Teara's Sanctuary

Originally published at Creative Thoughts. You can comment here or there.

Have fun with more Wordless Wednesday.

Originally published at Creative Thoughts. You can comment here or there.

I
NEED
to know.

DO you dye your hair?

Are there environmentally friendly products out there?

HELP.

See the thing is, I always thought to myself, "Self, you will age gracefully, gray naturally and love yourself".

Somehow, Self thought that at 32 I should be graying. Like a lot. See if you ask anyone else, they say it is not a lot of gray.

They are wrong.

There is a TON of gray. I am starting to feel dull. I do not want to feel dull. I want to feel VIBRANT.Oh and umm I do not want to age YET. Like later, when I am old. I am not old. I am at my prime baby! While pregnant I chose not to dye my hair, now I need a change ... a dark chocolate brown I think, maybe? What do you think?

So please tell me sweet internets ... do you dye? Do you let someone else dye (I am cheap so chances are not for me)? Can we dye and not devestate the planet?

Originally published at Creative Thoughts. You can comment here or there.

Not only was I totally cranky this weekend, it was a busy weekend that wiped out the kids, making them cranky too. I so hate it when we do not mesh well together. It was almost all me too. I was off, so there was more whining, more crying, more being at odds.

I think I was burnt out. Last week was truly crazy busy, more so than I can handle I guess. Friday was suppose to be the relax, veg out, catch up day however we went to see the doctor instead.

I need to be ok at being still. Just because Ethan excels outside does not mean I cannot find ways to creatively stimulate him indoors. It has been easy to have him tag along, but he is becoming his own person, deserving that one to one activity time. It is very challenging living in an apartment with children. I like challenges. I just need to think creatively.

The children share their room, leaving an extra room we use as a playroom (it is not a traditional room, it is a "den" off the dining room). Eventually, Ethan will need to move up to a bed from his crib. We had great success with Becca, making that transition early, when she was about 16 months she started to sleep on her bed for naps then she made the decision to sleep in a bed from 17 months on. I was talking with another mom, stating how we liked to go through these milestones a little earlier than most, she too liked to move her kids to beds early.

[caption id="attachment_1770" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Exploring"][/caption]

So I was inspired. J & I had decided that we wanted to get Becca a loft bed to save room. I started looking at used bunk beds and lofts, but everyone seemed to want a lot of money for used beds. I did not actually intend on purchasing a new loft bed, but there was a sale and my dear sweet problem solver of a husband just wanted to take of it.

Becca loves her loft bed. Sleeping in a "Tree house" is totally cool. What I did not expect is the pure envy that Ethan has. He so desires to be just like Becca. Being three years younger he is constantly frustrated. Top that with two molars breaking through his itty bitty gums and he is beside himself with frustrations and crankiness.

We were all hanging out in their room reading stories and playing when at 10 am Ethan nursed then fell fast asleep, on the BIG BED. I figured since he does not normally nap in the morning, I would let him be and he would wake early, still needing an afternoon nap.

Ethan slept for over three hours.

In a big bed.

With the door open.

My kids are so cool.

I do not expect Ethan to make the full transition to a big bed anytime soon. Yet there is so much joy in knowing he is up for a challenge, capable of handling change.

Originally published at Creative Thoughts. You can comment here or there.

Not only was I totally cranky this weekend, it was a busy weekend that wiped out the kids, making them cranky too. I so hate it when we do not mesh well together. It was almost all me too. I was off, so there was more whining, more crying, more being at odds.

I think I was burnt out. Last week was truly crazy busy, more so than I can handle I guess. Friday was suppose to be the relax, veg out, catch up day however we went to see the doctor instead.

I need to be ok at being still. Just because Ethan excels outside does not mean I cannot find ways to creatively stimulate him indoors. It has been easy to have him tag along, but he is becoming his own person, deserving that one to one activity time. It is very challenging living in an apartment with children. I like challenges. I just need to think creatively.

The children share their room, leaving an extra room we use as a playroom (it is not a traditional room, it is a "den" off the dining room). Eventually, Ethan will need to move up to a bed from his crib. We had great success with Becca, making that transition early, when she was about 16 months she started to sleep on her bed for naps then she made the decision to sleep in a bed from 17 months on. I was talking with another mom, stating how we liked to go through these milestones a little earlier than most, she too liked to move her kids to beds early.

[caption id="attachment_1770" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Exploring"]

[/caption]

So I was inspired. J & I had decided that we wanted to get Becca a loft bed to save room. I started looking at used bunk beds and lofts, but everyone seemed to want a lot of money for used beds. I did not actually intend on purchasing a new loft bed, but there was a sale and my dear sweet problem solver of a husband just wanted to take of it.

Becca loves her loft bed. Sleeping in a "Tree house" is totally cool. What I did not expect is the pure envy that Ethan has. He so desires to be just like Becca. Being three years younger he is constantly frustrated. Top that with two molars breaking through his itty bitty gums and he is beside himself with frustrations and crankiness.

