Rae Daze...

NEW BLOG!

2011-02-15T12:55:00.003-05:00

It's official! I've finally got a new space with a snazzy personalized design (thanks to my amazing hubby!) and my very own domain name. Come along with me at www.raesdaze.com

Valentine's Reads

2011-02-13T20:03:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I have great memories of Valentine's Days growing up. My dad always bought 3 bouquets; one for my mom, and one for my sister and I.I always felt so special.(You'd be hard-pressed to find a father who does a better job of affirming his daughters' value.) And so, because I think that Valentine's is a bit over-blown when it comes to creating unrealistic romantic

Some Marriage Thoughts

2011-02-11T12:33:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about marriage lately.It seems to be coming up in conversations with friends, and in blogs I've been reading. Funny, when life seems to synthesize things, how the same topic creeps into my consciousness from different and disconnected sources.Funny, too, how much I've needed it right now. I am blessed to be part of a pretty fantastic marriage.There are times when we look

Love Songs for You

2011-02-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

I am SO affected by music.This morning, as I drove to work, I listened to some BEAUTIFUL music by Seth PrimmYou should go listen to it, and buy it.Really. The money raised from the sale of his album Bringing Home Beautiful is going towards the adoption of a daughter from Africa. I was especially moved this morning by the song "Come Home, Beautiful". So listen to that one, if no others. Other

Honk if You're Happy

2011-02-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

Hi friends. Thanks to those of you who shared some kind words of encouragement in response to my thoughts on mediocrity. I appreciate them (even though, as I spend more time reflecting, I value them too much). See, the thing is... I know that I am valuable and loved by God.I just have this difficulty in remembering that it's HIS love that matters the most. I like to hear it from other people a

Mediocrity

2011-02-04T19:25:00.001-05:00

I've spent a lot of my life striving to be better, different, unique, excellent. Some days I think I peaked in grade 8, when I won the citizenship, academic proficiency, and language arts awards at graduation. I won a handful of music awards in high school, but, they kinda had to give me something, I was part of so many choirs and ensembles. Then university, and the awards ceased. There are a

Feeling Resolute?

2011-01-17T20:46:00.001-05:00

I guess you could say my New Year's resolution this year is to add one thing a week to my daily routines to inch me toward what an "ideal" day might look like. So each week, I add one thing to my morning, and one thing to my evening. So far, it's been:Week 1 - established consistent wake up and bed times.Week 2 - scripture first, floss This is Week 3. Week 3's resolution is "wipe up". When I'm

Eating Humble Pie With my (open) Hands

2011-01-16T13:21:00.001-05:00

It was so good to worship with God's people this morning.I am so glad that I won't have to miss out on church because of work anymore. You know that whole "open hands" thing I'm trying?That whole not being a control-freak thing?It's coming along, little by little. James was leading worship this week. I usually have to have my nose right in there as he's picking songs, sharing my two cents,

Sunrise of Your Smile

2011-01-15T11:52:00.000-05:00

These beautiful words came out of my ipod this morning and spoke directly to me and where I'm at right now. "Reject the wordly lie that says, That life lies always up ahead, Let power go before control becomes a crust around your soul, Escape the hunger to posess, And soul-diminishing sucess, This world is full of narrow lives, I pray by grace your smile survives."- Sunrise of Your Smile, Michael

A Day's Delights

2011-01-14T21:18:00.001-05:00

Today was one of those days that just couldn't have been much better.One of those wonderful, ordinary, lovely days in which nothing extra special happens, but is full of all kinds of things that are so very special.Today was a long time coming, the first day I've had off after working 10 in a row. And it was good. Kind of like God said it would be when he mandated rest.That God. So wise. The

Happy Birthday to Meeeeee

2011-01-12T07:16:00.000-05:00

It's my birthday today! It's also the anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti, a country that is still devastated a year later. Wanna give me a birthday present? Why don't you make a donation to assist the people of Haiti in the struggles they are currently enduring. Here's a link to Medecins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders). They are on the forefront of treating the Cholera outbreak

Resolutions, week 2

2011-01-11T16:05:00.000-05:00

Holy Guacamole has it been a busy week. I did a pretty good job of meeting my time goals regarding going to bed and getting up on time. Not so much last night, but as my dear husband pointed out, when you don’t get off work until 9, it’s tricky to get home and be in bed by 10. Starting this week, it should get a whole lot easier. Why? I got a new job! With REGULAR HOURS! That doesn’t involve

