A Hug in a Mug

Out for a skate!

2012-01-25T04:04:00.000-08:00

Our home school room Part #2

2012-01-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

OK...this post is a biggy, but I know that if others are like me, when I read blogs I want to know where certain ideas came from....and I love seeing how others live :) Kinda freaky I know.

Yesterday I posted pics of our school room. When we moved into this house, this room was being used as a living room. So crisp and clean. Loveseats to visit, and a little bar in the back corner. If these walls could talk what would they say now! Oh how it has been transformed.

So, here goes the tour. I am going to start when you walk in the front door, starting on the right.

First you will find this:

A place for Rachel's art smock. Yes, one of those pull over the head vintage numbers. Goodwill find for $.50 So cute! The bag beside is her nature bag. This is for adventuring outside. Inside I have included a magnifying glass, small art sketch book, pencil crayons, paper leaf stencils, North American animal tracks guide (another Goodwill find) and mini Usborne nature books.

Next up is Beatrice's space:

Beatrice has CP. She can't sit up on her own. So I rigged up this toddler sized play station with a 'learn to ice skate' support thingymabobber. I have used the baby links so that we can interchange sensory toys. She is going to be getting a stander to test out in the coming month so she will be able to come to a table and work with us while standing!

Circle Area is next:
Here we have Rachel's Chore Chart, seasons list, weather template and calendar. I got the template for the seasons list and weather template from Confessions of a Home schooler. A great resource for those looking for preschool ideas. Currently on Rachel's Chore Chart: make bed, brush teeth, clean her place setting, stay in her chair for meals!, and 'read' one story to each sister.
Next is Ruth's area:

Ruth is ON THE MOVE! Days from walking, so really all areas are open for her. But here is where I rotate toddler toys and board books for her to investigate.

Literacy Corner #1:

OK I LOVE this part of our school room. I got the idea here:
One of my fav, fav, fav books! If you are interested in supporting learning at home you MUST buy it. This literacy area has pockets with the following: story paper (with the box for pictures and lines for writing), letter paper, blank paper, envelopes, list paper etc. Rachel can simply go there when she wants/needs to do one of the above tasks. In the book they have the templates, and they have them in four stages adding more details to story writing and letter writing as the child gets older!
Storage Unit #1:

Here is where I store alot of our learning resources. ALL are thrifted finds. Goodwill, Once Upon a Child, Salvation Army...you name it! I have organized them by topic: Geography, Math, Science, Literacy etc. That way I can just go to an area when we need something to support learning in that area. The book cases are second hand Billy's from Ikea (thanks Lisa...yes all those years ago) and to make it look a bit neater I took vintage sheets from the Value Village (which already have the seam in them) and ran a tension bar across the top.

Bookshelf #1:
Now, this is where you are going to say she is really TYPE A! But really, there was a total simplifying measure in what I did here. I have been collecting children's' books for quite some time now knowing that we were going to home school. In trying to decide which method we are going to use, I know that it is going to be focused around literature. All of our books I wanted to be accessible to the kids, and I wanted to also be able to find something if I needed it to supplement something we are learning or a question that comes up in the day. So, I needed a system. I have organized the books by topic: Africa, Europe, Asia, N. America, S. America, Oceania, Literacy, Geography, History, Black History, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Arts, Social Skills....I think that is it! Each topic has a sticker which is on the spine of the book. Now Ruthie can pull off whatever she wants, and I can VERY quickly put it back where it goes. When Rachel asks me what the little ridges are on the roof of our mouths....I can head to the science section with her and find the book where it should be!

Above Shelf #1

Our sandpaper numbers, Montessori numbers 1-10, and abacus. I missed the middle bookshelf, but on top of it is out Montessori globe, science notebook, and science basket (magnet, magnifying glass)

Bookshelf #3:

These are letter boxes. Each box has a letter assigned to it. The contents inside are items that start with that phonetic sound. For ex. A - apple, astronaut, antelope etc. They are just mini items from the dollar store, Christmas crackers, craft stores. This is a good project to split with a friend. Split the alphabet, purchase double of each then swap.

Yoga corner:
Poster with different kids yoga poses. A place to store her mat, and a large enough space to practice.

Geography/Map wall:
Here I have highlighted some places near and dear to our hearts. This is one of the things that I am so grateful for with transracial adoption. I would like to think that I would have focused as much on inclusiveness if my children weren't from another race, but considering they are, we make a very large effort to celebrate all cultures. To show diversity in all forms in the classroom (ie., holidays, children's books etc.)
Montessori corner:

Here I have the pink tower, dressing frames, and number rods.

Storage shelf #2
This is where I store other Montessori materials, art supplies and my teaching resources. The kids aren't to get in here. But it is only a matter of time until Ruth comes over to play with the curtain!
Storage Bins:
Here is where I put my teaching/office materials: paper, pens etc. I also have three baskets for practical life, art, and math/literacy materials (ie. calculators)
Piano & Music area:

Rachel has decided she wants to learn violin, so this is where she will practice. I also keep the CD player here so we can listen to the radio or music while we work!

That about sums it up!!!

Our school room Part #1

2012-01-13T04:41:00.000-08:00

Oh this room as been in the makings for quite some time. This is the vision I had of it for some time, but it has evolved over the past few years. Since Rachel was about 18months I have had a space that was set up more Montessori style. Things were on shelves, and she/we could take them off together and work on them. Now with the littles in the house, it just wasn't happening. So we progress to this....a space where Rachel and I can work at the table, and the littles can explore the floor and activities geared at their level. I am going to do a photo tour of each area today.

Going for a skate.....

2012-01-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

It was unseasonably warm in December. This meant that our rink, which was fully functional by Christmas last year, was framed but without ice. Over the last few days we have had colder weather, and with that, a great base for the rink. Last night daddy & his buddy headed out for a pre-World Junior Semifinals Game skate. Apparently they should have stayed out for the night...as Canadians didn't win :( Today, Rachel had her first skate of the year.

Christmas Moments...

2011-12-28T19:02:00.000-08:00

A dance with Grampy.

A snuggle with mama......

Five Christmas Stockings....

Cousin love...

A treat left for Santa.....An attempt at a kiddie photo....oh so hard with three....

Love this girl.......

Getting ready for Santa....

Preciousness.......

Christmas miracles

2011-12-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas with three children under three.
It is EVERYTHING you can imagine it would be. Pure and utter exhaustion meets unbearable anticipation.

As our faith is growing, I find myself really looking to the true meaning of Christmas. A time to be awakened to the true miracles all around us. For years I questioned faith, feared faithed, didn't want to surrender to it. But through my children I have witnessed first hand that which can't be explained in any other way. There is a God, and he is living in my children. They are living miracles, and proof that something bigger than us exists.

What else can explain that in just over a year, this girl....
Is now this girl......
From full NG feeds, to only a couple cc's by syringe, to only a couple by bottle, meds for reflux, thickened feeds, to unthickened feeds.......to feeding herself solids!!!!
It is a miracle beyond miracles!

A word of warning

2011-12-15T05:14:00.000-08:00

Do not make this stuff if you are watching your caloric intake over the holidays. It is addictive!!!! I am going to have to make another batch :) I am hoping to put it out in bowls over the holidays, and wrap it in gift bags for the neighbours.

Thank you Heidi for the recipe.

REINDEER FOOD

2.5 C of Golden Graham cereal (I used a mix of teddy graham crackers & shredded wheat)

2.5C of pretzels

bag of holiday m&ms (I used the pretzel variety)

1.5 C of peanuts (or cashews)

2.5 C of white chocolate wafers

Mix the first four ingredients in a bowl.

Melt the white chocolate wafers in the microwave.

Pour chocolate over mixture and stir.

Lay out on cookie trays until cooled.

Break it into smaller pieces.

EAT AWAY!!!!

Gathering friends together

2011-12-14T04:53:00.000-08:00

Last night we had our Christmas dinner celebration with our South African families. Where was my camera!!!! We had the yummiest, yummiest of dinners. I hope these recipes continue to be made throughout the years....passed down and down....

Yellow Rice
1 1/2 C uncooked rice
3 C water
2 tsp. sugar
1 tbsp butter
1 1/2 tsp tumeric
1/2 C raisins (or dried cranberries)
Salt

Bring salted water to a boil and add all ingredients.

Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 25 intues or until rice is cooked.

Bobotie
1 slice of white bread (I used whole wheat)
1 C milk
2 eggs
butter
1 onion, chopped
1 kg. ground lamb or beef
1 tbsp curry
2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tbsp tumeric
2 tbsp lemon
2 tbsp chutney
6 almonds quatered, toasted
1/2 C raisins

Heat oven to 325F. In a bowl, soak the bread with milk and then remove and squeeze. In another bowl, beat eggs into the milk and set aside. In a pan, melt butter and saute onion. Mix meat in another bowl with bread and remaining ingredients. Pour 1/2 of the egg mix into the bowl with the meat and mix. Put meat into a shallow greased dish and top with the egg mix. Bake for 1 hour.

One of our friends brought a Putu dish with sausages. It was yummy, gotta get that recipe! There is a new South African store in town where we can buy all the authentic ingredients. Gotta get to that place before Christmas. Can you say biltong in stockings!!!!

Don't you just want to eat these up?

2011-12-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

A Trek

2011-12-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

A trek out to find the tree!These are some of my favourite ornaments!

Tis the season...

