Here Fishy Fishy Fishy;)

Here Fishy Fishy Fishy;)

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail... so many lovely butterflies visiting our backyard habitat:)

 The Canadian Tiger Swallowtail 

(Papilio canadensis), so pretty... 

We'll have to go around on the weekend to check out all the new blooms and new butterflies!

Here is our life cycle of a butterfly that can be found in our nature center:)  It's perfect for continuing the conversation and the learning... curiosity and inquiry♥

 

 All the butterflies are attracted to the lilacs.

We have 4 different kinds of butterflies we have had the privilege of documenting this year.  We've also been fortunate to have humming birds who frequent our fragrant blooms each year♥

 

First day of June:)

Come into the woodland,
sit by the moving water,
translate the bird calls,
laugh at simplicity,
feel the air surrounding you,
touch the living rock.
Feed your soul

Author unknown

"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♥