A snowy day!

While trying hard to keep me out of the cold this year, I've been crafty. After stringing mini lights in Ali's fairy garden, we agreed they needed a shelter for winter. I had an idea to use modelling clay and stones to make them stone huts. Off to the dollar store we go, then home we come.

Unfortunately, they didn't dry right and cracked. As they dried that night the stones kept falling off one by one. clank, clank, clank....as we slept.

Finally ready to go outside. Alexiss picked this off of her hat and handed it to me with the instruction, "Mom, don't throw this out, it's treasure, okay?"

Only one snowy blustery day so far this year. Alexiss helped shovel. Most of the snow has melted. What a difference from two years ago, our back yard was full by December.

We decided to try the Santa Claus parade this year in Strathmore. It was so much fun! Alexiss's favorite float was the Grinch. Instead of tossing candy like some of the floats, he tossed pieces of broccoli! These are our friends, the Wilsons.

Cinderella in Training

She does chores and sings to birds. Now if she could get the birds to do the chores, I'd be one happy Momma.

A good friend and neighbor told us about her treks down at the campground and how friendly the birds are. We just had to join her on a Saturday a weeks ago while Mark worked overtime. Then, of course, we had to return on Sunday to show Daddy.

Don't make me eat iiiiiittttt

It has finally happened, the day I knew was going to come but was hoping to put it off. At dinner;

Alexiss: "Mom, is this a dead animal?"
Me: "Yes Alexiss it is. Should we give thanks to the animal for giving it's life so we could eat?"
Alexiss: "What kind of animal is it?"
Me: "It's pork......pig"
Alexiss: "I don't like pig anymore"
Me: "Okay, what about steak?"
Alexiss: "Is that a dead animal?"
Me: "Yes, it's cow"
Alexiss: "No, I don't like cow"
Me: "Okay, what about chicken?"
Alexiss: "Yes, I still like chicken."


And so narrow our food choices. I remember a time when she'd try anything. Now the foods that she will no longer eat:

• bananas (unless in banana bread)
• brownies (until she found out they were like chocolate cake)
• cucumbers
• pickles
• apple sauce

She did love the lasagna she helped make though. I think that's the trick. If she helps make it, she'll try it. That leaves apples and PB, PB and honey sandwiches, liverwurst on crackers, cheese buns, cheese, yogurt drinks, milk, cereal, toast and jam.......maybe I can still sneak ham in there. 

Is it time for Santa already?

It seems the clock sped up since Alexiss began Kindergarten and I returned part time to work. It's hard to believe she received her first report card this week! Ms Laura, the teacher, and Alexiss have really connected. There was a discussion about choosing a name and sticking with it for school and she chose Alexiss instead of Ali, Lexi, Lexa, Alex. I know there's been a bit of concern with family and friends just what name she goes by, everyone calls her something different but she answers to all and part of me thinks she likes the variety.

Alexiss excelled at arts and crafts, letters and numbers but needs to work a bit on expressing herself with words instead of actions. We've been working at that at home so it wasn't a surprise.

I am surprised at how much closer she's become to Jack. I thought with going to school with him all day, she'd have her fill but everyday they aren't at school, they want to play together. As I write this, she is across the street playing at Tucker's with Jack. They three are in love with Paw Patrol and are the best of friends.

The weather has finally turned cold, but this year has been very mild in comparison to years past. On Nov 8th we were all outback playing all day and enjoying a bonfire, even Links the cat!

 In September we went into Calgary to watch Bugs Bunny at the Symphony! It was the first time any of us had gone to a real symphony, it was a fun treat. On the way to the Symphony we decided to go buy Sleep Country and see what deals they had for mattresses. On the way home we went back and purchased mattresses and pillows for all of us. The salesman was smart and gave Ali a pillow to try, she carried it around the whole time calling it her pillow.....of course we had to buy it.

For Halloween she was the cutest Racoon you've ever seen.

Where did the summer go?

I think I lost a whole month somewhere, I don't remember July at all and now school is creeping up quick!

We've been enjoying a summer with Oma and Opa.

We've been geocaching

We've just been hanging around

Swimming in the "Mighty" Bow River

Being super cute and ponyish

And after Ali goes to bed, Links gets some cuddle time

August is going to be a busy month because.... GRAMMA AND PAPA are COMING! Cousin Erica is coming and we get to ride the Aspen Crossing Circus Train (Thanks Oma and Opa!). We may also have a few friends that are relocating in various places coming through for a quick visit. Yep, time flies!

Our last summer hurrah before school

I've always been aware of online safety but even moreso since blogging Ali's Blossoming though Life blog.

Blogging has been a favorite outlet of mine since my online existence began but I find myself being leery of sharing too much and disclosing to the masses, more personal information about where we live and play. As Ali starts school, it becomes more important to keep her safe as she ventures out into the world.

