tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48215695049716361282024-03-16T05:24:00.257-04:00Charcoal and CrayonsThe Fine Art of Family LifeAndrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-54403397959376670972015-11-29T23:59:00.000-05:002015-12-04T22:00:59.512-05:00It's time to talk about our dayWhat I feel like sharing with you all is much too much for a facebook post. So, I decided to dust off this ol' blog and place my thoughts here.<br />
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Tonight, I had a very interesting conversation with my 5 almost 6 year old son. This conversation took place during our nightly "talk about our day" time, which occurs when I tuck him into bed. I cannot recall exactly how or when this little ritual started, but it probably stemmed from me seeing the following quote inscribed onto a pretty picture on the internet:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Listen earnestly to anything</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>your children want to tell you,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>no matter what.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you don't </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">listen eagerly</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">to the little stuff </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">when they are little,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">they won't </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">tell you the big stuff</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">when they </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">are big,</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>because to them</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>all of it</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>has always been</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>big stuff.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>- Catherine M. Wallace</b></span></div>
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While I do more than my fair share of brushing off the little stuff, this is what I try to remember every night whilst I listen to repetitive tales of Lego ships. Some nights I rush him (especially when he is clearly employing the bedtime stalling tactics that are all too familiar to most parents) and ask him to quickly regale me with only his favourite parts of the day. Other nights, I let myself get lost in the conversation.</div>
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The funny thing is, he seems to prefer listening to me talk about random things; everything from numbers (he finds the concept of infinity especially intriguing) to the stories of every scar that I have. Tonight, the topic turned to where we go when we die and whether or not Hell exists. We attend church regularly and questions such as these have come up before, so I wasn't overly surprised. I've never sugarcoated the reality of death with him and when asked if he or I will live forever, my regular response is "everyone dies" like it's not a big deal.</div>
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Our discussion covered many things and diverged into several tangents, so it is impossible for me to type every detail here in a way that would actually be enjoyable to read. I would like to share the gist of it with you because I find it interesting, especially in our current climate of intolerance. Also, I'd like to remember it and don't always have the best memory.</div>
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While I am no religious scholar, we discussed that people believe different things and that no one really knows for sure what happens to us after we die. Some people believe that good people go to Heaven and bad people go to Hell, which is not a nice place to be with lots of fire. Some people have differing theories on what Heaven is and what it means to them. Some people believe that our souls come back reincarnated as another living creature and do so until we've learned all the lessons that we're meant to learn. He thought that was pretty cool and would like to live his next life as a cheetah (we looked at the difference between cheetah and leopard spots during our "talk about our day" time the other night, determining that his slinky is indeed patterned with leopard spots). Some people believe that there is nothing after death; we just die and that's it. Some people believe that there is something after death, but are not quite sure what.</div>
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I told him that it doesn't really matter which one we believe. Whether we believe there is nothing or we believe there is something, it doesn't change how we should live our lives. Either way, we need to cherish the time that we have with our family and friends and show kindness towards others. In the end, it's all about love and kindness.</div>
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When I looked at the clock, I realized that half an hour had flown by. Way past bedtime! He asked if he could give me 5 "jump hugs" which is where I stand up and he takes flying leaps off the bed at me. The "no hands" version where I am required to keep my arms at my sides are a particular favourite of his. The whole thing usually dissolves into lots of giggles, kisses, snuggles, and hugs. I realize that as he grows older, if these talks continue (and I certainly hope that they do), the giggles and snuggles part will become fond memories. But for now, for me, in this moment they are Heaven.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-74173182605628906422014-09-08T14:37:00.000-04:002014-09-08T14:37:33.203-04:00First Day of School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was a big day for our little family. Oliver excitedly went off to school for his first full day! Ever since his hour long "mini-day" on Friday, he's been itching to go back. He wore his backpack around several times this weekend and even wanted me to serve breakfast in his lunch box (which is so super cool that I just might have to do a full post on it).<div>
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What makes the school experience even more thrilling for Oliver is that he gets to take the bus. All four of us went outside to wait at the bus stop across the street from our house. Our lovely neighbours came out to take pictures and wish him good luck too!</div>
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He didn't even hesitate getting on that bus. </div>
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I thought that I would've been the one in tears, but as it turns out, Millie cried more than I did!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missing her big brother</td></tr>
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<br />Have fun my sweet boy! I know you will do great things this year! We love you!<div>
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-40450898532133589162014-09-04T23:57:00.002-04:002014-09-05T00:02:08.399-04:00Summer Winds Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating down the Saugeen River<br />
Photo by Chris</td></tr>
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Hi there,<br />
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I hope everyone had a fantastic summer! We certainly did. Trips to the park, splash pads, zoo, farm markets, cottage, and water park were enjoyed by all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Peterborough Zoo</td></tr>
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Oliver played on a T-ball team for the first time this summer. It was... interesting. He was very nervous about it all, especially in the beginning. With a ton of encouragement and some bribery, he made great improvements. Despite being quite impressed by the medal that he received at the end of the season, he does not want to play again next summer. When Grandma Robin was visiting at our house and helping out with the laundry, he told her to just throw the T-ball shirt that she was folding in the garbage. He no longer needed it since he wasn't going to play ever again! We'll see if things change with a year of school under his belt.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reward for running from 3rd Base to Home without Mom!</td></tr>
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Speaking of school, Oliver starts Kindergarten on Monday! This week we've been getting his backpack ready, practising with his lunch box, and today we had a meeting with his teacher. Tomorrow, Oliver will go to an hour long "mini-day", which is like a little taste of what school will be like. His teachers seem to be out-of-this-world amazing and are very up to date with all of the current technology (and beyond). I am so excited for him to embark on his educational journey and at the same time it makes me a bit sad to see him go. I try not to think about that though. I'm focusing on the one on one time that I'll get with Amelia... who still naps! Woo-hoo!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding the train at the Peterborough Zoo</td></tr>
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Also during this last week, we've been enjoying several family picnics and hiking outings, making the most of the carefree time we have left. We even found a spot to have a picnic in the rain! Great times were had walking, running and exploring some of the nature trails in our area. We are very lucky to live so close to such beauty and I can't wait to get out there and explore some more! After our last hike, we asked Oliver if he had fun and he immediately replied with a "Yes!" (He usually says "No" even when we know he did).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roxy loves hiking too!</td></tr>
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We've been enjoying some tasty things from our backyard garden despite all of the neglect it's been through! After the initial planting, I've pretty much let nature do its own thing and that has seemed to work well this year. Our tomatoes are just starting to hit their stride now and are absolutely delicious! Nothing else can compare to truly fresh veggies!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating a green pepper straight from the garden</td></tr>
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As Fall quickly approaches, I can feel the excitement of all the new adventures on the horizon. We have so much to look forward to. At the same time, I look back fondly upon all of the memories that were created as this summer winds down.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the cottage</td></tr>
