"Birding" in our own back yard♥

Deanna and the baby Mourning Dove♥

The bird calmly watching her, listening to her voice...

 as she watched the bird, listening to his chirps:)  

We are very blessed to dwell in the middle of a forested area... 

nature submersion♥ 

Sounds of the Mourning Dove

"Children are fascinated by nature discovery. When parents revisit natural

wonders through the eyes of children, we’re reminded that life, when all is said

and done, is still infinitely remarkable. Taking time to really get to know the birds

who share our habitat is a wonderful pastime for families. It’s good, clean fun, and

builds values of respect and compassion for nature and all living things."  

Karen Stephens

If you'd like to read the full article on birding with children by Karen Stephens, 

click the link below:)  Published in 2007:)

 Bird Watching Helps Children Become Nature-wise

Handprints on the Wall

♥Love these munchkins♥ 

♥Handprints on the wall♥

Dusty Violet Boutique♥

With our three boys, baby girl and 24/7 daycare, you'd think our plate was pretty full;)  It is and I love it:D

We also discovered a great way to turn my night time hobby of making pretty, lovely things for my Deanna Lillie into a side business. It's turned out to be a great way to help fund our Simcoe County Family Home Daycare with toys, new beds, equipment etc. that will always be needed, as their needs change. It also helps us to give back to the OSMH Pediatric Department for 2016. They were so great during Deanna's stay there and we are forever grateful for the blessing of our baby girl♥ 

  (2015 donations have been going to Sick Kids Hospital. We have decided our 2016 donations will go to OSMH, peads for our quarterly donations, starting in January).

The Children, my Husband and I are so thankful for your support of our small business. You make such a difference to them and what we are able to provide for them♥ We are hoping the Christmas sales will fund hockey nets, helmets and/or sleds for much needed outdoor, winter play this year. We now have 2 little girls that are going to love going down the kiddie hill, for the first time on sleds this year♥ Donations of extra winter gear, craft supplies, boxed tissues etc. are always welcome at our subsidy based family home daycare♥

Please share Dusty Violet Boutique with your family and friends:) I am writing down my list of Christmas orders you are placing with me. Thank you for letting me be the one to make all the pretty accessories for you and your little girl♥ Thank you so much for shopping local and making this difference in your community... bright blessing for a Merry Christmas and wondrous and joyful New Year♥

The Dusty Violet Boutique 

Doing what I love for my little girl and yours♥

The Dusty Violet Boutique

I love making pretties for her hair... my littles make me sooo happy♥

Mother's Song (A Traditional Lullaby)

My heart is like a fountain true
that flows and flows with love to you
as chirps the lark unto the tree
so chirps my pretty babe to me

There is not a rose wherever I seek
as comely as my baby's cheek
there's not a comb of honey bee
so full of sweets as babe to me

There's not a star that shines on high
is brighter than my baby's eye
There's not a boat upon the sea
can dance as baby does to me

No silk was ever spun so fine
as is the hair of baby mine
My baby smells more sweet to me
than smells in spring the elder tree

A little fish swims in the well
So in my heart does baby dwell
A little flower blows on the tree
My baby is the flower to me

Ten thousand parks where deer do run
Ten thousand roses in the sun
Ten thousand pearls beneath the sea
my babe more precious is to me.

Rev. Gould

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk5VB3X6m2c 

I’m living Hands Free

I want to make memories,
Not to-do lists.

I want to feel the squeeze of my child’s arms,
Not the pressure of over-commitment.

I want to get lost in conversation with the people I love,
Not consumed by a sea of unimportant emails.

I want to be overwhelmed by sunsets that give me hope,
Not by overloaded agendas that steal my joy.

I want the noise of my life to be a mixture of laughter and gratitude,
Not the intrusive buzz of cell phones and text messages.

I am letting go of distraction & perfection
To live a more simple life consisting of what really matters.

I’m living Hands Free.

© Rachel Macy Stafford 2010

http://www.handsfreemama.com/about-hands-free/ 

The joy of your first year♥

 Covered in cake and icing, your smile stretched ear to ear.
A single candle celebrates, the joy of your first year.

We sing Happy Birthday Deanna, you play midst wrap and bows.
We marvel at how you touched our lives, just one year ago.

      Your three brothers watchful over you, giving hugs and kisses as you smile.       Delighting in your giggles and playfulness, every second worth all the while.

I remember the first time I held you, kissed your head and whispered your name.
You've changed our lives forever, our hearts will never be the same.

As a child you'll love this day, for all the sweets and presents too.
As a family we'll love your day, for the gift we got was you.

Each year we'll add another candle, so proud to see you grow.
But always with the memory, of your first day long ago.