat project that will benefit the <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/48umo0">Teso Safe Motherhood Project in Uganda</a>, and I've been able to make a few other little things for friends and family and send out surprises all over, which I LOVE!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvIo0WNGIpq3UlBQtFloSWMjI3syh4YeBGNwQZ66cCcV1NDRoeB00jnnVgt27pYlzDxT8W4oQc8z4pdUO6QW0_gb0HPbNrySLejaPGUj708zaJUmj4Wm1Y0wMbt2rwWy2dwNNAh4Kbp3P/s1600/1238341_10153165530160526_331620288_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvIo0WNGIpq3UlBQtFloSWMjI3syh4YeBGNwQZ66cCcV1NDRoeB00jnnVgt27pYlzDxT8W4oQc8z4pdUO6QW0_gb0HPbNrySLejaPGUj708zaJUmj4Wm1Y0wMbt2rwWy2dwNNAh4Kbp3P/s320/1238341_10153165530160526_331620288_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So bring on the colours, the leaves, the colder mornings, and I will take it all! What is your favourite thing about fall?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-38776536382979528292013-08-08T09:47:00.002-04:002013-08-08T09:47:58.194-04:00The price of a craft.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So since I've been getting back into knitting and I have a little table at a show coming up there seems to be one question that sneaks back into the fold. What is the price of a craft?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not a fan of the word craft really, somehow it implies to me that I made it out of Popsicle sticks and Elmer's glue. I'm sorry if that offends others, I just don't like it. I knit, I quilt, I do a few others things as well, but I don't find myself particularly crafty. Who knows maybe others see it differently. I digress!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay so the issue at heart here is what do you charge for the things that you make? I know there are all kinds of calculations out there to use, like the price of material x2 + time. But of course you would never sell anything at that price. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These little pixie hats for instance. Alpaca blend, hand knit, 0-3 month size. Okay go! I think that a fair price is around $22 but is that too much, is that not adding enough value to what they are or what I've made? Does anyone else struggle with this as much as I do? I want to be fair but I also want to be paid a decent price for doing something I love, is that even possible? </span>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-54581527927006957482013-07-29T14:45:00.002-04:002013-07-29T14:45:35.101-04:00I wasn't meant to be a hockey mom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRMsb2488mmC4BPsZHNlcdBtU2qRotHM5wxsJuFuqx0zbETI8afpRGAb7vc0839Zjr3v0Jr-9Uy96Mv0P_3Dn6dIOTnYmtBAU6GHwFd1aHl_EYCxYeVdukImswndt6cQY2Fk5oJRCrf1F/s1600/971700_10153010798905526_273904709_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRMsb2488mmC4BPsZHNlcdBtU2qRotHM5wxsJuFuqx0zbETI8afpRGAb7vc0839Zjr3v0Jr-9Uy96Mv0P_3Dn6dIOTnYmtBAU6GHwFd1aHl_EYCxYeVdukImswndt6cQY2Fk5oJRCrf1F/s320/971700_10153010798905526_273904709_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have I mentioned that before? The early mornings (although anyone who knows my children knows that we are up by 6 every morning anyways), the cold arenas, the equipment, the screaming parents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now if I wasn't meant to be a hockey mom, goalie mom is even further from what I should be. There's too much to take in, I go into Mama Bear mode the second he steps on the ice, and can we remember he's just 6! He fits IN the net! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yet here we are! The last week in July and William has just finished his first summer of 3-on-3 hockey and as a goalie no less. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the weekend he played his first official playoff games (oh I long for the days of Timbit hockey where there were no playoffs and no pressure), and his team won. When I say team, I mean team, there is nothing more that a nail biting, crazed eyed mom could ask for than the teammates that William had. These little guys, some also 6, some 7 and 8 were so fiercely protective of him, often going from one end to the other to get back and help him out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish that as adults we could remember these little things. Helping others when it's not your job, getting back and giving a hand, and the sheer joy of playing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This picture to me said it all, when I was editing it after it brought tears to my eyes, you could see the excitement on his teammate's face as he pulls William towards him to celebrate. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi7T-J-jKtAOR0lSN5hinmZC3YASbrTTl9os21wOPKlXjiVR_bTq82_2ibjoYRvO6xgBnxa6ZhQQXkG3bKuj8uwGTRt2OtLv-ngdE5K32tM2y0V6CoFDbmJiChf3Zj8a2Y5n4oLGE1vPC/s1600/972299_10153038750985526_1284803032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi7T-J-jKtAOR0lSN5hinmZC3YASbrTTl9os21wOPKlXjiVR_bTq82_2ibjoYRvO6xgBnxa6ZhQQXkG3bKuj8uwGTRt2OtLv-ngdE5K32tM2y0V6CoFDbmJiChf3Zj8a2Y5n4oLGE1vPC/s320/972299_10153038750985526_1284803032_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And in a few months we will be doing it all again for the "real" season, goalie equipment and all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-53695195232251088022013-05-22T08:43:00.000-04:002013-05-22T08:44:18.269-04:00When home is different than you remember.