Resolve

2011-01-03T14:17:00.001-05:00

It's a new year, the calendar tells me.Do you make New Year's resolutions? I haven't really made any huge goals, but I consistently am looking for ways to tidy up our lives and stay on top of things, and so I'm working on a little plan to try and make sure that the important things happen. The plan is to write out all of the things that should happen in a day, jot down a rough schedule of what a

That Sleep Thing

2011-01-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

I had kinda made a decision that I wasn't going to keep returning to the subject of sleep, 'cause everyone had probably heard me complain enough.That said, we recently started some sleep training and I've had a couple people ask me about it, and rather than repeatedly answering intermittent questions here and there on facebook, I figured I'd get it all out once and for all for those who want to

A New Year's Name

2010-12-30T08:50:00.000-05:00

I've been basking in some beautiful words lately at the blog of Ann Voskamp.You should absolutely go and be there for awhile.And take your favourite hot drink, and bask in her carefully chosen prayer-filled words. Yesterday I read about how she names her years.A beautiful idea.And, considering I've been doing some new year's reflecting anyway, I thought I'd think about a name for the year. A way

Heavenly Holidays

2010-12-29T22:04:00.001-05:00

My sweet St. James got me a new boxing-day sale laptop for my birthday (coming up in a couple weeks). So, here I am, with a basket full of unfolded laundry and a cluttered dining table personalizing and getting to know the ins and outs of this new machine. Nice to have my own. Nice for James not to have to share his anymore. Win-win, as they say. And, as I have been blessed with this lovely

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T14:31:00.001-05:00

We have been having a blessed (albeit busy!) Christmas with our loved ones. Hope you are too!

Happy Birthday, Haydon!

2010-12-17T13:07:00.004-05:00

Well. Life got the best of me in terms of the 12 Days of Haydon. I assure you, he did live past July. And we did take pictures. And it was wonderful. It's been interesting to re-live in my mind the events of a year ago. We were told our baby had some signs of distress in-utero. Despite being deeply committed to a home birth, under the direction of a midwife and obgyn we decided to induce

No Sleep = Angry Mama

2010-12-13T05:31:00.000-05:00

For the love of all that's good in the world. We need some sleep. Or something.very.bad.might.happen. I don't mind getting up in the morning (the very early morning). Usually it means I plug in the Christmas lights, get a few toys out, grab my bible and sit on the couch while the wee man plays happily. Usually this doesn't happen until after 5. But no. Not today. Today? Today we started this

12 Days of Haydon - July

2010-12-12T21:48:00.000-05:00

Photo blogging every day about your kid is a serious time commitment, just so you know. Also, my kid is seriously cute. Just so you know. I'm enjoying this year in review. Just so you know. Enjoying a Canada Day picnic with friends. Waiting for Canada Day fireworks. I think he looks like a Cabbage Patch Ewok here... First time sitting in a shopping cart. Swimming at Nana and Papa's

12 Days of Haydon - month 7!

2010-12-11T22:02:00.002-05:00

June. Lots of happy pictures. Hi. So glad you keep coming back to see my beautiful face. So this is technically May and I overlooked it, and how could I not add it...? hip hip HOORAY! Hanging out while we do some yard work (fave summer jumper) first swim! He had just started sitting up - it was tricky to get him to stay long enough to get this picture Yep. We're

Use Your Words

2010-12-10T06:53:00.001-05:00

I've heard myself saying that to Haydon a few times this week. We're on the cusp of language.Before we get there, there is this frustrating time, as his little personality, his STRONG will develops, and he wants.. .but he can't tell me what, or how, or when. Frustrating for him, frustrating for me.And I hear myself say"Use your words!" I fee like I, too, am in a place of needing to use words,

12 Days of Haydon - May

2010-12-09T21:58:00.001-05:00

May. Mother's Day is in May! And Haydon's first food was in May. And I'm sure other good things happened in May but I haven't had the time to mine through my past blog posts and face book stati. This sling was my mother's day gift. We like it. He puked ALL over me seconds after this... Have I mentioned we like our slings? This was at church one Sunday. Mmm. So cozy. Victoria Day

12 Days of Haydon - month the 5th

2010-12-09T11:01:00.000-05:00

April. I didn't take many pictures. Luckly, our talented friend Jeremy Curry did.(look for more great work from Jeremy later this month...) These were from Haydon's dedication, April 11, 2010. our fam at the church Haydon, with his Uncle Andrew, Nana Smith, and Great-Papa Smith Ugh, have I mentioned how talented Jeremy Curry is? Seriously... I <3 my family.

