Bungalow'56

Artsy Fartsy Insta-Friday!

2012-05-25T00:18:00.000-06:00

With only a few minutes to spare
I have decided to jump right in and join Jeannett for Instagram Friday.

I just recently joined Instagram (bungalow56)
and am seeing how great it is to capture moments
that I often missed because I didn't have my camera with me.

To be honest I didn't like the photos
my iPhone gave me so I didn't pull out my phone,
Now that I can have fun with all of the filters,
I love making the photos look better than they did originally.

Artsy fartsy and coolish : )
Just the way I like em.

Track season is here.

Do you remember your junior high track meets and how much fun they were?

Middlest competed in Long Jump, High Jump, and Hurdles (which she won first in.)

You can't tell from the photo but it was a cold, cold day.

She ended up wearing her winter coat and having to say those very special words

every mother loves to hear....

"You were right mom..."

This was a very special package Eldest ordered for me via the internets:

Coconut m&m's which I fell in love with in Hawaii.

They are not available in northern Canada,

so she ordered them for me for Mother's day.

They came a little late, but I didn't mind.

Only a few a day....

largely in part because Eldest has hidden the bag on me : (

Outdoor soccer season.

Let me just say, the word cold does not even begin to describe

the miserable weather the teams have had to play in.

Cold, windy, spitting rain.

Only crazy people come out in weather like this.

And even crazier if they drag younger siblings and friends out to watch.

I'm not revealing who that might be.

I don't like to point fingers so

you'll just have to figure it out on your own.

And wouldn't you know it,

the next day as beautiful a summer day as one could hope for.

Waiting for the kids to walk up the green space from school.

I love these few minutes, watching and waiting and
looking forward to seeing the girls to hear about how their day was.

An early morning Orthodontist appointment for all three.

The Agronomist has referred to the girl's braces as "Wedding Insurance."

I'm just glad they will never cover their smiles with their hands.

Youngest got her braces off this morning.

She's finished the first phase and will have braces again in a few years once all of her adult teeth arrive.

So glad we do this.

except for the fact that she looks so much older to me now.
And just a wee bit happy.

I think it's... because... she. hasn't. stopped. smiling. all. the. live. long. day : )

What more could a mother ask for?

Except maybe... where her coconut m&m's are?

xoxo,

Now go check out all the other Insta fridays!

You can follow along with me on Instagram at bungalow56

A Family Photo... Is Always Worth The Pain

2012-05-23T10:30:00.000-06:00

Finally a family photo that's a keeper!
Not perfect... but better than no picture at all.

Can you tell I had to sprint like Usain Bolt to be in the shot?

side note: I couldn't remember Bolt's name so I googled fastest man, and unfortunately typed in fattest man instead.

I'm not sure how long it will take to recover.

What was I saying?
Oh yes....
Our complete extended family is only able to get together once a year.

With two sisters a seven hour drive away, and another, two plane rides away,
we always try and get that family photo when we can.

As much as it is a pain to do, we make the effort.
And it is always worth it in the end.

Last years effort did include little ham hocks,

but he was still in the oven.

Believe me, it would be a whole lot easier to just say forget it.
The kids are never thrilled
and we usually only have about a 15 minute window
before it all goes to hell in a handbasket.
At the time, the extra half hour we need to get these done
seems more like hours and hours.
And no, the pictures are never perfect.

But in the end.
I know we will be happy to have them.

So the next time you are thinking about taking that large family photo,
and the idea of pulling out that tripod
and figuring out the timed photo on your camera
just seems like too much trouble.

Start yelling for everyone to get on over to a certain spot,
and grab some snacks for the littles, so they will actually sit on dad.

And take the time.

Even if you pull a hamstring while attempting it....

I promise, you will always be glad you did.

xoxo,

Wordful Wednesday: Ham Hocks

2012-05-22T15:00:00.000-06:00

The last two and a half weeks have been busy.
While her British hubs went off to "bring home the bacon" for ten days,

Cool sister came home with her two under two. (I am secretly changing her name to Crazy sister)

Then the rest of the clan arrived for the May long weekend.

Busy hanging out at Grandma and Grandpas with all of the cousins aged 6 months to 16 years.

Busy playing hide and seek.

We managed to keep busy by fitting in a birthday celebration of 93 years.

Busy spending time with my Cool sis and Nana.

Busy making Hawaiian pancakes for the crew.

Busy grabbing handfuls of squishy ham hocks.

Busy looking into the future.

Busy jumping from activity to activity.

Busy tasting the several flavours Menchies had to offer.
Of course, more than one visit was necessary to accomplish this.

Busy changing my ISO to a higher setting.

Still busy grabbing ham hocks. I couldn't help myself.

Busy finding time for photos of Organized Martha-esque Sister's family.

Busy watching cousins bond.

Did I mention it was busy?

The ham hocks were so worth it though.

xoxo,

Boy Oh Boy: Part 2

2012-05-14T05:00:00.000-06:00

Do you remember this guy?

I paid him a visit way back in November.

It's taken me almost six months to finally recover.

I took up marathon running to prepare for our next meeting.

Well, to clarify, Marathon Imagination Running.

It's kind of like the real thing, but you only experience it inside your head.

It's very ~~not really~~ effective, plus you don't sweat as much.

Anyhoo, I gave my Cool Sister a call to tell her

I was once again capable of looking after an 18 month old.

And she informed me I might have to train a little harder, as Cool Nephew was now two!

