Wednesday, January 1, 2014
A New Year, A New Pledge
Happy New Year! Wow, it's crazy but it's been well over a year since I've blogged but 2014 comes with a new pledge to be more active on here :)
I can't write a post on January 1st without talking about resolutions. I feel the word "resolution" comes with too much pressure, like it is just looming over me waiting for me to fail. So this year I'm not making resolutions, I'm setting goals instead.
Personal Goals:
- get pregnant and have another baby
- try harder to be a better wife and mother to my amazing husband and adorable little son
- be more organized with housework
- become more responsible financially... Hello Dave Ramsey my old friend :)
- get serious about getting back in shape
Professional Goals:
- continue to build and grow my baby signing business, My Smart Hands Moncton
- expand my crafting business, How Cute
- start my certificate Foundations in Anthroposophy through the Rudolph Steiner Centre
In the days to come I'll write more about the points in more details but all the fun and excitement of the holidays has worn this momma out.
Good night, sweet dreams, and Happy New Year!
I can't write a post on January 1st without talking about resolutions. I feel the word "resolution" comes with too much pressure, like it is just looming over me waiting for me to fail. So this year I'm not making resolutions, I'm setting goals instead.
Personal Goals:
- get pregnant and have another baby
- try harder to be a better wife and mother to my amazing husband and adorable little son
- be more organized with housework
- become more responsible financially... Hello Dave Ramsey my old friend :)
- get serious about getting back in shape
Professional Goals:
- continue to build and grow my baby signing business, My Smart Hands Moncton
- expand my crafting business, How Cute
- start my certificate Foundations in Anthroposophy through the Rudolph Steiner Centre
In the days to come I'll write more about the points in more details but all the fun and excitement of the holidays has worn this momma out.
Good night, sweet dreams, and Happy New Year!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Are You Living Your Dream?
So, I have to start by admitting that I am obsessed with Pinterest. It's my new Google. The other day I came across a "pin" of the first picture below. Obviously it caused me to ask myself, "Am I really living my dream?".
In many ways, yes. I am married to an incredible man. Together we have the most precious baby boy. We live in a nice, new neighbourhood, drive a safe, new SUV, have a gorgeous dog and a feisty cat. I could go on and on. I am blessed beyond words! But.....
But I am not fully living my dream. My dream doesn't include leaving my baby, before he's even a full year old, to go to work at a relatively unfulfilling job for a small pay check. Yes, the inevitable "going back to work" decision has been weighing heavily on me lately.
It has been my dream to be a teacher. And, thankfully, I had the opportunity of having my own classroom in the public education system, and all of the joys and pains associated with that. But a broad range of issues caused me to give up my life as a public school teacher (a decision I am very happy with). My dream, and calling of being a teacher is still in me, but in a different way.
I dream of starting a small, private, Waldorf-inspired, home school. To many this dream doesn't sound grandiose, but to me this is a big dream. Waldorf education is something I am very passionate about, and really want my children to have the opportunity to be educated the Waldorf way; however, there are no Waldorf schools nearby so it's up to me to provide one. I do want to provide the chance for other children to benefit from a Waldorf education too, and ideally I'd have approximately 6-8 children in my home daily for school.
But there are 5 more years before my little Luke is ready for school, so what to do between now and then?! Well, for the next couple of years it's babysitting following the Lifeways' methods. This will allow me to stay home with my son, give him the foundation of learning that I believe strongly in, and allow me to "teach" again. Then once baby #2 comes along and is settled I plan on opening my own LifeWays preschool. And then finally begin my Waldorf school when alike is ready for kindergarten.
So, am I living my dream? Not fully.... yet. But I am taking some risks and moving forward towards making me live my dream. It's scary to leave the known for the unknown, but all I can do is cling my hope that it will all turn out and try my best to trust in The Lord, that My plans align themselves with the plans He has for me.
In many ways, yes. I am married to an incredible man. Together we have the most precious baby boy. We live in a nice, new neighbourhood, drive a safe, new SUV, have a gorgeous dog and a feisty cat. I could go on and on. I am blessed beyond words! But.....
