So it is not housework keeping me from blogging …

My cute and cuddly, almost one year old (I am trying to convince myself that is really true) is most definitely cutting molars and has a runny nose and cough. He a HUGE snuggle bug when he is not feeling well, so that keeps me from typing a little (I usually pre-read all blog posts in Reader, then comment when I can).

All that car business did not help. The adjuster came yesterday … they are fixing it! w00t. May the cursed car run (just to spite me really) for another few years. Somehow I knew that was not the last we would see of our car “Crush” (so nicknamed after the first accident *sigh*) That puts us back on the saving for the house down payment/fees track! WooHoo!

This little guy has kept me a little busy. I knit him up, with some cotton I had on hand. One of my cousins just had an adorable baby boy that will be receiving this little guy, despite the protests from both my kids (really should knit my own kids a bear eh?) It was a fun project to knit up, but I want to try another pattern that is done in the round more … this was a lot of seaming … A LOT … Does it look like one ear is bigger than the other? I think I lost count and added one extra row … It is character … yeah like on purpose. pfft.

I also finished a new book bag for Becca (just need to seam it .. see an anti-seam pattern here?) She actually wore her other one out! I knit this one so that it would fit 5 picture books comfortably and therefore Becca would be able to carry it herself …. I am a sneaky one Becca is most excited to use it (once I finish it!)

I have been reading a lot. My super great pal from Harper Collins has sent me some fabulous books as of late, keeping me up past my bedtime, therefore less time for blogging, and a little groggy.

When I received “Just Tell Me What to Say” by Betsy Brown Braun, I immediately flipped to the chapter on death. CRAP I totally screwed up. So then I start reading about siblings … ha yup messed that up too (please note the author does not have a condescending tone or anything, I am merely being dramatic for effect). I have never come across a parenting book that I agree with every principle from cover to cover, however I really enjoyed the layout and many of her suggestions. For example, the author is very clear, not to get involved in sibling squabbles. I had noticed I was always “Becca … Becca … Becca what’s going on?” A lot of the time it was not “Becca”, rather Ethan being a turd, however naming the older sibling places that accusation on them, if you mean it or not. I have stopped intervening (although when one may lose a limb,I do step in) and the children are actually getting along better. Betsy Brown Braun has some awesome examples on how to say stuff to the kids. Sometimes it is all in the presentation. Great resource for any parent grasping at what to say (aren’t we all?)

In the same package, I received “Party Basics for New Nesters” by Maria McBride. I cannot actually profess to be a new nester by definition, however I have newly nested here, so I cracked open the book. I was greeted with amazing photos of fabulous and slyly do-able party entertaining themes and ideas! Her approach to decorating and entertaining on even my budget was delightful. Did I mention the photos are amazing? I am so tapping into my creative side and this book has been an inspiration (when not distracted by car woes). McBride’s introduction was perfect for a beginner, like myself, describing what every pantry should have and why. By dividing up the year into themes, it gives the reader a sense of anticipation, longing to attempt the “Canned Daisies” during “Spring Fling”. There are simple yet yummy sounding recipes, decorating and style guides throughout. Definitely a book that encourages the reader to jump beyond and try new things.

I have one more title from HarperCollins that I am eagerly reading at the moment. In fact I am devouring the book, enjoying it throughly. I look forward to sharing my thoughts on it in the very near future.

One more thing before you can share you thoughts with me, with a lovely comment that will stroke my ever hungry ego hint hint, if you are not reading and participating over at the Opinionated Parent, you really should. I just won the cutest T from RevoBaby (come back tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday), through the Opinionated Parent … not that I want competition in the contests, just they are seriously awesome contests!

I cannot express the sheer joy I experience every time I see Becca curled up with a book. Although she cannot “read” yet, I know that it is only a matter of time that she is jumping into worlds, living, breathing, feeling the stories. Ethan being surrounded by a house of readers is bound for the same fate and shows interest in listening and experiencing the stories.

That is how I read, I live it. I get completely and utterly lost in the story. A good book draws me in, I am not a mere observer, I am there.  An author that can make me laugh out loud, shiver in terror or cry in sorrow, captures my imagination, thrills me like nothing else. I have vivid memories of particular books that left a lasting imprint in my mind. For a long time I could not reread a story because it would last so long in my imagination that reading it a second time would be boring and a waste of precious reading time.

As a young child, I adored the books with animals as the main characters. Titles are alluding me now, but I am sure they are pretty standard for that reading age group, for I did not have anyone assisting me in finding the books. The concept that animals (dogs, cats, horses, wolves) had personified thoughts and emotions tickled my fancy. I gobbled up story after story of lost dogs, horses, cats … I distinctly remember going to see the Incredible Journey with my Dad in Regina. He was gone a lot at that time, away working, so any time with him memorable. The movie only sparked my imagination more. My memory takes us to the Natural History museum there for the movie, not sure why.
When SourceBooks asked if I would like to review a new book series for young girls, I jumped at the chance to relive my childhood love of reading books with animals! The Lucky Foot Stable series by JoAnn S. Dawson, includes humans in the mix, allowing children to enter a world of friendship, horses and adventure. I started reading the first book and totally found myself lost in the character’s lives, looking forward to finding out what was up with their horses!

While it will be a few more years before my daughter is ready for chapter books, these stories are totally what I would want her to read.  Targeted at the 8+ years old girl range, the Lucky Foot Stable series, is wholesome, but action packed. I am pretty protective and shield the children from the outside world a lot. I have yet to have to worry too much about books (although some Becca has found in the library have been questionable!), but a day will come when I have to monitor the media that enters our home.

