I can't take it anymore.

The guilt. I can't take it. Every time I open my rss feeds there you are. My poor, sad, abandoned blog. Like the withering garden outside my front window (which I have also completely ignored this spring..) I know you are there but I just can't bring myself to pay attention to you. Yet tonight I find myself needing you again.  Wanting to revisit you. I've missed you.  So I hope you accept my sincerest apologies and can forgive me for the neglect. 

Let's start fresh. It's spring. The sun is shining (not really but I'm sure it's there somewhere), the flowers are blooming (again, not really but let's just pretend for poetry's sake), and I'm feeling the blog love again.  A lot has happened since the last time we visited.  Too much to catch up on tonight.  But I'll ease into things with some photos of my favourite wee nibs Kyla. Afterall, who can resist a baby?  We visited her last weekend and she's just as cute as always. 




And Kyla's entertainment for the evening - my offspring - older but none the wiser.



So there you have it. I'm back at it. Just me, my blog and my one follower (Hi Honey!)

Getting Down at Christmas

Almost time to relax... the Christmas season is upon us.  The kids are officially done school, soccer, violin and every other activity that has taken up all our time this fall.  I'm so looking forward to some family time...time to relax, unwind and get down!  It's going to be a great couple of weeks.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

DIY - How to make a Hermione Granger Wand

Lily is a devoted Harry Potter fan.  She's been reading the series since last Christmas and has just completed the 6th installment.  Given this obsession, it was obvious that Harry Potter was going to play heavily into her choice of costume for this Halloween.  After all, what nine year old girl doesn't want to be Hermione Granger?  We have been gathering bits and pieces of her costume for a few months now but when it came to finding a suitable wand, we were stumped.  A trip to Ollivander's Wand Shop in Diagon Alley was out of the question and Michael's was clean out of vine wood and dragon heart string but we put our heads together and found a way to make a wand that looks pretty close to the real thing.  Here's what we did.

What you will need:

• wooden dowel from local hardware store
• sharp knife
• glue gun
• paint
• varnish
• obsessed Harry Potter fan (typically 8 - 15 year old but the odd 40 year old too)

Consult with your Harry Potter fan to create the project plan.  Once this is signed off, visit your local hardware store and purchase a long wooden stick.



Grab your sharp knife and whittle the tip of the dowel down to a dull point.  WARNING: Sharpening the tip may result in younger siblings stealing the stick and attempting to use it as a weapon against the Harry Potter fan.  Beware.



Grab the glue gun and start creating a vine pattern around the wooden dowel. 



This will not be easy - especially if you have the Harry Potter fan sitting nearby inspecting your work. Try not to crack under the pressure.



Once you have the vine pattern in place, pat yourself on the back and take a break to wipe the sweat off your brow.



Okay, back to work. Pull out your paint - any old leftover craft paint will do.



This is a really good chance to get the Harry Potter fan involved. Hand them the paint brush, sit back and relax.



Once the paint has dried, slap some varnish on and admire your work.



If you are satisfied with your craftsmanship, invite the Harry Potter fan to conduct user acceptance testing. If you have met your deliverable, you will have gained the admiration of a very grateful Harry Potter fan - congratulations!



And you might even gain the attention of Luke Skywalker should he happen to walk by.

Torie + Mike

It was the perfect day for an absolutely perfect wedding.  The sun, the laughter, the love!  Krysta and I had a fantastic time.  Thanks for inviting us to be a part of your amazing day.  xo

Dear sad, lonely little blog...

Dear Blog:

Sorry I haven't connected in a while.  Summer is here and we are having way too much to bother with you.  No offense, but who wants to be inside online when the sun is shining and the beach is calling.  I promise I will give you lots of blog love when the clouds return and the days are shorter.  For now, please take this photo as a token of my love and appreciation. 

Sincerely, working mother and professional juggler.

Weekend Away

Summer is almost here although you wouldn't know if from the terrible rain we've been suffering with the past few days.  Last weekend we headed to Parksville for some R & R. I love this place...I always feel instantly better when we arrive in this tiny quaint town.  It's so untouched in so many ways. 

I spent my childhood summers in Parksville and it still has the same feel...family and friends on the beach, kids running everywhere until after the sun sets...sandcastles and bonfires...it's really my favourite place in the world.  We had a great weekend just hanging out as a family...can't wait to go back.

Spring and new beginnings

I've been ignoring this blog.  I'll admit it.  Things have been cloudy for a while and I just haven't had any motivation to blog or to take photos for that matter.  But now it's spring... it's warming up..it's sunny again...and things are shifting under my feet.  The clouds are finally lifting. 

I picked up my camera last night for the first time in forever.  How could I not with Miss Kyla in the house.  I just want to kiss those cheeks and listen to her little giggles forever....