2011-11-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

and these are a few of my favourate things!

Playing

2011-11-23T05:12:00.000-08:00

The twins foster parents came by the other night. One of them got this beautiful African jembe for Christmas. They girls had so much fun playing!

I think this one drew the short straw!

2011-11-18T04:22:00.000-08:00

Rachel and I made peanut butter pinecone bird feeders the other day. The woodpeckers LOVE them. Last year we hung them from the clothesline so the squirrels couldn't get at them.

I was washing dishes only to look out and see this:

Can you imagine the squirrel conversation that went on before this.

A drawing of straws so to speak...who was going to make the trek along the clothesline...hang upside down from their back feet...only to flick peanut butter down to the squirrel on the ground.
I am guessing this guy drew the short straw!

Baby steps...or huge strides....

2011-11-17T04:54:00.000-08:00

So, so, much work. Determination!

For so many babies, bringing their hands to their mouth happens with ease. If they are teething, they can knaw on their fingers to bring comfort. If they want to feed themselves, they can grasp food from their tray and bring it to their mouth. If they need that soothing sensation, they can suck their thumb. Not Bea. For Bea to successfully work her body parts, she was coordinate a series of relaxations and contractions all in the hopes of managing her tone. Her brain knows what she wants to do, but the body hasn't figured out how to manage the tone in all situations. So, we take baby steps with her. And celebrate her milestones.

This week...she managed to use the edge of her highchair as a lever to bring her hand to her mouth. We have been practicing this with her alot. Bringing her hand to her mouth so she can suck on her fingers. Holding it there. Creating a new pathway in her bring. So when we started to do it on her own in her highchair...this was BIG!!! She still has to figure out that once her hand gets to her mouth she needs to relax to keep it there. But...it will come. You can see the concentration on her face while trying to do it...and the joy once she achieves it!

What we've been up to...

2011-11-14T04:57:00.000-08:00

This one is amazing!

2011-11-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

OK...just like the Pumpkin Cream Cheese muffins from Starbucks. They are amazing!!! Finally, an amazing recipe to use up all the pumpkin and squash from the garden. I followed the recipe except I didn't roll the cream cheese into a ball...who has time for that! Just slice it and lay it down.
I have put the recipe on my pinterest account: http://pinterest.com/ahuginamug/

Mama milk

2011-11-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

The girls are loving breastmilk! I am a bit overwelmed at the emails I have received from dear friends willing to pump for the girls. Yes, we would love it. I love that they are getting mama milk! Human milk, for human babies. I would love for them to move exclusively to breastmilk in their bottles (instead of milk and formula). And...in a perfect world...this would remain until next September when they turn 2 for their corrected age.

We are so, so grateful for everyones generosity!

Milk

2011-11-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

The twins are growing....and growing....and growing. They are getting stronger. Bea is lifting her head and bending her knees in a supported crawl position. Ruth is standing. Both girls are engaging so much now that they can see.
Their immune systems are still weak. Their lungs....like paper. We are supplementing all three girls with tons of immune boosters from our naturopath. Our hope is to make it through the winter with minimal hospital visits.
With this hope...we are going to one of the most amazing immune boosters around. Breast milk!!! I did induced lactation for Rachel. The timing for the twins was so fast, I am reaching out to my friends and family for their liquid gold for the twins:) This past weekend I started supplementing the girls formula and milk with my sister-in-laws milk. It made me so happy, and a bit teary to see them drinking. Three other women have so graciously offered this gift. I am soooo happy.

What I want my girls to know...

2011-10-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

At different times of the day, in different places, I catch myself thinking....'that is something that I want my girls to know'. Little tidbits of experience and knowledge that I have gathered over my years....that I hope will help them know me better when they are grown women. My hope is that it helps them stand just a bit firmer in their our feet. Helps make their journeys the taddest bit easier knowing that mama went through it to. And if at all possible, help prevent them from making some of the painful choices I have made. Us women need to learn from each other. Share stories and legacy in a non-judgemental way. So every so often here I will be documenting just 'what it is I want my girls to know'. As this blog is bound in book style every year or so, I hope to document some of these memories. Then...maybe years from now, they will have a testimony of the lessons I want them to have learned from me :)

#1 Make time for getaways with your partner.

It is good for your mama spirit and for your marriage. You need that 1:1 time together...so you can have a long conversations without interruption, catch up on your sleep, and remember why you got married in the first place. Don't feel guilty! You are still a good mama. Actually, you will be a better mama, and wife. Hey...and Gogo (yes that will be me) will be MORE than happy to babysit :)

Your dad and I went away for the first time in 4 YEARS (yes that is right) this past weekend. I can't believe we waited that long. We definitely won't wait that long again. Her are some pics from our getaway at St. Annes :)

Well she has done it....

2011-10-27T17:52:00.000-07:00

the girl has started the read:)

She is just hooked. Not so keen on reading for others....she gets all shy and cute. But she is sounding out words, asking me to read words, making letter sounds. She is absorbed in letters and words right now. I am so excited for her. I think of the world that she will be opened to by being literate. Makes me so grateful.

She has finished the first two books in her BOB book series....'Mat' and 'Sam'.

Love this girl xo

WE CAN SEE!!!!

2011-10-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine going from -9 and -10 in your sight...to actually being able to fully see far away!!! Both girls have ROP, which is a disease of premature eyes. Bea also had hemorrhaging in her eyes. But now, both are healing and have glasses!!!! And I think they look darn cute too!!!

Enchiladas

2011-10-23T05:17:00.000-07:00

I LOVE MY SLOW COOKER!

OK...this is the easiest recipe and it is SOOOO TASTY!!!!

1. Put chicken (even frozen if you want) into your slow cooker.
2. Add a jar of salsa

*cook on low for the day, when you come home, or just before dinner:

3. Use a fork and a knife to pull apart the chicken...it will be like pulled pork.
4. Lay tortillas flat...and fill with chicken...I also add refried beans. Fold ends in, and roll up.
5. Before you lay them in a baking pan, add a bit of water and a scoop of butter to the pan. This helps prevent them from sticking and given them that moist texture.
6. Lay them in the pan. Cover with enchiladas sauce (found in the Mexican food aisle) and grated cheese.
7. Bake covered 400 for 20-mins, then uncovered for 5-10 mins.

Serve with salsa & sour cream!
Yum!!!

Sisterfriends

2011-10-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

Keeping it simple today. Just grateful for sisterfriends. The women in your life who just know what you need. A meal, someone to take the eldest so the mama can sleep with the babes, soulfood conversation, a cup of tea, a hug, a 'its a season, and you are doing great', and even a 'you are looking great' (when you haven't showered in a couple days).

Here's to sisterfriends, and how we lift each other up.

Sleep

2011-10-17T05:04:00.001-07:00

Oh I wish I felt like it were overrated. It would be lovely to be one of those people who can function off of 4 hours a night.
We have teething twins.
We are not sleeping very much.
We are still trying to work the whole twin sleeping thing. Currently they are separated, one in our room, one in the nursery. This was to keep them from waking each other, but it actually leaves us up most of the night because they aren't on the same waking schedule. Considering putting them back in together, and just hoping that when one wakes, the other will hopefully wake and just get it over with :) Wishful thinking????
We are also learning alot about CP, and how it works with pain. When Bea is in pain (like that from teething) her CP really acts up. Her tone is strong and jerky. This wakes her in bursts, and she will squawk out. Poor thing.
So, I reschedule some of our commitments for the week, pour my second extra large coffee for the morning, and look forward to quiet time today :)

Wishing you....

2011-10-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

this kind of restful Thanksgiving.

Guess what we did yesterday

2011-10-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

APPLE PICKING!!!! It is definitely different this year with three kiddies under three. Rachel picked a small bag, and I purchased a bushel :) It was a gorgeous day out in the sunshine with our home school friends.

On the agenda today....apple butter!!!!

Soul food

2011-10-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Girls weekends are the epitome of soul food...feeling rejuvenated, rested, inspired.

Just what I needed.

After two weeks of....

2011-09-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

-one naturopath appointment
-family photos
-dietitian appointment
-physio appointment
-another naturopath appointment
-hearing test
-another hearing test
-infant development appointment
-Social worker appointment
-mobility specialist appointment
-another physio appointment

....then homeschooling commitments & functions.......

I AM CHECKING OUT!!!!!
Heading for a weekend away with the GIRLS!!!!!

My new list for the weekend:
-lots of good coffee
-lots of red wine
-fat pants for good, good food!
-sewing, knitting, reading
-MOST IMPORTANTLY....SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!

A look at the garden

2011-09-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Acorn squash...almost ready.Tomatoes, zuchinni...Corn...Beans....Leeks....Pumpking...Purple potatoes!

Like an old friend, this garden is just there when I need it to be. Just knows what I need when I need it. I have done SO LITTLE on it this season, and it just shows up. Few weeds, lots of fruit. So grateful.

I guess it is just the way you look at it.

2011-09-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

Ok...follow me here. Things will line up.

About two months ago at church, the pastor told a story about a man and a woman. The man could see, the woman was blind. They were the dearest of companions. The woman was so sad that she was blind. She felt so defeated, so depressed. She leaned on him for support. He loved her just the way she was.