Time?... It's not flying of it's own accord anymore,

Instead it's flying first class on the Concord,

Going waaay too fast if you ask me.

But that's OK because....

I loves me a party!

I will never. ever. be too old for balloons.

I believe in the right to celebrate.
But I have a few rules.

I've outlawed gift bags at the Bungalow.

Wrapping paper needs to be ripped and torn and tossed over shoulders.

Those boxes need to be dressed to the nines.

Plus sparkly bows are mandatory.

And of course,

Cupcakes must always be on the Birthday menu.
Especially two year old birthday menus.

Because we all know if parent's can get through "Two'
they can get through anything : )

Except maybe three.

Three might trump two.

It all depends on the who.

Or in this case, the "he."

We invited some of his favourite people.

Opa was definitely a guest of honour.

The paparazzi were there in droves.

Some in the form of cousins,

and a certain auntie who kept interrupting the festivities
by standing on tables.

While he is a man of few words,

(that I am able to decipher anyway)

I felt his approval loud and clear.

Auntie Dana has learned a thing or two in the past six months.

The fastest way to a boy's heart, is through his stomach.

And FYI, running marathons is greatly diminished when a certain

two year old is strapped into his high chair.

Oh yes, my friends, I am learning the ways of "boy."

What is the saying?

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.

Stay tuned my friends,
I have a feeling there is still much more to learn.

As it appears... there is more than one teacher on staff.

xoxo,

Boy Oh Boy

2012-05-12T00:00:00.001-06:00

A certain little redhead is keeping us a little busy here at the Bungalow.....

But no worries,

Aunty Dana had her inhaler prescription refilled after her last visit,

so all is good.

How do you feel about a few shots of cute nephew and his baby bro?

Cuz I'm on it.

Big time.

And I'm the sharing sort.

Plus I blog.

Which is kind of helpful, if...you're the sharing sort.

So keep posted.

Because Boy Oh Boy are things going to be different around here!

As in Y chromosome craaazy!

Photo tip: Little boys need to be shot with a higher ISO or they will likely be blurry.

xoxo,

An Almost Life vs A Yes Life

2012-05-07T10:54:00.000-06:00

I almost didn't take my camera to Maui.

Why?

It's heavy.

Really heavy.

I use a Canon 7D body and an 85 mm lens.

It's hefty...massive...cumbersome.

Did I mention it's heavy?

I almost didn't take these pictures.

Why?

I was nervous about taking my camera anywhere near sand.

Sand is bad for cameras.

I did the math.

Maui had a lot of beaches + Beaches are filled with sand = There is a lot of sand in Maui.

I almost said "No," when the Agronomist asked, "Do you want to get some sunset shots?"

Why?

It had been a long day;

it was windy;

and I was being vacation lazy.

But the girls said "Yes," and had some ideas they wanted to try.

I almost didn't get these pictures.

Why?

Because I forgot for a moment how much

photos help you to remember.

Even if the memory is of a certain blogger mom,
yelling at her girls to stop fooling around and to look at the @#! sun before it set : )

I almost didn't take my good camera to Maui.

I almost didn't take these pictures.

I almost said "No."

Almost def'n... not quite, nearly, little short of being.

Today I realized
looking back at these images

that I don't want to live an "Almost Life."

Why?

Because if I choose to live an "Almost Life?"
I would forget the moments a "Yes" life always brings me.

xoxo,

She's Hit Her Stride

2012-04-30T21:40:00.002-06:00

When I was a kid,
I was given every opportunity to try whatever activities I wanted.
Gymnastics, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Swimming, Diving, Horse back riding, and various school sports.

The first thing I tried when I was quite young, was gymnastics.
I was placed with older girls (I was tall for my age)
and one in particular was a terrible bully;
for whatever reason she singled me out.

It wasn't overt bullying but I knew without a doubt that she did not like me.
Even though there was a great coach and other nice girls,
my memories of gymnastics will unfortunately always be coloured by this girl.

I learned how to do back walk overs and back handsprings.
I was graceful but not as strong as I needed to be to do some of the tricks.
But all I remember is the awful feelings I had when this girl was around,
and also that my wrists were always sore from the pounding.

So when Middlest showed interest in gymnastics I was less than enthusiastic.

Obviously my neutrality was a little skewed.

But she insisted

and I relented.

Middlest was struggling.
She needed to find something to call her own.
She was an extremely talented soccer player, and she loved the game,
until her late onset asthma stopped her in her tracks.

So even though she was older, she decided to give gymastics a try.
Strength, stamina and flexibility over running.
It seemed like a good choice.

Gymnastics has indeed changed over the years.

I was pleased to see how much safer the sport had become.

No longer was a thin mat laid down over a gym floor,

but instead a state of the art thick forgiving firm cushioned floor was being used.

During the six weeks of classes Middlest came to some conclusions.

She realized if she were to do well at this sport she would have to work doubly hard.

Her tall willowy physique made it harder for her to complete some of the skills.

She kept telling me about another younger girl in her class that was perfect for gymnastics.

When she finished her final class performance
she asked me if I had seen "the girl to my left."

"Now mom, she is built for gymnastics."

After considering her strengths she decided not to continue.

I have to admit, I am relieved gymnastics will not be a part of our life.

I'm more of a team sports kind of gal.

Of course though, had this been Middlest's one true love?

I would have supported her in any way I could.

