Emanuel’s new thing when he colours lately is to make everything “sparkle.” This coming in the wake of our glitter and glitter gluing with an abundance I automatically assumed he meant he needed glitter added to his pictures, but that was not to be the case. No, for my intrepid almost 4 yr old son, making something “sparkle” all depends on the crayons of the day. In fact, every picture, every stroke “sparkles” right now – be it a bright blue or a dark brown… “sparkling” would be better interpreted as doing one’s best or colouring with heart. Emanuel “sparkles” all day with his simple box of crayons and a piece of paper. So what is my excuse? Shouldn’t life “sparkle” no matter what you are handed? That is my new goal… I want my life to “sparkle” just as brightly as my baby boy’s does!

Let's All Sparkle Ok?

So last night’s cinnamon buns, though not pretty, were VERY delicious… I was not overly happy with the topping they suggested – it was just too darn sugary. BUT they were good enough to warrant making another batch this afternoon. Now I am wondering what else my bread maker can do… though Ken has requested banana chocolate chip muffins (no bread maker involved) which as the 23rd IS his birthday, I will definitely make, once I get the chocolate chips.

Mmmm

There has been some general upset in one of the egroups I am involved in regards to OT (off topic) conversations and whether or not they should be allowed/included/etc. in the group. I fear my daily posting of my blog update may have been a catalyst. Although my site is hugely cross stitch oriented as I am sure most people know, it is not always talking about my sewing or even pattern development. As much as I love/am addicted to stitching I have to admit this blog is heavy on the kids, hubby and life in general. Now I don’t think that is a bad thing – it is how this blog has evolved… it is me in a nutshell… BUT I wish I would have known a month or so ago that they would rather I DIDN’T post my update email. I must admit now I am a little unsure as to what I should post about as my stitching has become firmly enmeshed with the rest of my life, being as each piece is developed with a person or situation in mind. Even our general patterns come out that way (though I do have a couple in the works that are general and have no official first recipient). I think right now I will just sit tight and post only when I have a stitch completion. But as I said in my general reply to the thread – you never know until you are told and now I know. I actually will only be posting that I updated on Facebook and Twitter for the time being. Better safe than sorry!

Anyway onto other things… our weather is delightful – with the melting of the snow the boys are back on bikes and playing on the swing set. It really makes going out on errands a whole lot simpler. I am hoping the weather will hold until AFTER Halloween – I am not sure Gavin’s costume will fit over snow gear!

Gavin (yellow) and Zander - Ready for No Training Wheels Soon??

Our church has a new system for Sunday School – one Sunday a month there is no Sunday School (besides long weekends) so that the kids can sit with their parents. That means this month there are only 2 sessions! Different for us! So, next Sunday no school… I am hoping we can all go to church anyway but it will depend on Ken’s birthday party and our pumpkin carving event that weekend. Today only Ken and the twins went – Trinity was up until 4 am so I was exhausted and Ken decided to let me sleep in — until they were ready to leave! Trinity went to bed pretty much as they walked out the door and tonight I am hoping and praying we do NOT have a repeat! I think I have figured out WHY I am so tired lately (besides the energizer bunny of a baby) – I keep forgetting to eat! And my baking – ends up in the boys! So now I am going to find recipes to try that sound particularly appealing to ME! Mmm maybe more muffins and a cake or two? Oh and healthy stuff too!

We have also been pumpkined! Ken and the twins bought 3 lovely pumpkins from Superstore on their way home from church (just under 4.00 a piece!). Trinity for some reason does NOT trust the pumpkins… she does not like to have her backs to them or anything! I am hoping I can get her to at least tolerate them in time for the carving. This will be the first time for our kids to really experience that! Last year we just did a foam one at Michaels..

Zander Carrying 1 of 3 Pumpkins

So we are nearing our family photos with our favourite photographer, starting a Pumpkin lapbook, and decorating for Halloween… life goes on and I am actually feeling like I can face what is next with a head held high – as long as my hand is being held tightly by Ken and my children are along for the ride!

For Aunty Esther!