12 Days of Haydon - March

2010-12-08T06:55:00.003-05:00

Ugh, March already? This whole first year thing goes quick! March was good. I started to get into a groove I think. Also - less pictures for some reason. Maybe I was busy trying to do things rather than just snap pictures of the boy? Not sure. Toys started to become interesting My favourite hat and sweater. Grabbed food off my plate for the first time! love.this.so.much!

12 Days of Haydon, month 3

2010-12-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

February. This was my FAVOURITE! outfit. Hel-LO, gorgeous! You'd think these people liked him or something... Is there anything better than snuggling with a sleeping baby?

12 Days of Haydon - January

2010-12-06T06:30:00.001-05:00

January. One of the January highlights was a party held by a group of dear friends that I grew up among. Ahh, January. A review of my facebook statuses (stati?) from January reveals a lot of trying to figure out how to be a mom, and being exhausted, and being overwhelmed with wanting my house to be clean and my baby to sleep. Oh, and I wanted to be able to walk and stand comfortably and I

12 Days of Haydon

2010-12-05T08:30:00.003-05:00

My boy will be a year old in twelve days, can you believe it?I've gotten pretty sappy sentimental as I think about the fact that my son is growing up and becoming independent and all that jazz. Picking up his sippy cup on his own. Taking steps. Freaking out when I take away things he shouldn't play with. A real live little personality developing in there. So, I decided I'll do a little

...'cept, I kinda still like stuff

2010-12-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

If you've been hanging around here the past few days you'll know I've been pondering Christmas, and how to make it meaningful, and how to de-consumerize it. Here's the thing. I like stuff. As a young family on a not-so-huge income, Christmas has always been the default time to get stuff we kinda need, or really want. Need a new coat? Christmas is coming...Can't quite rationalize a new gadget?

Gifts, and stuff

2010-12-04T06:11:00.002-05:00

I had a brainwave this morning. I don't know why this was so revolutionary to me. It shouldn't have been. I was thinking about Christmas, about celebrating, about being true to what it's all about (Jesus, in case you weren't sure. He left Heaven and came down to our messy earth to make it possible for us to be part of returning the world to how it was intended). Often, that train of thought

Advent

2010-12-03T21:43:00.000-05:00

It's advent. The season of waiting, expecting, anticipating, inviting, hoping. My favourite season. In advent we acknowledge our need. Our brokenness. The reality that our hearts long for something out of this world. In advent we look forward as we look back. We remember that Christ came to meet our need, to make us whole. We reflect on his love that fulfills our deepest longings. Even

Morning Tunes

2010-12-03T08:15:00.000-05:00

It's a good thing there's music in this life. Not sure what I'd do otherwise. We sleep less in this house lately then we did in Haydon's first month. The only thing that made that month harder is that now I've at least got breastfeeding figured out, and I'm not in pain from labour. Last night was particularly rough. We seem to have returned this week to a desire for playtime in the middle of

Rant

2010-11-26T14:36:00.000-05:00

I really want to complain today. I'm tired. Haydon's teething (and has never been so cranky in his LIFE). Money's a bit tight. James is behind in his school work. Things are just busy. As I was feeling exhausted and overwhelmed this morning, I thought to myself "I should have another baby. 'Cause then I could be off work. And all I want to do is sit in my pajamas...which I could do, if I

Morning Comes Early

2010-11-11T07:32:00.000-05:00

That was the name of one of the pieces in my piano book when I took lessons as a little girl. I always thought it was funny, and kind of strange. I didn't really get it. Lately, do I ever get it! Morning comes very early around here these days. When we rise, the time on the clock usually starts with a '4.' The little anti-sleep has been helped along by daylight savings time to an all-new

Oh, hi

2010-11-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

Hello tired blog. I have missed you. Kind of like I've missed relaxing, and writing, and hanging out with my husband. Who just put a hand on my back, asked "how're the dishes coming?" and reminded me of the cheesecake we'll share when they're done. Someday, I'll write again. Someday... (job is good, boy is GREAT!, husband is wonderful)

Sometimes

2010-10-22T13:07:00.000-04:00

I don't know how to be that person I want to be, that person I think I am somewhere down inside. I was reading a couple of posts on a couple of blogs from a couple of pretty amazing women that I've never ever met. They were thoughtful, and deep, and talked about their heritage, and their children, and being a mom, and loving Jesus. There was so much intentionality in those words, in the lives

Vote!

