Well, maybe no one even noticed... after all my blog is still just a baby. But if you were wondering what happened to my latest post, here is your answer. Blogger had some technical difficulties and was shut down for about a day, and many posts were temporarily removed. Hopefully, my post will be back soon.
Still under the weather here, so I have nothing to report today anyway. Just hangin' with the Jackster lamenting the multitudes of things I am not accomplishing. Oh well. Life is about moments not milestones. There's nothing on my to-do list that hasn't waited so long it can't wait a little longer! At least I'm with an adorable and charming little boy who makes me laugh.
I hope you and yours are well!
TGIF! Have a fantastic weekend!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Happy Mother's Day!
It's Mother's Day, and today I'd like to pay tribute to my own mom and to all mothers. Until we become mothers we can't truly appreciate the jobs our own moms did in raising us. The worries they carried so that we wouldn't have to, the dreams they had for our lives and the efforts they went to for our happiness: All of these things are a greater burden than anyone can imagine... until the burden is ours to bear.
This video sums up the job of motherhood as well as anyone ever could. All I can say after watching it is, "Phew!"
It's all worth it, of course, for those sparkling moments when our child does something nice for someone else or looks up at us and says "I love you, mom." It's the best job there is. Once you become a mother, truly every day is Mother's Day. Our children are always with us. We carry their hopes and fears in our hearts.
It is also the hardest job there is, and it's nice to be honoured on our special day. Most of us are so dog-tired that when asked the question, "What would you like for Mother's Day?" we respond, "Oh, maybe just a nice brunch out with all of you." Truthfully, we'd rather not wait in a line with all of the other exhausted moms and their families for a table in a crowded restaurant and a meal that, while lovely, will take far too long to arrive. But we love our families and we're accustomed to putting their needs above our own. Often we don't think about what we want, and when we do we're reluctant to voice it.
This year, when asked the question, I thought long and hard and then answered as honestly as I could, "Sleep. I just want to sleep the entire day away. I'm not sure I'll even need to eat, but if someone would occasionally bring me some food that would also be nice."
Happy Mother's Day! May you be treated like a queen, or at least not have to clean dirty diapers and walk the dog today.
Dads, kids, assuming you've left it this long to find that perfect gift for mom, fret not. Believe it or not, there's still hope for you. Check out this list of What Mothers REALLY Want on Mother's Day from Cool Bean Mommas. You can also check out this list of popular e-books for mom.
And dads, we know you carry a heavy load too, but today is not your day. Your day is in June, when I shall pay homage to you. Until then, trust that you are appreciated for your part in raising happy and healthy humans. Now be a dear and fetch mama a cocktail.
This video sums up the job of motherhood as well as anyone ever could. All I can say after watching it is, "Phew!"
It's all worth it, of course, for those sparkling moments when our child does something nice for someone else or looks up at us and says "I love you, mom." It's the best job there is. Once you become a mother, truly every day is Mother's Day. Our children are always with us. We carry their hopes and fears in our hearts.
It is also the hardest job there is, and it's nice to be honoured on our special day. Most of us are so dog-tired that when asked the question, "What would you like for Mother's Day?" we respond, "Oh, maybe just a nice brunch out with all of you." Truthfully, we'd rather not wait in a line with all of the other exhausted moms and their families for a table in a crowded restaurant and a meal that, while lovely, will take far too long to arrive. But we love our families and we're accustomed to putting their needs above our own. Often we don't think about what we want, and when we do we're reluctant to voice it.
This year, when asked the question, I thought long and hard and then answered as honestly as I could, "Sleep. I just want to sleep the entire day away. I'm not sure I'll even need to eat, but if someone would occasionally bring me some food that would also be nice."
Happy Mother's Day! May you be treated like a queen, or at least not have to clean dirty diapers and walk the dog today.
Dads, kids, assuming you've left it this long to find that perfect gift for mom, fret not. Believe it or not, there's still hope for you. Check out this list of What Mothers REALLY Want on Mother's Day from Cool Bean Mommas. You can also check out this list of popular e-books for mom.
And dads, we know you carry a heavy load too, but today is not your day. Your day is in June, when I shall pay homage to you. Until then, trust that you are appreciated for your part in raising happy and healthy humans. Now be a dear and fetch mama a cocktail.
Friday, May 06, 2011
Great deals to celebrate mom!
