I remember everything about that night. The smell, the way the room looked, the people that surrounded us in support, the anxiousness I felt when I knew we were about to meet you. The way you fit in my arms perfectly, and how we were so excited we didn't even check to see what gender you were. The way your daddy's voice was laced with pure joy when he announced he had a son. The way your strong little neck and big blue eyes looked at me for the first time, you knew I was your mommy. The way you instantly filled a gap in our hearts that we didn't know existed.

I've been a mess of emotions. So many memories wrapped into one day. If I could do it all over again I would. 

It was a year of firsts. Lessons learned, growth, mistakes made, forgiveness given, and leaps of faith. We were changed this year. This year will always be rememberd. 

You were surrounded by people who love you today. Sometimes it overwhelms me how much your loved by others. Your a lucky little boy to have so many people willing to invest into your life. And we're blessed to have such a wonderful community helping us raise you. 

Here's to one year down, and Lord willing many many more to come!

"As soon as I saw you I knew a grand adventure was about to begin." 

Happy Birthday sweet boy. We love you. 

Ten on Ten: August

Ten on Ten is something that i've been participating in for quite some time now. I don't get around to doing it every month, but when I do, I'm really happy I did! The main premise is to capture ten things that you do during that day. It's amazing how full of life your somewhat monotonous day becomes when you look at it at a different angle. I always appreciate the little things a little bit more when I force myself to take the time to capture the moments in our day. They may not be spectacular, but there the little things that make up our life, and they're beautiful. I also really enjoy seeing what everyone else was up to today! Check out the project  HERE!

Here's  what we did today:

Breakfast on the Deck

Little Tomato stealer

Already a little leader

Weeds can be pretty, too

Veggie Tales and Apple slices

Madaschlope

Mid-day treat

Daddy's night off

Blue skies take away the blues

Bath time is the best time

ALWAYS

be on the 

LOOKOUT

for the 

PRESENCE

of 

WONDER.

eb. white

I've been wanting to write this review for a while, but always kept putting it off. Then last week something happened that just solidified it in my mind that this review needed to be written!

When we found out we were pregnant we spent so much time researching different products that we needed to buy for this new addition. The biggest, being strollers and car seats. Seriously, there are so many choices out there! It can get a bit overwhelming! What brand do you buy? How big of wheels do you need? Are you buying a single or double stroller? What kind of seat do you want? and the list goes on and on. We deducted that because of where we lived (in the country, on gravel roads, with lots of snow in the winter time) that we needed a stroller that could plow through anything. We knew that i'd be doing a lot of walking back and forth from our home to the camp and wanted something that could get me there with ease in every season. We also knew that I would primarily be the one using it, therefore it needed to be light and easy to take down and set up.

On our first shopping trip to scout out our options I had a particular brand and model in mind (which will remain nameless) It came highly recommend, but when I saw it I just didn't think thats it quality matched its hefty price tag. So we started from square one, and were bombarded with options! Then, all of a sudden we watched a sales lady demonstrate to another shopper how to fold up the Baby Jogger City Elite. I was in awe, was it really that easy? Immediately, we were intrigued, and it didn't take long before we were completely sold! It's big tires, that were foam so I would never have to worry about a flat. The way it folded up and down so easily and effortlessly. It's light frame and high quality body. Plus, it looked good. It had a hefty price tag in our minds, and if it wasn't for generous grandparents we probably wouldn't of ever gone this route; but were so happy we did!

Seriously, this stroller has been through everything! During the summer it has been used everyday, and has gotten me through gravel, sand, hills, and snow in the winter. Canaan loves it and for the most part doesn't mind being strapped in it.

The other day, through a little bit of miscommunication, I accidentally ran it over and dragged it down our lane. Much to my surprise, the only thing that was wrong with it was a little tear on one of the corners in the fabric. It still works great! Buying good quality products really does pay off, especially when your accident prone like me!

Even though we love this stroller, it does have some cons. First, we kind of regret buying black. We don't have a lot of storage space where we live, and storing it in our car isn't an option. The black has begun to fade, but we just chalk that up to a used stroller! The other downside is that the basket underneath the seat is on the small side. But, since June we haven't had one because the camp dog decided it was a chew toy. Once again, this baby gets used! (the stroller, that is) And lastly, the seat is always kind of reclined. Which, for our son, sometimes is a problem. He's a people person, and always wants to be in the action! But thats a very small thing.

We would buy this stroller again in a heart beat (if our bank account allowed it) and it comes highly recommend. So, if your in the market for a new stroller, check out Baby Joggers whole line of strollers!

Check them out here!

(Both photos are iphone photos) 

Family time is some of the most cherished time that we get. In the summer time it seems to be very limited, so when we get a chance to take it, we do! Michael had a three day break just before the weekend and we tried to soak in as much family time as we could. On Thursday evening my mother in law offered to watch Canaan so Michael and I could go on a date. It was a very laid back evening, we had supper and went for coffee. Nothing special, but we talked and enjoyed each others company. Something we almost always do on a  date is dream. Whether it be about our future, things to try at camp or a vacation we want to take, we dream. It's something I really love and appreciate about Michael. He's a dreamer, and when it rubs off on me, I like it.

On Friday we did a day trip as a family to Riding Mountain National Park. Our intention was to go to Wasagaming but ended up missing a turn and entering the park at the east gate. This took us on on a hour long detour to get where we had first wanted to be, but along the way we stopped and saw a few things and even enjoyed a picnic by Whirlpool Lake. Being in the outdoors was so refreshing. I often forget how much I love being outside and seeing new things. Michael and I love going on road trips together. Being in the car for us is always so much fun. We do a lot of talking and dreaming while were traveling, and we often taken the road less traveled just to see something we've never seen before.

We had supper at the Fox Tail in Onanole (if you've never been there before, we highly recommend it! It's a bit on the pricey side, but they have the best wood fired pizza!) and then headed over to Poor Michaels for a Onanole Fog. Clear Lake is my favourite spot in all of Manitoba. If you've never been there before or spent much time there, do it. You won't be disappointed!

All in all it was a refreshing few days full of time spent. So thankful for family and the opportunities we have to spend time together.

a day spent with you is my favourite day. so, today is my new favourite day. 

- Winnie the Pooh