As we are coming to the end of 2008 and entering into the new and unknown 2009, here are some resolutions that will make us contemplate the resolutions we need to create for ourselves!

I wish you all the best in the year 2009!

Happy New Year!

A Mother's Resolutions

1. When I forget to go to the grocery store, I will not boil the macaroni necklaces my children made for me in preschool.

2. When I hear one of my children wake in the middle of the night, I will run upstairs to supervise before he relieves himself in the sink and then creeps into the bathtub to return to sleep.

3. I will pack the kids' lunch boxes the night before so I don't throw in a slab of frozen lasagna as they're running for the bus. "It'll defrost by lunch. If not, you can suck it like an ice pop."

4. I will resist the urge to explain to strangers why my son is wearing winter boots, a bathing suit bottom, and an inside-out and backward pajama top. I will be grateful that he is able to dress himself.

5. I will not tell my children that the Play-Doh dried up just because I don't feel like cleaning up after they use it, even though I know it means I'll spend the evening harvesting the colored stuff from the carpet fibers, chair cushions and the dog's fur.

6. I will always protect the rights of my children, especially their right to remain silent.

7. I will learn to accept the outbursts and tantrums as a part of life. After all, I promised to love my husband for better or worse.

8. When my husband and I go to a restaurant without the kids, I will not roll up his sleeves or move the knives from his reach. I will not accompany him to the bathroom and remind him to wash his hands with soap. If my husband wants dessert at the end of the meal, I will not tell him it depends on his behavior.

9. When I'm tired of hearing "mommieeeeee!" a thousand times each day, I will resist changing my name to "Please pass the spinach" or "TV is boring, I'd rather read."

10. I will develop an ability to have a conversation with an adult that doesn't revolve around labor pains or children's toilet habits. I will feel comfortable in the silence that ensues when neither of us can think of any other topic to discuss or remember we can always discuss the weather.

11. I will be more flexible about children's nutritional requirements by counting the ketchup and green crayon as vegetables.

12. When my children beg for a pet, I will buy them each a hutch for the dust bunnies that have multiplied under their beds. I will let them name each dust bunny.

13. I will count how often I repeat the phrase "You'd better listen because I will not repeat myself", until my children actually notice that I have spoken. I will not raise my voice until I have said it at least that many times.

14. When my kids are older (at least 50), I will explain why they never have any chocolate candy left after Mommy and Daddy "check" their Halloween bags.

15. I will be a good, fair and loving parent to my children. I will provide them with enriching experiences and opportunities. I will give them a solid foundation on which to build a useful life. After all, they may eventually be responsible for choosing a nursing home for me to live out my final days.

Aussie Owl

I wanted to show you all the Owl I received from the 'Ogling Owl Swap' on Swap-Bot. I received it from Leah (MadeinMonty). It came all the way from Australia! Very Cool!

There is a Mommy Owl and a baby Owl. The baby owl fits into the pouch on the tummy of the mommy! So Australian (kangaroos!) :) Leah made the whole thing from recycled materials which is so inventive! She also included a pretty handerchief and some yummy Australian tea!
Thank you again Leah for the great package!


Since our family has moved here to the Calgary area - I have noticed that we have the most AMAZING sunrises and sunsets! I am a sucker for beautiful skies and keep taking a million pictures almost every day! Here is one taken about 2 weeks ago from my front yard! I love it and love that I captured the birds flying by!

Two Handfulls of Owls!

I have been stitching up a storm trying to get these ornaments done so I can get them in the mail! They are for the Cake & Pie Holiday Ornament Swap on Swap-Bot. I love how they turned out - I think they are too cute! I hope my partners love them as much as I do!

All lined up in a row!

Wrapped and ready to be put in their envelopes and in the mailbox!

I am so glad that I finally finished them! Now I can concentrate my evenings making my meal plan for Christmas!

To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly;
to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart;
to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never.
In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.

"My Symphony" by William Henry Channing

I heart coffee!

So the greatest thing happened to me today! I was heading into town right after I dropped the kids at school to get some errands done. I decided to stop by Tim Hortons to get my coffee. I get up to the window to pay $1.79 for my Xtra Large - Single Single coffee and the employee says to me "Don't worry about paying - the lady in front of you took care of it!".

I almost fell out of my car! This has never happened to me before and I literally felt giddy with happiness and joy. That lady did this random and simple act of kindness for me and it completely changed my day.

So I thought to myself that I would love to make someone feel the way I do right now and change the way they see their day and also have them see how they then can do the same for someone else! Just like in that Mel Gibson movie - Pay it Forward. It doesn't have to be some big thing like 'Extreme Home Makeover', just a simple cup of coffee.