But I am not fully living my dream. My dream doesn't include leaving my baby, before he's even a full year old, to go to work at a relatively unfulfilling job for a small pay check. Yes, the inevitable "going back to work" decision has been weighing heavily on me lately.
It has been my dream to be a teacher. And, thankfully, I had the opportunity of having my own classroom in the public education system, and all of the joys and pains associated with that. But a broad range of issues caused me to give up my life as a public school teacher (a decision I am very happy with). My dream, and calling of being a teacher is still in me, but in a different way.
I dream of starting a small, private, Waldorf-inspired, home school. To many this dream doesn't sound grandiose, but to me this is a big dream. Waldorf education is something I am very passionate about, and really want my children to have the opportunity to be educated the Waldorf way; however, there are no Waldorf schools nearby so it's up to me to provide one. I do want to provide the chance for other children to benefit from a Waldorf education too, and ideally I'd have approximately 6-8 children in my home daily for school.
But there are 5 more years before my little Luke is ready for school, so what to do between now and then?! Well, for the next couple of years it's babysitting following the Lifeways' methods. This will allow me to stay home with my son, give him the foundation of learning that I believe strongly in, and allow me to "teach" again. Then once baby #2 comes along and is settled I plan on opening my own LifeWays preschool. And then finally begin my Waldorf school when alike is ready for kindergarten.
So, am I living my dream? Not fully.... yet. But I am taking some risks and moving forward towards making me live my dream. It's scary to leave the known for the unknown, but all I can do is cling my hope that it will all turn out and try my best to trust in The Lord, that My plans align themselves with the plans He has for me.
The Lord Gives and The Lord Takes Away
Well, we didn't end up getting the farm house that I previously blogged about. We went and had the inspection and all things considered it went pretty well. However, there were some major issues. When I heard words like : black mold, asbestos, illegal plumbing, knob and tube wiring, and many more, I just couldn't do it. So, we're back to square one.... which we are ok with because.....
We're pregnant!!! We found out and couldn't be happier. We started trying in mid June, thinking it would take at least a few months to get pregnant, but, first time is the charm! I was lucky to find out early, at the four week mark when our baby or, "Sprout" as we affectionately call it, was just the size of a grain of rice.
We're pregnant!!! We found out and couldn't be happier. We started trying in mid June, thinking it would take at least a few months to get pregnant, but, first time is the charm! I was lucky to find out early, at the four week mark when our baby or, "Sprout" as we affectionately call it, was just the size of a grain of rice.
We couldn't be happier. I am now 5 weeks along, my due date is March 15th, 2 days after my Mom's birthday, and 2 days before Mitch's birthday. I figure it'll come much later than that anyway, since most people say your first is always late. I found the following template on a friend's blog... check her out: The Rookie Wife. So, I stole it and will use it to track the fun of the next few months too.
How far along?: 5 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: So far, nothing... I'm a steady 155lbs.
How big is baby: The size of an appleseed now. (S)He doubles in size every week!
Maternity clothes?: I don't need them yet... but I'm excited to go shopping for some :) I have had a lot of pregnancy bloat though, that has made my pants a little tighter than usual.
Stretch Marks: Not yet, and I'm trying my best not to get them.... lots of creaming up my belly.
Sleep: This is all I want to do ALL the time!!!!!! I'm exhausted. I've been taking naps every day after work. As for night time... I'm still doing ok... I do have to get up to pee more than usual though which is annoying since it takes me a little while to fall back to sleep after I do get up.
Total weight gain/loss: So far, nothing... I'm a steady 155lbs.
How big is baby: The size of an appleseed now. (S)He doubles in size every week!
Maternity clothes?: I don't need them yet... but I'm excited to go shopping for some :) I have had a lot of pregnancy bloat though, that has made my pants a little tighter than usual.
Stretch Marks: Not yet, and I'm trying my best not to get them.... lots of creaming up my belly.
Sleep: This is all I want to do ALL the time!!!!!! I'm exhausted. I've been taking naps every day after work. As for night time... I'm still doing ok... I do have to get up to pee more than usual though which is annoying since it takes me a little while to fall back to sleep after I do get up.
Best moment this week: Sharing the exciting news with family and close friends! It's so neat to watch their reactions.
