Bungalow'56

A Little Bit Off Kilter

2012-02-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Youngest just wasn't feeling herself.
A little under the weather.
A little bit off kilter.
Maybe overtired.

It didn't matter.

It was a stay home day.

We decided a cup of Chai Tea might be just what the doctor ordered.

But even the special tea didn't quite do the trick.

So this mama asked her if she wanted to have her nails done.

I'm not sure when the last time was that I would have done this for her?

Years maybe.

She's been doing it right alongside her sisters for a very long time.

Always trying to keep up.

She picked out her favourite colour.

And let me clean her nails.

She let me hold her hands and take off the old polish,

and she rubbed the oil I dropped onto her nails into the cuticles.

She wanted me to paint them ballerina pink.

We didn't talk much.

She watched and I painted.

And I realized...

It was one of the best hours I've spent in an awfully long time.

When I was done, she just looked at her hands and said,

"Mom, I don't think my hands have ever looked this nice before."

And she started to feel a little more like her old self.

And you know what?

So did I.

xoxo,

Remember To Ask For A Few Refills

2012-02-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Blogging is an interesting past time.

Some days I have so many stories and pictures to post,
I feel as though I am only capturing a sliver of what is happening at the Bungalow.

Other times I feel as though the well is dry.
The blog is weighing heavily on my mind these days.
It's as though I have nothing to share that is even remotely interesting.

I realize also that my camera has been staying in its case.
Why?
I'm not sure.
Even Middlest asked me why I'm not taking pictures anymore.

It could be that life here, over the past few weeks has been busy.
The kind of busy that when your head hits the pillow
you are not even sure what you did that made you feel so tired;
because it's just all a blur.

The Agronomist has been a road warrior.
While I have stayed home to attend to the activities of the older two,
he has been driving with Youngest to soccer tournaments.
Both have been seven hours away.
It's just what the reality is, when you live in a very northern town.

And in between these weekend jaunts he has been traveling for work.
Two weekends over the past month, he has arrived home Thursday night
just in time to pack and leave for the weekend.

But this past weekend we made a hard decision
and decided everyone was going to go despite several commitments.
Eldest missed an important planning meeting
and Middlest missed a basketball tournament.
But it was necessary.
We all needed to feel like a family again.

I am so glad we did.
Everyone felt it.
It was good for us.

And no I did not take out my camera,
except for a few action shots on the soccer field.
I just wanted to be present.
It was what I needed.

This getting busier as the kids get older is so true.
And I know it isn't just us.
We just don't seem to have the opportunity to see our friends anymore
to know that they are living the same reality.

And even though The Agronomist had to get up this morning
to fly away for another three days,
We know it will go by fast.

Our family cup is full.

The secret I realize, is to just make sure we remember to ask for a few refills.

xoxo,

Friday's Favourites: I Have Discovered The Fountain Of Youth

2012-02-03T20:17:00.003-07:00

In light of last weeks Friday Favourite Hand Cream,

I felt I needed to revisit my first love:

which I wrote about back in November of 2010.

Once I did, I realized it too had its merits.

So now I use both my Fountain of Youth hand cream, slathering it on first,

with my lovely Lemony Scented Body Shop Cream over top.

Truly? It is the best of both worlds.

If you missed it: Here is the post I still ~~hand~~ stand by today.

This is one of my hands.

They don't normally bring a smile to my face.

I usually keep them hidden.

But today they will be the subject of my Tuesday's Sweet Shot.

I've checked and this is not an "actual sized" picture.

It has been reduced by almost 50%.

You see,

I have my mother's hands,

And she?

She has her father's hands.

You remember David and Goliath?

He was Goliath.

Except only his hands were used in the story.

He wore a size 16 wedding band.

This, unlike my hand, is a small pot of hand cream.

I've also checked this photo, and this is not an "actual sized" picture.

It has been enlarged by approximately 50%.

It is a small pot of hand cream that has impacted my life in a HUGE way.

It is making me very happy.

Usually? My hands are discreetly tucked away.

I don't often put them on display.

My hands and I?

Well, lets just say, we've had issues.

The nails? They bend. Manicures only last two days; tops.

The ring finger with the pot belly?

I decided to sprint outside and had a run in with a very.very. clean patio window.

It was my Martha Sister's fault.

Finger prints would have been handy, is all I'm saying.

Ring finger has never been the same.

I call her Porky now.

She's not too fond of that.

But I call them like I see them.

However, after receiving this gift from my Sister-Friend this past summer.

I've begun to look at my hands in a new light.

They seem different.

Younger, Happier, Smoother.

They've come out of their shell.

(The ugly, leathery, cracked one.)

Right before my eyes, they have become supple and soft; graceful and feminine.

herbacin hand cream can be found at these locations

This little pot of gold has rocked my world.

It is my new best friend.

It comes with me wherever I go.

It fits perfectly in my pocket.

We are a team.

It has magical properties.

I am a changed woman,

Happier, smoother, younger... did I say that already?

The only problem I seem to be having with it,

is... people keep asking me why I am covering my face with my hands.

Isn't it obvious?

My hands are now my best feature.

I have discovered the fountain of youth.

And it is making me very happy.

In fact I think I may have to take up sign language.

It just seems like it would be the right thing to do.

xoxo

PS And while you may think this cream would be found only in the shops of elite european spas (as my Sister-Friend usually only gives gifts of this calibre) I am happy to report she made an exception, and here in Canada it has been spotted at Wal Mart, Staples, and Shopper's Drug Mart by yours truly.

Know Who You Are: My Word For 2012

2012-02-01T00:00:00.007-07:00

I believe it is important to know who you are.

To be able to look in the mirror and face up to the good the bad and the ugly.

So it is with this self knowledge that I have made an important decision.

I've chosen a word.

One that sits comfortably on my shoulders,

but not so comfortable that I don't know it's there.

I want it to shine bright for all the world to see.

I have never chosen one word before to use as my focus for the year.

It always seemed too confining.

And I could never find one that seemed to fit.

But this year I wanted to give it a try.

I've been thinking about it for awhile.

Back on Dec 31st, I even threw out a few possibilities on Facebook.

Fearless was an early favourite, but I didn't like that "fear" was a part of the word.

I also tried out Awesome for a positive spin on the year,

and just for a moment... Cake was also a contender, but for obvious reasons, was not in my best interest.

I thought about Focus, but again it was too open ended.

I wasn't completely happy with any of them.

So I figured once again I would live a wordless year in 2012.

I've never been one to jump on a bandwagon anyway.

But it just kept bugging me.

For some reason I wanted to find that illusive word.

And sure enough after letting it sit on the shelf for a month,

I've found one that I am thrilled with.

Finish.

You see I am a great starter.

I love to start things!

But for some reason, I never seem to break through that tape at the finish line.

If we're looking for an analogy of my life here, I think this one might give you a little insight:

The race starts and I begin at a good pace,

checking my pulse with an eye on the road.

But about half way

I start swatting at the bees,

and wishing I had bought new batteries for my iPod,

and tying my shoelaces,

which of course I need to step off the trail to do.

And while I'm off the trail I figure I may as well try to find a water fountain.

And then I can't help myself and I start smelling the flowers,

while down the trail, I buy an ice cream at the ice cream truck,

which then reminds me I need to buy more milk,

and maybe some cheese bread.

And before you know it,

I'm standing in my kitchen wondering why I'm wearing a headband

and melting ice cream is sitting on my counter.

And the race?

It ended two hours ago, short one racer.

This race of which I write?

I place my feet on the start line, each and every morning.

So you see, I am very excited about this word Finish.

It is going to be my mantra.

It could possibly change my life.

If I Finish all the things I start this year,

I could very well end up having to change my name to Martha Stewart Aniston PDub FlyLady.

Plus the tag line on this blog would have to change to

It's an Orderly, Clean, Beautiful Life and I happen to live it.

I know,

You may end up hating me.

But I'll have to take that risk.

Funnily enough,

the one thing I have never e.v.e.r. had trouble Finishing.

was the food on my plate.

It is now time to take this great skill and apply it to all areas of my life.

So with this last thought,

I will Finish this post.

Grete Waitz

For every finish-line tape a runner breaks - complete with the cheers of the crowd and the clicking of hundreds of cameras - there are the hours of hard and often lonely work that rarely gets talked about.

But don't you worry... I definitely plan on talking about it.

Welcome to 2012 my friends!

Over and out at Bungalow'56!

xoxo,

The Letter "K"

Getting That Perfect Shot Even When It's Not: A Photography Secret Revealed

2012-01-30T23:20:00.008-07:00

You may be surprised to know that when I first downloaded this photo from my camera,
I considered throwing it in the trash.

In fact, I'd be willing to bet,

if I was able to come over for a visit to your house,

and asked to see some of the photos on your hard drive's trash,

I would find some beautiful photos worth blowing up and hanging on your wall.

The photo above and below was a try at getting a photo
of glitter being blown toward the camera.
To say I wasn't happy with the shots I was getting would be an understatement.
Nothing seemed to be working.

The reason I am saying this, will be very clear once you see the original.

I want you to know that I asked Eldest's permission before showing you the photo below.

She said, "For the good of photography, mom , you can use it."

"I will let you show the world my "Voldemort" alter ego."

"But only If you think it will help."

So often, when we look at another photographer's work,

we figure they just have a magic touch.

Truth is, they take a lot of terrible photos.

The above shot was how most of the photos ended up turning out.

It was fah reezing cold out, the light was fading fast, I was grumpy and we were running out of sequins.

I just couldn't seem to make it work.

It wasn't until I got inside and downloaded the photos that I decided to try and

salvage something from the shoot.

And I'm so glad I did.

Cropping.

That is the secret,

It can be a photographer's best friend.

Sometimes just a slight crop to move your subject off centre

will take a photo from ho hum to special.

And other times, like here, a drastic crop

can create a completely different picture that really works.

So go take another look at some photos you may have always liked,

but figured they were too flawed to really use.

And see if maybe... just maybe, you might have a beautiful photo within.

xoxo,

This post will be linking up with Darcy for Sweet Shot Tuesday!

I've Been Thinking About Her All Morning

2012-01-27T11:12:00.002-07:00

As I post this, Eldest is sitting in a large gym with a hundred other students
writing her Physics 30 departmental exam.