I encourage you to do the same next time you are in line at the grocery store, or Starbucks, or McDonalds, or anywhere!

We can change the world one caffeine addict at a time!

Unbirthday Swap Goodies!

I received my package from 'bluemerleboutique' today! It was for the Swap-Bot 'Unbirthday Swap'! WOW is all I have to say! It was full of such amazing goodies that I just had to share it all with you!

She included some Amy Butler fabric called 'Brown/lacework' from the Lotus line. I LOVE it! I can't wait to use it in a project!


I had mentioned on my Swap-Bot profile that I really like Maeuve Binchy books, so bluemerleboutique sent me this book (sorry that its sideways) written by Penny Vincenzie. Supposedly her writing style is similar to Maeuve Binchy's! I can't wait to start it!

I also received these cute notecards that will really come in handy for the swaps I send out! My daughter is already trying to steal them!

I think my absolute favorite item is this handmade pincushion! I just started collecting and making pincushions and this one is just so gorgeous and will look great in my craft room on my shelf with my own handcrafted pins (will show in a future post).

Here's the whole lot of items! Thank you so much bluemerleboutique! You made my day today!

For more information on the fun yet addictive world of Swap-Bot - click here!

Simply Ornamental Giveaway

As a SAHM I LOVE to support other SAHM's and their home-based businesses.

I stumbled on this mom's blog today. She has two young boys and still finds the time to design and make her own hand stamped silver jewellry! I absolutely LOVE her designs - I would say my favorite is 'Sentimental' but they are all beautiful!

She is having a giveaway until tomorrow for her "Joy" Christmas necklace! So head over to Simply Me and sign up!

It's that time of year when we all go searching for the perfect wrapping paper to match our Christmas decor. Or we try and think of some different ways to wrap instead of the basic santa wrapping paper and curly ribbon! I have been looking all over the web to find some creative ideas on how to wrap this year. Here are just a few of my favorites that I have found so far!

**If you need to learn to tie a bow more complicated than the one you tie on your shoe visit here.

** This idea is so cute and such a GREAT way to recycle all those extra grocery store bags!

**Of course Martha always has good ideas and I really like this one in particular!

**If you can't find that perfect patterned paper that you want for Martha's tags above - check these out - just print the one(s) you like and voila!

**Here is a link to a huge list of ideas! Check it out!

I hope this helps you get started on your wrapping and getting those gifts ready and under the tree!

Hooters and Creepy Dolls

I haven't 'blogged' for a while so I thought I'd just do a quick one with a couple of things I have been working on this week.

I am a part of the 'Ogling Owlies' swap on Swap-Bot. For this Swap you need to make one handmade Owl using your choice of materials. I did a little research and decided to do my little owl in felt! I LOVE the way he came out! I have decided to do these owls for another swap I am in - The Handmade Christmas Ornament Swap. I will need to make 10 to send off and in return I will receive 10 different ornaments from around the world! So fun!

I also tried making a "Dotee Doll' for a 'Dotee Doll Swap'. Here she is! I called her 'Paisley'. Jamie hates her - he thinks it is creepy! I think she is 'Ugly Cute'! My daughter wanted to join in the fun and has been making some of her own!

I included a 'Sunshine' knit dishcloth with this swap, I should have taken a picture before I rolled it up so you could see the design, silly me!

I also created this little felt pouch to house all these items in. I made a cute yo-yo flower out of the same material as my Dotee Doll to embellish the front...

and I used a simple black button for the back so it could be used for stuff in the future - like makeup, purse items, whatever she likes!

I have been pretty crazy busy trying to get all of these done! I have almost completed all of my 'hooters' and hope to get them in the mail on Monday! I will post a picture of them when I have them ready to go!

Butterfly

In the past year or so - my life has changed drastically. As most people know - change is really hard. I feel somewhat lost in my world.

Before all these changes came into my life - I could predict things. I knew who my friends were, I knew who we would hang out with on the weekends, I knew my kids's worlds (ie. friends, teacher, activities), I knew where to shop, I knew what I was interested in, I knew where we were going and what to expect.

I don't know that anymore. So I have been settling that fact quietly in my head, trying to rest in the knowledge of change.

I found this quote:

"It's not so much that we're afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it's that place in between that we fear . . . . It's like being between trapezes. It's Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There's nothing to hold on to."
- Marilyn Ferguson -

Its so true - I have nothing to hold on to. I feel like I am falling - or is it that I am floating or even flying?

