Baby J's First Birthday

Yesterday we celebrated J's first birthday. It is hard to believe one year has already flown by.

For her birthday breakfast we had chocolate croissants, scrambled eggs, and strawberries. Yum!

In the afternoon J and I went shopping. She always likes to get out and see the sights. Unfortunately she would have nothing of having her photo taken for a passport. Sad. Travel plans are on hold.

We had a grand turkey dinner and all the fixings. I know what was I thinking? It was delicious. For the record next year dinner on a birthday will be much simpler. J loved the cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and stuffing. Dinner definitely required an outfit change.

And then while I was icing the cake J decided to explore while we were both presently preoccupied and pulled the pile of presents off the chair on top of herself. Bang! And then tears. Oh dear! After some comforting and hastily finishing icing J opened her gifts and we enjoyed a slice of cake. And then bath time which is always fun!

Look at her excitement as the wrapping paper comes off. 

Happy Birthday my beautiful baby! I love you always!

Merry Christmas!

This Christmas was quiet for us as L worked. I missed my family especially when family began calling and texting to wish me a Merry Christmas. 

When I was younger one of my favorite things to do on Christmas Day after opening presents and Christmas dinner was to go tobogganing with family. I took J for a little sleigh ride on Christmas Day. Each day it is not too cold and we also have snow I try to take J for a ride in her sleigh. 

She is super cute all bundled up! 

Today L was off work and so we celebrated Christmas today. We made pancakes and bacon for breakfast. 

After we opened gifts. 

J received the sweetest set of wooden blocks made by my nephew, a fun farm set from family in Ottawa, a nativity story book, ocean wooden puzzle and cute outfit from my parents. From her grandma we ordered the sweet Starfish Minimoc's that we had our eyes on as her grandma also loves shoes! 

Unwrapping presents was so much excitement for J that she was plum tuckered out after and needed a nap. 

If your reading this mom thank you for the awesome knitted mittens!! I totally love them. 

We have guests coming for New Years so I spent nap time organizing my books that I had yet to unpack! I love having guests come to visit. It lights a fire under me to get my house in order. Oh and having guests is fun on its own accord too! I am really excited for their visit. L shoveled the front drive. After J woke and we had lunch J and I went for a another sleigh ride around the park. We had just come in from the cold when L decided we should go out. We went out to run some errands and discovered that many of the businesses were yet closed for the holidays, return library books, and have a coffee. Now as I am writing this J is having her second nap and L is shoveling the deck. This evening we plan to watch a movie together as a family. 

How did you celebrate Christmas this year? Was it a traditional Christmas? or something other? 

Did Santa bring you everything on your Christmas list? 

What traditions make Christmas special for you?

Merry Christmas everyone!

 I hope you had a wonderful holiday filled with laughter!

Christmas cookies

Yesterday I baked Christmas cookies. 

I made this sugar cookie recipe and sugar cookie icing recipe . I highly recommended it! Here is my review that will convince you to try this recipe too!  It was super easy to mix up the night before and refrigerate overnight. Then while the baby napped in the morning I rolled it out and baked. I remember when I was little cutting the shapes for Christmas cookies was so fun. At other times we must have super sized our recipe and it just seemed to go on forever, rolling and cutting and rolling and cutting. This recipe makes just the right amount. At times our attempts at rolled and cut cookies was just a sticky mess. I thought this recipe was extremely easy to roll. Even so it took me a pan or so to figure out the thickness. Also no longer than 7 minutes or they brown. At first I thought they tasted a little plain, like biscuits but the icing is super sweet so with icing these cookies are perfect. If the cookie itself was any sweeter it would be too sweet. The icing is really wonderful. It's the right consistency and decorations stick. I wondered if the icing would harden so I could stack and yes I am happy to report it did! I will definitely keep this recipe as a holiday decorating cookie. I am looking forward to when J is older and we can have fun decorating Christmas cookies together over the holidays. 

 

Tears

 Tonight is the eve of our beta test to find out if there is any HCG coursing through my veins from our IVF treatment earlier this month. There isn't. I tested several times already with home pregnancy tests. I'm that kind of girl. I can't wait the two weeks to find out. Each time hope does a little skip and dance. Maybe, just maybe, but no. Even so I have continued to take the medication that would support a pregnancy until the beta confirms what I know. 

I am heartbroken. 

Sad. 

Tears fall for one that will never be. 

Today my heart is heavy. I wish it were not so. I wish this story had a different ending. 

"Occasionally, weep deeply over the life you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Then wash your face. Trust God. And embrace the life you have." -John Piper

 

Js Almost One Year Old Christmas Wish List

Yesterday we were to have gone to see Santa at the Science Centre but we were still all battling the flu. So if Santa has the Internet and is reading my blog here is Js wish list. (Of course J cannot yet make a list so I took the liberty to make one for her). 

Of course this list is much too late in the making. I find I am really behind this year. I haven't even got any Christmas cards together yet this year. I am ahead with L's gift as today side steps & a tonneau cover are being installed on his pick-up at Cap-It. 

I like the four gift giving rule (something to read, something they need, something they want, and something to wear).