I've been thinking about her all morning.

When I look at all the study papers strewn on the table, I casually lean over and read question 13:

Monochromatic, 6.20 x 1014 Hz EMR

is shone through diffraction grating which is rated at 150 slits/mm.

Determine the angle to the second-order maximum.

With her calculations and answer in pencil scribbled across beneath.

And I wonder how she is able to do it?

Her mother (that would be me) would have caught a bus to Timbuktu in order to

get out of any Physics courses.

As she was reviewing late last night, I figured I would make her feel better by saying,

"Just think Honey, after tomorrow, you'll never have to look at another Physic's problem ever again."

To which she looked up at me a little surprised and replied.

"I don't know... I kind of like it."

I just looked at her and said.... "Oh? Well of course if you like it you might want to take more."

Those Agronomist genes are strong my friends, v.e.r.y v.e.r.y strong.

xoxo,

Just For Laughs

2012-01-26T14:25:00.003-07:00

: )

I only walk now...

Shhh...please don't tell anyone.

I'm more of a modern dancer myself...

For one or more of my brothers in law.... they know who they are.

I need to cut down on the naps.... yeesh.

And they thought they were being all gangsta..... should we tell them?

I have a life supply now... just kidding : )

A few nights ago Eldest and I started to look through

the funny Pinterest pins, and started to get the giggles.

They got funnier and funnier as we continued on.

This is just a sampling of some of our favourites.

All of these can be found on Bungalow'56's "Funnee" Pinterest Board.

I have only begun to scratch the surface of all the funny out there in blogland.

Hope you enjoyed "Just For Laughs"

The giggle was on us.

Free of charge.

No gum necessary.

xoxo,

This post is linking with Jenny Matlock for

Alphabe Thursday's the letter "J"

It's Unbelievable Our Children Survived

2012-01-25T23:55:00.010-07:00

I do remember the happiest moment of my life.

I was driving in my little red Chevy Sprint with a baby car seat right beside me.

Yes, I know.

The front seat. It was ages ago. It's unbelievable our children survived.

She was facing me.

It was Sept 4th, 1995.

She was six weeks old.

The sun was shining, the windows were open. The wind was blowing through my hair.

And she was smiling up at me.

Do babies smile at six weeks? Maybe it was gas.
One can never be sure at six weeks.

All I knew was that I wasn't in the classroom with all the other teachers.

I wasn't calling out the names of my students,

as each new class of fourteen years olds walked into my room.

I couldn't wipe the grin stretching from ear to ear off of my face.

It was as though I was in a parade.

Except I wasn't waving to anyone.

In that instant I knew where my heart was.

I was where I was supposed to be.

And you know what?

Sixteen years later, I still feel the same way.

Because when I pick her up from school and look over at her in the seat beside me,

and she's smiling at me?

I can't help but smile back.

Because there is one thing I know for sure...

It's. definitely. not. gas.

xoxo,

Click Here for more Mama Kat!

By The Book

2012-01-23T22:57:00.008-07:00

"We read to know we are not alone." ~ C.S. Lewis

Our house is filled with readers.

This I know.

What a lovely twist of fate that our new library was built a hop,

skip and jump from the Bungalow.

The large TV sitting in our newly developed basement?

Remains dark and blank most days.

Books however?

Are a continuing phase.

To read is to dream.

And to dream is to fly.

I want my girls to find their wings.

And with their books... reach the sky.

xoxo,

I Loved Him From Afar

2012-01-22T00:00:00.012-07:00

I loved a boy from afar from grade seven through to college.
I saw him for the first time when I went to a volleyball tournament.
He wore the number nine.
And that is how I referred to him for years afterward.
He was beautiful.
My number nine and I had a connection... except that he didn't know.
He was my secret... except for all of my junior high girlfriends.
The kind of boy you could love from a far,
because he was so perfect, you knew he would never look your way.

He was blonde and blue eyed.
An athlete.
Looking back I don't think he was very tall,
although at the time I thought he was an Adonis.

I would look for him at tournaments,
and eventually found out his name.
A name I still remember.
He was a year or two older than me, and did not go to the same school I did.

All my friends knew of my Amour,
and would be sure to let me know of any little tidbit they had discovered about him.
His whereabouts, his girlfriends, his haunts.

By the time I was in high school, I kept seeing him near my home.
He had moved into an apartment building just down the street.
I did not know if he was still in school or working.
But it didn't matter.
I only hoped that I might get a glimpse of him as I walked to school each and every morning.
Some days my wish was granted.
Those were very good days.

Finally during the summer after my first year at college.
I met a nice boy.
I loved that he called me Red.
Did I mention he was a nice boy?
He was the kind of boy who I knew would end up making someone a wonderful husband.
Of this I was sure.

As much as I knew that, he didn't exactly make my ~~blood boil, palms sweat,~~ hair curl.
I realize as I look back, it was because he wasn't yet confident.
I wanted to make it work and continued seeing him much longer than I should have.

The night I knew I had to break up with him was very clear.
He had forgotten something back at his place and we needed to stop by there.
For some reason I had never been, and his roommate was home when we arrived.

There standing before me, as my boyfriend introduced me,
was my Adonis.
As though being transported back to that gym in grade seven,
I stood wide eyed and open mouthed trying to pretend I had no idea who he was.

I knew instantly I could no longer see my boyfriend,
as it wasn't fair to him that he had a girlfriend who was in love with his roommate.

Of course once I no longer dated Adonis's roommate, I no longer saw Adonis.
And that is the end of this fairy tale.
Not like Disney is it?
More like real life.

O.K. O.K. I did meet him once more at a night club, and as the evening came to a close,
he walked over and asked if I would like to dance.
He didn't remember me.
The song was a slow one.
It was lovely.
My palms sweat.
But it was still lovely.
I never saw him again.
He may have taken my number, but if he did, I've obviously blocked it out.
As I don't recall speaking with him again.

So when I ask my Eldest, who she has a crush on, and she tells me "no one"
I think it is important she knows that I don't believe her.
As she does have some of my DNA floating around in her somewhere.
Is it so wrong for a mother to know about any Adonis's that might be lurking out there?
I guess with face book the mystery and intrigue don't allow for the daydreams of my youth.

But that's OK, I'm sure I'll hear about it years down the road,
when she's in her forties and writes a stream of consciousness post...
spilling the whole story of her youthful longing onto the world wide web.

xoxo,

PS And while I wiled away many a day, dreaming about "Number Nine,"
I have since lived my dreams for the last nineteen years with my very own "Ten".
He knows who he is.

Bungalow'56 Friday Favourites: Your Hands Deserve It!

2012-01-20T13:32:00.014-07:00

This week I have a treat for you.

It is the opportunity to partake in a much needed beauty treatment.

And the best part about it? Your dishes will be magically washed at the same time.

"Friday Favourites" aims to share with you,

some great things we happen to love here at the Bungalow.

And today we have a few.

They are exciting let me tell you.

It is a beauty regimen aaaand cleaning miracle all rolled into one.

The first piece of this amazing puzzle is:

Rubber Gloves!

Please... don't stop reading now,

I promise it's going to get good.

Plus they are cooool rubber gloves.

They will make you want to wash dishes again and again and again.

Which is kind of how it already is... (not the wanting, but the doing,)

so it's a win win situation.

My Cool Sister sent me a Christmas gift of an assortment of her favourite things.

I've seen these gloves at the grocery store before, but never really gave them a second thought.

I don't usually wear rubber gloves when I wash dishes.

Mainly because I alway ended up with wet hands anyway.

But these babies keep them nice and dry.

The water never runs into my hands because of the turned up ring.

I think the trick also with rubber gloves, is to make sure you have the right size.

They need to fit nice and snug, otherwise you end up dropping everything,

and splashing water all over the floor

and then...

a dish washing session ends up becoming a

floor washing session.

And because of this, day after day, you shy away from washing dishes altogether.

Ahem.

Not that, that has ever happened to me.

The second Friday Favourite item on Bungalow'56's list is:

Sweet Lemon Body Butter.

As you may have heard...

The womenfolk at the Bungalow tend to be citrus-ly inclined.

So it may come as no surprise that my new favourite hand cream has a wonderful lemon loveliness.

I feel a little guitly changing hand cream allegiances,

The fountain of youth I experienced with my last hand cream is still alive and well,

but... I just can't stop dipping into this creamy tub.

And as a result,

can't stop sniffin my hands.

Now here is the beauty of Bungalow'56 Friday Favourites.

Think about how these two are a symbiotic pair.

Are you seeing where I'm going?

First rub a small dollop of the Sweet Lemon Butter on your hands.

Then put on your new cool rubber gloves.

And watch as the heat from the water allows the citrony goodness

to permeate those hard working chapped mitts.

Plus as a happy consequence (besides wonderfully softy lemony hands)

you also get your dishes done.

W.h.o. c.o.u.l.d. a.s.k. f.o.r. m.o.r.e?

xoxo,

PS If you are not a follower of the Bungalow'56 Facebook page, you'll find that
I will share many "Favourites" I am unable to post about here.
Go on.... check it out.
You know you want to.

Is The Agronomist Right?

2012-01-18T18:04:00.007-07:00

The Agronomist and I are having a little discussion.

It concerns the purchase of a new phone for our downstairs.

I say Yay! He says nay.

As you might have guessed.

The Agronomist and I are not seeing "I" to "I."

We need a phone for the basement.

One that can work within my Vintage, Schoolhouse, Industrial, Modern esthetic.

I am thrilled to have found an internet site that sells refurbished

Rotary Dial Phones from the 1950's.

They come in so many great colours:

Yellow, Green, Turquoise, Pink, Orange and Black.

I am smitten.

The Agronomist?

Not so much.

The Agronomist feels we will regret the purchase.

Why?

Our voice mail is activated through the touch tone on our phone,

and with the retro dial phone this won't be possible.

He also figures the slow dialing process will soon lose it's appeal.

The compromise, would be to purchase the same style phone.

But a reproduction that incorporates push button dialing.

A modern phone with a 1950's vibe.

So why am I waffling?

No more cool colours.

Only white.

I don't mind the white...

As long as it is the same colour as the picture and not some yellowed version of it.

The owner of the site is taking a look for me and will let me know.

But... I'm not sure.

This will be its new home.

Isn't it cozy?