One day she found out that someone had donated a pair of eyes to her. She was elated! She received the eyes and saw the world in an entirely new light. When she cast eyes on her companion, she was so disappointed at what he looked at. She went so far as to say that she didn't want to be a in a relationship with him as he wasn't what she expected. At their parting, he simply looked at her and said....'I hope you love your new eyes, as I loved you so much, I gave you mine'.

Here this woman, who had no sight for all those years was so busy complaining about being blind that she oversaw the deepest love that was being shone down upon her.

The pastor went on to talk about being cautious of what we complain about. That was is our deepest discomfort, just may be a luxury or dream for someone else. When we complain about our children, think of those who's deepest desire is to parent. When we complain about weeding or preserving our harvest, think of those without food. When we complain about our job, think of those who are without work and the ability to provide for their families. When we complain about our weight, think of those who are starving to death. When we complain about cleaning our homes, think of those who are homeless. When we complain about our spouse, think of those who are lonely.

This wasn't design to infuse guilt, or to force us to live some Pollyanna life. More to have us stop and think. Pause. Reflect.

Of course...I cried and cried in this service. I was holding Bea as I listened to the sermon. Our sweet girl who was blind and deaf up until April of this year. This sweet child who has the deepest sense of joy that anyone could wish for. Simply the happiest to just be in the company of others. This is not what we planned for in our life. Actually, it really frustrates me when people make comments like "That just wouldn't be in our cards" or "I can see how you can do it, you are a stay at home mom etc"...or "wow, you're amazing for taking that on". You see, it just isn't about us. It truly isn't. Amidst the fear and worry that we had when we first met Bea...yes we did....we are human...with limits....we really knew in our hearts that she was our daughter. Just like a child born to us, when we laid eyes on her we knew. The day we met the girls at the adoption conference I had said a prayer in the bathroom (yes, while I was on the toilet), "God, if our girls are here, please take down all of the barriers that would normally prevent us from parenting this child. Make it clear, that this is our child." And sure enough, when the girls came on the screen, we looked at each other and said 'there they are'. They could have told us that the girls had 10 heads, and four arms and it wouldn't have mattered. They were our children. Just as if I had given birth to them; I wouldn't send them back. Wouldn't consider changing my mind. I know that God hand selected them for us. To TEACH US....to have us look at the world in a totally different way! To help us really look at what is important.

Yes, Bea may never live independently. She may or may not talk like other children. She probably will have limited mobility. That would have scared the crap out of me years ago. Now, I just look at that smile and think....man, if only I am lucky enough to live long enough to wake up to that beautiful face every morning.

Hello, is anybody there?

2011-09-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

Who says kids can't play with their food?

Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes!

2011-09-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love this picture!!! Look at all the colours! My zillion different tomato seed varieties paid off!!! The first batch of them I did from seed never took, but they I took a risk and late seed planted quite a few different varieties. Those seedlings I kept outside from the get go. Next year I will do this again, perhaps even direct seed :)I decided to make sauce this year. I am so glad that I did. I used this recipe. I never take skins off of tomatoes...just seems like alot of work and the nutrients are in the skin. I also added a bit of red wine to the sauce for flavour. OH....and totally awesome trick. I never knew this. I accidentally cooked the sauce in my pot that doesn't have a thick bottom, and some of the sauce burnt. I was SOOO bummed...as 50 cups of tomatoes later...I didn't want to think about wasting. But..you know what takes away the taste of burnt? I tbsp or two of peanut butter!!! It actually worked!!!

I love this salsa

2011-09-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

Let's just say that a new family of 5 and 100 tomato plants don't necessarily jive. We have more tomatoes than a small country would eat, and I have less time then ever. So, I have had to be super efficient in putting them away for winter.

Let's just say that the majority have been cored and frozen....yes, skins and all! They are easy to throw into the crock pot with other veggies and beef for sauce. Other than that, I love to have some sauce already prepared for those nights when I have no idea what I am going to make and need a quite fix for supper. We also eat tons of salsa. So this year I made this recipe. It was so, so, good.

Ripe tomatoes (I leave the skins on) 4.5 lbs
Whole green chilies (I used the canned ones with abodo sauce) 3
Large Spanish Onion chopped 1
Large green pepper chopped (I didn't seed) 1
Medium red pepper chopped (I didn't seed) 1
Whole jalapeno peppers chopped (I didn't seed) 3-6
Canned tomato paste 5.5 oz
White vinegar 3/4 cup
Brown sugar 1/4 cup
Coarse salt (pickling) 1 tbsp
Paprika 2 tsp
Garlic powder (or 2 cloves, minced) 1/2 tsp

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, uncovered over medium heat stirring occasionally. Boil gently for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to desired consistency. Close to the end of cooking, taste to see if you would like to add more jalapeno peppers. Add as many more as you like. Fill hot sterilized pint jars to within 1/2 inch of top. Place sterilized metal lids on jars and screw metal bands on securely. For added assurance against spoilage, you may choose to process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes. Makes 5 pints.

Get out the nacho chips and enjoy!!!

Learning Zulu

2011-09-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

Rachel's birth family were Zulu. As someone who is terrible at learning new languages, I am fascinated by Zulu. Truly fascinated! There are clicks...and what I would refer to as clocks...but they aren't :) There are several reasons we want to homeschool, but our African connection is probably one of the main reasons. Our hope is that I can take the kids at least every other year back to South Africa to do mission work. Our dear, dear friend Christine goes each year to work with her Foundation, Emmanuels Wish.
Over the years, the girls will learn Zulu while we are in South Africa. The cool thing is that we have made a connection here in our town with a man who grew up with Zulu as his first language. His son works with my husband, and his daughter-in-law is in my homeschool group. So....we know get to spend every other Tuesday morning with 'Baba' to learn Zulu. SO, SO, cool!!!

Steep Learning Curve

2011-09-15T04:19:00.000-07:00

We really are blessed to have alot of support for the twins. At time whens the appointments seem over welcoming, and the information way too much to wrap our minds around, we do try to think of how lucky we are to have the support. OT, PT, Speech Path, Infant Development, Dietician...the list goes on and on. Each person has their individual protocol for the girls. Some of our appointments are here at the house, others require us to drive. With each appointment we are navigating an entirely new language, an entirely new set of decisions, and outcomes. For Ruth, the appointments are more to fine tune her developmental milestones. She is so very close, and eventually most of these services will not be needed. Bea on the other hand, will probably require these services for life. Our steep learning curve right now is in the arena of mobility. Bea is getting to the developmental stage where she wants to move in ways her body won't let her. Talk about frustration! She sees the girls playing, and I can see her wanting to be right there with them. We had an OT/PT team meeting on Tuesday, and we are going to look at some seating options for her. Something that will allow her to get down on the floor, and look eye to eye at her sisters. Now we are also learning that these systems don't allow the child to do much motor work, as they are strapped in. So she must continue to do her daily exercises, have tummy time, time on all fours etc. This helps develop the trunk, neck and shoulders. Then working to more control in the arms and hands. It is all a fine balance. Motor work at the expense of social interaction. Social interaction at the expense of motor work. We will get there. I do know for sure......this girl works harder than so many of us to do the things we so take for granted.

The Sickies

2011-09-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

The sickies have invaded our house. Not just swept in quietly, but entered with a full force BANG! Living with micro preemies has made us so much more aware of all the germs that surround us. We haven't had to deal with this before. Mark & I are outdoors people. Rachel has the immune system of an ox! I have never been a Purell type of person, and am very relaxed when it comes to dirt...playing in it, or eating it for that matter.
Now that the twins are here we are seeing exactly how compromised their immunity is. In the short time they have been with us, one or all of us has experienced pneumonia's, bronchialitis, goopy eyes, strep throat, and shingles. We have visited the walk in clinic and family physician more than I can count, and most recently had a hospital stay.
We felt so prepared with this adoption in terms of attachment and transracial parenting. I don't know if we could prepare ourselves for the revaluation of priorities and lifestyle as it relates to keeping our girls healthy. We are entering RSV season, and with that, committing again to keeping things simple, and very controlled with regards to exposure. This means, no overnights for the girls. No over scheduled days. Not attending gatherings were you know there are sickies. And...using Purell. Lots of Purell.

urghhhh

2011-09-08T19:43:00.001-07:00

I have made list after list. Things I want to document here for my girls. It is just that these past few weeks we have been tackling the garden and germs. After a 4 day stay in hospital, Bea and I returned home today. I am going to take some time to tidy, get to the garden, the purge my thoughts in this space. Trying to stay positive, and focus on the blessings that have come my way through all of this.

Under the stars

2011-09-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

I think this is one of the cutest things I have seen all summer. Daddy & Rachel having their first campout in the backyard. It included a fire, smores, and reading by headlamps. No mommies or babies allowed. Precious..next stop...Algonquin!

Full Days

2011-09-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Busy in the kitchen...busy in the garden.....trying to breathe and enjoy the process.

Taking a week

2011-08-28T05:29:00.000-07:00

We have taken a week as a family. A week to connect, to help family, to get away. It has been wonderful. There were so many highlights:
-Rachel having her first hotel visit (it was the Days Inn...but could have been the Four Seasons)
-Listening to Rachel and Ruthie 'chat' in the back seat
-shopping at Target .... I love that place!
-Dunkin Donuts 'Coffee Coolata'
-watching cousins dance, especially when it is to Christmas music in August!
-having gratitude for our health care system, where you don't have to questions fees before service
-the crayola factory...yes.....a dream location for both kids and geeky moms!