Want to Win the first three books in the Lucky Foot Stable series by JoAnn S. Dawson? All you have to do to enter is leave a comment, including your favorite chapter book as a child … After the weekend I will randomly pick a winner. This is open to all! I look forward to reading your favorites!

I have been an avid babywearer since Becca was around three months old. Before that point I carried her everywhere, thinking there had to be a better way. A friend introduced me to a woman that promoted and sold baby ring slings. I was hooked. I could clean our place and wear Becca. I could take her for walks, to the grocery store, the library … any where my heart desired without having to place her somewhere, far away from my heart.

I wore Becca until I was pregnant with Ethan. Then my fear and her growth spurts separated us. Now she gladly walks beside me, holding my hand, never venturing far or running off. I contribute some of that to our closeness.

Ethan is always with us. He is completely part of Becca & I’s daily activities. Ethan gets to experience it all because I wear him, everyday. I cannot imagine any other way to parent them both. I like it. J likes it. Becca likes it and Ethan is content.

The wonderful ladies at ModMum’s approached me to review their cute and stylish baby slings right before we were leaving the US for Canada. ModMums create the pouch style sling, a type that I had shied away from in past. I gladly accepted their sling, thinking it was worth a try.

I am so glad I have a ModMum sling! It was the ONLY baby carrier I packed when we flew here (we did have the Ergo as well for times when J was going to wear Ethan). I use the ModMum sling almost exclusively now. I am so in love! It is simple and easy to use. Quick and smooth to place Ethan in and out of. Oooo and so snug, Ethan adores being all safe and secure inside! I cannot believe that there was a time I did not have this sling! Did I forget to mention how cute it is?!?!? Totally reversible too so you know when you spill something, errr the baby slips something …. hehe! Btw, I realized after these pictures were taken that I was wearing the sling WRONG! If I had taken the time to look at the great instructions on the packaging I would have it right and now wear it correctly. Even brunettes have blond moments … hehe.

I mentioned before that I hesitated because I had avoided this type of sling in the past. I was always a ring sling girl, being that I am all curvy and when breastfeeding I even more curvatious. I figured the non-adjustable sling was not really meant for girls like me. This one fits me and Ethan perfectly! Ethan is a big boy too! I am not sure it would have fit pre-weight loss for me though and I have the largest size available. My only recommendation for these slings is that they would be available to all sizes of women, other than that they are PERFECT for stylish, on the go mom!

I highly recommend the slings from ModMum’s, and would have been happy hold a contest for one, but I am completely unwilling to part with mine However, if you head over to Much More Than a Mom’s blog she has a contest going for a ModMum sling right now!

While you are there, send her many happy, quick, light on the pain labour vibes, Much More Than a Mom is due to have her baby very soon!!!!! So exciting!

Our wedding anniversary was wonderful. I was surprised with roses! In a gorgeous purple juice container! Poor J, I had packed the vase away already. The roses are no less beautiful. I also received a very cool bag (I (heart) bags). J is now the owner of a new watch (I think this is the fourth one I have bought for him!) We went to the Santa Fe Market then off to run errands. In the evening the four of us dined at a fancy cafe up here on the Hill. Becca and Ethan were both on their best behaviour all day, making it perfect. We were even able to watch a movie this evening! We lead such exciting lives … hehe!

With all the love, I thought I would share with you a really neat book that was sent to me by Source Books, “I Love You More” By Laura Duksta . Becca and I have read through it a few times already. It is a great curl up and snuggle book. Becca really liked all the different themes (animals, bugs, the ocean) on each page, giving lots to discuss. She was not entirely thrilled to flip the book over for another version of the story, but being Three, she is routine orientated. Once it was explained it was the boy’s turn she was cool with it.

Here’s you chance to win a copy! Share with me in the comments how you and your kids (or pets!) show each other you love each other and you will be entered to win a copy of “I Love You More”. A special Thank you to Tony & Source Books for the opportunity to review & giveaway such a wonderful treasure. A winner will announced by Wednesday

HI!!! Welcome to November. No I am not participating in NABLOPOMO … gosh I will be lucky to survive this month without any extra pressure.No, this is our last month living in the US!!!!! One more month and we are heading to CANADA!!! I think it is finally settling in. I have been working on moving details so much that I lost sight of the end deal!! HOME! Not to say our adventures in California and New Mexico (well more California) and friends haven’t been fabulous! Just want to be where “eh” is natural and “zed” is the last letter of the alphabet (before you all corrupt my sweet kids).Many congrats to Deb of Mom of 3 Girls, as she is the winner of the Grand Prize of the Flickr Pro Account for one year!!! (I will be emailing you later today) Halloween was wonderful. Becca, Ethan and I went out to the post office then to the library in the morning. The afternoon, there was much too much excitement to do much of anything. Becca could hardly wait for Daddy to come home! Trick or Treating went well and Becca scored.Ethan has been scooting!! Well backwards. He cannot seem to get his legs below himself to go forward, but it is a start.Becca had a rough night last night. I think a combination of too much sugar (she rarely gets treats like candy so even the two pieces she had was an overdose) and all the Halloween images in her head. This morning she feels terrible and is so stuffed up she cannot even blow her nose. Ethan had a runny nose earlier this week, so I guess it is making it’s rounds. w00t November is HERE!