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-727319360153143022014-03-21T23:23:00.000-04:002014-09-05T00:02:24.991-04:00Hello ThirtyFor the past few months, I've tried not to think about it at all. When I did, I thought it would be kind of scary; I thought it would cause a bit of anxiety; I thought there'd be a chance that I'd even cry a little. Yet, last night, as the clock ticked down on the final moments of my twenties, I couldn't sleep because of an entirely unexpected emotion. I was excited! It was strange, but I was actually looking forward to being thirty! I am lucky to greet thirty feeling fit and happy. There definitely have been many ups and downs getting to this point, but overall life is lovely and I am so grateful for everything and everyone in it. And today, thirty wasn't scary. It didn't cause anxiety or tears. It was a beautiful day that I was able to greet with a sincere smile and say, "hello thirty."<br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-32843443949458110592014-02-14T08:30:00.000-05:002014-02-14T09:45:57.251-05:00Love Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Valentine's Day! Today, I'd like to share a little painting that the kids and I created a couple weeks ago. It was one of the lovely craft projects organized by our local Ontario Early Years Centre. If you are lucky enough to live near one, I urge you to go check it out! It's a great place to meet other parents of young children and is a nice little outing for the kids. They have all kinds of activities and programs - and it's all free! This particular project is a simple one. We used Oliver's hand print and Amelia's foot prints. All you need to create your own is a blank canvas, red water based ink or paint, a red permanent marker... and a little bit of love.<br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-49226355704465443032014-02-13T09:30:00.000-05:002014-02-13T09:30:00.832-05:00Tip #2 :: Defeating The Sock MonsterDo you have a sock monster living in your house? One that eats socks, but only single socks, so that when you take your laundry from the dryer to fold it, you're left with several lonely socks that have lost their mate? I used to just toss those socks into each family member's sock drawer and they'd soon be pushed to the back and long forgotten.<br />
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Awhile ago, I decided to start collecting all the lonely single socks in one place: a big drawstring bag tied to the back of my closet door. That's where I've been putting everyone's lonely socks when I put away the clean laundry. There, they can all mingle and not be so lonely. Now, every few months or so, I dump out the bag to see how those guys are doing and low and behold, I find a giant pile of socks with pairs that match!<br />
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So, here's my quick tip - collect all single socks in one spot. I'm starting to think that there never really was a sock monster living here. Unless you take into account an almost 4 year old little boy.<br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-62822135990034149512014-02-12T15:23:00.001-05:002014-02-12T23:12:15.364-05:00Raw Kale Salad with Beans and VeggiesThis simple recipe of mine has become one of my favourite lunches. I like to wash up an entire bunch of kale or two, rip the leaves into pieces, and store them in a Ziploc Fresh Produce bag. Then, it's ready to make salads with and can be thrown into all kinds of other recipes for the whole week. When I also have a batch of this bean and veggie mixture made up in a large container, my lunches are set for a few days. Switching up the type of beans and vegetables, offers an endless array of combinations and flavours.<br />
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RAW KALE SALAD WITH BEANS & VEGGIES<br />
Makes approx. 4 servings<br />
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1 can of navy beans (black beans or black eyed peas are great options too)<br />
1 tomato or 1/2 cup grape tomatoes cut in half<br />
1 cup frozen corn, cooked according to pkg.<br />
1 red pepper, chopped<br />
1 orange pepper, chopped<br />
1/2 cup cucumber, chopped<br />
1 green onion, chopped<br />
1- 2 avocado, chopped<br />
juice and pulp of 1 orange<br />
kale, de-stemmed and torn into pieces<br />
sesame seeds<br />
salt<br />
pepper<br />
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Combine beans, tomato, corn, peppers, cucumber, green onion, avocado. Cover with orange juice. Mix well, making sure avocado is well coated. Serve over kale. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and salt and pepper.<br />
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This salad is simple, healthy, and goes great with a glass of <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/2014/01/ode-to-carrot-juice.html" target="_blank">carrot juice</a>! Sometimes, on the second or third day, I'll add in an extra avocado to freshen it up a bit. Other times, I'll toss in a handful of cashews if it feels like I need the extra fat and protein. Mix it up and make it your own by trying out different combinations of beans, veggies, nuts, and seeds.<br />
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I am sharing this at...<br />
<a href="http://www.moonlightandmasonjars.com/" target="_blank">Moonlight and Mason Jars Link Party</a> :: <a href="http://imnotatrophywife.com/" target="_blank">Tasty Tuesday at I'm Not a Trophy Wife</a><br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-16065830938636388712014-02-02T15:01:00.000-05:002014-02-03T19:40:33.278-05:00It's Lung Leavin' Day! As I held my baby girl in my arms and nursed her, my mind raced. Why did the receptionist bring me to this room? Was there a specific reason that she brought me into this room instead of the normal examination room? I looked at the large round conference table and plush upholstered chairs and felt sick to my stomach. Maybe this room, with it's comfortable seating, is where they lay it it all out on that table for a serious conversation. The conversation that no one wants to be the subject of; the conversation about cancer.<br />
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Before becoming pregnant with my daughter, I underwent several procedures at the colposcopy clinic at the hospital. That is where I had a biopsy (tissue sample) taken of my cervix after having an abnormal PAP. It is also where I had the simple day surgery to remove the high-grade abnormality that they had found. More tests after that procedure were still showing abnormal cells. And then I became pregnant. We couldn't really do anything more until after the baby was born.<br />
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So, here I was sitting in this strange room, nursing my little girl, and waiting to hear the results of the latest test. My husband was in the waiting room, keeping our little boy occupied with toys and snacks. What if the news was bad? If it was, how would I tell my family? What sort of treatment options would I have to consider? So many questions swirled around in my head, it seemed the room was spinning. Through it all, I thought of my young children and how I wanted to be there for them as they grew up; as I sat there, I prayed that I would.<br />
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When the doctor finally came into that room and told me that my test results were normal I felt relieved. I also felt a little bit silly for working myself up into such a panic over nothing. All because I was waiting in a different room. However, many other people aren't so lucky. Many other people have their whole world turned completely upside down in rooms just like that one. People like:<br />
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My amazing friend Doris! Who writes about her journey on her blog <a href="http://curemepureme.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Cure Me - Pure Me</a><br />
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My Mom's late husband, who my children know as "Grandpa Sam".<br />
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And Heather Von St. James, whose story inspired this post...<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Eight years ago, Heather was diagnosed with mesothelioma; a rare cancer that kills most people within 2 years of diagnosis. She had just given birth to her daughter Lily, and was only given 15 months to live. After surgery that included the removal of her left lung, Heather and her family created Lung Leavin’ Day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The purpose of LungLeavin’ Day is to encourage others to face their fears. Each year, the Von St. James family and friends gather around a backyard fire. They write their biggest fears on a plate and smash them into the fire. This will be the 8th year that they celebrate!</span></div>
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This year, Heather and her husband Cameron are asking bloggers to participate and spread the word about Lung Leavin’ Day. I was so honoured to receive an email about their inspiring story and the webpage <a href="http://mesothelioma.com/heather/lungleavinday" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">mesothelioma.com/heather/<wbr></wbr>lungleavinday</a> that they have created.</div>
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I highly urge you to check it out and watch the video of Heather's story, <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/#.Uu2jSvldV4w" target="_blank">which can be found here.</a> It is an incredible story of hope and beating the odds! One thing that really struck a chord with me was when Heather said, <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"I've been accused my whole life of wearing rose coloured glasses and seeing life very optimistically... </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">and I have no intention of ever taking them off." </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">What a beautiful perspective to have on life!</span></div>
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Let's all celebrate Lung Leavin' Day day this year. It is a celebration in remembrance of <span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">those who are no longer with us; it is a celebration for those who continue to fight; it is for those who are currently going through a tough time in their life; and most importantly, it is to celebrate life!</span></div>
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So, what are you afraid of? What is your biggest fear? <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">What would you write on your plate?</span></div>
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Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-63987205708581014342014-01-25T11:50:00.000-05:002014-02-12T20:57:37.678-05:00Little HeartsWhen Amelia goes down for her afternoon nap, Oliver and I have been enjoying some quality time together. Sometimes we do a craft; sometimes we bake healthy cookies (I will post the recipe once it's perfected!); sometimes we read a pile of books in our big white comfy chair. All of these times are extremely precious to me and I've been trying to soak up every minute. For in the back of my mind, I am thinking the word "September". That is when this little boy, whom I have spent most of my waking (and sleeping) hours with over the past 4 years or so, will start going to school. Seven more months with both of my little hearts at home with me. Seven more months to make every moment count.<br />
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The other day, Oliver and I decided to do a simple craft while Amelia slept. With Valentine's day coming up in a few weeks, we went with that theme. Pipe cleaners and beads were all that we needed.<br />