[caption id="attachment_1769" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Becca enjoying her new bed"]

[/caption]

We were all hanging out in their room reading stories and playing when at 10 am Ethan nursed then fell fast asleep, on the BIG BED. I figured since he does not normally nap in the morning, I would let him be and he would wake early, still needing an afternoon nap.

Ethan slept for over three hours.

In a big bed.

With the door open.

My kids are so cool.

[caption id="attachment_1768" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Ethan napping with Skippyjon on his big boy bed"]

[/caption]

I do not expect Ethan to make the full transition to a big bed anytime soon. Yet there is so much joy in knowing he is up for a challenge, capable of handling change.

Originally published at Creative Thoughts. You can comment here or there.

So for real, I am having trouble keeping up this summer. The kids and I have been so busy, enjoying our new hometown, exploring, making friends, and adventures.

If I do not get Ethan out of the house daily, he digs in my plants and tears my apartment to shreds. The kid has so much more energy than Becca did at that age. Yet Becca had a mini backyard in California to play in where Ethan is trapped in our apartment. It may just seem different.

We are in constant motion. This week we went to the Natural History Museum, the Library, an ocean beach and to various playground numerous times. We also visited our family doctor to discover the bumps on Ethan's face, arms and back were NOT chicken pox, rather bug bites as we initially thought, then talked ourselves out of.

I miss quiet days of lounging about, however summer is so fleeting up north and really one must enjoy the weather while it lasts. Besides the children love the adventure and exploring. Winter will come and blanket our surroundings with snow, leaving us to be crafty, creative and bounce on our beds for hours and hours.

If I have not come by to your blog, returned your email/phone call, Facebook etc ... please know that I want to and I will, just not yet. Let me check the forecast ... a rainy day will work :)

All this time exercising is definitely cutting into the rest as well. I feel so good and it is starting to show (thanks for all the comments on our photo this week!) I run four nights a week and swim three. I have worked up to 50 laps in the pool in half an hour. My goal is 64 laps as that equals a mile (head games to keep it exciting). I had to switch it up, because my muscles did not like running every night. However for me, the every night thing matters. It cannot be random. I do take nights off but once a week max.

Sorry for the random, fly by post. I have like a dozen posts in my head, waiting for me to slow down and wirte them. I have pictures to share and ideas to express ... just no time ...

How is your summer going so far? Best yet? Need for improvement?

Originally published at Creative Thoughts. You can comment here or there.

.. more concerning Becca's birthday. I am quite proud how it all turned out and so glad that I put forth so much energy to make it just right.

There were a few things I focused on for Becca's party. I wanted it to be relaxed (no crazy pressure, no ponies, no psychotic clowns), environmentally friendly (as little waste as possible) and most of all a reflection of Becca. Becca being a huge nature buff, there was no question the party should be held outdoors. Being we do not have a backyard, the next best was our local playground. It was a little frustrating to prepare the food to be transported, but in the end it was worth it.

Waste was so minimal I was shocked. We took our own garbage bag (I did not want to fill the playground garbage, trek it in trek it out), as well as our compost bin. I had purchased plates from Target, so we were covered there (And they are cute for future picnics!), the only garbage we had were from the two not so environmentally friendly items we had. Becca adores balloons, so there was no question a few had to be present at her party. She also specifically asked for those annoying squeakers, so as wishes go it was a pretty attainable one. I will be looking to see if I can create a squeaker of sorts that can be reused, rather than squeaked, chewed (ew) then tossed.

The food needed to be kid-friendly and economical. So peanut butter and honey it was! The kids loved it and it was easy to prepare and move. We had vegetables, hummus, watermelon, crackers and of course the cake. I made way to much cake (I also prepared cupcakes, somehow the cake did not seem "enough" I was wrong!) I made the cake and icing from scratch then decorated it with nature items. I also tinted the icing with a splash of peppermint to give it a "green" taste!

Becca's crown was created by me, based on a pattern in the book "The Creative Family" (great book by the way, very inspiring). I wanted to give her something extra special, created by her mom, just for her. She has had to compromise so much this past year, she deserved an extra little something. I am going to work on a crown for Ethan as well over the winter months, so he too can be extraordinary on his special day.

Presents I am always terrible. I try to be low key, but I want to give the kids tools to explore their creativity and imagination. Becca received a second hand bike early as part of her gift, however when I saw the kitchen for $50 (!gasp!), I HAD TO BUY IT! For real the same kitchen retails for over $170! She also received a collection of new books to read, as well as a Leapster (from her brother). Every gift giving opportunity J asks me if I am going to go low key and I agree, then as time goes on I collect little things here and there and next thing I know the children as spoiled *blush*.

Are your birthday parties for kids low key or out of this world? How do you decide what to buy the kids?

Originally published at Creative Thoughts. You can comment here or there.

My dear sweet baby is now four. It happened in an instant, yet the last four years have been so full of adventure.

(I created the crown for her special day!)

Becca is the most resilient little girl. Enduring endless moving, good byes, making new friends, saying good bye to her cherished pet, creating new places to call home, all with grace. She amazes me everyday and I am honoured to be her mom.

