Photography!!

   Earlier this year I mentioned that it was my goal to learn how to use my camera. Well, after playing around with my camera for a couple of months, Mark and I decided it was time to get some actual instruction. I signed up for the beginners photography course with Rita Zietsma of Rita Zietsma Photography. I loved it! I learned so much about my camera. I found Rita to be a great teacher and she was able to explain different aspects of photography to me in a way that I could understand. I have a more thorough understanding of my camera and its different "modes". I also feel more confident when taking pictures (which is huge for me!). Hopefully I can utilize this new-found knowledge and start producing some gorgeous shots of my kiddos and life! Throughout the four week course we had homework to practice what we were learning, to gain some experience and to learn from Rita's critique. Here are some of my pieces:

Working on Aperture:

Shutter Speed:

Having fun with it! 

Christmas Time is Coming!!

   This has been such a FUN holiday season so far! I love having a creative, active, excitable toddler to share these fun times! This year I didn't do a beautiful/creative advent calendar or plan a special holiday activity for each day in December, but I am trying to make this season a little different and special for Pj. I have tried to do a couple of different activities each week. The first week of December we started with decorating Christmas cookies with her cousins at her Aunt Danielle's. Pj loved this activity - mostly for the the spoonfuls of icing and the cookies that 
she got to eat!
  Another fun holiday activity that we enjoyed was that Santa Claus Parade in Fergus. This was both, Pj and Mark's, first Santa Claus Parade! She (ad Mark) had a lot of fun! Pj got to enjoy her first cup of hot chocolate (it was from the health food store, so no judging!), eat a candy cane, and watch all kinds of different floats and people walk passed. She was a little wary of some of the people in their costumes but all in all, she loved it. We, as parents, also learned that it pays to go to the parade with an adorable kiddo - we she received so many candy canes! We have not really introduced the idea of Santa Claus or talked about him a whole lot with Pj so I think she was a little confused about all the hype when he finally went passed. She did feed off of our excitement and squealed and waved at Santa with the best of them though! Mark and I have decided to not do the whole "santa claus" thing with our kids - perhaps a topic for another post! We do still enjoy the "tradition" of seeing Santa in a parade and getting pictures on his lap so it was fun to wave and cheer when he passed us at the parade. 
   After the parade we went home, ate supper, and then decorated our Christmas tree while listening to Christmas music, drinking eggnog and eating candycane icecream. Mark and I have done this every year since we have gotten married, but this is the first time that Pj really got excited and joined in the fun. She LOVED decorating the tree! At the end our tree was definitely bottom heavy, with all of the ornaments at Pj height or below. The OCD in me has had me slowly evening the tree out each day since we put it up - Pj doesn't seem to notice or mind (does this make me horrible?!). When people come over Pj quickly brings them to see our tree and tells them all about how she "made" it. She thinks that the tree is so beautiful! She loves the lights and turning the tree lights on is the first thing we do every morning (even before her bottle, which is HUGE). 

Pj showing Mark the ornament she chose at the store.

Learning how to hang an ornament. She was shown once and then she was good to do it on her own!

My little girlie - its a struggle to get her to smile at the camera sometimes! She's posing with her ornament :).

She decided the tree needed more garland. Don't ask about her outfit. She lately has been walking around pantless and with Big C's socks. I don't question anymore...

Our "bottom-heavy" tree. So cute watching her hang all the ornaments and exclaim "pretty!" each time!

   This week we baked a whole bunch of cookies and squares which we are bringing to our neighbours tomorrow. Pj helped with the baking and with picking out the containers to put the treats in. My hope is that she will actually talk to our neighbours (at the very least say a cheerful "Merry Christmas") when we go to their doors. I really want to stress to Pj the importance of giving and showing love to those in all areas of our lives!

Eating the icing. No worries, we aren't giving away the cookies she decorated :). 

A future baker in the making perhaps?! :D

   We have also done a DIY for Daddy's stocking (which didn't turn out quite the way I hoped so we'll be fixing it up next week). I'll do a post on this after Daddy sees his gift! It was so cute watching Pj make something for her Daddy! She took pride in her work and was quite focused on make it "just so". So excited for Mark to see what his little princess made for him!
   I have a couple of more ideas for the coming weeks, including: making snowflakes, having Pj pick out a stocking present for Big C (its never too early to teach her to give, right?), making a wreath for our front door (not sure if she'll help with this one or just wander off with her cousins), check out the lights display at Riverside Park, and a couple of other things! I try to discuss the importance of this season: Christ. She's still young, and a lot of the story goes over her head...but she ends most stories of Him with an "I love you Jesus" which just breaks my heart. I hope that she will still be saying that in years to come. I also wish (a little bit) that I could just as easily accept and exclaim "I love you Jesus!". Slowly Pj's budding faith is teaching me! 
   This holiday season has been the best that I can remember! I love sharing all these special memories with the three most important people in my life. If you're reading this, I hope you have a wonderful couple of weeks leading up to the celebration of Christ's arrival. Merry Christmas! 

