simply nice

sometime soon

2008-02-07T09:47:00.000-05:00

I am sad to say that I will not be posting for now ~ at least until I am feeling much better.

I do not have any energy and likely won't until after my final treatment which I think will be sometime the end of March or beginning of April. Then the thyroid hormones need to be adjusted and that can take some time to figure out.

In the meantime I will be experiencing the symptoms of an underactive thyroid which in my case means I am fighting exhaustion every day. I can barely keep up with the children, so all the extra activities are on hold for now and I am finding it too hard to find the energy to blog.

I am not shutting my blog down permanently as one day I might come back, so I am not saying a final good bye just yet! I hope to see you sometime in the next month or so when I will begin to visit your blogs again as I get my energy back.

Thank you everyone for all of your good wishes, prayers and encouragement!

ally

mountains

2008-01-25T10:11:00.000-05:00

So often it seems that life is only made up of things to worry about. Life
has many disappointments for all of us ... death, illnesses, betrayals,
tragedies, and feelings of worthlessness and despair. Sometimes life can
seem so very grim, and so many times we tend to wallow in pools of
self-pity.

I would just like to say again ... I believe that our time here on earth
gives us the opportunity to grow spiritually. We can experience much
personal growth because of all the suffering, worries, and difficulties we
have to go through during our mortal lives. It is God's way of fine-tuning
us so we become more compassionate, more caring, more loving, and more
aware of others' pain. After all, how could we ever dry the tears of
others if we had never cried ourselves?

We all find ourselves in the valley of despair sometimes. It may sometimes
seem that we are forever worrying, learning lessons, suffering pain, and
facing challenges. But we must try to remember that the fertilizer that
helps us "grow" is in those valleys, not on the mountain tops.

During the times that we feel scared and confused, we will always end up
wiser and we will grow more from the experiences. We will understand more
about people and life, become more sensitive, and we'll be able to enjoy
life more after we go through the hard times.

We have to experience sadness so that we may better measure joy. Life has
a way of balancing the sorrow with the joy, the disappointments with the
hope, and the emptiness with the meaning.

mountains of love
author unknown

I would like to add that I have had so much love sent to me through all of you and it really has help me out a lot!
There is still good in the world, kind people and true friends.
Many of you do not even know me but you all sent your love and healing powers to me. I am truly blessed.
Thank you so much!
ally

I have not been blogging because I am still feeling really tired. I have been thinking of all of you and hope to start visiting again soon.

back

2008-01-01T14:18:00.001-05:00

I'M BACK!

That's me off to my husband's X-mas party.
This was a week before the surgery.
This picture is one my Mom put together for me...
it made me smile!

This is the scar from my surgery.... not so bad!

This was taken one week after the surgery.

It will be gone by next year.

Yeah! I got to be home for Christmas!

A quick THANK YOU! to all of you who sent your love in this really scary moment and your prayers which helped me through and continue to help me heal!
Thank you for all the lovely cards that reminded me to stay positive.

Going through this has made me see things in a different light...my life is on a new road and I love it!

I am slowly getting around to visit you all again.

Wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Thank you all again!

Cheers,
ally

An Ally Update...

2007-12-20T18:06:00.000-05:00

This is Ally's Mom just letting everyone know that her surgery is now over and she is fine.

The surgeon was very pleased with the outcome of the surgery and Ally's progress. The entire thyroid has now been removed but there will be a follow-up treatment after to ensure that all the bad cells are dead and won't cause any more problem.

One of the side effects of this surgery is fluctuations in calcium, B12 as well as thyroid hormone levels. Ally is being given supplements now to get these back into the normal range. Once that is stabilized and the surgeon feels she has recovered sufficiently from the surgery, she will be able to come home from the hospital ~ it may be as early as Friday if things continue to go smoothly.

I am sure she will be looking forward to visiting you all again as soon as she is able!

a break

2007-12-08T08:34:00.001-05:00

I will be taking a break from blogging for a few weeks I has just been diagnosed with a malignant thyroid and will be having surgery to remove the thyroid on the 19th.
I am really scared but I know everything will be OK!

My Mom has been by my side from day one this has been a great help to me.
She has come with me to all the appointments and the most recent one on December 6 was the day we found out that it was cancer, my Mom listened, I cried.

My Mom has been super strong through this... I am a very emotional person, she knows this so she has been keeping it all in... knowing this does make me sad.
My Dad has been there for her also her friends!

I am doing much better now and I am just a bit scared of the surgery.

My husband and children are doing fine, we have not told the kids yet but will the week of the surgery.

My sister is doing OK... she is a bit scared (as we all are) but trying not to show it. She will be coming down on the day of the surgery to help out with the kids.

My husband's parent will also be helping out with the kids.

All my family is showing me great support!

I have turned the comments off - I know you will be thinking of me and my family.

a moment

2007-11-17T09:09:00.000-05:00

Please take a moment in your day to watch
Sabrina's story.

Learn, educate yourself or others and be aware!

If you are not familiar with the story behind Sabrina's
Law, please watch this amazing documentary.
It's a story that you will never, ever forget.

http://www.canada.com/globaltv/globalshows/globalcurrents/video.html

Thank you Sara Shannon for having the strength
to help all the other families who have
children with allergies!
You and your family are always in my thoughts and heart!

some fun

2007-11-15T21:22:00.000-05:00

Cool art that will mess with your head!

