Monday, February 28, 2011

After the dance.

After the Ballerina had danced to her heart's content, and had shown her brother a few steps, it was time for some rest and quiet contemplation.

She then needed to get some work done, so she found a sunny spot that made her dress sparkle, and she sat down to tend to her tasks. The only problem - it was too sunny to work comfortably.
Amma found her sunglasses for her, and they were just the ticket.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

The Ballerina...and her brother

On this day JJ didn't insist on a Tutu like his sister, but he did want a pony tail.
He watched closely how sister held her arms, and pointed her toe...
but decided he wanted to colour at the kitchen table instead of dancing, so sister had the floor to herself.
Things they are a changin'.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Needed - one hill!

I didn't know what the kids were doing the other morning when I arrived for my "tour of duty".
Smudge was on Waggs, the stuffed dog, and JJ was on Winnie, the stuffed bear. The animals were face down, and the kids were holding onto Winnie and Wagg's ears while they slid rather laboriously along the floor.
"What are you guys doing?" I asked in a puzzled tone of voice.
"Sleighing" was the answer and off they went. I don't think Winnie and Waggs will ever be the same.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Pas de deux

After the special pony tail in Smudge's hair for the party the other day, she asked me to put three pony tails in her hair for a very unique ballerina look she wanted one morning last week. Well, as soon as she was all set for the dance, you know who wanted the same look! So Amma grabbed three more elastics for his hair, and went hunting around in the cupboard for a skirt that would pass for a tutu. Both kids were pleased with the final look and...
twirled and whirled around the bedroom with toes pointed and arms in the perfect position.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Sleepover fun

We enjoyed a long weekend here in Ontario, so seeing as we had an extra day to sleep in and relax, we decided to have Smudge over for a sleepover on Friday night. She does enjoy her morning cup of tea at Amma and Buppa's house after her sleepover, and invited her friends to join her for the party.

After the party it was time to explore the space under the coffee table...and...
invited her friends to join her in the expedition.
Yes she is there, look closely.
Who knew a tea party could put her under the table?

Friday, February 18, 2011

High Fashion

Smudge wanted to go to Montreal to visit Grandmama the other morning, so she gathered her best "going to the big city duds" and helped JJ put his outfit together too, let's see -
Hats? check!
Mitts? Check!
Purses? Check!
OK JJ, we're all set for the high fashion world of Montreal. Let's go!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Off to the party...

Once Smudge had her pony tail in place she was all ready for the party, but...JJ did not want to be left behind and insisted on a pony tail too, so Amma happily obliged.
Once his coiffure was to his liking, he and sister set off for the party. Smudge took him by the hand and they wandered down the hall to one bedroom...
and then to another. All the while Smudge was chattering away to him and about the trip and the party they were going to.
They each had to pack a bag of goodies to take to the party, and once they were all packed...
they got on their cars...
and off they went. Zoom, zoom, zoom!
When snack time rolled around, they parked their cars and sat at the kitchen table still in their party attire with pony tails firmly in place.
Cute little pony tails I must say.
I wonder where Smudge's imagination will take us tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

What's the world coming too?

I am sure you have heard me bemoan the fact in times past that Smudge will not let me put a barrette, clip or elastic in her hair for more than two seconds before ripping it out. Well, the other morning she came to me and said she was going to a party, and could she please have a pony tail in her hair.

After I picked myself up from the floor, we went into her room and found a pretty dress for her to wear to the party, and then picked out an elastic for her hair. She now has all sorts of short layers in her hair and I didn't know if a pony tail would work, but we would sure give it a try. I managed to gather as many ends together as I could and voila, she had a pony tail. She then wanted a picture so she could see it too. She posed quietly for me to get the perfect picture.

Back...
side...
overall view...
and last but not least, radiant front view.
The little girl is growing up. She was all ready for the party...more pictures to follow tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

He's got style!

You just never know what JJ is going to come out of his bedroom wearing. He has a thing for hats these days, and he found this striking one in the toy box the other morning. As soon as I saw it I just had to run for my camera.
He helped sister fix her skipping rope...
...made sure it was OK, then toddled off to his room...
...to practice the piano.
Goodness he makes me smile!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day

Ahh, this is the gift that warms my heart and brings me joy not only today, but every morning when I putter down the stairs to the kitchen for my morning coffee: a corner of my cozy nest all lit up in the morning sunlight.
Not only is the room full of sunlight, but bright memories too. I see my mom's dinning room set, AC's mom's teacup cabinet, silverware chest and Tiffany lamp; a treasured tea set from D2 and a cherished figurine from D1. Smudge's little tea set is all ready for her on the tea cart too.
Inside the china cabinet I can see special gifts received from friends over the years, and a china doll that once belonged to my Grandmother, given to me by a dear aunt. All gifts of the heart!

I hope you find gifts of the heart tucked into corners of your house today too, and you have a Happy Valentine's Day full of warm memories.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Fun in the snow

Beaming little faces having fun in the snow, just makes the day brighter.
JJ was more than willing to get to work clearing the snow...
but soon discovered the job was just too big for him and soon gave it up as a lost cause.
He sure had a good long nap that afternoon after just doing the little bit of work he did. Yep, Amma loves getting the kidlets out to play in the snow. It makes for such a good nap time!

Thursday, February 10, 2011