Our finished tree :)!

5 Months!

   In less than 1 week Big C turns half a year old! I know right!?!? Where in the world did that half year go!?
   Before that day arrives I thought I should quickly post his 5 month update. Mostly so that when I if I get around to making his first year scrapbook (I seriously am not even done Pj's first week in her scrapbook - really not holding my breath on getting Big C's done anytime soon!) I will have the information that I need. 
   So, without further ado....here's my little munchkin at the 5 month mark!!

*Big C is super busy and active. He is continually kicking his feet and waving his arms. He rarely will lie on his back and instead prefers to quickly roll to his tummy and will try to grab and investigate anything within his reach. 
*Big C rotates (while on his tummy) in order to watch whoever is around (mostly Pj). He finds Pj a great source of entertainment. 
*Pj adores her little brother. She will often stop what she is doing to cover Big C in hugs and kisses. She is quick to go and comfort him with a "its k Tase, its ok" if he is crying. He always has a soother, his elephant and a blanket because Pj makes sure that he does. Pj can get him giggling by dancing and saying funny words/making funny noises. He greets her with a giant smile whenever she comes close to him. I can't wait to see their friendship continue to grow in the coming months/years!

*Big C loves nursing. He eats so well and is very easy. We have put spoons of food in front of his mouth, but he has no interest in eating anything new. Pj had already been eating for at least 1 month by this time, but Big C is content to stick to what he knows. 
*Big C is a very happy baby. He rarely cries but often laughs! He also has a very high pitched squeal that he uses quite regularly to get attention or voice his enjoyment while playing or interacting with someone. 
*Big C sleeps quite well. He sleeps through the night (most nights). If he does get up in the middle of the night its just for a quick feed and back to sleep. He is still sleeping in our room but his nursery is starting to take shape and this Momma is very excited for him to be in his own room soon!

That's it for now! We love our baby boy and can't believe how quickly he is growing. We see God every day through this little life - I can not explain the amazingness of a baby without attributing it to our awesome Creator. God is good!

Wonder

    Wonder. Pj taught me a beautiful lesson this evening. A lesson on Wonder. When Mr. L reminded me, after supper, that we had to go out to pick up his car from the mechanic's house - I saw it as an annoying ill timed chore. A chore that involved moving a finally-sleeping-baby into his car seat, dressing a cranky-should-be-in-bed-toddler into her winter wear, and a very cold dark drive. To say I was less than excited is an understatement. In fact, I would even say, I grumped. I grumped about how I was tired. I grumped about how Pj hadn't napped and would now probably whine the whole way. I grumped about how Big C would probably wake up and want to nurse...again (because he's into this whole "cluster feeding thing" lately). I grumped.
   I do have to admit here that I have a very patient husband. He apologized...for something that wasn't even his fault! He didn't decide to break the car on Friday, and have it get worked on over the weekend, and need to be picked up on Monday evening (in fact, he would much rather not have his car rusting out around him, thank you very much!). But he apologized anyways. And then he kissed me on my forehead, changed a couple of diapers and helped me get the kids ready to go out into the cold (all the while I was still grumping).
   Anyways, back to my lesson on Wonder. We were almost at the mechanics house when I noticed a house all decked out Christmas style. I pointed it out to Pj as a point of interest but didn't really think anything of it....until I heard the gasp come from her carseat followed by, "Oh wow Momma! Pitty house!!!". She was in awe. To her, the house was dressed like a princess (something she actually said :D). It was dressed up, and she was blessed to be able to witness it. From then on she looked out the window and pointed out each and every decorated house on the street (and on any streets she could get a glimpse of at intersections!). She was mesmerized with Wonder at the beauty of it  all! And I was put to shame. Instead of seeing this little trip as a chore I could have seen it as an adventure with the three people I love most in this world. I could have been open to the Wonder all around me from the very beginning. It took a 2 year old to remind me that every day is filled with Wonder - we only need to stop and notice.
   On the way home I found myself driving slowly up and down the streets in our neighborhood. Pj and I "oohed" and "awed" at all the beautifully decorated houses. I drove basking in the Wonder that Pj was experiencing. Although this is her third Christmas season, to her, its her first. And with this first comes Wonder. I've noticed it a couple of times over this past week - Wonder at the snow slowly falling, Wonder at the frosty windows, Wonder at the need for a hat because the wind is blowing coldly, and now Wonder at the beautiful Christmas lights. The twinkling lights pulled her in and she was so content to be amazed. I want to enjoy that Wonder. My hope is that I can slow down and try to experience life with even a small percentage of the Wonder that Pj greets each day. Hopefully this way I can help Pj to not loose her Wonder. My hope is also that I can teach Pj the true Wonder of this season. The Wonder of our Saviour's coming. Truthfully, there is no greater Wonder than that! Wonder. 

