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



Tuesday March 6, 2012.
Big League - His big sister invited him out to the driveway to play.  That's about as big league as he has gotten.  We haven't put him into an organized sport.  We've been resisting for a number of reasons, but he has asked to play hockey next year.  Ugh, hockey, my least favourite sport.

350-b/365

Wednesday March 7, 2012.
Shady - I pulled around the back of the drugstore where Kenzie works part time.  Her work isn't in the best neighbourhood.  I can say that because we used to live there when the big kids were small.  In the five years that we lived near there, I don't think I ever once took the shortcut and walked through this parking lot.  When I noticed this shady character waiting outside,  he made me a little nervous.  Turns out he was just a nice boy waiting to walk his girl home. 

351/365

Thursday March 8, 2012.
Giant Spider -

352/365

Friday March 9, 2012.
Boys will be Boys - They barricaded their sister and her friend in her room.

353/365

Saturday March 10, 2012.
Birthday Wishes - We invited ourselves for an overnight visit with my Dad and Lynda for his birthday.  Hubby took this picture of my Dad and I.  I know right?  I can't really count it as a 365 if I didn't take it.  No worries, I did take many other pictures on Saturday March 10th, but this was the one I wanted to share here.  It was nice to be able to visit with Dad.

354/365

Sunday March 11, 2012.
You'll Shoot Yer Eye Out Kid - Grampie bought a BB gun.  He and Charlie had great fun with the target practice.  I hope Grampie gets a chance to fix the drywall in the garage before he gets caught making holes in it.

355/365

Monday March 12, 2012.
Tired and Glad to be Home - Between the time change, not sleeping in his own bed and the long drive back and forth to Dad's house Hubby is tired; tired enough ignore his allergies and allow the cat to sit on him. 

356/365

Tuesday March 13, 2012.
Clearly, I'm Getting Nothing Done - It's March break and the weather has been fabulous.  I had big plans for the break to get caught up on a few of my English assignments and maybe even get ahead.  I tried, really I did.  I brought my laptop outside to work.  But the warm sunshine and cool breezes did nothing to help my concentration. 

357/365

Wednesday March 14, 2012.
Two Takes - In the morning I put the moon to bed,

358-a/365

 Two Takes - and in the evening, I watched my boys ride into the sunset.  It was a good day.

358-b/365

Thursday March 15, 2012.
Umm, I think you have something on your face - I love it when I make a dinner that everyone likes.  Tonight was Rib Night! 

359/365

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

Friday January 13, 2012.
Cheers To Your Weekend - I survived the first week back to school, and more importantly, Friday the Thirteenth.  That deserves a drink.  Cheers to Your Weekend.

296/365

Saturday January 14, 2012.
Better Than Flowers -

297/365

Sunday January 15, 2012.
Weekly Self Portrait - I walked into the kitchen that was flooded with the bright winter sunlight. As the sun shone through the blinds, rows of light and shadows appeared on the front of the fridge. I grabbed my camera phone, pressed my head to up against the fridge and got a quick selfie. 

298/365

Monday January 16, 2012.
Lego Club, week 2 - Monday is Lego Club after school.  The Little Man and I enjoy the time out of the house with our friends.  And I love coming home to dinner made for us.  Thanks babe.

299/365

Tuesday January 17, 2012.
Clarity -  Day 300.  I'm almost at the end of my second 365 journey.  I've documented 665 days of my story.  As I get closer and closer to the end I'm wondering what I will do with my 365 blog (actually it's 366, this year is a leap year.)  Some days, I know with crystal clarity that sharing the everyday moments of my life worthwhile.  Other days I wonder if anyone really needs to see another picture and if it serves any purpose at all.  Searching for clarity.

300/365

Wednesday January 18, 2012.
Create -  The Little Man has been on a creative surge lately.  His medium of choice has been the kitchen chalkboard. I keep finding these chalkboard dudes popping up.  Awesome.

301/365

Thursday January 19, 2012.
Makeshift Ice Rink -  We had our first taste of winter.  Even though it was cold, the other mommies and I decided to stay and let the kids play in the snow.  A group of kids found a patch of ice to skate on.  Each time a kid ran and slid across the ice, I could feel my own tailbone hurt.  Ouch, that's going to hurt if they fall.  I had to force myself not to stop Charlie joining in the fun of this childhood ritual.

302/365

Friday January 20, 2012.
This Little Piggy - I held this sweet little boy as I visited with his mommy.  My friendship with her has grown slow and steady over the past twenty years.  First she was a girl from school, then she was my neighbour, next a member of my extended family, then my hairdresser now I would consider her my friend.  I have only recently realized how much her friendship, our connection means to me.  That realization filled my heart. 