We came home to an abundance in the garden. A cool day today calls for canning. I think it will be salsa and swiss chard relish. Perhaps a zucchini loaf or two too!

The Newest Gaynik

2011-08-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

Two cousins creation....
With the help of Grammy & Grampy....
He has a moustache and beard like daddy....

Sky for a head.....

Boys clothes...yes, he is a boy...

He is to be in the front yard only....

Introducing 'Berget'....to scare away the birds :)

This week...

2011-08-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

in the garden....

Black Current Jam

2011-08-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

I bought two of these bushes last summer when the greenhouse was clearing them out. Then...I forgot what I bought. So when these yummy dark purple berries came out, I had to do some google searching. They are black currents, and they made the most delicious jam!!! A combo of sweet and sour. And the colour...well, just gorgeous!I use a traditional box of pectin, but just modified the amounts as I only had 2 cups of berries. I used 1/2 box of pectin, and 7...yes 7 cups of sugar!!! These are tart little fellas!

Homemade Pesto

2011-08-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

This recipe is amazing. It is from here. I love this blog as the recipes are all delicious and very close to the earth! This pesto is so easy, and the modifications keep it more economical. I used walnuts instead of pine nuts, and there was absolutely NO difference. It also freezes really well. I do dinner sized portions in sandwich zip lock bags, and garnish sizes in ice cube trays (it is really yummy on baked Camembert).

Things I am loving...

2011-08-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

Watching these two wash the car.......ANDDDD having a clean car :)These scones. O.K. the key is to grate the cold butter with a cheese grater!!! They are SOOO yummy. Even better with nutmeg brought back from Grenada.

My survival tools

2011-08-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Oh this one was a late night....how I get through my day...coffee and a carrier!

Bruschetta

2011-08-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

These were the first tomatoes from our garden. We have about 100 tomato plants...that will eventually provide us what we need for a years worth of sauce, salsa, and pizza toppings! I just couldn't wait to make something with the first few that ripened. So for lunch we had bruschetta on fresh bread and goat cheese. YUM!

Now, it was garlic overload as I used two entire heads of garlic. I chopped it up with fresh basil, and the tomatoes from above. Sprinkled with olive oil and sea salt. Roasted on high broil.
This is the result! Tasty, and fresh, fresh, fresh!!!

Preserving Herbs

2011-08-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

My herbs are doing really well this summer. Perhaps because they have been left on their own for so long...just growing away. Getting used to being a family of 5, many things have taken a back burner, and garden maintenance has been one thing. I totally missed the cilantro. It went to seed before I had a chance to pick it. I purchased some at the store for the winter. That way, it is good Ontario product, at a very cheap price. The sage and parsley are growing like weeds and I have put a bit of it away for the winter too.

Some people dry their herbs, I find that they taste so much fresher when I cut them up into the small snack sized zip lock bags. That way, when I need a tsp or so, I just sprinkle it out of the bag, and return it to the freezer. Each little bag I just label in the corner with what it is, and what year it is. That way...I can tell exactly which 'green' it is come January.

Now...to create something Mexican for this abundance of cilantro!!!

Inspiring

2011-08-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

Finding this family very inspiring!
Could spend hours learning more about this family.

The Babies Are Here...

2011-08-05T05:59:00.000-07:00

The eggs have hatched, and these are the precious little ones that are waiting for mama to come feed them.And my baby....growing up. Her very first dance class.

Provincial Parks

2011-08-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

We so would have loved to spend the entire weekend here:

But we were grateful we got to spend the full day. With the girls immune systems still healing, we have decided to just do day trips. This one was amazing!!! Good friends, good conversation, lots of sunshine, fresh air....ahhhh!!!!

The hammock...a perfect place to hang with bubba and bunny after a long day xo

Blueberries...

2011-07-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

Stringing blueberries and leaves.

...oh how I love thee. So yummy now, even yummier in January when pulled from the freezer. Easy to pick, easy to wash, easy to freeze. These days, I'm loving easy!

The house smells a little like this...

2011-07-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have been making dill pickles. When Rachel and I went to the farm today they had pickling cucs ready. Now, we have them planted in the garden, but they got in the soil late. So I am not going to risk that we don't have dills this year. I could end up seriously regretting this decision if ours grow. I may be giving them away at the bottom of our driveway! My dill pickle recipe is here. Super, super easy. Especially when your hubby helps out!

Golf anyone?

2011-07-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

Be not intimidated!

2011-07-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

Be not intimidated!!! You CAN make crepes. I have never made them before because I thought they would be so tricky. Requiring absolute precision when measuring, and some sort of special pan. But oh no! They turned out so well.

And were beyond yummy with fresh raspberries and whip cream!

Who doesn't like sweet treats for breakfast????? Check out the recipe here.

Today I am loving

2011-07-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

...these gladiolas in my front hallway...this smile

...and this smile

....and these two loves

They are all so dear to me xo

The best gifts for a new mom

2011-07-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

We have been so blessed over the past few weeks. People have been so generous with their time and resources. Now that I have done this mommy thing before, I find myself alot more efficient when it comes to the daily routine. I find myself saying .... "I want to do this, buy this for another new mommy." Forget the chenille blanket...these are the things that help you keep your head above water...and therefore, the entire ship afloat. These things will be on my list for other new mommies!

-A case of Lysol wipes. Now, if you know me, I am more of the tea tree kind of variety. BUT, these suckers are fantastic. Each of our bathrooms has one container, the kitchen has one...and when someone see dirt, they are to just take out a wipe, and clean. Now, a 2 second bathroom clean is my kind of clean. This is great for last minute company too. The smell alone says it is clean!
-Lip gloss and bronzer. These was a gift given to me on the weekend. Now, I don't where tons of make-up, but this morning when I had to head into town, a little bronzer and a brand new lip gloss had me feelin just fine....despite the fact I had only a couple hours sleep.
-Meals. Homemade, complete meals. Meals that are kid friendly, and come with disposable containers...no need tracking down who owns what. Unless you are like one of my friends who sent everything in Tupperware and insisted that I pay if forward with the containers....:)
-Homemade baby food. My sister has taken on this job. I can't say enough about how nice it is to have homemade baby food for the girls. I made it for Rachel, but I know it is just one of those things that may be pushed to the back burner round 2/3
-A voucher for house cleaning! Now, I never would have accepted this offer with Rachel. This time around...vacuum, fold a load of laundry, clean the toilets...go for it!
-Doing laundry - My mom has taken on this job. I bring it all down, and the next thing I know it is washed, dried, and folded. Even better, we have different baskets for each person, so everyone stuff is divided into their own pile. I don't have to rearrange everything when I put it away (if I put it away).
-Buying the basics - Especially the second time around, buying diapers, wipes, and formula is just a blessing. My dad and step-mother have helped us out here. And my grandmother had two cases shipped via Toys R Us online. How cool! When you are off on mat leave (or on one salary) everyone is watching their dollars.
-Gift cards - The ones to the basic, buy-all stores. That way you can stock up on what you absolutely need...for yourself and baby. Of as my mother and sister-in-law did, restaurant and grocery store gift cards. They live farther away and couldn't bring us a meal...so they did the next best thing :)
-Good coffee & Wine - tart the day well, end the day well! Enough said.
-The 'just you' gifts - We have friends who know how much I love to shop at the Goodwill, so they bought us gift certificates for there! And on 50% off Friday...the card doubles its value!
-Taking other children for the day - Rachel is blessed to have many adult in her life that we trust. It is so nice when one of them has taken her off our hands for some time. It allows me and Mark to nap when the girls are resting, or get caught up around the house. And she gets some special one on one time with someone who cares deeply about her.
-Encouragement - Help her know that she is special, that she is loved, and that she is doing the most important job in the world. You are there to walk the road with her.

I know I will think of more tomorrow...so there may be a part deux!

Simply beautiful

2011-07-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

When I go out to hang clothes on the line I have to be ever so gentle when I open the door.

She has been so diligent. She flies away, only to return once I have quickly hung the clothes and made my way back inside.

She leaves this behind.

Simply beautiful.

Adjusting & Our New Normal

2011-07-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

The girls have been with us for almost a month now. In that time we have seen them flourish in so many ways. We are carving out a new routine as a family of five, and they are finding there way here. Rachel is adjusting to being a big sister, and after some time of adjustment, is really settling into this role. Although there are many reminders to be gentle, she generally takes to doting on them.

Having gone through the process of having a new baby in the house before, I know that there are adjustments to make all over the place. In every little nook and cranny of of your life. I know that these changes are usually made from a place of fatigue. Made out of necessity, for the best interest of new babies, of existing children, and a tired mommy & daddy.

Welcoming twin micro preemies to our family has required us to make major adjustments in our lifestyle. Adjustments that I know are going to be tuned, re tuned, then fine tuned over the years.

The girls were very sick when they were born at 23 weeks gestation. They were denied 4 months of in utero growing and nurturing. They experienced that growth in a hospital isolet. When they moved to their foster home, they were so loved on, and cared for. Protected, and nurtured. Brought back to health.

Since the girls have been with us they have been sick twice each. Sick with cold viruses, and chest infections. It has been really easy for me to move into that mother-guilt role. If you are a mother, you know the one. The ever so familiar way we beat ourselves up for what we should have done, could have done, didn't know. I am trying ever so hard to be kind to myself, and realize that this is part of finding our new normal as a family of five, and as the mother of micro preemies. They look ever so hearty and healthy from the outside, but their little bodies are still healing on the inside.

