One of the upsides of owning a house from 1983 is the renovation possibilities. One of the downsides of owning a house from 1983 is everything that needs to be done. Sigh.

Everywhere we turn, there is something else I want to replace. First the light switches were in the wrong spot, so we had that fixed. Then the florescent light in the kitchen went out and we hated the fixture, so I replaced that. The kitchen faucet was lousy (leaked water and the sprayer didn't work) so I was simply going to replace it. Then I found out that:

1. the existing connections were non-standard and welded together
2. there were no shut off valves so I would have to shut off the water for the entire house

So non-handyman Erin goes out and not only installs the new faucet but also the shut off valves! In only 3 hours! By himself! With only 2 trips to Rona!

"To live each day as if it were your last, you would be trying to remedy all the mistakes you had made, all the regrets, all the things unsaid. If you live each day as if it were your first, you are freed from all obligations, all guilt, all regret."

from Breathing Space: Twelve Lessons for the Modern Woman by Katrina Repka and Alan Finger

Welcome, friends, to 2009! It's going to be a great year--well--what year hasn't been great for us? We have loved ones expecting babies, we're in our new house with a world of improvements to make, I've got a new job lined up so we can afford some of the planned renos, the girls are awesome and getting easier all the time. Let's get going!

I am making a few resolutions this year. I have always been on a self improvement project of some sort but the turn of a new year always seems like a good time to reset. First off, I am taking the Body and Soul Challenge (visit http://www.wholeliving.com/body-and-soul-challenge for info). Second, I plan to spend more time in crafting or photography and less time in front of the TV. Third, I am going to get outside more. This has been difficult for me as Elise and Daniella seem to be opposed to leaving the house right now tough noogies! Fourth, I am going to work at simplifying life around the house. This is going to be a challenge but I have excellent help from my in-laws as they take the girls once a week so I will have this time to do a "simplification project." This will involve getting rid of excess stuff we have so that we fit nicely into our place and certainly not buying anything else. We have too much stuff! Fifth, I am going to keep a happiness journal. This is an exercise I got from "our friend Trent" at the Simple Dollar which is to simply record something every day that made me feel happy.

I wish you all success in reaching your own new year's resolution goals. All the best for the year ahead!

My talented mother spoiled us this Christmas with some beautiful gifts that she made. 

Poker Table Cloth Version 2.0
Erin received a table cloth for his poker nights.  This is the second version of the table cloth.  Version 1.0 was a simple rectangle made out of green felt.  After the first game where the guys were getting the corners of the table cloth stuck to them as they got up from the table, mum cut the corners, sewed in some elastic including straps from side to side to hold it to the table Version 1.1.  The straps had to come off because Erin couldn’t put it on the table but version 1.2 worked well for quite a while until it pilled.  Version 2.0 is made out of a heavy green microfiber with rounded elasticized corners and straps to secure it to the table.  The straps have velcro at each end.

Doll Clothes for Baby Jenny
Elise and Daniella each received a box of doll clothes to fit Baby Jenny and D’s new dolly yet to be named.  There was a set of PJs with a matching blanket, a pretty dress and a cowgirl outfit of pants and matching vest, red checker shirt and a bandana.

Dress Up Clothes for the Tickle Trunk
Elise and Daniella each got a bag with some dress up clothes including a satin princess skirt, princess cape and tiara and a cow girl outfit with a faux suede skirt with tassels, “cow hide” vest and red checkered bandana.

Jaguar Vest and Matching Purse
This was Elise’s very favourite gift on Christmas Day.  A fuzzy jaguar print vest and matching purse.  She wanted to put it on right away but she was wearing a dress and tights so she took the dress off and went around with the vest (no shirt mind you) and white tights.  3 year olds are weird!

Memories of Nanny Quilt
When my Nanny died a couple of years ago, my sister Andrea asked mum to make her a quilt out of a dress that Nan wore to Andrea’s wedding.  It’s a turquoisey-blue satin fabric.  Well, Mum didn’t think it would be fair to make Andrea a quilt out of something of Nanny’s and not one for the rest of us so for two years she’s been working in secret to make six quilts that would coordinate with the colours in our homes and this turquoise fabric from Nan’s dress (six = one each for me and my sisters plus my two cousins. All of Nanny’s grandchildren)

Sage advice.