violating child labor laws?

Ruby woke up from her nap and wanted to join in on the tidying that Isaac and mom were doing. I guess letting her run the vacuum keeps her from being afraid of it.

random pics

Norah after ballet class. One of our many, many snowy days.

note the snow in the van, it didn't melt. You know it's cold when you can sweep the snow out of the van.








Reading together. Note the summery clothes. We're trying to hide the summer stuff, but they keep finding more. Parents are putting on sweaters, and kids run around in short sleeves. Makes no sense.








Storytime with Dad.











Mom's project for the front entrance. It holds at least 4 snowsuits and accessories.

In retrospect, buying it earlier in the year and starting the staining process before the temperatures dropped below 0 would have been a good idea. Hard to do a good job when you can't feel your fingers.

Christmas is on the horizon

so I changed up our look for the season. At least, it's wintery for now. More tweaking to come.

You may have noticed that there is, once again, a little wish list for the kids on the right hand side. You may find there isn't that much on it. After the last 2 birthdays, and subsequent gift piles, we're actually rather panicked - heart palpitations - about the idea of more toys in the house. All three children have lots of clothes (to the extreme) and we're not really needing anything right now for them. What a blessing that is! Between feeling as though we are living with great abundance, most things seem to be recalled these days. If it's made in China, it seems to contain lead paint, or be a choking hazard. Trying to actually come up with a wish list is hard work. The only 'big ticket' item that the kids could really use is a bigger playhouse for the yard, but that's for months (gasp! months!) from now.

not for the squeamish

there have been a few too many injuries here lately. In the space of a week, each child has had one major owie. Most involving profuse quantities of blood.

Last Tuesday, Ruby bit partway through her tongue. Lots of blood. All contained in bathtub, thankfully.

Saturday, Isaac fell in tub (hmm, trend?) and did some damage. He bit partially through his lip and has loosened his top two teeth. Trip to dentist to follow. As mom was out, dad dealt with the blood - not his strongest suit. Apparently the bathtub was reminiscent of a scene in Psycho. Ew.

Yesterday, Norah took a big fall while playing chase with Ruby. Massive goose egg on her forehead where she connected with a door frame.

This has not been a great week. AND it's been snowing almost non stop since Saturday.

Ruby's new expression

Generally said while on the change table....

"taller than you!"

She finds it very exciting to be taller than someone. The hard part of being the youngest must be always being the shortest.

yesterday's crafty activity

they were too busy painting to look at the camera. We were painting toilet paper rolls, Norah wanted to make a castle. Then they got bored and moved on. Anyone want some partially painted toilet paper rolls?

conversation tidbits

Norah "mom, when I grow up, I'm going to be a woman like your"
Mom "yes, sweetie, you will"
Norah "not like daddy. I don't want to be like daddy"
Mom "why not like daddy?"
Norah "I don't want to have a beard. I love daddy, but I don't want a beard"

fair enough.

winter's influence

it's only been snowy for a few days, and already we're climbing the walls.


Ok, it's really just Isaac who is climbing the walls. See?

and winter is here

It's pretty much official now. We have about 3 inches of snow outside, it's cold AND Rob got the snow tires put on his car today. The kids got to do some "snow angeling"...and they ate a lot of it too.

<<< "mom! the snow is blowing into our eyes!"







That's a better shot!

"Hey mom...

can we go snow angeling today??"

That was the first question after this first, early morning look out the windows.















Sure we can...and now mom and dad get to fit in some appointments to change over our vehicle tires from all season to snow. Makes us long for the days when the first snowfall was really exciting, instead of a reminder that winter is long.

goodbye...

Fall. Farewell for another year. It was lovely, but short. You came, you turned the leaves beautiful colours, then they dropped to the ground. Now winter has pushed it's way in early and rudely, and we will see you next year, Fall.

We broke out the winter coats and boots today. It's currently snowing.

pics of the girls from today

Ruby wore one of her new outfits today. She loved it...but didn't want her picture taken.


















She *really* didn't want her picture taken.












the cheesy grin

birthday fun!

the days around Ruby's birthday were busy this year. Playgroup, activities here and there, Halloween, and a visit from Nanny and Poppie!


all dressed for the playgroup party. Butterfly and Bug with princess Emma.








The ladybug cake was very well received. Once she figured out what it was, she was really excited. Blowing out the candle was a tough job.











We all enjoyed cake and ice cream...well, at least all of us who like ice cream.

ok, and to be honest, the kids really just like icing.








present time! Ruby modeling part of a new outfit. She got lots of great clothes, 'babies' and baby accessories to play with and books too. Luck little 2 year old.










Norah showing off her new princess accessories, including high heels, which she has almost mastered walking in. "Just not on the stairs, I don't wear them on the stairs"