Thirty-one.

I'm celebrating today! We've finished off January and for the most part we're all intact.

Thirty.

Twenty-nine.

Almost skipped today. Kinda feeling the way these branches might, with all that snow piled on top. Maybe the sun will come out tomorrow.

Twenty-eight.

mmm.... Naan.

Twenty-seven.

Finally... it's the princess rescuing the prince.

Twenty-six.

The flu has made it's ugly face known in our home. This is day 6. I'm fed up really. Nothing like some chicken noodle soup to heal our bodies.

Twenty-five.

Before and after.

Twenty-four.

I didn't take any pictures that I was particularly proud of yesterday, but I caught a few moments that kind of captured the day. It was a good day. Noah recovering from a fever and the rest of us tagging along in that slower, quieter pace.
... and I cooked. We buy these amazing chickens from our neighbors (in a rural sense of the word). We know the family who raise them, and are delighted to have found a supplier that we love to support. We set the table with our best things, made punch for the kids (which they called wine), and had a lovely meal together. It felt good and right to honor my children, the way we would guests.

Twenty-three.

Sunshine... doesn't it make you want to jump for joy!
It has been a bit humorous to see how my body and taste buds are longing for summer. I can't get enough avocado, and yesterday while at the Brigden gas station (which oddly enough, sells liquor) I couldn't resist buying some mikes hard lemonade. I never drink the stuff... but it somehow it linked me to the summer, sipping on a cold drink, basking in the sun, lounging at someones pool... ahhhhhh.

Twenty-two.

What would be quickly picked and thown in the compost pile in summer, is treated as sacred in the dead of winter. Any signs of life excite. I can just imagine these little seeds gliding through the air, bringing life and green to wherever they may fall.

Twenty-one.

Windchill says minus 20 degrees Celsius. Noah's home with a fever. Today has been declared a PJ day.

Twenty.

We spent the entire day at home yesterday. It was exactly what I needed... and I think Ana would agree.

Nineteen.

I can't say whether I dislike January or November most. Gloomy, bone-chilling months. So when I decided to unwrap the lavender, hung to dry over the fall and winter, the scent of summer filled my heart with happiness. The fragrance brings back memories of walking through our neighborhood in Vancouver where lavender grew abundantly. It also reminds me of gardening in the summer. The thing about lavender is, that it's nearly impossible to walk by without running your fingers along the smooth petals, and then of course, breathing it all in.

Eighteen.

Aaron's brother and family, who also happen to be our next door neighbors, have done the all-Canadian thing and built an amazing outdoor ice rink. Not much feels more Canadian than gliding around on the ice, while snow flakes fall on your nose.
Other news is that I start the photography class tonight. Very excited. I've been feeling frustrated as I fumble my way learning the camera, and will welcome some good practical help.

Seventeen.

What do you do when you come home from grocery shopping, eggs in hand, to find 2 cartons in the fridge? Make some fresh pasta of course!

Sixteen.

Man's best friend... or something like that.

Fifteen.

Wintery walk that left my teeth cold and Coppers paws frozen.

Fourteen.

Spent the morning with this wonderful woman. Strong. Wise. Beautiful. Vulnerable. Honest. God has reached out His finger to me, through her.

Thirteen.

Doesn't it look peaceful? Cleverly enough, it doesn't show any crying/whining/fighting children in it. I'm longing for some peace. Slightly burnt out. A little disoriented, trying to find my way to that quiet place which renews my soul.

Twelve.

Snow day. Praying for many peaceful moments like this. I think I need a plan.

Eleven.

I love his inquisitive mind.

Ten. (the gift of motherhood)

And you are the mother
The mother of your baby child
The one to whom you gave life
And you have your choices
And these are what make man great
His ladder to the stars
-mumford and sons

Nine

Sunday morning sunrise.

Eight.

Ana helping with some Irish Soda Bread... we sure do love all things Irish :).

Seven. (the miracle of banana bread)

In frustration and sadness, I accused God of being withholding the other day. (does that remind anyone of a certain arrested development scene?) What an accusation in respect to all the blessings lavished upon us. I was sorry to have thought it. But my heart remains a bit bruised and mushy, sad and frustrated. In faith, hope and time, I am sure God will do something wonderful here! He is Good, you know.

Six.

The original title for this blog was "just another day on my way back home", which seemed too wordy, but conveyed my heart a little clearer. This place is our new home. We are still experiencing a lot of firsts... such as, this is my first Jan.6 taking residence in Brigden, ON. I remember 2 years ago, while home for Christmas from lush green Vancouver, I walked the same path I did yesterday and was struck how beautifully boring our winter landscape is. I am still in awe. The blessing of being here sinks deep into my bones.

Five.

My niece and my daughter. Amazing little creatures. Watching them play, laugh, pretend, act like little human beings conversing and debating. It's a gift. I am so grateful to (finally) be at a place where having children over (and helping out my sis.in.law) is a wonderful blessing to me.

Four.

Some accomplishments are big, some are small, I am not sure which cabling was for me... perhaps I could put it in the "long-awaited" category. I have been knitting for 10 years and cabling always felt monstrous ... but alas... I have climbed that mountain. Hopefully I can conquer sweaters in the next decade or so.

Three.

Noah learned the game checkers over Christmas break, so now he follows us around like a desperate pup looking looking for a mate. The first photo captured the moment where he realized he could "jump over?" his mom. Bliss for children to beat their parents!
Both of these were taken with a new lens, lent to me from a friend. It was so encouraging to talk to two (very respected by me) photographers and hear their tips and encouragement yesterday.

Two.

Yesterday was the warmest day southwestern ontario had felt for a good month. 10C!!! A welcomed break. The kids and I spent almost 2 hours outside walking, jumping in puddles, and climbing the melting snow piles.

One.

After a year of dumping all unnecessary idealisms off the boat, one of my 2011 resolutions is to slowly and cautiously bring them back. One of these is cooking. I love cooking... but only when I love cooking... i hate it when it feels like a burden and my cupboards are empty of inspiration. So today I started simple with Simply in Seasons Hearty lentil stew.