What do you think?

Is The Agronomist right?

Will the rotary dial start to drive ~~him~~ us crazy?

Inquiring minds (as in me) would like to know.

xoxo,

The letter "I"

Leaving Him Nekkid With The Lights On

2012-01-16T00:00:00.020-07:00

Here I was minding my own business, trying to get a sweet shot for my Project 365.

Which, by the way I have started again in earnest.

So I will take a moment to veer off topic in a typical moth to flame moment

renowned here at bungalow'56, and discuss this.

I've completed week one and two of 2012 and it feels good.

It's a daily dose of our family life you can check out by clicking the Project 365 badge, or,

because I don't want you to pull a muscle moving your cursor waaaay over there,

I'll let you click right here.

I'm nice like that.

I took etiquette classes when I was in high school at a local modeling agency.

How to be a good Hostess with the Mostess and all that.

Can you tell?

I also know how to cough holding my hand over my mouth just so,

and which way to tilt my soup bowl.

Thank Goodness it wasn't a colossal waste of money.

Where was I?

Oh yes, I was happily taking my Project 365 photo for the day when unbeknownst to me...

My camera decided to focus on something other than the bowl of apples and bananas.

He was peeking out from behind my nicely folded laundry.

He didn't say anything mind you. (My Christmas tree is of the male variety. It has very masculine needles.)

He just looked at me.

Silently twinkling.

Mocking me and...

Sending me telepathic Christmas tree thoughts.

"Do you realize it is already January 15th?"

"Aren't you even a little bit embarrassed that your neighbours can still see me through the front windows?"

"I'm feeling a little overdressed here."

"Valentine's Day is only a month away."

"As festive as I may look, I'm starting to feel a little silly."

"Would. you. please. take. me. down."

Last year I think he may have stayed up until February.

What can I say?

I love me a beautiful Christmas tree and twinkly lights.

So this weekend, out came the egg cartons and boxes and packing paper.

And somehow I seem to have twice as much to put back as I pulled out.

And no, I did not buy one new item.

Kind of like when you need to repack after a two week vacation,

and need to purchase another suitcase.

It's akin to the two socks went into the dryer and only one came out phenomenon,

except,

different.

Since I was considering keeping him all Nekkid with just the lights on.

We had a little discussion over coffee and I think we've found a good compromise.

I realized since it's so dark here Northern Canada, for so long,

what I really disliked saying goodbye to, was the sparkly lights.

In fact, it doesn't have anything to do with ~~the tree~~ him at all.

So I've found a few twinkly light ideas on Pinterest that might tide me over until after Valentine's

when the daylight will be hanging around for a little longer.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Bungalow'56 on Pinterest

Source: blog.freepeople.com via Bungalow'56 on Pinterest

Source: lulucarter.typepad.com via Bungalow'56 on Pinterest

Aren't they awesome?

And anyway...

who needs an indignant Nekkid Christmas Tree giving me attitude day in and day out.

So I'm off to box him up until next year.

Have a great Tuesday my friends.

And remember... don't worry about whether you are keeping up.

The Joneses just don't care.

Leave that tree up until May if it makes you happy.

And enjoy life your own way.

Nekkid... with lights on or not.

xoxo,

PS For those of you who may have arrived here under false pretenses
due to the misleading nature of the title,
and were disappointed by the content of this post.
I'm sorry.
It was awfully ballzy of me I know,
which by the way, will be the title for tomorrow's post about a great meatball sauce.
Or even better.... Ballzy And Saucy.

sorry.

I just can't seem to help myself.

Life Made Lovely Monday

"Favourites" Friday: Causing A Little Ruckus

2012-01-13T14:36:00.011-07:00

As a parent we are always trying to find ways to limit screen time.

But let's be honest.

It's hard to beat.

Screen time has flashing gizmo's, youtube snazz and loads of interactive programs that

a parent is hardly able to compete with.

Unless of course you are willing to spend some of your own "face" time with them.

I don't know if your kids are similar to mine?

But if I agree to sitting down to play a game, any game with them,

that Computer, iPod, or iPhone,

are flung aside with glee.

And if it happens to be that both The Agronomist and I agree to some sort of game event,

we are often in danger of being harmed by the stampede to the table that follows.

So why don't we do this more often?

Well...

Because either you are agreeing to a game that is so poke your eyes out with a fork slow or so b.o.r.i.n.g. you'd rather watch your nails grow,

That... or,

it is a game that takes the family two hours to complete if you actually want to figure out who wins....

And that is always a highlight, because figuring out who wins makes everyone except the winner cry.

And really? It's never fun to watch The Agronomist cry.

It ain't pretty.

So to help with this... we here at Bungalow'56 have a game for you.

It can last five minutes or half an hour

depending on how many games you want to play.

There are no turns to take, it's simply a matter of making and collecting cards with the same picture as fast as you can,

and even better,

stealing them from your opponent.

Youngest and I began with best of three.

But since she was obviously counting cards I then changed it to best out of five and

then best out of ten.

She went to bed late.

And she still beat me every single time.

It's definitely a game of chance.

It's also fast paced and simple and best of all fun!

It's Ruckus!

For ages 7 to 105.

It's just as much fun for two or four.

It's not often a game works for a sixteen, twelve, nine and ahem a thirty-nine year old equally.

If your children are within this age group give it a try.

The only Ruckus it will cause... is the broughaha that insues when they win,

and. you. begin. to. cry.

Fun For All!

xoxo,

PS This Ruckus over the game was caused, simply because we felt like it,
FunStreetGames has no idea Bungalow'56 exists.
Amen.

PPS And since this is "Favourites" Friday,
Just by chance, if you haven't joined up with my Bungalow'56 facebook page yet,
here is a little something I posted over there this past week:
Our New Favourite Music Video.
It is really worth watching.

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Dying Hair Ombre: No Roots My Friends

2012-01-12T00:00:00.007-07:00

When Eldest asked me if she could bleach her black hair,

I was a little taken aback.

The image that popped into my head was one of ugly black roots grown out,

with brittle bleached yellow hair straggling below.

When I explained my reservations, and then asked if she was going to start

wearing a black spiked dog collar as well, she set me straight.

She wanted to dye her hair Ombre.

Ombre?

Was that some sort of new Spanish teen heartthrob?

Apparently it wasn't.

Ombre. n. A French term meaning "shaded."

Usually a multicolored stripe, with colors graduating from light to dark.

Once I understood, I said yes...

"as long as you pay for the appointment." heh heh.

Being the clever mom that I am,

I knew the over $100 price tag would likely end the discussion.

It didn't.

"But mom I want to dye it myself.

I saw a youtube tutorial HERE and HERE, on how to do it, and it looks so easy.

These two are the best videos out of all of the ones I checked out.

And all I need is bleach and some tinfoil."

No, absolutely not.

Over my dead body.

Not under this roof.

Nuh uh!

1/2 hour later....

How long did you need me to set the timer honey?

Do you need any more tin foil?

Are you sure you know what you're doing?

What can I say?

She is very persuasive.

And the thing is?

Hair can be cut, and hair grows back.

I cannot even begin to tell you how impressed I am with this look

It is fun yet still looks natural.

There are no roots my friends!

How smart is that?

Ombre.

For the first time in my life one of my children has my hair colour. Yay!

This Mom is a believer.

The Dad?

He's vowed to never leave us alone in the house again.

xoxo,

*This post was brought to you by Garnier Nutrisse Blonde.
A nourishing bleach cream.

*Garnier has no idea Bungalow'56 exists, and could not find us even if using GPS.

This post will be linking up with

Alphabe Thursday's, the letter "H".

I'm Turning This Old Photo Into A Poster

2012-01-11T10:53:00.012-07:00

This is a picture of my dad.

He was born just outside the city of Amsterdam in Holland

He came to this small Northern town when he was 12.

Can you say culture shock?

It mustn't have been too bad...

He seems to have fit in just fine here.

Didn't he look like The Fonz?

I'm not sure how old he is in this photo,

but it's one of my all time favourites.

He was the eldest of eight, and has two of his little sisters on the bike with him.

That is their house to the right.

If you look down the alley in the photo, you can see the house across the street

with the attached porch and then there is another roof line right behind it.

That was The Agronomist's and my first house where Eldest was born.

Fifty years later the area does look different, but still the same houses.

I think that's kind of cool.

I've always had this photo up on the wall somewhere, but I wanted to try something

different in the basement.

The Agronomist just scanned it for me and I am going to try blowing it up to poster size.

The best part? It will only cost me $10.

My Organized sister sent me the link for a tutorial at Nothing But Bonfires.

The office makeover is gorgeous.

And my favouirte part is the old photo of her grandmother.

Doesn't it look great?

You can see the whole before and after if you click here.

My sister has an equally cool pic of my mom on a scooter in Bermuda,

She left home at 18 and lived and worked there for three years until she was 21.

That's when she came home to be picked up by my dad at the airport.

And well, as they say... the rest was history.

I have a lot of work to do on the basement.

It's by no means even close to being done.

But I'll start showing you some of our progress real soon.

Have a great day!

xoxo,

PS While my dad may look like The Fonz, I don't want you to get the wrong idea.
He's also a bit Richie Cunningham... with a little Potsie thrown in for good measure.

Love you Dad!

My Favourite Perfume

2012-01-09T00:00:00.010-07:00

I haven't been much of a perfume wearer.

Except for that one year in 1982 when I couldn't stop spritzing

some sort of pink bottled baby something or other all over my room.

I think I walked through it one too many times

and that explains most of the memory loss I experience today.

Since then I've pretty much been au naturel...
with a little help of course, from some anti-perspirant which I don't feel I need to keep a "Secret".

That is...until I came across this little beauty, fresh Hesperides, thanks to my Cool Sister in Toronto.

This is not a floral scent.

I hate florals.

I seldom use the word hate.

It's just so strong.

But this is one time I can tell you I do hate them.

I'm usually a musky oil kind of gal.

I'm not talking your lumberjack special,

but rather a sexy, spicy, soft overtone.

That's why this little bottle has surprised me more than I can say.

It is the scent of grapefruit.

And I can't get enough of it.

It's true,

It just makes me feel so darn fresh,

and bright eyed,

and bushy tailed.

When I found it at Sephora, the perfume was all sold out.

The only thing I could purchase was the gift pack.