I have discovered its how I look at it. If I look at it negatively then I am falling, but if I look at it with a different attitude - then I am floating or dare I say it - FLYING!

Did you know that bumblebees should scientifically not be able to fly? But they BELIEVE they can fly - so they do!

That is how I am going to look at this time of change - I AM FLYING!

I received this tag from someone and decided to share it with my great friend Jenn V. She posted it on her blog and I thought I'd share mine with all of you! Enjoy!

1.Your Middle Name: Ji'Neille. My Mom actually made it up! The 'Ji' is after my Dad 'Jim' and the 'Neille' is after my Papa 'Neille'! I love it!

2. Age: 33

3. Single or Taken: Taken by a hot cop!

4. Favorite place to hang out: At home with my family.

5. Favorite pet/animal: Toby, my 1st dog who was my best friend, I miss him everday . Although I do love my dog now - Jasper!


6. Favorite Band/Artist: Nicole Nordeman Her music is so intelligent and inspiring. It is not fluff!

7. Favorite Movie: Anne of Green Gables. I know it word for word! Don't you ever wonder what Raspberry Cordial tastes like?

8. Tattoos and/or Piercings: Yes, I have piercing in my ears (1 in each!) and a flower vine tattoo on the top of my foot (near my toes). I got this tatoo at a 'girls getaway' in Kelowna with my girlfriend Mandy! We both got the same one - I don't regret it at all, it was really fun and was a good bonding experience!

HERE COMES THE FUN ... ... ...

9. Whats your philosophy on life: Celebrate the little things in life!

10. Tell me one odd/intresting fact about you: When I was in Grade 8, my best friend was Tammi I. She had this red sweatshirt that every time I went to her house I would wear - inside out. I LOVED this sweatshirt so much - it made me so happy for some reason. Well after about 1 year of borrowing it every time I was over - she said 'you can have it'. That was 20 years ago now - and I still have that sweatshirt! I wear it AT LEAST once a week with my Pj's! I still LOVE it and it still makes me happy! Thanks Tam!

11. What is the craziest thing you've ever done: Wow, I'll just say husband.....porta-potty.....Canada Day Celebration......

12. Ever been arrested/ gone to jail: Nope, but I go 'behind the scenes' all the time now!

13. Do you think I'm attractive: I think you are beautiful (inside and out)!

14. If you could change anything about me, what would it be: Your insecurities.

15. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be: I read too much into things and it affects my relationships sometimes!

16. What do you wear to sleep: My husband...Ha Ha! No seriously I usually wear a t-shirt and flannel pj bottoms (sometimes with my fav red sweatshirt (still inside out) - see above) !

17. What is your favorite thing to do in the world: Besides being with my family, I would say travelling!

18. Would you go on a date with me if i asked you: For sure (I should ask Jamie 1st though!)

19. If I only had one day to live, what would we do together: We would meet up for coffee, have a good long chat, head to the states to go shopping, and then end the night at the movies watching 'Knocked Up' and killing ourselves laughing until we pee our pants!

I participated in my 1st swap a couple of days ago. I had so much fun! The rules were you had to purchase one roll of ribbon and 3 matching buttons! I decided to go with a Christmas theme so that my partner could use them during this season! My partner lives in Oregon and I can't wait to receive my goodies in the mail! Here's what I sent out:

The middle one is hard to see - it is a long-legged reindeer with a wreath around his neck! Too cute! I hope my partner enjoys them! I will post my parcel or goodies when it arrives!

Swaps

I have just discovered the online world of Swaps. I am sad to say that I am addicted!!! I think it is so fun to connect with others around the world that have the same interests and hobbies and to send them a little something from your heart - what can be better! I also LOVE to receive real mail - like actually something in the mailbox!

I have entered 4 swaps and I think I am limiting myself to those 4 for Nov and Dec. If I join anymore I will be running around like a chicken with my head cut off!

2 of the swaps are for new Christmas ornaments that you purchase and then mail to your assigned partner. 1 of the swaps is for a handmade 'Dotee Doll'. The other swap is for a handmade Christmas ornament - this one you have 8-10 partners that you have to make an ornament for - which means you receive 8-10 ornaments! I am SOOO excited!

I have been thinking about what to make for the handmade swap and I have narrowed it down to 2. I will let you know when I have decided!

Here are a couple of links that I have found that hooks you up to all different swaps - so check them out - and if you create one yourself - don't forget to invite me!

Swap Bot & Swap Dex

Special Day

So yesterday was my birthday....I woke up to freshly brewed coffee made by my 9 year old son, and peanut butter toast (my favorite) made by my 7 year old daughter! What a great way to wake up!