 

To Read: When I was at Chapters looking for a book for J for Christmas I was disappointed to not find any nativity stories! Seriously this is the reason for the season. So after some searching I found these titles on amazon.ca. 

Need: J needs some boots and a better jacket that is lightweight but yet warm. Really it was -31 degrees Celcius with the windchill here today and I'm still traipsing around with her with her little mimimocs and a summer hoodie. Now I should clarify that I'm not a terrible mom; I did have a fleece blanket over her in her carrier. Also I have purchased a winter jacket but unfortunately I misadvertently purchased without trying it on her and it's really big. She swims in it. I find it challenging to pick out the right sizes for J. The jacket and boots are from Northface.ca 

Want: Toys right? We, J & I are getting so tired of our current toys. We want some new ones. (We already picked her out the Fisher Price Noah's Ark from Toys R Us when we were at Cross Iron Mills but here are some other toys I think would be fun from Amazon.ca.)

To Wear: J will need a new pair of minimocs in size 3 soon. I just love these shoes for her. They are easy to put on and they stay on. Here is a fun outfit I saw on littleandlively.com Unfortunately the pants are $22 and top $35. Yipes!! 

2nd FET Cycle

So this happened...

 

Hopefully in two weeks we find out we are pregnant. 

I have the flu along with L & J. Only they have antibiotics & are taking Advil. Me, I'm just miserable. 

I had wanted to recount my entire FET cycle; these last two months feel like a blur. I won't regale you with all the fertility drugs I have taken. Last week I flew with J early one morning to one of my appointments and was home again that evening. That was the longest day ever. My brother met me at the clinic and helped out with J while I had my appointment. After we went for a late breakfast. Then he drove us to the airport. J and I hung out at the airport for the better part of the afternoon. Spending any longer than an hour in an airport with an 11 month old is taxing. Am I ready for a second baby? 

 

This week we drove to our appointment. L took some time off work. It is approximately a 7 hour drive one way if one did not have to stop for breaks & diaper changes & food. We stopped half way at my inlaws home. They are in Mexico for the winter so it was strange staying in their home without them there. We mostly just stayed in while there as L was really not feeling well then. Then onto Calgary where we did a little Christmas shopping and stayed at a hotel near the fertility clinic. 

 

It was really cold on our journey. The weather dipped to -21 degrees Celcius. 

We are so glad to be home now. 

Keep us in your prayers for hopefully our next pregnancy. 

Autumn's Saturday Larks: A Recap

Someday's our adventures are grand, but most of the time they are ordinary. Sometimes they are new & bring a smile to J's face and other's just a little bit scary as all firsts can be. 

Your little face, J, says it all in this photo below, swinging on the swings for the first time can be a little scary even if all the other children are quite interesting to watch. And can I just say we are swinging outside in November! 

November 12, Swinging in the Park for the First Time

I've been sitting on this post for a long time trying to assemble my photos. So here it is a retrospective of our Saturday Larks from August 27-November 19. 

1. Picking out a Juniper Tree to plant in the backyard at the greenhouse, August 27

2. Playing Pokemon-go with Dad at the park, September 3

3 & 4. Walks in the wetlands, September 10

5. Picking out Fruit & Vegetables at the Farmer's Market, September 17

(See below for September 24 and October 1st when I used my big camera)

6. A Trip to the Local Museum, October 8

7. A Trip to the Local Library & Book Sale, October 15

8. A Trip to Edmonton & lunch at Dad's cousin's restaurant, October 22

9. Out Shopping with Mom, October 29

10. A Hospital Stay for Tonsillitis, November 5

(November 12 photo above swinging in the park)

11 & 12. A Trip to the Queen City to a craft fair, the mall, & book store, November 19

Yes, we finally did get your Juniper Tree planted after it sat in the garage for quite some time... and oh dear your fall coat is much too large. It looks like we have some weeding and landscaping to do next summer.

September 24

I was so delighted when we found a local pumpkin patch this summer with a hot chili lunch & entertainment. L thought the clown's magic tricks were a little ridiculous but just the same it was the first time J had ever seen a clown. The clown announced just when we approached that he was not making any more balloon animals beyond the balloons he had already distributed as he had another engagement to get to.

There was a balloon floating around on the ground near J and no one appeared interested in claiming it so I picked it up for J and she was delighted to hold it and watch the clown's silly magic tricks and hear the songs.

We got the obligatory pumpkin patch picture and J munched on some hay too.  

October 1

It's been fun thinking of ways to get out and exciting to see them through J's eyes. 

Where have your Saturday larks taken you this fall?

Collaboreads Link Up: Fall

This month's theme for the  #COLLABOREADS link up was a book with the word "fall" in the title. I took a little creative liberties with the word fall and chose the book Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson.

We had a big dump of snow at the beginning of the month so I thought it was only fitting. Thankfully the snow has since melted although the sky is a dismal grey. Winter is on the horizon. Fall is quickly fleeting and already L is playing Christmas songs. 

