A Birthday Hike

The birthday boy picked the hiking trail, and away we went. It is one of our favourite places, Lynde Shore Conservation Area. Within the woods at this magical spot you can feed chickadees and chipmunks from you hand, the squirrels come up close to check you out and coax you into tossing a peanut their way, the geese and ducks hang out under foot, and the trees speak in whispers as you walk quietly on the earth along the trail. It truly is a magical spot.

My little man and I spent our time on the trail doing the things he loves, feeding the birds and climbing trees. As he climbed, I stood hand outstretched waiting for those chickadees. That, combined with the most gorgeous autumn day made for perfection. 

As with most times when we get off the trail, we were hungry. So we headed north to Port Perry for a lunch date in one of our favourite restaurants, Marwan's Global Bistro. Good food, with the best company makes for the perfect date. 

After lunch we headed home, played, read, and enjoyed a quiet night at home. It was a great day with my newly minted eight year old. Thank you little man, for a wonderful day, celebrating you.

A Morning by the Water

With a planned break in our homeschool rhythm last week, I am sure it is no surprise to most of you that we took some time to play in nature. Nature connection is part of our every day, but to have the space to extend our adventures, and to travel a little further than our usual destinations was a gift. One day last week we found ourselves on the shores of Lake Ontario at Presquile Provincial Park. Gosh it is beautiful there. We meandered along a wooded trail, finding our way to the beach, the deserted beach, and soaked up a chilly, but beautiful morning by the water.

I find being by the water so peaceful, and I feel such a calm contentment as I listen to the waves roll into shore, one on top of the other. As I stood, breathing in the fresh air, and taking in the beauty of our surroundings, my little man ran free on the beach, drew self images in the sand, and played happily by the water.

When it was time to go, we wandered back along the wooded path that brought us here and were surprised by not one, but two garter snakes. I was surprised to see them, but with the warm fall we have had I guess they are enjoying a little more sunshine before hibernating for the winter. My little man enjoyed seeing them up close, they were a little slow moving, which allowed for some great observation, and some light handling.

Time spend in nature, by the water, with my little man, it really doesn't get much better than that.

Have the most wonderful start to your week, my friends.

Dear Reece

Well, little man, today you are eight. Eight years ago you came into my life, made me a mama, and you have held my heart in your hands ever since. It is hard for me to explain just how blessed I feel to mother you, to be with you on your journey, to witness the person you are becoming. Each day with you is a blessing, yes even the days that are tough. I think the tough days bring us closer together, they force both of us to learn about ourselves and each other, and help us come together as a stronger team. You and I are a team, little man, a great team, and we are facing the challenges, enjoying the good times, and soaking up life in the most wonderful way, together.

You are amazing, little man, and I am so excited to see where your next trip around the sun takes you. Happy birthday sweet boy, I am so proud of you, and I love you.

A Day in the City

A certain little man turns eight this week, yes, eight!!! Can you believe that? I am still trying to wrap my head around it. Time really keeps on moving, and it seems to move a little faster with each passing day. There really is no way around it, and I have learned that the best thing to do is just jump in and soak up each and every day as best as you can. It's what I have done, and exactly what I intend to keep doing.

Celebrating birthday's around here has always been pretty low key, and this year things are the same. Last week my little man and I worked together to redecorate his bedroom, making it a little more grown up. We had a lot of fun putting together new furniture and organizing his space. He loves it, which makes me one happy mama. This was the first of his gifts from me.

The second happened yesterday, a trip into the city of Toronto for a ride to the top of the CN Tower, and a visit to the Aquarium. A few weeks ago I asked Reece to choose a friend to join us for a special day I had planned. He of course wanted to know more about this special day, but I managed to sidetrack his questions and keep it a surprise. He picked a friend, I chatted with his friend's mom, and before I knew it both mama and child were joining us for the day.

We met at the train station, and headed into the city for the day. And what a day it was! So much fun for my little man and his friend. I so enjoyed watching the two of them interact and enjoy the tourist attractions the city of Toronto has to offer. It was nice to have another mom with me too, to chat with, hang with, and just enjoy the day with.

I love giving experience gifts. We have everything we need, and Reece really doesn't need anything, so giving him an experience, a memory he can hold in his heart for the years to come, feels like a good choice. I will remember the excitement in the elevator as we rode to the top of the CN Tower. I will remember him reaching out for my hand as we stood on the glass floor looking down. I will remember the joy in his eyes when he touched a stingray. I will remember a day with friends, celebrating the most amazing little man I know.

As we snuggled in bed last night, I asked Reece what he will remember about our day. He thought for a minute, and answered...everything.

10/12

A photo of my little man, once a month, on the last day of each month, in 2016

Reece, as I sit here staring at this photo of you, I am in awe of the amazing little man you are. I am honoured to know you, to walk with you, to be the person you call mommy. I love spending my days with you, learning and growing right beside you, it is a blessing for both of us, and I am so happy we have been able to make it work. This month I have sat with you as you read to me, sounding out the words, checking in to see if you are right. I have watched as you sit with pen and paper writing, talking to yourself as you do. We have worked through some frustrations in math, and I am filled with joy at night when you tell me before bed how much you love numbers. We are learning together, growing together and changing together. Together, little man, together we can do anything. I love you sweet boy, and I am so very proud of you. 

Community Supported Herbalism

I am so very excited to announce a new project at Life at Nature's Pace...Community Supported Herbalism, or as many call it CSH. Much like a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), a CSH offers the community a selection of herbal remedies and other homemade products through shares offered at various times during the year, and it allows us to share our love of plants, and plant medicine with people who are striving for a deeper connection to this earth, and community.

This is a project I have been thinking about for a while, and I decided it was time to jump in and give it a go. This first year will be small, just nine shares offered, but if all goes well, I will expand and offer more in the future.

If you are interested in learning more, hop on over to Life at Nature's Pace for more information.

On a Chilly Sunday Morning

We had to dig out the hats and mitts for our Sunday morning hike, but goodness it was worth it. The beauty of Mother Nature drew us in, the wind whispered to us, and the chilly air left us with rosy cheeks. Honestly, I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday morning with my little man.

Have a beautiful start to your week, my friends.