nesting simply

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

One!

2010-06-25T08:39:00.001-07:00

My little miss Stella turned one yesterday! At this moment, she loves putting on shoes, being outdoors, baby dolls, and hugs and kisses. She is such a little girl.

It's amazing to sit and think about this last year and all of the challenges we faced. There were little rocky times when I questioned my ability to be a good mother and there were moments of guilt when I realized that Jeremy and I can't do this all on our own. And there were tears. Oh my, lots and lots of tears. But, the year was also filled with moments of pure love and joy and little pockets of time that I would've loved to lock away and replay again and again, whenever I wanted. There were moments when I wished the girls would just stop growing and stay little forever, and moments of absolute happiness and even a few moments of calm. Watching them laugh and grow together just makes all those challenges so worth it. I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am, how happy and how in love I am with these girls. If you are a parent - you get it.

We celebrated Stella's day with a picnic at the spray park. It was hard to get a picture of Odessa standing still. I think she was running the entire time.

Stella is getting quite brave now. Before she would just sit by my side and be content watching things happening around her. Now that she is walking, she wants to be right in there.

Jeremy and I, along with the help of family and friends, purchased this beautiful, wooden kitchen for Stella's first birthday. It was important to me to have something made of wood, as opposed to plastic, and something that would spark a lot of imaginative play. Of course, it is for both of them to use, and, so far, it has been a huge hit.

I made them each their own matching apron and oven mitt to go along with it.

Happy Birthday my little one!

{THIS MOMENT}

2010-06-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Posting a special moment along with soulemama :

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

{this moment}

2010-06-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

Posting a special moment along with soulemama :

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Lake

2010-06-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Nice weather means lots and lots of day trips to the lake. Seriously, one of my all time favourite things to do. That, and camping....do we dare?

Crossroads

2010-06-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

Where have I been these past two (!) months? Watching these little girls grow, and grow, and grow some more. There has been a lot of knitting/quilting/crocheting as well. Time is flying and I am trying to enjoy every minute.

I have also been at a crossroads lately. My maternity leave was up last month and I had been dreading it since January. Just because I had no idea what I wanted to do. Part of me wanted to stay home with the girls. However, amongst the dreams of being a homemaker, there is still a dream of going back to school and obtaining a career. So back and forth and back and forth I would go with my decision. Anyways, it's back to school I go and I am starting to feel really good about it. I am so grateful to live in a time and place where I am able to make this choice. Both girls love their dayhome (which happens to be Grandma's house) and I really think it is the best decision for our family. Seriously, what would we do without Grandmas?

Until school starts up in September, I am going to be busy:

planning and growing our vegetable garden

exploring

trying to enjoy spring snowfalls

picnicking

making our daily smoothies

and watching this little baby

become a little girl

Recent Vintage Finds

2010-04-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Gosh, have I been lucky when it comes to thrifting lately! We make our way to thrift stores whenever we are in need of new clothes, furniture, and kitchen items. Jeremy and I have always felt it is important to reuse old items instead of immediately purchasing new ones. What better way to recycle!

Odessa recently moved into a twin bed. I found the headboard at Value Village and just painted it white (the footboard matches), and the little bedside table is from the Old Strathcona Antique Mall

Very sweet little dresses. I think they are meant to be pj's, but my girls will be wearing these all summer. They are so light and airy.

I thought this mirror was just gorgeous, and it fits so nicely in the front entrance.

Vintage buttons. I can sit with Odessa for a long time picking out our favourite ones, separating big and littles, and so on. Seriously, buttons make great "un-toys" (under supervision, of course)

I thought this tea pot coaster (is that what they are called?) was so cute, and the colours are perfect!

Easter

2010-04-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome Easter/celebration of Spring. The wonderful company helped a lot, as did the beautiful weather. Odessa enjoyed her first Easter egg hunt and Stella was right in there too. She almost had her first taste of chocolate. We found her with a suspicious look on her face and a little foil egg in her mouth. Although we are still in that awkward phase of spring; the closet full of both winter jackets and sweaters, winter boots and sandals, I am so grateful for the longer days. It is so nice to be able to go for a walk after supper, to open the windows, and not have to worry about where the scarves and hats and mittens are (we are constantly misplacing all those little mittens). Love this time of year!

I made the girls these little bunnies that I found here. So simple. So cute. I used an organic cotton bed sheet we weren't using for the head and legs and the rest of the bed sheet for the stuffing. The bodies are just from the scrap basket.

