Tinker's Gallery

change... and my Non

Change... trying to embrace change around here lately. In many ways I feel like I have changed, my life has changed. Back in June I lost my Non - my maternal grandmother - but that term sounds so cold and she was so warm and loving and so much more than that to me.  I haven't blogged in ages, haven't quite known what to write about. But perhaps I will start with this and work my way back to getting to a place where I can create and blog and do and be.

This is what I wrote and read for my Non's funeral...

I always look back on my childhood with the fondest of memories. In many ways it was idyllic and that was largely because I was blessed with two fabulous women in my life - my mom and my grandmother.

Today we are here to celebrate the life of my grandmother and I would like to tell you a little bit about her and what she meant to me.

She called me 'Al Babe' and I called her 'Non'. We were so much more than grandmother and granddaughter - we were kindred spirits - we were friends.

I spent countless sleep-overs with Non at her house on Second Avenue where I felt completely at home with Non and Gramps. Non always made my stays so enjoyable. My favourite memories are of the everyday things we did together. She knew how much I loved bath time at her house - I was so little that she would have to hold my hand and help me into the big, white, clawfoot tub. Non would wash my back and then sit and chat with me while I spashed in the suds 'til my fingers and toes were pruney. Then she'd help me out, wrap me in a fluffy towel and squeeze me tight. 

After my bath there were snacks and card games and then there would be reading and snuggling in her big, cozy spool bed. We'd giggle and laugh and chat about our day until I drifted off to sleep - I can still remember the sound of the blind rapping against the window frame as the breeze blew outside and the little birds chirped. How I loved our time together up in her room.

I could go on forever about all the things we did together - like the baking, the singing and piano playing - and all the art - so much art. But what I really want everyone to remember is that Non was a kind and beautiful person from the outside in. She taught my mom and me that a woman could be all things... she was elelgant, smart, fit, sassy and fun. She was equally at ease in an evening gown and high heels or jeans and moccasins. She was good and kind and effortlessly gave of herself.

I have a quote that I would like to share with you now...

The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most-likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honour. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents.  Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around. It's overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt. Leo Buscaglia

Non took every opportunity to make her love felt. She was love - she was amazing. It is difficult to say good-bye for now but I find comfort in knowing that Non is at peace, with a clear and beautiful mind. She is with Gramps and her family and I'd imagine that she is dazzling them in heaven!

I am so thankful for all the time I had with Non - so blessed to have had her in my life.

I will miss you, Nonny. And to borrow a line from the song that you and Gramps held so dear... "I'll be loving you always".

Sweet peace to you, dear Nonny. 

a day of celebration

Today was a wonderfully busy day. It was a good day - a day of gifts and cake and hugs and kisses - a day of being thankful for our two 'little ones'!

My favourite thing about the day was when Paul found Hannah and Wyatt snuggling in Hannah's bed in the wee small hours of the morning - they were smiling and giggling in anticipation of the big day that lay out in front of them. I so love the way they love each other.

And now... I will get some rest and get ready for some fun, productive and creative days! So looking forward to some time in my studio!

a little post and a photo...

We have been enjoying some serious winter weather here... Hannah and Wyatt had a snow-day on Friday and this gave us the opportunity to have some snowy-day family fun from that day on. There has been lots of outdoor fun in the snow and indoor snuggling, reading and baking - Paul made banana bread and I made chocolate, almond, toffee bars - yum!

Here is a shot of our Christmas book basket...

Not sure where I saw this idea first... likely from Ali, Soule Mama or Molly (for some reason I can't link anyone right now - will work on that!). I love having everything gathered together like this. We have another little basket full of Christmas and snowy day movies.  'Rudolph' has been big this year - we've watched it twice so far and I'm sure it will be on again soon. Hannah has an intense love for Rudolph - this was heightened last year when 'he' left lovely, flannel pj's for H&W. Hmmm... I wonder if he'll bring anything this year??!! You never know!

And for this afternoon... there will be a tiny bit of shopping, some gingerbread house construction and maybe a little bit of wrapping. 

Hope you are all well and having some winter-time fun!

Sometimes I miss this...

Going through iphoto tonight I came across lots and lots of photos that I love. I get lost in iphoto whenever I get into it - I should really be in bed right now, sleeping off the beginnings of a cold,  but this is more fun.  Our camera was a dinosaur of a digital so the photos are often blurry but I treasure them.

Here's one that made me smile...

and made me miss their 'littleness'. Some days were c-r-a-z-y but for the most part we shared a lot of smiles and laughs and wonderful little moments.  My fabulous babies - so, so blessed to have them! 

hangin' on + looking forward

So it has been quite awhile since I have blogged - almost a month actually - but it's time to get back into it after a much needed break.