Isn't it pretty?

So pretty I can't bear to unwrap it.

I may have to be buried with it.

The picture does look a little coffin like doesn't it?

There that's better.

fresh...

It just says it all.

I have to admit when I wear this,

I feel younger.

As though I've been freshly squeezed.

A little citrus pick me up is a great way to start your morning.

That is... unless you really hate grapefruit, which I would understand.

See above information concerning florals.

I wish this screen could be a scratch and sniff.

because if it were?

You would be a believer... and perhaps, have a strong urge to move to Florida.

Unfortunately I can't send you all a beautiful bottle of this sweet scent,

so the best I can do is tell you to:

Go and rub a big old grapefruit behind your ears and knees, and along your wrists,

and if you want to go crazy? Under your arms too (our little Secret I promise).

And just see how it makes you feel.

Have I ever steered you wrong?

Have I?

xoxo,

PS This post is strictly between you and me.
fresh and their grapefruit lovely ways,
have no idea that the womenfolk over at Bungalow'56 are citrus-ly inclined : )

PSS Thought I would try my hand at some product style photography for Sweet Shot Tuesday. I was happy with the photos seeing as how they were taken at night, under terrible fluorescent lighting.

Bee-You-Tee Night/Stream Of Conciousness Post

2012-01-06T12:35:00.007-07:00

Chocolate face mask... yummy.

I'm tired of taking indoor pictures.
I really want to paint my living room white.
I have no idea how to finish decorating my basement.
Well that's not really true I have lots of ideas, too many ideas.
So I'm experiencing a bit of analysis paralysis.
I need to start moving on it, if I don't... rigamortis will set in I'm sure.

The Ombre Experiment.

Today I am taking my computer in to be fixed, but I'm not sure how we will survive without it.
It doesn't allow me to even insert a CD anymore.
I can't print pictures or even save them on a memory stick.
Maybe I've left it too long and it's beyond repairable?
Procrastination is my lifelong nemesis.

Peppermint Patty! ...She didn't like the joke either.

What else?
I'm getting new passport photos taken so that I will be able to find my old ones : )
Pretty good strategy huh?

As for these pictures?
On New Year's Eve,
The Agronomist took his Dad to the US/Canada Hockey game
for their birthdays.
Us girls? We had a Beee-You-Teee night.
We rocked it out until 1:30 am.
Doing our nails?!
The Agronomist missed an amazing night.

Perfect seats... Perfect timing. Oh yeah baby!

And before that?
We took in the fireworks.
It was the best night ever.

Why?
Because I hate having to sit in a cold vehicle waiting.
I hate waiting for anything really.
That's where arriving early really irks me.
It's so inefficient.
Being late isn't good either.
But just being exactly on time?
That is perfection.

Exhibit A:
I drove up two minutes before the fireworks started.
Found the perfect spot for the girls to watch,
and managed to back out as the last ones exploded;
missing the long wait to get out of the parking lot,
and the long lines of traffic coming from the other direction.

It was then,
that I knew for certain 2012 was going to be a darn good year.

And for an hour a day I wish I was this lady and could sing like her.
Love this song.
We look a little alike don't we?
Maybe just a little?
If you squint.

Have a great weekend friends.
It's going to be a good one here at the Bungalow.
Because I have just decied we are going to pay a visit
to my favourite fashion forward haunt:
Value Village
and just maybe....The Restore!

But only after I send my passport package in of course.

xoxo,

I'd Really Like To Be Blogging About This, But I Can't

2012-01-05T11:15:00.006-07:00

This picture is what I would I really like to be blogging about right now.

And I know why.
I have things to do that I don't want to do,
but I can't blog until I do them.
So blogging isn't fun.
Not when you feel guilty doing it.

And how I haven't taken down the Christmas tree yet, and probably won't until Feb.

I have papers to fill out.
Forms to drop off, numbers to find.
I am getting my new passport.
Unfortunately during the renovations,
paperwork was moved, shifted, sorted,
and now I can't find my pictures or important reference numbers....
a.n.y.w.h.e.r.e.

And I know as soon as I go down to get new ones taken they will miraculously show up.
Pessimistic?
Maybe.

And the fact that I let Eldest dye her hair. It's called Ombre.
Google it, she did a great job.

And... I'm filling out my Subbing forms.
I need to create a new resume.
I haven't had to do that in thirteen years.
Eeeep.

And how Youngest is having a tough go of it right now, and how we are trying to help her.

So no blogging for me.
Unless of course this counts?

This little rendezvous will be, between you and me, OK?

And if you bump into him?

Don't tell The Agonomist you read this.

xoxo,

Chickens, Canoes And Cupcakes: The Best of 2011

2012-01-02T23:15:00.001-07:00

A year is a long time.

And with a net full of holes memory like mine, thank goodness I take pictures.

I might have forgotten that Eldest turned 16,

and that I almost had to apply for American citizenship.

Looking back has a way of making looking forward so exciting.

If it's half as good as where I've come from,

then I'm doubly excited to start putting one foot in front of the other.

The girls and I enjoyed kick starting this year with some sparkles falling from the sky,

while The Agronomist lived out a childhood dream and took his pa to the

Canadian/US Junior hockey game in the city for their birthdays.

We are gearing up for school,

and making lunches,

and clearing out the old to make room for the new.

It's going to be a good year friends.

I can feel it in my bones.

And these creaky old knees don't lie.

We're going to have so much future fun,

I'm letting you in on a little secret.

Lean in a little closer...

That's it....

This will be Bungalow'56's exclusive...

2012

is. going. to. be. the.

BEST YEAR EVER!

That's the truth.

xoxo,

PS The idea for this collage was shamelessly taken from Meg Deurksen over at her blog whatever.

A Picture A Day In December: Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T17:13:00.001-07:00

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: 39...Again

2011-12-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

This picture says it all:

He's a great cook.

He's generally happy.

He can grow a beard in two hours.

and He's turning 39.

Again.

Happy Birthday Agronomist.

The womenfolk here at the Bungalow think you rock!

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Coffee Heaven

2011-12-29T17:59:00.006-07:00

The Agronomist is a smart smart man.

When he asked me what I wanted for Christmas?

I said, "nothing."

But he decided that there was something I would like.

I have to say, I am one happy Mrs.

I had no idea what I was missing.

Why didn't someone tell me about these stainless steel magic machines?

I am in Coffee Heaven.

And The Agronomist?

I've decided he's the smartest Barista North of the Rockies.

And a pretty darn good husband too.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Movie Night

2011-12-28T22:30:00.004-07:00

It's official.

The Bungalow has a new TV.

The first TV we have ever bought.

The old 21" was a swap for a golf bag.

The new TV?

A 52" LED HD TV, with surround sound, and boxy box internet capabilities.

To say The Agronomist is thrilled is an understatement.

We had our first official movie night in the basement.

Elf.

I love Elf.

It was a totally different experience.

It was as though I could touch the actors they were so big and clear.

To be honest, it made me just a wee bit uncomfortable.

But I'm thinking...

maybe with a little HGTV viewing therapy, I'll learn to get used to it : )

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Crafting

2011-12-27T22:08:00.002-07:00

We had cousins over for the day.

They travelled seven hours to be here for Christmas.

Today was their last day and they spent it with us.

It was so nice.

The Bungalow Craft Room was finally christened.

I loved it.

There wasn't one piece of paper or smear of glue upstairs on the dining room table.

I was almost giddy with craft room happiness.

Pizza was ordered, visiting with my sister was relaxed while
christmas trees were being glued together.

And The Brother-in-law and The Agronomist?

They went forth into the wilderness...

to buy us a TV.

Overall, I'd say it was a good good day.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Perfect Christmas

2011-12-26T23:02:00.001-07:00

Middlest's Facebook status, updated via iPhone while we were driving back home:

Pond skating+hanging out with family+Grandmaman's cooking+Reveillon = A Perfect Christmas :)

I couldn't have said it better.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Thanks for giving us this wonderful holiday

and the reason to celebrate.

Merry Christmas Friends!

I hope your holiday is filled with

family, friends, and chocolate.

Lots

and

lots

chocolate.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T09:27:00.001-07:00

Our Christmas eve is being spent with The Agronomist's family.

Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents.

It's what Christmas is all about.

May The Joy of the Season be with you all.

I can't wait to share photos of the wonderful time we are having.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: 2008

2011-12-23T23:06:00.004-07:00

Every year we go to the farm, and every year since Eldest was just a toddler,

we've taken a family picture outside.

I typed Christmas into iPhoto and this is one of the pictures that appeared.

This was taken in 2008, and it was crazy cold out.

Everyone seems so grown up now.

And it was only three years ago?

Tonight Middlest was figuring out how old everyone would be in another five years.

21, 17, 14 and... ahem... 39 and 39.

We will be taking another outdoor picture again this Christmas.

It's my way of freezing time... no pun intended.

Speaking of freezing, it will be above freezing on Christmas day.

We might be able to take pictures without our toques and scarves this year.

It won't matter to the The Agronomist though,

as he remains in the witness protection program.

Funnily enough? He joined it as soon as I started blogging.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Frosty The Snowman

2011-12-22T23:07:00.002-07:00

Presents are being wrapped late into the night.

Christmas outfits have been assembled.

The tree's decorations are complete.

Frosty The Snowman is scooting along the table.

Laundry is waiting to be folded.

Biscotti is cooling on the counter.

Children are off to bed.

Mom and Dad...

are dreaming of sleep.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Best Evah Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-12-21T23:59:00.008-07:00

Thankfully the recipe was not under lock and key,

and Mrs. R was more than happy to share this amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe:

HERSHEY'S MORE CHIPS CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

1 1/2 cups butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup packed yellow brown sugar

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3 1/2 cup flour

1 cups Hershey Milk Chocolate Chips (Original recipe called for 2 cups, but 1 cup was perfect for us.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Add baking powder to batter along with salt. Stir in flour and chocolate chips. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.

A Side note: that just happens to be under rather than to the side...

When Youngest and her friend were making this recipe,

they put in 1 1/2 "cups" baking soda rather than "teaspoons"...

thankfully Mrs. R was suspicious when her daughter told her

she would need to buy more soda as they were now out.

So with Mrs. R scooping out what she thought was all of the soda

save a 1 1/2 tsp, the cookies were saved.
Yay for the Bungalow Clan!