This past week was filled with trips to different emergency rooms....all of which were in the middle of the night because these things seem not to happen during the day! Probably one of the hardest things was being away from home. We were so cared for by the friends we were staying with, and happened to be in a town with a world class children's' hospital, but the girls were not at home. Not surrounded by their ever so new normal. They were exposed to new germs, new routine again, and we have now realized that this is just not safe for them. Micro preemies don't follow the same logic that many parents have for their kids, and we certainly did for Rachel...'a good dose of germs is good for their immune systems!'

So, we adjust and create our new normal. The girls will not be going anywhere overnight for quite some time. Probably until they are two years old. We can do day trips, and Mark and I will take Rachel places overnight on our own, but it just isn't worth travelling overnight with the twins. We have also decided to have Mark take a parental leave until second semester. He will return to work in February. This time will allow us to focus on the PT/OT and other therapies the girls need. All the while not denying Rachel the time she needs with us. Things will be quite tight financially, but we feel it is a sacrifice to make now and the gains will be well worth it later.

So, we adjust and create our new normal. Feeling very blessed by my growing family. Feeling very tired. Part of being a new mommy!

Right now....

2011-07-11T12:15:00.001-07:00

I am enjoying a freshly brewed coffee, in the AC, with a piece of lemon loaf.

One babe is playing outside, the other two are napping peacefully.

I have a chance to check email, and enjoy these sweet treats.

Feeling very blessed after a birthday weekend.

Feeling so lucky for a sisterfriend who made me feel so special on my birthday, who lifts me up as a mother, and who I so dearly enjoy spending time with.

Feeling the smile on my face as I check voicemail birthday messages from some of the other little people in my life.

Feeling grateful for modern medicine and it's ability to make my miracle babies well.

Feeling spoiled by the gifts I received....the long anticipated Kitchen Aid pasta making attachment, new lip gloss & blush (all a new mom needs), and a very sentimental necklace.

Feeling grateful for my husband, who is an amazing father, partner, and support.

Feeling blessed by the little people in my life.

Feeling really happy that I finally get handmade birthday cards from MY daughter. Pictures so carefully drawn, with such intention. "Look mom it is a picture of you!" I waited a long time for these.

Just feeling full.

Signs of summer

2011-07-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

The papers are signed...

2011-07-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

We have signed the papers, and the girls are officially part of our family. We welcomed them to our family, and circle of friends this past weekend. What a wonderful day!

Pearly Whites

2011-07-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

Her first trip to the dentist. She was such a trooper!!! And if I do say so myself...so darn cute :)

Yummmmmmyyyyyy

2011-06-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

Berries, berries, and more berries!
Rachel and I have been concocting berry treasures in the kitchen. I am so glad that she loves to be in the kitchen because it allows me to continue cooking good food for our family with new babies in our home. It is a project that we get to do together, she is both learning and having fun.

This strawberry pie was super easy to make. I actually make it with whole wheat crust. Tasty. The recipe is here.I posted the recipe for this shortcake last year. I highly recommend this recipe as it is a moist cake. Usually short cake is soooo dry. The secret ingredient is cream cheese!

With the left over pie crust I make cinnamon and brown sugar pin wheels....lets just say that they have been picked over all day. You know...a little slice taken off, then another little slice...until it is almost gone :)

Tomorrow we finish the strawberry ice cream. Wanna come over for dessert....

It's the little things...

2011-06-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

I was chatting with a friend the other day, and we were talking about this magazine.How can something so trashy, so completely removed from our everyday lives fill that guilty pleasure part of our being. Those pics at the front of celebs doing their everyday thing....completely brainless stories and updates...fashion advice (for a girl who wears yoga pants most days)..... There is just something about it. So, a combo of it and this homemade iced coffee the other afternoon during naptime....pure bliss.Iced Coffee

-1/2 cup of brewed espresso (or coffee)
-1/2 cup cold milk

-1 tsp vanilla

-1 tsp honey
*pour over lots of ice.

A true sign it is summer

2011-06-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

There is no mistaking this sign of summer. Lets just say I have been craving it for weeks...and weeks!!!! Dreaming of those little red berries with cream and cake...or in pie...or with meringues...really, it doesn't matter!!! For me, it kicks off the entire summer gardening season. Canning, jam, freezing ...and after a winter of doing provincial diet....frozen berries don't even come close to fresh Ontario goodness, and certainly don't come close to the California version that have been sitting on trucks for weeks and weeks that you can get at the store any day of the year. They are juicy, and sun kissed!

Our Sunday outing was to the Strawberry Festival at our local farm. It is right around the corner from out house. Yes, we took all three kiddies. One babe on my front, one on Mark's, and Rachel our walking side kick. One of the best purchases was our triple wagon...a thrifted find for $15. It takes Rachel, my nephew and all our gear :) We picked strawberries, bought sweet peas, potatoes, spinach and arugula. Oh, the meals we will have this week.

I spent the afternoon making jam. Our little ones were napping, and our big one was adventuring in the backyard.

It ended like this (yes, that is between my stove and the counter)...but it was well worth it.

One of my favs

2011-06-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite things about Rachel is how she can make something from nothing. This child has an amazing imagination, and as she is getting older, I see it blossoming. This child does not need to be entertained by the television, or by any one person. She does like to play with me, but I love that I don't have to entertain her. She can discover and learn. She plays make believe, and loves to get into character.

Like her mama, she loves to thrift. Lately she has been eyeing dance costumes. Ones with body suits, and skirts that twirl...BIG! Especially those that make adventures down the backyard trails even more exciting. So....she hopes, skips, and sings into the backyard...wearing her pjs, rain boots, and this little dance number!

Getting there

2011-06-25T10:53:00.001-07:00

...back to our new normal I guess.
The fevers have broken! I can't tell you how happy this makes me. We have been so blessed with Rachel's good health. Beside the odd cold, she has been well. Watching the twins struggle with fevers this week, I felt so helpless. I just wanted them to be well. They were so uncomfortable, and I was fearful. When Ruth had the seizure last Sunday night, it kind of framed the entire week for fear. Checking temps every 1/2-hour, waking every 3 hours at night to check temps and give meds. This 'extra' attention on top of the newness of two babies left Rachel even more out of sorts. And being confined to the house for the week, left her like a caged animal. So today, I am breathing a sigh of relief. I am hopeful that we can now start to get used to our new normal. Our life as a family of 5.
So, I am baking a strawberry pie, and heading to a friend's BBQ. Signs of summer, clearing my head with good company, and revisiting smiles on my girlies faces!

Things that are making me smile

2011-06-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to make it a Thursday ritual.....things that are making me smile. Feel free to leave a comment, sharing the things that are making you smile.

-meals delivered to your front door
-cases of diapers generously given as a baby gift
-coming home from a drs appointment to find that my house has been vacuumed and bathrooms cleaned
-laundry that seems to wash, dry and fold itself...thanks mom
-tylenol and advil....although I do so many things au natural....I am so grateful for these medications that bring my daughters extreme fevers down
-glycerine suppositories....I know it seems silly...but when you have a little one so uncomfortable....joy I tell ya!
-planting seeds
-sleep
-a partner that does 12 am feeds
-sisters...getting to know each other

Being Stretched

2011-06-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

It feels so right to have the girls home. I can not believe how different it is the second time around. I found myself so anxious when we came home with Rachel. Everything was so new..... my life, my role, my priorities, my life. Now with the girls home, I am in my groove and have alot more confidence in my role as mother.
Unfortunately our first couple of days has been plagued with illness. Both girls have had high fevers. One babe has an infection that is causing the fever, the other, most likely a virus. The helpless feeling of not being able to fix this and bring peace to my girls is so hard.
Probably the hardest thing was when Ruth's temperature spiked so high in the night that she had a febrile seizure...an image I replay in my head over and over again. Calling 911, and riding in the ambulance...I cant tell you the conversations I had with God that night. Everyone is going to be o.k....but to say that I have been stretched this week, would be an understatement. I am grateful for my experience, husband, and family.
We are taking it day by day, and night by night. So grateful for the help. Hopefully by the end of the week, healthy and happy babies.

Blessings

2011-06-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

We met the girls right around Mothers Day, and now we are all home together for Fathers Day.

What a blessing, what a miracle, what an example of Gods perfect timing.

Things that are making me smile....

2011-06-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

Enjoying playing with a simple sheet on the clothesline.

The kids table.

My little swimmer.

Playground fun...hours could be spent here without a penny spent.

The pier.

A good race.

This face.

And this face.

...and of course two other sweet little girls. I will be posting pictures of them next week when our adoption placement papers are signed :)

Precious words

2011-06-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

Rachel is loving her sisters. I often look over and see her giving one a kiss or snuggle. She has blown my mind in terms of her patience. It takes us much longer to get out the door, and her time with me is now divided. We have yet for her to blame her sisters for these changes. It is such a difficult thing to understand...adoption. The driving back and forth, the visits here, the visit there, the overnights, and then the drop offs. It will be nice when they are here for good! Less than 1 week now.
Yesterday when Rachel came up with me to get Ruth after nap, she went right up to the side of the crib and met her eye to eye...then whispered to her...hello my little sweetie!
From the mouth of babes.

An update

2011-06-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

A busy couple of days.....