 

A QUICK SYNOPSIS: A local fisherman, Carl Meine, is found drowned. Suspicion centers on a Japanese American fisherman, Kabuo Miyamoto. After a hasty investigation Kabuo stands trial for murder. The trial digs up a contentious land deal between the Miyamotos and Meines. A backdrop is set of the Japanese internment and the roots of prejudism that pulse in the small island. Island reporter to the trial, Ishmael Chambers, wrestles with his secret childhood love affair with Kabuo's wife Hatsue, his memories of fighting the Japanese in the war, and evidence he finds in the eleventh hour of the trial. 

RIVETING: As the evidence mounts against Kabuo I found myself hanging onto a glimmer of hope that he would be yet found innocent. Why Kabuo, did you change your story? Why did you not speak forth earlier? Why do you sit with no emotion staring out at the snow falling? And yet I also feel curious about Carl's story that largely is silent except told from Ishmael's & the witnesses perspectives. 

ELEMENTS: The faint lines of a mystery ran through this novel as the author unravels the interlocking histories of the protagonists. I enjoyed the slow lead up, the descriptive setting, as clues emerge cast in the grey murky accounts biased by perspective, history, and character. 

ASSOCIATE: I have a novel that this book reminds me of in the recesses of my memory but I cannot pull it out. Perhaps it was Obasan by Joy Kogawa I cannot recall. This novel has often been compared to the themes in To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and the atmosphere of The Shipping News by Annie Proulx. As I was reading I didn't immediately think of TKM however. 

DESIGN: I cannot say I really liked the design cover for this novel. It is dreary. 

 

STARS: I gave this novel a 4/5 stars. I really liked it, however not enough to be a five star rating as it didn't sit as a novel I'm eager to buy for everyone for Christmas. I am looking forward to watching the movie for my next pick for our movie night. I was perusing the PlayStation list of movies in advance and spotted this title to rent. I was surprised it was released in 1999 and recalled it was based on a novel. I enjoy watching movies based on novels. 

If your interested in other novels reviewed this month follow the #collaboreads link. If you'd like to link up next month with a book of your own the theme for next month is a "foodie" book. It could be a cook book, memoir, or book with food in the title. It should be fun to salivate over what everyone is reading. 

Head Shape Clinic Appointment

On Friday we had an appointment at the Stollery Children's Hospital to assess if J would need a helmet.

Here is the scale they used to assess the severity of plagiocephaly.  

J scored 4.5/15 and it was determined she would not need a helmet. 

We are fortunate that J took to tummy time and sleeps now exclusively on her tummy. We are hopeful that with continued improvement of her torticollis asymmetries will resolve. 

While we would have made the necessary investment in travel and doctors appointments if J had needed a helmet we were relieved. We could not imagine making the 7.5 hour drive (plus breaks for washroom & feeding) every two weeks for helmet adjustments. Traveling with a baby is not my idea of fun. Our first night in the big city we decided to venture from our downtown hotel to a restaurant a mere 15 minute walk away. J was so upset about our dining digs that we had to request the server change our order to take out. We apologized profusely to the guests around us and servers and walked back to the hotel. It wasn't until late after we returned to hotel, fed & changed J that we had our dinner. That night J would not sleep in the hotel crib. Cue co-sleeping and getting kicked in the head & chest. Actually after she settled down she slept soundly. I, by contrast, fretted. I hardly slept a wink. We were so thankful to finally arrive home after three days away and sleep in our own beds. It seemed like we were gone longer than a week.

We have work to do yet on stretches for her torticollis. Sometimes I think we have made such progress then another moment wonder if we will ever resolve the head tilt or as you may notice in the above photo she hikes her shoulder up to her ear when she is tense. I wonder if her new venture into crawling sometimes causes her to tighten up. The assessor also noted that J has a discrepancy in leg length and foot size so we have to look into that shortly. 

 

A Thanksgiving Feast

It was a quiet Thanksgiving this year.  Around 10 in the morning a light skiff of snow started to fall and then faster until a blanket had formed that as the afternoon wore on in shadows stayed but on streets and sidewalks melted.

At first both sets of parents were to come and join us and we bought a 18 pound turkey and waiting in line at the grocery checkout I succumbed and bought a thanksgiving cooking magazine. Then they sent their regards and it was just us. It's strange sometimes holidays without extended family. I decided to make a thanksgiving feast even if it was just us.

The night before I was feeling a little weary after an evening of J and all her shenanigans and wondering what I was thinking telling L before he left for his night shift that we would have a Thanksgiving dinner as I would be making it solo while L slept the morning away. (He didn't end up sleeping but was occupied with fixing something.) I decided I would make a pie- a pumpkin pie, the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert in preparation for this day. But then I realized I had forgotten to purchase evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is such an odd ingredient and really I do not know of any other purpose for evaporated milk than in a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. At first I despaired after looping endlessly around the internet and finding only to substitute cream for evaporated milk. But then I stumbled upon a blog post for a coconut pumpkin pie and yes I had coconut milk in my pantry. This Thanksgiving feast was saved from imminent disaster.

