FOUR

Today, we celebrate four amazing years of marriage. We are blessed beyond measure, and falling in love more and more every day!

"Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people and your God will be my God". Ruth 1:16

DAW

"Daw, mama? Daw?" have recently become the first words out of little bear's mouth when he enters the kitchen in the morning. Every morning. And then after naps. And when we get home from being out. But it mostly means that he wants me to draw, while he tells me what to draw! Yes, there are scribbles here and there, which are cute, but he really just loves telling me what to do! It's pretty amazing though, because he now can recognize a few symbols: heart, sun, star, moon... and many animals as well. Of course I think he's brilliant!

His (or our, I suppose) artwork is warming up this little corner of our kitchen and I love it so. I recently came across a wonderful idea to take pictures of every piece of artwork and make them into a photo album down the road. So I have only been keeping a few choice drawings up at a time, and saving photos of all the rest. I just bought some finger paints and a painter's smock so we will get started on some messier projects in the days to come. I hope to frame some, and get a couple canvases as well.

The little artiste himself!

Have a great week friends!

INDIAN SUMMER

One of the elders in our community said to Mark, that "this is what we call an Indian summer". The past two weeks have been nothing but warm weather and sunshine, which is quite a change from the last two years we have lived up north. We had a little rain today and they're calling for more tomorrow, but I won't complain! The longer the snow stays away, the better!

We have taken the opportunity that the weather has given us to enjoy as much time as we can exploring the outdoors to take in the sights, the smells, the sounds, and the incomparable crunch of fallen leaves. Thaddeus comes alive when he is free to explore the world around him and experience many of these senses for the first time. It is a marvel and a mama's joy to watch him as he makes each new discovery. 

My heart and soul are so so happy that we are actually experiencing a proper autumn up here this year. This week I've been noticing the overwhelming, beautiful smells of the season. It brings me right back home to Ottawa where autumn seems most magical. Outside - the ground, the wet leaves, the chimney smoke in the air; and Inside - the baking, the pumpkin chai tea, the scented candles. I close my eyes as often as I can remember - to inhale and exhale as slowly as I can - taking it all in before it's gone. Autumn smells so good. Oh how blessed we are to live in this creation!

Thaddeus' molars have been coming through on top and bottom gums, and he has been one really tough cookie. Today was the first time since they have been pushing their way through that I have given him any Advil, and it has been weeks now. He has been extra fussy and has gone back to two naps a day. I won't pretend that my patience wasn't tested more than once today! But there is truly no better pain relief and calm-down strategy than getting outside. It has quickly become my first choice of soothing methods, and if you are ever at a loss with your fussy or teething toddler/baby, I highly suggest you give it a try!

I hope that you too have been able to enjoy the season, and I urge you to take advantage of all that autumn has to give before she is gone. Sleep well, and have yourselves a very happy Friday friends! And we are sending out a very special happy birthday wish to Papa Ardley! ♥