How many horses in this picture? You should find 7.
I found 5.

Look at the middle column.
Where does it end?

Do you see four people?

Who is the tallest?

A face? . Or, the word 'liar' ?

What do you see here?
Do you see the word "LIFT"?
Or, a bunch of black splotches ?

GIRLS ARE ABLE TO SPOT THE WORD "LIFT" EASILY.
MEN FIND IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE WORD "LIFT"!!!

I found all of them right away.

good news bad news

2007-11-13T18:38:00.001-05:00

Recently, my doctor discovered that I had two lumps; one in my breast and the other in my thyroid.
I have had a number of ultrasounds done on both, as well as a number of other tests ( blood, etc.) ... it was time to go see a specialist.

After three months of waiting, I finally had my appointment today. Thankfully, my Mom was by my side to keep me confident and be my second set of ears.
I have major anxiety about medical issues and can not focus on all the things they said to me. I always focus on the worst scenario presented, whether it is about me or not and that is all I hear.

Thank you Mom for being there!

Good news.

The doctor (a very nice man) dismissed the lump in my breast. He said that it would be something to watch, but not to worry about.

Bad news.

The thyroid has a lump and a biopsy had to be taken, which was done today.
There's nothing like starting your morning off with a huge needle in your throat.
I will have the test results back in three weeks.

I will likely have to have the lump removed. It will be sent to pathology and if it comes back showing anything... like cancer, then he will do a second surgery and remove the thyroid.

Scary....YES... but I have my family behind me, and they are holding me up.
I told my Mom today this is really hard for me to deal with because I am a MOM.

Life is precious... tell your children, family and friends that you love them every chance you have!
Hugs and kisses are a must!
If you come home late and your children are in bed sleeping, go in and kiss them and let them know you love them even if it is just a whisper.
Let your partner know that you love them... you care and you are there.
We all forget that the little things are important. In a long term relation we dismiss a lot of the little things. They are as important now as they were on that first date!
Love to live.
Live to love.
Live for love.
Be happy.
Most of all FORGIVE & TRULY FORGET!!!

Thank you for reading my post today!
Remember to have your yearly check ups!

I will be taking a few days off of blogging.

halloween

2007-11-01T16:22:00.001-04:00

50 cupcakes for the school party.

Blue monsters and green one eyes.

Of course they had to be different ghouls for school.

Skeleton.

Mickey Mouse.

Fire Pixie.

A skeleton waiting for you at the door.

RATS!

Little rat nibbling an eyeball.

Scary Clown.

This ghost moves and waves it arms, it also moans.

The spiders are coming!

EEEEEEEE!

Mother with her hatching babies.

Mr. Bones showing off his eyeball necklace.

Scary guy holding his beheaded wife's dress.

BIG SKULL! baby pumpkin.

Oh my it is the DEVIL!

Scary old man coming to get you!

I hope everyone had a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

costumes

2007-10-28T16:36:00.000-04:00

Here are the Halloween costumes the kids wore to the party today.

Fairy Princess

Princess Tiger Lily (from Peter Pan)

Cutie

Flaming Skull Pirate

Scary

Baby Dracula

This is me as a Scary Clown

Below is the little one dressing himself in a Devil costume he got in his loot bag.
Blow it up... don't you love where he decided the tail should go.
HE HE this made me laugh so hard!

Funny Boy... if only he knew the comedy of this.

Below are the cupcakes I made for the party.

monster cakes

2007-10-27T19:55:00.002-04:00

We are going to a Halloween Birthday Party tomorrow.
This is what I am bringing... MONSTER CAKES!

Werewolves.

Purple One Eyed Monsters.

Brains with a Brain Monsters.

Big Eye to Little Eye Monsters.

Sweet but Funny BIG nose Greenies.

Yep that's my nose!

The Gang!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Tomorrow the costumes...
DU...DU...DA!

deadly allergies

2007-10-19T19:51:00.000-04:00

Intolerances can be remarkably unpleasant.

Allergies can be deadly.

Today's post is going to be about the severity of allergies.

My oldest daughter has life threatening allergies to milk/dairy products, peas, beans and all legumes.

I am focusing on the milk today because that is the one that she comes in contact with on a daily bases... at school, parties, restaurants, etc.

Milk is in almost everything!

If she ate the other items her reaction would be just as deadly.

It is so easy for someone with allergies to be in a life and death situation!

Today we were in the hospital all morning and afternoon because my daughter had a cookie... not knowing it had whey powder in it.

She is only six and knows not to eat anything with out checking with us first. But in this case she had had this cookie before and the label was not checked first.
Me being me I picked up the package and read it, I noticed that now it had whey powder in it, but it was too late. She had eaten it all.

Manufacturers can and do change recipes all the time... sometimes on a month to month basis without warning.

She is OK now, but she was a very sick little girl.

Some people thing that I am crazy when I tell them that she is allergic to milk... no she is not lactose intolerance... really she has a life threatening allergy to milk.
They smile and roll there eyes thinking I am just over reacting.

It is not a joke and it is very serious!

To read more and the severity of allergies you can read the story of Sabrina.
This is a very sad and tragic story... I cried for hours, it scared me!

http://www.nask.ca/pressrelease.html
http://www.cbc.ca/outfront/webfeatures/sabrina/sab_shell.html
http://www.allergicliving.com/features.asp?copy_id=104

Milk - One of the nine most common food allergens

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions are severe adverse reactions that occur when the body's immune system overreacts to a particular allergen. These reactions may be caused by food, insect stings, latex, medications and other substances. In Canada, the nine priority food allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk, eggs, seafood (fish, crustaceans and shellfish), soy, wheat and sulphites (a food additive).