We have spent alot of time on the road lately. We have been driving back and forth between home, Mark's family & the girls. We are grateful that most things are between 2 hours of each other so we are able to be just about everywhere. We received a nice little token the other day to help with the gas we've had to purchase!

Mark had a difficult decision to make this week. It was his year end trip for school. He has spent the entire year preparing his students for a major expedition through the White Mountains in the U.S. With outdoor and experiential education courses, the culminating activities are so crucial. When his dad had his heart attack last weekend, he knew deep down he would have to delay going. Now, almost a week later, he hasn't gone. He knows that he needs to be with his dad. So, so hard. Not only to leave his students on this momentous trip, but one of his best friends was going as a chaperone. He took more than a week off of work to go and spend the week. Now his friend goes alone.

Mark's dad is no longer intubated. He is going to start and take thickened liquids orally. His long term memory is well in tack. His short term memory is going to need some work. Family is taking turns with him, asking questions...doing physical and cognitive therapy.

Yesterday the girls came to our house for the first time. Rachel was so excited to show them around...their new room, her room, the toys. It felt so right having them home. We really didn't want them to leave. Ruth fell asleep in my arms, Bea in Mark's. While they were at our place we got a chance to finalize a couple of things. It looks like the girls will be able to come with us to Mark's parents this weekend. That way Mark can still be close to his dad, and we can have the entire family together. Also...the long awaited placement date...JUNE 20TH!!!! Finally, a date to look forward to.

Where we are right now

2011-06-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

Paka's intubation came out today. He is trying to talk a bit more. He is more coherent. He is very tired. Over the coming days his neurological function should increase, and with that, energy can be moved towards the heart, and why he had the massive heart attack.
We have returned home temporarily so that Mark could put the girls to bed. Tomorrow we meet with the social worker team, foster mom and girls at our home. They are checking out our space to make sure it is suitable for the girls, and we are ready to have them for an overnight this weekend. Once the meeting is over, we'll head back to see Paka.

So.....off I go to fill all the electrical plugs.....

An update on Paka

2011-06-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Paka is what Rachel calls Marks dad. Even though she could say Grandpa, she called him Paka.

Paka had a massive heart attack on Friday night. He had started seasonal work, and it was his first shift. About 15 minutes in, he collapsed. Luckily he was in an industrial fridge, we are thinking that the cold worked to his advantage. A colleague of his did CPR, and the paramedics had to use the paddles several times. They managed to revive him.

Once he got to the hospital they did a new treatment on him. A type of cryotherapy where they bring his core temperature down 5 degrees to help preserve the brain function. While giving him this therapy they also had to give him sedative medications to prevent his body from shivering. They kept him under this treatment for 24 hours. After this time they waited for his body temperature to resume to normal. This happened on Sunday.

Since then we have been waiting for him to become fully coherent. He is opening his eyes every once and while. He will squeeze your hand if you ask him to. He loves to have his forehead rubbed. He is irritated by the intubation. He is being fed protein liquids through his nose. They have turned down the pressure on the ventilator so that he will work to breathe more on his own. His numbers are good. The family is all gathered around supporting each other.

Rachel and I will head back home tomorrow afternoon to visit with the girls.

Our first overnight

2011-06-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we had our first overnight scheduled with the girls. Mark's dad was so sick. Mark needed to be in Hamilton. At this point the girls are part of our family, even though they are not actually living in our home yet, they are our family and our priority. We have been working so hard at bonding, that we really wanted to keep with the schedule. My mom was able to come and spend the evening with the girls and I. It was so nice to have her there. The extra set of hands while I navigate mommy hood with three kids under three! The girls foster mothers have a cottage about 10 minutes away from their home. They are so generous with the space. They have donated it to families who have loved ones in the hospital. They allowed us to use it for our first overnight. We would be close to them if we had any questions or emergencies. A great place for our first overnight.

Some of the highlights from our first overnight:
-watching Rachel 'play' with each of the girls
-the night time feeds....they are just sooo snuggly....infant-like.....oooeeyyyy goooeeyyy
-dressing the girls in Rachel's sleepers
-just hanging out, doing nothing special
-gummy smiles
-feeling confident with the girls routine, schedules, meds

The only thing that could have made it better was....daddy. xo

Bittersweet

2011-06-06T06:03:00.001-07:00

It was such a bittersweet weekend.

Bitter....Mark's dad had a massive heart attack on Friday night. He was unresponsive until late last night. We are heading down today, and hoping for some improvements. Please keep him, and our family in your prayers.

Sweet....Rachel, my mom and I spent our first overnight with the girls. We are feeling so blessed to have these sweet babes in our life.

She shoots she scores!

2011-06-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

O.k...too much fun! It was so nice to spend the night loving on Rachel. She had her first soccer practice tonight. I ran into a friend from teachers college, and we ended up coaching. So fun!

Eye appointment

2011-06-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Bea had an appointment with the eye surgeon yesterday. In a couple of the photos we had taken of her, E. noticed that she had a crescent moon in her left eye.
She had laser surgery not long after she was born. This is due to her retinopathy of prematurity. When the girls were first born they were on ventilators. This oxygen is supplied to the retina. The outer vasculature of the retina becomes so dependant on the oxygen, that when they come off the ventilators the outer portion of the retina becomes lazy. The laser surgery kills off the outer portion so that the focus can be on the inner portion of the retina. Their periphery vision is affected, but not necessarily the central vision.
The eye doctor was concerned that a blood vessel was growing on the retina. He wanted to see her immediately. When he did the check he found that it was fine. It is possible that we are seeing some of the retina when light is shone on it.
The eye surgeon is waiting for a report from the opthamology clinic at Sick Kids. Bea had a test in April to see if the brain is receiving messages from the eyes. If it is, then there is something to work with her sight. There are strategies to support the eyes, and build their strength. We are anxious to see these results.
With each appointment...we learn more :)

The big sister

2011-06-02T04:52:00.000-07:00

Rachel is such a sweet little girl. Considering we had been talking about her being a big sister for over two years, we had no idea how she would actually handle the transition. We expected the typical regressions....wanting to be like a baby, relying more on her bubba and bunny, using the toilet completely out the window! What I wasn't sure about what the change in attention, the increased need for patience.
Rachel is doing so well here. We are still making daily trips to visit the girls. Her schedule has completely be uprooted. She hasn't had as many play dates with friends, she hasn't had as much time at home, and she is eating ALOT more peanut butter and jam sandwiches for dinner and ice cream cones :) But you know, she is rolling with it. She is developing a relationship with her sisters. She is talking to them, giving them kisses, and enjoys having them watch her when she is at the park. I am so grateful for the nice weather this week, as we have gone to the park each day. Mark and I love hearing her talk to the girls when she thinks we aren't listening....Ruthie (woofie) wanna play eye spy. How cute!
For me, I am trying to be mindful as I watch my girl play on the park from under the tree with two babes. Where I would have been playing there right with her before, I now have two others to care for too. This will be an adjustment for me. For now, Rachel doesn't seem to notice.
Just so proud of our girl. I love this kid....and really LIKE her too. What a neat person she is becoming.

Heaven's Very Special Child

2011-05-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

A meeting was held quite far from Earth:
"It's time again for another birth."
Said the Angels to the Lord Above,
"This special child will need much love."

Her progress may seem very slow,
Accomplishments she may not show
And she'll require extra care
From folks she meets way down there.

She may not run or laugh or play
Her thoughts may seem quite far away:
In many ways she isn't adapt
And she'll be known as handicapped.

So let's be careful where she's sent
We want her life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.

They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play
But with this child sent from above
Comes a stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for the Gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge,
so meek and mild
Is Heaven's Very Special Child.

By: Enda Massimilla....given to us by the girls' foster mamma.

She is a big sister!

2011-05-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

Last night Rachel met her sisters. I must admit, I was a bit nervous. We have been talking about her becoming a big sister for close to two years. We have talked about South Africa, flying on a plane, getting the nursery ready......and then everything changed. There was wait, after wait, after wait. When you are adopting, there is not the visual evidence that a baby is on the way. Time after time, I think Rachel started to not really understand the magnitude of what a sibling meant. How there actually was a person coming to live here! Or in our case...two people!

I went to go and visit the girls in the morning for their dietitian appointment. I made sure that I came home so that we all could go back up together as a family. When I got home, I did Rachel's hair and painted her nails. She had purchased teddy bears for the girls with my mom, so she gathered those and the card that she made.

When we arrived at the home Rachel was very shy. She is always very hesitant in new situations. It is important to not draw too much attention to her as likes to come to things on her own. She entered the living room, and E. met her immediately. She had such a big smile for Rachel and told her that she had a special baby for her. Can you believe it, E. bought Rachel her own baby. Her baby came with its own stroller, and baby things. She loves it! This special baby stays with her sisters until it is time for all the babies to go home. Oh, and I should add that E. has made dresses for Rachel, Bea and Ruthie to wear home their first day as an official family.

Rachel got down on the floor with the girls. She really connected with Ruth, and Ruth with her. Ruth is so active, and I can only imagine what is to come between the two of them! Once the initial meeting had taken place, we had a great dinner together. This foster home is beginning to feel like a second home, and E. and M. as family. After dinner, we spent time together as a family. We were not allowed to help with dishes or anything, just time to connect. It was really nice. It was definitely a sign of things to come. We are really hoping that we can put the logistics and finances together for Mark to take a parental leave. Not only will it help with 3 under 3, but the girls medical needs and supports will be met without taking too much time away from Rach.

