Monday April 2, 2012. 
Dozin' -  I see squirrels around my neighbourhood all the time.  They amuse me the way in which they frantically busy themselves, like they have a to do list that is a mile long.  You've probably seen them, digging in your garden, chasing one another up a tree or darting out in front of your car, but have you ever seen a squirrel relaxing?  I mean just doing nothing for the sake of doing nothing?  When I came across this squirrel sunning himself on my back deck, I had to stop and wonder.  Was he hurt?  Why is he doing nothing?  How could he have possibly finished his to do list, and just relax for the day?  Doesn't he know the other squirrels will talk?  But, then I thought, maybe, just maybe this guy had the right idea - maybe his chores for the day weren't done, but he decided to give himself just a few minutes of breathing space, to rejuvenate before he tackled them.  Maybe, just maybe I was a little jealous. 

10/365

Tuesday April 3, 2012. 
Awakening -  I am coming out of my winter hibernation, welcoming the signs of new life and grieving the lives who slipped away.  My brother's (adopted) mother passed away today.  Rest in peace. I wish I could have met you to thank-you for raising an awesome son.

11/365

Wednesday April 4, 2012. 
There'll be Days Like this My Momma Said - Charlie and I found this girl on the way home from school.  "Take a picture Mom!"  So I did. 

12/365

Thursday April 5, 2012.
Date Night, Times Five - We went out for dinner, the five of us on a date.  We exchanged stories over appetizers and asked for five spoons so we could share an order of  dessert.  It was everything a date night should be, times five. 

13/365

Friday April 6, 2012. 
Business Man - I met my brother-in-law Jamie when he was four years old.  He sat at his little wooden table, set up in the living room playing - The table was set up to be his office: he had a calculator, a binder and neatly stacked paperwork.  You see, Jamie's favourite game to play was business.  They say that your profession should be what you dreamed of doing when you were a child.  I've watched Jamie grow into a man, and I couldn't be prouder of him.  He is doing exactly what he should be doing.  He has followed the dreams of his child heart owns two businesses. 

14/365

Saturday April 7, 2012. 
Old Girls -  I am the younger sister.  I don't say that just to point out that Jennifer is older (although obviously she is.)  I point it out because where we sit in the family hierarchy is just the beginning of our differences.  Early on, whether consciously or subconsciously we decided that it was easier to be different than compete for the same recognition.  She was a tom-boy; I was girly.  She was the outgoing one; I was quiet.  She was smart; I struggled.  She was easy-going; I had wicked temper.  She had posters of heart throbs and heavy metal bands wallpapering her walls; I had a Ziggy poster and a plaque of Jesus (not kidding.)  In striving to carve out our own identities, we have become two very different women.  I wonder what choices I would have made, who I would have become without Jennifer.  I know that I am the person I am because of her.  Happy Birthday Jen, congratulations on your Cougar Status. 

15/365

Sunday April 8, 2012. 
The Loot - Charlie would like you to know that the Easter Egg hunt was fun and exciting - and that he got the most.  Sugar high to start in seconds.

16/365

Monday April, 9, 2012.
Sad Pansy - I planted some spring pansies in my garden over the weekend.  There has been so little rain, that the soil has turned bone dry.  This pansy sadly hung his head, waiting for the promise of April showers. 

17/365

Tuesday April 10, 2012.
Blue -  It seems I was on a flower streak.  Here is the second of three not so exciting flower shots.  Enjoy.

18/365

Wednesday April 11, 2012.
Just Dandy - Third and final flower shot of the week. 

19/365

Thursday April 12, 2012.
Leaning - I'm trying my best to balance school, home and family.  For my photography assignment, I multi tasked and actually handed in a series of pictures with me doing the dishes.  Inspirational really.  I haven't gotten my grade back yet, but I'm thinking I deserve an A.  You can check it out if you want, I write my assignments as blog posts here at Elevating Exposures.

20/365

Saturday March 24, 2012.
New Year, New Addition - Happy Birthday to Me!  We have a new addition to our family, a birthday present from my awesome husband.  Her name is Kimber Rae and she smells as good as I remember my old dolls smelling.  Her brothers have welcomed her with open arms, but her sister has been less accepting.  I think Kenzie may be a tad jealous of her baby sister.