Movement: Nope, just lots of gas haha.Food cravings: None really. I've been trying my best to eat as healthy as possible so I'm glad I haven't had any cravings yet.Food aversions: I have aversions to some things, mainly because of the smells.... I was making homemade pizza the other night, and the smell of the spaghetti sauce nearly made me throw up. And at work yesterday the smell of the hallway outside of the staff room did quite a number on me too. Oh, and yummy Timothy's coffee... a guy at work made some the other day and I had to get up and close my door and open my window because I got so nauseous.
Gender: I have no idea yet. I want a girl, Mitch wants a boy, but we'll both be happy with whatever we end up with as long as he/she is healthy.
Labor signs: No, thankfully it's too soon for that!Belly Button in or out? InnieWhat I miss: I do miss a cold beer on a hot summer's day *sigh*
What I am looking forward to: Everything! Going to my first appointment at the OB/GYN, hearing the heartbeat for the first time, first ultrasound, finding out if it's a boy or girl, shopping for baby and me.... and of course bringing baby home for the first time.
Weekly wisdom: I've learned to rest when you feel tired... you are much easier to live with if you do.
Milestones: Our little sprout is making mommy sore... light period-like cramping, bloating, headaches, stabbing pain of ligaments stretching. But I know these are all good signs :)
Movement: Nope, just lots of gas haha.Food cravings: None really. I've been trying my best to eat as healthy as possible so I'm glad I haven't had any cravings yet.Food aversions: I have aversions to some things, mainly because of the smells.... I was making homemade pizza the other night, and the smell of the spaghetti sauce nearly made me throw up. And at work yesterday the smell of the hallway outside of the staff room did quite a number on me too. Oh, and yummy Timothy's coffee... a guy at work made some the other day and I had to get up and close my door and open my window because I got so nauseous.
Gender: I have no idea yet. I want a girl, Mitch wants a boy, but we'll both be happy with whatever we end up with as long as he/she is healthy.
Labor signs: No, thankfully it's too soon for that!Belly Button in or out? InnieWhat I miss: I do miss a cold beer on a hot summer's day *sigh*
What I am looking forward to: Everything! Going to my first appointment at the OB/GYN, hearing the heartbeat for the first time, first ultrasound, finding out if it's a boy or girl, shopping for baby and me.... and of course bringing baby home for the first time.
Weekly wisdom: I've learned to rest when you feel tired... you are much easier to live with if you do.
Milestones: Our little sprout is making mommy sore... light period-like cramping, bloating, headaches, stabbing pain of ligaments stretching. But I know these are all good signs :)
So, Mitch and I are thrilled. But, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.... I got a call last night from Dad saying that my great uncle, Red, passed away early yesterday evening from a heart attack. I know that he had a great life, and that he's been "living on borrowed time" for the last 25 years or so (he had a massive heart attack before, and he had a quadruple bipass, and has only had 23% usage of his heart since then), but it doesn't make it any less heartbreaking. Mom told Aunt Audey about our little Sprout last night, so that she could have a "reason" for Uncle Red's death. It's nice that there is some happy news to balance out the sad. So, Mitch and I are going to celebrate the happy news on a camping trip with the Martins, and then head to Miramichi to mourn the loss of a life on Sunday and Monday.
Thank you Lord for your many blessings, and watch over us all through the trials and tribulations of life. Let us know that we are yours, and every day is a gift from you.
~L
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011
Our New - Old Farmhouse ... hopefully
Well, after much searching Mitch and I have found the perfect farmhouse for us. It's approximately 150 years old, and sits on 55 acres of land. 99% of the main floor has been completely renovated already, which is great. This way, Mitch and I can move in, and still put our own personal stamp on the upstairs while living on the main floor in comfort. Here are some pictures of it :)
There are 3 big barns and 2 smaller outbuildings/sheds on the property. 2 of the barns are old, Acadian barns, but are in quite good shape. We plan to fix them up to actually be able to use them, and the parts that we can't fix will be used in fixing up the rest of the house.