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0i1aVrb8zWsAZRSjYMEtdrBWeCB9YKc0ddUTes3xLgDf3OgLaaSyBCZP_l1DGXN3Jmkzi6aD4leVK-8VAXiFS9DtaT3rMlPVgLnP_1LFcW2Qb94YoLMgyOdmcSOBqqBJQiVME6hdoeCo/s1600/946901_10152811678580526_1716597636_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0i1aVrb8zWsAZRSjYMEtdrBWeCB9YKc0ddUTes3xLgDf3OgLaaSyBCZP_l1DGXN3Jmkzi6aD4leVK-8VAXiFS9DtaT3rMlPVgLnP_1LFcW2Qb94YoLMgyOdmcSOBqqBJQiVME6hdoeCo/s320/946901_10152811678580526_1716597636_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t didn't quite happen suddenly that going back to "The Eau" was different, it snuck up on me, one small thing at a time. First it was Mom moving moving out, then a summer with only Dad in the house, and now the For Sale sign that really seems to almost haunt me while I'm there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Many things are the same, Dad still spends most of my time home fixing my car. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcN_0eqObN_-o5RKPYlMDZkFe-97pstMdpaqHP7vFn9MCQHZ0zs4bDGC0LqxWND3LsvS72rOZYhWTBfnPTQqqGpPZDxYMnNGqS8Zif11qT6_VDPn3xyRCQkuuu-t9ogVvdOZrF3GtAmYqU/s1600/581890_10152811667755526_1640642013_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcN_0eqObN_-o5RKPYlMDZkFe-97pstMdpaqHP7vFn9MCQHZ0zs4bDGC0LqxWND3LsvS72rOZYhWTBfnPTQqqGpPZDxYMnNGqS8Zif11qT6_VDPn3xyRCQkuuu-t9ogVvdOZrF3GtAmYqU/s320/581890_10152811667755526_1640642013_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beach is still there, and the beach glass can still be found if you take your time. The boys love being there, but now spending their time between two places instead of the one stable place I've always called home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">With my job ending, and a bit of an identity crisis that you know I've been dealing with, a slip back into a depression that I haven't felt since after William was born, the change in going home just seems like icing on the cake. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure that I'm searching for something that I may not find again, and how do you get over that?</span></div>
B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-38165422726081857862013-05-08T09:40:00.001-04:002013-05-08T09:40:51.970-04:00Being okay with being done.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While struggling with all these identity issues these days while looking for a job I've also been struggling with letting go of wanting to have a third child. My dear husband has known for some time that two was enough and I have been rather adamant that two is "not my number" that there was something inside that I could not quiet saying "one more, three is your number."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bo9jvVzSP5KA3y1OqN0ZzIQTFz00gc42XY9xLeV15Mf5mpQRacrxuWyP-7ZiBU9u8MYAf_v-7IRue6a7fRM7r8qJ0JDyF31G9Aj1W3tjMvFuLmkKsrXdJASYanUSs1vnFL-BolaiMEvM/s1600/Pictures9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bo9jvVzSP5KA3y1OqN0ZzIQTFz00gc42XY9xLeV15Mf5mpQRacrxuWyP-7ZiBU9u8MYAf_v-7IRue6a7fRM7r8qJ0JDyF31G9Aj1W3tjMvFuLmkKsrXdJASYanUSs1vnFL-BolaiMEvM/s320/Pictures9.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a bit of an epiphany last week. For the first time, maybe ever, when a close friend told me she was expecting I didn't feel jealous, I was just happy for her. I didn't relate her news to something I wasn't doing or having, I just felt relieved that her journey was continuing in a way that she was more than ecstatic about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This might seem like a small thing, but after feeling an empty womb syndrome for what seems like since the moment little man #2 was born, it was a big deal. I felt like a decision in my heart and my head had finally been made and I was okay with it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJckdDlcsVRL2AjDQBmI54K8uE9wGMwer3-ogrW6RD6FVUn5WEnLdBVDpjZ8ExcHr2B7eEnif8vus6yjb9IOI6IQrONvhOVqlIR6WdjbfHWqTFNbzcoMLOW9T0l-sIOmVnJwSgGj3Gokc0/s1600/April+2013+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJckdDlcsVRL2AjDQBmI54K8uE9wGMwer3-ogrW6RD6FVUn5WEnLdBVDpjZ8ExcHr2B7eEnif8vus6yjb9IOI6IQrONvhOVqlIR6WdjbfHWqTFNbzcoMLOW9T0l-sIOmVnJwSgGj3Gokc0/s320/April+2013+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xLC-X623c6NvhAK1Zp1ESFgR-HVyPhe9NEL8JYixrEkBDucVz1GBJooQAf304X5iJRXhENdMkKYyv3jJyp4YOajJDhtGHF89ALjT3MOZV4J9UKhllYe0Kpt1VY2s1An8ARSMSmB7s9Je/s1600/April+2013+Apps+Mills+227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xLC-X623c6NvhAK1Zp1ESFgR-HVyPhe9NEL8JYixrEkBDucVz1GBJooQAf304X5iJRXhENdMkKYyv3jJyp4YOajJDhtGHF89ALjT3MOZV4J9UKhllYe0Kpt1VY2s1An8ARSMSmB7s9Je/s320/April+2013+Apps+Mills+227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have two amazing boys, who are full of life and teach me something new everyday. I am working to become a doula and possibly a childbirth educator so I will ensure that I am able to help other woman and families through their journeys, but I feel now that it is their journey and not my own. I'm not sure the feeling of wanting more children ever quiet goes away, but being content with two feels more natural than it ever has before, and I'm celebrating that. </span><br />
