seven

Happy birthday to our dear friend Finnegan who turns one today or seven in dog gone years. Thanks Finn for the companionship, wrestle sessions, hair everywhere and Barbies with no hands. And thank you for the excuse to eat chocolate treats tonight with your biggest, little fans.

The love of a little man versus...

the love of a little lady.

Stay safe out there little friend.
Love, CAKE

kid love

Last night when the kids were coming in for dinner I reminded them to take off their shoes. Problem is for the most part they wear Blundstones that are difficult to get on and off. Elliott called for help and Kate quickly responded. "I'll help you El." And she did and when she was done he simply got up and said, "Thank you Kate." I then came over and took Kate's off. Sharing is caring.

Two days ago Kate was sitting grumpy on the front steps because I made her wear a jacket over her cool shirt. Elliott marched right up to her and pointed "Mad. Kate, mad." Then he pointed at himself "Happy." It was a hit with me so he's been consistently letting us know who is feeling what. In our house, that's happy or sad.

Yesterday morning I was doing Kate's hair. It's one of my favourite parts of the day. She loves the attention and I love to create a little something in her locks. That being said, I told her as I always do, "Kate, you are so beautiful." Her response, "You're not, you're plain." Ouch. Ouch on a personal note and ouch, who has taught this kid manners? I told Cody and he was like oh yeah, she didn't know what she was saying. I beg to differ. She knew. And I know this is just the start. Thanks Fancy Nancy.

Who are these big kids?

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, I think I better start thinking about gratitude. Maybe I should be grateful to Kate, get myself a bedazzler, and get fancy.

Happy garbage day. Aimee

pics and pumpkins

I wanted to really break in the camera yesterday, so the kids and I headed out Hillsborough way for our annual pumpkin picking afternoon. I occasionally forget how fortunate I am being able to stay home with the kids every day, yesterday served as a grand reminder. I love being out of doors, standing back and just watching them. Watching them explore and create new worlds. Watching them fall in love with the breezes, the streams and with each other.  I'm taken back to the countless days that I spent doing the same exploring and creating.  In our little hamlet of Langdon Alberta, I knew every tree, every swamp, every railroad tie. I was a loner most afternoons, save for my trusted bike, and I was gone. I appreciate the trust my parents had in me to roll solo for hours on end, because I find it difficult imagining not bearing witness to my children's every little discovery.

 My tough chick loading pumpkins as fast as she could.

 I promise you this was not staged.

If I could swing it E, Mama would get you a Moo Cow.

 They're off.

 Our own interactive museum.

Our pilgrimage to the "Robot" - Elliott was adamant but a little nervous.

This morning Kate asked why our neighbour Mona was not out playing with her pumpkins the way Elliott and her have been. I told her that like Mama, Mona forgets how to play with pumpkins. "Oh, that's too bad," she replied. I couldn't agree more Kate, but thanks to you and your partner in crime I get one more kick at the can. I love you and thank you again for that. 

xoxo Mama

convoy

I think this video pretty much speaks for itself and I can't tell you who was more excited about these three LCVs leaving town this morning Cody or Elliott. I can tell you that we are very proud of all the work you do for us Papa and I think these road trains are a testament to what you are accomplishing. Truck on buddies!

happy birthday ruby

Our friend Ruby turned two today. The kids and I headed over to her Sweet Shoppe for some, cake, snacks, toys and presents. Ruby, you are such a sweet little lady. We're so happy that you're in our life and we Jorgensens hope not to corrupt you too much over the coming years.

 If only you could tell if Ruby is excited.

 My teeth are aching.

The Grants (less Leo).

 Elliott showing off his pop.

Kate and her pop.

In other news, it's official. Kate has two earrings. She screwed enough courage for the second piercing this afternoon with Papa. That is she had the courage until the little white gun thing made its appearance. All gruesome details aside, it's done, she's thrilled. And we are too.

Cheers! AJ

brave

Out of nowhere, following yesterday's quiet time, Kate announced that she wanted to get her ears piereced. "I'm ready Mama. I want to get Hello Kitty Cat earrings."

There have been many requests for earrings but we have always been very honest with her: it involves a needle, it hurts and you have to do it twice. And until yesterday, her reply was always, "Yeah, no, when I'm a big girl I will. Not yet." It was different yesterday, she kept saying yes I know it will be painful but I'm ready and by last night she was in a tizzy of excitement asking and asking, filled with bravado. So off to the mall we went as a family.

She did do so well, with a large mall audience no less. Thankfully they had Hello Kitty earrings so that was a great start. She sat bravely through the paperwork, the prepping and cleaning. Then the peircing. And as much as I wanted to believe she would work through the pain and fear. Nope. It's official, my daughter has one pierced ear.  It's sweet, she's absolutely thrilled but I fear there will be no second piercing for some time. I get it too, I remember clearly at age 13 also insisting one earring was enough for me. At least in my case it was the eighties.

No matter what, we  are so proud of her. What a brave-ish girl she is.

 So tiny.

I don't think she would look any happier with two.

Have a lovely weekend everyone. CAKE

joy

This afternoon was a joyous one. The weather was perfect and crisp when the kids and I headed to our local wooded park. I absolutely love the cool overcast weather of fall. And nothing could be sweeter than spending it exploring the outdoors with my best buddies. They were alive: happy, healthy and whole.

With my new trusted camera in tow, I captured a couple shots of this lovely dance of joy that Elliott performed for his best friend. It makes me smile. xoxo aj