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A Month in Photos – September 2012

September 2012
It feels like we went from getting ready for the first day of school to planning Halloween costumes and pulling out all the winter gear in the blink of an eye! Here’s a glimpse at our September…
The big kids started back to school.
Addie had her first day of preschool.
Addie started ballet class.
We had family pictures.
We enjoyed some fun as a family creating art!
We made lots of trip to the library.
We spent as much time outside as we could enjoying the fall colours.
Throw in a few doctors appointments + eye exams and that about sums up our month.
How was your September?
If you’ve created a collage of your month-in-photos, simply post your collage somewhere online, copy and paste the html code for the month-in-photos button below and include it in your post,  then come back here and leave a link to your collage so everyone else can see your fun photos! 



I can’t wait to see your month in photos!

For more info about the month in photos project go here.You can download any of my free collage templates or use your own collage and join in the fun with us each month! Just think of the incredible collection of photos we’ll have put together at the end of 2012!

PS. I had to pick a new winner for the Becky Higgins Project Real Life giveaway! Congratulations to  LaTanya Thornhill. Shoot me an email ASAP LaTanya and we can hook you up with your prize.



Calgary Alberta LDS Temple

On Monday we took the kids out of school to spend a special day as a family at the newly completed Calgary Temple. We travelled 3 hours north to Calgary, Alberta to tour this beautiful building and it was such a sweet experience for all of us. The kids had been anticipating the trip for a few weeks and seeing their excitement made my heart happy.

One of the truths we hold dear, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the knowledge that family’s can be together forever. Inside sacred Temples, covenants are made and families are sealed for time and eternity. Many times throughout my life I’ve sought the peace and comfort that can be found within the Temple. It was such a sacred experience to share some of our thoughts and feelings about Temples with the children and to feel of the special spirit inside the Temple as a family.
I would like to personally invite any of you who live near the Calgary Temple, to take a the time to visit this beautiful building and to learn a little bit more about what happens inside a Mormon Temple.  
The public is invited to tour the Temple during the open house which runs from 29 September through 20 October 2012, excluding Sundays and Saturday, 6 October. Free reservations for the open house can be made through the www.calgarymormontemple.org website or by calling 1-855-537-2000 or if you would like, I’d be thrilled to mail you a personal invitation. 

Simply send me an email at cooper{dot}rr{at}gmail{dot}com with CALGARY TEMPLE in the subject line and I will mail it to you right away!


Learn more about Mormon temples and take a look inside the Calgary Alberta Temple, the 140th Mormon temple, at the links below. 

Learn more about Mormon temples: http://mrmn.org/SO9TPD
Learn more about the Calgary Alberta Temple: http://mrmn.org/NXYZVb 

Simple things Sunday number 100! Woohoo!

Thanks to everyone who linked up their simple things photos last week and a special welcome to all of you who are joining us for the first time!

Simple things Sunday is about taking time to photograph the everyday details that make your life unique, beautiful, and special. Each Sunday we gather here to share our photos with each other. To enjoy the beauty that can be found in the ordinary and to be reminded of just how important the simple things are. Here is a small sampling of the gorgeous photos that were shared last Sunday…

giggles in the grass | heather

If your photo was featured make sure to grab yourself a featured button! 🙂

 

If you can believe it, today marks our 100th 
Simple things Sunday link party! 

Woohoo! That is such exciting stuff and what funner way to celebrate our 100th Simple things Sunday than with 100 {or more!} photos linked up to today’s party? I think we can totally do it, don’t you!? Tell all your photo loving friends to stop by and join the fun! 🙂

While my hubby was out of town this weekend the kids and I spent an afternoon at Alberta Culture Days celebrations. The local library hosted a children’s art contest and had all kinds of activities for the kids including painting, pottery and jewellery making. The kids had a blast and so did I! 

Now it’s your turn…what simple thing did you celebrate this week?

If you’re new to Simple as That I’d love for you join us in this weekly tradition. Scroll down to the bottom of this post where you can find all the details on how to share your photos with us. I look forward to featuring some of your photos on the Simple as That FB page + here on the blog!