I am particularly relieved that her decision was made because

I was open to saying "Yes."

She won't have to look back and remember she didn't have the opportunity

simply because mom said "No."

She realized it would take years before she might be able to compete.

And many of her friends were already too far ahead to catch up to.

One of the hardest things about parenting for me? Is letting go.

When I do though?
It's when I feel the happiest as a mother.

Because that is when my girls figure out how to make great decisions.

Even hard decisions.

And it makes me proud to see them learn and grow.

Middlest decided not to continue with gymnastics.

But while she was disappointed as well as frustrated...
in just a few short months she has hit her stride and found a new love.

One that a tall willowy physique just happens to be perfect for.

xoxo,

***Thank you to K's dad for sharing this awesome Volleyball "Sweet Shot".
(Mom forgot her camera)

A Little Sunday Inspiration

2012-04-29T18:04:00.002-06:00

A little Sunday inspiration for you my friends:

I came across this story via a local radio station's Facebook page.

Matt Redman was born without forearms,
a deformed leg and was left to die
with other disabled babies at a Romanian orphanage
after his mother was told he wouldn't live.

Well he did live. He was adopted at seven months old
by an English couple, and is now 'internet famous' for this.
He plays bass too... Inspirational.

Dear Daughters,

There will be times in your life when you will feel as though
you do not have what it takes.

That others have more talent,
more beauty, more smarts,
more money, more opportunity, more everything.

Just know... it isn't true.

xoxo,

Why You Need To Take A Family Vacation

2012-04-23T23:33:00.000-06:00

I have a theory about family vacations...
You remember them.

I've thought about this quite a bit and have come to some important conclusions

about holidays and why we need to take them with our kids.

I was lucky enough to live with parents who valued family vacations.

So I've had the opportunity to do a little research on the subject

both as a child and as a parent.

I think it is important for me to state for the record that I have a terrible memory.

Don't ask me if I've watched a particular movie,

or who the characters were in a book I read six months ago.

It's gone.

For good.

This is particularly true of memories of my childhood.

The day to day comings and goings are quite hazy.

However if you ask me about the trip I took with my family to Bermuda
when I was fourteen.

I can pretty much tell you every single thing we did
and where we went and what we ate,
and what my sisters were wearing
and if I try really hard I can even imagine specific conversations.

So many details, and they are all exceptionally clear.

This is true of any trip or vacation I have ever taken with my family as a child

and now I'm finding it to be the same with my own children.

It's as if these "out of the ordinary" moments

are somehow inexplicably seared into my brain.

It could be that during a holiday,

we simply take more pictures, allowing the memories to be captured forever.

This would be very true of the pre DSLR era,
when photos were taken more frugally.
Are my memories due to the photo album
so often looked at that the pages are falling out tattered and worn?

I'm not sure?
I have family photos of Christmas and Easter and they do not bring back
the flood of memories I have of special vacations.
I think there is something more.

I've wondered if it could be that while taking time away,
we are actually present with each other

without the noise and distractions that are part of our daily life.

And this allows us to soak in the moments rather than let them pass us by.

Maybe our brains are simply wired to remember the out of the ordinary,
the surroundings that are so different from the usual?

The food, the smells, the sound of waves?

Whatever the reason,

I have been fortunate enough to be able to collect

wonderful holiday memories with The Agronomist and my girls.

I think my parents realized this theory long ago,

and wanted to continue the memories with their children and grandchildren.

It is because of them,

we have had the opportunity to visit some beautiful places in the world.

I have three sisters.

Every year one of us gets a turn to take a holiday with our parents using a timeshare

they can book anywhere in the world.

This year we went to Maui.

This year

my parents sent us alone.

My mother's health made it impossible for her to go

and we missed them greatly.

It's a gift I can't put a price on.

You see, now that the girls are older,

it is really starting to feel like a holiday for mom and dad too.

Four years ago, Youngest was only five.

Four years has made a big difference.

They were all so independent and helpful.

And mostly they were happy.

We had such a great time.

I know for a fact that I will be able to recall

the amazing shave ice we had in Lahaina,

and that Ulua was definitely our favourite beach.

I'll always remember the way Middlest screamed and screamed

as a school of fish decided to swim all around her legs making it impossible

for her to get out of the water.

I'll remember how much The Agronomist and Eldest enjoyed snorkelling together.

We will always remember the coconut M&M's we discovered,

and the fish tacos,

and how when Youngest's head hit the pillow she. was. out.

Something that never happens at home.

While we have been home for almost a week now.

I see a change in our family.

We are more patient with each other.

We are talking about some of things we did and enjoying laughs over the memories.

We are relaxed.

It feels good to be home.

We love each other again : )

I don't think this phenomenon is select to far off destinations.

It can happen in smaller ways when we take the time
to really step out of our ordinary 'day to day' existence

and make the time to really spend the hours and the minutes with each other

without any interruptions, doing things that we enjoy.

And a little shave ice on the side?

Possibly the "secret" ingredient that helps those memories become truly cemented.

That's my theory anyway.
And I'm sticking to it.

xoxo,

I'm Sorry... Was I Yelling?

2012-04-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Can you hear the gnashing of teeth from where you're sitting?
No?
It is probably for the best.

Instead let us look at these serene peaceful photos.

THAT ARE STILL STUCK ON MY CAMERA WITH NO WHERE TO GO!

I'm sorry....

Was I yelling?

I am really sorry.

