Holiday Cheer

The holidays have come!

It's been awhile.. it has been busy around these parts to say the least.

With the last of final papers going in for this semester, Christmas Tree season in full swing and occupying every weekend of December - this is our last year with the tree farm, and a winter wedding to top it all off (see photo above), things have been crazy. Not to mention the last minute shopping and hectic-ness as we prepare for the holidays and the night of baking ahead..my first go at a handful of gluten-free holiday treats. Little B is delighted with all things Christmas.

Looking forward to the weekend and a nice chance to slow down and take it all in. This will after all be our last Christmas as a family of 3 as we will be welcoming a sweet new babe in May...:)

14 Weeks

Well I've been somewhat absent since ohh about Thanksgiving. Things have been busy to say the least. School, Work, Family Time doesn't leave time for much else. But. We are expecting another wee babe in May and we're delighted. So far so good. No sickness this time around. Although I only had minimal feelings of nausea when I was pregnant with B - about 2 weeks. Things on the diet front are much different this time around with a Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Corn-Free and other dietary restrictions. But all is well - my wonderful team of midwives are not concerned. I feel great and have gained 3 lbs. Standard for me - I usually don't gain much weight in the first half of pregnancy.

So much to do before this next little one makes an appearance! Including transitioning our little "big brother" to a brand new bedroom. I'll be looking for design ideas for sure :)

Up and Coming Thanksgiving

This year I am thankful that my school reading week falls on the same week as Thanksgiving. This means a much awaited break from the 7 day/week of readings, assignments and not to mention my two jam packed days of classes and Graduate Assistantship position.

I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my boys.

On the agenda:

- Lots of outdoor time - Farmers Market Trip, Park, Conservation Area
- A friend's surprise birthday party - Yay adult time.
- Preparing some Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free/Meat-Free dishes and baked goods to take to our family Thanksgiving dinners
- Snuggling up and watching a movie at home
- Searching nearby natural landscapes for things we can use to make Autumn crafts - I'm definitely thinking these!


http://www.waldorfcrafts.com/?p=72

What are other Canadian folk doing this long weekend?

Five Senses Friday - Autumn Begins

Above, a photo of my father, far right celebrating his 4th birthday in Manitoba in November. It was unusually warm that Fall, much like it is looking it will be here in Ontario anyway. Everything about the image is perfect to me.. homemade cake, sweet sweet children (cousins), outdoor eating, tractor toy in hand, right down to his striking resemblance to B.

Five Senses Friday

Tasting:

Crunchy, delicious apples. There have been fresh apples at work all this week and since I've been indulging I think I will take the little man for our annual apple pick this weekend. I wonder what else I can make besides sauce, jam, pie filling and muffins... maybe cider!

:Hearing:
Feist - something about her soothing sound eludes "Autumn" to me.

:Seeing:

The changing colour of the leaves.

:Smelling:

Cinnamon and nutmeg - almost time for Pumpkin Pie

:Feeling:

Peaceful. As I am enjoying many of my readings, the workload of grad school doesn't seem so burdening. Here's to hoping they keep on being good. Oh I'm also feeling extreme excitement as I spoke with a Professor and she'd love to have me take her Maternal Theory course in the Winter semester. Hurrah!

Five Senses Friday

Tasting:

The warmth of cinnamon. Cinnamon Toast (G/F of course)..Pumpkin Spice Soy Lattes.. the list goes on.

:Hearing:IPod Audio Books from the library. I'm addicted. First Outliers by Malcom Gladwell and now Nurture Shock by... gosh I can't remember.

:Seeing:

Masses of students as I round up my first week of Grad School. Campus has been hectic to say the least. I guess this is what I get for deciding to go to one of the largest universities. I must say, the pace is a far cry from the relaxed one I remember at my much MUCH smaller undergrad university.

:Smelling:

Peppermint and Eucalyptus. I've been on a bit of a peppermint tea binge as of late and well. I use eucalyptus essential oil in all my laundry detergent and cleaning products. I love the smell of it in my bed linens.

:Feeling:

Cold - we've been going through a bit of a cool weather spurt this week. Need to start pulling the warm socks and sweaters out :)

Simply Lovely Long Weekend

Long weekend thus far has been productive and pleasant.

Groceries were gotten - under budget I might add too!

Office was cleaned

Bikes were brought out to go downtown to the GO Bus Terminal to get tickets for school

Boys did some purging of stuff we no longer need

Hair was cut and styled for a fresh new "back to school" look

In attempts to stick to a strict budget, pay down debt, and get back on track with my environmental values, I set out today to cancel our cable TV (finally got the hubby's agreement on this). Let me tell you how the service provider cut $40 off our bill - we pay around $35 for Cable currently and let us keep our cable - all because I mentioned that we didn't feel the money for the cable was worth it given the amount of time we watch TV.

Tomorrow's Agenda -

Cleaning & Cooking

Painting doors and putting knobs back on. In keeping some of the integrity of our old house, we've kept the original skeleton key doors. Love them. However, we've been knobless on some doors for ohh about 6 months now so I'll be happy to get those back on. :)

The Schedule!

Baby Blue - Work
Pink - Graduate Assistantship
Purple - Family Time
Orange - Travel Time
Grey - Down Time
Blue/Gray - Cleaning/Organizing
Green - Class/Readings/Essay Writing

Oy vey.