The saga of our health has continued - trying not to be too terribly embarrassed about it and frankly, I'm too tired to be embarrassed anyway. To make a long story short... Wyatt picked up an eye infection at school and passed it on to me and Hannah - nice. My eye infection is rather stubborn - I've been nursing it along with drops (two different kinds) for almost three weeks now. The icing on the cake came when the developers behind our house decided (without a permit!) to burn all the brush that they had knocked down in preparation for their condo complex. The winds were bad - our house was flooded with smoke and our little guys asthma kicked in big time. He then acquired a lung infection and so did I. So Hannah and I both have eye drops and Wyatt and I are on prescriptions for our lung infections. In spite of having a good cry Thrusday morning, I am hangin' on and hoping this is the end of the drama. We are finally sleeping through the night again - something I don't take for granted! Thinking that maybe soon we will be back in full force and we will take on the world - or at least our lives!

I've decided to post a photo from the archives - I have not been able to wear contact lenses (due to my eye infection) and for some reason I can't seem to take decent photos with my glasses on. I like this photo for lots of reasons - we are healthy and having fun with Lilly - our favourite NICU nurse. She helped us through some incredibly tough times and we are forever grateful to her. We keep in touch through Christmas cards and the odd e-mail. Lilly is a saint, an angel and a good friend all rolled up - the kids call her Auntie Lilly!

July 2006 - Hannah, Lilly, Wyatt and Me

I also like this photo because it reminds me that I can feel good - that I won't always be on this roller-coaster of poor health, comfort eating and fatigue. Right now this photo is helping inspire me to get back on track and LIVE my life. So looking forward to better days... days of good health, good food and lots of fun.

Peace to you all - hope you are well and getting ready for a fabulous summer! 

restored health and Easter goodness

It's good to be back!! After an overwhelming month of sickness we are finally feeling well again. Somehow we ALL managed to get sick enough to require antibiotics - it was pitiful and almost embarrassing that we were all sick. We work hard to make good, healthy choices but I guess sometimes you just can't outrun colds and flu-bugs when they knock down the door. Here's what we were dealing with...

Hannah - a head cold, a nasty ear infection (antibiotics for this) and the flu
Paul - a head cold that turned into Bronchitis (and yes, antibiotics)
Wyatt - a head cold followed by the flu which triggered two bouts of asthma issues (back on puffers and meds)
Me - a head cold, sinus infection (yet again... antibiotics) and the flu!!

It was quite a ride - Hannah and I ended up at my parents' house for two days so that my Mom could help us out - I had a fever that stayed around 102 for 4 days - I was useless - everything ached for about a week and a half. Just can't thank my Mom and Dad enough for taking such good care of us!! It was the best place to be - lots of love and kindness and even a 'hot-toddy' and a few good laughs in the midst of all the sickness.

I can't tell you how good it feels to feel good again. We are so thankful to have our health back - the world seems a little brighter, everything is sweeter and more fabulous. We are more than ready for the spring and all the great projects we can tackle. And... the SUN is shining! Gotta love that!

Easter was good - lots of visiting, sharing, laughing and CHOCOLATE!! The kids made it back to school in time to colour eggs with their class and enjoy some Easter fun with their school friends. Here are a few of my favourite photos...

love the colours here - also loving the oval of the eggs and the shadows

Wyatt's goodies from the Easter bunny!

Hannah's treats from the Easter bunny!

Even Asha got in on things Easter morning - she seems especially attached to Hannah - love their little bond!

Wy was thrilled with his Handy Manny dvd and his 'Animal Genius' leapster cartridge!

Sharing a moment together - looking at Hannah's Pet Shop friends - love this photo - so much love between these two!!

And now we are ready to get back to our regular schedule - Paul and the kids will be back at school and I am looking forward to organizing, sewing (I haven't forgotten Candace!!), baking (inspired by Molly's post on lemon poppy-seed cake) and some other crafty projects to spruce up our little home and add some more SOUL!!
Happy Easter Monday!!

lately...

Hannah has been 'under the weather' this week so both H&W have been home with me since Wednesday. Han has a cold - runny nose, cough and fever and lots of bad dreams at night. She seems pretty uncomfortable today so she has had some Children's Tylenol - she likes the Watermelon - never a problem to get her to take them. I don't push Tylenol but when they are feverish and not acting like themselves I try to take the edge off if I can.

So lately there has been a lot of this going on...

Hannah loves snuggling with her seal. And I LOVE her seal's name... Strawberry Rhubarb Pie!! Seriously, that is what she calls her AND she speaks for SRP in a cute 'arfy' sort of voice.

Wyatt can always motivate Hannah to play with their Thomas the Tank Engine set (Paul built a super-fun track last night!) and the new thing is building 'garages' for their various cars and Disney Pixar friends. The 'garages' are always colourful and elaborate but not so much structurally sound - fun to watch them experiment...

Wyatt is funny about his clothes lately. Seems to be changing all the time - can't stand anything dirty or wet - not even a tiny drop of water can touch his clothes without him wanting to change. Quite frequently he gets fed up with shirts altogether and opts to go without one -as you can see in the photo above! I have issues with his little habits... the laundry for one and his warmth for another - I'm the old-school type of Mom who still likes her kids wearing undershirts!!