2010-10-22T12:43:00.000-04:00

We have a municipal election on Monday. It's a pretty tight race for mayor. Here's a good article that tells you a bit about each of the front-runners: In Hamilton, a three-way race for mayor goes down to the wire I'll be voting for our current Mayor, Fred Eisenberger. I appreciate his campaign style - not attacking others or outright boasting, but calmly sharing what he's done and what's

Five Years Ago...

2010-10-15T08:08:00.002-04:00

I married my best friend!

As If We Don't Have Enough On Our Plate...

2010-10-13T20:00:00.000-04:00

Remember this guy? He's coming back. 'Cause I'm insane.

Playing Hooky

2010-10-12T07:09:00.001-04:00

Hi. Goodmorning. I miss blogging. Suck it up, princess, you've got a good job and a great family keeping you busy. Speaking of which - just made the executive decision not to go into the office this morning, and stay home to get some stuff done around here. Ok, so, I didn't actually have to be in the office, but I have a meeting this afternoon, and had planned to put in a few hours this

Crazy Going Slowly Am I...

2010-10-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

I feel like I'm living in an Erma Bombeck book. Seriously. As I rush out the door in a whirlwind of books and bottles, it's pretty humourous some mornings. Tuesday, I was about 6 blocks away when I realized I had forgotten my breast pump. And that I hadn't nursed Haydon in at least 3 hours. It was a good thing I had left for work early. I whizzed back, nursed him, grabbed the pump and left.

no rest for the weary

2010-09-30T05:33:00.000-04:00

I'm going to whine. And maybe cry. And rant a little. That's what blogs are for. If I run into you today, I'll downplay it, and say "Oh, it's not that bad...you just need to change your expectations a bit. We're managing fine." And I suppose we are. But, seriously. We need to figure out this damn sleep thing. I say that as the parent who didn't do the getting up in the night. I honestly

The Early Bird Gets the Worm...

2010-09-24T06:55:00.000-04:00

...but, I never really liked worms that much. Ok, ok. It's a metaphor. As in, I could have a whole load of laundry completed by 7am if I actually use my time effectively. But that's not likely. Instead, I will sit here and listen to the coffee brewing and laugh at the little boy who keeps pulling himself up on my chair and playing with my toes. Gosh it's hard to be annoyed with that jabbering

Blogging...or not

2010-09-21T08:11:00.002-04:00

Once upon a time, I blogged. A lot. Then I started working. Life got a little busy (not as busy as it could be, but, still, busy). There are all kinds of things floating around my mind that I would like to sit and blog about . Like how God has been so good to us and provided me with good work. And about how he has taken care of all the little details that I was worried about, like my boy not

Franny

2010-09-18T15:47:00.001-04:00

Franny was (is) my cabbage patch doll. We had matching jammies when I was little. Franny didn't move out of my parents' house with me. They just bought a new house, and are getting their house ready to sell. This was sent to me today. Hi Rachel. This is Franny. Its really hard to type when your thumbs are sewn to your fingers. Look it, Rach. We've been through a lot. I'm still not over

Funny Face

2010-09-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Do you ever just sit with the camera and keep clicking? You should sometime. The results can be quite humorous. This is why I got out the camera. Thought the grandparents could use a pictoral hello. But then... Love this funny-faced boy so much.

Working Out

2010-09-10T14:14:00.000-04:00

This work thing might not be so bad after all. I had my first day back at work on Tuesday. It went ok. Things there haven't really changed, so that's nice. It was hard to go, and I was a little teary for the first hour or so, but I did ok. More importantly, so did Haydon. He was a little clingy James said, and bed time was rough, but he hadn't slept well the night before, so he may have

Extreme Breastfeeding

2010-09-09T09:58:00.000-04:00

This post just may be "too much information" for those of you who don't breastfeed/don't want to hear about it. You've been warned. Haydon has recently embraced "The Pounce," which is absolutely hilarious. When he gets up in the morning (if it's not ridiculously early and just one of us is getting up with him), he comes into our bed and we wake up slow together. He crawls around and plays,

Spending Fast Fail

2010-09-06T14:48:00.000-04:00

So, uh, we're not doing so well with that no spending thing. See, we went to the CNE on Saturday. James got a special price for tickets through work. We're on holidays together for a week (James just finished work, I'm about to start) and wanted to do something fun as a family. So, we went to the Ex. And the day before, James tried on a new baby carrier. He liked it. It's simpler than my

Squishy Cheeks

2010-09-03T23:48:00.001-04:00

I should've been in bed ages ago. Curse you, Facebook. I just saw a copy of this pic randomly on the shelf in Haydon's room. As if he's mine, that gorgeous funny-faced boy. Almost makes the lack of sleep worth it. Almost.