It won't happen again.

deep breath.

green tea.

forward stretching happy downward dog stick out tongue.

namaste.

I do not own yoga pants.

But in my mind, I am an amazing yogi.

These birds, crows, ravens were flying over my house last Saturday.
We woke up to the most beautiful hoar frost.

I was unable to show you because my computer needed some work.
And I'm only half way there in figuring out a new system to share my pictures with you.

See... no more yelling.
Only quiet contemplative problem solving going on over here.
And maybe a little swearing.
But only a little.
Along with some stretching.
OK I'm lying about the stretching.

Stretching is almost impossible without proper yoga pants.

Isn't it breathtaking?
I was in my pyjamas and The Agronomist's extra large hoodie
running from tree to tree taking photos.

The neighbours weren't awake yet.
I know this for a fact.
Because if they had been? The conversation you would have overheard
would have gone something like this...

Yes, officer he is running along the side of our house.
No officer I can't describe him, he is wearing a large dark hoodie over his face.
He seems to be wielding some sort of black weapon in his hands...

Thankfully I didn't end up behind bars.
And instead was streetwise enough
to duck into my own back yard to take pictures of our trampoline netting.

A week later I cannot believe this is what our world looked like on March 24th.

Since then we have been having sunshine and balmy weather.

So with this knowledge, I have hope.

I have hope that like the frozen branches

which have now thawed;

my computer problems too will soon see the sun.

And I will finally find peace.

Even without yoga pants.

namaste.

xoxo,

PS Are you as impressed as I am that I figured out how to download pictures

straight from my camera onto the blog? Me too.

PPS And yes I realize this is a first world problem. No more yelling. I promise.

This post is linking up with Parenting by Dummies and Seven Clown Circus for Wordful Wednesday!

Poolside At Bungalow'56 (Spoiled Children)

2012-03-27T23:41:00.000-06:00

Since I'm still stranded without any operating systems on my computer
and I'm really wishing the snow on the ground would leave,
I figured it was time to haul one out of the archives...

It will always be one of my favourite posts.

Poolside At Bungalow'56

or the alternate title

Spoiled Children

It seemed everywhere I looked, (see here and here,) I was reading blogs about summer fun.

I found myself gazing at families splashing in the surf at their local beaches,
or yelling "Cannonball," as they flew into their backyard pools.
I was trying not to let the green monster of envy show it's ugly face around here,
but let me tell you, it was getting harder and harder with every blog post I read.

You see, this story started many years ago.

It had been my dream to have a pool ever since my early 20's

even before I had kids.

I attended university on Vancouver Island in Victoria.

I was fortunate enough to be near family.

I would often enjoy some time on the weekends at my Aunt and Uncle's

for a Sunday meal, and it was always much appreciated.

They had five children....and (being smart parents) they had a full size pool.

I watched as my younger cousins, and most of the neighbourhood kids,

played all day swimming and splashing, and having a blast.

Ever since then, having a pool for my girls had been my dream.

My kids deserved it.

I figured I deserved it.

So this past Saturday, I decided we could wait no longer.

My Frugal self, knew there was a way!

My kids were so thrilled, it brought a tear to my eye.

With a lump in my throat I watched them frolic in the water.

I could see they pretty much figured I was the coolest mom on the block.

I understood then what it felt like to be a superhero.

I was so cool, I even let them have a pool with bubbles.

They lounged and hung out in their pool.

It made me want to jump in with them.

Summer is the best time of year.

Especially.... with a swimming pool.

If that had been me, I wouldn't have wanted to leave the water until late evening.

They were disappointed I wouldn't let them jump off the trampoline into the pool,

but I explained you have to have a really deep one to be able to do something like that.

Sometimes though, I feel as though my kids are not very appreciative.

I didn't think it was too much to ask them to get a long
at least for an hour or two without arguing.

Why couldn't they just be happy?

I mean, they had a pool, for goodness sake?

I try my best, but it just never seems to be good enough.

They just never seem to "appreciate" how good they have it.

It was at this moment I realized... it was going to be a verrrry long summer.

Rubbermaid Pool or not...

This post will be linking up Blogbash celebrating Mamalog's

and Mama Wants This's first year blog anniversary with our most favourite post.

Check out all of the other great posts HERE!

and also with Wordful Wednesday

at Parenting By Dummies and Seven Clown Circus

40 Lenten Faith Photos: 5 More

2012-03-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

This one was really hard.

I was on a high when I first watched it.

Then hearing all the criticism I felt sad, and a little foolish.

The girls and I read what the critics had to say and also the Invisible Children's response.

And we decided to still have faith that their intentions are for good.

The latest news story saddens me, only because it muddies what the real story is.

Pyschotic breaks are never pretty.
And for whatever reason, we feed on the pain of others like Piranhas.

What gives me faith in the end?

Is that this video was watched by over 80 million people in one week.

It is clear we want to do something.

Something good and meaningful.

I have faith in humankind because of the response.

Faith seems to greet me at times when I least expect it.

I can count on one hand the times I've waited in the hallway for Youngest after school.

She normally waits for me outside.

But for reasons I can't remember both Eldest and myself were waiting for her at the end of the day when the bell rang.

The bulletin board I was standing up against was filled with quotes about love.

This one caught my eye and my heart.

Something I can put into action with my children and husband first.

It looks so simple doesn't it?

Then why sometimes is it so hard to do?

Sitting in Emergency with my mom and dad made me feel many things.