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Oliver enjoyed stringing beads onto the pipe cleaners, which I then twisted into heart shapes. Watching the quiet concentration of this small, yet so astoundingly grown up, boy was a moment that I will cherish. What I will cherish even more, is what he said to me next...<br />
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"Mommy, I love doing crafts with you."<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">I am sharing this at the </span><a href="http://www.moonlightandmasonjars.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #48bfc7; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;" target="_blank">Moonlight and Mason Jars Link Party!</a><br />
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Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-47383178942553112592014-01-19T12:24:00.000-05:002014-01-21T00:40:46.609-05:00Ode to Carrot JuiceI have accidentally stumbled upon something incredible.<br />
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Last month, I was really sick with a stomach bug. The kids had it too. I have never been that sick before. It was awful. Caring for and cleaning up after two little ones with tummy troubles while also feeling so ill wasn't fun either. My husband Chris had to work, so thankfully my Mom travelled up our way and stayed for awhile to take care of us!<br />
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Well, while she was here, we picked up a few <a href="http://www.bolthouse.com/" target="_blank">Bolthouse Farms</a> fruit and veggie drinks. They're the ones found in the produce section at the grocery store (I am not affiliated with Bolthouse Farms in any way. You can read <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/p/disclaimer.html" target="_blank">my disclaimer here</a>). We thought that since my stomach couldn't handle solid food, it would be a good way to get some sort of nutrition.<br />
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One of those juices was a giant bottle of carrot juice.<br />
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I was a bit hesitant to try it and even put it off for awhile. I thought it would be on par with tomato juice which I DO NOT LIKE. I am reminded of the time when my friends were drinking Caesars (similar to a Bloody Mary, for all of the American readers) and I thought that I should too. It was not pretty. And it wasn't because of the vodka.<br />
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Anyway...<br />
I didn't try the carrot juice until well after the illness left our household and my Mom returned to her home. When I finally tasted it, I was shocked. It was fantastic! It's a little bit sweet and absolutely delicious served ice cold. This Bolthouse version contains a whopping 380% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A and is only 70 calories per 1 cup serving.<br />
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According to my research...<br />
(if you watch <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Magic_School_Bus_(TV_series)" target="_blank">The Magic School Bus</a> as much as we do, that phrase may make you smile)<br />
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Each cup contains a whole lot of vitamins and minerals too. These include the aforementioned vitamin A, vitamins C, E, & K, various B vitamins, potassium, folate, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium and zinc. While the old adage that carrots improve eyesight holds true (did I detect a slight improvement in my horrible night vision while driving the other night?), particularly if you have a vitamin A deficiency, there are also a number of other health benefits that this super food provides. Everything from helping dry skin to preventing cancer seem to be on the list of amazing things that carrots can do. "The antioxidants and phytochemicals in carrots may also help with blood sugar regulation, delay the effects of aging, and improve immune function."<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.52400016784668px;">(Nordqvist, J. (2013, December 16). "What are the health benefits of carrots?." </span><i style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.52400016784668px;">Medical News Today</i><span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.52400016784668px;">. Retrieved from </span><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270191" style="-webkit-print-color-adjust: exact; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0164c8; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.52400016784668px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270191</a><span style="color: #111111; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.52400016784668px;">.)</span></span><br />
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How often does something so good for you also taste so amazing?<br />
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It sounds silly, but carrot juice makes me feel like skipping and twirling around like a little girl. Maybe it's all of the antioxidants. Maybe it's all of the vitamin A. Whatever it is, I love this stuff and drink at least one glass a day (remember to check with your doctor before changing your diet, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions). I've also read that drinking 3 cups or more a day can turn skin orange! So I try not to overdo it. Like that episode of The Magic School Bus where Arnold turns orange after eating too many Seaweedies.<br />
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Well, I couldn't title this post "Ode to Carrot Juice" without including one. So here it is...<br />
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<b>Ode to Carrot Juice</b><br />
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Oh carrot juice!<br />
Sweet orange nectar<br />
As a seed you start<br />
So small.<br />
Within Earth's embrace,<br />
You grow.<br />
Nourished by soil, sun,<br />
Rainfall.<br />
A hidden wonder lies<br />
Below.<br />
Your destiny we shall not<br />
Forestall.<br />
For, your great goodness, now<br />
I know.<br />
Nature's nourishment is the gift you impart<br />
To all.<br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-87538877173186527982014-01-07T15:38:00.000-05:002014-01-19T12:26:36.127-05:00Amelia's Artwork<br />
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The other day, I was writing a list. As a habitual list-maker, it was likely one of many: a grocery list, a to-do list, an idea list - the list goes on. Well, Amelia came along and wanted my pencil and notepad. Curious as to what she would do, I gave it to her. She immediately scribbled on the paper (and the table leg and the floor).<br />
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It always amazes me how young children pick up so much just by watching us!<br />
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Amelia also came across a sticker on the floor that had lost its stickiness. I think it was a Halloween sticker (it is now January). No matter how much I clean our floors, I am always finding stuff that I've missed, dirt, crumbs, and random things in weird places; this usually starts about 10 minutes after I finish cleaning the floors. If I'm lucky. Such is life with two kids and a dog! Anyway, Amelia tried to stick that unsticky sticker onto everything: the couch, Oliver, me. <br />
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So when Oliver wanted to make drawings yesterday...<br />
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I thought it was about time for Amelia to join in too!<br />
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I keep a basket handy with colouring books, crayons and stickers. That way, we can make drawings at a moment's notice (and the kids can be quickly occupied for a few minutes when necessary). And if I'm really on the ball, I change out the stickers in the basket depending on the season.<br />
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Amelia loved sticking on those stickers, which took some serious concentration! Now, her very first work of art is hanging on our wall.<br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-57829595735371399922014-01-02T15:01:00.000-05:002014-02-12T23:12:34.356-05:00Peanut Butter Cup Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0PosAFlhno/UsWep8pLCdI/AAAAAAAABwo/MrGn3ZFuYbA/s1600/IMG_8873+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0PosAFlhno/UsWep8pLCdI/AAAAAAAABwo/MrGn3ZFuYbA/s400/IMG_8873+(2).JPG" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
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Yep, these are just as good as they sound. So good, that I usually reserve them for special occasions. This past Christmas, I tweaked <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/peanut-butter-cup-cookies/" target="_blank">the original recipe</a> slightly by switching regular peanut butter for the natural 100% peanuts kind. Also, I replaced cow's milk (that's what Oliver calls milk now) with unsweetened almond milk. They turned out better than ever! And since the changes are healthier ones, they make this little pleasure just a tiny bit less guilty.<br />
<br />
Here's my new version of the recipe...<br />
<br />
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies<br />
<br />
1 3/4 cups flour<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 cup butter, soft<br />
1/2 cup white sugar<br />
1/2 cup natural, 100% peanuts peanut butter<br />
1/2 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1 egg, beaten<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
2 tblsp unsweetened almond milk<br />
40 mini peanut butter cups<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375.<br />
Mix together flour, salt, baking soda. Set aside.<br />
Cream butter, sugar, peanut butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.<br />
Beat in egg, vanilla, and milk.<br />
Add flour mixture.<br />
Mix well.<br />
Shape into 40 balls and place into un-greased mini muffin pan.<br />
Bake for 8 min.<br />
Remove from oven and immediately press mini peanut butter cups into each ball.<br />
Let cool and place in freezer for a few min until chocolate sets.<br />
Carefully remove from pan.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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<br />
I am sharing this at...<br />
<a href="http://www.moonlightandmasonjars.com/" target="_blank">Moonlight and Mason Jars Link Party</a> :: <a href="http://imnotatrophywife.com/" target="_blank">Tasty Tuesday at I'm Not a Trophy Wife</a><br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-81997483864622623272014-01-01T09:30:00.000-05:002014-02-03T19:40:11.891-05:00GoHappy New Year!<br />
<br />
I love the idea of choosing a "word of the year". A word chosen at the start of the new year to ponder on and provide inspiration throughout the months to come. I started a list of possible words and <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/2012/01/word-of-year.html" target="_blank">chose the word spark for 2012.</a> A little spark came to life that year - our daughter Amelia. For 2013 I thought long and hard about a word of the year and revisited and added to that same list of possible words. I even started a blog post, but never finished it.<br />
