Teddy Bear Picnic

At noon last Thursday, I was mending Beth's teddy bear in preparation for the Teddy Bear Picnic.  It was the last day of her library program and the finale was as none other than an afternoon Teddy Bear Picnic.  I've attended my share of Teddy Bear Picnics' over the years, but this one seemed particulary significant for me as it was my last.  In September, Beth is in school for full days and that means no more weekly Story Hour programs for her.   I soaked up every moment of that afternoon.  

Happy.

Happier.

Parachute time.

Let the picnic begin:)

"My Mom's realizing that this is the last Library program I will be a part of.  I'm growing up."

Delightful.

"Okay, Mom - stop -  that's enough photos!"

Savouring

In response to this post and because of this post, here's what I am savouring and celebrating this weekend:

• new (much needed) bike helmets for the girls, which means lots of bike riding in the neighborhood.
• all things spring - lilacs, lily of the valley, blossoms, and so on.  
• windows open.
• the flowers (and weeds) my 4 year old picked me on our walk yesterday.
• an unstructured and unhurried weekend.
• barbequing and eating outdoors.
• I figured out how to get my camera to work again.  So great.
• friendships.
• the journey of motherhood.
• the inspirational and influential women in my life who have and are shaping me.
• my backyard that is taking shape this very minute.  My husband has been working hard on our yard for the last few weeks and it looks amazing!   I'm so crazy about him right now.

How about you?  What are you savouring and celebrating this weekend?



p.s.  thanks Beth - I'm loving your blog :)

Spring

We spent our March Break in Virginia.  The 8 hour drive was so worth it when we woke up the following morning to mountains and warm weather.  I can't decide if I love being near mountains or being near water more.  Both humble me and make me feel small in a really good way.  Both bring me to a place of awe and wonder.  Both are really good for my soul.  And for that week in March, I loved being in the mountains.  

Over our March Break we were spoiled with sights of daffodils, bright blue skies, trees beginning to bloom, robins singing, butterflies (Beth counted 11 that she alone saw), sun on the skin (is there a better feeling?) and warm air.  We soaked it all up.  Ahhh.

 If that wasn't enough of a gift, we came home to spring weather:  windows open, snowsuits away, Easter decorations out, it's time to wash the car.  It almost made me want to start some spring cleaning.  Almost.  Now if this week could just warm up a bit...:)

Mom of Three Girls

Every once and a while, people will ask me how I feel about having three girls.  Was I hoping for a boy the third time around?  Was I disappointed with having all girls?  Now, please understand,  these people mean well.  And often, they are just making conversation.

But, here's the thing.  Time for confession:  deep down, I always wanted girls.  Raising girls feels natural to me and I honestly don't think I would know where to begin with raising a boy.  Without wanting to sound "cheesy", I feel like I was made for this.  Like I was made to raise a house full of girls.

If you're a mom with a house full of girls (or even just one), here are a few reasons why I love having daughters:

* they love celebrating my birthday, Mothers Day, Christmas, Valentines Day and pretty much every holiday in between

* my girls are often writing me notes and giving me crafts they made me to hang on the fridge.  Very expressive.

* it's really fun to shop for girls.  Well, at least most of the time it is :)

* Thinking about some of the unique challenges that girls face and reflecting on my own personal journey, I'm hoping to pass on some unique and hard learned wisdom to my girls. You know, things I wish I knew when I was younger.

I want to teach my girls what it means to be:
- tender and compassionate as well as courageous and strong.
- secure.
- virtuous.
- a world changer,  part of the solution.
- one who cultivates inner beauty.
- someone who stands up for truth and for those who have no voice.
- able to honour the unique voice and talent that God has given them.
- true to who they are.
- able to learn from mistakes and be gracious with themselves.

These are big challenges and not ones that I take lightly.  It's a journey that I continue to be on.

I know there are lots of other challenges that come with raising daughters.  Don't even get me started about whining, mood swings and hormones.  And I know that there are a million reasons why boys are a blessing to raise.  But, for today - I'm going to celebrate the girls that I have the privledge of raising...

A couple of things I am thankful for today...

This morning I dropped Grace off at southridge.cc to take the bus with her youth group to Canada's Wonderland.  She looked cute as a button and I couldn't help but think that she reminded me of myself at that age.   I felt like I was looking in the mirror.  In other news, I've officially hit that stage where my kids have a better social life than I do.