I had to put my faith in the hands of the nurses and doctors there.

If felt safe.
They were good.

I had far more questions for God than I knew what to do with.

I always figure questions are good though,

because it means I'm still having a conversation.

So many things are changing.

Job interviews.

Driving lessons.

Finished 30 level courses.

Some days I have little faith that we are capable of guiding her.

And then I see who she is, and I realize I have nothing to worry about.
Because her own faith is the guide.

Eldest mentioned TOMS a lot.

I didn't listen too carefully.
The only thought I had was "overpriced fad."

When she brought them home, I was impressed with the quality, and the message.
New shoes for an underprivileged child for each pair bought by a privileged one.

There are many brands out there with exorbitant prices simply because of their name.
Somehow TOMS has managed to create a brand that is desired,
and also humanitarian in spirit.

It's with companies like this that I realize faith is in action in many places.

And as Eldest has shown me, if we want...in every step we take.

xoxo,

Posts I Wish I Wrote: A Friday's Favourites Installment

2012-03-16T14:49:00.000-06:00

Today I am tackling my FINISH list.
On it is the dreaded call to the Applecare Protection Plan People.
With only three weeks left on my plan,
I need to wring out every last possible ounce of info from the PPP....
Plus Eldest's welcoming computer mat is starting to become threadbare.

The questions will be very technical in nature.

Like... why do little weird white paper images show up on my screen

when I randomly click on it?

Why does my computer spit out any and all CD's when I politely put them into the side slotty thing?

Is is possible for my computer to be possessed?

When the beach ball from hell appears

is there anyway I can ~~kick it to kingdom come~~ stop it from spinning?

Do you like Canadians?

Where are you talking to me from?

Is it warm there?

Is there anyway you can just take over my screen and do this for me?

They love me over there.

So....while I sit down to have a nice chat with my Applecare buddy,
confusing him to no end because I'm asking him if I need to plug anything into the UPS?
I figured I would give you a little gift.

While reading blogs from far and wide, I will on occasion find ones that I think are particularly stellar.
As this happens I save them for you,
so that when you have the time to sit down with a nice cup of steaming hot coffee,
hot chocolate, or tea, or ding dongs, or whatever it is that tickles your fancy.

You can relax, knowing I've done all the hard work for you.
I'm nice that way.

So without further ado...

Here is Bungalow'56's Friday Favourites

~Posts I Wish I Wrote~ List

Chosen especially for you from me.(simply click on the name of the post in capitals)

Dumb Mom is a mom of three boys and knows how to make me laugh.

I'm not sure why this one resonated with me.
Maybe because I fancy myself a bit of a dancer.
This was her try at Flamenco Dancing with: DANCER FOR MONEY

Glenna over at Momastery relates a hysterical morning where everything falls apart at the dentist's office: LOWERING THE BAR

Kelley Rae with a more serious post about trying to hold it all together as a mom,

wife, friend, and feeling as though she's failing.
I could relate: FAITH AND COURAGE I'M CALLING YOU

Reading this post at Pancakes and French Fries and looking at the before and after pictures of a house that goes FROM MESSY TO CLEAN was so inspiring.
I too spend more time thinking about doing the "big job" than just getting to it.
I think I will start timing how long a clean up takes.

About focusing on NEGATIVE COMMENTS at In Pursuit Of Happiness.

How do we even KNOW WE ARE HAPPY? and then stay happy?
At Nothing but Bonfires.

And last but not least Pioneer Woman's recent post about how her daughters are different. I laughed out loud a few times....A MOTHER-DAUGHTER DAY.

Have a wonderful Weekend!
I will be back on Sunday continuing to share my 40 Faith Photos...
Because yes.... my iPhone was found! (in my mother's purse... where I'm thinking the thief must have put it while I wasn't looking :^ o ! It's the only explanation I can think of :)

xoxo,

The Question? What Would This Blog Look Like If The Agronomist Had Sons

2012-03-13T15:40:00.000-06:00

Words Just Didn't Seem Necessary.

xoxo,

Joining Wordless Wednesday with

Live And Love Outloud, Dagmar's Momsense, Seven Clown Circus,
Parenting By Dummies, Naptime Momtog and Project Alicia

Project Baby: Mission Accomplished

2012-03-12T13:56:00.000-06:00

You can find Project Baby weeks 20-24 HERE

and Project Baby weeks 26 to 39 HERE.

With only one week left before Halloween,

Mrs. D decided that it was a good idea to take a family photo

with an extra ~~large~~ special pumpkin.

Just a few days after halloween,
She got her treat without any tricks.

At first when I tried to interview Li'l Pumpkin for the final Project Baby post.

She seemed a little perturbed with me.

and quite honestly?

A little bored with my questions.

My final hint was her snoring.

So I decided to see if mom and dad might have more luck.

And as you might have guessed...

she was much happier with their interviewing techniques.

Once Baby T was brought home and all her fingers and toes were accounted for.

She had a chance to visit with sister.

and brother.

They of course were very proud of their pumpkin.

Toe counting became their new favourite past time.

And mom and dad of course, also did a full point inspection.

All parts seemed to be in good functioning order.

Thankfully for mom and dad, keeping her siblings entertained
was at the top of Baby T's to do list.

After a hard day, the kids decided to just hang out for awhile.

It was revealed to me that she happily concluded this was in fact a

keeper family.

Congratulation Mrs. D on your Mission Accomplished.