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B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-84457154139554406572013-04-30T08:43:00.001-04:002013-04-30T08:43:23.962-04:00Yep I'm a goalie mom!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So being a hockey mom was not a dream of mine, even with two boys. I grew up playing baseball and my husband grew up playing soccer so really in our house hockey was a passing thought (they may revoke our Canadian citizenship for typing that!). Until now . . . </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFohE9GQsk1LoBywwf1E0VCsdVA649hhpJv_L1iw9Wd0Hw8oDFO-eTAlrQHp8059h_mdFuu6t_FsV-ooAxgDw1TP9DdiLfNvsLgE9-rhar96PUvDfnT8TvqWa4r9cHcGD3wNNGSw-sW_Lr/s1600/399960_10152754971180526_1756728625_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFohE9GQsk1LoBywwf1E0VCsdVA649hhpJv_L1iw9Wd0Hw8oDFO-eTAlrQHp8059h_mdFuu6t_FsV-ooAxgDw1TP9DdiLfNvsLgE9-rhar96PUvDfnT8TvqWa4r9cHcGD3wNNGSw-sW_Lr/s320/399960_10152754971180526_1756728625_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only did I endure 1/2 a season as a hockey mom when boy 1 wanted to play late into the season, but now we are doing summer 3-on-3 hockey, and yep he's the goalie. He had been asking and we figured that at 10 weeks it's a great chance for him to try it out. But I was not quiet prepared about how I would feel everytime the puck came near him, how much for acute I would be while watching the game, and how I would hold my breath while he tried his best to save that little black piece of rubber.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two games in and he loves it! He even received the game puck his first game from the ref for a game well played, and his first win. I'm so proud but I'm not sure my heart will be able to handle more than 10 weeks of this!</span></div>
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B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-44457437094774257702013-04-01T16:09:00.001-04:002013-04-01T16:20:45.032-04:00Minor identity crisis. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit it, out loud, so people can hear . . . I am having an identity crisis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For over 10 years I have worked in the non-profit sector, and other than being off on maternity leave with my two boys I have never not been working. Since my time at my last position ended I have been looking for something else in the field, but wondering if there is something else out there that I could and would do outside the non-profit field. While I love it and the fullfillment it brings it is trying, means weekends and nights sometimes and really puts a bit of a strain on my family when I cannot leave things at work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then there is the part of me that is a mother, the part that wants to be able to build a practice as a doula and someday a childbirth educator, the lady who knits hats for babies around the world who are not as lucky as most of the ones born here, possibly a better photographer? There is the part of me that is a wife, that would love to be more organized at home (but is never really good at it), and being able to support my husband in what he is doing in his career. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't feel like myself when I'm not working, it's not a validation thing but it is just that I've always done it, but this time off while searching for something new, something better, something that fits my family has thrown me off more than usual. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So what do I do? Any advice? I could use some right now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-27612094248428195202013-03-28T09:49:00.002-04:002013-03-28T09:49:46.901-04:00Miss P.'s Birth - Doula Love<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't had a moment to write about the amazing birth that I was able to be part of three weeks ago today. I'm still smiling about it, and about the entrance of Miss P. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It started with the call around 4:30am from a bit of a worried sounding Mommy, she was sure her water had broke and she was positive she was in labour, not early labour, real labour. When I arrived at 5am yes she was, but was doing great, talking between contractions, walking around, finding different positions to find some comfort in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">A few hours later, a car ride to the hospital, an amazing effort from Mom to get herself to 7cm, and finally the need for an epidural to get her some relief we were able to take a break. I was so proud of mom! By 12:20 the epidural had done such a good job of relaxing her that she was at 10cm and ready to meet her babe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">With one nurse, one midwife and myself there was a feeling of calm as she gave a few pushes and this little one entered the world at 12:38pm with a little tiny cry. Mommy cut the cord herself, and put that baby on her chest like it was the most natural thing in the world. 