As you can see, the main floor is gorgeous! The owners have used old barn beams and barn boards from the old barns to add character to the house. The barn board wainscoating is my favourite :) We plan to continue this theme throughout the rest of the house. Another great thing about this house is that it has the original hardwood floors on the main floor, and old softwood plank floors upstairs. SO much character!
The kitchen is my favourite room in the house. The cabinets are all custom maple cabinets, made by a relative of the current owners. And the countertops are Brazillian Cherrywood. They are absolutely gorgeous! Oh, and my favourite part of the entire house... the farm sink of course.
The current owner is a stone mason and did all of his own tiling. The tile is slate tile, and has in floor heating so it's not cold on the tootsie. The little island is a pure wood butcher block topped ikea piece, but it fits. All of the new appliances come with the house too.
Although I love and appreciate the natural wood cupboards, I'm debating whether I should paint them or not. It's definitely pretty low on the priority list of to-do's but I am considering it.
I really love that they opened up and raised up the ceilings. You can't tell in this picture but it' simple white washed pine planks. It's so bright and cozy.
There is a fully finished master bedroom on the main floor, as well as a nursery. Although the picture above isn't the pretties picture, it does show the wide baseboards, and the original, solid wood doors with the old key locks on them, as well as the higher ceilings.
The current owners also tore down the old drywall/plaster, and ripped out the little bit of old insulation that was in there, and totally re-insulated the entire main floor with eco-insulation, and put new drywall up. So it's new-old.
The living room in the house is not overly big, but it's cozy. I am not a fan of the dark paint colour in here so that will definitely be changing. Again it has the original wood floors underneath of the area rug that the owners have in this picture. We also want to put a fireplace/woodstove in this room to make it extra cozy.
This is the bathroom on the main floor. This picture does not do it justice at all. It really is gorgeous. Again, the tile is slate on the floor, and porcelain on the walls. There is a new toilet and vanity. The sink is original to the farm, it was just given a facelift. The old clawfoot tub was found in the barn when they moved in. There's another one out there that we will use when we renovate the upstairs bathroom. All new plumbing has been run through the entire house. And I really like the rain shower head. There is also all new electrical throughout.
Anyway, we've made an offer, and the owners have accepted it. The offer is conditional on the sale of our house here in the suburbs, and a positive inspection. Our house is up for sale, through Property Guys, but so far no calls for people to come see it. So please pray for lots of interest in the upcoming weeks. And, we have our inspection on the farmhouse tomorrow. So, if that goes well then we're halfway there.
We are SO excited about taking this leap into a different life at a different home. We feel we can finally be 100% ourselves out there. It's such an incredible feeling :) Life, and the Lord, really is good!
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011
Country Life
Well, after much prayer, thought and consideration Mitch and I have decided to take a leap of faith, follow our hearts and move to the country. It really is hard to let go of the "security" of suburbia, but I know we will be much happier and have true security once we get settled in our dream of country living.
We know that it's not going to be a perfect life, and by no means will it be easy. But we both feel like we are being called to this type of lifestyle. And if I'm going to do what my heart tells me and raise my kids myself, and homeschool them, then we don't have a choice but to live where taxes are less, and into a smaller home.
I think the thing that is the most difficult is trying to get other people to understand why we are doing what we're doing. My parents especially, as they always seem to be a "keep up with the Jones" type of mentality. I know they won't understand why I would "throw away" the gift of education that they gave me (2 university degrees, debt free) to be a housewife. They would view this as a negative thing, a step back in "women's rights". But I truly believe that it is my right as a women to make this choice for me, and for my family. As usual, I am going to make the decision that works for me and they will just have to get used to it. (Isn't it funny, though, that no matter how old we get we still want our parents' approval.)
We were thinking about building out in the country, but the environmentalist in me put the kibosh on that idea. There are so many beautiful farm houses in the area that have been neglected and run down that we can get for next to nothing, and bring new life to them. Plus we'd get all of the charm that comes with a fixer-upper (and all of the work too, I know). So below are the pictures that have me excited about living in the country with some country charm :) (Please know the pictures are from Sarah Richardson's farm house, and and a variety of blogs/decorating sites around the internet... please don't sue me.)
I would LOVE to have a big white procelain farm/apron sink.
Sarah's Mudroom.
I love the re-finished old floors, and the old lighting in this kitchen.
