Finding Peace After Miscarriage

Just a fair warning... this is a long one.

So, if you're up for it, get comfortable and read on...

I've started writing (and re-writing) this post many times, both in my head and here on the computer,
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.

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.

Also, something that our minister said in his sermon today at church really spoke to me.
I don't remember the exact words, but the message was to think differently about the trials and tribulations that we all go through.  Perhaps these struggles are something that we must experience in order to help others get through their own hard times.

I think that sometimes it just helps to know that someone else has been there too... that we're not alone.
That is why I am finally sharing this story with you today.

Twinkle Toast and Star Sandwiches

Today, I am excited to share with you Oliver's favourite breakfast of late...

Making this star-shaped "Twinkle Toast" is easy peasy.

And at Oliver's request...

...his favourite cereal supplies the finishing touch.

When lunchtime rolls around, Ollie's favourite - tuna & "toe-toes" - get the star treatment as well.

A few quick cuts when making meals is definitely worth the delight on his face and "twinkle" in his eyes!

Thanks for dropping by.

Andrea

I'm sharing this with...


Under The Table and Dreaming

A Chalkboard for Oliver

Oliver loves to draw on our chalkboard wall.
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)!

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.

That's where this lovely little thing comes in...

Framing with Burlap and Cardboard

On Valentine's Day I shared with you Oliver's first time using a paintbrush and the heart cut out painting that resulted.

Well, I loved that little painting so much (when I look at it, I see flowers blowing in the wind... what do you see?) that I had to frame it.  So I've done just that... but with a little twist.

A Special Day for Charcoal and Crayons

So today has been a laid back sort of day.  I've just been leisurely puttering around the house... which is my absolute favourite thing to do.  Cleaning, tidying, organizing, and rearranging at my own pace, which is admittedly quite slow and relaxed... My husband, on the other hand, is a fast paced always moving (and talking... on the phone... constantly... :) sort of guy.  I'm surprised that it works, but it does... probably something to do with opposites attracting and the balance of it all.

Anyway, while puttering around, it suddenly came to mind what day it is...

Oliver's Valentine

My husband Chris and I don't usually make a big deal out of Valentine's Day, so I haven't done any projects or decorating for this "holiday" (although I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing all of the amazing ideas on Pinterest and in Blogland).

After waking up to a lovely gift of perfume and candy, as well as opening the cute cards sent from Ollie's Grandparents (thank you everyone!), I began to "feel the love".

It was time to get the heart themed ideas and images that have been floating around in my head over the past week or so onto film (well, memory card, actually).

A Little DIY for a Fresh Fridge

We do quite a lot of cooking (and eating) around here and I love trying out new recipes and ingredients.  This means that after the bi-weekly trip to the grocery store, our fridge is packed full of fresh goodies and produce.  Storing and using it all up before spoilage occurs can sometimes be a challenge.  So this idea was inspired by the ol' herbs in a glass of water trick as well as some of the commercial herb savers on the market these days...

 DIY Herb & Greens Saver