My sister and I tell my mom she HAS to make this Easter bread every year.

It's tradition.

Love Easter lilies

This picture was taken just before Odessa yanked the basket away and said "No Stella, you'll choke!!"

Granny Squares

2010-03-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

I had mentioned back in January that I would love to learn how to make these. I fact, it was a new years resolution of mine to learn how to crochet. After lots (and lots) of practice, I think I've got it down. These little granny squares are actually really fun to make. Thanks to Alicia, there is a very precise, easy to follow pattern available here. But be careful, it is addicting...

I love how the pattern uses all different colours, however, the afghan is for Stella and it didn't seem quite"her". I'm making them all peach, pink, purple, and grey.

Only 73 more squares to go.....

My Morning View

2010-03-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

I'm lucky to have entertainment with my morning coffee.

Something New

2010-02-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

Just a peek at what I've been working on. I wanted to put together something bright and cheery for when summer rolls around. We will need a summery quilt for all the picnics in the park I've been dreaming about. Although it has been pretty nice in these parts lately, our picnics are still confined to the kitchen floor.

First Giveaway Winners!

2010-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your kind words! I truly appreciate every one of them. I am looking forward to keeping up on the blogs and websites that some of you posted, and finding inspiration in your work.

Time to announce the winners...

The handmade Amy Butler bag goes to Mean Green Mom

and the Thimble Blossoms quilt pattern goes to Crazy Creek Creations

First Giveaway!

2010-02-10T14:04:00.001-08:00

I am very excited to announce my first (and second) giveaways to celebrate Valentine's Day! All you need to do is leave a comment in this post by Sunday, February 14 at 10pm. I will randomly pick two winners (one for each item) and announce them on Monday morning. Say anything you want and/or leave a link to your blog. Easy!

The first item is a handmade Amy Butler Birdie Sling. I used fabric from both her Midwest Modern line as well as the Daisy Chain line. I really like this bag - it reminds me of spring time and farmer's markets. Two things I am looking forward to so very much...

The second item is the Red Velvet quilt pattern from Thimble Blossoms. Lots more patterns from Thimble Blossoms available in the store!

Odessa's Birthday

2010-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Well, she has now officially entered the terrible two's and I couldn't be more proud! We had such a wonderful little party to celebrate and I think she had a great time (except when we sang happy birthday - she made it clear she doesn't like that). Although our living quarters are a little cramped, we are so grateful we were able to have most of our friends and family together at one time. It was a special birthday weekend for our big girl.

Odessa helped me make the birthday banner. I'm hoping we can bring it out every birthday for years to come.

Yes, there are two photos of the cupcakes. They were very, very good.

Already trying on one of the many dresses. If you know Odessa, pants are not an option these days!

*************

I finished her birthday quilt just in the nick of time! I haven't been writing here lately because this is where all my free time has been spent the past two weeks. It is such an amazing feeling, finishing a quilt. Such a sense of accomplishment, and there is excitement to start something new.

I had it professionally quilted by a very talented man who works out of his home studio in Edmonton. He did such a wonderful job and I was so excited to find man who quilts! So amazing! I will definitely be going back.

Odessa loves it and I am very happy with it.

you blink, and they're two

2010-01-19T22:29:00.000-08:00

It's coming. Odessa's second birthday is just next week and I'm starting to feel that gentle tug of emotions. I realize I'm acting as if I've gone through this numerous times before; celebrating your child's birthday, but I remember this exact same feeling creeping up on me this time, last year. I thought it was just because it was her first birthday. But no, here it is again.

It's hard to describe. It's happiness, joy, love, excitement, proudness and yet a little bit of sadness. Sadness only because she is growing so very quickly. Before I was a parent, I heard about how fast kids will grow, and to tell you the truth, I didn't quite believe it. Well, turns out it's true. Very true.

I'm trying to start a tradition of writing my kids a letter on their birthday every year in a very special card. I found Odessa's, this year, over at Sarah Jane Studios. I think it is very appropriate.

Favorite Photo Friday

2010-01-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

Bread

2010-01-08T12:33:00.001-08:00

We are trying to bake bread around here on a regular basis now (another new years resolution of mine), and Odessa insists on helping. I can't tell you how much I enjoy this time together. Of course, it can be a little tiresome; baking with a toddler. I'm constantly saying "don't eat that" and "please don't throw flour on the baby", but she really seems to enjoy it too. It always reminds me of baking with my mom. I remember her teaching me how to knead bread, level flour, and separate eggs - and I love thinking about it when I am showing Odessa the same things. I'm really hoping she loves baking as much as I did, and still do.