Old lighting, old workbench cupboard, and I love the panelling.
The old barn board on the ceiling speaks to my soul. I want my kids to have a room like this :)
I love the neutral colour scheme of this picture, and of course the mix of old and new.
I absolutely love wainscotting. And the whimsical cuteness of the numbers on the stairs is adorable. Plus with painted stairs you know that it'll wear and see the wood underneath, in that shabby-chic way that I love.
Old claw-foot bath tubs *Sigh*
I love how Sarah often uses old dresser drawers, workbenches, etc. for the sinks.
This room has fabulour colour. I especially love the antique quilt on the bed. Nothing better than soft worn cotton quilts.
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011
Meet Jack - My 1 Year Old Flatcoated Retriever
The 2nd pee break on the 14 hour drive from Ottawa to Moncton, on the first day we got him.
It's hard to believe that Jack has been with us for almost 8 whole months! He has grown so much (as you can see from these pictures). From the day we picked him up from Knightcastle in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, to watching him sleep soundly beside me on the floor as I type this now. He sure has come a LONG way! He has captured our hearts and really has made us a family. I love you Jack :)
Jack's first swim at the Enclosure in Miramichi, NB at 9 1/2 weeks.
Jack's first trip to the Sackville Fall Fair. He loved the cows :)
Our little Jack-O-Lantern
An autumn walk on the Dobson Trail.
November on the Dobson Trail.... 4 1/2 months.
He plays hard and sleeps harder. Oh... and he's like his dad... he LOVES Mickey Mouse.
Jack loves the snow... when he gets all covered in snowballs we call him Jack Frost
Snow-shoeing is his favourite winter activity
Jack sure loves his dad. March = 7 1/2 months
An early spring trip to Richie's Wharf. 8 months.
Walking along Moncton's boardwalk beside the Petticodiac River in the rain... 10 months.
Finally back in the water. He loves the little creek in behind our subdivision... especially when he gets to chase sticks. My little Lumber Jack.
I grew up with a beautiful Golden Retriever, Abby, who lived 16 years. When it came to get another dog I knew I needed another Retriever. I love their spunk and energy. So, we got a Flatcoat. Flatcoats are definitely a lot more energy and a totally different type of dog than Goldens. They are affectionately known as the "Peter Pan" of the dog world... forever young. I love them, especially my Jack.
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011
Country Life
Well, after much prayer, thought and consideration Mitch and I have decided to take a leap of faith, follow our hearts and move to the country. It really is hard to let go of the "security" of suburbia, but I know we will be much happier and have true security once we get settled in our dream of country living.
We know that it's not going to be a perfect life, and by no means will it be easy. But we both feel like we are being called to this type of lifestyle. And if I'm going to do what my heart tells me and raise my kids myself, and homeschool them, then we don't have a choice but to live where taxes are less, and into a smaller home.
I think the thing that is the most difficult is trying to get other people to understand why we are doing what we're doing. My parents especially, as they always seem to be a "keep up with the Jones" type of mentality. I know they won't understand why I would "throw away" the gift of education that they gave me (2 university degrees, debt free) to be a housewife. They would view this as a negative thing, a step back in "women's rights". But I truly believe that it is my right as a women to make this choice for me, and for my family. As usual, I am going to make the decision that works for me and they will just have to get used to it. (Isn't it funny, though, that no matter how old we get we still want our parents' approval.)
We were thinking about building out in the country, but the environmentalist in me put the kibosh on that idea. There are so many beautiful farm houses in the area that have been neglected and run down that we can get for next to nothing, and bring new life to them. Plus we'd get all of the charm that comes with a fixer-upper (and all of the work too, I know). So below are the pictures that have me excited about living in the country with some country charm :) (Please know the pictures are from Sarah Richardson's farm house, and and a variety of blogs/decorating sites around the internet... please don't sue me.)
I would LOVE to have a big white procelain farm/apron sink.
Sarah's Mudroom.
I love the re-finished old floors, and the old lighting in this kitchen.
Old lighting, old workbench cupboard, and I love the panelling.
The old barn board on the ceiling speaks to my soul. I want my kids to have a room like this :)
I love the neutral colour scheme of this picture, and of course the mix of old and new.