This afternoon, it feels good to be still for a moment and I am thankful for the gift of this weekend and the unhurried nature of this particular one.
On this Saturday afternoon, I am reminded of a few things I am thankful for.

1.  Tim Hortons Coffee.  Last night I stayed up way too late reading 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett and today I am paying for it.  Guess that what happens when you get lost in a great book.  Not complaining.  Well, kind of, but not really.

2.  My sister, Leah passed on to me on a pair of yoga pants that didn't fit her and I am in love with them.  Seriously, they are the comfiest thing I have ever worn.  Why did I not get a pair of these years ago?

3.  The smell of lilacs.  I wish lilacs were in season all year long.  I just picked some from my front yard and they are now in a vase in my dining room.  Total high point of the day.  I'm in heaven.  The smell is intoxicating.

4.  Yesterday I noticed that fresh, local strawberries are now for sale in Niagara.  My mind is racing, thinking about all of the things I can make with strawberries.  Not to mention eating them for the pure joy of it.  I can't wait to take my kids strawberry picking this month.

5.  Taking this wee girl to her first soccer practice and game.  Total cuteness.  Too bad the weather cut the game short.

6.  In our house, a rainy Saturday afternoon means a nap : )

So, there you have it.  Sure, there's lots I could whine and complain about - but that's too easy.  Instead, I'm going to invest my energy in being thankful.

How about you?  What are you thankful for today?

Spring is in the Air

It's Monday morning after the March Break.  All three girls are off to school.  Grace and Eva are off to 'real school' and Beth is off to 'nursery school'.  The house is q-u-i-e-t.  And it's a beautiful thing.  I just realized that yesterday was the first day of spring.  You have no idea how happy that makes me.  Spring is my favourite season.  It's my favourite for so many reasons.

Steve and I started dating in the springtime.  We planned a wedding and were married in the spring.  All of my pregnancies included the springtime.  My favourite flowers are tulips.  As an aside, tulips always remind me of the spring that I spent in Schladming, Austria when I was 21.  That's where I first discovered my love for tulips.  More than tulips, it was a season that marked me and will stay with me forever.  Tulips remind me of that.

I love the anticipation of spring too.  The hope and the promise that it brings. The arrival of new life.  Life after death.  Spring after a long, harsh and cold winter.  As much a I would love to live in a climate where it is warm all year round, there is something about coming through winter that allows one to anticipate, appreciate and yearn for spring.  When everything is dull and grey and lifeless, the thought of spring brings promise and hope.

Here are a few more reasons I love spring:

 - Tulips and fresh flowers in general.

 - Flipflops and sandals

 - My anniversary

 - Running - I am so ready to get out in the fresh air and beat this body into shape!

 - Local fruit.  Need I say more?  In our family, berry picking is a recreational activity:)

Can I also just say that the spring fashion out this year is amazing?  I am itching to do some shopping.  The styles and the colours out this year are amazing.  Is anyone else with me on this one?

This March Break, I'm Thankful For...

Shamrocks

Watching Bethie play with her little people

Catching up with friends

Kids having sleepovers

St. Patrick's Day Themed Dinner Party
(although never again will I attempt to make 'Champ'!)

Family fun night in Waterloo

Windows open

Good hair days

Kids happily playing outside

Learning vulnerability and courage

Kids sleeping in

Gradually being freed from perfectionism

Cousin time

Breakfast at Cora's

My Mom's homemade Soda Bread

Life giving friendships

Size 4 Skinny Jeans

Kids with great imaginations.  Eva was disguising herself, so that Beth wouldn't "bug" her. Never a dull moment around here :)

A God, who is good.  Even when life is hard.  A God, who is worthy of my trust.  A God, who is for me and not against me.

thankful for...

Here's what I am thankful for this morning...

1.  An extra hour of sleep.  Gotta love Daylight savings :-)

2.  A gorgeous red sunrise coming through my bedroom window this morning.  Simply breathtaking.

3.  A quiet house with a cup of tea.  All the kiddies are still sleeping :-)

The day is off to a great start.  I really want to slow down and savour the simple and the beautiful today.