It was too late to take out the 18 pound turkey to thaw but we had decided we would have a small ham we had also purchased as a side for the in-law Thanksgiving.  We were being fancy then in our planning, but it would come to good use. I am not certain as of yet what I will do with the 18 pound turkey in my freezer but perhaps it will last until Christmas?

As the pie baked I leafed through my Thanksgiving magazine cookbook. These grocery checkout magazines are really a gimmick. All the glossy photos are so enticing and you think I could do that but then you get home and forget about the magazine until the night before when all the grocery stores are now closed realize you do not have any of the called for ingredients. And so you make all your old standbys.

A Thanksgiving Menu

Appetizer: yes I should have read the Thanksgiving magazine cookbook earlier.

My guest, namely J, was in dire straits 10 minutes just before the meal shrieking as she knew we were up to something because she could smell tasty food but where was it, and why wasn't it ready now!

If anyone has some tried and true Thanksgiving appetizers that are simple please do share.

Main Course: Ham

We bought a simple pre-cooked boneless ham. It said on the package to put foil on the top and warm in the oven for 30 minutes. I decided to jazz it up a little and to use my slow cooker. I turned the slow cooker on to high to warm it up and put the ham in. I mixed up in a bowl 1 cup of orange juice, 2 cups of chicken stock, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cloves. I added this on top and used to baste the ham as it cooked on medium for 3.5 hours.

Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes & carrots, stuffing, gravy, baked pineapple, cranberry & salad.

You can go crazy at Thanksgiving with sides. Mashed potatoes are a given. But I deliberated this morning as usually we have scalloped potatoes with ham. In the end mashed won because it was easy to peel potatoes, sweet potatoes and carrots while J chewed on some bananas, strawberries, and cheerios at her high chair. I could put in a pot of water and a little salt to soak and come back to later when J grew disinterested in dropping the cheerios over the edge onto the floor. While J napped this morning I threw together the other sides. I usually have a good hour while she naps & L ended up adding a helping hand when she awoke. For the roasted sweet potatoes and carrots I lightly drizzled olive oil over the sweet potatoes and carrots and mixed to coat. They then went onto a baking sheet with a drizzle of maple syrup and pecans. L was not a fan of the sweet potatoes even though he liked the carrots so I need to find a new way to make sweet potatoes that will wow him. Stuffing is always the star of the Thanksgiving table for L. I always make a double recipe for him as he loves the leftovers days later. I cut up some celery, onions and mushrooms and fried these. I saved back half of the mushrooms for my gravy. I then added the celery, onions and remaining mushrooms to a simple box of Stove Top stuffing along with 4 slices of bread crusts that I cubed. I peeled, cored and chopped four apples. Then I added some chicken stock.  Stir and into a casserole dish it goes to bake in the oven for an hour. I added to the fried mushrooms some gravy mix and red wine. It was a little runny so I had to stir in some flour into some red wine and add that in. The salad was a mix of ingredients I found in the fridge, greens, chooped leftover bacon, boursin cheese, cut grapes, pecan pieces. I had a fresh pineapple that had rippened on my counter for over a week and needed to be used. I had thought I would add to my ham but after reading online that it is not wise to add fresh pineapple to ham decided to bake it with a little brown sugar, cloves and cinnamon. So yummy! A great addition to the ham afterwards. Cranberry was probably the easiest to make, just pour the package of fresh cranberries into a pot, add water and sugar, boil for five minutes and voila!

Everything prepped I just had to add it to the oven or turn on the stove as needed in time for dinner. L assisted when it came to bringing everything to the table.

Drinks: I had planned to make a punch of cranberry juice, orange juice and ginger ale but L had already poured us each a glass of wine. A perfect substitution.

Dessert: Pumpkin pie & coffee

It was delicious! The pie one of the best pumpkin pies I have ever made.

I survived making a Thanksgiving feast solo.

I am thankful for so much in my life! I am truly blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

October Goals

It's October! It's a blustery day today. I think it might snow. My trash can that L put out this morning was in the middle of the lane for cars to dodge when I went out to get it later in the morning.

I thought I would make myself a new set of goals for this month to keep motivated. I've been pinning a number of bullet journal ideas for my new bullet journal that I plan to purchase in November and I kept seeing all these level 10 life goal circles. Well I'm not ready to read the Miracle Morning yet by Hal Elrod but I like utilizing categories for goals and I realize my focus has been a little lopsided. I also liked the goal categories I saw on Elena's blog Beautiful Hope during blog-tember. 

______________________________________________________________

But before I get ahead of myself let me review last month's goals as they fit in the level 10 categorizes.

September Goals

Family & Friends

(1) Grace & Fun for In-law visit

(2) Reach out to 3 women locally 

(3) Complete thank you card mailout

Thoughts: I definitely need to improve in making friends/investing in relationships. I think I reached out to 2 women locally in September. 

I was thinking why have I been so awful at completing my thank you card mailout. I think because I really did not have a system while we were moving and now it is overwhelming. Who have I mailed? I've run out of cards. How do I get the addresses of those whose cards were returned in the mail with the wrong addresses. Gah! My address book really needs updating. I really need to comlete this once and for all in October!

