It is a rainy January here in suburban Vancouver. All things considered, it could be worse, but all of the grey and the dreary is sort of sapping my motivation. I am running out of creative ideas for fun indoor play with the kids. I am not taking many photos, because they all end up sort of dark. I am doing OK, and the kids are doing OK. We have done our share of bread-baking and cookie-baking and dancing around in our dress-up clothes. I would just really enjoy a little bit of sunshine, is all.
Since the forecast suggests that the rain is going to stick around at least a little longer, I thought I would come up with some things that are making me happy right now. Stuff that is inspiring me, to help restore my mojo. Here is what is making me smile:
1. Jacob gives me the camera, which is his way of asking me to take his picture. Then, when I do, he laughs right out loud, which makes me laugh, too.
2. Hannah’s awesome fashion sense, and the way she mixes colours and patterns together. It’s such a perfect expression of my almost-5-year-old.
3. My husband Jon, who cheers me on and buys me jewelry, even when wearing it would be largely impractical.
4. My ever-growing ability to properly frame self-portraits. I’m not sure how useful this is as a life skill, but it’s the only way I’m going to get any photos that contain my entire head.
5. The tenacity of my garden. It’s sort of required, if any of the plants are going to survive my tender ministrations, but garlic shoots in December still inspire me.
What’s making you smile in the middle of January?
Well firstly that picture of Jacob is making me smile! And also Hannah’s outfit – so cute!
And I tend to agree, January is generally a dreary month and it’s hard to keep kids entertained and mommy happy while having to be indoors and generally home most of the time. Last weekend the kids planted some seeds in containers that are just beginning to sprout, that made me smile this morning. Tonight we are going to the YMCA for family swim, that makes me smile as well. Saturday night I am having my god-daughter/neice overnight – big smile – and Sunday I’m taking the kids to the movies. We had friends over for dinner last night that we haven’t seen since New Years so that was nice. I find that generally trying to keep busy in January keeps me from noticing the lack of sun and outside time.
We finally have a bit of sunshine! That makes me smile. Tea and banana bread help, too.
.-= mamasapplecores´s last post ..Delurking Day =-.
You are, babe! That picture of Jacob makes me want to eat him right up, without icing even.
This is my first January blogging from the beginning of the month (I started at the middle or end of last January, I think), and I really underestimated how much it was going to help. Having one small definitive project to focus on every day (other than just ‘keep kids alive and don’t totally suck as a parent) and everyone’s support and humour has been like a great big happy pill.
And because I’m afraid I’ll forget to respond to your comment on my last post — you are a great breastfeeding advocate, the kind who offers helpful advice and never tips over into judgemental…ness? They should all be like you.
.-= Allison´s last post ..***********I’m Mad as Hell and I’m Not Gonna Take it Anymore! Sorta. =-.
LOVE your photos and appreciate the fact that we’re all going through the dreary winter blues right now. Here in NH we’re experiencing some warmer weather, 40F. I’ll take it over icy rain and whipping winds, which is what we had a week ago.
.-= Sara´s last post ..Energy? What energy… =-.
ok, first things first. there will be no complaining about warm weather when there are shoots of green coming up in your garden while mine is covered in three feet of snow and won’t likely be seen until smoetime in april.
love the pic of jacob. way too cute. that is definately making me smile at the moment. other things? the fact that i am enjoying the new job and will be going out for yummy korean food with friends on the weekend.
happy weekend!
This January is kind of like November was. This type of weather makes me wish my son was interested in indoor activities like drawing or baking or dress-up. All he really wants to do is run around outside- rain or shine.
Things that make me smile – those two pics of your kids, a delicious cup of Irish Breakfast tea, and the fact that my kids aren’t fighting at the moment!
.-= Marilyn´s last post ..The Too Tough Threes =-.
You are definitely an inspiration to smile, in your spot of self-made sunshine today. It’s a dreary day all the way across the country in Ontario, too, and I’ve been bogged down by drearies, just dragging my heels all day today.
Other things making me smile? The fact that my birthday is next week, and I’m so looking forward to a fantastic dinner with close friends. Hot tea in my mug beside me. And, best of all, I don’t work tomorrow, so I can snuggle in bed late into the morning with my husband and son.
Hannah and Victoria appear to have the same taste in clothing (ie mismatched patterns an colors
It’s definitely hard to keep smiling in the midst of all this rain. Bring on the sunshine!! (I heard whispers that we might, just MIGHT see some sun tomorrow)
.-= Carrie´s last post ..18 months: Is it naptime yet?? =-.
I feel your pain. I wouldn’t mind the next four months of snow, if only I could have some sun! I can’t take pictures of anything, because it’s always too dark inside, and I don’t like the look of a flash…
What makes me smile? Green plants (of the potted variety at the moment), pots of steamy tea, home re-organizing projects, my son’s new-found love of “peek-a-boo” and preparations for a first birthday party
.-= Sarah´s last post ..Santa Baby =-.
Looking forward to being a guest speaker on the Feminist Breeder’s blog radio show this Sunday and my birthday in a week.
.-= Melodie´s last post ..Foodie Fridays: Udon Noodle Miso Soup =-.
Amber! I have a book for you and your toddlers! It was my favourite for my busy boys, and I would love to send it to you. Email me and I will mail it to you and your wee ones.
The sun is shining brilliantly outside right now after days of deep dank windy wetness. And I am too busy to leave the house! waaaaaa.
Aww…what giddy and unbridled joy in that top photo! Love that gift from the hubs!
I was smiling today since it was finally above 40°F and the little two got to explore the properties of melting ice in the back yard. My 3yo found the smallest patch of ice on which to play ‘hockey’
.-= Heather´s last post ..spelt banana cake =-.
I love the garlic shoot! I saw some tulips popping out of the ground last week and could barely believe my eyes. How, in only January can they be 6 inches tall. Amazing.
Today was a great break from the grey wet. Hope you caught your moment of sunshine with the sweet little ones.
Your garlic in January is just about as crazy as the peas growing in my garden in October! (Or was it November?!)
Hmm . . . what has made me smile . . .
Well, today Kieran was in a particularly lovey dovey mood – I was peppered by kisses all day long, he stayed with me in the store (saying “excuse me!” “pardon me!” whenever we passed anyone), and I loved sitting in wonder with him at the local nature center today – we saw dozens of cardinals, woodpeckers, assorted other birds and squirrels, and a DEER! eating outside of the huge glass window.
This post made me smile! Your husband is very sweet, and you’ll soon have garlic flowers on your dinner table:)! Happy weekend!
PS Have you noticed how the days are getting longer? They are not here, really, but perhaps there …
.-= Francesca´s last post ..Dear sun, =-.
It’s even grey and rainy here in California!
I love that great laugh of Jacob’s in the first picture.
My in-laws are in town this weekend, so we might actually make it out to a movie . . . looking forward to that.
.-= Lady M´s last post ..Delurking Day =-.
I am inspired that there is only two and a half more months of winter. Or so I am telling myself. Maybe just two months. How awesome is that!
.-= Capital Mom´s last post ..Thirty-seven =-.
Oh Amber! This is a much needed post in this atrocious winter season. I love the garlic shoot picture! It is fills me with a sense of hope that spring is on it’s way.
Your daughter is adorable. I love her outfit!
.-= Old School/New School Mom´s last post ..The Professional Door Shaker =-.