Photo challenge day 30: in motion

I accidentally left my camera outside overnight (and we watered the grass), so unfortunately I was not able to take a picture for today.  Hopefully once the camera is done drying out, everything will still work. :P  So, instead of just one "in motion" picture, I'm going share a bunch with you - the "motion" that's been happening in our backyard lately.  We got a playstructure!

Before and after (wow, the grass looks bad!)

The building process

Annika discovering what had been done after she went to bed

Swings and rings

Sliding and climbing

So that's the "motion" around here lately!

Photo challenge day 29: purchased

Went on a little "shopping spree" at Tiber River Naturals the other day.  I love their stuff - I love that the products are made with natural ingredients, and I love that the company was started by a local mom, making soap in her home!  Here's what I bought - can you guess what was on my list and what was an impulse buy?

(back - left to right)

Honey beer shampoo

Body butter - Naked (unscented)

Lavender essential oil

Tea tree oil

Body lotion - Naked (unscented)

(front - left to right)

Lip silk - Waikiki

Teething gel

Photo challenge day 28: daily routine

Having 2 small children, most of my day is made up of routines - wake up routines, meal time routines, nap/quiet time routines, bed time routines.  Sometimes I like the fact that most of my days run on a fairly predictable schedule, but other times it does get to be a bit monotonous.  This is one of my almost-daily routines that I'm not very fond of - washing bottles.  However, I don't complain about having to do it, because although it's a bit of a pain, it's not physically painful (like breastfeeding was).  So I'm happy to have the alternative, even if it is more work.

Photo challenge day 27: after dark

Obviously my camera doesn't do so well "after dark".

Our little tummy sleeper.  

We always peek in on the kids before we go to bed.  I love seeing them asleep - so quiet and peaceful (as opposed to how they are during the day!).



Photo challenge day 26: something old

These wooden folding chairs are probably some of the oldest things in our house.  Not sure their actual age, but I inherited them after my grandparents passed away, and it looks like they've been around for a while (I love that they have my grandpa's initials written on them).  Usually they just stay in the basement and we pull them out when we have company and need some extra seating.

Photo challenge day 25: sunflare

Another tree picture. 

I seem to get stuck on certain subjects - first Emmett, now trees (this is the tree in our backyard pictured here and here as well!).

PS. had to look up what a "sunflare" was before I could take this picture! ;P



Photo challenge day 24: a smile

I actually took this picture a few days ago, but I love it.  Annika is testing out her new swing on her new playstructure.  Needless to say, it passed the test. :)



Photo challenge day 23: sunset

We don't really have a view of the sunset from our house.

This is about as good as it gets.

Photo challenge day 22: trees

This is my favorite tree in our backyard.  It's huge, so the backyard is shaded for most of the day, which has been so nice this summer when it's been so hot outside.  I love the way it grows outwards as well as upwards - I can imagine Annika and Emmett climbing it one day. 

 It's actually growing in sort of an awkward spot - it's basically at the corner of 4 properties (but I think it's mostly on our yard).  Luckily, so far no one's made an issue about it.  In fact, when we replaced the one fence a few summers ago, our neighbours sacrificed some of their yard, to build the fence around the tree, instead of insisting the fence go along the property line (and through the tree).  I hope it's never an issue - I couldn't imagine losing it.



Photo challenge day 21: pretty pattern

The tie-back for Annika's drapes (made by my mom).

She has quite a bit of "princess" pink in her room, so I like the darker shades of pink and red in this fabric, as it keeps the room from looking like it's been "hosed down with Pepto-Bismol" (to quote Steel Magnolias). :)  She also has a little throw pillow covered with the same material.



Photo challenge day 20: what I read

On my night-table.

I'm about half way through so far, and I'd definitely recommend this book!  I want to go see the movie after I finish reading it, and I'm hoping that the movie lives up to the book (PLEASE, NO SPOILERS about the book or the movie!!).

Photo challenge day 19: where I slept

Our bedroom - probably the most neglected (decorating-wise) area of the house.  We really haven't done anything with the space yet.  My grandma passed away shortly before we got married, so we inherited her bedroom set (which is not really my style).  However, she had a double bed, and ours is a queen, so we don't have a headboard.  I dream about having a beautiful bedroom set one day, but I'm not sure when it will happen (if ever), because it's so low on the priority list.  I'll admit, last year when we bought Annika her "big girl" bedroom set, I was quite jealous.  It's a beautiful dark espresso set, with a sleigh-style headboard, like I've always wanted. 

One thing that I like about our bedroom is our pot lights in the bulkhead over the bed.  It eliminates the need for bedside lamps, and we each have a switch controlling the light on our own side near the bed.  The other thing I like about our bedroom is the pillow shams on the bed - mostly just because Carey dislikes them so much!  I think decorative pillows are the bane of every man's existence.  Or perhaps it's just mine. ;)



Photo challenge day 18: in my bag

Here's a peek inside my bag. 

I've carried around a diaper bag for almost 3 and a half years now, except for a few brief months after Annika potty-trained and before Emmett came.  This is my third diaper bag - not because I wear them out, but just because a girl needs something different every now and then!  So what's inside?  Let's see:

• bib
• wet bag (a must-have for keeping wet stuff contained)
• extra clothes for Emmett (and a "just-in-case" pair of panties for Annika)
• diapers (I'll admit it - I carry around disposables because they're more compact)
• green cosmetics bag with "mommy" stuff (kleenex, lip gloss, lotion, feminine products, etc) - I keep this stuff in the cosmetics bag to keep it more organized, and to make it easier on the rare occasions when I get to switch to just a purse
• snacks
• cell phone (which is usually on vibrate or dead most of the time, so it's kind of useless)
• travel-size body butter from Rocky Mountain Soap Company (for Emmett's face)
• over-stuffed wallet
• plus more that you can't see!



Photo challenge day 17: on the shelf

This is the little niche that we have near the front door.  I need to find something more interesting than these bamboo sticks to put there.  Whenever I get fresh flowers, I put them there, but that's not too often (hint, hint!).  Annika likes to help with making the space more interesting, thus the stray cow. ;)



Photo challenge day 16: what I ate

Cheese and crackers for lunch.

Not just any cheese though - cheese in a can!  Carey and I picked up a can when we went down to the States on Saturday.  It may not be the most nutritious, but it sure is fun.  Annika and I made cheese letters on our crackers today - I got an "M" for mommy.

Photo challenge day 15: my shoes

This is about as close to flip flops as you'll ever catch me wearing.  I haven't worn flip flops in years - I don't like the thing between my toes and I need more arch support than they offer (wow, I sound like an old lady!).

Photo challenge day 14: flowers

I do not have a green thumb.  The extent of my "flowerbeds" are 2 whiskey barrel containers.  And with the heat this summer, and my neglect, they're not looking so great.  I'm actually kind of surprised that there's still something alive in there!

Photo challenge day 13: from a distance

Annika and her grandpa going for a walk to check the garden.

Photo challenge day 12: close up

This is the shag area rug in our living room.  Looks kind of funny this close up, but it is heavenly.  We bought it at Costco, when we weren't even looking for a rug (but really needing one).  It's so soft and comfy, sometimes I lie on it even when I'm not playing with the kids.

Photo challenge day 11: something fun

Emmett learned to clap yesterday!  It's so fun to see them learning and figuring out new things.  He is thisclose to crawling - what fun it will be when he figures that out! :P

PS. I realize that a lot of my photos for this photo challenge have featured Emmett.  I guess I should start getting a little more creative!  At least he won't complain when he's older that there's no pictures of him (he's the second child). :)