Once the girls were put to bed, we left for the night. On the way home we made a special stop to celebrate the big sister! Guess where we went.....

Team Meeting

2011-05-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day with the girls. We had their NICU (neonatal intensive care) team meeting. The Occupational Therapist, Physio Therapist, Speech Pathologist, Pediatrician, E., and us were present. It was so great to see everyone who has been loving on our girls for the past few months. The girls are going to require alot of support over the coming years. Being born at 22(23) weeks gestation is close to 120 days early. You can only imagine the amount of in utero growing that was denied. When we pursued adopting the girls we knew we would have a journey ahead. One that was uncertain, one with no promises, and one that required alot of support. Often Mark and I remind ourselves that if the girls were born to us, there would have been many days, hours, minutes that we would have made deals with God. Please let them live, we will take them however you bring them. Just let them live. So here they are...fighters.
Ruth is making great gains. She actually is VERY close to crawling. She does that little scoot move where she uses thigh, and upper arms to move across the floor to something. She has been given the go ahead to have all solids, and to not have her formula thickened anymore. She has been taken off all of her medication too. Just vitamins for this girl! Bea is making alot more gains. Moving her head from side to side with alot more ease, putting pressure on her feet, and her fingers are relaxing alot more. Where blind and deaf two months ago, she is hearing, and now seeing 2 metres ahead of her. She had some slight med changes that will help her with her muscle spasms. This will help her be even more successful with motor tasks. We get to meet with the OT and PT again next week for 1:1 meetings. We will be able to videotape exercises that we can do with the girls daily. The girls were so tired when we were finished. They both fell asleep in the car on the way home. After our meeting we got the go ahead from the social worker to have time alone with the girls. We can take them out, they will also come to our home for visits. We are so excited about that. But tomorrow....Rachel meets her sisters.

A mixed blessing

2011-05-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

When we were in South Africa for Rachel's adoption we had 5 weeks of unterrupted time to bond with Rachel. No phone calls, no house cleaning, no food prep, no family or friends. Just the three of us. Time to just bond. Bonding experiences that would lead to attachment. Although it was a long time, and there were MANY times we wished we had family and friends closer, we know that time was so precious. Kind of our own 'baby moon'. An experience that is unique to international adoption.
With the girls we have been driving about thirty minutes everyday. They are so close to us. The closeness allows us to go everyday. We go to their foster home and are mentored by their foster mothers. We learn the ins and outs of them. As the time has passed, we are learning about their personalities. We are having many bonding moments, and they are leading to attachment. No phone calls, no food prep, no cleaning, no family or friends. Just 100% focused time on them.
One of the hard things has been leaving Rachel so much. Usually one of us heads to see the girls while the other stays with her. Every couple of days or so we both go. For a little one who has not been in the care of others that much, the transition has been a bit difficult.
Today we received such wonderful news. We can introduce Rachel to her sisters. We have been waiting three weeks. Today we meet with the NICU team to review the girls progress, and tomorrow the sisters will come together.

Some highlights

2011-05-21T18:29:00.001-07:00

We have been visiting the girls every day for close to two weeks. There are SOOOO many highlights.

-creating lifelong bonds with the women who love our girls
-watching Bea come alive
-gummy smiles
-watching Ruth attempt crawling...that little scoot action where they are not going anywhere but really trying...moving the arms and legs!!
-snuggles, snuggles & more snuggles
-pushing a double stroller!
-having a new appreciation for the 5 senses
-watching the girls sleep so peacefully
-the look in the girls eyes when we come in the room....we are definitely bonding
-learning alto about abilities and disabilities, realizing that all children are a gift from God
-bath time, and the smell of clean babies

A good sign

2011-05-20T05:14:00.000-07:00

The message that E. whispered in my ear would hold even more significance down the road. That requires a post all to itself!

As E., Ruth and I embraced we got such a good sign from our girl. She pulled back, scrunched up her face, and shed a tear. She was playing strange! For anyone in the adoption community, this is a WELCOMED sight. I have so often had to bite my tongue when I overhear people make comments to a mother like 'she is such a mamma's girl'....'she is spoiled'....'see, I can sooth her'. When children have been in care, they often have a hard time attaching to people. This can lead to a long road of learning attachment and trust in a caring adult. If a child has a strong attachment, they can transfer it with confidence. When Ruth pulled away from me to be soothed by E. I was elated. She has a strong attachment to her. If Mark and I honour that, then we build her trust, and she can transfer the attachment to us!

Mark immediately went to Bea. This child has the most pure heart. Again, it would take an entire post to explain E.'s clairvoyance, and deep, deep faith (I know, it seems a contradiction). When Bea came into E's life she saw the most beautiful white light around her. A pure soul as she says. E. had prayed, and felt a deep intuition that Bea would be a daddy's girl. It is absolute magic when you see her in his arms. A child who was deaf and blind until 2 months ago, stares deeply INTO Mark's eyes. She responds to his words. Gently closes her eyes as he comes to her face. Both girls are absolute miracles. Bea astounds us even more as she has overcome deaf and blindness. Also, she has thrived despite not being intimately touched for so long. It is such a primal reaction her genuine love in being touched.

Over the course of our meeting we discussed coming to visit on a daily basis. Using the time to get to know the girls, their routines, their needs. Looks like the journey was underway.

Our first meeting...

2011-05-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

There is this weird thing that came over me when I knew we would be seeing the girls. It is this conscious ability to put excitement and giddiness into the back of my mind. To save myself, just to get through the days, to sleep through the nights.

The day started out at our home. The girls workers came to our house to share more information. There were medical and social files to go through. We had been waiting for this information. I had been doing so much research online, familiarizing myself with micro preemie terms and concerns. I had joined an online support group for micro preemie parents. It was such a relief to see the actual information. The truth for our girls. Not just the speculation, reality. We got a chance to ask our questions. Once we had gone through all the documentation, we were interviewed on camera. This video would be taken to the foster home so they could review it before we came. If this was our first time going through adoption we would have been so intimidated. I mean, adoptive parents are so scrutinized. Personal details, your private life, hobbies, habits. We were so used to being asked detailed and deep questions that we kind of rolled with it. After the video we watched a more detailed video of the girls.

The social workers left shortly after. We were to go somewhere for lunch, and they would call us when they were ready to have us join them at the foster home.
So, we went to a market for lunch. The phone was on the table, we watched it, and watched it. Tried to eat, watched the phone. Had a coffee, watched the phone. Did a little shopping, watched the phone. What seemed like forever was actually the matter of an hour. We were to come to the house.

So.....we drove. In five minutes we would see our daughters. We pulled up the car in front of the house. I grabbed the video camera and camera, took a deep breath, and we went to the front door. The girls social worker came to the door. We took off our shoes, and went into the kitchen. That is when I saw our sweet Ruth. She was in one of her foster mothers arms. I started to cry....caught eyes with Ruth....came to embrace the foster mother. And as long as I live I will never forget the words she whispered in my ear ...yep, you are the one.

Are we stalkers?

2011-05-17T11:05:00.001-07:00

Our adoption social worker really is an angel on earth. She must think we are stalkers, as it seemed that everyday that passed after ARE, we were either emailing or calling. Any news? Are their other families? What did the girls' social worker think of us? When can we meet them? The hardest part was that the girls' social worker was away, then ours was away. Two weeks seemed like two years. Seems kind of funny when I think about it as we waited a year and a half in the South Africa program. I think it seemed so different because we had SEEN the girls. We knew what they looked like!

Rachel and I went on a field trip with Mark's class to Everdale. Wow, was it ever a neat sustainable living facility. I was in heaven! Greenhouse with vegetable saplings, outdoor stone oven, acres and acres of growing space, eco home, compostable toilets (they didn't even smell!), chickens....here are some pics!

On the way home Mark checked the school phone. Our social worker had called. We had an appointment to go and see the girls in TWO SLEEPS!!!! Oh my goodness...this was a great sign :)

The Wait

2011-05-15T18:24:00.001-07:00

Adoption is such an interesting process. One that is really difficult to appreciate unless you have walked through it. It is a process of intense trust, and huge leaps of faith. It is hard for some people to understand how you can have your heart capture by children you have never met. Children that do not share you DNA.
Once we had responded to the girls files at ARE we headed back to our friends home. I had taken a copy of the girls info sheets with me. We stared at their photos the entire drive home (well not Mark so much, he was driving). When we got back to our friends home, I hit the computer. Researching, researching, researching.....medical terms galore.
The girls have a variety of medical issues. Beatrice & Ruth are not just preemies, they are MICRO preemies. They were born at 23 weeks gestation. They were 117 days early. To say that they are miracles, would be the understatement of the century! They have overcome a zillion different things from cardiac arrest, retinal tears, sepsis, infections, deafness, intestinal surgery, heart surgery, reflux disease, lung disease, seizures. Not to mention oxygen, intubations, IVs, blood samples, pricks and prods.....I cant even imagine. My heart is sad just thinking about them lying in the little isolets.
We had all the information, and it did not change our feelings AT ALL. The girls were ours. Now, we had to wait to hear if other families had responded to the girls, and if we were going to be considered.