By the way - our bread bears turned out wonderfully!

Christmas Presents

2010-01-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was probably one of my all time favourite. I think it is because I now have a toddler that is so excited about...well, everything. It really inspired me to make the holidays as bright as I could. I tried to make all our Christmas gifts this year, as many that time would allow, and included Odessa in the making process where I could. Stella was there helping too, although, I think she will get more out of it next year.

Instead of her toys, Odessa played with breakable Christmas ornaments. I would hang them up high, and she would figure out how to get them down. I can't tell you how many times I said the words "put it back" and how many times she responded "no, mommy".

Stella really does like Christmas - just not hats.

So, so much icing was consumed in this gingerbread making session.

I started gathering Christmas recipes this year, something I have never done before. I am pleased to tell you that this will be made every year from now on.

I made this for my mom - I call it a "knitting needle roll-up". Great for storing all her knitting needles and crochet hooks.

This bag was sewn for my sister. It is an Amy Butler pattern which I love. I'm thinking about making one for myself as well.

lots and lots of chopped ginger to make...

lots and lots of this!

Small loaves of gingerbread were given to family and friends.

New Years Resolution #1

2010-01-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

I really want to learn how to do this.

I'll keep you posted....

Welcome, New Year

2010-01-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

Today, we are welcoming the New Year. Although, because of the little ones, we weren't able to stay out too late last night, I still found it exciting and, of course, special. We gathered with family for a big dinner and shared laughs. Even though all the fun and excitement of the holidays seem to come to an end on New Years Eve, I like how it still feels like something wonderful is beginning.

Wishing you and yours a very happy year.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-12-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

getting ready...

2009-12-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

Little bit of a break there. We were all dealing with sicknesses and have been busy getting ready for the holidays. I am happy to say that gifts have been made, baking is done (almost), cards have been sent - and there is still a whole week left! I have never been this organized at Christmas time, and it actually kind of amazes me. I am excited to show you what I have been sewing/knitting/baking, however, it will have to wait until after Christmas since they are gifts for people who stop by here on occasion.

I hope every one is slowing down and remembering to enjoy the little things at this hectic time of year. Easier said then done, I know...but it's worth it.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-11-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of Jeremy and Odessa so much. Although raising little ones is downright hard work - these little moments make it oh so worth it.

Alpaca Farm

2009-11-17T21:02:00.000-08:00

We headed out to the Alberta Rose Alpaca Farm early Sunday morning to visit with the animals and check out the yarn and knitted items they had for sale. It was such a great morning! Odessa and Stella enjoyed watching the animals...at a safe distance, of course (apparently, they spit!). The alpacas are very, very cute, and they all had names - all fifty of them!

I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the yarn they had for sale. I came away with a 100g hank of 100%, undyed alpaca yarn.

My mom also bought me this beautiful scarf which is so soft and very warm.

This kinda makes me wish I could keep some alpacas in our backyard. They would like that, right?

Birthday Quilt

2009-11-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Our family decided to give only handmade gifts to each other on our birthdays, so this will be my gift for Odessa. I wanted to give myself lots of time since Christmas falls right in between then and now, so I got started on it this weekend. I had purchased this fabric a while ago and was saving it to make something extra special, and I found the perfect pattern in a quilt book my grandmother gave me from the '70s. The color combination and prints remind me so much of Odessa; very fun and cheerful, yet delicate. I've decided I'm going to have to get it professionally quilted though, since I don't think my sewing machine can handle one this size.

Odessa always gets excited when she sees a quilt now. She likes to sit on my lap while I'm using the sewing machine and "help". This "helping" usually lasts for about four minutes and then she gets all squirmy and wants to get down, but it is really sweet.

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-04T09:55:00.001-08:00

Hope you all had a happy Halloween!

We sure did!

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-10-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

One of the last pictures taken of Odessa and her beloved soother. It has been a week and a half without it now, and my little girl is getting along just fine. She even threw them in the garbage all by herself. Were there tears? Yes. Was it hard to get her to sleep most nights? Absolutely. Am I just a little sad she is no longer a baby? Of course.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-10-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Good Day

2009-10-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Since I have tried on numerous occasions to knit a pair of baby booties for Stella, and failed miserably, I decided to turn to the internet. I really wanted a pair for her before she gets too big for booties, and handmade is preferable, so I came across Mama Rosa's Knits. Mama Rosa uses all natural fiber blends and has lots of really adorable things to choose from. She also takes custom orders. Exactly what I was looking for!

