45/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2014"

 

Reece, you turned six this week, I still can't believe it. This photo was taken last week at your birthday celebration, but I wanted to share it here today so it becomes part of the 52 Project album I put together at the end of this year. 

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project

Making Memories

Over the years, Justin and I have made Reece's gifts, for both his birthday and for Christmas. As we sat down toward the end of summer to think about gifts for Reece this year, we realized we had pretty much made everything we had wanted him to have. We were stuck on what to make, and the more we talked, the more we realized there was really nothing more we wanted to make, at least right now. So we have moved to experience gifts, and for his birthday Reece decided a trip to the Butterfly Conservatory of Cambridge would be a great way to spend the day.

We packed up after breakfast yesterday morning, loaded Reece and his little friend into the car, and away we went. We arrived in good time, and headed in right away to check out the butterflies. It was a slow day, and we pretty much had the place to ourselves...it was delightful. We wandered, followed butterflies, looked at chrysalises, watched a turtle and some fish at the pond, and just soaked in the goodness of butterflies fluttering around everywhere you turn. It was a truly magical way to spend the day, and the perfect way to celebrate my little man.

Dear Reece

Six years ago your dad and I were snuggled up in our bed staring at you, a beautiful little being who came into our lives in the early morning hours, after a very quick and intense labour. We laid in bed all day, just staring at you, a little oblivious to the journey ahead. We had no idea just how much you would change our lives, how much you would challenge the thoughts and beliefs we had, and how much we would grow, as individuals and as a family.

The last six years have been pretty darn amazing. Yes, they seem to have gone by much too fast, but I have done my best to soak up as much of it as I possibly can. I hold in my memory many moments...your first smile, first laugh, first step, first word, our nature adventures and camping trips, our road trips, our good times in the kitchen baking and cooking, our days in the garden planting seeds and harvesting foods, your gentle nature with the baby chicks the day we brought them home, your smile when you rode your bike without training wheels, and so, so many more. They are all there, tucked neatly away, making me smile whenever I think about them. There are no regrets. Yes, there are some things I wish I had done differently along the way, but in the end we are here because of the path we walked, and I think where we are right now is a really great place.

When I look back over the last six years I am filled with gratitude for you. You have rocked my world little man, challenged me to my core, made me rethink so much about life and what is important, and became my greatest teacher. You make me want to be a better person, you bring magic to my days, you fill our home with love and laughter, you keep me in the moment and you have made slow and simple our family motto. You have made being a mother the most amazing journey I have ever taken.

You are an amazing little man. I am honoured to be your mother, to walk your path with you, and watch as you discover the world and your place in it. I am looking forward to the year ahead, and excited to see where your next trip around the sun is going to take you.

I love you.

Meet Miss Maggie Rabbit

I am pleased to introduce you to Miss Maggie Rabbit. She was a joy to make, and I hope she brings a big smile to the face of a very special little lady this Christmas.

How is your Christmas making coming along?

Morning, Noon and Night

Morning, noon and night...three little peeks into my day yesterday.

 Morning, 7:15am

 Noon, 2pm

 Night, 8:45pm

 ***If you would like to play along leave your link in the comments section so I can stop by and visit.***   

Our Weekend

We woke to snow on Saturday morning, a light dusting, with beautiful snowflakes still gently falling. I headed out right away, in the magic of it all, for a run. There is something about the first snow fall, and the beauty it bestows upon us...one of those things that never gets old. Back at home, Reece was already making little snowballs and tossing them around the yard. We enjoyed breakfast, eggs from the backyard, and then I headed out on my own to do some errands. I finished those errands and then hit a lovely little cafe to enjoy a cup of tea and read a letter from a friend. The letter arrived on Wednesday, and I didn't open it, I knew I would have this time at the cafe, so I saved it, I wanted to "catch up" with her over a cup of tea. I read her letter and then settled in to write to her. An hour later, I sipped the last bit of tea and sealed the envelope.

When I arrived home my two men were busy playing and crafting, and I headed to the kitchen to do a little creating of my own...body butter, healing salve, hand salve and lip balm were all made up, ready for customers and Christmas. The evening was spent reading, with a cup of tea and little chocolate.

The sun was shining Sunday morning, but there was a chill in the air. After breakfast we bundled up and headed out to a new to us trail. We hiked along the water all morning, soaking in the beauty of this spot. We will definitely be heading back again soon. We spent the afternoon at home. There was a little gardening, a little crafting, a walk up the road with the dog and a little prep work for the week ahead. A quiet evening followed, with a little more reading, tea in hand.

A slow, simple weekend, just the way we like things. How was your weekend?

Joining Karen

44/52

"A photo of my little man, once a week, every week, in 2014"

 

Reece, that hair! You have made the decision to grow it, and I have to admit I am liking the tousled look of it. You were running free and wild in the woods on this day, with your friends. It makes me so happy to see you enjoying time in nature with other little ones.

Joining Jodi for the 52 Project