1/365

 Sunday March 25, 2012.
Get on your bikes and ride -Our lives have been so busy lately, and we are having a tough time carving out couple time.  I was glad that I suggested a bike ride together before dinner. 

2/365

Monday March 26, 2012.
Spring Greens -

3/365

Tuesday March 27, 2012.
A Re-Count -  Charlie bought himself a chocolate bar from the school fundraiser.  He counted the money out of his bank and put it the envelope all by himself.  The only problem was, that we were not sure if he had counted the money right.  He felt indignant about the whole thing, and I don't blame him.  Turns out he had counted correctly.

4/365

Wednesday March 28, 2012.
From the Edge, Looking In -

5/365

Thursday March 29, 2012.
Converging Lines - I love when things all come together.

6/365

Friday March 30, 2012.
Book Report - The Little Man completed his first book report.  He chose one of my favourite books from when I was a kid, and one of his favourites, "The Monster at the End of this Book." 

7/365

Saturday March 31, 2012.
Snow on Forsythia - I knew we were not done with winter, but I wonder if the forsythia was surprised.

8/365

Sunday April 1, 2012.
The View From Here - It's a rainy, dreary day.  A perfect for hanging out in my pj's and catching up on some homework.


9/365



Saturday February 18, 2012.
Snowy Sunrise - I looked out my bedroom window.  The sun was just rising and I saw that it had snowed. I didn't even bother to get dressed into my day time clothes: I slipped my coat and boots over my pajamas and went to capture some of the majestic morning.

333/365

Sunday February 19, 2012.
Choices -  "You are the sum total of the choices you have made."  Some days this notion excites me.  I mean, it doesn't matter what other crap is going on, I get to choose how to live my life. 
Other days the prospect that I have to choose, is completely overwhelming and terrifying. 

334/365

Monday February 20, 2012.
Family Day - My family and I headed to Valens Conservation Area for family day.  It was such a relaxing warm sunny day, I almost felt as though we were camping.  We shared lots of laughs, and just simply connected again.  We brought the barbecue and had a winter picnic.  None of us felt the cold until we sat down to dinner.  By the time dinner was over all of us were freezing.  We packed up quick, and grabbed a self portrait.  I placed the camera on the hood of John's truck and used the remote.  Click.  Click.  Click.  Portrait done, lets go!  After when I looked at the pictures I noticed they all were out of focus, oops should have turned the truck off before I set the camera on it. 

335/365

What a beautiful sunset, I said as we drove home.  John pulled the truck off to the shoulder so I could take a picture.  This has NEVER happened.  It was so sweet of him.  A great way to end our day. 

335b/365

Tuesday February 21, 2012.
Breakfast For Dinner - Pancake Day!  For the first time ever, I made pancakes from scratch.  I had no idea they were so easy to make, and they were so much better than Aunt Jamima's.  Not quite as good as Papa's, but then he fries his in a pound of lard, making them crisp and tasty.  But the boys assured me mine were a close second.

336/365

Thursday February 23, 2012.
Strike! - We all went out bowling to celebrate a special man's birthday. Papa turned the big six-oh!  Ray is the kids papa, he is John's stepfather, he is the only "parent" that John has living.  But Ray is so much more than a father figure: he has become a friend.  Ray is always there for us either to lend a helping hand or to offer support.  Appy birday Papa, our favourite story teller, camping buddy and friend.

338/365

Friday February 24, 2012.
Petal - 

339/365

Saturday February 25, 2012.
Ready -  Another white Saturday morning, only this time I wasn't struck by its beauty, and I was happy to see the snow melt by mid afternoon.  I am so ready for spring; I'm ready to put away the heavy layers. I'm ready for tulips and daffodils.  I'm ready for new beginnings and fresh starts.  I'm ready for the winter to melt away.

340/365

Sunday February 26, 2012.
The View - Perched up in the maple tree this guy stayed just long enough for me to run back in the house, grab my camera and get his picture.  When I looked down at my camera, to adjust my settings, he made a silent escape and I was left wondering if it all really happened.

341/365

Monday February 27, 2012.
Down Time - It was a crazy busy day.  Sadly I was looking forward to my dentist appointment for some much needed down time. 