(Becca had a party at a local playground)

This year has been particularly difficult. Being three is hard, in itself, without the other nonsense. Yet Becca has turned four and blossomed. She is curious, exciting and adventurous. She rides her bike, climbs, jumps, looks at her books, loves a good story and adores her friends. Swimming, hikes, nature and dinosaurs all rank top in her world. Cats, butterflies and fairies have captured her attention. She is learning her letters and numbers at her own pace, enjoying the process of recognition. She takes great pride in all that she can achieve.

(Becca about to blow out the candles)

She played soccer this year, although she now tells me that rather than soccer she would like to take ballet! She has become smitten with dresses and all things that are girly. Yet still gets down and dirty to play (gosh how I love her!) When we went on vacation she had the opportunity to reconnect with her best friend, who she misses dearly.

(Becca waited till her birthday to open the gifts from her Grandparents and Auntie)

Becca has fallen in love with her brother. Ethan, although "Mr Destructor Man" is also quickly becoming a faithful companion. She introduces him to others, and ensures that Ethan is included in play with others. She gives him random drive by hugs and enjoys wrestling him ot the ground (little does she know it will not be long till the table turn).

(We found this wooden kitchen for an amazing deal, Becca loves to pretend!)

Becca truly is an amazing little girl. She forever has changed me, becoming her mom was one of the greatest moments in my life. Making me, and all that surround her better people, just by knowing her.

Happy Birthday Boo. We love you!

(I hope to upload some photos on Flickr later today)

Originally published at Creative Thoughts. You can comment here or there.

.. Had one of those days that never ends?

It is not a bad day. Rather it has been a fantastic day, full of creativity, laughter and fun. Yet it is still not over. I feel like we packed in a summer worth of activities in one day! It helps that it is a rainy day, keeping us indoors, only to face one another. I am going to be so ready for bed when the time comes.

I have been extremely busy with preparations for Becca's fourth birthday. She is so into the planning process. We are making homemade playdough for her friends that attend the party, then she helped me design the Thank-You & Recipe card. We also worked on some bean bags today (made of my old socks! they turned out rather cute if I do say so myself).

(Becca is in love with the one in the front and has not put it down since I sewed it!)

Becca has received birthday packages in the mail, causing her to almost burst with curiosity. It is so cute to watch her anticipation build and that twinkle in her eye.

The house has been torn apart, put back together again and torn apart again so many times today my head is spinning. I am in awe how much the children have done.

(They look innocent enough don't they?)

I apologize for my lack of presence out there, all this sewing, stitching, planning, cooking, baking, shopping ... it is all keeping me very far from the computer, in fact I actually have UNREAD email (blasphemy). I am enjoying the children so much in this moment that it is consuming me. Life has never been this good, this easy, this amazing.

Originally published at Creative Thoughts. You can comment here or there.

Fabulous!

Absolutely Fabulous!

I totally understand the concept of vacationing! It is wonderful! It helps that we met up with fantastic friends, had a great place, with a big backyard for the kids, good food (we were able to cook for ourselves), hikes, nasty bugs, moose and fireworks!

We started off our grand adventure by stopping in Fredericton to celebrate Canada Day. There was NO WAY I was going to miss our first year back. So we celebrated our Nation's birthday, Becca rode a horse for the first time, got a temporary tattoo, popped a balloon, sang Oh Canada and jumped in puddles. The kids became hot, tired and celebrated out so we jumped back in the car and headed to Bangor. We found a hotel with a pool, swam & read stories till everyone passed out.

The next day we hit Target *drool*. Surprisingly, the prices were only slightly better than what we could find in Canada (prices are totally up in the US eeks!), but it is the funky stuff that allures me there. We found the cutest plastic plates (reusable!) for Becca's birthday party next weekend!

We met up with our friends and totally slipped into our groove. Becca and her pal started playing like they had not been separated for a year. It was amazing to watch. They are such a cool pair. Becca has never played so well with another child. They just seem to read each other so well, respect each other and play without conflict (mostly, I mean they are KIDS). As for two families merging together ... it worked out GREAT! You just never can tell with these situations if there will be uncomfortable things. Slight annoyances that grow. Nope we had a amazing couple days.

Mosquitoes suck. Pardon the pun. One particular hike, it was raining, and they were swarming us. We were searching for Moose. We did not see any Moose, but I am covered from head to toe with bites! Later Holly spotted a Moose on the side of the road.

It was the most perfect first real vacation (that did not include tents, ahh yes we splurged on suites with a kitchen). My husband was amazing and I am so grateful that he made sure that this could happen. I miss my friends so dearly. One never expects to find soul mates when moving as much as we have yet, I have been so so lucky. J had a nice break from the grind and is eager to return to his lab to continue setting it up and his research. He received news that his first paper was accepted!! A professor with a published paper, I am so proud of him (even when he grumbles that it wasn't that big of a deal). I threatened that we would host tea parties EVERY time he publishes if he does not start patting himself on the back a little.

Now I must focus on preparing for Becca's special day. One turns four but once and I am determined to make it as special as I can for her.

How was your week? Celebrations? I will catch up (I hope) and visit you all soon.

Originally published at Creative Thoughts. You can comment here or there.

Have fun with more Wordless Wednesday.