Personal Development

(1) Read 6 books  

(2) Bullet journal September

(3) Complete blogtember challenge  

Thoughts: I read 5 books in September. Maybe I will almost meet my goal of 26 books this year! I blogged 24 times in 30 days. While I did not complete the challenge entirely I think that is still impressive. 

Spirituality

(1) Complete September Bible reading plan  

Thoughts: I only completed half of the month's reading. I read the book of Esther, 1st & 2nd Timothy, Psalm 119, 120 & 121. I was reading before bed but may need a different consistent time. 

Finances

(1) Shop for 2nd vehicle 

Thoughts: This may not really fit in finances except that having to replace our car after we had hail damage was unexpected. L got a sexy black pick up truck that he is pleased as punch about. Thankfully we did not have to break the bank to purchase.

Career

(1) Request reference letters  

(2) Reapply to substitute teach 

Thoughts: I totally stalled on this in September & after some thinking decided I really do not want to have J in daycare yet. I would like to wait until she is at least a year before returning to work. While I did not qualify for maternity leave, because I quit my job to go through IVF, my husband L thankfully earns a good income for me to stay at home currently.  

Marriage

Thoughts: Oh my! I do not have one goal related to marriage in September.

Fun & Recreation

(1) Find and visit pumpkin patch

Thoughts: I was so excited we found a pumpkin festival locally. It was really a local production, nothing like I anticipated seeing pictures people post of visiting a pumpkin patch with their kids, but it had local flair and was fun. I will post photos in an updated Saturday lark post in the next day or so.

Giving/Contribution

Thoughts: I could improve in this area in terms of having goals. It is a little challenging since I am not actually making an income. Perhaps I can look into other areas I can give that are not financial.

Physical Environment

(1) Organize pantry

(2) Organize Master closet

(3) Purchase Master bedroom bedding

(4) Organize/unpack books

(5) Landscape Planning

(6) Install underground sprinklers

(7) Order & lay sod

(8) Print & hang baby photos

Thoughts: Did you notice I added in organize pantry. That was a major accomplishment haha I really had too many goals in my physical environment this month. Moving is not easy. I feel like there is so much to do in my house yet. I may make my own master bedroom bedding after searching forever and really not coming up with what I am looking for. I found some options to purchase but it would be really expensive with the exchange rate. L wants to leave the landscaping until the spring so we did not make any progress in this area. I purchased 3 frames for J's baby photos and then on the drive home had a brain wave of what I want the photo arrangement to look like so now I have to make another trip back and purchase 5 more frames. 

Health & Fitness

(1) Book dentist appointments

(2) Workout 21 days in September

Thoughts: I finally made dentist appointments for us. It is challenging sometimes to find doctors, dentists when moving to a new city. I really could use a kick in the pants for not working out this month again! I did go for several hour long walks however with J in the stroller. 

October Goals

FAMILY/FRIENDS

(1) Host Thanksgiving x 2

(2) Celebrate my dad's birthday

(3) Send cards for family October birthdays

(4) Complete thank you card mailout

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

(1) Read 5 books

(2) Purchase Oatmeal Sweater & Fall Boots

(3) Make at least 10 drawings for #inktober

SPIRITUALITY

(1) Read Isaiah 1-39

(2) Put into practice what I read in One Thousand Gifts and make a gratitude list

FINANCES

(1) Revive budget from this summer & track this month

CAREER

(1) Request reference letters

MARRIAGE

(1) Think about ideas to invest in marriage other than "date nights"

FUN/RECREATION

(1) Plan some fun outings into our trip out of province later this month

GIVING/CONTRIBUTION

(1) Look to see if there is food bank locally to get involved with

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

(1) Hang Curtain rods in living room/kitchen

(2) Order fabric for bedding for master

(3) Organize books

(4) Measure for blinds order 

HEALTH & FITNESS

(1) Take a fitness class at local fitness centre

(2) Travel out of province for J's consult with specialist at Children's Hospital

READER RESPONSE

(1) What is one goal you are keen to knock out of the park this month and/or finally get off your to-do list?

(2) Is there one area or another that you find harder to make goals for? 

(3) What are some great marriage builders that you have utilized in your marriage? (Other than date nights because we do not have a trusted baby sitter yet.)

Bloggers of Blogtember

 

Image source: (1)

I thought about making the list of my five usual blog read. Several of my faves from last year have changed. I will return occasionally to my old faves, but often I find myself turning to where there is interaction. 

I love it when someone comments on my blog because it reminds me of them. For instance, Rosie  whom I met last year on blogtember, has been really encouraging all year long. When Rosie comments I find myself looking to see what she is up to. Some of those who comment challenge me to go further, and look into something further. Even readers without a blog, I am often reminded of you or curious about you.

Best of all I love it when we are on the same page. Blog-tember has been fun because all the bloggers participating were responding to a similar prompt & interpreting it in their own way. I recently found a sewing blog where you can sign up to be part of sewalongs using the same pattern. How fun! I think this might be a community I join. 

I love the blogs where individuals share their lives, fashions/clothes they are wearing, books they are reading, projects they are tackling. 

