Times Like These

So.... You come here often?

2011-07-30T20:18:00.009-05:00

I hang my head in shame and humbly return to where it all began. Yep my very. first. blog. ever....
I've missed this place and the memories I can store here and record. So with that being said, I'm coming back!
Obviously there is no way I can try and catch up since my last post as it has been FAR too long but I can start from now.
So, we are in the middle of wedding season and I booked a pretty easy summer this year to spend more time with my kids and family.
So far it has worked out great and we've had an amazing summer with barely any rain and no bugs!

Everyone looks real grumpy but it was just super bright. This was our first time ever at Grand Beach as a family.
We forfeited a trip to Mexico in exchange for a new camper and took it out last weekend and it was a blast! We dropped Kianne off to camp for the second year in a row and picked her up today. She had a blast but is a little grumpy and tired.

We are getting ready to head out for five nights on Friday with the camper again just to Grand Beach. We got an electrical site this time though so we'll have all the amenities of home. It is huge and we all sleep and live in there quite comfortably.
We went up to my parent's boat a couple of weekends ago as well and the kids tubed and spent time on the beach as they always do when we're with them. It was a good day and I'll post pics. Matthew didn't enjoy it all so we'll see what next year brings.

We've been at the water parks more times than I can even count and the pool has been filled and drained numerous times. Canada Day was spent at the beach and there will be more beach days to come. Overall it has been a great summer and I'm so excited to say there is still another month left!

Matthew graduated preschool and that was an amazing adventure!

And both the boys with their respective soccer and baseball teams got to play with the pros. Corey is number 23 on the Goldeyes diamond and Matthew got to play soccer at the half time Bomber game the other day.

All in all it has already been a fun filled super summer and I can hardly wait for the rest of our adventures.

Brotherly love

2010-11-30T14:45:00.004-06:00

I have to admit I kind of feel bad for Corey. I mean he cannot do anything anymore without Matthew following him around and asking him a million thousand questions about everything. Is it bad I'm glad it's Corey and not me? ;)
I will never really experience what Corey and Matthew have just like I'll never understand the relationship that I hope Kianne and Jordyn will have one day. While I had a brother, he was four years younger that me and that is a pretty large gap plus he was a boy :p
Not much point to my post just a simple observation.

Time Flies When you're Crazy Busy!

2010-11-14T19:54:00.005-06:00

Well tons has happened since I last updated. We have decided to homeschool and you can read all about that here

That is an experience in itself. Going better than expected with the typical hiccups one could predict.

Halloween has come and gone and of course it is always brings sugar highs and lows that personally I could do without ;)

Just recently we took in the Santa Clause parade and that was fun! Crazy crowded but so much fun. I had a session right before then this year and so we got there just in the nick of time.
Next year we will have to plan better. Jordyn had so much fun though and the wonder in her little eyes was precious and amazing!

Argh Totally Lost and Confused

2010-08-24T11:47:00.002-05:00

The panic and axiety have set in full force in regards to the kids schooling. I go between feeling wonderful and confident with our choice to homeschool this year to a full on anxiety and panic attack.
I have such strong issues with the school they have been attending that I swore up and down they were not returning this year. But with fall and back to school quickly approaching I am losing confidence and wondering if I can handle this adventure.
I have contacted some other public school that are out of "catchment" but they are far from helpful and make me feel horrible for even considering switching schools.
There is another private school we have looked at but it is really far, really expensive and Jay and I both don't feel like blowing another $100 bucks on application fees to get a "no" answer.
So, here I am in tears again with my stomach in knots trying to make the best choice for the kids and our family.
Do we talk to the current school before school starts and explain our expectations and issues firmly so there are no issues or do I just keep them home? Do I send them and pull them if there are nonsensical issues?
I know I've said it before but I really never though this would be so hard....

"I Love Being a Kid!"

2010-07-29T08:45:00.012-05:00

These were the words out of my nine year old Corey this morning downstairs playing with the rest of the kids with bubble wrap! They were all so excited and having so much fun. This simple sentence, "I love being a kid" made me smile and fill with joy. I totally remember the simplicity of being a kid and he obviously appreciates it as well.
I find that more often than not it is these simple sentences or the kids all playing nicely together that inspire me to write a blog post.
I have to be honest though and admit I don't have much to write about but I do have an awful lot of pics to post. That seems to be a common theme with my blog ;)
Michael has come and gone and it was a good visit but also presents it challenges as well. It must be hard for him to come here away from his home and mom and sister and jump into our crazy life. It was a good visit though and we are hoping to go to Edmonton in the new year to visit him there. Hopefully Jay can make a trip out there before that though for a couple of days.
Here are some pics of what we've been up to this summer so far.