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Over the past couple days, I've been looking back at 2013. As I did so, I began to notice that the word "push" had been quietly motivating me throughout the year, <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/2013/12/push.html" target="_blank">which I wrote about yesterday.</a> I realized that I had made an effort to push myself outside of my comfort zone as well as push past and surpass some of my goals and expectations.<br />
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While pondering on a word today to choose for 2014, I came across that old list from previous years and, right smack in the middle of that list, found the word push.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gh_cNEsLh_s/UsOlvXMZ4QI/AAAAAAAABvg/OCBSBSp-rBc/s1600/IMG_8860+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gh_cNEsLh_s/UsOlvXMZ4QI/AAAAAAAABvg/OCBSBSp-rBc/s640/IMG_8860+(2).JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Notice how the word push is the only one all in lower-case letters? Totally found it that way. I think push chose me last year and I didn't even realize it.<br />
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For this upcoming year, I want to keep the forward momentum that the word push unwittingly provided last year. My word for 2014 has been popping up in my mind lately and is also on that old list, right at the top. The word "go".<br />
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Oh yeah! I almost forgot! I have a 5k race to get to. Going to start this year off running!<br />
Let's go!<br />
<br />
<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-29532932033093897852013-12-31T00:31:00.000-05:002014-02-03T19:47:33.324-05:00Push<br />
Hi there!<br />
<br />
It has been well over a year since I've stopped on by to this, my little corner of the internet. As we all know, a whole lot can happen and change in just a year's time! A new year is just about to begin and I find myself not only looking ahead, but reflecting back upon how far we've come. I've thought of all you lovely readers and this blog many times along the way. I even wrote a few posts, but something kept me from clicking that "Publish" button.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wa0oqWgDjxA/UsIuBo_LI9I/AAAAAAAABuc/wYrc5ZxBc-M/s1600/3108edit+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wa0oqWgDjxA/UsIuBo_LI9I/AAAAAAAABuc/wYrc5ZxBc-M/s640/3108edit+(1).jpg" height="457" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://rebeccaleighphotography.ca/" target="_blank">Rebecca Leigh Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In November 2012 we welcomed our sweet baby girl, Amelia, into the world. She is pure joy. The first few months of her life included some major adjustments on my part as I learned how to become a mother of two. Now, a year later, I can't imagine our family any other way.<br />
<br />
Amelia (we often call her Millie) is a very happy girl who never stops moving unless she is asleep! Whenever she hears music, she does a little wiggle. She knows what she wants (usually food) and isn't afraid to let you know too (usually by pointing, waving and saying "mmm"). In fact, she isn't afraid of much and I can already see a feisty, daring side to her! She loves her dollies, snuggling, and giving amazing hugs.<br />
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Oliver will be turning 4 this coming Spring and is growing up right in front of our eyes! He loves big trucks (with doors that open), Buzz Lightyear, and building with blocks. He enjoys doing puzzles and is very good at them. He operates tablets, smartphones, and iPads like a pro and I'm sure he could teach me a thing or two about them already. Even though sibling rivalry shows up from time to time, there are many sweet and caring big brother moments that melt my heart.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4jfsyd-ONY/UsIt6HW_WZI/AAAAAAAABuY/xYNv4omemUg/s1600/3050edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4jfsyd-ONY/UsIt6HW_WZI/AAAAAAAABuY/xYNv4omemUg/s640/3050edit.jpg" height="640" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://rebeccaleighphotography.ca/" target="_blank">Rebecca Leigh Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When I think about why I didn't post here for so long a few reasons come to mind. I was busy with a new baby and an active little boy. I wasn't taking quality photos with my good camera. I was focusing on "real" life, not a "virtual" one. But when I'm truly honest with myself, I think the real reason was fear. The fear of how my on-line posts will affect my children. The fear of possibly exposing my family to unsavoury individuals. The fear of sharing too much with the outside world.<br />
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While fear can be a necessary emotion that keeps us out of harm's way, give in to it too often, and we miss out on so many good things. And fear is just that... an emotion. It doesn't have to control us. In choosing how we react to it, we control our fear.<br />
<br />
In 2013 I pushed through many fears...<br />
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The fear of sickness, disease and not being around for my kids pushed me to strive for a healthier life. The way I eat and how I view food have changed. I stopped eating processed food and now try to eat mostly "real food". We built and grew a vegetable garden in our tiny backyard. Through this, I discovered a passion for plants and growing things.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97uLEwvCea0/UsIwTB9kNpI/AAAAAAAABuo/DegIqK5Eg8k/s1600/2013+vegetable+garden+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97uLEwvCea0/UsIwTB9kNpI/AAAAAAAABuo/DegIqK5Eg8k/s640/2013+vegetable+garden+4.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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This past year, I joined a gym, took yoga classes, and began working out with a personal trainer. All things that a shy, quiet, and reserved person like myself find a little bit intimidating. Now, I'm 25 lbs lighter, physically and mentally stronger, and have gotten to know a lot of great people who I wouldn't have met otherwise. Oliver and Amelia love the kids room and the staff at the gym too.<br />
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Recently, I completed a little 5k race while visiting my home town. Many friends and family members helped to raise $380 for charity by sponsoring me (my goal was $200). I ran a personal best time of 34 min that day (my goal was to be under 40 min). Pushing past those goals felt amazing!<br />
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I even pushed myself to drive a little bit on the very busy 401 highway this year (a couple times)! Being in a car has been an intense fear of mine that I've dealt with for several years, so that's pretty huge for me!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NhjC1EoasZo/UsIxz1aBmNI/AAAAAAAABu0/Cqhxw887M_8/s1600/Amelia+in+her+Pink+Clek+Foonf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NhjC1EoasZo/UsIxz1aBmNI/AAAAAAAABu0/Cqhxw887M_8/s640/Amelia+in+her+Pink+Clek+Foonf.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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So I guess there is one more fear to push through before this year is over - clicking that "Publish" button.<br />
<br />
Well, here goes nothing...<br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-89845733398550528652012-08-20T01:10:00.000-04:002014-02-03T19:47:46.192-05:00My Disclaimer Pinned DownSo I've known for quite awhile that every blog should have a disclaimer. Today, I've finally finished mine (that I started way back in April 2011). It's my little legal letter to you, my lovely readers. <br />
Find it in this post below as well as at the tabs along the top of the page.<br />
While writing it, I found these websites to be extremely helpful...<br />
<a href="http://www.blogherald.com/2007/10/02/writing-a-blog-disclaimer/"><span style="color: #165179;">http://www.blogherald.com/2007/10/02/writing-a-blog-disclaimer/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.myhappycrazylife.com/blog-disclaimer/"><span style="color: #165179;">http://www.myhappycrazylife.com/blog-disclaimer/</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYlyD6v-viE/UDG-ONVA-6I/AAAAAAAABr8/mZtPe7s8ZFo/s1600/clothespins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYlyD6v-viE/UDG-ONVA-6I/AAAAAAAABr8/mZtPe7s8ZFo/s640/clothespins.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
So without further adieu, here it is...<br />
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<br />
Dear Readers,<br />
<br />
This is a personal blog. The views and opinons expressed
here are purely my own. The content found here is in no way associated with any
past, present, or future employer, association, organization, agency, or group.
Being that we are all individuals, each with different perspectives, my views
may or may not agree with yours... and that's ok.<br />
<br />
It is not my intention
to offend, libel, or defame anyone. If the translation or interperetation of
content, language, bad grammar, or punctuation does so, it is definitely
unintentional and I will not be held responsible. Furthermore, I am not
responsible for defamatory statements bound to government, religious, or other
laws from the reader’s country of origin. <br />
<br />
I am not a professional expert
on anything, nor do I claim to be. I am simply a human being who is figuring it
out as I go along. Perhaps you are too.<br />
<br />
Since I am a human being, I will
make mistakes. The content of this blog is provided "as is" with no warranties,
and confers no rights. I will do my best to provide accurate information and
links at the time of posting. A blog, by nature, is always in transition. Over
time, my thoughts, ideas, and opinions will likely change and evolve. Please
keep in mind that the validity and accuracy of past posts and links may also
change. Also, I cannot control, nor am I responsible for, external sites that
link to this blog.<br />
<br />
If you find any tutorials, advice, tips, or
information on this blog to be useful to you, that is great! My intention is to
help and do no harm. Use any information found here with caution, common sense,
and with the understanding that you do so at your own risk. I am not
responsible and will not be held liable for any loss, damages, or inconveniences
that may result from what is written and displayed on this blog or downloaded
from it.<br />
<br />
Feel free to offer constructive critisism, differing opinions,
and your two cents worth in the comments section available at the bottom of my
blog posts. Please be polite and remember that you are responsible for any
comments that you post on this blog. I reserve the right to delete any comment
for any reason, including, but not limited to profanity, abusiveness, rudeness,
