Okay, so I'll admit it!!

We all tease my husband (who was born in Ottawa) that he is a British wanna-be, as he loves all things English (could that be why he married me?!).  He prefers to call himself an Anglophile!  Well I feel I have a right to my taste for all things British, as it was where I spent the first 16 years of my life.  I love English style and it has gradually taken over our home.  Emma Bridgewater pottery, Burleigh pottery, Cath Kidston etc...you get the drift.  I have never had a problem denying this.  But I am now ready to admit that I am an English snob when it comes to some things.  Now don't get me wrong, we are not talking toffee nosed here.  But I do much prefer English chocolate to Canadian and nobody comes close to writing a mystery like a Brit.  Add to that list, Jane Austen and Rosamunde Pilcher and you just about have perfection!  I like country style decor and I have just found another one to add to my list.  I happen to think that English baby clothes are the cutest.  I mean, just look at these two which arrived from Ebay yesterday.

At 99p each they were a steal.  Even with the postage I couldn't resist. I think little Norah may be adorned with Mothercare outfits!!

So now it's out in the open.....I am a British Snob.  There, I've said it and it's done!

Is this a second childhood?

I grew up with Ladybird books as a child in England and I loved them.  The one on the bottom right "The party", was my absolute favourite and I remember reading it for hours on end!  I have started a collection of vintage ones (wish I'd kept mine now!), so that my Grandchildren can discover them as well.  Little Norah is a little young for these, but I read another book to her yesterday.  Her Daddy learned to read with the later Ladybird books.  They were over yesterday, and her Mommy said how she loved the fact that I have a basket full of children's books out already.  We share the same philosophy about reading to children.

I love the following poem.

"You may have tangible wealth untold;

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be-

I had a mother who read to me."

- From "the reading Mother" by Gillian Strickland

There's her little pile all ready and waiting (beside the diapers & wipes!)

Happy Easter

I hope everyone enjoyed a lovely Easter weekend.  We went to church, as is usual every Sunday and then had a quiet day.  We were back at church in the evening to be at an Easter musical evening in which our daughter sang in one of the choirs. It was a lovely evening.  I feel that Easter is such a sacred time.  If it wasn't for Easter, there would be no need for Christmas, as Jesus would just have been another baby born in Bethlehem, but because of the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, we have reason to rejoice and have hope for the future.  I am so grateful for the Saviour and for all that He has done, and continues to do in my life.  Everything I have and hope to have is because of Him.  This short video helps us to remember the reason  we celebrate.  Enjoy!

She's arrived!!!

Our little Norah Darla arrived in the very early hours of Wednesday morning, March 7, 2012.  She was three weeks early and came after an induction because of low amniotic fluid.  She is healthy and we are so grateful for her safe arrival.

Mommy & Daddy after the delivery

 

  

With Aunty Rebekah

 

Proud Grandpa

and Grandma

What a blessing to have this little sweetheart.  We look forward to getting to know her and loving her!

A life lesson!

Yesterday I said I was thinking about making this bag.  Well after sewing a baby blanket I decided to give it a go.  Very easy to put together but extremely small.  This bag is called a "shopper" in the Cath Kidston book, but I don't think you'd get much shopping in it!  Here is the finished result.

It really is a nice shaped bag and now I have made one, I will enlarge the pattern and make another.  Just to give some perspective on size, look at this...

It is more a little girl's size bag.  I did make the strap a little longer as I thought my daughter might want to use it, but it really is too small.  Oh well, it was a good experience and I look forward to making a larger one.  Kind of like life really, sometimes things don't go as we plan, but all things give us experience.  If we learn from our mistakes then we are moving in the right direction.  We are not perfect and will make mistakes, but thanks to repentance, we can get back on the right track.  What a loving Heavenly Father we have!

A bit of everything

Our middle son turned 25 on Sunday and we had a dinner for him.  He is the one who will become a daddy at the end of March - hardly seems possible!

Monday was a holiday in Ontario "family day".  We went over to New York state to do a bit of shopping.  Our daughter and daughter-in-law came with us and we all bought some fabric.  Can't wait to start creating.  Do you want to see my growing stash?

I am thinking of making this bag from the Cath Kidston "sew" book

I have some cotton duck in this design and think I'll use it

What do you think?  I am a little nervous, but hey, if I don't try, I'll never know will I?!  I need some spring like colours at the moment.  Our temperatures have been wonderfully mild for this time of year in Ottawa, but we are still clothed in white and more snow is on the way next week, and I am ready for Spring! 

My first attempt at quilting

 

 Well here is my first attempt.  I am quite happy with it and certainly learned a lot from the class.

This technique is so easy and you can make various patterns and quilt as you go.  I felt a real sense of accomplishment as I put it all together!

 

 

I'm not sure if it will live on the dining room table permanently, but that's where it will start out.  I don't know which class I'll take next yet, but I am definitely going to take another one as it was so much fun and everyone was so helpful.

Our middle son turns 25 on Sunday so we are having a birthday dinner tomorrow.

Have a great weekend everyone!