We are unsure if this special step was the reason for the awesomeness of this particular batch of cookies.

So to be truly responsible we felt this part of the bakers process needed to be shared in case you wanted to be absolutely sure they turned out as awesome as they did.

If you would like to try this unconventional step... by all means rock that baking soda.

xoxo,

PS Yes the r.e.a.r.r.a.n.g.i.n.g. is almost complete.
No shots were fired..

A Picture A Day In December: Chaos

2011-12-20T16:40:00.003-07:00

My organized friend,

who held my hand through my Kitchen Clean Sweep

came to help me.

As of 4:30 this afternoon, this is what my house looked like.

We are rearranging.

I thought it was important for me to clarify.

r.e.a.r.r.a.n.g.i.n.g.

The basement is in about the same condition.

Why am I showing you this chaos?

Because then... and only then...

will you truly appreciate the after pictures when I post them.

And yes, I do realize Christmas is in four short days.

Shoot me now.

xoxo,

This post is linking up with Project Alicia and Live and Love Out Loud for Wordful Wednesday!

A Picture A Day In December: Cookies

2011-12-19T20:54:00.002-07:00

Youngest went to spend the afternoon with a friend.

They baked cookies.

Chocolate chip cookies.

They were so good, I left a message asking for the recipe.

Youngest said they weren't from a cookbook,

but from a special recipe box.

I hope the word "secret" wasn't written on the front.

If we get the recipe I will ask if it can be shared.

It was truly that good.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Bedroom Progress

2011-12-18T21:29:00.005-07:00

The bedroom is painted!

The Agronomist is just waiting for some plaster to dry in the closet.

"We" decided at the last hour that it should be painted too.

Doesn't it look different?

It used to be the purple, pink and gold.

You can check it out on the sidebar,

or just click Teen Daughter's Bedroom makeover.

Middlest has some great ideas for the room.

This is what she used for her colour inspiration:

Source: decorology.blogspot.com via Bungalow'56 on Pinterest

She has plans for more tissue paper pom poms and a wall of photos.

We will keep you posted on our progress.

And yes the basement is slowly coming together.

After one trip to the dump and two to the Salvation Army,

we have one vehicle parked in the garage and the other almost there.

I'm currently trying to figure out a layout that includes a last minute

addition.

A ping pong table.

A large ping pong table.

I'm sure Sarah Richardson would have a solution...

but unfortunately she's not taking my calls.

xoxo,

PS The colour is called Rowboat from General Paint.

A Picture A Day In December: Life Elixir

2011-12-17T20:06:00.002-07:00

So far while downloading this little garland gem,
I've been listening to Taylor Swift, Chris Allen, and now Maroon 5,
and I'm feeling like this is a good night.

The Agronomist is finishing up the trim in Middlest's bedroom,
Middlest is crafting,
Eldest is off to a sleep over,
and Youngest is enjoying a bubble bath.
Plus we had chili for supper.
See what I mean?

I've been without my camera for a few days,
and I felt weird.
I felt a little lost.
Like I was missing one of my appendages.

My camera is OK,
I've just lost my battery charger.
Another, on order, may or may not be here before Christmas. gah! double gah!

So if I need my battery charged?
I take it to the camera shop and they charge it for me.
I've kept it from The Agronomist.
I don't think he would approve.

Life without a battery charger is.... needless to say,
very inconvenient.

I know there must be a double entendre life lesson here somewhere...
and I think this is what it is.

Sleep is the elixir to life.

I need my battery charged, see?
See the connection?
I'm a deep thinker I know.

You can thank me with a Starbuck's Skinny Creme Brule Half Sweet Latte.
It may even be more of an elixir than sleep.

Regardless, I came home an hour ago carrying my camera,
with a charged battery,
and decided you needed to enjoy the
Garland we hang on our tree.

I'm signing off with Train's Soul Sister... followed by a little Adele.
Did I happen to mention?

I'm feeling like this is a good night.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Behind The Scenes

2011-12-16T11:41:00.006-07:00

When I know how life is ~~careening off course~~ happily sashaying along

behind the scenes of what is shared on this blog.

It makes me wonder what was really going on with Mary and Joseph

just nine days before Jesus' arrival?

The Agronomist and I snuck away for two nights to attend his Christmas party.

I missed last years shindig, because Eldest had just had her tonsils removed.

He had meetings the first day so I was able to spend a full day at
West Edmonton Mall, ~~power walking for miles and miles~~ shopping.

At the last minute I just about didn't go.

We had a crisis of epic proportions.

It involved a lost agenda with important documents within.

At the last hour when I was trying to line up all that had to be done I realized my parents were taking the helm during two of the busiest days of the month.

Soccer games,

The finishing of Duct Tape outfits for a school fashion show.

No groceries in the fridge,

the last day of school which would require gifts for teachers.

A basement that is still undone and a bedroom that needs a few more coats of paint.

It just felt like it would be easier to stay home and look after everything.
I mean, for crying out loud,
Christmas was only nine days away, and I needed to be ready.
Traveling just didn't seem to be the best choice.

I bet Mary felt that way too.

She had to go, at the worst time possible.

But in the end, despite terrible conditions,

everything worked out for the best.

I just needed to look to Mary to know I had nothing to worry about.

Because you know what?

I didn't.

Duct tape outfits were completed, (we'll be just in time to watch the show)

during nightly calls, the girl's raved about the great lunches Grandma made

with groceries not often found at the Bungalow.

Biscotti was baked late into the night by Eldest for all of the teachers,

and just before we were set to leave, the agenda was miraculously found.

Christmas was already here,

I just hadn't realized it.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Family

2011-12-15T07:16:00.001-07:00

My favourite part of Christmas... is spending time with family.

And maybe just a little bit....the Peppermint Hot Chocolate too.

xoxo,

This post will linking up with Jenny Matlock's Alphabe Thursday~The Letter F~

A Picture A Day In December: The Farm

2011-12-14T00:00:00.003-07:00

Every second year we go to the farm for Christmas.

Cousins and aunts and uncles.

The favourite farm dog.

Mass at the Cathedral.

Grandmama's delicious baking.

Pond hockey.

Fireplaces and wood stoves.

Games of One Eyed Jack with Grandpapa.

Spotting wildlife.

Rosy Cheeks.

A little slice of heaven.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Three In One

2011-12-13T00:00:00.006-07:00

Technically this is really just one picture...

I just happen to have three versions : )

This one reminds me of a Spanish senorita.

And this one makes me think of the wild wild west.

Which is your favourite?

xoxo,

This post will be linking up with

Darcy at My3Boybarians for Sweet Shot Tuesday,

where you can find a wonderful collection of beautiful photos
from around the blogosphere.
and Wordless/Wordful Wednesday with ProjectAlicia
and LiveandLoveOutloud

A Picture A Day In December: Bedroom Before

2011-12-12T17:42:00.002-07:00

Eldest has moved downstairs,

and Middlest will get her bedroom.

But before she can, some work has to be completed.

Painting is almost done.

The Agronomist is my knight in shining paint overalls.

Middlest has some great ideas.

It will look very different from the

"Teen Daughters Bedroom Makeover" you see on the side bar.

We cannot wait until everything is in its place.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Norman Rockwell

2011-12-11T21:45:00.009-07:00

If I were to be honest, I would have to say

that I had very specific expectations for this Sunday.

After church and a pancake breakfast (cooked by the men of our parish)

I envisioned the following:

The tree would be decorated, a certain basement would be organized,

and we would all sit happily around the table sharing a pot roast

along with roasted potatoes as we smelled apple crisp wafting from the oven.

Because of course... I would have found a way

to use the not so fresh apples in the fruit bowl,

and would never entertain the idea of throwing them in the garbage.

Once again I fell deep into the well... the one known by many as Norman Rock"well".

Instead my house became a duct tape zoo.

I had known this was coming, but figured good o'l Norman

wouldn't have used duct tape in any of his paintings, and therefore decided to ignore it.

And yes I am breaking my own December rule and using more than one picture today.

Just in case you stickler types were wondering.

Our Middlest and Youngest were very excited about an upcoming fashion show

being organized at the school.

A Duct Tape Fashion show, highlighting the designs of students

who wished to try their hand at some sticky tape creations.

I was not looking forward to it.

But they decided to go ahead without my approval.

Friends came, duct tape unrolled, and

creating began.

I was certain this was going to be a train wreck.

How could they possibly do something so difficult.

I was expecting to have to figure it out sometime after midnight,

once the tears of exasperation had dissipated.

But you know what?

I have never been so wrong in my life.

They all worked so patiently and determinedly.

And they amazed me.

So my Sunday wasn't what I had hoped for.

It ended up being so much more.

We still have lots of time to trim the tree,

and I still haven't thrown out my apples.

Norman Rockwell once said,

"I paint life as I would like it to be."

So my painting changed a bit from what I had envisioned this morning,

Instead of roast we had Spaghetti.

My kids spent the day creating,

with Christmas music playing,

and if I could paint,

I would create a beautiful family scene

with rolls of duct tape strewn across the floor.

I think perhaps?

Norman would have liked it.

xoxo,

PS Youngest's isn't quite finished yet. You will be seeing it a little later this week.

A Picture A Day In December: Busy

2011-12-10T23:42:00.002-07:00

Youngest went swimming on Friday with her class.

Luckily I managed to talk her out of my having to wear a bathing suit.

This might just be a highlight of the month for me, second only to Christmas.

The weather here in our Northern neck of the woods has been extremely balmy.

It has made me giddy with running shoe wearability.

We attended a Boys Choir Christmas Concert this evening..

It is only one of seven boys choirs across the country.

It was amazing.

So amazing,

it made me lose my mind for a few moments
and want to teach drama again.
I have since come to my senses.

I have to come clean. I am eating sugar again, here and there;

but not without some duress.

Twice this evening I have opened the freezer to sample some muffins,

and both times hit my elbow on the side of the fridge.

This has never happened to me before.

But tonight?

The same exact spot, two times in a row.

I figure God is trying to tell me something.

Or else I've encountered the sudden growth of my elbows

which are now obviously hindering my movements.

We visited Nana this afternoon.

She was full of stories.

Some of which I hadn't heard before.

I will make sure to share with you the story of the pink dress

another time.