3 hours later we were back at her house, baby settling in, and Momma having so well deserved watermelon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel so prividged to have been part of this, to have learned from Mommy, baby and the nurses and midwife who were surround me. I am lucky to have been able to help give this strong young woman the experience she wanted, to have captured most of it in images she will cherish and show her daughter later. It is the best of both the worlds I love so much. </span></div>
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B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-59783498379653449832013-03-26T10:15:00.000-04:002013-03-26T10:15:07.534-04:00Time for change<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not good with change, in fact I suck at change. Since my time at my last position has ended and I'm on the search for a new job there's been more change than I am use to, rather than fight it, I'm making more, trying to embrace it, so hence the new looking blog!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNYJ8QVrGeVU3bZnj5B3cdcA1Ai7xQKG1it6TF4W3uviX74ujQL5_N-suBj42OpR2roNrLIXOH8cTQBxKBFSw4bhfkfBDNnJZ-uLZFvCaY38RQWFjxLlnsVVOIwUgFiPRBlOFZG5uj1PE/s1600/change-flickr-david-reece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNYJ8QVrGeVU3bZnj5B3cdcA1Ai7xQKG1it6TF4W3uviX74ujQL5_N-suBj42OpR2roNrLIXOH8cTQBxKBFSw4bhfkfBDNnJZ-uLZFvCaY38RQWFjxLlnsVVOIwUgFiPRBlOFZG5uj1PE/s320/change-flickr-david-reece.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm also trying to make little changes in the way I act, the way I present myself and the way I make a difference in the world. New <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/27q48w">knitting projects</a> with a chance to make a difference in other places, a new venture with Thirty-one as an independant consultant, and a few weekends a year as a part of the Lansinoh team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We will see what comes from it all. I have also made the committment to be a better blogger, so I've downloaded a great app called Roller Journal, so hopefully on the days I think that I have nothing to say it will pro</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">mpt me to think outside the box. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So here we go! </span>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-6732460286464229612013-02-23T20:16:00.001-05:002013-03-26T10:02:26.515-04:00Bye Bye BabyAfter almost eight years together I am saying goodbye to the one item that might be with me more than my kids and my husband. My camera, seen here, my lovely Pentax! <br />
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Waiting in the wings and newly arrived is a Nikon 3200D, a couple lenses and a lot of learning to do. <br />
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B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-45479682871938119242013-02-07T08:39:00.001-05:002013-02-07T08:39:22.890-05:00And then something happens!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't believe how long it has been since I have blogged, but of course then something happens and I have time on my hands to be able to come back and write. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently I am on the search for a new career position as my last one has been cut do to funding issues. It's hard to think that this is the first time in my life I have been without a job. It's also hard to speak to those who don't understand that it's not just like going to apply at Tim Hortons, but that I have worked for the past 10 or more years on building a career that I love and would like to stay in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AHHHHHH! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what am I doing? I've re-opened the Etsy shop with great success, and I've been doing a little soul searching. I have a doula client on the go, and well there are always these two . . . </span><br />
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B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-8507304059548177052012-07-16T14:23:00.001-04:002012-07-16T14:24:45.025-04:00Special Project - The Planning<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of the people that I know also know that I have a few crafty abilities. Often here or there I get asked for a baby gift here or there, or a camera strap, a scarf, I got a request over the weekend that was something different and was also quite touching. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I said yet before I knew I was getting into of course because I come from a place of "yes", and now I'm even more excited about it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrFcATqw8DW6mEDJdlvc2hVNmnqJd_SaxttvY9f1N9zWO3QU-fKJkUx0VTBqvKYRkOiE3lJs9jUwNxQv5Xrf9Wl-SzZIMhWBHRmrhcS7B30X2cvEeKcZBpI3W0v5l2AGWFAaQZQbbquPk/s1600/Other.