Finding out more

2011-05-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Once we laid eyes on our girls, we left the theatre to head for the main conference hall. That's right....didn't even wait to see the rest of the children.
We went into the main hall and looked for the CAS that was responsible for the girls. We were so fortunate to have all of their workers present; the initial intake worker, the case worker, and the adoption worker. We were able to ask a zillion questions.
You see, these precious babes are true miracles. They were born at 23 weeks gestation. That is correct, 117 days early!!! The fact that they have survived and thrived despite NUMEROUS medical interventions is divine intervention. They have overcome heart surgery, eye surgery, bowl surgery, cardiac arrest, infections...I could go on and on....and none of it mattered to us. Of course we would have lots of research to do, but it didn't influence our decision to respond to their case. I say that not to sound heroic on our part. Like in all adoption, we are so much more blessed than I feel the kids will be. Lets be real, it is a BIRTHRIGHT to have a forever, loving family. We didn't waiver in our response because we felt that these babies have such a big plan in store for them, we look forward to seeing it unfold!
So, we responded to their file, submitted our profile, and watched their video for what seemed like forever. Then...we left. No need to stay when your heart has been captured!

Our first sight...

2011-05-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

I want to savour every minute of this process. I'm trying my best to document every little piece so that my girls will know where my heart was throughout the journey to bring them home.

We first laid eyes on Beatrice & Ruth at the Adoption Resource Exchange the middle of April. This is a large forum where children looking for forever families are presented to eligible, adopt-ready parents. We had recently pulled our file from the South African program and really did feel in our hearts that domestic was our next step.

We left Rachel with dear friends and made the trip to Toronto. The entire way there we anticipated what we would see. We had been warned that the experience can be emotionally overwhelming. It certainly isn't easy to see that many children in foster care. But I must admit that we felt pretty prepared as we have been to South Africa and back. That was a journey on the harsh realities of child welfare.

When we got to the ARE we were handed a package of all the children waiting for forever families. Due to Rachel's age, we wanted to try and stick to a child that was 12 months and under. We were open to either gender. Because of Rachel's cultural background, we were looking for a child with African or Caribbean roots.

At ARE, they play video clips of all the children in a large theatre. In between video segments, you can go to the main conference hall and inquire in more detail about children who were presented. The sequence takes place throughout the entire day, until all children have been shown on the video screen.

Mark & I had a cup of coffee and our package and headed to the theatre to watch the clips. So many older children. So many beautiful and hopeful faces. All of these little ones JUST WANT A FOREVER FAMILY! The theatre was full of hopeful parents. We watched, and watched, watched, and watched. Then....on the screen were the most beautiful faces! Immediately Mark and I looked at each other and said .......there they are!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

Oh how I wanted to be a mother for so many years. I remember this day would come, I would feel grateful for my own mother, but deep down I felt so empty. I was so sad. I felt so lost. I would go through my days without the deep purpose I wanted. Year after year I'd think "maybe next year'...then another year would come and go without a baby. On Mother's Day my heart tends to run deep for the women who so desperately want to be a mother. A deep desire and experience that so many women take for granted. I have one friend in particular who has wanted to be a mother for close to 10 years. She has created the life that would welcome a baby. She has chosen a flexible career, researched everything, waited....prayed....waited....and prayed. Her deepest desire is to mother, her deepest mission is to mother. So for here, and all of the women walking in her shoes this year....my heart reaches out to you today. For so many years I was right there. Then, in timing that wasn't my own, I have been so abundantly blessed with children. Had the timing not unfolded the way that it did, then I would not have Rachel. A dear sweet soul who IS our family. And just this past week, we met our new daughters. Yes, we are adopting twin girls. Beatrice and Ruth will be coming home in the next few weeks. I can't wait to reflect on the past week...our feelings...experiences....
To my friends and family who are Mother's...Happy Mother's Day. To those waiting....I extend my heart to you. Your child is cheering you on.

Some changes

2011-05-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

Well, there are some changes that are underway here. I can not give details as of yet, but they are changes that will require some adjustments in our day to day life. So for now, the Provincial diet will have to go on hold. Now, we are not going to run out and buy a bunch of pre packaged meals. But we do need a bit of flexibility in our grocery. We will continue to buy Provincial where we can. If we need to stretch out a bit, we will do everything we can to have it be Canadian.

More details to come soon!

Sisterfriends

2011-05-01T16:23:00.001-07:00

You know those women who know just what you need, just when you need it.

Those women that would clean your toilets when you are sick.

The ones who would not only bring a meal, but would quietly prepare it, and even serve it to you in bed if that is what you needed...not to mention leave no trace of their presence in your kitchen.

The ones that you can be true, real, even if it is dark.

The ones who champion you whether you are really low, or really high.

The ones who REALLY know your kids.

The ones you would completely trust your kids reaching out to in times of need if they couldn't come to you.

The ones who can make themselves a cup of tea at your house.

The ones that you want to make the perfect meal for, but know they would be more than satisfied with pb and j!

The ones who show up at your house, in pink boas to take you out for a well needed girlie dinner.

Sisterfriends...you know who you are....I'm eternally grateful.

Cloth Diapers

2011-04-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

I had a friend ask me about cloth diapers. She is expecting a baby girl and is thinking about using cloth diapers. We exclusively used cloth when Rachel was small, and now use a combination of cloth and disposable.

We chose cloth for several reasons...environmental, economic, health.

We used cloth exclusively when Rachel was small because we changed her so often.
I remember reading that diapers should be used to catch waste, not to let your child sit in waste. So keeping that in mind, we would change her when we knew she had peed or pooped. Once the diaper had been soiled, I would roll it up and fasten it with the Velcro tabs. If she had a poop, I would drop it into the toilet first. I would then put the rolled diaper in a dry sack in a container in her closet. I did dry storage. In other words, I stored dirty diapers dry, not with water, vinegar or bleach. This cuts down on the smell, and makes your diapers last longer. Now that Rachel is older, and on some days toilet trained....we use a diaper for nap and night. Because her skin is sensitive, we use cloth at nap and disposable at night.

We purchased about 20 diapers. This kept the cost down, and when we were using them exclusively, we washed every 2-3 days. We started with a hot wash with soap, followed by a cold wash with extra rinse. We use Charlies soap. If you do not use Charlies, you need to use a VERY natural soap so that you do not get build up in the diapers. They can go in the dryer afterwards, or our fav was to hang them on the line and let the sun continue the natural bleach.
I would highly recommend making the body butter that I have in the recipe section. It is an all natural cream, and works fine with cloth diapers. You want to be careful with medicated creams and your cloth diapers, because again, you can get build up. And build up...often leads to smelly diapers.

As for brands, we used Bum Genius. We loved them. They are a pocket style, and come with two liners. One liner is adjustable for size, and the other is a small sheet that can be added for more absorbency. They also have three sets of snaps on the front so they grow with they baby. You can use them from infant right through to toddler. Rachel is using the same diapers today she did at 4 months of age!

I see cloth diapers as an investment. We made it close to 3 years ago, and are still reaping the benefits.

The winner of the Unlearn gift certificates is:
Carrie & Pamela!
Please email me so I can get the gift card to you.
lynchta1@hotmail.com

Loving this woman

2011-04-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

I guess that cinnamon buns are a tradition for many on Easter weekend. I had great intentions. The babies started out on Saturday morning, and didn't get finished until Monday afternoon. Now I realize the time they take, and I need a Saturday at home to make them. Or...do a large batch, freeze them, then just warm them the morning of.
There are the cinnamon roll recipe by Pioneer Woman. Now, I have no idea how this woman does it. In my mind I picture her having a large staff of women, helping her cook everything from scratch, work her land, write her books, and home school her kids. I'm pretty sure that isn't the case. She is super woman!
This recipe is far from 'healthy'...but it is tasty. I used whole wheat flour because that is all I had. It isn't nearly as good as the pure white version. But...I'm not complaining! The recipe makes TONS. So do one batch, and you'll have lots to freeze. Who doesn't like baking that is already done and frozen in the freezer!

P.S. Still time to enter the Unlearn giveaway!

Things we are enjoying....

2011-04-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

Rolling in the mud....Earthly surprises.....
Evening fires.....
Jam sessions....
This face......
Bird feeder guests.....
First games of bowling.....

Signs that the weather is getting warmer....

*Make sure you enter the Unlearn giveaway below. Contest ends Friday night :)

Love this shirt & a giveaway

2011-04-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Mark and I stumbled across the company Unlearn a couple of years ago at an Outdoor Adventure Show. We were immediately drawn to the messages and statements made through their products. I love their mission statement "Provoking thought to inspire positive change". Over the years we have purchased different items. Some of our favs are:Make sure you check them out in more detail on their site.
There is also a space to comment on your interpretation of each message.
We love the Fleshtone shirt. Mark & I carry the key chain, and Rachel has a kids shirt with this design.

Today Unlearn is offering a fantastic giveaway! 2....yes 2 $25 gift certificates to their online store. This contest is open from today until Friday April 29, 2011 at 7:00pm. In order to win you must do all of the following:

1. Become a follower of www.ahuginamug.blogspot.com
2. Leave a comment in my comment section identifying your favourite item on the unlearn store.
3. Become a following of unlearn on Facebook. You can do that here.

Good luck!!!

The great hunt

2011-04-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Enjoying time together as family.
Searching for treasures left in the backyard by a Mr. E. Bunny!

And..the winner of the Usborne book is SHANIE!!!! Drop me an email Shanie and we will work out the details :) Thanks again to Trish.