Stationery card

Spot The Snowflakes Christmas Card

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I have been using shutterfly lately for a few projects here and there. They are offering a promo code if I showed off one of my projects so here is a preview of a Christmas card that some of you will be receiving this year.

Mr. Golden Sun - finally!

Summer is finally upon us! The glorious sun has made an appearance finally and I've had a week off before the call of summer school. We've been enjoying life at home, laying low and relaxing. Also, due to the fact that our little boy has been diaper-free for a week!!! Rhys is officially a big boy! Craig started it off much like he did for Brea and has been wonderful at keeping him on track. I have stayed at home to make it easier for him and me when the need arises. With the sun out though, we have had plenty to do. We moved our sunflowers outside, uncovered the sandbox, pulled out the outside toys and have pedaled around the neighbourhood. We've even had a fancy picnic outside in a tent. In other words, we are so happy the sunshine is here!

Sand fun!

Watching Daddy pressure wash.

Gee, this washing thing takes a while!

Hiding!

Rhys's version of hiding.

Gazing off yonder.

Showing off a stick.

Playing with our solar lights.

Are you done with the camera yet?

Artist series: Fancy Shoes

Brea is a prolific little artiste. On any given day you will see her at some point at a table drawing - wax crayons, pencil, pen, markers - she mixes and matches filling page after page. Craig and I have been the lucky recipients of many pieces of her art that we have proudly displayed on the walls of our classrooms and on our fridge at home. Though I keep meaning to develop a special wall for their creations.

Brea really started getting things in gear May 2011 with a series of artful suns. Then, she's progressed to more complex subjects like poodles, dinosaurs and the like. These past few days with being home more, I've had the chance to watch her as she worked and a few mornings ago, she created these masterpieces. Okay, so I may be a bit biased but I really think they are whimsical and sweet. For your viewing pleasure, the artist series aptly named "Fancy Shoes" - that's what she called it.

Presenting Brea...

Artist at work.

#1: Self-portrait with brother; #2: Self-portrait in backyard kicking a ball (notice the "pretties" in her hair)

#3: Watching ants in the yard

#4: Self and brother in green with fancy shoes

#5: Dancing in fancy shoes (my personal favourite)

I can't forget my other little artist in residence.

Showing off his work: "Purple and Blue"

A shower for my good friend

I love my good friend Jen. We've known each other since elementary school and I was so SO excited when I found out she was expecting. Well, her lovely daughter has arrived and I had the wonderful privilege of being co-host with Grandma Liz to celebrate her arrival. Jen's mom was amazing in preparing some of the most delicious food ever. I MC-ed, organized fun activities and together I believe it was a fantastic tea-time afternoon enjoyed by all.

Welcome to the World Baby Girl!

Here are some pictures from the party...

Lobby display

Some of the favours: picture magnets and chocolate cigars

Amazing savoury spread

Pan to the sweets!

Perfect pots of tea

Mama Jen and Baby C.

Daddy Rowan with doggy brother Pickles

Proud Grandma!

I was super excited to start a memory book for the wee babe. It featured pages where guests could write down their wishes and advice to baby.

The book featured a drawing by Brea on the cover - very close to likeness, I think ;o) I didn't snap a picture but wish I had.

I can't wait to get to know you sweet little girl and watch you grow!

Hugs and kisses,

Overheard conversations...

"No Rhys, no! Stop that!"
(pause, where Rhys obviously doesn't stop it)
"Rhys don't do that! It's making me angry!"
(pause, where Rhys makes her more angry)
"I'm very angry Rhys, I'm giving you three choices!"
"One: leave my room; two: put it back; three: you get a spank."
(pause where Rhys is answering)
"A spank?"
(pause, where she is weighing the pros and cons because she knows hitting is bad)
"Go to Daddy in the kitchen for a spank Rhys."

Rhys's Birthday Weekend

I was a little worried when we were getting close to Rhys's birthday party this past weekend. My kids have seemed to be constantly sick at one point or another for the past few months, either both or alternating turns, and some of the guests I had invited were really new friends, some only a few weeks old. I had chosen this year to also keep the guest list small. It was a tough decision because we are so lucky to have many friends with little ones close in age to our children. But really, at this age, Rhys didn't understand what all the hoopla was about besides it being a big play date with cake at the end. I made my calls the night before to give fair warning that my kids still had a few sniffles and I so appreciated those who still ventured forth to help make it a special day for our little guy.

For once, boys were the majority - Brea was the only girl - which made it really nice for Rhys to be able to pal around with "the guys". He knew something was up when he had to stay home with Mommy instead of going to the pool with his big sister but it wasn't until the cake showed up that he knew it was for him. Rhys loves cars so there was no way I could resist getting him a Cars themed birthday cake. In fact, when I placed the cake on the table he climbed up on the chair and tried to drag it off to get a better look.

SO excited about the cake!

Our Birthday Boy! (Brea opted out of the photo op.)

Waiting for a piece.

 

E enjoying his treat.

After the cake, the kids had the chance to go outside for a ride. We had mentioned to the parents that both of our kids have recently really taken to biking and we had hoped that seeing others their age rolling around might help build their confidence. Boy, did they have fun!

An awesome shot of K motoring on his bike.

M trying to put a stop to all the biking shenanigans.

Enjoying his time out on the road.

At the end of the afternoon, our little guy was tuckered. He had a wee snooze and when he awoke, I just had to try him out on a gift from our good friends the Scharfs. We actually dressed the kids out and walked over to our neighbours who were working on their deck to offer them an extra hand :o) They thought it was pretty cute.

The funniest little get-up ever! Thanks Uncle Owen and Auntie Kari!

Cake pictures?! Forget it! But I'll be a Black and Decker Girl for sure :o)

 It was a memorable day and so much fun! Thanks everyone!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my Sweet Boy!

Dear Rhys,

I can't believe it has been two years since Mommy and Daddy rushed in the van to the hospital and I wasn't too sure I was going to make it on time. You have kept up that excitement and it's always a special day with you seeing what new things you will discover next.

This past week, you have gotten more and more confident on your bike and it is so sweet watching you follow after your sister. I am so proud of you lifting your feet today - you'll be gliding like her in no time.

Your smile lights up my life and your infectious giggles are the cutest thing ever! I love how your little arms can have such a strong hold as I lift you up into a hug and you cuddle right in to my neck.

I was worried when it seemed like you were never going to get around to talking but your voice is taking flight and new words are being uttered with each day. I know you love your cars and trains by the sound effects you love to give. I love that you are so in love with basketball like your Daddy that you have to keep one in bed with you to sleep.

Your character is making itself known more and more each day. I know that you can be stubborn as anything but you also show such sweetness it can take my breath away. I can't wait as you grow into you to see how you shine through and I hope you will feel that you can count on me for guidance and love always.

Happy 2nd Birthday my Sweet Little Boy!

I love you,
Mommy