THE SIMPLE THINGS ON INSTAGRAM


If you’re a bit of an instagram nut {like me} come join in the simple things fun each Sunday via instagram! Post an insta-pic of a simple thing/moment each week. Use hashtag  #thesimplethings and be sure to tag me @rebecca_simpleasthat so I can check out your photos and maybe even feature your photo on the blog or Simple as That facebook page!


Just a few quick rules to play:

1. Grab a button and include it in your simple things post.

2. Link back directly to your simple things post not your blog/website.

No links to other linky parties, giveaways or craft projects pretty please. 
This linky is all about the photos.

3. Be sure to pop by and visit at least 3 other links and leave a comment.

Leave as many as you can.

 

50 Fabulous Children’s Books for Fall

50 Fabulous books to read with your kids this Fall! Fun favorites that kids and parent will both enjoy. 

50 Fabulous books to read with your kids this Fall! Fun favorites that kids and parent will both enjoy.

I love finding new books to enjoy with my kiddos and with Fall quickly approaching I went on the hunt for some fun fall titles to read with them.

Over the course of a few weeks we ordered all 50 of these books from our local library and have definitely found some new family favourites!

Here’s our list of 50 fabulous books to read this Fall and a short review of each of our very favourites! Scroll down to the bottom of this post for a printable list of all 50 titles. Enjoy!

50 Fabulous Children’s Books for Fall

  1. Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic
  2. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf
  3. We’re Going On A Leaf Hunt
  4. When The Leaf Blew In
  5. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves
  6. It’s Fall (Celebrate the Seasons)
  7. There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves!
  8. The Littlest Pilgrim
  9. Apple Farmer Annie
  10. Yellow Time
  11. Pumpkins
  12. T is for Turkey: A True Thanksgiving Story
  13. Too Many Pumpkins
  14. Pumpkin Soup
  15. Room on the Broom
  16. Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden
  17. The Little Scarecrow Boy
  18. The Scarecrow’s Hat
  19. In November
  20. The Little Yellow Leaf
  21. Hello, Harvest Moon
  22. Hocus Pocus It’s Fall
  23. Look What I Did with a Leaf!
  24. Fall Mixed Up
  25. In the Leaves
  26. South
  27. Run, Turkey, Run!
  28. Leaf Trouble
  29. 10 Trick-or-Treaters
  30. Stumpkin
  31. By the Light of the Harvest Moon
  32. One, Two…Boo!
  33. Leaves
  34. A Plump and Perky Turkey
  35. AlphaOops: H Is for Halloween: Midi Edition
  36. Fall Leaves Fall
  37. Ghosts in the House!
  38. Big Pumpkin
  39. The Little House
  40. Where Is Baby’s Pumpkin?
  41. Five Little Pumpkins (Harper Growing Tree
  42. The Busy Little Squirrel
  43. Hurry Hurry Mary Dear
  44. Shake Dem Halloween Bones
  45. The Apple Pie Tree
  46. Come Fall
  47. Bright Baby Touch and Feel Fall
  48. Awesome Autumn
  49. Autumnblings
  50. Fancy Nancy: Halloween…or Bust

The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger

This book was voted our #1 favourite book for Fall. I fell head over heals in love with its beautiful illustrations! Each page of this book truly is a work of art! This sweet story about finding the courage to face the unknown and the friends that are there to help us along the way will be one I’m purchasing to add to our family library as soon as possible.

Fall Mixed Up! by Bob Raczka

Fall Mixed Up! had all of us giggling each time we read it – and we’ve read it A LOT! It was a hit with my ten year old all the way down to my toddler. The silly rhymes and mixed up story line along with its beautiful illustrations make this book a Fall favourite for sure!


A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman

Another silly book for Fall, A Plump and Perky Turkey is such a fun read! The rhythmic poetry makes this the perfect read aloud story and the silly storyline is definitely a crowd pleaser. I found myself thoroughly entertained as I read this book with the kids!