342/365

Thursday February 9, 2012.
Golden -  My daughter with the beautiful, golden locks wants to dye her hair.  Brown.  She's sixteen, she has her own money - she can do what she wants.  But she asked for my permission, and I couldn't tell her it was okay.  I love Kenzie's hair, the silky texture, her cascade of curls, the way it glows in the light, I love it and  I would be so sad to see it changed.  So when she asked if she could dye her hair, I told her just that.  So far, she's still my girl with the golden hair.

324/365

Friday February 10, 2012.
One More Try -  I remember having my first panic attack when I was in grade one.  It was pancake day at school, and I was bringing the pancake mix.  I was so excited to have this honour and went off to school feeling proud and happy.  When I got to the end of our pathway, anxiety took over me.  It was happy anxiety, but anxiety nonetheless.  I sat on the little hill at the end of the pathway, confused of my fear and cried.  The school must have called my mom when I didn't show up to school, because she came and found me and sent me off to school.  My anxiety never really went away.  School always made the anxiety worse,  by high school I was absent more than I was there.  The fear seemed to paralyze me, suffocate me the fear kept me a prisoner in my own home. By the beginning of grade twelve, I could stand it no longer and I dropped out of school.  So here I am at thirty seven, hopefully older and wiser, ready to face my fears and give it one more try.  Today I signed up at the Adult Learning program.  Maybe this time...

325/365

Saturday February 11, 2012.
Everyday I'm Shoveling - Actually, he's gotten off pretty easy this winter, we've only had a handful of snowfalls, and Josh has taken his turn with the chore.  Not by choice though.  One day I said to him, "Josh you need to shovel the driveway."
"What?  I didn't know I had to shovel!" he said, completely taken aback that I was asking him to do physical labour.
"Okay, you're not in trouble, but you need to shovel the driveway." I said again.
So Josh went upstairs and got his coat and gloves on.  As he was putting his boots on he turned to me and tried once more.  "Umm, do you really want me to shovel the driveway, or do you just want me to play with Charlie in the snow?" 
Oh my gosh.  I think another grey just popped out of my head. 

326/365

Sunday February 12, 2012.
Easy Like Sunday Morning - I was talking to a friend recently, and she told me of her family's Sunday morning big breakfast ritual.  I would love this.  Growing up, Dad always made us big breakfasts at the cottage, bacon and eggs, pancakes, french toast or porridge.  I love the idea of the family gathering to start their day, and then I remember my family.  John wakes up grumpy, and everyone knows not to talk to him until after his second cup of coffee.  Josh and Charlie aren't all that hungry in the morning.  They would rather race downstairs to watch cartoons, careful not to wake their sister who fully admits that she isn't a morning person.  So the ideal Sunday morning big breakfast, gathering together to share our plans for the day aren't going to happen in my house. 

327/365

 Monday February 13, 2012.
Just Enough Information, please - Ignorance is bliss isn't it?  I'm playing with the idea of starting a new project.  A complex crafty endeavor that I have no clue how to complete, but I am confident that I can do it.  I went to the library to get some how to books for my hopeful project, looking for books with just enough information to motivate me, but not make me feel overwhelmed with the entirety of the project. 

328/365

Tuesday February 14, 2012.
My Loves - My heart beats faster when I think about how much I love my husband and my kids.  On Valentines day, I made a special dinner for my family.  Around the table we all took turns telling each other why we love one another.  It was a sweet day. xo

329a/365

 Tuesday February 14, 2012.
My Loves (part two) - My teenagers are finding new ways to connect, which makes me so happy.  On love day, the two of them sat together and giggled browsing through Kenzie's tumbler account. 

329b/365

Wednesday February 15, 2012.
It was a good day - I spent the afternoon in The Little Man's classroom, watching a classroom of kids get messy and create.  Charlie's class is an active group of kids, but once up to their elbows in clay, the class fell into zen mode.  I was reminded of the importance of creating, and what it can do to soothe the soul. 

330/365

Thursday February 15, 2012.
Lunch at the Park - Thursday was my first full day at school, and decided after an productive morning to take my lunch break at the park.  Thursday went so much better than when I went on Tuesday to meet my teachers.  On Tuesday I tried to work on the first assignments that I had been given. I sat at my desk and tried to concentrate.  One hour felt like six, and I left deflated, with little accomplished.