Just the other day in blogtember someone linked a fashion blogger who was out shopping and had tried on some clothes at a store that I also shop at. I never thought of that combo. I made a trip to the store and tried on some of those exact items. Some I liked, some I didn't and I ended up buying a few clothes for fall. It was fun! Now if I was really following my own advice I would try on all the clothes I bought and create my own post and share it with the world. Because my size medium/large is a different fit than her extra small. And a few different items made it into my shopping cart than hers. 

Best of all I love it when we are on the same page. Blog-tember has been fun because all the bloggers participating were responding to a similar prompt & interpreting it in their own way. 

Sometimes in our social media driven world I feel we miss encouraging and getting to know one another.  This blogtember I tried to visit as many blogs as possible and leave comments. Sometimes I just read because my ability to make a witty comment on the spot is usually lacking. Commenting, talking, interacting, builds community. I really would like to be better at commenting and am trying to comment & interact more when I read a blog. 

I thought I'd revisit ALL the bloggers that participated in blogtember and comment here about a post I liked that I remembered. Also this would be a reminder for myself of many of the blogs I visited during blogtember and a reminder to revisit. Really I should have been keeping track earlier because there are a lot of bloggers participating. Let's hope for another blog-tember where we can all put what we learned here into practice hey? And so I started with just today's blog-tember participants. Perhaps in time I will revisit the linkups on the previous day's in the month and add to this list. 

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's blog. You all are lovely women. 

Here are some posts I enjoyed reading during Blogtember...

• Aimee's This Morning Post. All those photographs are just beautiful. The dew on the spider web is stunning. 

• Anna Angela's Icecream post. Vanilla bean is versatile but also classic. Sometimes we can feel so regular until we realize that is what we like & what makes us fabulous. 

• Bailey's Life In Five. I've enjoyed your blog posts since last blogtember and have been cheering for you as you graduated and found a job teaching. I liked this post because it sums up and projects a hopeful future. 

• Cathy's Favorite Posts so far & link to Wedding Dress for Jess. Oh wow! You are so talented. I am impressed that you sewed a wedding dress.

• Jessica's Adventure Time post. That sounds like one wild fun bachelorette party. I am uber curious about how you became friends with your favorite wrestler. That almost never happens in real life. 

• Lacey's God's Grace post. God's grace is overwhelming to grasp at times & amazing. 

• Lecy's Cheese Broccoli Soup. Oh wow! I will need to make this soup. & Memories post. I can't even imagine what it must feel like to lose a brother especially during the holidays.

• Melissa's Redecorating a Room post. All the heart eyes for the porch, lounge chairs, lazy river, tree house and swing. So fun! 

• Natalie's Day In The Life Of. It brings back good memories of when I used to work in an office. I miss that time. I didn't appreciate it as much then.  I'd like to try that roasted veggies recipe. They look delicious and colourful.

• Nelle's Five Photos That Have Captured Your Year. I love how your photos tell a story. I have enjoyed following your blog since last blogtember and seeing your little one in updates. I am excited for you for your new business venture. 

• Pam's Trading Places. You have a great sense of humor. Do you have those 50,000 words written about George yet? I was interested to learn George Washington started the American foxhound breed. 

• Regina's Another Day Another Life. I can just feel the love you have for your son oozing in this post. Your a great mom! You have a great writing voice.

• Rebecca's What I Wish People Knew. I didn't realize before some of the things you shared about Eating Disorders. Thank you for sharing. 

• Rosie's Summer's End post. Your photo of the rose that has grown planted in your grandma's memory is gorgeous! I like your cheery posts. I have enjoyed getting to know you since last Blogtember. 

• Sam's Guest Post: Starting a Prayer Journal. This is inspiring. I've been hearing this repeated in my life recently that listing the positives brings gratitude which brings joy. I should start. 

• Thia's Geurtstagserinnerungen post. I love birthdays and the ones of your childhood sounded creative and fun. The cake decorated like a rabbit is great. Your 30th, 31st, 32nd and 33rd birthday sounds like the birthday I'd love to have traveling, relaxing & exploring. It's been fascinating translating your blog from German. 

• Tricia's Destination Getaway post. I am curious about what brought on the travel bug now after being a homebody most of your life. I wish you the best trip possible this December.

Hopefully in time, I will add to this list. Thank you all for reading & interacting with my posts during blog-tember. Thank you Rosie & Thia for your shout out yesterday. You both are beautiful. 

It was fun! 

#Collaboreads Banned Book

I love the idea of a book club & the Collaboreads link up is kind of like an online book club. This month the book selection was a banned book. It is Banned Books Week (September 25-October 1) in the States & while in Canada Freedom to Read Week runs February 26-March 4 I had a book in my cue that was once banned. 

