Quote of the day

" If we could learn how to balance rest against effort, calmness against strain, quiet against turmoil, we would assure ourselves of joy in living".

- Josephine Rathbone

Instagram Saturday: Birth

A couple days ago I received an email from Photobook Canada reminding me that the voucher I had purchased was about to expire. I had initially planned to make Claire a photobook for her birthday, but then had forgotten to collect all the photos from the past six years of her life to do so. Opps! I didn't want to waste the voucher so I decided to make a photo book from Levi's birth. I had meaning to put all the incredible images that Nancy had captured the day Levi was born, but hadn't gotten around to it. It took maybe about forty five minutes to make something that I will treasure forever.

I decided to share one of the images on Instagram. The caption reads:

"I finally got around to making a photo book of Levi's birth. It was the most challenging birth of my three children but incredible nonetheless. I loved bringing him into the world
 surrounded by my amazing team. I love that my children were able to witness the birth of their little brother. I love that I live in a country that allows women to choose where and how hey want to give birth. While I am finished having babies, I am honored to support women as they bring their babies into the world. #thejoysofbeingadoula#empoweredbirth#choices#rawrealimages#midwivesrock"

If you would like to see more images from that incredible day you can view them here.

No matter

"No matter how chaotic it is, wildflowers will still spring up in the middle of nowhere."

- Sheryl Crow

It's been awhile....

Sometimes I wonder if my blogging days are over. It seems like the only time I get to sit down is to eat or pay bills, so finding time to sit still and write feels nearly impossible. I find myself asking "what purpose does blogging serve" when I  have so little time as it is? The thing is, I like to write. I like to  share my musings with the world, especially since my "role" in most relationships is that of a "listener". I'm not much of a "talker". I swear my husband has a larger "word quota" than I do. When my hubby gets home from work I am more likely to retreat to my room for some much needed quiet time than talk about my day.

Part of reason I haven't posted much is because I don't feel like I any "pretty pictures to post". Since my lovely DLR met an untimely end in Hawaii, all I have are grainy, out of focus photos taken on my

iPad. *sigh* Needless to say, life marches on with  all its joy, upheaval, tears, triumphs, hopes and mundane moments. Here are a few recent snapshots from my life.

Enjoying a lovely evening at our Church's 20th anniversary

Cleaning out the shop while Levi enjoys some coveted time on Nathaniel's dirt bike.  

 Taking an impromptu bath in my kitchen sink... by himself.

Amelia turned eight and invited WAAAAY too many people. I survived. Barely.

Early morning sweetness with this sweet boy

My eldest got her ears pierced!!!!

This little man stopped taking naps in January, except for the occasional snooze while watching his favorite show.

Visits with sweet friends

Beekeeping with my husband. Notice Levi in the tree behind him. We stuck him in it to keep him away from the cranky hives.

Watching daddy prune a local apple tree.

A typical breakfast: Omelette, bell peppers, avocado and some wasa rye crisps. 

Just a typical meltdown... every day... multiple times a day...

Finding beautiful spots in my neighbourhood that refresh me

Who knew that clam digging could be SO FUN!!!

Both sets of grandparents at the same table. My heart is FULL!

Love watching these men whip up incredible food in the kitchen. 

SPRING!!! 

Saying goodbye to daddy as he heads off for a week of tactical training.

Thoroughly enjoying all the gold I have been finding at value village.