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?

When someone comes in contact with an allergen, the symptoms of a reaction may develop quickly and rapidly progress from mild to severe. The most severe form of an allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure or shock, which may result in loss of consciousness and even death. A person experiencing an allergic reaction may have any of the following symptoms:

Flushed face, hives or a rash, red and itchy skin
Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat and tongue
Trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing
Anxiety, distress, faintness, paleness, sense of doom, weakness
Cramps, diarrhea, vomiting
A drop in blood pressure, rapid heart beat, loss of consciousness

How are food allergies and severe allergic reactions treated?

Currently there is no cure for food allergies. The only option is complete avoidance of the specific allergen. Appropriate emergency treatment for anaphylaxis (a severe food allergy reaction) includes an injection of adrenaline, which is available in an auto-injector device. Adrenaline must be administered as soon as symptoms of a severe allergic reaction appear. The injection must be followed by further treatment and observation in a hospital emergency room. If your allergist has diagnosed you with a food allergy and prescribed adrenaline, carry it with you all the time and know how to use it. Follow your allergist's advice on how to use an auto-injector device.

What is the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance?

When someone has a milk allergy his/her immune system has an abnormal reaction to milk proteins, which may be life-threatening. When a person is lactose intolerant, his/her body does not have enough of the enzyme lactase, needed by the digestive system, to break down the milk sugar lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea after milk ingestion. Lactose intolerance is not an allergy.

Other names for milk

Ammonium/calcium/magnesium/potassium/sodium caseinate
Casein/caseinate/rennet casein
Curds
Delactosed/demineralized whey
Dry milk/milk/sour cream/sour milk solids
Hydrolyzed casein, hydrolyzed milk protein
Lactalbumin/lactalbumin phosphate
Lactate/lactose
Lactoferrin
Lactoglobulin
Milk derivative/fat/protein
Modified milk ingredients
Opta™, Simplesse ® (fat replacers)
Whey, whey protein concentrate

Possible sources of milk

Artificial butter, butter fat/flavour/oil, ghee, margarine
Baked goods and baking mixes e.g., breads, cakes, doughnuts
Brown sugar, high-protein flour
Buttermilk, cream, dips, salad dressings, sour cream, spreads
Caramel colouring/flavouring
Casein in wax, e.g., fresh fruits and vegetables
Casseroles, frozen prepared foods
Cereals, cookies, crackers
Cheese, cheese curds, cottage/soy cheese
Chocolate
Desserts, e.g., custard, frozen yogurt, ice cream, pudding, sherbet, yogurt
Egg/fat substitutes
Flavoured coffee, coffee whitener, non-dairy creamer
Glazes, nougat
Gravy, sauces
Kefir (milk drink), kumiss (fermented milk drink), malt drink mixes
Meats, e.g., canned tuna, deli/processed meats, hot dogs, pâtés, sausages
Pizza
Potatoes, e.g., instant/mashed/scalloped potatoes, seasoned french fries/potato chips
Seasonings
Snack foods, e.g., candy, fruit bars, granola bars
Soups, soup mixes
Tofu
Wax coated fruits and vegetables

Non-food sources of milk

Cosmetics
Medications
Pet food

Ingredients that do not contain milk protein

Calcium/sodium lactate
Calcium/sodium stearoyl lactylate
Cocoa butter
Cream of tartar
Oleoresin

Watch out for allergen cross contamination!

Cross contamination is the transfer of an ingredient (food allergen) to a product that does not normally have that ingredient in it. Through cross contamination, a food that should not contain the allergen could become dangerous to eat for those who are allergic.

Cross contamination can happen:

during food manufacturing through shared production and packaging equipment;
at retail through shared equipment, e.g., cheese and deli meats sliced on the same slicer; and through bulk display of food products, e.g., bins of baked goods, bulk nuts; and
during food preparation at home or in restaurants through equipment, utensils and hands.

Where can I get more information?

For more information on:

food allergies;
ordering free copies of this pamphlet; and
subscribing to the free "Food Recalls and Allergy Alerts" e-mail notification service, visit the CFIA Website at www.inspection.gc.ca or call 1 800 442-2342/TTY 1 800 465-7735 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

Below are some organizations that can provide additional allergy information:

Allergy/Asthma Information Association www.aaia.ca
Anaphylaxis Canada www.anaphylaxis.ca
Association Québécoise Des Allergies Alimentaires www.aqaa.qc.ca (French only)
Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunologywww.csaci.medical.org (English only)
Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca

above information is from Health Canada

...and if that was not enough... for even more info you can click here.

hunny party

2007-10-14T11:03:00.001-04:00

Today was my sons second Birthday Party.
He wanted a Hunny Bear party....Winnie The Pooh.

I made him a Hunny Bear cake.

...and cupcakes.

Cute little bees.

Yummy treats!

Candy apples.

Caramel apples too!

Happy to you!
You are now two!

A gift for my sis... from me!
Happy New House!

The day is over!
Bannik is having a rest in a empty box!

secret sad tears 2 happy happy tears

2007-10-10T18:33:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago my daughter entered a name in the
Toronto Zoo's name the tiger cub contest.

