august 21

We've been having a difficult time with an uncooperative boy lately. (As in: punching / kicking his brother for no apparent reason, being generally uncooperative and disagreeable, etc.) In between, he's lovely and back to his wonderful self, but of course I'm wondering what on earth I've done wrong. I will say that my reactions aren't always the most calm and measured, especially lately, and he knows just which buttons to push. It is completely exhausting, this parenting thing. There. Just wanted to get that out there. (There's also a summer cold in our house right now which may or may not be a contributing factor. Ick.)

He decorated the wrapping paper on a birthday gift for his friend on the weekend. He asked "What's her favourite colour?" as he was working, so he would know what colour she would most like the balloon to be. So cute.

august 20

I love this time of year.

thursday

I stepped outside to take a few pictures in the garden after supper. The sun came out after a fierce downpour, leaving all of the trees and plants sparkling, and a cool breeze in its wake. The rosehips are on the way - I'm looking forward to making some jelly in a few weeks.

Happy Thursday.

this & that

Our lovely company (I love my in-laws, seriously) left this afternoon, and then the rain started. We've had a quiet, sleepy afternoon together, and it's been lovely.

I'm cutting back on soapmaking a bit, and will only be selling custom orders for the forseeable future. Things always change, of course, but that's where it stands right now. If you would like to order some, I have a bit on hand. Just send me an e-mail and we can sort out the details. My current favourite is the goat's milk batches that I've been making with Dorothy's milk. It's a lovely, rich, moisturizing soap with a thick, creamy lather. Mmmmm. And I've had reviews that it makes a great shampoo bar, too!

This post by Amanda at SouleMama cracked me up. Kids are great.

I've been going back and looking at the first picture in this post over at public::bookstore by Tara Thayer all week.

Phillip is standing next to me. "I am hot. Really really really really hot." That's what he wanted to share. (I'll be thankful when it's less humid, too.)

I'll have both boys to myself all day tomorrow - any ideas for fun things we can do together?