Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Project 365


We've had such an amazing past couple weeks, but I would have the hardest time describing it, or describing why it's been amazing. Really, there have just been lots of ordinary, garden-variety little moments one after another, precious in their own simple way.

This year I started a scrapbook project called 'Project 365.' The goal is to take one photo a day for an entire year and write a little journal entry to go along with everything. The project was a kit that Creating Keepsakes put out. It sold out within hours, which NEVER happens, so I guess a lot of people dug the idea. They made a free digital kit available to us poor schmucks who weren't on it. It's barebones, but the concept still applies. I love this project because it's quick and easy, and allows me to capture my amazing year of 4<3 year olds in a fun way. It's funny already to go back and see the first glimpses of what would become bigger changes in the kids, or remember a major issue that no longer applies.
Over the past couple weeks a lot project 365 moments have occurred, such as:

Christian is without a doubt like a bright little firefly or shiny little button. He has so much energy; he's constantly cooing or talking with so much expression and intonation that it really feels like he's carrying on a conversation, it's just in a different language. But he's also pretty mellow for the most part; he goes down sooo easily for his naps and rarely gets worked up about anything. He loves to spin around on his tummy. He also LOVES his Playskool Kick start gym. When he kicks the foot pedals little wheels spin above him. He likes to bring his feet up to kick the swings that are supposed to be for his hands. He looks just like a little gymnast when he does this.

(A few weeks ago I dedicated an entire post to Jack. I haven't done that since then, but it doesn't mean I haven't been connecting and thinking about my other little guys!)

I love the look of splendid wonder on Christian's face as he's discovering how to shake a rattle. He's been able to do it for awhile, but lately it seems like he's really intrigued by the sounds and colours when he shakes.

Julian especially loves walking over to the Persian bakery just three blocks from our house. Whenever we go we're always surrounded by baby-admirers and everybody treats us like celebrities.

Jackie absolutely loves playing with his toes. He especially likes grabbing onto them and chanting out 'aaaiiaaiii' like a little Tarzan swinging through the jungle. He grabs them whenever and wherever he can!


Jack also loves to try and reach the fish on his Fisher Price aquarium swing. They're part of the mobile and meant to be looked at, not grabbed at. I have no idea how he manages to touch them, he really arches his back when he reaches up. So cute.

Finding places for everyone to sleep has been a challenge, and we're on the verge of moving to a 3 bedroom.

We were so sad when Grandma Gail got suddenly and inexplicably really sick last week and had to be hospitalized for a few days! She lost a lot of blood, and although she's out now and feeling fine she can't lift anything so she isn't able to help us in the way she used to. We miss her terribly, but are so grateful for all the help she has given us. We couldn't have gotten this far without her. This is a photo of the last night she came to help.

Ian's been teaching Caleb and Julian to play soccer in our 'backyard' with their Christmas present from Nana. Julian loves it, Caleb's not a fan.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

A Crush on My Hood



I've learned to detect the changing of the seasons not by temperature, as in my native Alberta, but by foliage. Spring is my favorite. The pink star jasmine busts out and the air for blocks around smells like heaven, the fuschia bourganvillea with its otherworldly colour gives me a shout out, and the delicate California poppies seem to beckon for a cup of tea. The best thing is that I can enjoy it all just by heading out the door for my daily walk. I've always had a thing for this area, but I recently developed a serious crush on our neighborhood.

Star jasmine. The real inspiration behind the 'popcorn popping' song.


The homes here are small and modestly designed, but the lots and yards are a good size and everyone seems to have a green thumb, or hire really good gardeners. We're walking distance to all sorts of shops, restaurants, a great park. I want to stay here so bad it hurts sometimes! We're making the 2 bedroom situation work for now, but at some point we need 3 rooms. Today I saw a sweet two bedroom home for a reduced... drum roll please... $879000. Wow! What a steal! Sigh. I keep thinking that dropping real estate values are going to bring properties around here into our price range, the possibility is there from a historical standpoint, and nearly-acceptable areas close by are starting to hit our range. But for now I'm praying and hoping as hard as I can for a miracle. Please, let us stay. Maybe not forever, but at least another half decade of springs.

Julian gets ready to join me with his 'baby doggie'

making ourselves cozy in the ivy corner of our common backyard. Our manager has kindly allowed us to take it over with baby gear.

walking near the geraniums

I know this sounds horrible, but from a certain standpoint I think it's fair. GO RECESSION... GO!
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