South by Patrick McDonnell

Without a word, this sweet book tugs at the heartstrings sharing valuable lessons about change, friendship and goodbyes. I loved this book with all its the darling illustrations and the way it opened up  some really thought provoking dialogue among my children.


Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes

I’m a sucker for clever rhyming books and we all loved this book and it’s clever rhymes so much. The illustrations are gorgeous – the rich colours and detail truly capture the essence of Fall and Thanksgiving. I loved how reading this book with the kids opened up a whole conversation about the things each of us are thankful for. I can’t wait to read this with my kids again and again as Thanksgiving approaches.

You can download a printable list here of all 50 Fall books to tuck in your purse for the next time you’re at the library or local bookstore!

And there you have our list of favourite children’s books for Fall. I hope you have as much fun exploring this list as I had putting it together!

Do you have a favourite Fall book that’s missing from this list? 
Be sure to leave a comment and tell us what it is!

This post contains affiliate links, see my full disclosure policy here.
I’m linking up with these fabulous blogs.

Fall Leaf Book Page Banner

Family fun crafting with Fall leaves – follow along as we create a simple fall leaf bunting in a few easy steps and have some fun together as a family along the way!

 
Create a simple fall bunting using book pages and beautiful pressed leaves.
This past week, Fall seems to have come into full bloom in our part of the world! The landscapes are gorgeous filled with deep reds, yellows and oranges as the trees change colour. We couldn’t help but want to bring some of the beauty of Fall indoors with a simple family fall craft project!
Follow along as we create a simple fall leaf bunting in five easy steps + have some of your own family fun along the way!
Create a simple fall bunting using book pages and beautiful pressed leaves.
1. Go for a family walk to collect leaves of similar size and in a variety of different colours and shapes. Explore your neighbourhood or a local park to find as many unique leaves as you can.
Create a simple fall bunting using book pages and beautiful pressed leaves.
2. Bring your leaves home and then press them {instructions here} in a book. Leave for a few days until completely dried.
3. Using pages from an old book, cut out pennant shapes. Be sure to leave extra length at the top to be able to fold over and staple to create a space to string your banner.
4. Once leaves are ready your favourite adhesive to attach your pressed leaves to each pennant.
Create a simple fall bunting using book pages and beautiful pressed leaves.
5. Fold down the top portion of each pennant, secure with staples leaving enough space to string your banner.
6. String your pennants and hang your lovely fall banner somewhere in your home to add a handmade  touch of Fall to your decor.
Create a simple fall bunting using book pages and beautiful pressed leaves.
For more Fall inspiration be sure to visit my Fall Pinterest board!
 
Create a simple fall bunting using book pages and beautiful pressed leaves.

Gargantua Caves Crowsnest Pass, Alberta Canada

In August my husband and I, along with a group of family members, travelled to the Crowsnest Pass area of Alberta for a trip through the Gargantua Caves. It was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done but it was definitely worth it and I wanted to tell you a little bit about our experience!

Our trip started late on a Friday afternoon, we all met our guide at the parking area at the base of the trail. You can start hiking from here but we opted to take quads and four wheel drive vehicles up this back country road to a clearing where we set up camp for the night. After a relatively good nights sleep we woke up early the next morning and drove the vehicles up a little further to the start of the hiking trail and we were on our way to the caves.  

The hike up to Gargantua is considered to be strenuous, expert level back country hiking. I’d been told it was a tough hike but I don’t know that I was fully prepared for how difficult it actually was. It’s a steep 4 kilometre hike from the start of the trail to the entrance of the caves. I’d say I’m relatively in shape and I found the hike really hard! We saw a few interesting things along the trail – beautiful wildflowers were everywhere and we stopped to observe this little pika at one point – isn’t he a cutie?
We hiked through an alpine meadow area, passed the official campsite where back packers hike to and usually camp for the night if they’re hiking in all their gear. Then the rest of the trail was through shale and up over mountains.
Here I am at the top, not quite to the caves yet, but stopping to look back over where we’d hiked from. The view was absolutely amazing!