We brought her a dancing Snoopy.

She loved to dance.

He really knows how to kick up a heel.

He kind of shuffles to one side and then shimmies to the other.

She loved him.

And we love her.

It's been busy.

So this post is squeaking in on the late side of the day.

So Good night my friends,

we'll see you in the morrow.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Gifts

2011-12-09T10:09:00.002-07:00

I stayed up late last night, in the glow of the Christmas tree lights.

I was ordering my Christmas gifts on the internet.

I opted for the fast shipping and didn't think twice about the cost.

To be able to sit in the comfort of my own home,

while the kids were sleeping,

just made it so worth it to me.

Happy Friday my friends!

xoxo,

This post is linking up with My3Boybarians Holiday Bokeh Party and Giveaways!

A Picture A Day In December: Eldest

2011-12-08T00:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Eldest,

You will never have all the answers,

but that doesn't mean asking questions is futile.

You are a gift, and when we say that, we mean you,

not what you do, or say, or wear, or accomplish.

We mean you,

the person within.

Remember.... she is enough.

Because she is exactly who God planned.

And he created a one of a kind... masterpiece,

that we are doing are best not to screw up.

So please bear with us, as we muddle along trying to figure out this parenting thing.

You have been patient and in spite of us, are doing great.

We love you,

the happy you, the sad you, the irritated you, the daydreamer you, the quirky you, the singing you, the cheesy you, the talking you, the quiet you, the grumpy you, the silly you, the patient you, the impatient you, and the you's we've yet to meet.

Each and every day with you in it,

is a day we cherish.

Thank you for helping to blaze the trail for your sisters.

It isn't easy being the Eldest.

But we just wanted you to know,

We think you are doing an awesome job.

xoxo,

Mom and Dad

*This post will be linking up with Jenny Matlock for Alphabe Thursday~ the letter E!

A Picture A Day In December: Hockey Mom

2011-12-07T00:21:00.003-07:00

The rink was divided into two.

One side was for those students who wanted to play hockey,

and the other was for those who just wished to skate.

The hockey side was filled with... little Mario Lemieux hockey players.

Boys and one girl who could skate circles around this mom blogger.

And yes, I do know how to skate.

The "skating only" side was filled with kids who likely only skate a few times a year.

It was far less exciting than the "all out could have been the NHL playoffs" side.

Youngest was disappointed there wasn't a stick for her,

and just watched fascinated by the action happening over on the other side of the rink.

She wasn't too interested in skating round and round with good o'l mom.

I ended up finding her a stick.

I promised the boy he could have it back in five when he was finished resting.

Youngest took off and I watched.

She didn't care that boys were whizzing past her.

She held her own and managed to make a few passes.

I knew if I had been in grade four

I would have happily stayed on my nice "slow and steady" side.

And I did watch a little apprehensively

as sticks were coming up high and pucks were being shot hard.

But Youngest?

She was loving it.

And in that moment, I was too.

Because it was then that I understood...

for the very first time,

what it felt like,

to be a proud Canadian

Hockey mom.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: On Your Feet

2011-12-06T12:52:00.005-07:00

When the girls saw that the I Heart Faces theme this week was "On Your Feet"

they decided to try some toe graffiti on Youngest.

Since she is completely engrossed in the final book of Harry Potter,

she didn't seem to mind.

We had found a few of these kinds of pictures around the blogosphere

and Eldest wanted to give it a try.

We love how it turned out.

I know for a fact this will not be the last picture of happy toes you will be subjected to.

I think we may have opened a can of worms here.

New fine markers are on order,

and the ideas at the Bungalow are growing.

A toe movie!

A comic strip style picture board,

with the story line played out on the faces of toes everywhere!

As is always the case here at the Bungalow...

Go Big ~~Toe~~ or Go Home!

Have a "Toerrific" Tuesday!

xoxo,

PS
And no we did not have to wash her feet first.
They were this spotless on their own.
I am a proud proud mama to be able to write that.
Clean feet... it's what really matters in life.

Quite A Few Pictures Today In December: A Birthday Partay!

2011-12-05T13:06:00.006-07:00

The birthday preparations began in earnest a few hours before the big shindig.

A good friend came early to help ~~Martha~~ Middlest with executing her Birthday plan.

New streamers and balloons were hung.

She wanted grey and yellow balloons with white streamers.

I have to say I was skeptical, but it looked beautiful.

And as for cupcakes? All were banned from the premises.

Instead...the "CAKE" needed to be decorated.

Fondant circles were applied to the four layers of white cake and brownie.

This one was happy as a clam as she was whisked off to see Puss'n'Boots with dad.

A win win situation for all involved...

Once the girls arrived we strolled over to our local Library

and Art Gallery for a treat at the on site coffee shop.

While waiting they took in the exhibit.

A little culture thrown in for good measure never hurt anyone!

They were good sports about letting me take their pictures.

But after this one I new it was time to take my leave.

It may or may not have been explained to me,

that mother's who hang out with twelve years olds are kind of creepy.

So while I hung out drinking my latte near the custodians door, I tried a few "artsy" pictures.

They in turn,

enjoyed some

freedom

and

independence.

Definitely the best two things you learn to enjoy when getting older, don't you think?

Until, of course, you have to do your own cooking and laundry : )

I was appropriately, out of ear shot, yet within sight.

Good thing too, as they were definitely on the Security guard's radar.

And we didn't want another incident, now did we?

The cake turned out beautifully.

With great anticipation, we watched... in hopes of documenting Middlest's courtships...

But there were none.

And apparently... Middlest was OK with this.

We bought some awesome candles.

Aren't those coloured flames beautiful?

And the brownie and white tiered cake?

It got a thumbs up from everyone.

And maybe... just maybe the cupcakes were missed a little.

But I have a feeling that won't be the case for long.

Happy Birthday to my very own Martha,

You, are by far, my most favourite Middle Daughter!

xoxo,

This post will be linking up with Darcy at My3Boybarians for

Sweet Shot Tuesday.

Click the above link to see beautiful shots from around blogland!

A Picture A Day In December: The Basement

2011-12-04T04:00:00.005-07:00

Believe it or not,

this was taken after amazing progress had been made.

The containers on the left used to be five high and covered the drop cloth.

For those of you who were wondering where the basement updates went?

The progress has been slow.

We miss you Tony!

And let's be honest.

What people really want to see? Is the before and after reveal.

So I'm figuring I'll be getting that to you...

sometime in January (2014).

Today is a busy one,

Every moment will be accounted for...

Mass,

The Santa Clause Parade,

and Middlest's birthday party.

Yes, you read right, the. last. birthday. party.

It is a cause for celebration,

and

of course

I'm writing

about

Middlest's

birth.

What kind of mother did you think I was?

So tomorrow... my theme may have to be changed to,

A Whole Lotta Pictures A Day in December.

I will promise you one thing though...

there will not be a cupcake in sight.

Amen.

Althooough... the white cake with two warm brownie layers within

just might be cause for documentation.

Happy Sunday everyone,

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Middlest

2011-12-03T07:50:00.005-07:00

While I haven't written one blog post about it...(Bad mom, bad baad mom)

Over the past three months,

we have been spending a lot of time watching Middlest play Volleyball.

When she was younger we knew she had some sporting talent.

On the soccer field as a little girl she already had some great moves.

As she got older however, her asthma kicked into high gear and

any exertion seemed to leave her breathless.

Just this past summer though,

she decided to take a one week Volleyball camp held at our local college.

It seemed her asthma could tolerate jumping

as opposed to running up and down a field.

So at the beginning of September she tried out for her Junior high volleyball team.

All the junior high girls who showed up for tryouts were accepted.

All 40 of them!

What an amazing school.

There were three "B" teams and one "A" team.

Needless to say Middlest knocked our socks off.

The girl had some talent.

We're not quite sure where she was getting the strength for her vertical?

But we've concluded that "wiry" muscle mass must be hidden in those legs, somewhere.

She was gracious enough to let her older sister help coach the team.

So maybe perhaps some credit could go just an eensy teensy bit to her big sister,

and her other two coaches as well.

The Agonomist and I always loved team sports
even though neither of us were stellar athletes.

And now that we have kids?

We just love watching them play.

It's more fun than we could have ever imagined!

Maybe,

Just maybe,

It's because they are actually good,

and play the way we wanted to in our daydreams.

I figure that's why we had kids...

to live vicarously through them of course.

Now if you'll excuse me,

I need to go ice my ~~buttocks~~ glutes.

You see, I've been working out a lot lately... sitting in the bleachers.

And need to make sure I'm ready to watch Youngest's soccer season, which is just beginning.

The life of ~~a parent of~~ an athlete...

It's a tough go, but I think I'm up for it.

xoxo,

A Picture A Day In December: Babies

2011-12-02T09:40:00.005-07:00

In order to try and prepare for Christmas and get our bumpkins finally into the new basement,

I've decided to simply share a picture a day for the month of December.

Some may be older photos and some of them may have been taken only five minutes before uploading.

Regardless, they will be shots I hope you enjoy.

Missing these guys.

I'm hoping by now, little A is not quite as surprised by his Dad's specs and do.

I wonder if he's thinking...

Really?... really?

This is the one I belong too?

No way! You mean Buddy Holly is my dad?

And since I'm calling this "A Picture A Day" In December,

and it's already the 2nd,

I am happily choosing two,

and am continuing on with a baby theme.

While you haven't had the chance to see many of the pictures.

Mrs. D and I continued to document her pregnancy for "Project Baby,"

and there are some amazing shots I can't wait to show you.

I am happy to announce that this little bundle was the culmination of all those months.

She's a doll.

I promise to document the journey for you after Christmas,

and post it in January.

Have a wonderful December day,

xoxo,

A Diva Birthday

2011-11-30T22:31:00.010-07:00

Youngest decided she wanted to visit Hollywood for her ninth birthday!

This did not seem like an outrageous request to Middlest,

my party planner extraordinaire.

She immediately set to work

to make her little sister's Hollywood dreams come true.

Just in case you were wondering... she wants to be a wedding planner when she is older.

First an exclusive Red Carpet invitation was sent out.

It asked their people to call our people.

Much to our delight they accepted.

I was a little nervous when they came to the door,

but I have come to the conclusion,

that celebrities are just ordinary people,

who pull off wearing sunglasses on cloudy days... with pinache!