My little Pj - teaching me more than I think I teach her! 

Princess Pj!

    Lately, after getting dressed, Pj has started twirling around and saying, "Paytee a pincess Momma!". I have no idea where she learned this but I think its pretty cute :). Although, this does bring up the "issue" (I use that term lightly) of ensuring that she realizes her beauty is so much more than her clothes and appearance. Mark and I chatted about it one night and we think its something that we need to emphasis even from the young age of 2. We want Pj to know that her outer beauty is not what is of the most value. Instead, her character is of the most importance - her loving nature, her kind heart, and her strong will (when exercised properly). At the same time we want Pj to grow up being confident and assured of her beauty (whether she fits society's ideal or not). I guess its a fine line. Our goal and daily prayer is that, with God's guidance, we will be able to help mold Pj into a young woman who desires to be Christ-like in all she does. If this can become her life's goal she truly will be a Princess. A Princess in the truest sense of the word: for her Heavenly Father is a King. 

Autumn 2014

   WELLLLLLL, I never did finish the last six days of my 30 Day Photo Challenge...but that's okay because I have just decided to call it my 24 Day Photo Challenge! Woot! Success :). 

   We've had a pretty busy Fall Season. What with cottages, Autumn walks, baking, canning, sewing, visiting, trick or treating, and Chase's dedication I don't know where the time has gone! Here are some pictures of our last couple of weeks.

   My oldest sister Danielle is expecting her fourth baby! This means that a couple of weeks ago I got to watch two of her kiddos while she went to a midwife appointment! I love having these girlies over. They keep Pj occupied and I love catching up with them (definitely miss seeing them daily like I did when we lived with them!). 

Pj and her cousin Kiera colouring together! So sweet.

Beautiful Madisyn.

Life is so funny!

I had to share this picture - Pj's face is epic! I was trying to get both girls to look at the camera at the same time so I may have made a very strange yelping noise - their different reactions are hilarious. Kiera is shocked and Pj finds me quite funny.

 

    We were able to enjoy some beautiful Fall weather - cool but sunny! Pj, Big C and I took full advantage and made sure we got out for lots of walks! We love living in the city. We walk to get groceries, visit the park, check out the many thrift stores in our neighborhood, and generally just get outside! We also are loving our large green space in our backyard. Here are some pictures I snapped of Pj enjoying this great outdoor space!

She LOVES being outside! 

      The cooler weather does mean that we have had to spend more time inside too though! I am having a little difficulty coming up with things to keep Pj busy. Big C is still easy enough - he is getting busier but enjoys playing in his swing, on his playmat, and watching Pj play. 

Pj decided to play "dress-up" one day instead of having a nap. She came down to show me her creation - wearing three of her skirts all at once :)! She was so proud and thought she looked really "pitty!". 

What to do on a cold rainy afternoon? Why not have a "bath" in the sink while Momma bakes? Works for Pj! She played in the sink for HOURS!

She really has been pulling some funny faces lately.

Afternoon cuddles! I love that she is becoming more cuddly!

   At the beginning of the Summer Mark and I changed our church membership to Crestwicke Baptist Church. Its been such a blessing to our walk of faith, our marriage and our family life. We also have been blessed by some very amazing people coming into our lives. One family has a little girl a couple of months older than Pj and a little boy a couple of months younger than Big C - could it get any more perfect?! 

Big C and his buddy Alexander!!

Our bundle of blessings - best friends in the making! Nadia, Alexander, Pj, and Big C!

   Pj has fallen in love with her baby brother. I have to constantly watch her to make sure she isn't hugging him to death! She especially loves cuddling him - giving him hugs, kisses, and laying beside him as he naps. 

   Halloween night fell onto a cool and rainy night. We had picked up some thrifted costumes for our kiddos so we dressed them up and just took them up and down our Condominium road. It was great to meet some of our new neighbours! Pj was so cute! She would knock on the doors, say "tick or tweat" and "tank you" all on her own! She was very excited about the candy in her bucket! Since then we have used the treats as her morning snack - she is so good. She carefully picks out her snack and happily eats her "hard earned" treats!