I absolutely love wainscotting. And the whimsical cuteness of the numbers on the stairs is adorable. Plus with painted stairs you know that it'll wear and see the wood underneath, in that shabby-chic way that I love.
Old claw-foot bath tubs *Sigh*
I love how Sarah often uses old dresser drawers, workbenches, etc. for the sinks.
This room has fabulour colour. I especially love the antique quilt on the bed. Nothing better than soft worn cotton quilts.
Meet Jack - My 1 Year Old Flatcoated Retriever
The 2nd pee break on the 14 hour drive from Ottawa to Moncton, on the first day we got him.
Jack's first swim at the Enclosure in Miramichi, NB at 9 1/2 weeks.
Jack's first trip to the Sackville Fall Fair. He loved the cows :)
Our little Jack-O-Lantern
An autumn walk on the Dobson Trail.
November on the Dobson Trail.... 4 1/2 months.
He plays hard and sleeps harder. Oh... and he's like his dad... he LOVES Mickey Mouse.
Jack loves the snow... when he gets all covered in snowballs we call him Jack Frost
Snow-shoeing is his favourite winter activity
Jack sure loves his dad. March = 7 1/2 months
An early spring trip to Richie's Wharf. 8 months.
Walking along Moncton's boardwalk beside the Petticodiac River in the rain... 10 months.
Finally back in the water. He loves the little creek in behind our subdivision... especially when he gets to chase sticks. My little Lumber Jack.
I grew up with a beautiful Golden Retriever, Abby, who lived 16 years. When it came to get another dog I knew I needed another Retriever. I love their spunk and energy. So, we got a Flatcoat. Flatcoats are definitely a lot more energy and a totally different type of dog than Goldens. They are affectionately known as the "Peter Pan" of the dog world... forever young. I love them, especially my Jack.
Small Towns and Big Dreams
Lately I've been stressed about money, as most people are. I've been worried about how can we continue to afford our house when I don't have the job that I planned on having (teaching - making almost double what I do now), and when we want to start to have kids, and I'll be on maternity leave making even less money. And sure we could tough it out for a year, but then we'd have to start paying for child care. I love our neighbourhood, but I don't love the idea of someone else raising my non-exisitent children. I don't think that God made women to carry life inside of them for 9 months, give birth to them, and then give them to someone else for the majority of the day. I struggle with the idea of not working (afterall I've gone to university for 6 years and obtained 2 degrees). But I struggle even more with the idea of not teaching my own children. Homeschooling has been on my heart lately too (I'll save that for another post). So, I find myself asking, what life do I want my children to have? I feel a calling to a more rural, simplistic lifestyle. I smaller home, a lot more land, fewer power lines, less noise, and a more peaceful, old-fashioned, way of living, where I can be more in-tune with my God, and what he has in store for me and my family. Hmmm... lots of prayers about this..
Music for a Rainy Spring Day
Craig Cardiff -->
I love when you serendipidously find an artist. I stumbled upon Craig Cardiff by happy accident over a year ago now. His folk-style lyrics and lulling guitar make me long to be cuddled in a warm pub somewhere, listening to him play, as the rain falls outside. I really can't pick a favourite song by him; they're all too good.
Kate Rusby -->
She brings out my Irish/Scottish roots when listening to her lilting music. Again, I found her by happy accident. I usually listen to her while I'm baking. It's perfect for all weather but especially for a rainy day.
JJ Heller -->
I know that JJ Heller has been gaining in popularity now, especially since "Your Hands" was featured on So You Think You Can Dance. But, I have to say, I love finding artists on my own, before they hit it big, and are played on the radio. I first found JJ Heller on YouTube back in September 2009. I feel like I want to be her when I grow up :) I love her music-- the powerful, meaningful lyrics, and her folk-y sound. And more importantly I love the reason for her music. It's Christian music that stirs your soul and makes you want to give your life to Him. I follow her blog, and love her decorating style, and craftiness. You can follow her too -- I've linked her blog "Lovely Little Things" in my Inspiration sidebar.
Anyway, those are my rainy day music suggestions. Enjoy!
