Painting class

Every once in a while it's good to do something that's just for you. And this was it, I enrolled my little self in a painting class to learn ink & oil rouging. The piece itself isn't really my "style" being that it's rather "tole painting for ladies over 50" style vs. my "scare the crap out or potential house buyers with my color choices" type of style. But nonetheless, it was good to learn the technique and I will be able to apply it to something a lot more ME.

Regardless, here it is... rather impressive *IMO considering that even my kids can't tell what my stickmen are doing!

So - what have you done 'JUST FOR YOURSELVES' lately? I'd love to know..

it's so simple..

Parenting itself can so often feel like we've mis-placed a parenting for dummies handbook. It often leaves so many of us to wonder why on earth kids don't come with a manual.. why (not all days, but) somedays a person feels like they are failing their kids, that they perhaps don't have enough to give to really make a good impression on their kids, to really give it their all. Anyone who has kids, has at some point or another felt like this. I certainly have my share of days when they look at me with sad eyes and say "why are you always so busy, mom?".

I downloaded the last batch of pictures from my camera this week and an ear to ear smile crossed my face looking at these pictures of Millie. If anyone is familiar with Love Languages - her primary is QUALITY TIME 1,000,000 %. She doesn't need fancy stuff or presents or kisses or hugs even.. she just wants our time.

And this my friends.. is time - topped with sugar, flour, a mixer, getting to "crack her own eggs" and some butterscotch chips. Enough to fill her heart for another day.

So it really is just simple when you realize what it is that each child needs to F~E~E~L loved vs. what you are used to doing.... and give it to them. It really does go a long way!

Back to work..

Well the holidays are all over - we had a great Christmas. My grandparents (Oma & Opa) came to stay with us for a week. It was good, the kids got some much needed time with them. Opa & Collin made them a chinese checker board, made puzzles and did lots of visiting. It was great. We are really lucky to still have them in our lives. Opa is 91 this year and still moving like he was 65 - it's amazing. Here's a picture of Collin and Opa ripping around on the old TNT skidoo.. I think it was about -25C this day.. yikes...

After that Mom & Dad Hague came for a few days to spend Christmas with us. We had a great time and the kids loved having them. Though I think that Oreo is the sad one now.. she doesn't have another dog (Marnie) to play with. Poor thing.

And here are just a couple shots from Christmas morning and the kids' school concert! Enjoy and Happy New Year!