Here’s a view of the hiking trail from below near the base camp. Labelled number 1, you can see the area of shale we hiked through up to the top of that ridge then we made our way west towards the area labelled number 2.  At the base of that large peak we went over the other side. From there it’s a short distance to the cave entrance.
Once over the ridge it’s mountains for as far as the eye can see. This is my sister and her husband taking in the view. From here we could see the cave entrance and we were so happy to have made it this far!

A quick shot of me and my Merrell’s! They’ve been with me on all our adventures this past Summer. Love these shoes!

Here is the entrance to the Gargantua caves. The photo on the right is of my husband hiking the last little stretch of the trail to the entrance, it was a steep climb through lots of rock and shale.

After stopping for a quick lunch and getting all geared up we were ready to make our way through the caves. I was a little nervous because I’d never done anything like this before! Inside the caves it’s completely dark and there are 5 rappels, the longest of which is about 58 feet. I’d tried rappelling once years ago so this was definitely a stretch for me! Not something I’m normally comfortable with, but I managed fine and I loved it!
The photo below on the right is of me at the first rappel. Don’t let that smile fool you – I was absolutely terrified! But I did it!! YAY! 🙂 Photo on the right: my husband helping some of the other people in our group make one of the rappels.
The photo below on the left is a terrible shot, but I wanted to show you one of the areas we had to squeeze through. Once we got through this little crevice the cave opened back up again into a larger area, but that feeling of squishing through those rocks – oh my gosh, there’s nothing quite like it! Photo on the right: my sister getting ready to rappel. Notice her outfit! She was much better prepared for the cool temperatures inside the cave than I was. If I did it again I’d definitely bring a pair of overalls with me to wear over top of my clothes, not only to keep warm but to protect my legs and arms as we climbed over and squeezed through sharp rocks.
Another shot of me rappelling. I was getting a little more comfortable with it by the end of the trip but that first step backwards off the edge – that got me every time! Especially since when you look down all you see is pitch darkness!

After exploring the caves for a good 2-3 hours we made it to the cave exit, which is literally a little crack in the wall that has been nicknamed the birth canal. By this time I was pretty cold and tired from the hike up the mountain and then climbing and rappelling through the caves. I’d been most nervous about getting out the exit since I tend to get claustrophobic, but by this point in the day I was just ready to get out, so I handled it much better than I thought I would! 😉 The second photo on the right gives you a bit of an idea of what a tight squeeze it was. Once inside the narrow passage you had to manoeuvre up, over and between rocks. At a few points you are laying down on your stomach pulling yourself through the crack. You even had to rotate your helmet a time or two to be able to fit between some of the narrow spots and really work at fitting your body through. It was pretty intense!

Once through the tunnel area you reach the exit of the cave which is directly behind a waterfall. You have to lay down and crawl out the small opening. Here I am once I got out, I was absolutely spent but was equally as excited to have made it!

After getting all our gear off and taking a short rest we started to make our way back down the mountain. The day for us had started at about 6:30am and by the time we had hiked back down to our camp, packed everything up and driven back down to the parking area it was about 4:30pm.

All in all, the experience was incredible! It was intense and I found myself wanting to turn back at a few points, but I’m so glad I didn’t. It was amazing! I really enjoy being outside in the mountains and exploring nature and to be able to see something like this right in our home province of Alberta, Canada was pretty cool! I’d love to take our kids through the caves with us one day when they’re older!
A few facts about the Gargantua Caves:
* When you enter the Gargantua cave you are in the province of Alberta and the exit is in British Columbia.
*To get to Gargantua it’s about a 3 hour drive from Calgary, Alberta.
*Gargantua is the ninth longest and the twelfth deepest cave system in Canada.
*Gargantua is a limestone cave the exit of which is located at the base of Mt. Ptolomy.
For information about booking a tour or to learn more 
about caving in Alberta, Canada visit:

Arbonne Health and Beauty Products Giveaway

Today I’m excited to introduce you to a company that I recently discovered called Arbonne. You may have heard of them before, but if not, keep reading to find out more about Arbonne and their incredible products! Be sure to continue down the page where you’ll also find exclusive offers and you can enter to win an Arbonne prize package valued at $85.00!
I’ve been using some of Arbonne’s products for a few weeks now and it sure hasn’t taken me long to fall in love with them! As a woman who’s quickly approaching my mid thirties I can appreciate their products anti-aging properties and as a mother I value the fact that all of their products are safe and healthy for my family. Their products contain:
Arbonne has been in business for over 30 years manufacturing quality, safe and effective health and beauty products. Here’s what I love about Arbonne:
* Their products are botanically based, contain no artificial dyes or other unwanted chemicals.
* Arbonne is a green company with earth friendly packaging.
* Arbonne stands by their products and offers a 45 day money back guarantee.
* Arbonne is an international company and is sold within the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. With warehouses in each country, shipping is available to your home without international shipping charges. This is HUGE for me, as I’m sure it will be for many of you livinoutside the US! I love being able to order within my on country!
I was first introduced to Arbonne by Susan Casement, an independent consultant and regional manager. She knows her stuff when it comes to Arbonne and it’s been so great to get to know her! You can visit Susan’s site to find out a little bit more about her and how she has built a successful home-based business with Arbonne! Susan is here to answer ANY of your questions about Arbonne and their products and their business opportunities. You can contact her at susancasement{at}yahoo{dot}ca or get in touch with her through Facebook here.
What kind of products does Arbonne offer? Anything from cosmetics, to skin care products, to vitamin supplements and products for baby. These are the things I’ve tried or hope to try soon:
Arbonne Makeup Primer
Vitamin-rich makeup primer visually diminishes fine lines and pores, creating a canvas for flawless makeup application. I’ve been using Arbonne’s famous makeup primer for a few weeks now and I’m not too sure I could live without it now. 🙂 I notice such a difference in the appearance of my skin when I use it under my makeup – it really is amazing what this little bottle of stuff can do!

 Seasource Detox Spa Fortifying Hair Mask.
A blend of the ocean’s most potent botanicals fortify the hair against harsh climates with a superb, hydrating formula that helps strengthen, condition, repair and revitalize the hair shaft for a lustrous, healthy shine. Safe for chemically treated hair. I used their fortifying hair mask on my hair just the other day and I could not get over the the feel of my hair afterwards. I don’t dye my hair at all but I do blow dry it quite often so it can get pretty dry but the hair mask brought it right back to life. Love this stuff and it smells good too!
Arbonne Pure Mint Deodorant, Toothpaste and Mouthwash.
Arbonne’s new Pure Mint Deodorant is aluminum‐free and paraben‐free. It is infused with mint and extracts from white tea, ginger, lemongrass, sage, and tea tree that fights bad odor and helps you feel fresh all day. The Arbonne Pure Mint line isn’t currently available but I sure hope it will be again soon! These products really caught my eye and I can’t wait to try them out! They sound great and are exactly what I’m looking for in these types of products! 

ABC Arbonne Baby Care Products
I don’t have a baby at home anymore but I’m still looking forward to adding some of the ABC Baby Care products to my list of Arbonne must haves. With a child who suffered from severe eczema as a baby and now deals with patchy dry + itchy skin I’m always on the lookout for hypoallergenic, safe products to use on his skin.  
If you’d like to try out some of Arbonne’s products Susan is offering free samples from the RE9 Antiaging line, the ABC baby products and the FC5 skin care line {all pictured below}. Samples are available on a first come first serve basis. To get your free samples:

1. Take a moment to enter your name in today’s giveaway.

2. Visit Arbonne and browse through the RE9, FC5 and baby products lines.

3. Email me at [email protected] with “ARBONNE SAMPLE” in the subject line
 and specify in the email what product you would like to try from the three product lines shown
 below along with your mailing address so we can send it to you. 🙂

Now for today’s giveaway! If you’re just as excited about Arbonne’s safe and natural products as I am then we think you need to try them out for yourself! Contact me or Susan for info about a free sample and enter to win a bottle of Arbonne Makeup Primer and a 10-piece precision brush set! Follow the prompts in the rafflecopter widget below to be eligible to enter.
Giveaway will close September 26th at 12:01am! 
Good luck everyone!