This Sunday May 8th is Mother's Day. Celebrate mom by giving her something wonderful to read. Heck, at these prices, you can load up her Kindle for the year! (Don't forget to give her the precious gift of time too, so that she'll be able to enjoy her favourite book.)
Pride and Prejudice
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." -- Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Amazon.com Product Description:
When Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited; he is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, Jane Austen shows the folly of judging by first impressions and superbly evokes the friendships, gossip and snobberies of provincial middle-class life.
Also free from Jane Austen through Amazon (for US Customers only) are Persuasion
, Sense and Sensibility
and Emma
. Canadian customers, check Project Gutenberg for free public domain titles.
Click here for more deals on popular books!
May 8, 2011 - Edited to add:
Even more deals! These prices were too good for me to resist.
Pride and Prejudice"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." -- Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Amazon.com Product Description:
When Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited; he is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, Jane Austen shows the folly of judging by first impressions and superbly evokes the friendships, gossip and snobberies of provincial middle-class life.
Also free from Jane Austen through Amazon (for US Customers only) are Persuasion
, Sense and Sensibility and Emma. Canadian customers, check Project Gutenberg for free public domain titles.Click here for more deals on popular books!
May 8, 2011 - Edited to add:
Even more deals! These prices were too good for me to resist.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Easy & quick knitting project: Slippers for the whole family
I've been doing a lot of knitting lately - trying to spread the cozy woolen love. I cleaned out my craft closet and found several incomplete knitting projects - it's just embarrassing to admit how many, so I won't. I spent a bunch of time organizing and undoing old knitting projects that I knew I'd never finish, like that over-sized mohair cardigan I started in the 80s.
My son has been asking me, almost daily for a few months, when I will knit something for him. I knit him a quick bag for his toys... which went over like a lead balloon. There's not a lot of spare time for large knitting projects these days, so I had to find something else that isn't as big of a commitment as a sweater, and isn't winter-wear since it's now spring.
I found this great knit slipper based on an old 1940s pattern, adapted by Bev Qualheim. It knits up fast and true to the pattern. It's not difficult to adjust the size of these slippers as you go. To make them longer just keep knitting until you reach the desired length less 2" for the toe. To make them wider, just cast on a few more stitches, or increase (I increased in the middle, just inside the purled stitches) as you get to the wider part of the foot.
Here are some pictures of Jack's slippers. Of course, I had to complicate things by adding a second colour. I used a strand of green and a strand of multi-coloured wool for the foot and green and blue for the toe. I think they're pretty cute.
I knit some slippers for myself with reclaimed pink and burgundy wool. You may recall that I am not a fan of pink, yet the wool needed to be used and what else was I going to do with it? Combining the two colours made it less 'pinky'. I made mine both longer and wider than the instructions indicate for my size 9-wide feet.
And then I knit two more pair - matching slippers for Jack and his dad - from some funky 80s style chunky wool. I revised the heel on these two. The original pattern leaves a bump on the bottom. I started with fewer stitches in the centre section (1 stitch on Jack's, and 3 stitches on dad's) and then increased by two stitches every second (WS) row to the number of stitches in the original instructions. This allowed the heel to lie flat.
This is my new favourite slipper pattern! What do you think?
Do you have a slipper pattern to share? I'm always looking for ways to do things a little differently.
My son has been asking me, almost daily for a few months, when I will knit something for him. I knit him a quick bag for his toys... which went over like a lead balloon. There's not a lot of spare time for large knitting projects these days, so I had to find something else that isn't as big of a commitment as a sweater, and isn't winter-wear since it's now spring.
I found this great knit slipper based on an old 1940s pattern, adapted by Bev Qualheim. It knits up fast and true to the pattern. It's not difficult to adjust the size of these slippers as you go. To make them longer just keep knitting until you reach the desired length less 2" for the toe. To make them wider, just cast on a few more stitches, or increase (I increased in the middle, just inside the purled stitches) as you get to the wider part of the foot.
Here are some pictures of Jack's slippers. Of course, I had to complicate things by adding a second colour. I used a strand of green and a strand of multi-coloured wool for the foot and green and blue for the toe. I think they're pretty cute.
I knit some slippers for myself with reclaimed pink and burgundy wool. You may recall that I am not a fan of pink, yet the wool needed to be used and what else was I going to do with it? Combining the two colours made it less 'pinky'. I made mine both longer and wider than the instructions indicate for my size 9-wide feet.