She had pick the name Kona to be the boy cub's name.

She waited all day to see what names were going to be picked....
the paper was just about to come off, her eyes were as big as saucers hoping it
was gong to be her name.

Well at last we were going to find out as the paper came off
the name of the tiger was... Jack.

At that moment her little heart broke, she had secret tears.

Today I received this email from Annie at Bimbimbie

"I was wondering if it would be ok with you if I named our latest possum "Kona"
I think it's a great name for him, he's only little but has the stamina of a tiger when
he's bounding about in the trees away from his mum "Petuniapetal" I gave her that
name after she ate some of my petunia flowers *!*"

Well it was my daughters turn to bounce off the walls with joy.

This was a very HAPPY DAY!

Here are some pictures of Kona

Kona

We also received an email from Kona.

Thank you *!* I love, love, love my name Kona.

Be sure and look in on me from time to time, I'll make sure I get to pose in front of the camera just for you *!*

Possum hugs and nibbles from Kona xxx

My Daughter wrote back to him with BIG smiles...

Dear Kona,

I really love the picture you sent me!

You are so cute and I think Kona is the prefect name for you.

I can not wait to print this picture out so I can show all my friends and family my very own possum in Australia with his new special name.

I will pop in to see if there are any new pictures to add to
my collection of you.

You have made me feel very special!

Please keep safe and I hope one day I can come to see you.

Thank you Kona very much for thinking of me!

I love you!

Kona on his Mommy's back

Pictures from Bimbimbie

For Annie and Kona pictures by my daughter.

This was so special to us all I had to share!

Thank you Annie with all our hearts!

thanksgiving

2007-10-07T11:34:00.000-04:00

This Thanksgiving everyone is busy.
My parents are at a wedding, my sis is moving into her new house, and my brother is busy with his in-laws.
So this year I am making my first turkey and all the fixings.
I did call my Mom early this morning to get a run through of what I should do...
but I am really doing it all myself.
First thing I did was make my first apple pie and
pumpkin pie.
Crusts and fillings all by myself....
if you can't tell already I am so excited and happy to be doing this.

Apple pie before it was baked.

My kids eyeballs fell out when they saw the size of it.

So did my husbands...he also laughed and asked how we were going to cut it.

All baked.

The sugar browned a little more than I would have liked.

My first pumpkin pie.
My Daughter has very bad food allergies which includes milk and dairy products.
So I have to make everything friendly for her.

My hubby getting the turkey ready for me to stuff.
Cutie!
Hubby not the turkey!

Set for dinner.

I even got my good china out.

A gift from my Mom... they were her grandma's before.

Beautiful Mother of Pearl handles.

The centerpiece my girls made for the table.

Ready for dinner.

Perfect cranberries... a must have!

Dinners ready!

Fresh carrots, cauliflower and broccoli.

The baby has started filling his plate

The turkey... it was perfect... did I mention this was
my first time cooking one.

My son is ready to eat!

Looks good... will you all join us?

A must... this was hard work!
To all the Mothers out there that cook wonderful meals.
Cheers to you all!
Thanks Mom!

Pie still to come... but first, I need a rest!!

2007-09-26T19:09:00.000-04:00

Please Vote for KONA!

The Toronto Zoo is holding a "Name The Baby" contest for two baby Siberian Tigers. Aren't they cute?

(baby photo from the Toronto Zoo website)

My daughter submitted names for the contest and her name ~ KONA ~ for the little boy tiger, has made it to the top 5 names!

Voting has commenced and will continue until 5 pm, Toronto time, on October 2nd. The names with the most votes will be used.

This is a blatant appeal from a proud Mom asking you to take a minute to vote for the boy name KONA! The link below will take you to the voting site on TVOkids - (a reputable site) - and the pages with information and pictures of the tiger family which has been done in conjunction with the Toronto Zoo.

Click here to link to the voting page.

Thank You!!!

arrrr matey!

2007-08-08T20:32:00.001-04:00

The party started with a swim.

It was my son's fourth birthday on the weekend.
We had a pirate party up at the cottage.
After the swim I painted faces and they dressed up like pirates.

Pirate cake and arrr arrr matey cupcakes.

I made chocolate gold coins and sliver shells
to put around the cake with
some gummy sharks, fish and octopi.

Too cute!

All the decorations went perfectly together!

The cake up close.

Birthday boy wishes!

I painted a big shark.
All the kids got their pictures taken in the sharks mouth.
The kids did this while we were getting the treasure hunt ready.

Shiver me timbers!

The adults got into it too!

arrrr matey!

Treasure hunt time!

The first clue.

The girls are in the lead!

Where did that Capt. Wishhehadalongbeard put that
treasure?

The kids ran all over. One clue to the next.

They even had a pirate dog.

A monkey clue hiding in the forest.

At last the treasure is found.
What a GREAT PARTY!!!

mystery 1000

2007-07-24T09:35:00.001-04:00

I am so happy!
1000 people have viewed my blog!
Well I guess that means it is time for a giveaway!
The giveaway will be a surprise and will be revealed
when the winner is!
The draw will be on Monday July 30, 2007.
I love a good mystery!
So please leave a message and you might be the winner...
???

a lavender basil thank you

2007-07-23T16:00:00.001-04:00

When I got home on Sunday my mailbox was filled
with the sweet smell of lavender.
Nature Girl sent me a beautiful Thank You card and a little
pouch of her own home grown lavender.
The card is really cool!
You take the little green strip out and plant it.
Basil is what will grow!
I love basil!