Saucy Tomatoes

2010-09-03T10:41:00.000-04:00

Here's a peek at yesterday's canning project. It went really well. I think I'm headed to the market today to find more things to put in jars. I'd happily do more peaches or tomatoes (I have 6 and 5 jars respectively), and I'm thinking about pickles. In a week or so our grapes will be ready to harvest and I'll make some juice. Yum! Again, I used the "simplest sauce" recipe from Mama's Minutia

Pretty Peaches!

2010-09-02T15:14:00.000-04:00

I'm canning this week. It's SO fun! We've done pickles before, and they were delicious. This year I've tried my hand at peaches and tomato sauce. And they're yummy. And beautiful. I thought I'd share some pictures of the process. I've been following Jennifer Jo's recipes from Mama's Minutia, who I discovered after her directions for canning peaches were posted over at Simple Bites.

The Kind of Fast God's After

2010-08-30T15:05:00.000-04:00

I read these words last week, and they resonated, considering we're on a spending fast (or trying, anyway). This is from Isiah 58:6-9, in The Message translation "This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the

Experiment Update

2010-08-27T14:40:00.001-04:00

So, we're trying not to buy stuff. Unnecessary stuff. Stuff other than gas, groceries or necessities for our growing boy. ...'cept, that's kinda hard, ya know? It's been going ok, but, I wouldn't call this week a success. I have bought things. There are also things I didn't buy. And there are things that I learned. So, I bought some shoes for my kiddo. 'Cause I'm not good at keeping

Babies!

2010-08-26T21:44:00.001-04:00

Hahaha, no, this is not an announcement. Saw this lovely doc at my favourite store tonight. SO cute! I'd highly recommend it.

Thankful Thursdays

2010-08-26T15:06:00.002-04:00

Coffee. That's all I got right now.

Pretty

2010-08-24T23:12:00.002-04:00

I like wrapping presents. A lot. I don't even know these people.

Helloooo?

2010-08-24T09:54:00.000-04:00

So, remember that job interview I had on Thursday afternoon, the one in which they said "You'll hear from us shortly."? Yeah, it's Tuesday. Does that qualify as shortly? I'm getting a little panicky...last time I heard from them an hour after my interview, and they called by 9:15am the day that applications were due to set up my initial interview...so the fact that it's been four days leaves

The Impulse Buy

2010-08-22T22:20:00.003-04:00

I'm not spending money 'til December, 'member? Except for yesterday. Mom and I went to Once Upon A Child to look for some stuff for her house - play pen, high chair, gates, etc. We found a nice play pen. We also found a BEAUTIFUL set of bedding and curtains. Here's the problem: Bumper pads had been on the list of stuff that was exempt from the spending fast. Lately every time I walk into

Saturday

2010-08-21T12:53:00.001-04:00

It's been a great day so far! Haydon had a decent nap this morning, and I was able to catch up on my out-of-control house. As in, I did Thursday's supper dishes. Feels good to be caught up! Yesterday, I finally locked Haydon and I in his room and did some much-needed organizing. There was a huge pile that hadn't been dealt with since we got back from the cottage, 'cause he was sleeping when

Whining

2010-08-20T12:36:00.001-04:00

I'm going to whine. I know my life is not that bad. I'm still going to complain. That kid was up 5 times last night. Yesterday I was hanging onto the fact that he was still napping well. He decided not to today, so I haven't got much left to hang onto. He usually has a good morning nap; he goes down sometime between 7:30-8:30. Maybe 9 if he slept a little later. It was 10:45 today, and

Buying Stuff

2010-08-19T22:33:00.000-04:00

We bought stuff today. Just thought you should know. 2 baby gates (off kijiji), and some gripe water to try to help the Anti-Sleep. And because I'm such a great parent, I left the baby gates leaning against a door frame. And then had to go out, so, I set up the stroller. I carried the stroller past Haydon, who was heading toward the gates and muttered under my breath "Pull those down on

Thankful Thursdays

2010-08-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

I've had a lot on my mind this week. Which job is best? What should I do? But you know what? While I don't love the stress that has come of it, I can't overlook the fact that I am pretty blessed to have choices. I have options. I have a number of opportunities to choose from. So that's what I'm thankful for. I'm thankful that I have choices. I can choose to stay home with my boy. I can

