Puttering

Today I putter. It's a funny thing but I love the feeling of not really doing anything in particular but just moving around doing stuff. Puttering. It's so relaxing and I always end up feeling like I did something. Today I putter. I do laundry. I organize scrap stuff. I check out my blogs. I drink coffee. I eat chocolate. I look at magazines. I put away fall decorations. I look at winter decorations. I make lists. I read. I just putter.

All the while, my boy sleeps. Thank goodness, really because he's been so sick and emotional all week. He needs his sleep. I need the quiet time. Dad needs the quiet time. And so.... I putter.

Blessed

Prelit Bliss

So, know what showed up on my doorstep this week? A humongous box, weighing in at around 100 lbs. of PRELIT BLISS! That's right. We finally broke down and got an artificial tree! After years of decorating and then redecorating and decorating again... just to get it right... I'm done. This Christmas tree has been a dream for me. I saw a few last year and it took a bit of convincing but finally, Shawn gave into my wishes. Seriously, if it means less stress with the lights and less drinking on my part...ha ha... then why wouldn't you? It's a 9 foot, prelit with 1500 white lights.. no strategy needed.... BLISS I tell ya... BLISS! It met me at the base of the garage door. I could barely move it out of the way to pull the car in! It's all good. I can hardly wait to get it in and decorated! Bring on the holidays. I'm ready!

Through Gavin's Eyes

Hallowe'en is sooo not my favourite! I've never really loved it. Sure I like candy and all but dressing up is not my thing. I did for my bachelorette but have no intentions of doing it again.

Having said that, Hallowe'en has a new feel to it with Gavin getting older. I loved seeing his excitement grow over the month of October. We read books about Hallowe'en, coloured pictures about Hallowe'en and shopped for candy and a costume! I have to say, it was much more enjoyable for me with a three year old and seeing him in his costume.

He was so sweet in his little kangaroo costume. I'm not into the scary thing. A bit of a whimp I guess but a kangaroo suited me just fine. He was so funny hopping around, talking about his "joey".

We went to 5 houses, most of which were family members. He was very excited about the process of collecting candy but really couldn't care less if he ate much of it at all. He's funny like that. Now, I can help with this part... I love candy!

Nothing beats this part of motherhood. I love seeing everything through his eyes. It makes everything so wonderful, even Hallowe'en!

sooooo lucky!

I realize it's only been a day but in all honesty, I really do feel lucky! Shawn spoils me. He does so much with Gavin that when he's away I really notice the difference. I don't think I tell him enough just how much I appreciate all his help. He bathes, feeds, dresses, brushes teeth, reads stories, sings songs, makes breakfast and picks him up everyday! Really! What do I do? I know I'd do more if Gavin weren't such a daddy's boy. He chooses Shawn over me daily. That's hard for a dad to turn down. And really, he's only little once. Eventually, he won't need us to do those things for him.

But Shawn makes my life managable. He makes it possible for me to be fulfilled in my career and my homelife. He keeps me grounded and encourages me in everything I do. Sadly, I really don't let him know this nearly often enough when he is around. I get worked up over the little things that annoy me instead of all the wonderful things he does everyday.

When he gets home... I'm gonna let him know all of this and maybe even stick with it for a bit. We'll see.

Layouts inspired by Fall!

Sunday Morning Ramblings....

Well, it's that time again when Shawn heads off to the Hunting Camp to *pretend* hunt. I like to say that. I really don't know if he could shoot a deer but either way it makes me feel better. So, off he went... both Gavin and I clinging to his leg. I get especially sappy when he leaves me for a whole week. Partly, I am thinking of myself and partly, of missing him! I admit it. It's really hard when he's away. He is Gavin's best friend and boy does he miss him. Shawn does everything for that little boy... which makes me happy that I may get some time with him but I know how much busier I'll be without him to do the bath and get the breakfasts! Etiher way, a little time apart is always good and I know how much he and Faith will enjoy the camp. It's only a week... right?

This week we enjoyed two dates! Tuesday we saw Matthew Good at the Empire. It was such a great show! We just chilled and enjoyed the intensity of what Matt had to offer. He has such a unique sound and when he sings you really do feel it! It's intense but oddly funny at the same time.

Last night, we were out at Ashley & Justin's Jack and Jill. We had a good time just having a few drinks with family. It was pretty low key. But, Shawn did manage to win two raffle prizes, including a digital camera and a case of Red Bull. Too funny... all he really wanted was the ipod.... shhhhhh.... Santa. Things happen for a reason.

So, right now, Gavin and I sit at the table with playdoh everywhere and some good tunes playing in the background. Does it get any better for a Sunday morning? Oh and thank goodness for the extra hour. I love that feeling at 6am when you realize it's only 5 and you can keep sleeping! Woohoo!

Life is good.

Thankful

This kid loves his Papa. Lately he's been pretty lovey with Grandma but when it comes to playing, Papa is a sucker for doing whatever Gavin demands! He drags Papa around the house/yard making all kinds of demands. Push me. Pull me. Cover me with leaves! I'd say "poor papa" but I think he kinda likes it!

Algonquin Park

Continuing on with the fall traditions theme....
We will often stop in Algonquin park on our way home from Bala. It is one of the most beautiful places during fall. On this particular day, it was cool but there were several people out canoeing and enjoying one the last days out on the lake. Gavin was excited to stop and have a rest from the long drive.

When we were in Bala we bought Gavin this sweet little hat. I just loved it the moment he put it on. Ethan also got one but I didn't get a picture of the two of them. Someone did! Susanne, if it was you, can you please send it to me? I would love to have it!

I figure, when they are young and still very influenced by our decisions, we should make them look as cute as possible. Shawn says that's half the battle... but a hat goes along way with me and cuteness!

Bala Cranberry Festival

I know. It's been awhile and things are a little "old news" now but I still want to share the stories whether they are old or recent. They're too good to let pass by.

The weekend after Thanksgiving, every year, we head up to Muskoka country for a fall tradition that we LOVE! The Bala Cranberry Festival! And yes, we do love cranberries. But that's not the only reason we go... we love the atmosphere... fresh fall days... it always rains!

This year was extra special because we took our trailer and camped at Gullwing. The Fillmore's came along with their huge 31 foot trailer to join us (only 19 feet!). The best part was all the kids. Gavin loved having Maggie, Mitchell and Madison to keep him entertained.

On Saturday, the Antunes' family came and also Erin and baby Jessica. There were 7 adults and 7 children! We headed into the festival, all bundled up. First stop...Cranberry Marsh for some wine tasting and the popular cranberry chutney and peameal bacon sandwich! Delicious!

After, we went to all of the vendors...shopping of course and to the rides for some kiddie fun. Gavin had his first pony ride... too cute!

It was so great to catch up with my girls! I miss them so much between visits and yet it's like no time has passed when we get together. Oh, except we all have kids and husbands now!

I love a good fall tradition but it's even better when it's shared with friends!