The lavender...it smells so good!
The best lavender I have smelt!
Thank you so much NG!

reflections

2007-07-19T18:34:00.001-04:00

Jennie at blog in a cyber bottle has nominated me for the Blogger Reflections Award.
Thank you so much!!! Please visit Jennie!

And now it is my turn to follow Jennie's lead and nominate six other bloggers.

I choose...

Claire at elfie and me. I think she is a wonderful artist and mother! Her work is so sweet and her blog is always inspiring.

Dot at Strolling through Georgia. Her short but sweet posts make you feel like you are there. Her pictures are wonderful and capture moments in Georgia!

Samantha at plump pudding. She is always doing something and is such an inspiration!

Sandi at Whistlestop Cafe. A blog of good old family fun and recipes!
Sandi & her husband Bill are blogging about the WhistleStop Cafe. It's about good home cooking, recipes and tips; food, family, and fun.

Ginny at The flour Loft. Ginny runs a small textile business with my best friend Alice.They work from their studio... a converted flour loft in an Old Bakery in a small market town in Hampshire. They design and make textiles from a large collection of recycled and vintage fabrics.

And finally...

Hope and Fran at Gollylog. Hope and Fran are sisters who share a business and a house. A wonderful blog about their lives and the loves of their lives their fur babies!

If you have not visited these wonderful blogs before please do! They are all great and have found a place in my blogging heart!

Have a great weekend! I am off the grid for a few days!

tag i'm it!

2007-07-19T09:56:00.001-04:00

Tag I'm it!

Jennie from blog in a cyber bottle has tagged me to reveal 8 random facts about me. So ... here goes!

1. I hate the feeling of wet hair or skin under a sweatsuit/jogging suit.

2. I can not get to sleep at night but can sleep all morning...if the kids did not wake me up.

This is not good, I go to bed at 1-3am or so and get up at 7am at the latest.

3. Pasta and ice cream are mood foods. Unlike most I do not like to eat these foods. Milkshakes are OK anytime.

4. I love the smell of coffee! But I am not a big fan of drinking it unless it is a Tim Horton's ice cap.

5. My biggest fear is anything medical with me or my kids. I am at the doctor's a lot.

6. I hate doing dishes...even loading them into a dishwasher. I pile them up and wait for my husband to come home to do them.

7. I have 8 tattoos and I am going to get a few more.
One that I have is the engagement ring my husband designed. (I wear the ring too, but got it tattoo on as an arm band) He does not like tattoos...on him...but he did get one for me and that is your wedding bands. So we have the same tattoo on our ring fingers. Yes it hurt to get it A LOT!!!!

8. I love fairies! My wedding was all about fairies, my wedding rings are fairies, my girl's room is a fairy theme and there are fairies all around my house.
I will post my Fairy Wedding soon!

So there are 8 random things about me!

I think anyone who reads this should do it!
It is neat to read things about people.
But I will tag...

Pea

treasures from bracebridge

2007-07-18T09:46:00.000-04:00

sleeping cat doorstop

beautiful bird soap dish

frog prince

dragonflies

dragonfly

and a little something for my
fur baby a rope dog...dog toy

homemade cowboy

2007-07-13T13:25:00.001-04:00

My good friend is having a baby boy.
I wanted to make her something
homemade and special.

I had some great cowboy fabric that I pick up
along time ago and I have been
wanting to use it.

I made her a baby blanket.
There will also be a matching hat, booties and
a stuffed toy if I can get it all done.

I gave her the blanket today. This is how I wrapped it up.
It turned out really nice.
I am giving it to her as I make it....I have four kids and
a small house with no storage...
I want her to get it!

painted roses

2007-07-11T09:41:00.001-04:00

Beautiful roses in a tea cup.

I love them!
They smell so good!

These are from a good friend as a

Thank You.

She gave them to me because I did face
painting for her sons Birthday.

Cat Butterfly.

Jack Sparrow.

little pixie mail

2007-07-10T08:53:00.001-04:00

Today when I got home from the cottage
there was a package for me.

Inside was the prize from the giveaway that

Claire at elfie and me
had.

They are so beautiful!

I am going to frame the cards!

I think that they will be prefect hanging up in
white frames for all to see.

I am so happy!
Thank you again for this wonderful prize.
Have I mentioned that.....
I LOVE FAIRIES!!

sleep

2007-06-26T20:59:00.000-04:00

My little guy has been sick.
I will not be blogging for a few days.
I am going to get some
much needed sleep!
Have a great week & weekend!

moonlight

2007-06-24T21:09:00.001-04:00

peonies in the moonlight

the pretty glow of the moon shining down

peonies showing off their beauty

ruffle after ruffle

sweet smelling peony

moonlight beauty

fairy tea

2007-06-21T09:03:00.000-04:00

My wonderful husband gave this to me for Christmas one year.
I had to share with all my fairy loving friends.

Inside is a beautiful fairy tea party set.

I can not wait to have fairy tea with my girls.

I love fairies!

What dainty precious china.

Have a great weekend!

too prefect

2007-06-20T12:21:00.001-04:00

Annie at Bimbimbie always has greeting card Wednesday.
How prefect was it to receive a
greeting card in the mail today...Wednesday... from Annie!
It was the prefect surprise!
I love it! It is the prefect little Angel card.
Thank you so much for thinking of me!
You are a sweetheart!