Think on THESE Things

2010-08-18T13:08:00.000-04:00

I'm trying to sort out my life. It's a bit tricky. I've had interviews this week for two different jobs. They each have pros and cons. I haven't been offered either, but am trying to figure out which would be best for us right now. A complicating factor is that the second interview for one is tomorrow, and the manager for the other asked to have a meeting with me this afternoon to "discuss

Waupoos Island

2010-08-17T09:48:00.001-04:00

We had an absolutely lovely vacation. We shared a beautiful cottage on Waupoos Island with St. James' family. It was one lovely week. Waupoos Island is this neat little island in Prince Edward County (I know! Twice in as many weeks! We had scheduled this vacay a long time ago - it was just a fluke that we ended up visiting my parents there a couple of weeks ago). The island is small; it

Home!

2010-08-14T21:44:00.003-04:00

We just got from an absolutely FANTASTIC vacation at a cottage on Waupoos Island with James' family. I was going to write a big long blog post about it and add all kinds of lovely pictures. Except, sorting through all those pictures takes time, and I wanna go to bed. So, instead, here's a peak at my boy, just in case you forgot how cute my kid is. In the wrap on one of our many early

Thankful Thursdays

2010-08-05T12:49:00.002-04:00

There's a reason I refer to my husband as "St." James My man minutes before our wedding. Ok, really, many reasons. Thanks for helping me through school - and letting me finish first! James is WAY better at organizing birthdays and making DELICIOUS cakes. That look nice. My attempts at a cake for him this year looked like a grade two science project. (PS - it looks like that says "29"

The Anti-Sleep

2010-08-04T13:28:00.000-04:00

I haven't complained about sleep yet this week. I have requested a couple of books from the library. (Haydon is currently finger painting with a puddle of puke he just produced. Gross.) That kid just won't nap! Which would be ok, if he would let us sleep at night, but I NEED some sleep at some point! And to make it worse it's not like he appears to be tired. He's ridiculously happy. It's

Hey, Mom

2010-08-04T08:20:00.000-04:00

Came across this great breastfeeding site today, and figured I'd share it since it's World Breastfeeding Week, after all. http://www.breastmilkcounts.com/ My favourite part is the song that plays - it's a cute little ditty, touting all the benefits of nursing. Give it a listen.

Cute

2010-08-03T16:08:00.000-04:00

I was just thinking that I should clean this up and send it back to it's rightful owner since my little man isn't into jumping much anymore. And then I get up and see this. Apparently we've found new ways of enjoying it.

Treat Her Right

2010-08-02T20:04:00.000-04:00

This is HILARIOUS!

:-)

2010-08-01T15:58:00.000-04:00

Life feels good again. FINALLY! I just spent a few days with my family (of origin) in Prince Edward County, and it was lovely. My parents had their RV parked near Picton for the week, and my sister and I drove up on Wednesday to join them for a bit, and that was a good thing! It was just good to be with more people to spread out the baby-care load, and it was good to be away from the chores

Ugh

2010-07-27T18:40:00.000-04:00

This will be long. Just warning you. I'm having a crummy day. But, actually, the day has been fine. That's the problem. It's just me that's off. When James left for work today, he said "Hope your day gets better!", and I thought, like, really...nothing bad has happened. I just feel like, well...you know. When I really think about it, I feel guilty for being in such a bad mood when I have

"O" is for overwhelmed...

2010-07-26T09:54:00.000-04:00

Blast. I have SO much to do right now. In my head is this ridiculous list of "I need to do ____ , and I need to do ____, and____, and____, and...." And Haydon will only sleep for so long, and rather than doing anything about any of it, I am blogging. 'Cause I'm smart like that. There. Breakfast was on the "I need to" list. Just went and made some oatmeal and coffee. (sidenote - he was

Thankful Thursdays

2010-07-22T07:30:00.003-04:00

There is a blogger movement called "Thankful Thursday", and I think I'm gonna hop in the bandwagon. This week I am thankful for grandparents. Both James' parents and my parents have spent some time with Haydon in the past week that has allowed me to go and be more than a mom, and that is a very good thing. On Saturday, I dropped him off with Barb and Tony and went for a stroll down Locke St,

Patticake, Patticake, Baker's Man...

2010-07-21T16:42:00.002-04:00

...bake me a cake as fast as you can! but Mum, I don't know how... These kitchen tools sure are fun though! Bon Appetit!

