We had the kids birthday today at the Urban Treehouse in Airdrie.  The kids have been excited about it all week, saying proudlly 'I'm 4!'.  Is our birthday tomorrow?  Practicing singing Happy Birthday.  Picking out their own birthday candles and cake.  Birthday party = presents connection is made.  So much has changed in a year, and not just that they look more like little men. 

We shared the day with cousins Evan and Luke, and friends Aidan and David.  The kids were independent enough that the parents could scarf a coffee and get some chatting in.  Snacks, birthday cake, blowing out of candles.  Who knew that the party favors on the cake should have been counted - they were a big hit, and reluctantly shared.  Excited opening of presents - accompanied by a bossy Matthew telling his guests - No, you don't touch it!  It's our presents.  But he agreed that Calvin could touch them.  A big thank you, then off to play on the slide, in the water area, play with the toys, read books, and of course play with all the friends at the Thomas the train table.   A good time had by all, with little fuss, fighting or whining.  Good job all parents on that count, we know how challenging it can be to get there.

Thanks to everyone for coming, and being unreasonable driving to Airdrie to celebrate with us at this special place.  Pictures are posted in the gallery, and video an attraction coming soon.

it's been a while...

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This was in response to an email from a friend who is a new mommy who was looking for help in organizing her life and equally splitting responsibilities with her partner...I couldn't resist.  I love my life, and thank you to all who make it possible for it to be as full, rich and joyful as it is.

Mike's working full time for Jan-Mar, which means another 8 hours for him, but I'm looking to give him as much peace and quiet as possible on the days I take care of the kids. I like to go to the gym in the mornings, which has childcare, but it has a major downside that they pick up the cold/flu of the week, and after a couple days, they're sick with something else and I can't take them to the gym, and I've likely caught some form of it too. Thank goodness I have a treadmill at home. I hope your family is faring better, it seems we're always sick with something, drat it. Maybe it's just a right of passage, being a Mom.

A finished commission for a 12 foot table runner churned out my first 3 days of vacation, in my 'spare time' before the kids woke in the mornings, for as long as they would play beside my sewing machine, and during their naps.  It took 13 hours, 6 more than I expected