They arrived yesterday and are perfect! I love the colors.

We recently switched Odessa from the crib to a toddler bed. To make the transition a little easier, her baby now sleeps in a bed as well. So, of course, she needs a quilt! I had been wanting to make one for that little bed for a while now, and finally got around to it yesterday. Great project for using up scraps. Odessa was even able to help - by help, I mean picking up all the little scraps and stuffing them into the pillow.

It was a good day.

Online Quilt Festival

2009-10-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

I came across this great idea today! Park City Girl is having a quilt festival...online! I have to write a post about one of my quilts and then I could win stuff! Sounds pretty great to me.

Here it is! My first finished quilt. I love it and all its flaws. I actually made this in a beginner quilting class about a year ago. Up until that point, I had only been piecing together quilt tops, because I had no idea how to finish them. This quilt has made its home on our rocking chair in the living room. Because the living room is where most of our time is spent, it really does get used a lot. In fact, I'm glad I came across this quilt festival when I did instead of two days ago, when it was covered in baby spit up. It just came off the clothes line today; fresh and clean and ready to have its picture taken.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-10-09T11:48:00.001-07:00

Living Simply with Children

2009-10-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

"Simplicity and childhood are natural counterparts. Left to their own devices, children lead down-to-earth, uncomplicated, genuine lives"

- Marie Sherlock

I am enjoying this book so very much right now. Written by a "simple living" advocate, and mother of two, it has given me some more wonderful ideas when it comes to living simply. It's amazing how having children changes your beliefs. It makes you more aware of your surroundings, it transforms your values, and children help you to see the little things. Ever since Odessa was born last year, we have slowly been trying to live "simpler", not only for us, but the environment. To name a few; we now buy used clothing whenever possible, use a library card (a LOT), become more aware of where we are spending our money, and have been using household products for cleaning. This book has just helped me to refocus and to realize, even more, what matters most in families.

The first part of the book explains why kids/families need important rituals, less "stuff", and less exposure to corporate America. The second part of the book goes on to explain how to follow through and raise environmentally conscious children. There is also a good portion dedicated to helping kids with peer pressure. Very useful information for any family wanting to simplify.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-10-02T09:17:00.001-07:00

"I love you, mommy"

2009-10-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

Odessa said "I love you, mommy" for the first time today. I couldn't be happier.

looking up

2009-09-28T20:29:00.000-07:00

Last week was long and tiring. It felt like there was no time to be creative, as both kids were sick with colds. Helping them feel more comfortable was my number one priority. On top of that, there were plumbing issues to be fixed, a run-in with a moose, and what felt like mountains of laundry to be done (I had fallen a little behind). But, it's the beginning of a new week, and everyone is safe and getting healthy and has clean clothes once again. Time to start enjoying autumn.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-09-18T19:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday little Pukster!

Good Idea

2009-09-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

I found these on the internet and thought it was such a good idea, so I made some up today while the kids were napping. They're great for little ones who can't seem to stop eating Cheerios. I do buy the little plastic sandwich bags for dry snacks in the car and on the go, and although I do reuse them, I thought this would be a better option. They are washable, cute and better for the environment. What more could a mom ask for?

(If any moms out there want me to make up a couple for them, just let me know!)

Peach Orange Conserve

2009-09-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Not only is this delicious, it makes your house smell amazing while it is gently simmering away. It is so simple, except maybe the peach peeling part - but it is well worth it!

Peach Orange Conserve

2 oranges, unpeeled

1 tbsp coarsely grated lemon rind

3/4 cup water

8 cups coarsely chopped peeled peaches

6 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 stick cinnamon

3/4 cup slivered blanched almonds

After scrubbing oranges, slice thinly and coarsely chop, discarding any seeds. In small saucepan, bring oranges, lemon rind and water to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.

In large Dutch oven, combine orange mixture, peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 55 minutes. Stir in almonds; cook for 5 minutes or until setting point is reached. Remove cinnamon.

Remove from heat; skim off any foam. Pour into prepared canning jars, leaving 5mm headspace. Process in boiling water canner for 10 minutes.