If you’ve already got your eye on some Arbonne products that you’d like to order there are ways you can save! Receive a 35% discount off all products when you sign up as a consultant. Save 20% off all products when you sign up as a preferred client or host a virtual Arbonne party and receive a free gift and fabulous discounts. Contact Susan at susancasement{at}yahoo{dot}ca for all the details!

Our Summer via Instagram

If you follow me on instagram {rebecca_simpleasthat} you’ve already seen plenty of photos from our adventures this summer, but if you don’t, here’s a quick glimpse at what our Summer looked like:
Some of the things we did in July/August…
With so much time spent apart over the past 7 months {my hubby has been out of the country for 6-7 weeks at a time at courses and studying for exams} we were so grateful for all the family time we were able to squeeze in this Summer!
What are some of YOUR most memorable adventures from the Summer? I’d love to hear what you did in the comments! 
My husband and I had the chance to do some caving and that was definitely one of the most memorable and thrilling things we did! I brought a camera + my iPhone along with me for the trip and I’m excited to share some photos and tell you all about it on the blog tomorrow.  Has anyone else been caving or rappelling? Where have you gone? Did you love it? Would you go again?

Simple things Sunday number 98

Thanks to everyone who linked up their simple things photos last week! I saw so many beautiful fall images and they totally helped take my mind off of missing Summer and embrace this beautiful new season! Here is just a sampling of the gorgeous photos that were linked up last week…

If your photo was featured make sure to grab yourself a featured button! 🙂
 

Simple things Sunday 98

I finished up the kids annual back to school photos this past week, which in reality, wasn’t such a simple thing. 😉 Taking photos of a two year old is never simple….but we did it and we definitely got some keepers. I’m really excited to have some new photos to hang in our home! Here are a few outtakes from Alivia’s picture day that made me smile, because a photo session with a two year old may not be simple….but it’s always lot’s of fun! 🙂

My children certainly aren’t co-operative for photos ALL the time, but through the years of photographing my own kids and countless others, I’ve learned a few tricks to help get those genuine smiles, engage children and make photo taking fun! Check out my eBook Don’t Say Cheese! How to get great, natural photos of your kids for all kinds of tips on photographing children!

Don't Say Cheese! How to get great, natural photos of your kids (by Rebecca Cooper)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Simple things Sunday is about taking time to photograph the everyday details that make your life unique, beautiful, and special. Each Sunday we gather here to share our photos with each other. To enjoy the beauty that can be found in the ordinary and to be reminded of just how important the simple things are. 

If you’re new to Simple as That I’d love for you join us in this weekly tradition. Scroll down to the bottom of this post where you can find all the details on how to share your photos with us. I look forward to featuring some of your photos later in the week on the Simple as That Facebook page + here on the blog!


THE SIMPLE THINGS ON INSTAGRAM


If you’re a bit of an instagram nut {like me} come join in the simple things fun each Sunday via instagram! Post an insta-pic of a simple thing/moment each week. Use hashtag  #thesimplethings and be sure to tag me @rebecca_simpleasthat so I can check out your photos and maybe even feature your photo on the blog or Simple as That facebook page!


Just a few quick rules to play:

1. Grab a button and include it in your simple things post.

2. Link back directly to your simple things post not your blog/website.

No links to other linky parties, giveaways or craft projects pretty please. 
This linky is all about the photos.

3. Be sure to pop by and visit at least 3 other links and leave a comment.

Leave as many as you can.

 

Fall Photo Sessions with Rebecca Cooper Photography

After a two year break from taking photo clients I’m excited to announce that I’ll be offering a limited number of 2012 Fall photo sessions during the months of September and October. If you live in the area {Alberta, Canada} and need family, maternity, engagement or children’s portraits taken I’d love to hear from you. 🙂
Visit rebeccacooperphotography.com for more details and to view my portfolio. 

Follow on Instagram

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