or spam. I am not responsible and will not be held liable for anything anyone
says in the blog comments, nor the laws which they may break in any country
through the content, implication, and intent of such comments.<br />
<br />
Unless
otherwise noted, photographs and images are my own. I always try to give credit
where credit is due and will provide links to my sources of inspiration and
information. Please offer me the same courtesy if you use my ideas on your own
blog or website. You may not use anything from this blog for commercial
purposes without my permission.<br />
<br />
Overall, I hope that Charcoal &
Crayons will be a place where we can all share and celebrate great ideas,
while inspiring and encouraging each other.<br />
<br />
I truly appreciate that you
are here, spending a little bit of your valuable time with me and my
thoughts.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-43305176329783996822012-08-14T13:43:00.000-04:002014-02-03T19:48:02.421-05:00Just the Cone, Please!During our Summer trip to the cottage, we made some <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/2012/07/sandy-memories.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #165179;">sandy memories</span></a>, spent some time <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/2012/07/simply-messing-about-in-boats.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #165179;">simply messing about in boats</span></a>, and even found ourselves <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/2012/07/in-hole.html" target="_blank">in the hole</a>.<br />
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And while at the cottage, it's always nice to meet up at the local ice cream shop.<br />
Oliver doesn't really like ice cream (maybe it's too cold), but he does like the cone!<br />
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He was also quite impressed with the tent and chairs that were just his size.<br />
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He sat with Grandma Bonnie...<br />
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<br />
<br />
...just like last year...<br />
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My, how much he's grown!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-54454510094062447522012-07-19T08:30:00.000-04:002014-02-03T19:48:19.132-05:00In the HoleWhile at the cottage earlier this summer, we made some <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/2012/07/sandy-memories.html" target="_blank">sandy memories</a> and spent some time <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/2012/07/simply-messing-about-in-boats.html" target="_blank">simply messing about in boats</a>.<br />
<br />
We were also able to spend some time at the beach with nearby family. Oliver had a blast playing in the sand with his cousins Katie and Justin.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ctgo9Y-A-w/UASoQQSIUCI/AAAAAAAABng/x0Z9jUTeJ1k/s1600/Digging+a+Hole+at+the+Beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ctgo9Y-A-w/UASoQQSIUCI/AAAAAAAABng/x0Z9jUTeJ1k/s640/Digging+a+Hole+at+the+Beach.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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They dug a big hole which became Oliver's favourite place to sit.<br />
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And he shook with delight every time that Katie poured in some water!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJyZhBU_ay4/UASpMX-lXiI/AAAAAAAABn0/1aAhFXmggX8/s1600/water+in+the+hole+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJyZhBU_ay4/UASpMX-lXiI/AAAAAAAABn0/1aAhFXmggX8/s640/water+in+the+hole+2.JPG" height="640" width="454" /></a></div>
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Splash!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPSJr9pNTj8/UASpmWYVWjI/AAAAAAAABn8/HdcGNktBD-g/s1600/water+in+the+hole+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPSJr9pNTj8/UASpmWYVWjI/AAAAAAAABn8/HdcGNktBD-g/s640/water+in+the+hole+1.JPG" height="560" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even Roxy was able to enjoy some beach time...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSUYU45YCmg/UASqEgSt8SI/AAAAAAAABoE/Ta5twJXB3lQ/s1600/Beach+Dog+Umbrella.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSUYU45YCmg/UASqEgSt8SI/AAAAAAAABoE/Ta5twJXB3lQ/s640/Beach+Dog+Umbrella.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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...and dashing Daddy too...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOIx0R4TNbc/UASqi_1S9NI/AAAAAAAABoM/zYN-6kuEaUM/s1600/dashing+daddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yOIx0R4TNbc/UASqi_1S9NI/AAAAAAAABoM/zYN-6kuEaUM/s640/dashing+daddy.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Oliver also found some fun with a football.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBM5-c2_Z2o/UASq65BYlDI/AAAAAAAABoU/LtUMtmeurSY/s1600/Little+Football+Player+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBM5-c2_Z2o/UASq65BYlDI/AAAAAAAABoU/LtUMtmeurSY/s640/Little+Football+Player+1.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Catch, Daddy!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyj67hwOR4o/UASrLDSiZaI/AAAAAAAABoc/26RqnJUYoZg/s1600/Little+Football+Player+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyj67hwOR4o/UASrLDSiZaI/AAAAAAAABoc/26RqnJUYoZg/s640/Little+Football+Player+3.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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The beach is a great place to practice those football skills in the sand!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-peBv0QDz_AY/UASr-eV449I/AAAAAAAABo0/AgJ7GC6OUgs/s1600/Little+Football+Player+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-peBv0QDz_AY/UASr-eV449I/AAAAAAAABo0/AgJ7GC6OUgs/s640/Little+Football+Player+5.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Touchdown!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGl62DsWw20/UASrpGYFZpI/AAAAAAAABos/oNa84aN-ASc/s1600/Touchdown+Mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGl62DsWw20/UASrpGYFZpI/AAAAAAAABos/oNa84aN-ASc/s640/Touchdown+Mosaic.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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And even though playing football is fun...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmLsJJMtNtg/UASrgaBYPhI/AAAAAAAABok/Eir8oiWN0Yo/s1600/Little+Football+Player+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmLsJJMtNtg/UASrgaBYPhI/AAAAAAAABok/Eir8oiWN0Yo/s640/Little+Football+Player+2.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The best place to be is...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_ypy5I57ps/UASsS_s0G-I/AAAAAAAABo8/sYLdYxX23ls/s1600/in+the+hole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J_ypy5I57ps/UASsS_s0G-I/AAAAAAAABo8/sYLdYxX23ls/s640/in+the+hole.JPG" height="640" width="444" /></a></div>
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...in the hole!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-81310645135650998282012-07-18T08:30:00.000-04:002014-02-03T19:48:35.762-05:00Simply Messing About in BoatsSo yesterday I shared <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/2012/07/sandy-memories.html" target="_blank">Oliver's recent adventures in the sand</a> with you.<br />
Today, let's get into the water... without getting wet!<br />
While Ollie wasn't too keen on swimming in the lake this year, he sure enjoyed his very first rowboat ride.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVLpFjAk9eo/UAV3e29YvRI/AAAAAAAABpk/NeTYhw1elrg/s1600/little+boy+boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVLpFjAk9eo/UAV3e29YvRI/AAAAAAAABpk/NeTYhw1elrg/s640/little+boy+boat.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here he is all ready in his lifejacket...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzNm9nxcO9I/UAV36vrOINI/AAAAAAAABps/Dnbmn6SridU/s1600/Little+boy+lifejacket+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzNm9nxcO9I/UAV36vrOINI/AAAAAAAABps/Dnbmn6SridU/s640/Little+boy+lifejacket+beach.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The lake was incredibly calm that evening.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnQ1Z02p7_E/UAV4l9DP7MI/AAAAAAAABp0/-Qlcnfo5peY/s1600/little+boy+lifejacket+sand+shore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnQ1Z02p7_E/UAV4l9DP7MI/AAAAAAAABp0/-Qlcnfo5peY/s640/little+boy+lifejacket+sand+shore.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Grandpa Gary got the rowboat ready.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLDZPpkJyD8/UAV4y-ccZ1I/AAAAAAAABp8/5zjgn4PLWz0/s1600/getting+ready+to+row.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cLDZPpkJyD8/UAV4y-ccZ1I/AAAAAAAABp8/5zjgn4PLWz0/s640/getting+ready+to+row.JPG" height="640" width="412" /></a></div>
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Now, we just have to wait for Daddy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHgKrNL4eYM/UAV6SPMex0I/AAAAAAAABqE/g42XCB2Jaqg/s1600/Oliver+and+Grandpa+Gary+rowboat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHgKrNL4eYM/UAV6SPMex0I/AAAAAAAABqE/g42XCB2Jaqg/s640/Oliver+and+Grandpa+Gary+rowboat.JPG" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
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Time to set off.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WuUSyTvxakY/UAV60NeARkI/AAAAAAAABqM/Ze0ldoB-77s/s1600/get+into+the+boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WuUSyTvxakY/UAV60NeARkI/AAAAAAAABqM/Ze0ldoB-77s/s640/get+into+the+boat.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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It's just like the <a href="http://www.chicheemaun.com/ontarioferries/english/index.html" target="_blank">Chi-Cheemaun</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkQmMML2KbA/UAV7TJ24IuI/AAAAAAAABqU/772HioFyXOI/s1600/In+the+rowboat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkQmMML2KbA/UAV7TJ24IuI/AAAAAAAABqU/772HioFyXOI/s640/In+the+rowboat.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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What a beautiful evening for a boatride.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xGxZpbmBIY/UAWAbzVfekI/AAAAAAAABqo/kZ7yqT5t8fA/s1600/boat+on+water+sun+sky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xGxZpbmBIY/UAWAbzVfekI/AAAAAAAABqo/kZ7yqT5t8fA/s640/boat+on+water+sun+sky.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Looks like it was lots of fun too.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xheg-_RR3ts/UAWBDLkvRII/AAAAAAAABqw/b9bQ2Z_i5BU/s1600/rowboat+fun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xheg-_RR3ts/UAWBDLkvRII/AAAAAAAABqw/b9bQ2Z_i5BU/s640/rowboat+fun.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's go back in the boat!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qx9WEMDY48c/UAWBf664U0I/AAAAAAAABq4/YTCrU97ssDY/s1600/let's+go+back+in+the+boat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qx9WEMDY48c/UAWBf664U0I/AAAAAAAABq4/YTCrU97ssDY/s640/let's+go+back+in+the+boat.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">"Believe me, my young friend, </span><span style="background-color: white;">there is nothing</span></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: small;">- absolutely nothing -</span></div>