 

The banned book I read is July's People by Nadine Gordimer. July's People was banned in South Africa shortly after it was written in 1981 until 1994. It was written prior to the end of Apartheid and presented a possible outcome of civil war as a backdrop to the novel where Whites have had to go into hiding to avoid being killed. From this place of refuge in the few days after their exit the story is told. It is a time of ambiguity. I found a quote as to why this book was banned, "the subject matter is questionable...the language used is not acceptable, as it does not encourage good grammatical practices...the reader is bombarded with nuances that do not achieve much...any condemnation of racism is difficult to discover--so the story comes across as being deeply rascist, superior, and patronizing." (1)While I do not fully understand South Africa's history or the end of Apartheid in South Africa I was surprised that this book was banned. (I didn't realize it was banned until I returned it to the library and then decided to add it to my bookshelf on goodreads as completed & read a few reviews.) It almost makes me want to re-read & then review this period in South Africa's history to see if I can understand why this book caused such an uproar. Almost.

RIVETING.

What part of the book could you NOT get enough of? 

I am in awe of the author utilizing tone so effectively. There is a strong sense of ambiguity "not knowing" throughout. Even the dialogue with its unfamiliar structure and lack of quotation marks & named speakers leaves the reader wondering. Much of the dialogue is ambiguous, those conversations that make one wonder what was meant. I am always fascinated by stories of escape. While the plot does not drive the book it is enough to keep me turning the pages wondering what happens to the family. Here the Smales, a white middle class liberal family of five, take flight from their suburban home and flee the violence under the direction of their servant to the village of his family. Displaced they find themselves dependent, living in his mother in law's one room hut. They do not know what is going on back in the city, if their home has been looted & burnt, they do not know if they can get out of the country or even if they should.  Even the ambiguous ending is fitting. Has Maureen run to safety & rescue or captors & her death & what of her family?

ELEMENTS.

How did you relate to/care for the characters? What’s your thought on the plot line and twists and turns? 

At first the lyrical language, alongside the cadence of the speakers colloquial tongue, made the book difficult to read. I was disoriented with nonlinear time sequencing trying to make sense of why this flashback was included here, and what it meant. Then the point of view shifted.  I wouldn't want to read novels like this on a regular basis but I gradually became accustomed & see how these elements mirrored the crisis of personal identity & shifts in balance of power. 

I liked Maureen's spunk. She was testy, tense, on edge, but also determined.

While the ambiguous ending stuck with me for several days and I found myself mulling over this book I also thought it was too abrupt. I didn't see the ending coming and much of the novel felt unresolved.  

ASSOCIATE.

What other books are like this one? If none, did it remind you of a particular TV or movie with it’s themes and characters? Does it serendipitous-ly line-up with things going on in your life or the news right now? 

I was reminded of A Blade Of Grass by Lewis DeSoto. A Blade of Grass is also lyrical & set in South Africa. It explores as this book what it means to be Black & White, entitlement, and the price of freedom. 

In some ways it makes me think of the Syrian refugees in Canada. What would it be like to flee? What would you take in those panicked last moments? What would the moments after include? Would life always feel like an interlude? I imagine even in Canada there is still a strain of prejudism, barriers they must encounter, 

DESIGN.

You know you judged this book by the cover. What did you think of it? How did it relate to the contents of the novel? And the font and layout of the pages?  

The copy I picked up from the library was a paperback. I love how paperbacks feel. After reading some thick hardcover books holding only 160 pages was welcome. I liked the cover design; this semi abstracted landscape & writing feel like school. Reading the author is a Nobel Prize Winner set this book up already as one I should invest my time in and consider i.e. not give up after the first confusing chapter. 

STARS.

How many out of five do you give this book? Would you recommend this book to a friend? 

I would give this book a solid 3.5. I liked it. To a literary friend I would recommend. 

Wherever You Are, Be Fully There.

 

 

I've been listening to the audio recording of One Thousand Gifts read by the author Ann Voskamp. If I were to answer what has brought me to tears lately this book would be it.  It is so heartfelt. Tears were leaking from my eyes the other day as we were eating lunch, listening, J looked at me perplexed & reached for me. I brushed the tears away and smiled, it's okay, baby. Because even though the telling in some chapters is sad, there is also so much hope, beauty, and joy in others. I am encouraged and inspired. "Wherever you are, be fully there." 

Lately J has been really clingy. If I so much as step out of the room or set her down to play on her own she's in tears. If I try to have someone hold her for a moment her lip quivers and she begins to cry. It is impossible to leave her at the nursery at moms group. Her tears lift in an instant when I pick her up & we dance around the kitchen. She babbles away happy. My floors need sweeping, I have boxes of books to yet haul in from the garage and go through, laundry to wash & fold, dishes to do, my to do list keeps growing. I've been holding her lots and was told repeatedly recently that I need to leave her, let her figure it out, work on having her be more independent. I was told I should go back to work, put her in daycare because this dependence was not good. It was bemoaning all this to my mom the other day and worried that perhaps what I was being told was true. I was feeling worn down. Where had my social butterfly gone? It was exhausting being needed so fully. My mom set me back on my feet in an instant. This is so good! It means she is forming healthy attachments. Really? Huh! And I remembered then a little of what we had learned when we were thinking about adoption. In a conversation my attitude shifted, I had felt close to tears myself, defeated, and now I realize what a gift this is. 