Another great and prefect surprise!
I just won some handmade greeting cards
from Claire at elfie and me
I guess today is my lucky day!
Hugs and kisses to you!

I have been walking around with the
biggest smile on my face.
Today has been simply nice!

Thank you both so much!

The back is as beautiful as the front.
I think we both have a love of cards.
I always look forward to greeting card Wednesday!
Today it was delivered right to my home!

Big Kisses to the both of you from my littlest angel!

a few more

2007-06-19T17:33:00.001-04:00

The cake and cupcakes set up at the shower.
Look how prefect it goes with the flowers.

The Bride to Be cutting the cake.

pretty cake

2007-06-16T23:13:00.001-04:00

cut a little, up a little on

add a few flowers and jewels

and you got a corset cake for a bridal shower

cake???

2007-06-16T10:16:00.000-04:00

I am making a special cake.

Four hearts.

Two round cupcake tops.

What do you think will come out of all this.
Post your comments. I want to hear what you think.
Then come back tomorrow and see my cake.

its not raining

2007-06-12T09:21:00.000-04:00

Running through the sprinkler in a raincoat.

Gotta love kids!!!

piano 104th bash

2007-06-11T09:59:00.001-04:00

Today we watched our second daughter at her first piano recital.
She was GREAT!!!

It was also Great Great Nana's 104th Birthday.

After the recital we came home for a nice little family party.

Simple nice finger food.

My kids love deviled eggs.

Pickles are a must with tea party sandwiches.

The kids loved the olives.

Everything was colour co-ordinated...even the fresh fruit.

Pretty prefect party cupcakes.

GG Nana did not want a cake just for her.

So I made 24 chocolate and 24 vanilla.

The Birthday girl blowing out her candle.
Yes 104!

Cutie Pie loved the chocolate icing.

My Cutie Pie screamed bye-bye through the storm door as guests left.
It was a lovely day!

Thank you Mom for the photos!

bad box scruff

2007-06-07T14:06:00.000-04:00

Devil was a bad boy.
He has been eating all the cat food and today he got caught!
He knows he was a bad dog.

Bannik found a box and has been sleeping in it all morning.
Why are you bugging me lady? I'm sleeping!!

Mommy I need a hair cut! I am a scruffy mess!
I want to be a pretty girl again!

strawberry friendship

2007-06-06T18:35:00.001-04:00

Strawberries for Carmen.

Friends are God's way of taking care of us.

Side by side or miles apart,
good friends are always
close to the heart.

fun in a pail

2007-06-06T12:19:00.000-04:00

I was at the Dollar Store and found these cute
hanging pails.

Also these cute little windmills.

I love the way the blue pails and the pink
windmills go together.

I had some left over flowers from my garden.
I put it altogether and voila!

Pretty cute.

a gaggle & poppies

2007-06-05T18:27:00.001-04:00

This is a poppy pod.

It reminds me of Little Shop of Horrors.
Feed me Seymour!

The pod opens up and out pops a big beautiful flower.
The flowers look like paper.

Today we had another poppy open up.

The inside is so pretty.

Yes at this point I am showing off my beautiful flower.

I love it!

The two flowers.
Look at all the other pods.

So pretty!

Mother Goose with her goslings crossing the road.

Babies follow close behind.

Daddy at the back making sure they all cross safe.

Eating time!

Little gosling posing for a picture.

I get a little closer to take a picture of the babies.

They start to run.

Then settle when I do not move.

Mother comes up to me and then I run!
Don't mess with a MOM!

beauty

2007-06-04T14:55:00.000-04:00

Today we opened the door to a wet and dark day.
But we had a surprise waiting for us.
A beautiful pinkish poppy.

For years I was pulling this out. I always thought it was a weed.
One year I just left it and two beautiful poppies bloomed.
This year we have nine.

The lavender is full of flower buds.
The smell is already enchanting.

My lilies are starting to come out too.

The coral bells are out looking like sweet little fairy chimes.

My peony is beautiful and green.
Soon it will be covered with lovely pink flowers.

Pretty little flowers all covered in rain drops.

Everything is coming to life.

A pretty little flower bouquet.

Natures gifts.

the etiquette of outdoor cooking

2007-05-31T19:47:00.000-04:00

The Etiquette of Outdoor Cooking

After four long months of cold and winter, we are finally coming up to spring and BBQ season. Therefore, it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this outdoor cooking ritual, as it's the only type of cooking a real man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved.

When a man volunteers to do the BBQ, the following chain of events are put into motion:

Routine:

1. The woman buys the food

2. The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert

3. The Woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the Man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand

Here comes the important part:

4. THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL

More routine:

5. The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery

6. The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he deals with the situation

Important again:

7. THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN

More routine:

8. The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces and brings them to the table

9. After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes

And most important of all:

10. Everyone PRAISES THE MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts

11. The man asks the woman how she enjoyed "her night off" and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women!

heirloom bonnet

2007-05-29T10:27:00.000-04:00

Baby Bonnets

I am a little bonnet,
as cute as cute can be.
Would you ever guess a
hankie I used to be?

I can be worn home
From the hospital,
then again on Christening Day.
You can neatly fold
me and keep me for the Wedding Day.

Every bride must wear
something old – so you can
clip a stitch or two and
a wedding hankie will unfold.