Lullabies

2010-07-20T23:15:00.000-04:00

The current sanity-maintaining method of sleep-inducing is a loooooooong nurse followed by a looooooong rock, accompanied by lullabies. I tell myself I'm not going anywhere for at least a half hour, so that I'm not tempted to try and put him down before he's in a deep enough sleep, only to be disappointed by the "waaa-aaaa-aAAAAH" when he hits the mattress. I sit down, and close my eyes (eye

For Crying Out Loud

2010-07-19T17:26:00.000-04:00

We've abandoned cry it out. Well, I have. St. James does what he's told. I was willing to try the crying, if it led to sleeping. "The Book" said that after 4 nights, he should slip blissfully off to sleep after a matter of minutes. Well, he didn't. Add to that the fact that I was out every evening last week while the crying experiment was taking place, and I am no longer out every evening

Yum

2010-07-14T17:53:00.000-04:00

Having given it much thoughtful consideration I've decided food's ok.

A Poetic Peak

2010-07-14T17:18:00.001-04:00

a snapshot of my present: drinking iced coffee making supper, looking out at laundry waving

Cry Perchance to Sleep Perchance to Dream

2010-07-13T11:37:00.003-04:00

It's 11:25am. I put Haydon down for a nap shortly after 9:00am. He's still sleeping. Not only has he been napping for almost 2.5 hours, he only got up once last night to eat, around 3:00am, and slept on to 7:00am. I haven't got that much sleep in AGES. Here's the confession... We've started cry it out. The confession that comes with this confession is that the judgmental side of me always

Monday, Monday

2010-07-05T14:41:00.002-04:00

Whew. It's been a while. And a whirlwind. Biggest excitement since I've last posted: a trip to the emergency room, and a gorgeous new baby carrier. A couple of weeks ago, a friend got a new woven wrap. I was already thinking I was ready for a new carrier, as Haydon's getting too heavy to carry on one shoulder in my slings, and our stretchy wrap was too, well, stretchy, for his weight. I

O Canada!

2010-06-30T22:42:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is Canada Day. As I type, I can see some fireworks shooting up from a backyard nearby. Some like to celebrate early, I guess. We're pretty blessed to live in Canada. I am so thankful for universal healthcare, maternity benefits for a full year, and the relative peace that we are able to live in, to name just a few. Did you know that there are more verses to our national anthem than

tick, tick, tick...

2010-06-30T17:07:00.000-04:00

I met with a wonderful woman on Monday to pick her brain about writing, and mom-ing, and "the future." It's good to have access to people who are good examples, and who ask good questions. I was expressing my difficulty with getting things done at home, and she suggested the Pomodoro Technique. Basically, you set a timer, work at a task for 25 minutes, take a 5 minute break, then get back to

Frick

2010-06-21T08:35:00.000-04:00

I just spent WAY TOO LONG typing a ridiculously long post that I managed to delete right before I was about to post it. Grr. The gist was, my last week was crazy busy, despite the fact that I did a hundred-and-one fun and exciting things (like book club, park with friend and babies, niece's dance recital, sew re-usable sanitary pads for girls in Africa, get a haircut, shop with Mom, visit Port

Conversion

2010-06-17T13:08:00.000-04:00

I read these words today, and they resonated with me in light of my recent comparison hang-up. Conversion is going on all the time within us and within the world. The radical change of Christian conversion is also going on within us at all times. While the change of turning toward God may seem like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it is in reality a continual process. We may think that we

Mediocre and Mundane

2010-06-16T09:14:00.000-04:00

So, I have a couple of friends who are pretty fabulous people. They are strong, single women, who have really neat jobs, are involved in really neat and worthwhile causes, take care of themselves really well, and are each incredibly beautiful to boot. I don't see either one of them very often, but have run into both of them in the past month. And after I see them, I feel like crap. Next to

BOOKS!

2010-06-14T13:00:00.001-04:00

So, there's a huge bunch of books for sale at Assembly. I told myself going into it that James and I could each buy one book. And then they had a sale on that was buy four get the fifth free. And then there was a sixth that James really wanted and wasn't too expensive so we bought it too. But separately from our 5 'cause then we wouldn't get one of the more expensive ones free. And then

Catchin' up...stream of consciousness style

2010-06-13T21:38:00.003-04:00

My house is a mess! And I have little desire to do anything about it. We spent the last half of last week at the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec annual assembly. I know, sounds like a blast. It was actually really fun. We drove down late Wednesday night, and checked into our hotel. And king-sized beds are awesome and fun. I may be convinced to actually have Haydon sleep with us

What's with today, today...?