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</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">half so much worth doing as simply </span><span style="background-color: white;">messing about in boats."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">- Kenneth Grahame, </span><i style="background-color: white;">The Wind in the Willows</i></span></div>
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-31732250888656644112012-07-17T09:39:00.000-04:002014-02-03T19:48:52.640-05:00Sandy MemoriesWhat a difference a year makes!<br />
Last year, Oliver would not even touch the sand at the beach.<br />
This year, he thoroughly enjoyed playing in the sand during our recent trip to the cottage.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A castle in the sand</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Oliver and Grandpa Gary sure had a fun time digging…</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTyLEfVJ5h8/T_UKoyQN08I/AAAAAAAABl8/Y0SqJ2BTiSQ/s1600/Building+Sand+Castles+with+Grandpa+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTyLEfVJ5h8/T_UKoyQN08I/AAAAAAAABl8/Y0SqJ2BTiSQ/s640/Building+Sand+Castles+with+Grandpa+2.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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…and building a sand castle together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Canada Day pinwheel added the perfect finishing touch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxq-B6CsrFE/T_UK8Y_2r4I/AAAAAAAABmE/lZsi6tL4f6U/s1600/Building+Sand+Castles+with+Grandpa+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxq-B6CsrFE/T_UK8Y_2r4I/AAAAAAAABmE/lZsi6tL4f6U/s640/Building+Sand+Castles+with+Grandpa+4.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fill ‘er up!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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A big dump truck was piled high with sand.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVbRyzhUe8w/T_ULM7elS9I/AAAAAAAABmM/hg-Q78xBAn0/s1600/Dump+Truck+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FVbRyzhUe8w/T_ULM7elS9I/AAAAAAAABmM/hg-Q78xBAn0/s640/Dump+Truck+1.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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And then dumped…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jnof9hfrWXA/T_ULf3geJYI/AAAAAAAABmU/zWm3z80s8EI/s1600/Dump+Truck+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jnof9hfrWXA/T_ULf3geJYI/AAAAAAAABmU/zWm3z80s8EI/s640/Dump+Truck+2.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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And filled once again!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-vB0mIlvac/T_ULuSYduoI/AAAAAAAABmc/purvNk2lNLs/s1600/Dump+Truck+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-vB0mIlvac/T_ULuSYduoI/AAAAAAAABmc/purvNk2lNLs/s640/Dump+Truck+3.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And again!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Taken for a ride</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Even “Lightening McQueen Bike” had some fun in the sun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etistKZhTi0/T_UI-HHkazI/AAAAAAAABlE/2xMNU3ACXS4/s1600/Beach+Ride+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etistKZhTi0/T_UI-HHkazI/AAAAAAAABlE/2xMNU3ACXS4/s640/Beach+Ride+1.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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And from this seat, Oliver gave us his signature sly look and big smile.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A stone’s throw</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Finding and gathering stones...<o:p></o:p></div>
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...and then tossing them into the lake was another amusing activity.
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At the end of the day, only the sand castle was left behind as we took our toys, towels, and sandy memories with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hope your Summer days are filled with fun in the sun and sandy memories too!<br />
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Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-87964038652234938942012-07-16T16:12:00.000-04:002014-02-03T19:49:27.406-05:00Halfway There :: Our Latest ProjectHey there! It sure has been awhile since my last post. That's because I've been working on a new project. I guess you could say that it's a collaboration with my husband, Chris. The past few months of this project have really been taking a toll on me physically, but in the end it'll all be worth it... <br />
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...because in the end we'll be welcoming a new member of our family. That's right, we're expecting!<br />
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Now, the unfortunate part is that pregnancy does not agree with me in the slightest. Just like when I was pregnant with our son Oliver, severe nausea and vomiting have become a part of daily life. And everything smells terrible! The smell of the dog, cologne, soaps, the fridge, and even my own skin gets my stomach churning.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">We are now halfway through the year of 2012 (can hardly believe it!), and we are also just past the halfway point of this pregnancy. </span><span style="background-color: white;">After <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.ca/2012/02/finding-peace-after-miscarriage.html" target="_blank">our experience with miscarriage last year</a>, I have found it difficult to be excited about the arrival of a baby, just in case it doesn't happen... until now.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">A few days ago, we had an ultrasound and found out that they think we're having a girl!</span><br />
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Since then, all I can think about is decorating the nursery and how much I love the name that we've picked for her (although if it turns out to be a boy, that's ok too).<br />
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Oliver is going to be a fabulous big brother and already has a nickname for his little sister... "Oatmeal".<br />
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Even though I won't quite breathe a sigh of relief until she is born healthy and in our arms, it feels good to finally replace some of the doubt and pessimism with some happiness and excitement... and maybe even a little bit of joy.<br />
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I hope you are all experiencing some joy this summer too!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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<i>Andrea</i><br />
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<br />Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-8792070642819329332012-03-12T16:25:00.000-04:002014-02-03T15:51:27.867-05:00My Story of Grandma O'Donnell's Banana BreadToday I'm going to share with you the most incredible banana bread recipe... ever.<br />
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This recipe holds a very special place in my heart not only because it was given to me by my best friend <a href="http://www.odonnellartstudio.com/" target="_blank">Meghan O'Donnell</a> (given to her by her Grandmother, who is an amazing woman both in and out of the kitchen), but also because it was the first thing that I ever really baked on my own.<br />
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It was back when I was in college and at a time when I was absolutely hopeless in the kitchen. I would set off the smoke alarm trying to heat up a can of soup! Well, one day, I had a bunch of overripe bananas and decided to give this banana bread recipe a try.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grandma O'Donnell's Banana Bread</span></div>
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3 bananas, mashed (sometimes I sneak in an extra one)<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup oil<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 3/4 cup flour<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1 1/2 to 2 cups chocolate chips (optional)<br />
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In a large bowl, cream together the bananas, eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, and salt.<br />
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Add to wet ingredients.<br />
Fold in chocolate chips if using.<br />
Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes for 2 loaf tins, 20-25 minutes for muffins.<br />
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Much to my surprise, the end result was absolutely fabulous! I realized that maybe I wasn't a complete dunce in the kitchen after all. That banana bread was the initial <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.com/2012/01/word-of-year.html">spark</a> that began my love affair with baking, cooking good food (and eating it), and building up my recipe box with the best tried and true recipes.<br />
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I can now hold my own in the kitchen and have learned a lot from my husband (a former cook), friends, and family members. But I have found that the best way to gain knowledge is by doing.<br />
So my own personal philosophy is this...<br />
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Try recipes. Try hundreds... thousands... even millions of recipes. Each recipe will impart new techniques, tips, and tricks to add to your set of skills. If you don't know how to do something called for in a recipe, look it up. Learn, attempt, experiment, and step out of your comfort zone. You will find some fabulous recipes and you will experience a few flops too, but once you've cooked through a large multitude of recipes, you'll have amassed not only a great selection of recipes, but a collection of kitchen knowledge and confidence.<br />
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I like to find recipes on cooking shows, in cookbooks (our local library has a great selection), and online. The comments and reviews found on most online recipes are excellent resources as well. Some of these recipes can be found on my Recipe Box page (find the link at the top) and there are many recipes I have yet to share with you, so stay tuned!<br />
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And now, this banana bread recipe has become even more special to me. A couple weeks ago, my son Oliver and I made this recipe together. It was his first time helping in the kitchen and he loved it! Since then, baking and cooking together has become one of our favourite family activities...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2qNkhrkCZk/T15QmdvJcuI/AAAAAAAABkk/sairB5r52_g/s1600/making+banana+bread+with+Oliver+mosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2qNkhrkCZk/T15QmdvJcuI/AAAAAAAABkk/sairB5r52_g/s640/making+banana+bread+with+Oliver+mosaic.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and I'm sure it will be for years to come!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and please visit</div>