Meanest Mom in the World

2010-07-02T08:00:00.006-05:00

I must be the meanest Mom in the world as I plopped my baby girl on top of a pony at last weekends church picnic family day. Poor Jordyn was devestated and poor Corey was of course allergic ;)

Wow, I feel like I have so much to blog about lately and I'm days behind in my "online journal."

On a happy note. Michael's flight arrived yesterday morning on Canada Day and we spent a great day at the beach followed by dinner at Applebees!
Wish us luck with 5 kids in the house :)

So Sad and Dissapointed

2010-06-30T14:28:00.001-05:00

We just got the call from Linden Christian and our kids were not accepted for next year :( I couldn't get off the phone fast enough for fear of crying but I am so, so sad.
I have been praying so hard for this and really felt after the interviews that this was the place for our kids and family.
Now we are back to square one :(

I think I'm starting to "get it"

2010-06-27T21:08:00.003-05:00

Corey has been playing baseball this year. It has been an adventurous season so far with lots of rain and cold weather but here we are in the play-offs. There were days I sat out in my winter coat and mitts in June and other evenings it was so hot we were getting sunburnt.
Two months ago they started practicing in their little red jerseys and gray baseball pants. We have the youngest team in our league so when I say little I really do mean it ;)
It was painful to watch as the kids stumbled around and could barely catch the ball, forget about connecting it with a bat to hit it. Now though it is like watching the big leagues! I am so proud of these boys who have learned so many new skills and are shining out there on that diamond.
Like I said they are in the play offs and next will be the city play offs! I see how parents get all caught up in their kids sporting events. It is so exciting to see them do well and they are so proud of themselves. I hope Corey plays next year now that he is understanding the game and having a good time. I still will not pressure my kids to play and push them to the max but I do think it is important to be involved.
Here are some pics of my guy :)

My Little Princess

2010-06-23T08:03:00.005-05:00

I was 10 when I got my ears pierced. Kianne got hers done at 9. Jordyn got hers done on Saturday June 19th at the tender age of 27 months.
I was always one of those mothers that insisted you don't pierce babies ears and wait until they are old enough to decide on their own. Well that went out the window.
I'm not really sure why....I guess Jordyn really is the little princess who needs to be all girl all. the. time.
I will admit that I felt like a horrible mother at the time as she cried and looked so sad and scared :( But the lady gave her a sucker after and all seemed to be well in her world again :)
I bought some special numbing cream that I think was useless and a waste of $15. So if anyone is considering getting it done I wouldn't waste your money on the cream.

Easier to not Care

2010-06-21T09:14:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I wish I could be one of those parents that had no care in the world what my kids were up to or learning or exposed to. I think it must be so easy. To just roll along and really be clueless.
Maybe it is because our values are different from a lot of society that I have to question everything.
It is such a fine line between letting your kids develop and explore and learn on their own and "helicoptering" over top of their every move.
I do not want to be the helicopter parent but find that in some cases it is absolutely neccesary. As they get older I suppose I'll need to start my descent and let them find their wings. In the meantime though I will continue to question and observe and sometimes make choices for my kids that go against the grain.
As a parent I have a job to do and I must take that seriously.

So Proud of My Girl

2010-06-04T10:13:00.004-05:00

For the second year in a row Kianne made it to the divisional meet for track and field. She is a great little runner and I am so proud of her :)
The weather was a little risky but it held off. Although it was much colder than I suspected. Matthew, Jordyn and I had a great time cheering her on and it was a shame we couldn't stay the whole day but we had to get home for Corey for lunch.

And although she didn't come in first, second or even third she was great out there :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-02T13:10:00.004-05:00

Choices, choices.... re:school

2010-05-31T20:19:00.002-05:00

I had made a decision a little while back that no matter what, my two school age kids were NOT returning to the school they have been attending. It has been a horrible experience and has been year after year of heartache and drama.
The labels and nonsense that follows is causing far too much stress for one family to deal with. Granted the kids have had some wonderful teachers I think the problem runs deeper than that. I don't even want to blame it on the administration but perhaps the "system" as a whole.
We are fortunate to know a lady who is the vice principle of a great Christian private school where the kids could possibly get a fresh start. She had offered to review our documents and see if they may have space for our children in the fall.
I received a call today that was slightly encouraging but does leave some serious decisions to be made.
Ms. D suggested that K repeat grade 5. Being a private school they are already quite advanced and K does really struggle in her math.
C she was a little less sure about because of the funding he receives for an EA in the classroom. The support is up in 2011 and at that time they need to reapply and hope he gets it.
So, basically we were told to for sure apply for K and we could apply for C but no guarantees for anything.
I guess that is what we will do and see what comes out of it. If not, I suppose we will homeschool for a year or two and maybe then try and introduce them back into the public school system.