Beach Day

2009-09-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning we packed up our things and headed out to the beach. Since it was a Monday, we were all by ourselves most of the time. We spent the day searching for frogs and fish and watching birds. What a beautiful day in September.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-09-11T14:40:00.001-07:00

makeup

2009-09-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

When Odessa was about thirteen months old, she found my purse on the floor, opened my makeup bag, and held the eye lash curler up to her eyes. This was a huge changing point for me. No thirteen month old should know what to do with an eye lash curler. Don't get me wrong, it was adorable, but I realized then that I don't want my girls introduced to makeup. Not at all (wishful thinking, I know), but especially at such a young age. It was overwhelming to think that I, as their mother, will play such a huge role in the way they feel about themselves and their bodies. I decided at that point, the makeup had to go. Both for me, and my girls.

I don't want them growing up feeling like women need makeup to be beautiful. The little bit of makeup I owned went in the garbage that day and I felt better. If they want to wear it when we feel they are old enough, I'll let them. But, as their role model, I want them to know it's not necessary.

Saturday

2009-09-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday really was a perfect day. Both babies napped for four hours...at the same time! I couldn't believe it. It was so nice to get some cleaning/relaxing/baking/knitting in during the day. Usually, I have to wait until the evening, and chances are, I don't feel like doing anything at that point.

The apple raspberry pie turned out beautifully. Trust me, if the kids hadn't been sleeping, it would've been a lot darker...and crispier...

Odessa enjoyed some good play time in the garden.

In the evening we headed over to my grandparents house for a wonderful meal cooked over a fire. It was such a nice night, and because of the long nap mentioned earlier, both babies were in wonderful moods.

We ate and talked and laughed.

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-09-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

"wash dishes!"

2009-09-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

I'm really hoping this girls' love for dish washing continues well into her teenage years.

Zucchini Day

2009-09-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to say that I can grow zucchini! Now that I know I can grow them, I need to find things to make. After flipping through a few cookbooks yesterday, I came across recipes for chocolate zucchini loaves and zucchini pepper relish. Perfect!

The relish turned out very nicely. I would definitely make it again. And, out of the two loaves I made, only one remains. Needless to say, it was a good zucchini day.

Material Obsession

2009-08-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

Lots of inspiration here. Material Obsession: Modern Quilts with Traditional Roots is what I look to when I'm feeling, well...uninspired. If I didn't enjoy quilting so much, I know I would still love flipping through these pages. The pictures are just beautiful and the colors are amazing.

My queen sized quilt has been coming along quite nicely, thanks to this book. Hopefully I'll have some pictures soon...

Favorite Photo Friday

2009-08-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Crayons

2009-08-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

We love coloring around here. It is one of the few things that keeps Odessa preoccupied for more than five minutes at a time. She especially likes it when we sit down and draw with her. Unfortunately, she cannot use a crayon unless the paper has been completely ripped off. Needless to say. . . I am finding crayon paper everywhere. As long as it keeps her busy and creative, I really don't mind.

Handmade Home

2009-08-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how excited I am to own a copy of Handmade Home by Amanda Blake Soule. I have been following her blog for quite sometime now and she truly is an inspiration. Each morning, after the girls have gone down for their naps, I sit down briefly in front of the computer with a cup of earl grey tea and read her lovely words and admire the photos. She has some wonderful ideas when it comes to reusing materials around the home and preserving that special bond we have with our families. I always come away in awe, not only because her words are uplifting and her projects are wonderful, but she manages to create and inspire with four young children.

I'm really looking forward to making Odessa the sweet little pillowcase dress, as long as summer decides to stick around a little bit longer...

Summer

2009-08-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

new friends

new love

new experiences

new vegetables

new smiles

new places

nesting simply

Happy Canada Day!

One!

{THIS MOMENT}

Posting a special moment along with soulemama :{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

{this moment}

Lake

Crossroads

Recent Vintage Finds

Easter

Granny Squares

My Morning View

Something New

First Giveaway Winners!

First Giveaway!

Odessa's Birthday

you blink, and they're two

Favorite Photo Friday

Bread

Christmas Presents

New Years Resolution #1

Welcome, New Year

Favorite Photo Friday

getting ready...

Favorite Photo Friday

Alpaca Farm

Birthday Quilt

Happy Halloween!

Favorite Photo Friday

Favorite Photo Friday

Good Day

Online Quilt Festival

Favorite Photo Friday

Living Simply with Children

Favorite Photo Friday

"I love you, mommy"

looking up

Favorite Photo Friday

Good Idea

Peach Orange Conserve

Beach Day

Favorite Photo Friday

makeup

Saturday

Favorite Photo Friday

"wash dishes!"

Zucchini Day

Material Obsession

Favorite Photo Friday

Crayons

Handmade Home

Summer

Posting a special moment along with soulemama :

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.