331/365

Friday February 17, 2012.
Nostalgia - Mom, KenzieKoogle.  For a few years, Kraft made flavored peanut butters.  I loved the cinnamon flavor and remember eating my last Koogle sandwich, not believing my mom when she warned me that it would be the last.  When I spotted the empty jar, I quickly reached to get it.  It now is sitting on the shelf in my kitchen along side the other empty jars, making the whole shelf feel a little less empty.

332/365

Monday January 23, 2012.
Birthday Flowers -

307/365

Charlie and Josh giving their sister her birthday flowers and card.

Tuesday January 24, 2012.
Blue -   

308/365

Wednesday January 26, 2012.
Optimism - 

309/365

Thursday January 26 2012.
Call Of Duty -

310/365

Friday January 27, 2012.
Weekly Self Portrait - Hat Day -

311/365

Saturday January 28, 2012.
Hot Chocolate Chat -

312/365

Sunday January 29, 2012.
Birthday Girl -

313/365

Monday January 30, 2012.
Looks Like Winter -

314/365

September 1, 2011.
Inside and Out - This picture of Kenzie's makeup bag was taken for the Picture Inspiration prompt, In The Bag.  My daughter wasn't always the girly girl she is today.  For years, her favorite past time was making mud pies.  When she became a teen, she replaced mud for makeup as her creative outlet.  One day she was a little girl with dirt under her fingernails and wearing baggy clothes, the next she was a fashion conscious teen, spending hours on her hair and makeup.  It wasn't only her appearance that changed.  Her confidence and sense of self strengthened.  I'm not sure if the makeup or the confidence came first.  Was she showing the world the changes inside with a new made up look on the outside, or did the new made up look change how she saw herself? 

162/365

September 2, 2011.
Morning Gifts-  Last week, while I was sat outside with my coffee, my eye was drawn to the sunglasses that I had tossed on the table the night before.  The morning dew clung the lenses transforming the ordinary into sparkling amber jewels.  I thought it was pretty scene so I grabbed a quick shot with my phone.  This was the only shot I got that day.  Fall brings a faster pace. I'm grateful that I was able to capture a small piece of the slow quiet summer morning that might have otherwise slipped me by. 

163/365

September 3, 2011.
Salsa Time -  I made my first batch of preserves on the weekend.  And boy, it was a lot of work.  Together with my father in law, we made three batches of salsa.  Each batch required nine cups of chopped, seeded tomatoes and six cups of chopped sweet peppers.  The next day, my shoulders were stiff and my legs ached from standing in one spot for so long.  I would do it all again though.  There is something so rewarding about seeing a pantry stocked with mason jars full with the vegetables that were bought fresh from the market.   Next time I think I will do a jam - strawberry maybe? 

164/365

September 4, 2011.
Counting Down -  It's after lunch on the second last day of summer vacation.  All three (yes three, Kenzie is the lump under the blanket in the corner) of my kids are like zoned out zombies watching hour after hour of cartoons.  Can you hear that?  In the background?   "It's the most wonderful time of the year..."

165/365

September 5, 2011.
New Dancing Shoes -  Actually Charlie is sporting new school shoes, but when the mood strikes, you just gotta dance.  I love the feeling of excitement in this picture.   He's off to grade one tomorrow, and you can tell he is feeling pretty darn good about himself.

166/365

September 6, 2011.
First Day -  I think that all parents go through the same mixed bag of emotions on the first day of school.  We are proud of them, and nervous for them.  We wait with a knot of anxiety in our stomach for news about how the first day went.  As Josh headed off to his first day of high school, the knot was tied tighter that any other year I can remember.  

167/365

September 7, 2011.
Unfold -   Sometimes my words aren't enough.  Sometimes a picture, without any words, tells the story I feel needs to be told.   When I look at this image, just one word comes to my mind.  Unfold. 

168/365

September 8, 2011.
Life Gets Messy, Reseed - Inspired by a Shutter Sister post that encouraged us to celebrate our own messy lives, I went to the side of my home that has been neglected this summer.  It is here where I normally plant a small veggie garden.  Green onions, chives, cucumbers, beans and tomatoes.  Not much, but enough to give us a taste of summer.  This spring, life got messy and the garden wasn't planted or even weeded from the year before.  I had expected to take a picture of my mess, but instead I found that the cherry tomatoes had reseeded themselves.  Life got messy and yet somehow, my garden thrived.  

169/365