Simple Things: Sunshine

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.

I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty,

believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
Louisa May Alcott

The view from my front door earlier this week. 

I noticed how the days are getting longer and

one can't help but smile at the added brightness in our days.

  

Linking up with:

Simple Things Sunday: Winter Walk

Yesterday, we decided to get outside for a walk. The weather was ideal for getting out and about with the babe - partially sunny, no wind, temps hovering right around zero celcious. We grabbed the backpack carrier and headed out to explore a local woods trail. It was an hour more than well spent. Fresh air in our lungs, sun on our faces, activity for our bodies, and, best of all, family time together.

One of my favourite pics from the afternoon was this one of D with HP on his back. Heading down the trail, sun starting to set, not another soul in sight, such peace.

And HP loved the walk. As long as he's moving and grooving, he's generally good to go. This was the first time we used the Kelty carrier and he quite enjoyed being up there. He would actually lean a little to the left or right to get a better view. That's our nosy-parker ;)

And what's a family adventure without a self-portrait?!

Linking up with:

I Had a Featured Photo!!

I sometimes link up a photo from our week with Rebecca Cooper's Simple Things post on Sundays, as I did this week. In the days following, she also does a round-up of her favourite photos from that week and this week ... my photo was featured!! Woot woot! The sunny photo of my sweet valentine was the first of four photos she highlighted from the week... out of 96 submissions!

HP really is terribly cute, so I guess I shouldn`t be surprised ;) Of course, this is also the photo submitted in Bellies & Bundles Facebook contest, so if you want to support our entry head on over here and click like on the photo. The competition is very cute and a few are closing in on our lead quickly, so every click of support would be appreciated.

And just in case you need to see our sweet valentine again, here he is:

Simple Things: My Valentine

My funny + sweet + kissable Valentine.

This picture just makes me smile. So much so, I entered it in a contest hosted by our local baby/maternity shop, Bellies and Bundles. If you wanna share a little early V-Day love for my boy (and help us win to boot!) just visit this link and click 'like' on the photo. He's got some cute competition too, so every click helps!

Happy Week Everyone!

Simple Things: His First Snowfall



'

"can we go play mom? can we? can we?"


We went to Nanny's house earlier in the week to escape the loud hammers and saws and nail guns as the working crew laid new hardwood floors in our place. We ended up snowbound for a day longer than expected. Hudson loved watching his first real snowfall through the window. He smacked his hands against the window while babbling excitedly. And when he saw Poppy plowing the snow on the bike, well that near about put him over the edge with glee. He seemed to think it was all the coolest (pun intended) thing! Me, well I thought the coolest thing was that sweet face as he watched the snow drift and blow all about.

Linking up with Rebecca Cooper's Simple Things

Simple Things: Storytime with Nanny

Hudson and I have been going to the fall story time program at our local children's library. Friday was the last session and we were lucky enough to have Nanny, who lives an hour and half away, join us. It was nice to see Hudson cuddled up in her arms listening to the stories and songs. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, Nanny, Hudson, or me.

Linking up with Rebecca Cooper's Simple Things:

Simple Things: Bathtime

I love how this sweet face looks just like his daddy's.
I love how the kitchen mess is there in the background.
I love how a bath in the sink shows the simplicity of childhood.

 Linking up with Rebecca Cooper`s Simple Things.

Simple Things Sunday

Some of the simplest things, like a hike with my boy on a chilly fall day, are the ones that bring the most joy.



Taken on the East Coast Trail



Linking up with Rebecca Cooper`s Simple Things.

Simple Things - Strawberries

Most of the year, the only strawberries available around these parts are the ones shipped in from some strawberry farm. While good at filling the out-of-season void, they don`t even come close to the ``real``, small, sweet, juicy strawberries that symbolize summer. Such a simple thing.

What made you smile this week?

Simple Things Sunday

A simple moment that made me smile this week was seeing our new little dude decked out to celebrate his first Canada Day! You can read my Canada Day thoughts here or you can just enjoy this pic as much as I do :)

Linking up with the Simple Things Challenge:

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Simple Things - Sunbeams

After a week of going a little stir-crazy in the house and awaiting baby's (overdue) arrival, seeing sunshine and blue skies on Friday was wonderful.

There's just something about feeling spring in the air that brings a smile to your face. You can't help but want to be out in it, soaking up the light, breathing in the fresh air, listening to the drip of melting snow. The ground might be a mix of mud and slush and crusty snow, yet you know just beneath it, new life is waiting to burst through.