And then I knit two more pair - matching slippers for Jack and his dad - from some funky 80s style chunky wool. I revised the heel on these two. The original pattern leaves a bump on the bottom. I started with fewer stitches in the centre section (1 stitch on Jack's, and 3 stitches on dad's) and then increased by two stitches every second (WS) row to the number of stitches in the original instructions. This allowed the heel to lie flat.
This is my new favourite slipper pattern! What do you think?
Do you have a slipper pattern to share? I'm always looking for ways to do things a little differently.
Monday, May 02, 2011
The Most Beautiful Moment of My Husband's Life
I want to share a moment with you filled with deep emotion, a personal moment that my husband will remember for as long as he lives.
Have you ever had such an intense feeling of joy that you couldn't contain it? There's that screech that comes out when we hear that our girlfriend is pregnant. Sometimes we're so happy - when we or someone we love gets married, when a child is born and so on - that tears escape down our cheeks.
Well last week I saw my husband happier than I have ever seen him before. Now, consider that we are married - so there was a marriage - and that we have had a child together. Neither of these events have made him as happy as he was last week when his favourite hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks, won the 7th game in the series against the Blackhawks in overtime.
I've always known about my husband's love of hockey, but it never occurred to me that I might be his second love. He was so overcome with emotion when they won that he picked me up and started jumping up and down in celebration. He was almost in tears when he pronounced that he hasn't been this happy since the Canucks beat the Flames on their way to the Stanley Cup final in 1994.
I'm very happy for my husband, don't get me wrong. But just for a second, I was feeling a little less than worthy. Now, after some reflection, I understand that there are different levels of love and that the love for a child, the love for a spouse and the love for a sports team can coexist.
And now, since it is my vow and my pleasure to support my husband's interests....
Go Canucks go!
Have you ever had such an intense feeling of joy that you couldn't contain it? There's that screech that comes out when we hear that our girlfriend is pregnant. Sometimes we're so happy - when we or someone we love gets married, when a child is born and so on - that tears escape down our cheeks.
Well last week I saw my husband happier than I have ever seen him before. Now, consider that we are married - so there was a marriage - and that we have had a child together. Neither of these events have made him as happy as he was last week when his favourite hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks, won the 7th game in the series against the Blackhawks in overtime.
I've always known about my husband's love of hockey, but it never occurred to me that I might be his second love. He was so overcome with emotion when they won that he picked me up and started jumping up and down in celebration. He was almost in tears when he pronounced that he hasn't been this happy since the Canucks beat the Flames on their way to the Stanley Cup final in 1994.
I'm very happy for my husband, don't get me wrong. But just for a second, I was feeling a little less than worthy. Now, after some reflection, I understand that there are different levels of love and that the love for a child, the love for a spouse and the love for a sports team can coexist.
And now, since it is my vow and my pleasure to support my husband's interests....
Go Canucks go!
Retrieved May 2, 2011 from http://www.globalmaritimes.com/sports/Photos+Canucks+fans+show+their+Game+love/4679210/story.html
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Looking Back at the Month of April
What the heck happened? It feels like I went to bed in March and woke up in May! Let's review...
At the beginning of April, I took a trip with Jack to visit my sister. I left the keys with a group of authors who had a bit of fun over at Cookie's Book Club. ~ Cookie's Mom proudly presents...
The trip was lovely, and I had some interesting air travel related stories to tell on my return. ~ What an adventure!
Spending time with my sister always causes me to reflect on our relationship and how much it means to me. I am so grateful for her support. ~ For my sister
Jack and I returned to our daily schedule, and tried to catch up on some much needed rest.
~ Quiet Time: A Welcome Daily Ritual
On our trip I picked up a beautiful dream catcher for Jack and we hung it in his window. Who knew it would open up a dialogue about his dreams. Ever since then we've had the most interesting conversations in the morning! ~ Dream Catchers
Jack was back at preschool, and naturally that meant getting sick with yet another cold. 2011, I officially dub thee The Year of the Cold. ~ Snow Days and Sick Days
I wrote my first controversial opinion piece on the topic of romance and chick-lit genres and the sweeping generalizations we sometimes make about them. ~ Women's fiction versus other genres of literature
Then I wrote two more controversial pieces. I've been reading some interesting blog posts lately, and can't help but respond to some of them. ~ How long should you nurse your child? ~ The Skeptical Reader: Do First-Born Boys Really Demand More Mommy Time?