2010-06-09T12:45:00.001-04:00

hehehe...that quote has been in my head for a couple of days. I need to watch that movie. Today is great, actually. The rest of the week has been kind of crummy. Well, I've been feeling kind of crummy, the week itself has been good. Mood is a funny thing. I have no reason to be feeling "down." Life is good, we are so blessed, the circumstances are great. But I have been feeling like junk.

Good Writing is a Good Thing!

2010-06-07T21:20:00.000-04:00

I've just started reading Little Bee by Chris Cleave. And I had to share this quote with you: ...I ask you right here please to agree with me that a scar is never ugly. That is what the scar makers want us to think. But you and I, we must make an agreement to defy them. We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret. Because take it form me, a scar does not form on the

Swimming, swimming in the swimming pool...

2010-06-04T12:01:00.001-04:00

I need to start exercising. I go through these spurts. If I look back on it, June is usually a good time for me and exercise, and this year is no different. So, I decided I need to hit the pool at least three times a week. If I do, I get some sort of mini reward, which is yet to be determined (suggestions are welcome - not food). If I do that for four weeks, at that point I get a bigger

Speaking of Breastfeeding...

2010-06-04T11:50:00.000-04:00

This was on the front page of the Hamilton Spectator today. http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/781722 Can you believe it?! I frequent that McDonald's... I know you're shocked, I frequent a McDonald's. I know it's gross. I just can't help it. The coffee is good, and it's between me and a couple of my friends' houses, so, when I'm walking and it starts to rain or I am running

Breastfeeding Article

2010-06-02T09:27:00.001-04:00

I love breastfeeding. It was a rough go at first. A long, rough go. Poor latch, cracked, bleeding nipples, engorgement, thrush, mastitis...not really a walk in the park. When Haydon was 2 weeks old, I remember putting him down and dreading the fact that he would wake up in two hours and we'd have to do it all over again. My mom looked at us one day and said to me "Ah, isn't nursing just the

Blaaaah

2010-05-25T21:57:00.000-04:00

It's hot. And I really don't have much to say. Home from our weekend of camping, and it was good. Haydon did great, had an awesome weekend, was his usually shiny happy self, and all of his naps and was a wonder baby. And now that we're home and back to his crib...he screamed for over 2 hours before falling asleep. And it's hot. And then my wonder husband got home from work and made me cry.

This day is brought to you by the letter 'P'

2010-05-20T09:57:00.001-04:00

'P' standing for puke, packing and Pitch and Praise. As in, because Haydon's napping, I should really be packing for the weekend, but it's hard to drink my delicious coffee while packing, and it's easy to do it while blogging/reading blogs. We're going with the youth from our church to Pitch and Praise - a weekend camping retreat. I'm not sure if I'm pumped or petrified about going camping

Wondrous Machines

2010-05-18T19:46:00.000-04:00

*sighofcontentment* There is something really great about those moments just after kissing that beautiful boy's head, laying him in his crib, and tip-toeing out of the room. I have a ton of things I'm hoping to get done tonight - laundry on the line to come in, some baking I'd like to do, stuff to put away from shopping today, disgustingly dirty floors to wash. But first, I had a few moments

Magnificent Mondays

2010-05-17T13:38:00.000-04:00

Monday is my favourite day around here, which always feels a little funny, considering most of the world groans over Mondays. James doesn't work until 1:00 on Monday afternoons. So Mondays have become this beautiful time of resting and connecting and preparing for the week ahead. Sure, weekends are great, but they are often filled with outings and errands and visiting, all of which are good,

It's a Dog's Life

2010-05-16T17:49:00.002-04:00

Remember that dog we have? Yeah, that one. That great big hairy lug of a lovely dog. I really love Charlie. Buuuuuut...Lately I have been finding I'm not up to being a dog owner. He doesn't get walked. He doesn't get brushed. He doesn't even really get a belly scratch now and then. He does get yelled at when he's underfoot, which is almost all the time because he's huge and he's not

I Heart Hamilton

2010-05-14T10:36:00.001-04:00

There is SO much to do in this fine city this evening. Let me tell you about a couple of the things I'd like to be a part of... 1)True City:InConcert TrueCity is a movement of churches in the Hamilton area committed to living out the good news of peace, justice, mercy, and reconciliation we have in Jesus. We believe that as we do, we will see our neighbourhoods and our city transformed