I read an article this evening on healthy attachment in babies. "Babies and toddlers who are securely attached will let you know it loud and clear... .So, while it may be disheartening to hear your baby’s cries, take heart in knowing it’s an indication they’re solidly attached... .If your baby seeks you out first when startled or scared, you’re on the right track... .Have you ever noticed that your baby continuously has their eye on you? While they may venture a little further when learning to crawl, or accept the arms of a stranger, they’ll only do so with your reassuring eyes... .Separation anxiety is distressing for everyone involved, particularly a new caregiver left with the daunting task of soothing a crying baby. While the upset may be extreme at times, your securely attached baby...will greet your return with smiles and reaching arms... .Parents of securely attached children tend to put in much more play-time than those who aren’t. ...While you may not enjoy hours of carpet time, simply chatting, smiling and stimulating your baby’s mind with books and music means you’re providing the social stimulation babies thrive on... .Some fear responding to their baby’s needs creates a dependent or “spoiled” child, but it’s quite the opposite. The trust that forms from healthy attachment leads to greater independence and a more self-assured older child." (1) Yay, to all that.

This book, One Thousand Gifts, and my mom's encouraging reminder have been such a boost for me this week. 

I love the photo above of the lioness with her cub. Beautiful. One day that little cub will be a lion. Lions are symbols of strength, courage, and leadership. I want my precious baby to one day be brave, a leader, a woman of strength & courage. 

So You Want Farm Fresh Organic Eggs: A Guest Post

One of my mom's loves is her hens. She calls them her girlies.

I decided to interview my mom about her chickens as my guest blogger.

Tell me, how did you get interested in having a flock?

I was interested in having hens that would lay eggs that I could bake with. My mom is an avid baker. I love having fresh eggs from my chickens. They bring me so much joy!

My first experience having my own chickens was not this positive. I was 28 years old. We were living on a farm. They were butcher hens. It was a bad experience for a first time flock as the hens had to die. They were scrawny. I was so discouraged. I didn't have chickens for many years after that.

No one admits to having a favorite child, but who's your favorite chicken & why?

My mom wondered if I wasn't really doing an interview about chickens after I asked this and if the question was metaphoric. I had to laugh.

I don't actually have one favorite. I have last year's chickens and this years. There are 60 in total with two roosters. They are all my favorites. They are so beautiful. The roosters even, they step out of my way and are very respectful.

Describe a day in the life with your chickens.

Early in the morning the chickens are let out into the first pen. The roosters are watching, waiting to crow. They know I will be giving them grain. When the rooster sees me coming with the grain he lets the others know. They like the grain. I soak the grain: wheat or oats first. Then they want to get out of the main pen and see more territory. I let them into the second pen which has a bigger terrain until 6 pm. Then they want the scraps. My dearest friend, she's one of a kind, she saves kitchen scraps. I wash out all their dishes they have had food in. When they see me coming out they just about jump the fence. I throw a piece over the fence and they run to it like it is gold. They scamper toward special pieces of scraps. At 7 pm I feed them more grain and oyster shell. Then I have my basket. It's a treasure hunt. I get up to 30 eggs. I tell them, "Thank you for the eggs". Then I say, "Good night, Girlies," and put them in for the night.

What do your chickens love to eat?

They love the kitchen scraps best of all. The kitchen scraps include carrot peels, potato peels, cored apples. They love banana peels. One will pick one up and run with it and they will all chase after. It is kind of like a game. They also love bread; that is a special treat.

What are your top tips for an aspiring backyard chicken farmer?

• Find a nice house. Make your own or buy one that looks cute.
• An egg nest that opens up and one you can collect the eggs from the outside is ideal.
• Order 5 or 6 hens for your backyard not 60 like I did.
• Make yourself a little fence to keep out predators. It is great to give chickens an area to free range.
• Go to a local farmer and get some organic grain.
• If you have a good friend, a friend who will keep scraps for you, this is great. It is embarrassing to ask for scraps from a friend, but a special friend will keep these for you.

Oh hey you can purchase this lovely chicken coop on Williams-Sonoma. 

It's a little expensive at $1499.95. 

Or you can always make your own. There are a number of cute plans linked on Pinterest. 

Here is one of my favorite chicken coops- The Cape Cod with a link to purchase plans. 

What has been your biggest challenge keeping chickens?

The biggest challenge I face is having to be home everyday to care for them or find someone who will let them out, feed & collect eggs. Also having a fence secure enough so that predators will not come and kill the chickens.

What are some of your happiest chicken moments?

Picking up the eggs, seeing them scratch around, listening to them talk. They give me so much delight. Sometimes I just watch them. It is as if they are talking, when they are clucking, eating the kitchen scraps, "This is so good."  It is so much fun listening to them talk. 

Sometimes I think I would like to have chickens. The thought of having 2 or 3 fresh organic eggs each day sounds appealing. My mom laughed when I asked her if I should get a few for my backyard, and said I would have to stay home unless I had a good friend who would take care of them when I came to visit her.  So no, I don't think I am ready to have chickens.

Thanks mom for being my guest blogger! xoxo 

Have you you ever flirted with the idea of having backyard chickens? Pinned a chicken coop diy or two? When you grew up did your parents or grandparents keep chickens?