Our little cow. Pj thought he looked so cute! She kept saying "mooo" to him. The next day she was able to tell her Grandma and Grandpa what Big C was dressed as - which shows how old she is getting (to be able to recall events from the previous day...that's new!). 

Our little monkey aptly dressed as a monkey! She was so adorable. So proud of my little girl!

   We have had a busy but wonderful Autumn! I am in love with our life right now. We have a beautiful home, a wonderful Church family, amazing children and an Awesome God! There are days that I can not believe that this is my life! 

   I'll leave with some last pictures of my amazing blessings. Pj and Big C - my loves! 

Day 30: But Only the 24th Post in the 30 Day Photo Challenge :(

   So 30 days ago I decided to challenge myself to take a picture every day and post it. Although I didn't complete the challenge perfectly I did do pretty good :). I missed 6 days - but I am going to do those 6 days over the next 6 days (until Day 36) so I think that that's fair! :)

Day 30.
Fun Visits!

We had some visitors today - Kiera and Maddie came to visit while their Momma had an appointment. These girls are so fun - they fight like siblings but love each other and play nicely together too! Here they are taking care of their babies.

I couldn't resist posting a second photo - I love Pj's face here! Pure joy and excitement!! And Kiera just looks stunned. I have to admit that I had just made a very strange yelping noise to get their attention! Lol.

Baby Jesus, E, F, G...

   We're learning our alphabet over here. Pj is getting pretty good but has made some adjustments of her own to our English Alphabet. I guess she figured there just wasn't enough praise happening in this new song, so she changed it to, "Baby Jesus, E, F, G...etc.". Its so cute that I have a hard time correcting it :). She loves to sing and can often be heard softly singing "Baby Jesus.." as she plays around the house. From the mouths of babes!

Day 29: My growing kiddos!

   Time literally flies once you have children! I can't believe that I am the Momma to a 2 year old and a 4 month old. It feels like just yesterday that we found out that I was pregnant for the first time (boy, was that a strangely exciting and at the same time terrifying moment!). Now less than 3 short years later, here I am sitting on the ground of my living room writing this blog while Pj bops me on the head with her empty bottle asking for "moe" sticks her emtpy bottle down my shirt and asks "where bobble melk go Mommy?" with a mischievous grin (have I mentioned she is a crazy character lately?) and Big C snores on the couch behind me. This may be a very busy time of life for me (and I definitely NEVER get all the things on my list crossed off) but I have to say...I am LOVING life right now! I hope that time can slow down a bit because I am not ready for my kiddos to keep growing up! 

4 months and 2 years! Wow! 

Days 25, 26, and 27

   This past weekend we went up north to the Faber Cottage to celebrate Mark's parent's 30th Wedding Anniversary! It was such an enjoyable weekend with the entire Lodder Clan. As such I wasn't able to post any pictures during the weekend but here is my catch-up! We had a great weekend of catching-up, playing the "Name Game", eating good food, and enjoying nature (walks and ATVs!). 

   5 years ago we also went to a cottage to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary - its amazing how much has changed in just 5 short years! There are now three married couples (then there was only one), 4 grandchildren and one on the way (then there was just one on the way), a new boyfriend (Leana was waaaay too young five years ago for that ;)!), and a beautiful young adult sister-in-law (who just five years ago was an adorable kiddo! Jenna STOP GROWING UP!!). God has definitely blessed the Lodder Clan! 

   Here are a few pictures that were snapped quickly over the weekend! I wish I had taken my camera out to take a picture of the picturesque cottage, lake and fall colours. 

Uncle Tyler getting some Big C cuddles!

Beautiful Jenna (my dear sister-in law)

My sister-in-law Leana and her bf Jordan - reading (so often reading... ;)!).

My handsome man all geared up to do some ATVing!! He sure had fun and came back WET!

My handsome oldest nephew Kellan - what a cutie!!! 

Big C!! I feel like I hardly saw my kiddos the whole weekend! They were so well taken care of (and cuddled) by all their aunts, uncles, and grandparents!

A quick shot of Pj as she ran past - she loves playing with her cousins and didn't have much time for picture taking! She also went on the ATV and LOVED it!!

Pj enjoying the rocking horse - we have one at home and she loves it too! Maybe horse riding lessons are in her future ;)!! 

:) Adam and Lydia - I know Adam is mid-talking but Lydia just looks super cute ;) Can't wait to meet Baby #3 in a couple of months!! What a beautiful Momma this little one has!

   Horrified that I didn't get any pictures of the celebrating couple!! Thankfully we are getting family pictures done with the Lodder Clan in a couple of weeks so there will be pictures of them then!!! It will also be nice to have a picture of the entire family - so many people, so many blessings!