I found myself wanting to share a picture of us registering Alexiss for kindergarden, but the picture was taken at the front of the school at a brick structure with a bell and the school name and year etched into it. I recognize that while this blog is used to keep family and friends in the loop in Ali's life, it's also public and anyone can stumble in here.

My first social experience online was with Her Interactive, the makers of the Nancy Drew adventure games. They had a younger audience and thus had strict rules about what people could share with each other. I always respected their wishes to take care of those who may not realize that innocent information could put them in danger of untoward circumstances. I'm thankful for that experience and awareness.

The new trend, and I LOVE it, is to have a password with your child. If anyone tries to pick them up without the password, the child is NOT to go with that person. It puts a bit of a spin on the "stranger danger" and gives them control. What a great idea, borne from technological advances but migrating to every day life away from the computer.

As I endeavor to keep personal identifiable information off of the blog, it's becoming increasing difficult. Although I cannot share her school picture I can share a few things.

Not pictured is Ali's first experience with team sports. We tried soccer this year and after the first game I had to tell Ali that sports isn't about sharing. She went with Dad and Opa while Momma and Oma went knitting. She made it through almost to the end, but it lost it's luster. I'm thinking of trying T-ball next year since it's a team but the ball isn't in a scrimmage of kids pushing each other.

Early spring and Alexiss couldn't wait to get the pool out again!

Bird watching with Oma and Opa. I love this picture!

Their reaction after peeking into our tent as we try camping and "comfort camping"

What could be better than a cookie tiara?

Ali and Jack's "first date". Jack joined us at gymnastics for "bring a friend day". Afterward we got some lunch at Tim Horton's and sat at a park on the airport runway to watch the planes.

Finally getting back into geocaching after a few years break. I hope I can keep the momentum. It really is fun, I'd forgotten all the fun benefits.

The AWESOME cake Ali and I made for Mark's birthday. I made the man and the sun, Ali did the sky and the grass.

All that glitters and all that's under as the glittering snow melts

Overall, for Alberta, it's been a very mild winter. I'm not complaining. For Ali and I it's been a long winter and both of us have been loving the +15 weather the past week, although I know it won't last and it's just a tease of spring. The snow has all melted and we've been playing out front in the big green space, but not until this Mom cleaned up all the hidden wayward dog leavings. I know it's a public space and dogs are just as welcome (or as unwelcome) as children in our neighborhood. Out of curiosity I started counting thinking it I would get over 10 but below 20, boy did I give the benefit of the doubt (and Ali wonders why I demand she wash her hands after playing out there), I managed a staggering 37 pick ups!!!! The past years of anger subsided this year, as I was pooper scooping I thought I was doing a much more positive thing than just complaining about it. Wouldn't you know it, the space actually looked and felt a little cleaner and a little brighter afterward!

Ahhh, there's our little doggy, or is that a kitty? (honest, all the time, and it changes back and forth, unless she's taking care of her imaginary little brother Jack), soaking up the sun and enjoying our walk to the look out. 

It's been a long winter because I haven't been a super active mom this winter. Last winter I used Pinterest quite a bit to create fun sensory and learning play ideas into a reality, this year, I can't imagine. A bunch of colored rice in a bucket sure sounds like a great afternoon, but, all it would take would be one frustrating moment to have colored rice tossed all through my house. We're working on it, and Ali's a great funny girl, she's just so passionate and strong willed and she doesn't understand physics or mechanics of how things work yet. There's always next year. 

I did get motivated to get a dresser in Ali's room. It was borne out of need, I couldn't stand trying to ram in all of Ali's clothes into her closet and have it stay nice and folded and in order AND expect Ali to dress herself. I've realized, unless the used furniture is exactly right, it's not always cheaper to refinish old things. It's gotta be better for the environment, no?

I found this dresser for sale for $50, I offered $35. I gave them $40

 I had the pink paint from Ali's closet/ reading nook so all I really needed was new knobs and handles. Did you know how difficult it is to find a plain primary red paint? I ended up getting a spray can to paint the sides of the drawers to add some color and style..

I got it in my head to add magic Glidden Disney glitter paint for fun.

This is a no tint paint. The base resembles thick white glue, a carrier for the glitter. While applying it, it was difficult to see just how much glitter was going on. It did seem to take two days to completely dry. I was hesitant to put the glitter coat on and have it end up being gaudy or overdone but the glitter is very subtle and didn't take away or change the pink paint in the least. This is the finished paint job up close. There's still over half a can left, I may end up doing Ali's closet/reading nook.

 I had my heart set on white porcelain knobs but didn't find any. Plan B was to buy inexpensive wooden knobs that Ali had free reign with. She colored them with stripes and dots of all colors from her crayola water paints. The dresser is still without handles but I'm hoping to rectify that tomorrow. All in all, it took me two days and many hours but I'd say..... we love it!