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<a href="http://www.odonnellartstudio.com/">www.odonnellartstudio.com</a></div>
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to see the incredible artwork of my friends</div>
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Meghan & Katelyn O'Donnell.</div>
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Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-88731911904665807482012-03-08T16:38:00.001-05:002014-01-03T15:34:40.372-05:00A Fish Called ChipsFirst off, I'd like to thank everyone for the lovely and supportive comments for my <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.com/2012/02/finding-peace-after-miscarriage.html">last post</a>. As I continue to hear of others with similar stories on an almost daily basis, I've realized just how important it is to share our experiences and support one another. Thank you.<br />
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Now, on to other things...<br />
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I've been meaning to introduce to you the little surprise that my husband, Chris, brought home a few weeks ago. After he told me on the phone that he was bringing home something special for the family, the text messages went a little something like this...<br />
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ANDREA: I'm curious about the family surprise... Lady & The Tramp on blue ray perhaps?<br />
CHRIS: Way off.<br />
ANDREA: Hmmm... Is it edible?<br />
CHRIS: Yuuuuuuuup.<br />
ANDREA: Candy?<br />
CHRIS: Way off.<br />
ANDREA: Chicken? (that was Oliver's suggestion)<br />
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Well, the surprise turned out to be something that may be served up at an event like the Stag & Doe for our wedding...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqW5SYcsvPY/T1kN33YK7gI/AAAAAAAABj0/h_Yje-qiaFQ/s1600/Chris+just+ate+a+goldfish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqW5SYcsvPY/T1kN33YK7gI/AAAAAAAABj0/h_Yje-qiaFQ/s640/Chris+just+ate+a+goldfish.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris after swallowing a goldfish. Should have bought that "Goldfish Insurance!"</td></tr>
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But here at home, I think we'll keep this off the menu.<br />
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At first, when asked what to name our new Betta fish, Oliver would say "no" or nothing at all.<br />
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Then, a few days later, when asked again, he said "Chips!"<br />
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I think he was actually requesting some chips to eat, but the name has stuck. It's actually quite the clever name, especially if you take the popular meal of "Fish 'n' Chips" into consideration. Although, please don't worry, I will not be serving this Chips for dinner.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRaRHDrylas/T1kCow8dpDI/AAAAAAAABjE/P-493EQp1ZU/s1600/Betta+Fish+Chips+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRaRHDrylas/T1kCow8dpDI/AAAAAAAABjE/P-493EQp1ZU/s640/Betta+Fish+Chips+3.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Oliver loves to feed his fish. After a few mishaps with the food pellets spilling everywhere, we've developed a good system. I put the required amount on a plate, set it beside the fish bowl, and Ollie puts them in one by one.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aul0UvcvbBQ/T1kDLD-nh3I/AAAAAAAABjs/yNaSNpxivsU/s1600/Oliver+feeding+Betta+Fish+Chips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aul0UvcvbBQ/T1kDLD-nh3I/AAAAAAAABjs/yNaSNpxivsU/s640/Oliver+feeding+Betta+Fish+Chips.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oliver then says, "Watch fish eat", peers into the top of the bowl, and says "Mmm" each time the fish gobbles up a pellet.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSQJ2TBfMoE/T1kDGh0HutI/AAAAAAAABjk/oVte_pBamnU/s1600/Betta+Fish+Chips+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSQJ2TBfMoE/T1kDGh0HutI/AAAAAAAABjk/oVte_pBamnU/s640/Betta+Fish+Chips+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've become quite attached to the little guy and I love how he comes right over and looks up at you. Despite my track record with fish and house plants (if you remember back to <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.com/2011/11/award-x-2.html">this previous post</a> where I mentioned bringing the <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.com/2011/06/front-porch-ferns.html">Front Porch Ferns</a> inside for the winter... well... they're no longer with us), I'm determined to keep Chips alive for as long as possible!<br />
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There's no doubt about it, little Chips has quickly become a part of our family life... hook, line, and sinker.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1LXGkzKv08/T1kC5Ojlu0I/AAAAAAAABjM/plGvNT7SLGU/s1600/Betta+Fish+Chips+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1LXGkzKv08/T1kC5Ojlu0I/AAAAAAAABjM/plGvNT7SLGU/s640/Betta+Fish+Chips+4.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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UPDATE: Chips has since passed away. He was a lovely presence in our home and lived a good long life for a beta fish.</div>
Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-49187184679934558802012-02-26T22:17:00.002-05:002014-02-03T19:40:48.240-05:00Finding Peace After MiscarriageJust a fair warning... this is a long one.<br />
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So, if you're up for it, get comfortable and read on...<br />
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I've started writing (and re-writing) this post many times, both in my head and here on the computer,<br />
since starting this blog in February 2011. Now, I'm usually a private person, so sharing this experience with you has been something that I've had to build up the courage to do.<br />
<br />
Throughout this past year of blogging we've gotten to know each other, and now that we have, I've been thinking about sharing a little bit more of the real me.<br />
<br />
Also, something that our minister said in his sermon today at church really spoke to me.<br />
I don't remember the exact words, but the message was to think differently about the trials and tribulations that we all go through. <i>Perhaps these struggles are something that we must experience in order to help others get through their own hard times.</i><br />
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I think that sometimes it just helps to know that someone else has been there too... that we're not alone.<br />
That is why I am finally sharing this story with you today.<br />
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It was the winter of 2010. I remember a time full of anticipation, exciting changes, and transitions.<br />
Our son Oliver had a lovely first Christmas. We were expecting the arrival of our second child.<br />
The hunt for a new (and bigger than our teeny tiny condo) house was just beginning.<br />
More on that story here... <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.com/2011/03/winds-of-change-from-east-part-1.html">Part One</a>, <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.com/2011/03/winds-of-change-from-east-part-2.html">Part Two</a>, <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.com/2011/03/winds-of-change-from-east-part-3.html">Part Three</a>.<br />
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By the middle of January, things had changed even more.<br />
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It started off with a little bit of spotting, which, I'm told, can be a normal occurrence during pregnancy.<br />
As the bleeding became heavier, we decided to get checked out and went to the walk-in clinic<br />
(it was a Saturday so our family doctor's office was closed).<br />
After a urine test, the doctor on call was straight to the point...<br />
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She said that we were more than likely having a miscarriage.<br />
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At that time, I felt okay and as though I had come to terms with the situation almost instantly.<br />
From the beginning of this pregnancy, I had felt like something was a little off and this explained it.<br />
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But things were far from over...<br />
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On the following Wednesday, the cramping, pain, and bleeding were getting quite bad.<br />
We spent the evening in the emergency room, where they did some blood tests.<br />
<br />
We were a little shocked and surprised by the results...<br />
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My hormone levels were around where they should be and we were told that the pregnancy may actually still be viable. I guess extreme bleeding can be normal in some cases, including the ER doctor's own pregnancy.<br />
<br />
So home we went, trying not to give in to that glimmer of hope and waiting for morning to come so we go back for more tests.<br />
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External and internal ultrasounds, more blood tests, and a whole lot of waiting filled that day until it was our turn to see the doctor. This time, the results were pretty clear. My hormone levels had dropped drastically.<br />
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There would be no baby.<br />
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The next week or so I spent a lot of time in bed as the miscarriage took its course.<br />
Thankfully, I had our little Oliver to take care of... I was even still breastfeeding during that time.<br />
I think it would have been an even more difficult time, if not for him.<br />
We had this beautiful, healthy, happy little one in our lives... and he needed me.<br />
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It took me a very long time to feel anything close to my normal self again.<br />
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There was a lot of sadness, but for the most part, I was angry.<br />
It was a fierce, searing type of anger that I had never quite experienced before.<br />
It was extremely out of character for me and I think my husband was the only one who ever really saw part of that anger come to the surface.<br />
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Along with my family and friends, there have been a few things that have helped me get through.<br />
<br />
Starting this blog was one of them. Charcoal & Crayons celebrates the good things in my life. Focusing on that has been so helpful. Also, the wonderful response from family, friends, and all of you out there in Blogland has meant the world to me. From the beginning, your comments, support, and words of encouragement have brought me many happy smiles.<br />