Project Baby turned out to be more than a resounding success!

She turned out to be perfect.

xoxo,

Faith Photos: Postponed Due To Life

2012-03-11T13:18:00.000-06:00

After spending a good portion of last evening in Emergency with my mom;
and realizing this morning that I lost my iPhone somewhere between there and home...
I'm feeling less faith filled than usual.

Not to mention that almost all of this week's faith photos are lost along with the phone.
sigh.

My mom?
She is sick.
But no one seems to know why.

No one has answers.
I hate not having answers.
As a result my Faith seems more ragged than rugged.

I'm an answer kind of person.
Wrap it up with a nice bow please and thank you.

But life seldom works that way does it?
So off I go into the next week looking for answers....
an iPhone,
and most importantly,
renewed faith.

xoxo,

She's My American Idol

2012-03-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

We are American Idol die hards.

We haven't missed a show yet.

We love Heejun and Philip Philips.

But mostly Heejun.

Youngest is dreaming the dream.

One day she would love to be an American Idol.

It will very difficult though,

seeing as how we are Canadian.

That doesn't matter though because she's our very own American (Canadian) Idol.

It just seems to come naturally to her.

Nine years old.

I love it.

I probably shouldn't say this,

but she gets it from her mother.

Who Heavens to Betsy wanted to be a rock star herself.

It will be our little secret.

If you keep it,

I promise never to use "Heaven" and "Betsy" in the same sentence again.

Youngest loves Maroon Five songs and Adele.

And she sings them too.

So I decided to videotape her.

It is a real professional job... for a beginner.

Top notch.

Especially the part where I walk into the table...

20 seconds of amazing videography.
Except of course the part that isn't in focus.

But it just doesn't matter does it?

Because she just sang so darn sweet.

xoxo,

Protect Our Children: Have You Heard About Kony Yet?

2012-03-06T23:13:00.002-07:00

Eldest saw it first.

Then she posted it onto her facebook page.

Middlest watched it next.

Both of them hounded The Agronomist and I to watch it.

They were upset it took us until 10:00pm to sit down and click play.

After watching and wiping away a few tears, I decided it was too important not to share.

Is it possible for us to change the world?

I sure hope so.

As a mother, I felt obligated to share this message.
Because if I had been dealt a different hand?
This could be a story with different faces.

If you haven't heard about Kony yet, you will.

Let's do this together!

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

For once I feel as though I can do something.
Something that will truly make a difference.

Just watch the first two minutes.
That is all I ask.

... and then tweet about it, and put it on facebook and blog about it.
because for once you can Be the change you you want to see in the world ~ Ghandi

xoxo,

WW: Virtual Pregnancy: Almost Finished

2012-03-05T22:47:00.001-07:00

If you would like to see the beginning of Mrs. D's pregnancy.

Click here to see week 20, 22 and 24.

Project Baby has been completed for awhile on Mrs. D's end.

