easier the second time around

I'm going to venture to say that Phoebe is potty trained. She at least understands the concept. And When we are at home all day she in completely diaper free. I'm not sure hoe much of this has to do with her being a girl. ( a lot of people say girls are easier to potty train) Or if wanting to do everything her brother does is playing a big part in the progress. Either way we are pretty excited.

my apologies

For the terrible hiatus. I have been quite busy reorganizing life as it has been.
I am contemplating a return with lots of new information to share.

happy first birthday baby

we got married

Five years ago today that is. It seems like yesterday that we said our vows, yet I feel like I've known Joel forever.

We celebrated by cleaning house. (oddly satisfying), and dining out at one of our favourite eateries. God is so good, and blesses us beyond belief. It really was a wonderful day and my life is wonderful as your wife honey. I love you. Here's to spending a zillion more years together.

xoxo

last minute,

I finished! With little to no time to spare. I had this idea to make a toy mouse for Phoebe. I had seen one in a catalog online, and almost bought it but thought it would be so much cuter handmade. I think I was right. Even with all its crazy stitching, and lopsidedness. I stuffed a bell inside for added jingling, and filled it with old plastic shopping bags needing to be recycled. This lil' gal with definitely be getting some friends just like her real soon. For now, she is waiting in Phoebe's stocking to get some kitty hugging.

I hope you all found the time and will to finish all you last minute preparations. Merry Christmas, and may you all enjoy this awesome season given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ!

Christmas cookies

We made these little chocolate chip buttoned gingerbread men today. Even though I don't like gingerbread. And these cute little reindeer are from none other than starbucks. Courtesy of my father. Truly it is the sweetest season.

things

This is what it looked like outside yesterday afternoon. Perfectly sticky and white.
Unfortunately it didn't stay very long, and it was too wet to play in any way. Fine for us drivers, but a little difficult to explain to two and a half year olds who are just catching on to the magic.
I am just about done with my Christmas shopping. I had high hopes of hand making every one on my list something special. But it did not exactly work out that way.

We have been reading a wonderful collection of Advent readings compiled by the many pastors of our churches. It has been such a blessing to our family so far! We are learning and enjoying as we acknowledge the real meaning behind this blessed Holiday.

The rest of the week I will continue to detox the toy stash, and me and the kitties will be baking cookies galore! I'll be back with photos of the fun, and finished packages.

:)

Christmas is coming,

The goose is getting fat, put another penny in the old man's hat. I sing this sometimes. At random intervals during the day. And dear little Sammy has started to sing it too. I sound ridiculous, he's just cute.

I knit myself a hat from some super chunky yarn I had bought last year. It came out cute, and I've been wearing it all weekend, inside and out. But after seeing this, I realize I did not make what I should have made, and now I need to find some more yarn. But Since I have an overflowing stash this should not pose a problem.

Whilst browsing I stumbled upon this. Since I use skype about 4 times a week, it made its way right onto my amazon wishlist via that sturdy little button they give you for free. The button is right there on my toolbar, and did I mention it's free?! Brilliant.

na na na na na, na na na na na

Isn't this cutie

As seen on ohdeeoh.