My husband had to work, but surprised me with some beautiful red roses that smell great, and 2 books that had been on my wish list for awhile! The books are: "Last Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson & "Seams to Me" by Anna Maria Horner. They are beautiful books, with great pictures and really simple and creative patterns! I am so excited to start tackling them!

I had a great day going out for the day with my kids and then coming home to watch a movie with them. We watched "Kit Kitteredge - An American Girl" which was really sweet, even my 9 year old son thought it was great! I have the best kids ever. They are so thoughtful and wanted to make my day as special as it possibly could be!

By the way - I found my staple gun in the garage! But wouldn't you know it - I had no staples in it! So tomorrow I will make a run to the Home Depot and pick up some so I can actually finish my bench project.

I have a couple of other projects on the go right now as well. One is a knitted afghan for my adorable niece Charlotte. Now Charlotte just turned 2 years old at the end of September and I
started making her a blanket when she was born! Unfortunately my life has been full of craziness the last couple of years and knitting a blanket has been something I have not been able to focus on. But of course my sister (Charlotte's Mommy) is wondering where this 'baby blanket' is! So now that Charlotte is not a baby any more - I have decided to make her an afghan instead. I have found a pattern that I like that is pretty classic. What do you think of it?

So I have started that and it is going well. Hopefully I will complete it before she is married and I have to make her a wedding present! I'll let you know how it goes! :)

The other project I am working on is this cute knitted baby bunny. I have a few people in my life that are pregnant and I think this would be such a cute gift! Click HERE for the pattern.

I will post some pictures of my progress on these 2 projects soon!

How are you liking the Christmas theme I am going with? I LOVE Christmas as I'm sure you all do too! Make sure you play the Santa Game on the right side of the page - it is SO addicting!

Peony Project

Wow, I have been so busy the last couple of days....I have been thinking non-stop about this post and wanted to post it days ago - but there has been no time!

Anyways, I am very excited about this new project that I have started. A few years ago I inherited a antique sewing table with bench and have wanted to do something with it since then. In the place we are currently living, my ensuite has a dressing table section with room for a stool to put on makeup on, etc. I have decided to reupholster the bench to go there.

So in the last couple of weeks I have been scouring the internet at quilting sites, fabric sites, fabric designer sites, and ebay and finally narrowed down my search to the most beautiful fabric designed by my favorite fabric designer Amy Butler. The fabric is called Sky/Tree Peony.

Here is a picture of this GORGEOUS fabric.

I think I am going to paint the base of the bench in off white which I think will make the fabric pop. I LOVE all of Amy Butler fabrics., they are all so bold, somewhat vintage inspired, and lots of prints!

I found a great site on Ebay to buy the fabric for an incredible price, but there is this quilting store here in Calgary that I have been dying to check out called My Sewing Room. It is apparently the largest quilting store in Canada. It has hundreds of fabrics, notions, quilting supplies, etc. It even has this special lighting that imitates sunlight so that when you are picking out fabric - you see the actual colour of the fabric (not tinted by fluorescent lighting). Very cool!

So on Wednesday when I dropped off my daughter for Gymnastics training I took off to the SE to check it out. Well, let's just say I was in there for over 2 1/2 hrs! They even had a selection of Amy Butler fabrics and I couldn't resist picking up a yard of the above fabric for my project. I know I am a geek, but I am so excited about starting into the quilting world that the whole time I was there - I was literally shaking! LOL!

I have been so pumped to start my bench project, and had it all ready to go and then realized that I don't know where our staple gun is. It must be still packed away in the garage. I AM SO ANNOYED. You know how you get that burst of adrenaline before a project? Well, that bubble is caught between my heart and my mouth now just wanting to burst! So my goal tonight is to find that staple gun...I'll let you know how it goes!!

New Start

Its been a very long time since I last wrote on here and a lot has changed in my life!

My husband is now a part of the RCMP and we have been relocated to a smaller community in Southern Alberta. We had to leave behind all the people we knew and love and start fresh here. I will not say that it has been easy, it has definately been a challenge.

I have learned a lot about myself, about my family and about life. God sometimes allows things in your life to help you grow and to see things clearer. All I know is that our family has never been stronger and closer and I am discovering my true self. I am allowing myself to pursue hidden passions and dreams and it makes me really excited about the future.

So with this fresh start and outlook comes this new blog. I have called it "White Way to Light". Any Anne of Green Gables fans out there know this phrase well. It is my most favorite part of that movie and it symbolizes hope, passions and dreams to me.

I hope you will join me in this new discovery of myself and delve deep into the lost passions of my soul!