Ice

I really dislike the warmer temperatures in winter. All it does is melt the snow a little bit and then freeze into ice. Our whole neighbourhood is a skating rink. We can't even use ice melt/salt because it would void the warranty on our new driveway/walk.

When we purchased this house it came with 2 years of snow removal. I'm not really all that impressed with them. They use a big brush on a bobcat. They push some of the snow to the back of the driveway. Well, guess what? When the temperature rises, that stored snows melts. Our driveway has almost 2 inches of ice. The ice is even melting into our garage. Not happy.





After this winter, we still have one more year of snow removal. Then it is supposed to go to a mini-HOA (Home Owner's Association). I don't think I'll be voting to keep the snow removal contract.

We'd probably do better just buying a decent snowblower. The best way to get rid of ice is not to let it start in the first place. These snow removal people aren't keeping on top of it enough.

Good morning!

It was a brisk -26ºC this morning when I walked the kids to the bus stop. Oh, and the white fuzzy trim on my hood? That's breath frost.

Underwear shorts

Expanding upon the self-consciousness that Katerina feels in the hockey change room, these shorts will replace her underwear. When she tried on the half-cami last night she said she also feels "funny" showing her underwear. She said she wanted underwear shorts. So, from the same old t-shirt that I made the half-cami, I made these shorts from the pattern Jalie 2796, size 8. I used the existing hem from the shirt on the hem of the shorts. I ended up putting on the waistband backwards so I embroidered "BACK" on the back of the waistband so Katerina will know which way to put them on.

Half-camisole for Katerina

Although Katerina is only 7 years old, she is starting to feel a little self-conscious in the hockey change room. I'm hoping this half-camisole will ease her feelings. I didn't want to make a full one because she wears an under-armour shirt and I think it probably would have been too hot for her. This is made from an old t-shirt of mine and the pattern used is Jalie 2564, size 8. I didn't make the straps adjustable, though. I fitted the cami to her and permanently sewed the straps.

Yoga Pants for Isabella

These are exactly the same as Katerina's pants. The pattern is Kwik Sew 3498, size XS.

Gymnastics leotard for Katerina

This leotard is from the same pattern as Isabella's leotard, Jalie 2792, View A, size 8. Both of the leotards needed the arm elastics removed, though as they were too tight. I ended up replacing the arm elastics with fabric binding cut from the same material as leotards. I also removed the elastic from the neckline and used the fabric binding and whilst Katerina's turned out fine, Isabella's neckline gaps slightly. Next time, I'll leave the neckline elastic.

Swimsuits and gymnastics

The children start swimming lessons this week and of course they have grown since summer. Joshua is okay in his board shorts but the girls needed new suits. The pattern used is Jalie 2317, View A. I made size 8 for Katerina and size 5 for Isabella.



The gymnastics leotard pattern is from Jalie 2792, View A. Isabella is in size 5. The shiny fabric is actually gold sparkle with leopard spots faintly underneath.

Christmas Hockey Tournament

The kids had a blast! They played 5 games in 4 days, and they won one game. They had fun regardless of winning or losing, and at that age that's all that counts. Here they are with their tournament medals after the last game.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Better late than never, I guess. The first picture is of the kids on Christmas morning. The second picture is of the kids on New Year's Day right before dinner. They decided that they needed to dress up for dinner.