I on the other hand have had a terribly long "Virtual" pregnancy.

~~~~~

I love each and every sweet shot of this little sweet pea!

Tomorrow I promise, you will get to meet the pea ~ out of the pod : )

xoxo,

Linking up to Wordful Wednesday with Project Alicia, Parenting By Dummies,
Live And Love Outloud, Dagmar's Momsense , Naptime Momtog and Create With Joy

Faith Photos: The First Seven

2012-03-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

When I first decided to take 40 faith pictures during Lent

I had no idea what it would look like. What they would look like.

I knew I didn't want it to be a series of crosses I'd found and taken pictures of.

So I decided to just let it unfold.

And see what would inspire me.

I decided to take this photo as I was on my way to pick up the girls from school.

The bracelet was sitting on the coffee table all by itself

and since it can be used as a rosary I figured why not, I've got to start somewhere.

I was trying to focus on the little beads with the light filtering through,

I wasn't expecting anything special.

With the naked eye you cannot see the very faint outline of the etching.

I had forgotten it was there.

It wasn't until I looked at my camera screen that I realized what I had captured.

A total surprise.

I've even since gone back to the bracelet to look at it.

It is almost impossible to see.

And yet here in the picture the way the light hit it...

Isn't that the way faith works in our lives though?

Thinking God isn't there because we can't see him,

and then realizing when we look back, that he was there all along.

Last weekend Eldest and Middlest participated in a youth retreat called Discovery.

Edlest works on team and Middlest attended for the first time.

The Agronomist and I went on Sunday to help in the kitchen.

That mom above organizes all of the meals and snacks.

Over 100 attended.

The girls couldn't stop talking about how amazing the food was.

There are four main couples who make this weekend happen.

The faith they share with these kids...

and the work and time they put into it?

It made me feel so thankful.

The kids were saying goodbye.

Lots of hugs and lots of tears.

I didn't want to get too close and intrude.

Faith was tangible here.

It's important for me to be very clear that I am a doubting Thomas.

I'm filled with questions. Always.

I don't think this is bad.

It's just the way I am.

For some reason I was walking into the house thinking about the bible verse

about how birds don't have to worry about their food etc. You can find it here.

I can't remember what spurred this line of thought, but I was basically saying to God... really? Really?

while thinking about all the World Vision commercials on TV.

The next day as I was washing dishes,

a flurry of wings kept passing very close to my window.

Close enough that it scared me a bit.

I wasn't sure what was going on. Back and forth very close to the window.

I went to look outside and watched as a several birds sat in trees in the back yard.

Some flying from the corner of the garage in front of the window to a tree beside the house.

I grabbed my camera and took a few shots.

And before I could take more than a handful they had all flown away.

It felt a little like a message.

Coincidence? Maybe.

But it sure didn't feel that way.

It just made me think more about the Sarah Mclachlan video

I posted last week on my Bungalow'56 facebook page.

Once again at the sink, having a chat, thinking about questions or maybe praying?
I guess it depends on how you look at it..
I'm starting to realize I experience faith here more than anywhere.

I've always loved stained glass and a few years back took a beginners course.

This was the resulting project.

I saw it on the windowsill yesterdayand realized it was cracked.

When I picked it up, the edge broke off.

I decided to throw it away.

But then realized I had put some work into it, and it was still beautiful.

I figured with a little crazy glue it would be just fine.

So instead of the garbage it's going to be repaired

and finally after ten years I will hang it in my kitchen window.

I've decided it will represent me.

Broken with a few cracks but still worth keeping.

I'd like to think it's a metaphor for how God sees me.

I love stained glass.
Always have.
I recently rehung this in my front window after being in storage for several years.

I saw it at a local art shop and told The Agronomist about it.
It was more than we could afford.
Then it was gone and I was so disappointed.
But only for a short while,
because on our 1st Anniversary a few weeks later I unwrapped it.
I still love it nineteen years later.
I will never take it down again.

It reminds me that whether I have questions or not, I can't imagine living without faith.
I am definitely someone who needs to hear on a daily basis
what I heard in the church pew this morning.

Someone loves you.
And always will.

xoxo,

Note: Comments will be closed for the 40 Faith photos segment.

A Basement Reno Update

2012-03-02T12:29:00.001-07:00

I know I've been terrible about keeping you updated on the basement.

But truth be told, we are making progress slower than molasses.

It might have something to do with our new TV.

But I'd rather not say...

I knew it would happen.

Once you've moved in, it's easy to postpone things.

I can't believe I'm even showing you that picture...

But now you don't have to wonder why I haven't been doing any basement posts.

Last week The Agronomist crossed mortaring the brick wall

off the basement "to do" list.

And yes, I am still planning on painting it.

Look past the the brick and look at the colour.

It's pinky grey, like a bad 80's shag rug.

I'm afraid it has to go.

I know I know it looks grey here, but it's pink, trust me.

And yes, we installed my $30 retro railing.

Did I mention it is one of my favourite parts of the basement?

The railing matches perfectly with the drawer to the left.

That set of drawers is my second favourite item in the basement.

It was part of my Oma and Opa's bedroom set.

My mom went to help my Opa go and buy the set for an anniversary gift.

Sentimental and cool retro all wrapped up into one great piece.

The Agronomist also installed a second window

to fill the space beside the stained glass;

creating a wood frame to match the old window.

This photo was taken at night so I'm not able to

show you how the light comes streaming in through the day.

This post is just a teaser I know.

We are planning to finish up many projects this weekend.

Next week I will have some full room shots for you.

Definitely not finished but getting there...

Slow and Steady wins the race...

as long as you stop watching American Idol long enough to cross the finish line.

xoxo,

Off To Rehab...

2012-02-29T14:34:00.002-07:00

I've been fooling myself.
To be clear, I was a willing participant.

It's time for rehab folks.
No joke.
I fell off the wagon.

I thought I could be an occasional drinker per se.
But it just doesn't work that way.
One cookie every once in awhile, turned into two on occasion and ended
with six dozen polished off on the sly standing in front of the freezer.

It started with, "I will allow myself to eat dessert when I'm at someone else's house;"
rationalizing that as long as I didn't allow the sugar into my own home I would be safe.

All of a sudden I seemed to be inviting myself over to friend's houses
on a regular basis...
offering, of course, to bring a wonderful dessert.

It would confuse them when I asked if 8:30am was too early to stop by with my delectables.