If by chance it is a boy,
on the day he is wed
I can be presented to his bride.
Won't she be proud to use –
the bonnet he wore upon his head.

beautiful hankies

some old, some new

this is what I do will all the vintage hankies I find

a little press, a little thread, some ribbons and flowers

a special little gift for a new baby

I love this little blue one for a baby boy

the back is as pretty as the front

I added a pretty little flower to the back of this one

AN HEIRLOOM BONNET

I am just a little hankie, as square as can be;
but with a stitch or two, they've made a
bonnet out of me.
I'll be worn home from the hospital,
and on special days,
and then I'll be carefully pressed and
neatly packed away.
Then on the Wedding, I have been told,
every well dressed Bride must have something old.
So what would be more fitting than to
find Little Old Me,
a few stitches snipped and a Wedding Handkerchief
I Will Be!

pretty pretty

2007-05-26T14:42:00.001-04:00

Today was the first day I have gone out to hit the garage sales.
I found a ton of pretty things.
I have not been out for the last two years...I am so happy to be back in action.

I found six beautiful tea cups and saucers....I love tea cups!
A painting of a daisy, a small mirror and a big one too, four pinky silk napkins,
some cookie cutters that I will use in a future craft project.

aah! I love tea cups!

a fresh water pearl necklace, earrings and two bracelets,
a silver butter tray with matching knife,
a little blue and white plate

this beautiful embroidered peacock...
it does need to be re- stretched.

dainty ankles

2007-05-25T12:45:00.001-04:00

I found this ad...sadly things really have not changed too much over the years!

cats

2007-05-24T22:03:00.001-04:00

I love doing cat faces!
Here are a few of my favorite ones.
Pink and yellow fantasy tiger and fantasy butterfly tiger

pretty kitty

red, orange and yellow tiger... look out!

When face painting a child you have about 2-5 minutes at the most to paint a full face.
Kids are very wiggly and can not sit for along time.
I have a few models I practice on from age 3-?.
Working on the 3 year old is a challenge, he is wiggly , he can sit for 2-3 minutes at best. He is the best to practice on to get my speed down.

sweet child

2007-05-24T07:46:00.001-04:00

When days get really bad I always look up and say, "God give me strength".

One day when I was going mad and the kids were driving me crazy, I looked up. My six year old looked at me and said, "Mom don't ask for too much, I don't want you to be too puffy".

I looked at her and said, "Puffy?".

"Yeah I know you were going to ask for strength and I don't want you to get too much strength and be too puffy with muscles or I can't get my arms around you to hug you".

Who could be mad after that!

a thought

2007-05-23T09:38:00.000-04:00

I was walking my four children and our two dogs to school this morning. As we walked through the park an old man stopped me and said, "How do you do that, how do you manage all those kids?". I stopped and thought for a moment... I guess I never really gave it much thought before... I am a great mom and this is my job... truth be told there are moments when they are awake when I wonder how I do it, and before they go to bed I wonder how I do it...and am I going to live through it...but when they are sleeping I do not think about it. I think about how lucky I am and that I have great kids. They are the joy of my life and even though there are those really hard days filled with hair pulling, crying, kicking and screaming, I am sure I can fill a page with all the crazy moments, but I think you get it... I still would not change it for anything in the world! Isn't that what being a mom is all about? I do wonder how I am going to ever finish and manage all this laundry!

on the path

2007-05-22T12:41:00.001-04:00

The rocks are coming to life

Where are the fairies?
Prefect little toadstools set up for a fairy party.

If you look close you can see the fairies flying around.

Fairy lookout tower

Pretty purple flowers saying hello even though it is frosty cold

Hens and chicks popping out

Flowers are coming up every where we look

Moss on the rock, so pretty to see all natures life

Beautiful wood carvings by an insect

cottage

2007-05-21T10:53:00.001-04:00

We were greeted by a bear!

The sun is out and it is time to play.
The lake is beautiful.
Early morning mist, rolling over the water.
The water is still and quite.
Natures mirror.

Two cuties waiting for breakfast!

Play time on the beach.
Oh to be a kid again!

cool breeze

2007-05-21T10:28:00.001-04:00

We all look for those moments, those moments to walk away from the world.
Those moments we need to clear our head.
Those moments that let us be yourselves.
Those moments that seem to come so slow and go so fast.
Those moments that let us breathe.
Those moments that let us make it through the rest of the day.
We all want those moments.
We all look forward to those moments.

My moment is to have a cup of tea and feel the cool breeze come in the window and brush across my face.
It feels so good to just sit back and relax but for a moment!

yummy yummy

2007-05-17T19:11:00.000-04:00

Simple, light and yummy!!!

Mixed Greens with Roasted Pears, Pecans and Chèvre

Roasting the pears makes them extra sweet.

3 ripe but firm Bosc pears
2 tsp olive oil
8 cups of mixed salad greens
1/2 cup toasted pecans halves (I used whole)

Dressing

2 tbsp apple juice
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp honey
Pinch each salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 425
2. Quarter and core pears. Cut each quarter in half.
Toss pears with oil and place on baking sheet;
bake 15-20 until pears are tender and turning golden brown.
Set aside and cool.
3. Wash and dry greens
4. Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple juice, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper. Whisk in oil.
5. Toss salad greens with dressing. Divide among plates. Arrange pears slices over the top of green. Sprinkle with pecans and chèvre.
Makes 6 servings.