Youngest was able to show everyone the Red Carptet ropes,

and a video of their red carpet saunter was videotaped for prosperity.

It wouldn't be a Hollywood party without the paparazzi!

And these Divas knew how to strut their stuff.

You could tell they were professionals and did this all the time.

We had movie stars.

And the music industry was well represented.... with Lady Ra Ra

and Jayz E

There was Royalty there too.

A Princess with turquoise eyes.. oh my.

Charades with a movie theme was far more popular than I was expecting.

I should have known.

Those actor types... they love their stage.

And for the crafty ones?

After decorating their loot bags, they participated in magazine glamour makeovers.

This was created with Sharpie markers,

as they drew onto magazine cover girls to make them even more glamorous.

The Agronomist was the judge and found it hard to choose a winner.

And the cupcakes?

They were the star of the afternoon.

Youngest made a few wishes.... and a few candles were left burning.

There may be an exclusive with PEOPLE as to who or what this might mean.

The cupcakes were eaten.

And the loot bags from the Swag area were filled with...

wonderfully glamourous treats.
Perfect for any Diva in your life.

It was a fun afternoon, and I have to say,
I've decided celebrities as a group are a wonderfully fun bunch.

Only one more birthday party to go.
And I'm thinking, we might just have to bake a cake,
or better yet, a Sundae bar,
because honestly,
I'm not sure if I can look at one. more. cup. or. cake.

In fact, it might just send me over the edge...

into
a
vat
of
buttercream
icing.

xoxo,

This post will be linking up with Jenny Matlock's

Alphabe Thursday for ~the letter D~
where you can find a variety of "D" posts.

Red Carpet Cupcakes

2011-11-29T00:01:00.006-07:00

I know, I know... more cupcakes.

Will the craziness ever end?

But the way I see it.

Blogging, is about chronicling one's life.

And. well. cupcakes are my life right now.

It's kind of out of control really.

I may need help.

On Sunday afternoon, we hosted Youngest's 9th Birthday party.

And yes cupcakes were served.

It was a Hollywood extravaganza and these cupcakes were the hit of the red carpet crowd.

And while I had hoped to have a wonderful post

giving you all of the gossip concerning

the glamourous stars that attended,

my blogging agenda had to be put on hold.

Only five hours after the last celebrity left, Youngest was hit hard with the stomach flu.

Perhaps cupcakes may have played a role, but her rep is not revealing much.

We have been told, it was fast and furious

and things will thankfully be back to normal tomorrow.

It was a wild shindig, and as you may have guessed, the paparazzi went crazy.

There are many amazing photos to show.

People and Us have been calling but

Bungalow'56

has been promised the exclusive.

Good night my friends.

After an all nighter,

it is time for this Entertainment correspondent to hit the hay.

xoxo,

This post will be linking up with Sweet Shot Tuesday,

This is likely the most literal I've ever been with my entry : )

Belly Laugh

2011-11-28T22:15:00.004-07:00

To see a larger version click on the picture and again on the next image.

www.iheartfaces.com

I just had to repost this picture today, as this weeks I Heart Faces theme is
"Bust A Gut."

If you missed the original post, then

click here

and find out why Security was called during the photo shoot.

I like to call this photo

"Belly Laugh"

xoxo,

A Warning To Future Mothers Everywhere

2011-11-24T15:04:00.011-07:00

Dear Future Mothers of the world,

It is important for you to know these important facts of life.

Having your children close in age may be difficult,

but what no one tells you is that what may even cause more grief,

is if their calendar birthdays are near each other.

We have two birthdays within four days of each other,

and every year I feel as though it may do me in.

These beautiful cupcakes followed on the heels of the fish cupcakes by two days.

My kitchen looks as though it was under attack.

It is difficult to see what kind of damage was done by the flour bombing,

due to the fact that the icing sugar is covering the damage.

While I have been able to follow my no sugar diet,

this past cupcake week has tested me beyond my limits.

I'm afraid the constant barrage of smarties and rainbow strips along with bowls of

batter and icing have finally done me in.

And it gets worse.

While I'm not proud to admit it.

I may or may not have accidentally flat ironed icing into my hair this morning.

It's the price I've had to pay for living in Cupcakeville.

It hasn't been all bad.

Middlest, who I also call Martha, took this task on herself.

She found the cupcakes here on Pinterest,

and proceeded to bake them herself.

Now being a Martha does come with it's downfalls.

She insisted on baking the cupcakes from scratch.

This takes more eggs than we are used to

and a flour called "cake" flour which we are told creates a far superior lift.

Kind of like Spanx I guess?

Needless to say after an extra run to the supermarket,

the cupcakes were coming out of the oven at 10:30 pm,

with icing still to commence.

This is the birthday girl, along with my amazing cupcake holder container,

You may have heard me mention its merit's "yesterday",

when I did my last cupcake post.... : ?

Anyhoo, with the cupcakes being completed somewhere in the vicinity of 11:30pm,

and the need for them to be whisked off to classmates before the sun was out.

I, with reservations, decided I would still show you these photos that were taken,

under the "beautiful" bulb light of our kitchen.

So my advice to Future Mothers everywhere?

Stay Strong!

Do not, do your hear me, do not give in to the one time a year you may feel a little ~~randy~~ romantic,

because the moons will surely align and it will come around again...

But it will be one or two months later.

You will thank me.

No one tells you to plan carefully,

and to make sure your children are born at least 60 days apart in the Calendar year.

Otherwise you too, may fall victim to

~Cupcake-itis~ A condition which results in many unfortunate side effects,

some of which may or may not include:

Ticks, especially in the eyebrow area.

These occur after the 99th inquiry from both children

about how many friends they can invite to their birthday party.

Sweating, especially when the aforementioned birthday parties are inquired about.

A rear view which may take on the shape of two very large cupcakes.

OK this may only be a condition only experienced at the Bungalow.

A kitchen that will be lost in combat until you've come out of your sugar coma.

This could take months.

The need for copious amounts of coffee, followed by insomnia.

Nail biting.

Children appearing older, usually by a year.

Heat stroke: usually occurring after taking one's head out of the oven for the tenth time.

Wallet lightness.

No one ever tells you about this phenomenon.

But I am here as a spokesperson for all those who did not stay strong.

Wait 6 months.

You'll be happy you did.

Cupcake-itis is not something to take lightly.

xoxo,

PS
Anyone around to help host a birthday party?
Payment will be in cupcakes.
Lots and lots of cupcakes.

Mom... Don't Forget!

2011-11-23T12:50:00.007-07:00

It was Youngest's birthday this week.

And as is tradition, cupcakes would be brought for the class.

After checking with the teacher I told her I would bring her cupcakes and lunch at noon.

She said, "OK mom, buuut don't forget!"

I found these on Pinterest and thought they looked so cute and relatively easy.

So after making the coloured icing I figured the hour and a half left

would be plenty of time to finish off the 27 cupcakes she would need for her class.

But as I finished off five and realized it had been ten minutes,

I started to panic.

This was going to be under the wire.

I had plans of taking beautifully staged pictures of these for you all.

But instead, I quickly snapped a few as they were being ~~thrown~~ placed into the carrier.

As an aside, I would like to say this cupcake carrier which holds 36 cupcakes

has been one of the best buys of my life.

It just makes the life of a mom sooo much easier.

Especially a mom who likes to bake cupcakes.

I suppose.... If you're a mom who is into baking...? Lets say, Angel Food cake,

then the whole life changing bit?

Probably not so much : )

Purple, Blue, Green and Pink with one Rainbow one for the birthday girl.

I had four minutes to rush out the door and drive like a maniac to the class.

Luckily for us we live within five minutes of the school.

I was so impressed I had pulled off 27 fish cupcakes.

As I rushed down the hallway to Youngest's class, I saw her waiting for me.

With a big smile I showed her the container of fish cupcakes.

She was thrilled... but then looked a little perplexed.

"umm... Mom?"

"Yes honey?"

"Where is my lunch?"

~I had forgotten her lunch... on her birthday~

She happily handed out the cupcakes to her class.

And as for her lunch?

She probably wasn't too surprised.

She had already told her teacher she was worried I would forget.

Her teacher, of course, assured her that wouldn't happen on her birthday : ?

Luckily for me the class was going skating in the afternoon

and had a twenty minute walk following lunch.

So, instead the birthday girl came home for lunch

and we drove to skating where she had a great time.

Despite the growling stomach, she had a good day.

Skating with her class, a piano lesson

and more cupcake decorating for her family celebration.

She chose pasta with alfredo sauce for her birthday supper

and will enjoy a birthday party in a few days.

She isn't too keen on getting older

and doesn't even like us to tell her she looks or seems older.

Why?

I'm not sure.

Maybe because she's worried about memory loss?

Possibly.

Youngest, we wish for you a year blessed with family, friends and laughter.

We love you,

and think you don't look a day over eight.

Happy Birthday!

Love and kisses from your forgetful mom

and the rest of the Bungalow clan : )

xoxo,

This post will linking up with Jenny Matlock's Thanksgiving Thursday.

And while we are not celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend here in Canada,

I felt this post was appropriate as we are so thankful for

Youngest and being able to celebrate her birthday
with the family we have near, Grandma and Grandpa.

We Started Sunday Early

2011-11-19T22:20:00.005-07:00

I came home last night, and it was the best feeling.
I missed my family more than I ever have before.
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that The Agronomist was gone the week before I left.
The saying, two ships passing in the night comes to mind.
Or maybe it had something to do with the fact that I knew
Youngest and The Agronomist would not be here when I arrived.

So here I sit with only half my family under my roof.
Feeling as though I'm only half a person,
wanting to grab those texts that are telling me how well Youngest is doing
at her soccer tournament and climb into my iPhone so that I can be near enough to hug her.

So we started Sunday early,
and decided to go to church tonight, a Saturday.
Not our usual fare.
Since in every other way normalcy seems to have gone by the wayside here at the Bungalow lately.

And you know what.
The priest said a lot of good stuff.
Stuff that I needed to hear.
Especially with Christmas just around the corner,
and all that comes with it.

He asked us if we were building our own palaces.
He talked about the Queen, Gulliver's Travels, and Lady Gaga,
and referred to the readings that had just been read to us a few minutes earlier.