As for Hannah... I keep offering liquids, kleenex and the warm 'magic-bag' when she's cold. Trying to get her to eat is a challenge. I finally got her to have a little french toast and a bit of this soy smoothie with flaxmeal,honey, strawberries, banana and mango...

However, she did manage to eat THREE of these in quick succession...

and at this point that's fine with me. Who doesn't love Timbits - and I was just happy to finally see a smile on her tiny, little, stuffed-up self.

And, for this weekend... hoping to restore health to this house, shop for a new bathroom faucet and perhaps a little creative time in the studio!!
Happy Friday!

Happy Love Day!!

Today there is lots of love floating around this house - lots everyday but today Hannah and Wyatt are pretty excited. Even a few special hugs and kisses between the two of them.
They headed off to school today with Valentines and Smarties for their classmates and cards and chocolates for their teacher. They're wearing red and white and are psyched for their school party and dance - yes, DANCE!! I would love to see a Jr. Kindergarten class at a dance. I'm sure, in amongst the 'dancing', there will be a few 'cool moves' thrown down by my two - it's not a real dance until they're on the floor, like a couple little pretzels, in some funky yoga-inspired poses!!

And here is a look at a little crayon project we worked on last night...

We made them after dinner - it was dark out, the photo is dark - but they still look kind of cute. We got the idea from Martha's Kid's Craft issue. It was super easy, a good use of broken crayon bits and Hannah and Wyatt were thrilled with them. A few cracked but we managed to get 27 good ones and they took them to school today to share with their class. Fun stuff!!

Best wishes to everyone - Happy Valentine's Day!!

the week in review

The last week and a half went by so quickly. Here's a bit of a re-cap and lots of photos...
Monday, of course, was the big birthday!! We opened presents in the morning and the kids went to school in the afternoon. I dropped by the school at snack time with a fruit tray and some mini chocolate chip muffins. I also took fun plates, napkins, party hats and little goodie bags for Hannah and Wyatt to give to their classmates. It was fun to celebrate a little at school - the kids are so cute - so excited - so into life!! After school we did a few groceries and picked up these flowers at Hannah's request...

We ordered pizza and wings for a quick and easy dinner and had friends over for cake and a little celebrating. It was lots of fun. Hannah and Wyatt were thrilled - they love our friends so much and I think they were proud to celebrate with them. We had already had two lovely birthday celebrations with their grandparents earlier in the week so this was 'icing on the cake'!!

The rest of last week was sprinkled with school, snow/ice days off at home and a trip to The Great Wolf Lodge. That was our gift to Hannah and Wyatt (plus a few little toys of course!). We had never been to TGWL before - a fun little adventure. Wyatt managed to muster up the courage to do the big slides with his Dad but Hannah and I ended up doing our own thing a bit and then went back to the room and to the gift shop to buy some colouring books. It's nice to have over-nights close to home - soon we'll be ready for a 'real' vacation.
Here's a photo from one of my favourite moments at the hotel - Hannah and Wyatt snuggled up together to read - found them like this and had to take some photos...

Have to mention their pajamas - they were a present from 'Rudolph' at Christmas - this is HUGE to Hannah and Wyatt - they were absolutely floored when they opened their pj's from their favourite reindeer!!
All in all their birthday was wonderful - lots of love and fun and celebrating - it's good to be FIVE!!

On a different note - I'm trying to get into a more healthy lifestyle... want to bake healthy things and incorporate fruit smoothies for a blast of nutrition. Loving my new immersion blender - it's red - it's so cool...

Baking a bit from this cookbook. Not one of my 'healthy' cookbooks but it's really good. The cake on the front is actually what I made for Hannah and Wyatt's birthday. Four layers was a bit big (looked a little over-the-top) but it tasted really good and was pretty easy to whip up. Wanting to try more cakes - my new goal is to never buy another cake - nothing like home-made birthday cake!! Also wanting to try to bake bread. Here's a snapshot of the yummy blueberry muffins we took to The Great Wolf Lodge...

I also bought myself a new eco-friendly yoga mat and am hoping to incorporate some yoga and cardio (treadmill and dog-walking) into my life - this will be a challenge but I'm going to give it a try. I have done yoga off and on over the last 10 years - more 'off' than 'on' but it's time to get moving - time to shake things up a bit and take better care of myself. In the summer I took a great yoga class - vinyasa flow - intermediate power yoga - so, so good. Hoping to get back to that at some point soon.

And now... lunch, a little baking (Paul requested Quinoa muffins) and a little creative time with my little ones who are home again due to cold, icy, snowy weather.

Cheers to everyone. Happy Wednesday!!

And now... they are 5 !!!

Wanted to sneak this post in before the day is through.
Big birthday today! What a great day! Lots of laughs, lots of hugs and kisses, lots of love and a really big cake!!

And here's a favourite photo. It's the three of us - me and my babies. We've come such a long way!
Really dark photo but I love it anyway - loved that moment.

And now, after such a full and fabulous day... it's time to rest. Off to bed for me - though I'm pretty sure I'll browse my new issue of Domino before I turn out the lights.
I'll post more about the birthday soon. Good night to all.