* I used PC raspberry vinaigrette and
I also added some dried cranberries

This recipe is from the g.i. diet cookbook

It was so good!

tea time

2007-05-17T13:53:00.000-04:00

I love those little moments in between crying kids and diaper changes. Those moments that I can sit back and have a cup of tea and a cookie or two or three... and look at all the beauty growing around me in the park.

My favorite mug!

One of my favorite teas!

Beauty in the park

The rain has stopped and the park is coming to life!

painted face

2007-05-16T12:54:00.000-04:00

Face painting is something I really love to do. Art is really important to me, but I was finding it hard to start projects and finish them with four small children. Why not combine the two...kids + art...a challenge... working on a wiggly canvas...yes it can be done!
I do face painting parties now, which is perfect because most parties are on the weekend and my husband can stay home with the kiddies.
It is wild to see how happy you can make someone with a few colours, a brush and glitter (a must for every prefect fairy).
My kids want to be tattooed and painted every day...yikes!
This line of work is so much fun!!

handmade

2007-05-15T09:21:00.000-04:00

I learned a lesson in gift giving at a very young age...it is not always about brand names, bells and whistles, simple can be nice and if it is made with love well it is priceless.

I lost that for awhile because of all the stuff they pump into kids/parents, I need this and I want that, and yes sometimes the kids make you feel like you should buy it.
But three days later they could careless and/or it is broken.
This year for gifts I make little beaded totes for all of the little girls in my family.
I had so much fun sewing on all the little beads.
When the kids went to bed I sat and beaded for hours, but it was nice.
I did not think about all the crazy things in my life, I was enjoying creating beautiful bags for all the special little girls in my life.

My Mom always made beautiful dresses for my girls birthday and Christmas, it made them and me feel so special.
I want my children to carry on that family tradition... gifts from the heart.

I was so pleased with how they turn out.

hugs and kisses

2007-05-14T20:19:00.000-04:00

Here is a cake I made for my daughter's 6th birthday.
She had to have a three tier teddy bears picnic cake.
I molded all the teddies from fondant and hand painted their faces, bows and the balloons. I hand molded all the china and cakes for the teddies picnic, royal icing was used to make the grass and trees.
The hard part was making it all the night before so she would be surprise the next day.
Well when it hit 4:30 am in the morning and I was up adding the last pieces on knowing I had to get up at 8:00 or so to deal with the other kids and make all the food...well I was questioning myself and I was starting to think I was NUTS.
But when she came down in the morning and saw it for the first time and started gigging and squealing and then in a flash was in my arms giving me the biggest hug ever with a ton of kisses...well yeah I am nuts but it was all worth it!

So four weeks later my other daughter's birthday was coming up. Oh no am I going to go crossed eye again.
Not this time! She is more of a bug girl. So I made her a girly bug cake. All I had to do this time is pipe stars and flowers in butter cream, still time comsuming but it was not three tiers, hand molding, hand painting, just decorating.

Once again tons of hugs and covered in kisses.
It all was simply nice!

day of the dinosaurs

2007-05-14T19:37:00.000-04:00

Tonight we took the kids to the zoo to see the dinosaurs.
The kids had a great time looking at all the BIG dinosaurs with their BIG teeth and little eye that seem to pierce into your soul.
My oldest at 6 says "you know we are dinner to them, yeah they eat meat and we are...meat".

Good thing they are not here any more! I don't want to be a meat dinner!

my home

2007-05-14T14:36:00.000-04:00

Here is a peek into my home.
My home is a newer home so that means small.
With four children, two dogs, a cat and my husband and me, I had to put away a lot of my favourite things.
I still have a few things out that I could not stand to put away.

I love all things old, vintage anything!

the cairns

2007-05-14T13:48:00.000-04:00

Here are my two cairns Shayla and Devil. They are the best little friends, they love children (which is good because I have four) , cats , dogs, food and belly rubs.
But do not let the puppy dog eyes fool you they can be a handful.
Shayla is going to be 3 this year, she is always full of beans. Devil is 8 or so he is a male... likes to lay around, eat and have his belly rubbed. I love my little fur children!

bannik's new bed

2007-05-14T13:43:00.000-04:00

Bannik has a new bed. My other two fur chidren are always kicking him off their beds, so Bannik got a new bed today. As you can see he loves it.
It is simply nice!

bannik

2007-05-14T13:32:00.000-04:00

Here is my beautiful Bannik, he is now 10 years old.
Bannik loves kids and dogs but does not like other cats.
Bannik is sweet, cute and has the perfect tail!
He is our cotton ball, he is a very soft and loving boy.
He loves eating and sleeping...I did say he was male.

a great find

2007-05-14T13:05:00.000-04:00

Young Girl
Rembrandt, Dutch 1606-1669
format 8" x 10" size
No. 801

One summer I was out with my family at a huge street sale I came across some beautiful picture frames six in total.
The one picture I loved the most was a picture of 3 girls practicing ballet.
The lady sold the six frames to me for $12.00 I was so happy. Little did I know that was not even the best part.
When I got home the back of the painting said Young girl but the front had 3 girls on it so I took it a part well... there it was a Rembrandt my jaw hit the floor, the painting was in perfect condition. Now the ballet girls are at the back helping to protect this beautiful piece of art work.
The funny thing is the picture of the ballet girls was from a calendar.
It is one of my favorite finds. It is simply nice!