Happy Canada Day!

One!

My little miss Stella turned one yesterday! At this moment, she loves putting on shoes, being outdoors, baby dolls, and hugs and kisses. She is such a little girl.

It's amazing to sit and think about this last year and all of the challenges we faced. There were little rocky times when I questioned my ability to be a good mother and there were moments of guilt when I realized that Jeremy and I can't do this all on our own. And there were tears. Oh my, lots and lots of tears. But, the year was also filled with moments of pure love and joy and little pockets of time that I would've loved to lock away and replay again and again, whenever I wanted. There were moments when I wished the girls would just stop growing and stay little forever, and moments of absolute happiness and even a few moments of calm. Watching them laugh and grow together just makes all those challenges so worth it. I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am, how happy and how in love I am with these girls. If you are a parent - you get it.

We celebrated Stella's day with a picnic at the spray park. It was hard to get a picture of Odessa standing still. I think she was running the entire time.

Stella is getting quite brave now. Before she would just sit by my side and be content watching things happening around her. Now that she is walking, she wants to be right in there.

Jeremy and I, along with the help of family and friends, purchased this beautiful, wooden kitchen for Stella's first birthday. It was important to me to have something made of wood, as opposed to plastic, and something that would spark a lot of imaginative play. Of course, it is for both of them to use, and, so far, it has been a huge hit.

I made them each their own matching apron and oven mitt to go along with it.

Happy Birthday my little one!

Easter

We had an awesome Easter/celebration of Spring. The wonderful company helped a lot, as did the beautiful weather. Odessa enjoyed her first Easter egg hunt and Stella was right in there too. She almost had her first taste of chocolate. We found her with a suspicious look on her face and a little foil egg in her mouth. Although we are still in that awkward phase of spring; the closet full of both winter jackets and sweaters, winter boots and sandals, I am so grateful for the longer days. It is so nice to be able to go for a walk after supper, to open the windows, and not have to worry about where the scarves and hats and mittens are (we are constantly misplacing all those little mittens). Love this time of year!

I made the girls these little bunnies that I found here. So simple. So cute. I used an organic cotton bed sheet we weren't using for the head and legs and the rest of the bed sheet for the stuffing. The bodies are just from the scrap basket.

My sister and I tell my mom she HAS to make this Easter bread every year.

It's tradition.

Love Easter lilies

This picture was taken just before Odessa yanked the basket away and said "No Stella, you'll choke!!"

Odessa's Birthday

Well, she has now officially entered the terrible two's and I couldn't be more proud! We had such a wonderful little party to celebrate and I think she had a great time (except when we sang happy birthday - she made it clear she doesn't like that). Although our living quarters are a little cramped, we are so grateful we were able to have most of our friends and family together at one time. It was a special birthday weekend for our big girl.

Odessa helped me make the birthday banner. I'm hoping we can bring it out every birthday for years to come.

Yes, there are two photos of the cupcakes. They were very, very good.

Already trying on one of the many dresses. If you know Odessa, pants are not an option these days!

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I finished her birthday quilt just in the nick of time! I haven't been writing here lately because this is where all my free time has been spent the past two weeks. It is such an amazing feeling, finishing a quilt. Such a sense of accomplishment, and there is excitement to start something new.

I had it professionally quilted by a very talented man who works out of his home studio in Edmonton. He did such a wonderful job and I was so excited to find man who quilts! So amazing! I will definitely be going back.

Odessa loves it and I am very happy with it.

you blink, and they're two

It's coming. Odessa's second birthday is just next week and I'm starting to feel that gentle tug of emotions. I realize I'm acting as if I've gone through this numerous times before; celebrating your child's birthday, but I remember this exact same feeling creeping up on me this time, last year. I thought it was just because it was her first birthday. But no, here it is again.

It's hard to describe. It's happiness, joy, love, excitement, proudness and yet a little bit of sadness. Sadness only because she is growing so very quickly. Before I was a parent, I heard about how fast kids will grow, and to tell you the truth, I didn't quite believe it. Well, turns out it's true. Very true.

I'm trying to start a tradition of writing my kids a letter on their birthday every year in a very special card. I found Odessa's, this year, over at Sarah Jane Studios. I think it is very appropriate.

Christmas Presents

This Christmas was probably one of my all time favourite. I think it is because I now have a toddler that is so excited about...well, everything. It really inspired me to make the holidays as bright as I could. I tried to make all our Christmas gifts this year, as many that time would allow, and included Odessa in the making process where I could. Stella was there helping too, although, I think she will get more out of it next year.

Instead of her toys, Odessa played with breakable Christmas ornaments. I would hang them up high, and she would figure out how to get them down. I can't tell you how many times I said the words "put it back" and how many times she responded "no, mommy".

Stella really does like Christmas - just not hats.

So, so much icing was consumed in this gingerbread making session.

I started gathering Christmas recipes this year, something I have never done before. I am pleased to tell you that this will be made every year from now on.

I made this for my mom - I call it a "knitting needle roll-up". Great for storing all her knitting needles and crochet hooks.

This bag was sewn for my sister. It is an Amy Butler pattern which I love. I'm thinking about making one for myself as well.

lots and lots of chopped ginger to make...

lots and lots of this!

Small loaves of gingerbread were given to family and friends.

Welcome, New Year

Today, we are welcoming the New Year. Although, because of the little ones, we weren't able to stay out too late last night, I still found it exciting and, of course, special. We gathered with family for a big dinner and shared laughs. Even though all the fun and excitement of the holidays seem to come to an end on New Years Eve, I like how it still feels like something wonderful is beginning.

Wishing you and yours a very happy year.

Favorite Photo Friday

Happy Birthday little Pukster!