When hearing their pause I would clarify that I would have come earlier
but I had to drop the girls off at school first.

It's a disease people....

One that I have decided I will not keep hidden from you.

Originally I began my sugar free odyssey just over a year ago.
I blogged about my progress here and here. And here too.

Just yesterday I was searching for some photos I needed to download,
and came across some old fatty photos that helped me see where I could be headed.

Why the slow creep of the scale was not sending a loud enough message I'm not sure.
Did I mention denial is a big part of addiction?

So here we go...
I am off to rehab.

Unfortunately since I am not Oprah I end up right back in my own kitchen.
Cooking meals for my family and myself.

But I'm a year older and wiser,
and Hawaii and bathing suits are looming off in the not too near future.
So I'm ready to get back in the sugar free saddle.

Part of my journey this time is being a bit more educated on the subject.
Did you know those little boxes of raisins you send with your kidlets in lunches is... are you ready?
Filled with the equivalent of twelve teaspoons of sugar!
And that glass of orange juice or apple juice you guzzle down
may as well be a glass of soda pop.
And a healthy bowl of Muesli... seven sugar cubes.
And lets just not go down the Ketchup path.

It is hidden everywhere.
E.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.

I want to be clear.
I do not want it hiding on me.
Because unfortunately I do not do a very good job of keeping it hidden.
No matter how funky a poncho may be?
Somehow it's pretty clear what's going down.

So here's to being honest with myself and you.
I figure it's the only way to be accountable.

Have a great day.
I'm off to gnaw on some bark : )

Pray for me.
Or at the very least,
send celery.

From the depths of my crisper I thank you.

xoxo,

PS This post was generously sponsored by the Coalition of Women Bloggers Against Spanx.

40 Days= 40 Bags, 400 000 Steps and 40 Photos!

2012-02-26T05:27:00.002-07:00

It kind of snuck up on me.

Lent.

It always does.

I'm always trying to figure out how I want our family to recognize this time of waiting.

This time of making do with less.

We eat our pancakes on Tuesday.

We wear our ashes on Wednesday.

And I'm always a little annoyed with it all,

because it still arrives whether I'm ready or not.

So here we are five days in.

And I've finally figured out what Lent will look like here at Bungalow'56.

40 days of eating at home.

No Tim Horton's, no Starbucks, no Opa's, no Wendy's, no Menchies...

no nothin, except good o'l Bungalow grub. sigh.

40 Bags... again!

I'm clearing things out.

We are working towards a life of less.

And I've started.

Oh have I started friends.

Some items have in fact been a little too big to be thrown into bags.

We said goodbye to a desk, a set of drawers, a school desk, an ottoman, and a bookshelf.

The house is feeling lighter.

More spacious.

We can breath.

My crazy attachment to decor magazines has also been addressed.

Four very large wicker baskets were placed randomly around the house

filled to the brim with magazines from years gone by.

I gave myself an ultimatum.

If the year was older than 2009, I had to throw it out without flipping through it.

It was so hard for me.

But I did it.

As soon as I was done,

I ran downstairs and begged The Agronomist to get rid of them for me.

He looked at me like I was touched.

And said "Just bring them to the truck."

I told him. "I couldn't," and that at any moment,

"I might crack, and put them all back."

So without looking up he said, "Well get one of the girls to do it then."

With the help of Youngest they were quickly removed from the premises.

Youngest understood when she saw the desperation in my eyes as I looked over

at my beloved mags.

I was weak.

I knew if I had been given the chance I would have changed my mind.

A few tears may have been shed.

But deep down, I knew it was worth it.

As for my own 40 days. I've decided to add something this year.

40 days + 10 000 steps = 400 000 Steps.

I want to walk a little closer to God.

Take a few steps towards him.

I've always had more questions than faith,

so I figured he and I might need to go for some walks and have a few chats.

And as for photos.

I will take forty.

Forty Faith photos.

I have no idea where I will find them, and of what they will be.

But I hope to be inspired.

And as they download from my camera I will share them here

every Sunday during Lent.

Six weeks folks!

I can't wait to be forty bags lighter,

400 000 steps further

and forty photos richer.

Lent is a time of waiting, watching, and wondering.

I for one, am looking forward to the journey.

Along with a Grande Starbuck's Skinny Mocha to celebrate that 400 001 step.

xoxo,

Never Say Never: Granny Glasses Are Da Bomb

2012-02-21T14:50:00.002-07:00

*please ignore weird hand positioning

If you have read this blog for awhile, you may remember
that while wearing glasses I chose to work the Sexy chain angle,
The post, which won rave reviews in many librarian circles across the country,
can be found here:
Need Bifocals? Here's A Sexy Alternative. ( It's one of my favourites)

Unfortunately over time, my need to take off my glasses
became more and more frequent.
I wasn't sure quite what to do?

*please ignore my attempt to fix weird hand positioning

While wearing Granny glasses may have been OK for some.
I felt I needed to postpone the inevitable for awhile.

However, having your glasses hanging from a chain in front of you
can, in fact, make you appear even more like a Granny than I realized.
Particularly when food is dropped and then caught by your oh so handy lenses below.
Sexy?
Not so much.

*please ignore my repositioning which appears to have cleaved a finger

It was becoming a daily struggle.
I started to stop people of a certain age, friends mainly, on the street.
Please don't get the wrong idea.
My friends do not generally hang out on the street.
I've simply chosen a turn of phrase that may have given you the wrong idea.

*hand good... camera about to fall

My friends, when grilled about their progressive lifestyle,
once again, probably not the best choice of phrase
seemed to have a wide response to my enquiry.
Some hated them.
Some loved them.

During my interrogation I came up with a theory.
Bigger frames = happy.
Smaller frames = unhappy.
So it was with this in mind I went out to find the Granny Glasses of my dreams.

*hand (thankfully) is no longer in shot.... please see alternate title below

See? No chain!
Biggish frames!
And oh yeah baby;
I am happy.

I was wrong.
Big Time.
Progressive lenses have changed my life.

I can see far and I can see near.
No more crumbs to try and squint through either.
As far as I can see...
It's a win win combination!

xoxo,

*Why She Will Never Be A Hand Model.

Live and Love Out Loud,Seven Clown Circus,Parenting By Dummies

She Is Our Glue

2012-02-20T09:09:00.002-07:00

This one.
She is our glue.
Her sisters don't know it yet.
But she is.

She makes us laugh.
She drives us crazy.
And then she makes us laugh again.
Which is good
because really it's the only reason she is still alive : )

She is our hypochondriac.
She is an athlete.
She is smart.
She is fast.
She is beautiful.
She often doesn't have the patience to have her picture taken.
That is why she is less known here.
But I want you to know her.
Because she is just that awesome.

Middlest is our glue.
Stuck in the middle.
Holding us all together.
Like the best part of an Oreo.
Making the ordinary... extra special.

xoxo,