Today.

Dinner dates.  Evening highlight, dancing with my girls at the table to Kt Tunstall's Black Horse and a Cherry Tree.

365 day photo challenge, day 31.

3

I'am a mom of a 3 year old.  I sit here trying to remember this past year, all of the milestones reached and phases we've gone through together.  The way you use to call strawberries "Bah-da-dyes."  How you learned about throwing stuff away in the garbage and became darn right excited about it, picking stuff up off the floor and asking "What is that, garbage?"  Baking cookies with mom turned you into an expert egg cracker.  Becoming a big sister.  Potty training, your first dance class, dance show.  More recently, writing your first letter, the letter A.  Your dad and I love watching you grow and learn new things each day, and are so very impressed with you honey. xoxo

Today we celebrated your 3rd birthday with cupcakes and coffee with Auntie J and Grandma, followed by a spaghetti dinner with grandpa and banana.

A few photos from today...

365 day photo challenge, day 30.

My mother and sister in-law made Addie a Felt Medical bag, Doctor Set from a pattern they purchased off Etsy.com.  It turned out super cute, Merci Beaucoup Maman et Dine! Xoxox your hard work turned out beautifully.  We have all subsequently been covered in band aids by Dr. Addie.

And a Thank you to Auntie J for the fairy duds. She had to wear them this evening and made sure that we all took notice of her wings and how they sparkle.

Almost Here

Tomorrow my first born turns 3 years old, and this weekend we will celebrate her special day with her sweet little friends.

No Go Home

It feels good as a parent to find something your child really clicks with.  Every time we come to dance class Addie just lights up and becomes this ball full of energy.  Running around by herself or with her classmates after class has ended is to be expected, for she wont have it any other way.  She adores her teacher, as do I, and when it's time to leave she often puts up a fight. "No go home!"

365 day photo challenge, day 28.

Pic on right is Addie doing a silly walk.

Party Favors

With less than a week away from my daughters 3rd birthday party, it is time to get started on the favors.  This year we are going with a ballerina theme.  I found these cute wooden doll pins at Joann's.  With a splash of paint, a dab of glitter and a tutu made from tulle they are transformed into tiny ballerinas for our little guests.

365 day photo challenge, day 27.

Being Silly

Fun tonight before bed with my cameras timer.

This is how I wished story time looked every night.  If only I could get the girls to stay still long enough.

Addie said to close eyes for this picture.

We Have a Dresser!

In the 7 years my husband and I have been married we have never owned a dresser.  Well yesterday I changed that when I scored a gorgeous antique tall boy at a local vintage furniture store.  The color is similar to an accent wall I already had painted in the room.

365 days photo challenge, day 25.

Feels good to start moving on my bedroom decorating project.

Our Room

I love what this space is turning into...

365 days photo challenge, day 24.

Home Love

For our bedroom I wanted to incorporate artwork that represented my husbands home province and my home state.  So off to Etsy.com I went for inspiration.   There are a ton of wonderful home state love designs out there by amazing artists.  What stood out to me the most were the pieces done in watercolor.  I remembered once upon a time, I wanted to learn how to paint and sitting in my closet was a painters starter kit that had never been touched.  What a great first project to work on.

How I did it
First I did a Google search for an outline drawing of the state and province I wanted to paint.  Printed them out, did a rough cut out and then traced it onto watercolor paper.

I then roughly traced around the pencil line with a white crayon, watercolor is resistant to wax.  This step helped keep the shape of the province intact while I painted.

To create a shape within the painting I used painters tape cut into a heart shape and placed it on the paper before I started.

For painting tips I watched a video I found on YouTube called Watercolor Painting Techniques.

There you have it, for a first painting I'am pleased with the results, it can only get better from here!

365 days photo challenge, day 23.

Happy Painting.

Quiet Day at Home

Insta-Play Gym

I turn my back for one second...

365 day photo challenge, day 21.

Morning Light

Today I enjoyed a quiet house and morning light with little bit.

365 day photo challenge, day 20.

Her First Show

Today I watched my first born dance her little heart out on stage.   Not shy at all, she waved and said a quiet hi to the audience as she walked out hand in hand with her teachers and fellow Twinkle Toe members.

We did our best to prepare her for what she would see from the stage; bright lights and smiling faces.  I told her to have fun, that she was safe and though she may not see us, mom and dad were out in the audience.

When the stage was lit she seemed amazed at where she was and almost wondering what she was doing there.  But then the familiar tune of her dance started playing and with a cue from the teachers she jumped right into her routine.  Head in hands, hips shaking, piqués and ballet turns, she danced from beginning to end not missing a step.  

...Yeah, I was grinning ear to ear with watery eyes.  It was one of those surreal moments where you think to yourself, "Wow, I'am a momma, and that's my baby girl out there."

365 day photo challenge, day 19.

Love you sweet heart, we are so proud of you, xoxox.

365 Days

Some days are easier than others when it comes to finding time or the right moments to bring out my camera.   I am learning however, to see photo opportunities in everyday life, and to push myself to meet my own personal goals.

But perhaps the best thing to come out of this challenge is this: Little moments that would have been forgotten over time will now always be remembered.

Kids can turn anything into a telephone.

Evidence of last years summer fun can now be found frozen in our kiddy pool. 

Rosy Cheeks

A fever today, her first one.

365 day photo challenge, day 17.

"Mommy, dinner time."

There's been a lot of dinners served in Addie's room lately.  If its not food of the plastic variety its stale cornflakes that have been sitting in her room for days, de-lish.  She loves this game, takes it very seriously.  If this were a real restaurant she would be receiving quite the tip, for I barley have enough time to finish my cup of tea before she's ready to pour me another.

Oh I see you there little bit, A+ for mess making.

Sunshine and Bubbles

The sun was out inviting us to come out of our den and soak up its rays.  We obliged with the years first round of bubbles and trips down the slide.

******

There's a very special show coming up.

Painted Sky

365 day photo challenge, day 14.

Sister's at Play

365 day photo challenge, day 13.

Baby its Cold Outside

Eskimo Kisses party inspiration?

365 days photo challenge, January 12th.

Shari's

We have been eating a lot of family breakfasts at Shari's lately.  I like it there, it reminds me of my grandma.  She used to take us out to lunch there on our birthdays, or before one of our many bingo dates.  I miss her, the sound of her voice, her company and caring heart.  I wish she could have been at my wedding and I know she would have adored my kids.  If only time didn't make the memories fade,  I could just close my eyes and be in her presence.  I'am glad to have these little reminders...

Wild Child.

Miss you Grahms. xoxo

Eskimo Kisses Party by Itsy Belle

We celebrated Valentine's Day early with an Itsy Belle Eskimo Kisses Party photo shoot today.  I'm not going to reveal any of the party details here, so keep your eye out for Its'y Belles Post!  For now here's a sneak peak of the new line coming soon to the shop.

365 days self photo challenge, day 10.