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Another thing that has helped tremendously is running. I began running last summer and it quickly became something that made me feel alive again. Along with an incredible sense of accomplishment, training for <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.com/2011/10/day-1-courage-to-start.html">my first 5K race</a> was a solid goal to work towards and pushed me to get moving and out the door everyday. Running was my time to think, reflect and to be by myself. After a day of taking care of our little family, it was something that I did just for me.<br />
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But to be completely honest with you...<br />
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This story is not over. It's still wrapped up within an on going struggle of emotions. Every time that I feel as though I've come through to the other side or "gotten over it" the anger and the tears creep back up on me.<br />
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I guess the grief hasn't gone away completely. It's still there... hidden in the background.<br />
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Sometimes it's a scene in a movie or on television that triggers it. Sometimes it's something that I read or something that someone says, or even a song that I hear. Sometimes it's just a thought that idly passes my mind when I least expect it.<br />
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Perhaps this happens because it is not something that I'm supposed to "get over".<br />
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It is an experience that has become a part of who I am, just like that child was and always will be.<br />
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What has brought me the most peace is realizing and accepting that this child was never meant to live on this earth...<br />
<br />
...instead, this child was meant to live in my heart.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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Andrea</div>
Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-5986440517769625522012-02-24T22:26:00.006-05:002014-02-03T16:07:39.938-05:00Twinkle Toast and Star SandwichesToday, I am excited to share with you Oliver's favourite breakfast of late...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYIUScO1UoU/T0hNeuLDCAI/AAAAAAAABic/kNTxNjIVYWo/s1600/Twinkle+Toast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYIUScO1UoU/T0hNeuLDCAI/AAAAAAAABic/kNTxNjIVYWo/s640/Twinkle+Toast.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Making this star-shaped "Twinkle Toast" is easy peasy.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPrycfQayiA/T0hT22-OiuI/AAAAAAAABis/-PspKmKaC1o/s1600/Twinkle+Toast+How+To.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPrycfQayiA/T0hT22-OiuI/AAAAAAAABis/-PspKmKaC1o/s640/Twinkle+Toast+How+To.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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And at Oliver's request...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJTtMCkFEnU/T0hMpP_kJSI/AAAAAAAABh8/ZbOHSk97fyc/s1600/Oliver+enjoying+his+Twinkle+Toast+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJTtMCkFEnU/T0hMpP_kJSI/AAAAAAAABh8/ZbOHSk97fyc/s640/Oliver+enjoying+his+Twinkle+Toast+2.JPG" height="640" width="418" /></a></div>
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...his favourite cereal supplies the finishing touch.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo8TJjMZtio/T0hNPLmDnrI/AAAAAAAABiU/daJ9PbU-UvI/s1600/Twinkle+Toast+Cheerios.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oo8TJjMZtio/T0hNPLmDnrI/AAAAAAAABiU/daJ9PbU-UvI/s640/Twinkle+Toast+Cheerios.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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When lunchtime rolls around, Ollie's favourite - tuna & "toe-toes" - get the star treatment as well.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_O9Hb3SzU3w/T0hOxTXdvNI/AAAAAAAABik/MIDvRYCNzmM/s1600/tuna+and+tomato+sandwich+star.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_O9Hb3SzU3w/T0hOxTXdvNI/AAAAAAAABik/MIDvRYCNzmM/s640/tuna+and+tomato+sandwich+star.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few quick cuts when making meals is definitely worth the delight on his face and "twinkle" in his eyes!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-muRHeZa01nk/T0hMzTtXjII/AAAAAAAABiE/M3fFNEzrsbk/s1600/Oliver+enjoying+his+Twinkle+Toast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-muRHeZa01nk/T0hMzTtXjII/AAAAAAAABiE/M3fFNEzrsbk/s640/Oliver+enjoying+his+Twinkle+Toast.JPG" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for dropping by.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Andrea</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm sharing this with...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/" target="_blank">Under The Table and Dreaming</a></span><br />
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Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4821569504971636128.post-82243342477209397262012-02-22T17:40:00.003-05:002014-02-03T16:19:40.066-05:00A Chalkboard for OliverOliver loves to draw on <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.com/2011/05/our-chalkboard-wall.html">our chalkboard wall</a>.<br />
It's in our front hallway above some of the board and batten that we put in last year just before moving into this house (one of these days I'll get around to posting about it)!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDR5oyOK9vI/T0VK5zIERZI/AAAAAAAABg0/BM07r0O6Y1M/s1600/board+and+batten+chalkboard+wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qDR5oyOK9vI/T0VK5zIERZI/AAAAAAAABg0/BM07r0O6Y1M/s640/board+and+batten+chalkboard+wall.JPG" height="640" width="382" /></a></div>
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Since the chalkboard is definitely not at toddler height, Ollie is in my arms when we're drawing there... and as he grows bigger and heavier each day, this activity becomes less and less fun for me.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MTP597JeH4/T0VL2JkNlJI/AAAAAAAABhc/31oPF1yNahg/s1600/oliver+window+portrait.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6MTP597JeH4/T0VL2JkNlJI/AAAAAAAABhc/31oPF1yNahg/s640/oliver+window+portrait.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's where this lovely little thing comes in...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hVt6h3P4qdA/T0VLSajPBCI/AAAAAAAABhE/Yvzcv7D8Yr4/s1600/chalkboard+sticker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hVt6h3P4qdA/T0VLSajPBCI/AAAAAAAABhE/Yvzcv7D8Yr4/s640/chalkboard+sticker.JPG" height="488" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a peel and stick chalkboard that I found at the so called <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/" target="_blank">"Save money. Live better."</a> store.<br />
Funny story about that actually!<br />
After checking out, I decided to stop and look over my receipt before leaving the store...<br />
the total just seemed a little too high<br />
(I write down a running total of prices rounded up to the nearest dollar while I shop... a little weird perhaps, but I like to know what I'm spending and it's become a habit).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gp9UR_8-5Ls/T0VJ0PWy8vI/AAAAAAAABgM/oIQ986m4-5U/s1600/Oliver+chalkboard+cars+table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gp9UR_8-5Ls/T0VJ0PWy8vI/AAAAAAAABgM/oIQ986m4-5U/s640/Oliver+chalkboard+cars+table.JPG" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sure enough, the chalkboard sticker was $4 more than it should have been. I almost just left, not wanting to be the kind of person who squabbles over a few dollars, but I had the time and didn't have a child in tow, so why not. Well, after a price check at the customer service counter, they immediately refunded the $4 and then gave me an extra $10 for charging me the wrong price in the first place. So the chalkboard ended up being under $5 and I learned that it's definitely worth it to inquire further when you think you've been overcharged.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9hSZS-RuDQ/T0VLHQmqhcI/AAAAAAAABg8/iCbCPLpba24/s1600/chalkboard+sticker+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C9hSZS-RuDQ/T0VLHQmqhcI/AAAAAAAABg8/iCbCPLpba24/s640/chalkboard+sticker+detail.JPG" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oliver absolutely adores his very own chalkboard. Sitting at his little chair and drawing on the chalkboard is now one of his favourite things to do.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaJRYp79cbU/T0VKDSGSa9I/AAAAAAAABgU/I09IJvoDyss/s1600/Oliver+colouring+chalkboard+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XaJRYp79cbU/T0VKDSGSa9I/AAAAAAAABgU/I09IJvoDyss/s640/Oliver+colouring+chalkboard+1.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Another little artistic discovery occurred the other day as well. I placed a colouring page from the newspaper on Oliver's table for him to colour on at his leisure and went about my daily household tasks (aka "puttering" like I mentioned in <a href="http://charcoalandcrayons.blogspot.com/2012/02/special-day-for-charcoal-and-crayons.html">this post</a>).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGqjofemEfk/T0VKuuVDqmI/AAAAAAAABgs/wgEU24ojvXE/s1600/Oliver+newspaper+colouring+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGqjofemEfk/T0VKuuVDqmI/AAAAAAAABgs/wgEU24ojvXE/s640/Oliver+newspaper+colouring+2.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I totally forgot about the sheet until later that night when I was wiping down his table. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ly1pMK4VZT8/T0VX0Vc2zSI/AAAAAAAABhk/07QKlqEj_7E/s1600/Oliver+at+the+window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ly1pMK4VZT8/T0VX0Vc2zSI/AAAAAAAABhk/07QKlqEj_7E/s640/Oliver+at+the+window.JPG" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
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That's when I discovered that he had coloured the sheet with chalk instead of crayons... which is fine... but what really blew me away was that he hadn't just scribbled randomly all over the page like usual. The scribbles were concentrated on the specific characters and things in the picture.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0rVf5LCH9c/T0VLeY2vXlI/AAAAAAAABhM/YaEylEcMwYE/s1600/oliver+newspaper+colouring+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0rVf5LCH9c/T0VLeY2vXlI/AAAAAAAABhM/YaEylEcMwYE/s640/oliver+newspaper+colouring+1.JPG" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
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Just another reminder that our little guy is growing up...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4lD871L6qU/T0VLp60DhNI/AAAAAAAABhU/PBAYv4u_0aY/s1600/oliver+sofa+couch+portrait.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4lD871L6qU/T0VLp60DhNI/AAAAAAAABhU/PBAYv4u_0aY/s640/oliver+sofa+couch+portrait.JPG" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
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...while bringing amazement and wonder into our lives every single day!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
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Andrea</div>
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Andrea . Charcoal and Crayonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02588669971976862837noreply@blogger.com36