I ventured out for a short stroll (not straying too far from the house in either direction, just in case the wee one decided it would be a good time to be a new life bursting through) and couldn't resist capturing the beautiful sunbeams.

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. ~Virgil A. Kraft

What made you smile this week?

Linking up with Rebecca Cooper's Simple Things challenge:

Simple Things - Essie

There's just something about a new bottle of nail polish that makes me smile, especially when it's at a spa awaiting a pedi!

Essie nail polish in Raisinuts

I finished up work this week and kicked off my year of maternity leave as a lady of leisure...complete with a massage, lunch with my hubby and a good friend, a pedicure and a couple of St. Paddy's Day socials. I enjoyed every second, knowing those days will be fewer and farther between once the wee one arrives (which is hopefully very very soon!).

before ...

and after!

Linking up with Rebecca Cooper's Simple Things challenge:

Simple Things - Paid In Full

This week, I received a letter confirming that I've paid my student loan in full.

After 10+ years, this formal business letter made me smile.

Simple Things - Breakfast in a Basket

Breakfast in a Basket

D and I celebrated Valentine's Day with a night out at Atlantica/The Beach House B&B. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner and headed back to our jacuzzi suite just a few steps away. The next morning, breakfast was delivered right to our door. Breakfast in a basket, now that's a simple thing that makes me smile.

The spread spread out on the bed. Now that's breakfast in bed.

Simple Things - Snow Day



We ended up with a snow day, well a snow morning, this week - meaning we didn't have the normal morning get-to-the-office routine (aka rush). Instead, we started the day in PJs, relaxing with cup of a coffee and a stack of blueberry pancakes. Normally a weekend-only experience, it was a small, simple pleasure during the usually hectic workweek. Pancake recipe and more pics here.

For more simple things, visit:

The Simple Things

Not wonderful photo, no, but it makes me smile all the same. We officially began work on the nursery this weekend! As D taped off moldings and edges, getting ready to paint, I snapped a few 'before' pics so we can see the difference once it's all done.

Getting ready for the wee one's arrival, now that's wonderful.

Thursday Gratitude

Like most people, I often fall in the rut of complaining. The car in front of me is driving too slow. The cashier isn't checking in groceries quick enough. The work day seems to be dragging on. And so on it goes. So, knowing this about myself, one of things I make a conscious effort to focus on instead is being thankful and appreciative of what is good in my life. It certainly takes more effort than complaining, but also has better results.

In reading this post by Kelly Willette yesterday, I was once again reminded to keep gratitude in mind. Perhaps it's because I have a baby on the way and know I will experience her night someday too soon and, honestly, I'm not sure I'd have her perspective at 3 am! Or perhaps it's because I read this story yesterday about a mom who is being penalized for wanting a better, safer life for her children. Regardless, I want to take a moment today to reflect on just a few of the blessings I am thankful for this Thursday:

1. A husband who loves his preggo wife enough to clean off the car, warm it up and shuttle me about, so I don't have to drive and park and walk too far in my current condition ;) Especially on slippery, snowy days like today.

2. Enjoying a healthy, relatively easy pregnancy up to 31 weeks (and now counting down!)

3. Having a good job where I can be productive and feel valued for the work I do.

4. Seeing my photo featured in the Simple Things round-up over at Rebecca Cooper's blog. Her Simple Things challenge is another way I try focus on appreciating the simple things in life. 

What are you thankful for today?

Simple Things - @ 7 Months

Self-Timer Pic :)

This week, I reached the 30-weeks pregnanct milestone. {Smile}. I wrote more about being 7 months along in this post. 

Simple Things

Almond Biscotti Candle from Anthropologie

We picked up this candle at Anthropologie while on our mini-American road trip this summer. It has this delicious, soft scent - just like a warm piece of almond biscotti. The scent is really quite mild, so you don't smell it all the time. But every so often, like one evening this week, I catch this toasty sweet smell and it always makes me think 'mmmm, what is that?'

When I remember its from the candle sitting on a side table in our living room, I smile. The smell alone is worth a smile, but it is also about the memories of a hot July afternoon in Chicago with my husband at one of my favourite stores (I do wish we had an Anthro near me in Canada!).

It is the simple things that make us smile. For more simple things:

The {Simple} Things

I'm joining Rebecca Cooper again to celebrate the simple things in life. This week its about surprise deals.


I found these chipboard books in the $1.50 bin at Micheals this weekend. A deal in and of itself, but the part that made me really smile: They were 70% off AND I had  '20% off entire purchase' coupon, making them only 36 cents each. With my first baby on the way, I'm sure I'll put them to good use soon enough!

Check out Rebecca Cooper's blog for more simple things.