303/365

Saturday January 21, 2012.
Cousins -  They say that cousins are your first friends.  These boys have been each other's playmate as long as they can remember.  Trust me, they never run out of adventures to find, together they can be double trouble.  I took this picture at my nephew's birthday party, in a quiet moment before the rest of the kids arrived.  My nephew is proudly showing off his new pet Thunder, and my son just a little unsure.

305/365

Sunday January 22, 2012. 
Looking Forward - The sunrise this morning was beautiful, the heavens joining me in wishing my daughter a happy Sweet Sixteen today.  I can't wait to see how she will move FORWARD this year.  (She choose FORWARD for her One Little Word for 2012.)
Happy Birthday Honey Bear.

306/365

Sunday December 11, 2011.
An Ordinary Morning - We sat drinking our morning coffee, discussing our plans for the day.  The To Do list was growing quickly.   I was grateful for our few moments of quiet togetherness.

263/365

Monday December 12, 2011.
Locked Together - It is a tradition for the grade eight students to put their locks on the chain link fence on the last day of elementary school.  Kenzie and her friend, Chelsea put these locks here.  I would call them best friends, but not in the way you usually think of best friends. 
They met on the first day of kindergarten, although, these two girls rarely socialize at school.  I remember once in grade three listening to the girls fight upstairs.  One minute they were yelling and screaming, the next they were in a fit of laughter.  Uncontrollable laughter.  That is how Kenzie and Chelsea are.  There is bond between these two that goes beyond popularity, social status, or a bad day.

264/365

Tuesday December 13, 2011.
Lines of Light -

265/365

Wednesday December 14, 2011.
Baby Fix -  I had the chance to photograph my friends granddaughter and got my baby fix too.  As much as I love the stage my kids are at, I miss having a baby in my world.   Last year, we finalized our decision not to have more children.  I know it was the right decision for us.  But moving ahead, farther and farther away from some of the most precious years of my life makes me a little sad.   

266/365

Thursday December 15, 2011.
Sincerely Yours - I hope he gets all he has wished for.

267/365

Friday December 16, 2011.
New Word - Last year for Ali Edwards One Little Word project, I choose the word Thrive.  I think I over shot.
Thrive -verb,

1.  to prosper; be fortunate or successful.

2.  to grow or develop vigorously; flourish: The children thrived in the country.

What I`ve learned this past year is that thriving - growing and developing vigorously is often accompanied with growing pains. 

After the year we`ve had, I`m considering words like comfort, enjoy, and easy for my 2012 one little word. 

268/365

October 16, 2011.
Date Night - Hubby and I had the best kind of date night.  We weren't overdue, we didn't NEED it.  We just wanted to spend some time focused on each other.  We simply made each other, and our relationship the most important priority for a couple of hours.

207/365

October 17, 2011.
Bounty - Inspired from my Picture Fall prompt, I mused about what was plentiful in my life:
love, pictures, worry, appreciation, praise, food, shelter, opportunities, mistakes, life lessons, grey hairs, health, time, understanding, Lego, role models, nervous habits, pride, music, friendships, peace, laughter, clutter, books, toys, questions, curiosity, inspiration, romance, family, common sense, kindness and of course, potatoes.
All in all, a pretty good life.  I have plenty to be thankful for.  What is bountiful in your life right now? 

208/365

October 18, 2011.
I'm Feeling Like Alice - Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.
"Alice had got so much into the way of expecting nothing but out of the way things to happen, that it seemed quite dull and stupid for life to go on in the same common way"
-Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

209/365

October 19, 2011.
Big Day - I've been dreading this day for months.  I should have been dreading the recovery.   (By the way, that tiny little black in white in the bottom corner?  Counting that as my BAM, weekly self portrait.)

210/365

October 20, 2011.
Comfort -The Little Man is needing comfort.  The kind that stuffies alone wont cure.  Recovery been a rough go, and both kids are in more pain than I anticipated.  Helping them manage their pain has been my full time job.  Kenzie is old enough and stubborn enough to push past the pain and follow the doctors orders to drink often.  Charlie is stubborn too, but not in a good way.  We've had to literally beg, plead, threaten and bribe Charlie to swallow anything, including his medicine.  In his mind, it stings to swallow, so how could swallowing make him feel better. Poor babes.  I wish I could make it better.

211/365

October 21, 2011.
Serving Up Kindness - Being kind isn't difficult.  Accepting charity is difficult for me.  Not because I don't feel worthy of kindness, I do.  Receiving kindness makes me feel uncomfortable, kind of like when someone gives you a compliment.  It's challenging for me to just say thank you, and accept with an open heart.  This week, our family has been flooded with kindness.  With a heart full of gratitude, Thank you.

212/365