You know the ones.
About feeding the poor, and visiting the sick.
About loving your fellow man.
And it made me realize I don't do it.
I worry about making my own life comfortable,
and hope that someone else will look after the world's problems.

Father Bill asked me if I was planning for a comfortable retirement,
and if I was plumping my nest.
And I felt my ears burn a little.

As you all know, I've been nest plumping a lot lately.
Industrial light hunting, and white wall painting,
with some retirement planning on the side.
Would I, if tomorrow I were knocking on a pearly gate?
Be able to say, why yes, I did it.
I fed the poor.
I visited the sick.
I loved my neighbour.
Not my friend, the neighbour I can go to Starbuck's with,
But my other unknown neighbour.

Source: tumblr.com via Bungalow'56 on Pinterest

I started Sunday early today.

And it made me think.
Problem is... that isn't enough.

Now I have to figure out how to turn the "think" into a "do."

xoxo,

Cutie Patootie

2011-11-16T20:24:00.004-07:00

This little guy...

What can I say?

He is as calm as a cat in the sun.

Cuddlier than your favourite plush toy.

And totally a Cutie Patootie.

My sister and her husband have a great recipe.

This baby boy is a little piece of goodness pie.

Yes, I'm still in Toronto and missing my girls for sure,

but so happy I'm getting the chance to get to know this little man.

Who, by the way, I've nicknamed...

The Monk.

xoxo,

This post will be linking up with Jenny Matlock for Alphabe-Thursday's letter ~C~

I Heart Faces: Autumn Splendour

2011-11-15T18:53:00.003-07:00

I decided to choose this shot from yesterday's post, for the I heart faces challenge.

The kids from the school yard on the other side of the fence
started to yell that it was raining,
and the teacher yelled back that it wasn't
and to continue the game of soccer.

As we were walking down the back alley amongst the leaves,
The exchange caught my little nephew's attention.

I love the look on his face
and that the colour of his hair
is the same colour as the leaves he's walking in.

xoxo,

Auntie Dana Needs Her Inhaler

2011-11-14T23:05:00.013-07:00

One minute you're writing a blog post

about taking a blogging break to clean out your garage,

and the next minute you're on a plane to Toronto

to go hang out with a cute redhead.

Yup... I'm writing this blog post all the way from Toronto,

where my Cool Sister and her husband live.

Why?

She happened to have a baby boy last week.

Her second.

When Grandma got sick and couldn't hang out with them like planned,

I was next in line to help her carve out some snuggle time!

With big brother only eighteen months old,

and dad with a job to go back to,

Aunty Dana was needed to help with the transition.

I figured this would be an easy gig.

We would bond my little nephew and I.

We could play dolls together,

and have tea party's...

maybe even sit quietly and do some simple crafts.

Just as I was about to pull out the sparkle glue,

my Cool Sister asked if I wanted to see

where Little Nephew liked to go for a daily walk.

I guess Little nephew likes to go outside every day.

In fact my Cool sister mentioned he could stay outside all day if he were allowed.

This was going to be great.

I could take a nice lovely stroll with my little red headed nephew,

and for the first time in my life I wouldn't end up looking like the nanny.

Someone might even think he was mine.

I could just see it now...

Me holding his hand, as we walked slowly and quietly along the park.

We could even collect some leaves for a nice craft at home.

So Dad gave me the tour.

As we were on our way,

I realized very quickly that the term "walk"

was used very loosely by my sister and her husband.

Once we turned the corner

Little nephew was off faster than a formula one car on it's last lap.

One of Little nephews favourite past times was...

a game of chase in the park;

around and around and around.

Followed by a run through the leaves in the park.

Around and around and around.

Umm... just a minute here?

Aunty Dana h.a.s t.o. r.u.n?

My I'm now thinking "not" Cool sister failed to mention "running" on the phone!

What about the craft table?

What did they mean he will run away if I didn't catch him?

What about the tea party?

What did they mean, he's a boy.

No tea party?

No sparkle glue?

oh...

My Brother in law was kind enough to continue the ~~run~~ walk without me...

while I went to find my inhaler.

Thankfully, I packed it in case of an emergency.

This, I realized... was going to be a little tougher gig than I had originally thought.

xoxo,

These sweet shots of my nephew and his dad will be shared with

My3Boybarians for Sweet Shot Tuesday.

Click here to check out all of the wonderful photos!

This post will also be linking up to Project Alicia's Wordish Wednesday.

A Blogging Break and Quidditch

2011-11-09T04:00:00.006-07:00

Snow was in the forecast.

Let me tell you, there is nothing like a little motivation to get the raking done.

It seemed to be going well.

But I should have known better.

The girls seem to suffer from a mild case of ADD.

It's always very hard to keep them on task.

They have good intentions.

Of this I am sure...

But before you know it. . .

~~All hell breaks loose~~ They lose their focus and decide to move on to their next activity.

I put my foot down though and told them in no uncertain words,

that a game of Quidditch would not be played until the piles of leaves were gathered and bagged.

It's amazing what a little motivation can do?

Have I mentioned that before?

I often like to incorporate the feeling of deja vu for my readers.

It is a writing convention I feel is not used enough.

I often like to incorporate the feeling of deja vu for my readers.

It is a writing convention I feel is not used enough.

Anyway... once most of the leaves were bagged I told them they could play until supper was ready.

All of the girl's are die hard Harry Potter fans and take the game of Quidditch quite seriously.

I told them no rough housing, and once the snitch was caught they had to come in.

They are just beginners of course, so their altitude is usually only a few feet off the ground.

Youngest as usual manages to keep up with her sisters.

In fact, don't tell anyone, but I think she has the best form of the three.

I think it's because she has her mother's natural athletic ability.

It's true I am very athletic.

I always... always... beat The Agronomist when we bowl.

It's genetic.

I own the score board.

I can't help it.

Ultimately though, Middlest has probably the best eye hand coordination,

and she often manages to grab the snitch before anyone else.

Needless to say, many leaves are still free ranging it.

In fact, I think its for the best if we let them become a natural mulch over winter.

So after a family meeting we've decided that along with studying levitation,

We will also "go green" as a family.

Over and out At Bungalow'56.

Speaking of ADD...

I've decided to self impose a blogging break until next Tuesday.

Snow is coming, and I am a complete wuss.

I do not like cold vehicles, and I do not want to spend one minute

of my day scraping frost off my windows.

Sooo.... I need to turn off my computer and get down to some serious garage emptying,
and basement filling.

I promise to take lots of pictures so that I can prove to you that I did, in fact, accomplish my goal.

Have a great week my friends,

See you on the other side!

xoxo,

This post will be linking up with Jenny Matlock's The Letter B
along with Paper Mama's Wordish Wednesday!

I Heart Faces: Black

2011-11-08T00:00:00.018-07:00

Click on the photo and then again on the next copy to see a larger version

Here is a shot I took of Youngest in our backyard last night.

I noticed that at Iheartfaces, the challenge this week was simply "black".

Youngest just happened to have her "Biker" jacket on while we were raking leaves,

so I asked her if she would pose for me.

As you can see she wasn't thrilled about my request.

But with her dark eyes and her steely glare... it works nicely with the leather jacket.
What strikes me about this shot, is that it's as though I'm looking into the future,
since Youngest looks so much older than her almost 9 years.

This is definitely my Sweet Shot for today.

Tomorrow I promise to share the rest of our
impromptu photo shoot that occurred while raking.

Some Harry Potter-esque flying... may, or may not be... involved : )

Update: This photo was chosen as a

Favourite for the "Black" photo challenge!

Click here to see the winning entries.

xoxo,

I am thrilled that Darcy is once again hosting Sweet Shot Tuesday.

Check out all the other great submissions here!
Linking also with Tuesdays Around The World!

God's Graffiti!

2011-11-07T14:34:00.001-07:00

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

This was just shared with me by a friend on facebook
and I wanted you all to have a chance to see it!

Wish I could have been in that canoe!
It felt like I was watching sky art, graffiti style.

Have a great Monday everyone!

xoxo,

I Was A Slave Driver

2011-11-06T23:00:00.006-07:00

If you were to peer into the Bungalow this past weekend.

You would have found the children of the bungalow to be looking a little... downtrodden.

It was a work weekend for the Bungalow clan.

The sun was shining and the weather beautiful.

It was just perfect....

Why?

Because the children were able to enjoy looking out at the lovely sunny day,

as they were forced to toil inside.

You see... I was a Slave Driver this weekend.

Or so I was told.

The Agronomist continued to work on the basement reno downstairs,

despite the constant "help" I kept volunteering.

Why did I use the word despite you might be asking yourself?

If you are a follower of Bungalow'56's facebook page,

you may have read this little update this weekend.

After my innocent observation, which you can read about here

(if you didn't click on the obvious hint above)

I was immediately delegated to the upstairs portion of the house for the remainder of the weekend.

So to make the most of my banishment, I decided ~~(that misery loves company)~~

to rally the troops and get some things done.

Middlest is moving into Eldest's bedroom,

I think it is important that you know,

The unveiling of Edest's bedroom on this blog (a few years back)

became one of the most popular posts of all time.

It is on the side bar, but just to make it easier for you, you can take a look at it HERE.

I, naively thought Middlest would be happy to move right in.
I mean, it was an awesome room.
But I was wrong.

The new paint colour has already been chosen and the paint bought.
All mirrors, desks, shelves and furniture have been removed.
Since Middlest needed to change absolutely e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. about the
"amazing, can't believe she can't see the genius design I created" room;
I figured she was just as capable as anyone to remove all the hardware, and wall mounted items.

Of course Youngest was feeling left out,

so I decided the bathroom floor could do with a little scrubbing.

Can you believe she had two whole hours between rec league soccer and club soccer practice?

That is waaaay too much time for an almost nine year old to have on ones hands on a Saturday.

So in short, the weekend... was a blast.

There was absolutely no whining or belly aching about chores,

or having to fold copious amounts of laundry.

B.e.c.a.u.s.e that just never happens here at "The Bungalow"...

And The Agronomist?

He installed all the thresholds,

and managed to fill in the 2 million holes in the soon to be Middlest's bedroom.

And the girls?

I overhead one of them mention something about,

"I. just. can't. wait. to. get. back. to. school on. Monday."

xoxo,