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrFcATqw8DW6mEDJdlvc2hVNmnqJd_SaxttvY9f1N9zWO3QU-fKJkUx0VTBqvKYRkOiE3lJs9jUwNxQv5Xrf9Wl-SzZIMhWBHRmrhcS7B30X2cvEeKcZBpI3W0v5l2AGWFAaQZQbbquPk/s320/Other.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">What can I tell you about this project? A friend's mother-in-law was a crochet gifter, who had made a blanket for and her husband, one for her daughter and had started one for her son while she was sick with cancer. The blanket never got finished but the finished piece has been sitting with my friend since then. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am charged with the challenge of making it into a finished product. Since I do not know how to crochet and I'm sure this is not the project to learn on, I'm going to knit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The top picture is what I have to work with, and the bottom one is the colours and stitching I have chosen. I went with a seed stitch to give it the texture that "grandma's piece" would have. While I've only gotten though a few rows, as you know seed stitch is a little harder on the wrists so this might be one that needs to be worked on in shifts.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqnYOyv2Q56eZKMk-54iRWzNoJJueHRVKTev2Y9JqwnY6sWu4TjEYnKd5j0a8STu_RNhrU-hGZqhvXMzVJpQRdsYTGNR6ohGz7avZYEWUUrTLZpycOrLVggU4kbbeu4N-jHeH7pkEuYQi/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqnYOyv2Q56eZKMk-54iRWzNoJJueHRVKTev2Y9JqwnY6sWu4TjEYnKd5j0a8STu_RNhrU-hGZqhvXMzVJpQRdsYTGNR6ohGz7avZYEWUUrTLZpycOrLVggU4kbbeu4N-jHeH7pkEuYQi/s200/Untitled-1.jpg" width="142" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what I'm thinking for the finished product, with the piece that I was given in the middle and the rest worked around it. I'm going to bind off the dark blue but continue the sides, and work a hole like to use to attach the middle. Or that's what I'm thinking. It may be different once I get there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am just more than honoured that my friend would ask me to finish this for her, to finish a memory for her son that he will have forever. Something to remember his grandmother, something to wrap himself in, something to grow into. </span>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-32675048125799790532012-07-04T09:05:00.002-04:002012-07-04T09:05:24.479-04:00Life gets in the way . . .<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sure that all mommy bloggers encounter this, life getting in the way and before you know it it has been two months and you have no new posts and whatever followers you had before have left for better blogs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I will try and put myself on a schedule and see how that goes, I do have lots to share, but until there here is what has been getting in the way:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">- my big man is off to grade one in the fall</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- my little man spends most of his days getting dirty</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- we've been baking cakes and cupcakes for our friends</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- even got a date night with my husband and dad to see the yankees play</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- coached a season of ball for the first time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- t-ball ended</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- and I even got a little sewing in!</span><br />
<br />B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-6380759095460131392012-05-02T08:32:00.001-04:002012-05-02T08:32:23.184-04:00I'm bringing the chevron back!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a classic, and if you look in your closet you have one, or several. Likely in pale yellow and green, maybe a little white in there. More often than not it has been crocheted by a lovely elderly member of your family or a close family friend. And 90 times out of 100 if you are a modern mommy no matter how good your heart is (and we know you have a good heart), you have never used it! There is no judgement here, I have several in that corner of the closet as well! No worries all my friends who are expecting, and there are quite a few of you, I'm giving the chevron a makeover thanks to <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/9/15/whits-knits-chevron-baby-blanket.html">The Purl Bee</a> pattern that I found. Here is my first attempt!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you love it as much as I do? There were a lot of firsts in this for me. The first time using circular needles, two new stitches (techniques) to learn ***Thanks Kelly for the lessons!***, and my first time using a wool blend. It took a while to get the hang of the pattern but after a while it was easy and knit up very quickly. I love how heavy it is and how soft it feels. I also love that it's the perfect size for those babies I know who will end up coming this winter and need a little extra something in their carseat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So yeah or neah, what are you thinking of the chevron makeover?