I experienced some beautiful music last month. I attended a string quartet concert and watched a moving video about a virtual choir of two thousand voices. Stunning! ~ Sunday Choir ~ An Evening of Music: Brentano String Quartet
I reviewed another book. ~ Northlight: Book Review and Interview with Deborah Ross
I offered some parenting tips on setting boundaries and dealing with a gifted child. ~ Parents: Do you sent boundaries? ~ Is your child gifted?
I waxed philosophic about deep subjects like embracing community over competition and parking. ~ I Choose Community, not Competition ~ Parking Karma
People keep expecting cookies when they visit my site, so I felt it was my duty to satisfy the craving in some way. ~ Sunday Treat: Peanut Butter and Pretzel Truffles
There was a brief vent about the never-ending winter. ~ I am tired of snow!
And yesterday, I answered April's poll question. ~ Is competition good for our kids?
I also did a bunch of knitting in April. Knitting is good therapy when you're at home sick with a preschooler. I'll share those patterns and pictures of my creations with you soon.
It is now May and the sun is shining. I feel confident that it is now finally spring, and I'm looking forward to hikes and bikes, gardening and other outdoor pursuits.
I hope you and yours are well. I look forward to sharing with you whatever May has in store for us! I always enjoy reading comments from my readers. Please continue to share you thoughts and experiences with me. I learn so much from them!
At the beginning of April, I took a trip with Jack to visit my sister. I left the keys with a group of authors who had a bit of fun over at Cookie's Book Club. ~ Cookie's Mom proudly presents...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The trip was lovely, and I had some interesting air travel related stories to tell on my return. ~ What an adventure!
Spending time with my sister always causes me to reflect on our relationship and how much it means to me. I am so grateful for her support. ~ For my sisterJack and I returned to our daily schedule, and tried to catch up on some much needed rest.
~ Quiet Time: A Welcome Daily Ritual
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
On our trip I picked up a beautiful dream catcher for Jack and we hung it in his window. Who knew it would open up a dialogue about his dreams. Ever since then we've had the most interesting conversations in the morning! ~ Dream Catchers
Jack was back at preschool, and naturally that meant getting sick with yet another cold. 2011, I officially dub thee The Year of the Cold. ~ Snow Days and Sick Days
I wrote my first controversial opinion piece on the topic of romance and chick-lit genres and the sweeping generalizations we sometimes make about them. ~ Women's fiction versus other genres of literature
Then I wrote two more controversial pieces. I've been reading some interesting blog posts lately, and can't help but respond to some of them. ~ How long should you nurse your child? ~ The Skeptical Reader: Do First-Born Boys Really Demand More Mommy Time?
I experienced some beautiful music last month. I attended a string quartet concert and watched a moving video about a virtual choir of two thousand voices. Stunning! ~ Sunday Choir ~ An Evening of Music: Brentano String Quartet~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I reviewed another book. ~ Northlight: Book Review and Interview with Deborah Ross
I offered some parenting tips on setting boundaries and dealing with a gifted child. ~ Parents: Do you sent boundaries? ~ Is your child gifted?
I waxed philosophic about deep subjects like embracing community over competition and parking. ~ I Choose Community, not Competition ~ Parking Karma
People keep expecting cookies when they visit my site, so I felt it was my duty to satisfy the craving in some way. ~ Sunday Treat: Peanut Butter and Pretzel TrufflesThere was a brief vent about the never-ending winter. ~ I am tired of snow!
And yesterday, I answered April's poll question. ~ Is competition good for our kids?
I also did a bunch of knitting in April. Knitting is good therapy when you're at home sick with a preschooler. I'll share those patterns and pictures of my creations with you soon.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It is now May and the sun is shining. I feel confident that it is now finally spring, and I'm looking forward to hikes and bikes, gardening and other outdoor pursuits.
Retrieved May 1, 2011 from http://www.manataka.org/page1243.html
I hope you and yours are well. I look forward to sharing with you whatever May has in store for us! I always enjoy reading comments from my readers. Please continue to share you thoughts and experiences with me. I learn so much from them!
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