More snow… seriously??? I mean COME ON, we have not had this much snow in years. I wouldn’t mind so much if it wasn’t so darn cold (-22 Celsius). There has been a lot of talk lately in our home about playing in the sun, having it rain and going to a lake or something. Funny how last year all the boys wanted to do was live in the snow and there was not enough to make them happy!

MORE snow

So the twins had a special treat, today one of their stories was read by Daddy. I story about kittens and what they do. I absolutely LOVE the illustrations with this book, it was a favourite when the boys were younger.

Reading with Daddy

Gavin's is on the left

Our second book was a gift from their Nana when we were down in Minnesota on our last visit called Follow the Moon. It is actually a song as well (there is a cd included though we have not listened to it yet). The illustrations are done by a lady out of Montreal. I absolutely love the realistic images in the book and the story is so sweet.

Zander's is on the left

Our third book was an ABC book – Jousting with Jesters. Another Karyn pick. The art is so pretty on this book.

Gavin's is on the left

Our 4th and final book of the day was a signed copy of The Best Pet of All. I am pretty sure it was a gift from his god-daddy Cory.  A first birthday present, and another book with a Dragon in it.

Zander's is on the left

I have been working on even more bows last night. I have not finished off the newest blue piece as I am now waiting on the French Barrettes I purchased off eBay (under 5.00 for 50, from Hong Kong). I figure there are only so many I want to make using the alligator clips (they are more decorative and less able to actually hold the hair on their own).

I still have to glue in the centre knot

I love the purple Celebrate ribboned one. I actually made a covered alligator clip that turned out too perfect with the word placement and had to save it. I am not sure if I saved it for me or a gift but I am going to attempt to create the same effect.

Pretty purple celebration

Tonight is a special dinner with Ted. He FINALLY has his landed status in hand (after a run to the border) so to celebrate we had spaghetti with our Ethiopian spice. It is so exciting that after 2 years he finally has his status. Takes his life out of holding pattern, and trust me, we know the feeling!

So yummy

I have been working on my big stitching project lately… progress is slow but significant. Again just a select portion shared. I am hoping to get the entire piece done this year… maybe.

Progress

The big excitement (besides ribbons) in Lisa craft world is two fold – one Ken FINALLY got me my newest pattern – a somewhat quick Dr. Who themed piece I am going to stitch up and hopefully, with the other I did last month, put it up for free download here. The next project is the wedding sampler for my step sister… but I have only got a basic idea as to what I want so far… Ken and I have some brainstorming to do! The other was a drop off – Karyn and two of her friends came into the city to go to IKEA and to drop off her Cricut for me to borrow. I have Hello Kitty shapes to make for Trinity’s birthday after all!

So tonight I tidy to make room for crafting… stitch a little and hopefully get in some visiting with Ted and Ken! What a life.

Fun with the websites

I did it, for the entire month of February a blog entry a day! I am not so driven for March but will ATTEMPT to keep up the pace.

So today was day 2 of our Reading Week with 3 more fun and interesting stories. First off was a whimsical story called My Dog Is an Elephant, all about a little boy trying to hide an elephant who has ran away from the zoo. It was longer than the boys are used to but they had a blast watching the little boy hide the elephant as all sorts of things.

Zander's is on the left

Our second book was another Aunty Karyn choice (she does pick some awesome stories), The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! by Mo Willems. This is a definite must read for all kids!

Gavin's is on the left

Our last book was a first step reader called Mittens. All about a kitten who is unsure of itself in its new home. VERY cute!

Gavin's is on the left

Gavin at work on an illustration

Trinity and Emanuel had their own little reading session in Emanuel’s bedroom with Peepo! They are just so cute when they play together nicely.

Peepo!

Even though today was another brisk (-23 Celsius) day we packed everyone up and made the drive to the Bulk Barn (I had a 3.00 off if you spend 10.00 or more coupon). We went all out and got spices, noodles, treats and even some Easter themed sprinkles all for a little over 30.00 (once coupon was applied). Quite the haul. Spices are so much more affordable this way.

Yay Bulk Barn

Now if we could just have some warmer weather… I decided against going in to Michaels (even though we drove past 2) to get the paper I am going to need for Trinity’s birthday decorations, it was just too cold and the kids too fussy. I am hoping to see a warmer day or even something kinder this upcoming weekend. It is hard to have the will to get out the door with everyone bundled up in this sort of weather… can’t spring just get here already?

Our Flower Child

And it keeps on snowing! Seriously even the kids are done with the snow, and the cold temperatures that continue to come with it. So I think it will be back the conservatory for the first of our March trips out. After all we DO lose our pass on April the 8th or so. So every week we are going to try and get out to the conservatory or the zoo.

Snow snow snow

Today was the first day of our Reading Week. We read 3 stories and then did the sheet my sister in law sent me that she does with my nephew Jimmie.

This is what we are working with

The first story was based on a Beatrix Potter one by the same name but simplified. The Tale of Mrs. Tiddlemouse… with Babbitty Bumble the bee and Mr. Jackson the toad.

Gavin's page is on left

The second was on the reading list for older children that we got with Echo’s library bag AND a gift a couple years back from the kids’ “in the know Aunty” Karyn… Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt.

Zander's page is on left

Our third book is a favourite from way back. We had borrowed it from the library and the boys fell so instantly in love that I hunted it down in large boardbook form – Monster Trucks by Mark Todd! It is one of those books they always want a repeat read on!

Gavin's page is on the left

Tomorrow I want to include at least ONE book they help ME read. Today, starting out they were less than enthused about the work following the reading of the story so I kept it on an I read to them basis. And then of course the girls wanted one of my favourite baby boardbooks read to them Peepo! (totally recommend this one for the little guys, I love the British war time illustrations)

Peepo!

Reading together

We found a template and instructions for the teddy bear Zander wants to make. You can get it from here. We have the material he picked up at the Reuse Centre but I need to do all the pinning tonight for him to  continue on tomorrow.

Ever since the kids got a Play-Doh boardgame for Christmas from Jon and Yoyo (thanks you two!!) they have been enamoured with the idea of building a game. Well, today Gavin did it. He built his own very simple game board out of Legos and used an 8 sided dice he found somewhere in the house (yes we have all kinds of dice in the house – after all Ken is into boardgames and D&D). Very cool!!

Gavin's game

I did up one more bow today… my ribbon supply has been depleted… and one more last night… I am loving being creative with something new and have more combinations to play with. The black and white one was a quick bow done up with left over bits… not perfect but I am very happy with how it will look in Trinity’s hair.

Green and pink

Black and white with a crystal embellishment

Now to get back to work on stitching, crafting and relaxing (and dishes and tidying and of course trying to toss or donate MORE unwanted possessions!)…

Echo in pink