</span></div>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-62089851084784561152012-04-26T19:36:00.001-04:002012-04-26T19:41:05.089-04:00How involved do you get?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is always a delima of how involved to you get? In anything really, but at the moment for me it is how involved do I get in my school's parent council? I have been going to the meetings for the better part of almost two years and now that my guy will be moving to grade 1 I want to be able to show him that we should be involved in his school life more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But how much is too much? Is there such thing as too much and how do you navigate the system of moms who have been there longer, done more and created a circle? I am a well educated woman who has a professional job and I feel that I have something to offer. I believe that I am well spoken and would represent the school, our parents and our students well. But how far do you go to prove yourself if people are not willing to take you at face value? Any suggestions? Are you on your school's parent council? What are they doing well? What role have you taken within it? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMEyUAoUnF6t1FURMKcgeUoaeuWwWhFKyEpodrzI7Kal2cFRJiSaEVC-4BKV19QjTy12NXJ46BlhITI_FMd7el7mW3zy4wNG-E02NbPHw-uEuXhUdjNlbXv4h8pJia7i6uZ-hhhPjMc8K/s1600/Edited5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMEyUAoUnF6t1FURMKcgeUoaeuWwWhFKyEpodrzI7Kal2cFRJiSaEVC-4BKV19QjTy12NXJ46BlhITI_FMd7el7mW3zy4wNG-E02NbPHw-uEuXhUdjNlbXv4h8pJia7i6uZ-hhhPjMc8K/s320/Edited5.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Work life of course is going well and I have been able to start some blogging there as well so come and visit me over there at <a href="http://www.brantcountyspca.blogspot.com/">www.brantcountyspca.blogspot.com</a>. You can't help but love being around things like this when you stop into the office.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So cute. I have yet to foster anything, and each time I'm in the staff remind me of that, or ask me "haven't you taken anything home yet?" Even the boys ask me when I'm bringing something home, today William would like a kitten, likely the one that I named after him yesterday who was already adopted before I got back to take his picture for my little man to see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do you support your local SPCA? I'd love to hear those stories, right after you are done giving me advice on the parent council issue! </span></div>
<br />B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-32111426036938506592012-04-11T10:15:00.000-04:002012-04-11T10:15:36.095-04:00Blogging is always the last thing to get done . . .<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although it is always fairly high on the list of things I "want" to do, it is never on the list of things that "get done" around here lately. So what has been taking up all my time? Life . . . </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml5XkLulAHdkyoFWLjn33zuVIcNqnBeawIA7KH2Nug25YVICHHiPARUoswbGnOVKhsI2OOoF5TuVbaG24jFZV7xI5LlOryPXfNLpmNuLGuiEEEYhRZSRxajaqboVO0a7yZP7l3_8i5Ob4/s1600/Personal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml5XkLulAHdkyoFWLjn33zuVIcNqnBeawIA7KH2Nug25YVICHHiPARUoswbGnOVKhsI2OOoF5TuVbaG24jFZV7xI5LlOryPXfNLpmNuLGuiEEEYhRZSRxajaqboVO0a7yZP7l3_8i5Ob4/s400/Personal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These rascals might have something to do with it. Somehow Andrew has turned two and I am still in complete denial. I'm not sure how we got to birth from here, it's really been far two quick for my liking. He is at such a great age though, something new each day, a new word, a new phrase, a new action. But the other part of him growing up is that I'm feeling the baby pull again, I didn't have it after William was born, but it's so strong now I feel it hard to look at wonderfully pregnant ladies, my womb feels empty and as much as I don't want more than three I can't explain my need for the third to my husband, and even when I do he just doesn't get it at all. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The other part of life that is keep my busy is the new job! I am back to loving what I do and that makes all the difference to me, my mood and the rest of my life at home as well. Although there have been a few difficult stories within what I do, mostly it's these guys . . .</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO7WIHaG3zbH_iTbBoLVyG858NCFsi50xPd9u4cjWfrkg4d4A_r3gZhKkVH4q6k99SLNFe6e4nI40gqI9GhwFRdXEzFGjFr7S-hL61sKWAHuyYoynyEVB7BveWCE1fbwlRJ46bcD3AZTy/s1600/Personal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO7WIHaG3zbH_iTbBoLVyG858NCFsi50xPd9u4cjWfrkg4d4A_r3gZhKkVH4q6k99SLNFe6e4nI40gqI9GhwFRdXEzFGjFr7S-hL61sKWAHuyYoynyEVB7BveWCE1fbwlRJ46bcD3AZTy/s400/Personal1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> . . . I mean how great is that? Those faces and being able to watch them go to great homes really is rewarding. What is even better is that it's ground-up work for me, building a Facebook page, a Twitter account, brochures, postcards, event planning and donor relations. I get the best of everything. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Now if I could just be as good at getting back to the blog as I've been about my Picture A Day project . . . . </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-81971257297448790182012-02-28T10:37:00.001-05:002012-02-28T10:37:39.749-05:00Things (4 to be exact)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay Liz over at <a href="http://www.mabelshouse.blogspot.com/">Mable's House</a> does this all the time and I love it so I'm stealing it outright and trying it myself and adding pictures! Let me know if it works, as in do you like it, and if you don't check Liz's out cause her are great. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. I love my new office, and I love that I built my own desk and it hasn't fallen down yet. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7s5e81WWmWqqhCifFk_H473UpJUfWHrtNHe2-AqvH0HyxVGV4KIcgCTp_tymgS00Ppndzj9JmWzY4IJbok4gkYZ8W2FipNCVT7jKMaHisaFhzXTv79s7_9KznFKV_xDmFwE712176iES/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7s5e81WWmWqqhCifFk_H473UpJUfWHrtNHe2-AqvH0HyxVGV4KIcgCTp_tymgS00Ppndzj9JmWzY4IJbok4gkYZ8W2FipNCVT7jKMaHisaFhzXTv79s7_9KznFKV_xDmFwE712176iES/s400/photo3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. This year was a banner Valentine's day as we made our own instead of store bought and I love the way they turned out. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbdNdeKHoyEeEQ-fxiE3phbmMi34ExGs5gm8N6n_lAQ5OSSnr4DCIX8knA3bAiwWbm-fTK8GsG74oi3FsN0aYgG_-2hXEcvk0qMLo_sNAIfZpFTMyrFKCj4MMcs-bFSNaMwa8isEWwbqc/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbdNdeKHoyEeEQ-fxiE3phbmMi34ExGs5gm8N6n_lAQ5OSSnr4DCIX8knA3bAiwWbm-fTK8GsG74oi3FsN0aYgG_-2hXEcvk0qMLo_sNAIfZpFTMyrFKCj4MMcs-bFSNaMwa8isEWwbqc/s400/photo2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. This little man is getting more grown up every day and it is making me want another, his personailty is really showing, sweet and kind and a firecracker all at once.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweGX3HhGifRXrKBFuGxkaMu5vZS6OkeAUEJ14KbS-sdu29exgsblff7jhk09_FOnJ6jtC7Fn6pgMJpJ3v0hRBzqH4rRoJv4V6AIXFvmvSJuLWsd34G1nIG3HS3ff6C7H4CXaQ2TNbQACq/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweGX3HhGifRXrKBFuGxkaMu5vZS6OkeAUEJ14KbS-sdu29exgsblff7jhk09_FOnJ6jtC7Fn6pgMJpJ3v0hRBzqH4rRoJv4V6AIXFvmvSJuLWsd34G1nIG3HS3ff6C7H4CXaQ2TNbQACq/s400/photo1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. I could not resist showing everyone what I get to hang out with at work, man life is good. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMZSRXQh1etwwg12Y4gxe3QMVoyb4yxyXCtYZItrOn1eLSLodN-FVGknIaeXijELqmiZZVrPeQc9Z-T2STaYFKOm5m8hc7rJ7Wm2ZHIiKn83piV4WYalCuagN6K82Sj6BD84g51DzDbAY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMZSRXQh1etwwg12Y4gxe3QMVoyb4yxyXCtYZItrOn1eLSLodN-FVGknIaeXijELqmiZZVrPeQc9Z-T2STaYFKOm5m8hc7rJ7Wm2ZHIiKn83piV4WYalCuagN6K82Sj6BD84g51DzDbAY/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-77923530893407136812012-02-03T08:59:00.000-05:002012-02-03T08:59:43.447-05:00Back in action . . . but changes are a foot.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure what happened to January, when I looked at the blog the other day I had to take a second peek to see if it was really true that I had not posted in January 4th!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So much has happened, so here's the recap!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Helped with my first birth as a doula (although still training and still studying), what an experience it was, brave mommy Sam and little baby Duncan really gave me a day and night I will never forget. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexXsjBM36SZCq5QuzY0b-e-y3NAWguRqXjL5oXRaB0ovT-Xl1UP8lu3Hap3nmualkEhzJW1x6MSv7pGuoRsOY0RQlv30mVdBcQ8B0i41aPa0VSdlVQMAlwWHonBsJsd1R5KRRE1pGUY-j/s1600/Edited50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexXsjBM36SZCq5QuzY0b-e-y3NAWguRqXjL5oXRaB0ovT-Xl1UP8lu3Hap3nmualkEhzJW1x6MSv7pGuoRsOY0RQlv30mVdBcQ8B0i41aPa0VSdlVQMAlwWHonBsJsd1R5KRRE1pGUY-j/s400/Edited50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The boys have been having lots of winter fun with Daddy outside (Mommy is not an outside girl in the winter, too many memories of freezing while snowmobiling with my parents when I was younger). </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzyv6HkMe-nFIMmC73K9AXiYaicCgBdw85rHHSV4OU5qD7noBSjf9Q5TGotNvIVLsOVUFTfl42ma7_UyRKKMmMfwwVOMQ31nMJHv4GyjfH4NVrzfuDOT7icbskwDtuoqsFuCruAEJ6bkx/s1600/391896_10151154240155526_559100525_22333325_76471991_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzyv6HkMe-nFIMmC73K9AXiYaicCgBdw85rHHSV4OU5qD7noBSjf9Q5TGotNvIVLsOVUFTfl42ma7_UyRKKMmMfwwVOMQ31nMJHv4GyjfH4NVrzfuDOT7icbskwDtuoqsFuCruAEJ6bkx/s400/391896_10151154240155526_559100525_22333325_76471991_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And the last big news of the month, was that I have resigned from my current fund development position with the Alzheimer's Society and will be starting on February 14th raising much needed money for our local SPCA. I'm really excited about the change, it comes at a great time and while I will miss the amazing crew where I am now, I'm sure that I will find an equally amazing crew at my new place! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh P.S. it might actually be my new addicitions to Pintrest and Instagram that is keeping me away from the blog . . . . I'll do better I promise. </span>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-13332534839623640362012-01-04T08:29:00.000-05:002012-01-04T08:29:58.582-05:00A Zoo<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No we did not buy one but my house feels like one these days. Too many days off for little boys who enjoy their routine. Drew is currently sporting a cut on his eyebrow that he sustained while riding his brother around the living room. In return the next morning William came to me with his finger bleeding because his 20 month old brother had attacked his hand with tongs! Come on now, you can't even make this up, and it's not like they are unsupervised, but who thinks that you can almost loose a finger to meat tongs at the hands of a toddler. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The cure for all our ails at the moment . . . </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYiblQPJxD4/TwRTdKWVxBI/AAAAAAAABBE/2G2WtvN6U90/s1600/387931_10151107763975526_559100525_22147898_1331639846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYiblQPJxD4/TwRTdKWVxBI/AAAAAAAABBE/2G2WtvN6U90/s400/387931_10151107763975526_559100525_22147898_1331639846_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Auntie Julie cookies. After posting this on Facebook as my picture of the day I figured out that just about every culture has this cookie but calls it something different. I call them Auntie Julie cookies, we get them at Christmas and Easter and that's it. Always stacked high in a clear plastic bag with a twist tie. Give the boys one of these and everything seems to be alright . . . for a moment or two. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My salvation . . . </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kKlWywzunw/TwRUOb-WzoI/AAAAAAAABBQ/ZHZYbWbALXw/s1600/166987_10151111907520526_559100525_22175307_1437924832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kKlWywzunw/TwRUOb-WzoI/AAAAAAAABBQ/ZHZYbWbALXw/s400/166987_10151111907520526_559100525_22175307_1437924832_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Could it really have been anything else??</span>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-70491997614970086952012-01-01T10:36:00.000-05:002012-01-01T10:36:21.885-05:00Hello 2012 - What do you have in store for me?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have no idea what my "new year's resolutions" will be this year, but I have a lot of goals that I want to accomplish. I want to finish my doula course and get certified, I want to learn to cook for my family better, I want to be a better woman, role model, mother, wife. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm also starting a picture-a-day as well. Instagram has been consuming my spare time, what a great little invention that is. I've recruited a few lovely ladies who will also join me and I can't wait to share their pictures along the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today's picture, kinda speaks to what I've been doing and waiting for how I feel about 2011, icey!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ECSzpPj7T8/TwB9M9c6U6I/AAAAAAAABA4/lDgut_75RvM/s1600/January+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ECSzpPj7T8/TwB9M9c6U6I/AAAAAAAABA4/lDgut_75RvM/s400/January+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here is to melting the old year and warming up the new year. Any resolutions, goals, dreams? I would love to hear them!</span></div>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4146691650104641315.post-43672604360130270162011-12-28T10:44:00.000-05:002011-12-28T10:44:01.010-05:00Please, please bring on the new year already!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I shouldn't say that, I have a lot to be thankful for but really, 2011 has been such a difficult year in terms of family, relationships etc, that I really would like to hit the reset button with 2012. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If only it were that easy . . . . what are you hoping for most in 2012? I might need all of these to "take" if only it were that easy. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7f2PkKFevg/Tvs5NDbTSoI/AAAAAAAABAs/ERtsAvMJEiw/s1600/6cf6f34630cc11e19896123138142014_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f7f2PkKFevg/Tvs5NDbTSoI/AAAAAAAABAs/ERtsAvMJEiw/s400/6cf6f34630cc11e19896123138142014_7.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>B.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11466596090444512831noreply@blogger.com0