On another note, we had the most rain in recorded history in a 24 hour period over the weekend. It was crazy really. I worked a wedding and it was by the far the rainiest wedding I've ever done.

Best Spring EVER!!!!

2010-05-20T12:42:00.005-05:00

This week has been record breaking for temps and I'm loving it! If this is what we have in store for summer I will be all over it and so will my family. We love summer. But really who doesn't???
I didn't book any weddings for this upcoming long weekend just incase we wanted to do something and I'm so glad. I do have one on Friday but after that the weekend is all mine.
We might hit up the beach one day. I'd love to go camping but we have so much work to do around the house and with me at home I can help with the kids so Jay can get some of our projects started and finished.
Here is a taste of what spring has been like so far :)

Yuck

2010-05-11T07:56:00.003-05:00

It seems there is some sort of stomach bug going around lately. Everyone I talk to has been sick. I guess it's my turn. I have had a headache for days and my coffee seems to be making me nauseous.
Matthew finally played his first soccer game last night. After cancellations for rain they played. I am a horrible mother and didn't go though. It was pretty cold and rainy and I knew Matthew wouldn't feel it out on the field but the kids and I would be cold and soaked. Hopefully his next game will be a nice day though and we'll all go.
Apparently he did great and was quite the little runner. I have no doubt that he will do well I am just worried about the three year old melt downs that may occur ;)
The weekend came and went quickly after a much anticiapted getaway to the States with some girlfriends. We had a great time of shopping and not dragging kids or worrying about schedules. However, like true mothers we were up at 4:00 in the morning to pee and up for the day at 7a.m. Seriously, even if you want to sleep in or sleep through the night it is like a skill you have to learn all over again.
We got some really great stuff though and good finds.
I don't really have any pics to post at this particular moment but it always feel strange doing a blog post without a pic. Maybe I'll add one later.

Who Do you Blog for?

2010-05-05T13:14:00.003-05:00

I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I read a lot of blogs and a lot of the blogs I read are very well read and popular. There are hundreds of comments under each post and the writer is very articulate, funny and usually has something meaningful to say.
I, on the other hand have not much interesting to say. Do not have hundreds of comments and to be totally honest can barely even get a sentence together much less be articulate.
So all this rambling to say that I blog for myself. I like going back to my old posts and seeing what was going on or what kind of crazy rant I was having that particular week. I like looking at my kids pics and realizing how much they have changed and grown.
Sure it is nice to have some readers here and there and get a comment or two about things that may be on my mind. But at the end of the day this is just like a big public diary for myself.
And of course what is a blog post without a photo. Corey got new goggles and of course Matthew just had to try them out :)

ADHD

2010-05-02T10:48:00.002-05:00

If anyone in this house really has ADHD it is me. I mean I cannot focus on any one thing or task for any real length of time. I am impulsive and have new ideas however as soon as a little bit of work is involved I am also the first to move on and find something else to intrigue or excite me.
I think it is interesting that both of my kids have been "diagnosed" with ADHD and yet I seem to have made it fine through life.
I've never taken a drug or any type of meds to help me focus or be less impulsive. I also never had extra helpers in any of my classes to keep me in control. Maybe though, people and teachers weren't looking for the typical adhd symptoms and therefore I wasn't a target.
Anyway, all this to say that I am pretty sure that I likely do have adhd however life goes on and somehow I manage it without even really knowing or paying attention.
Would drugs or meds have helped me? Maybe but I'm sure as heck not going to find out at this point in my life.
So, do my kids need meds or will they just learn to grow into it and adapt to life the way I'm sure thousands of people have?
I worry for them with the targets and labels and the idea that they have to settle for second best.
I have already heard that Corey will make a really good trades person and not be a professional. My opinion of course is that if he wants to be a trades person I am perfectly fine with that but I want it to be his choice and not be led into believing that is all he can achieve.
I want my kids to succeed in life just like everyone else but I don't want them limited by labels.

C-o-m-m-e-n-t-s.....

2010-04-30T13:05:00.002-05:00

Freak me out sometimes. I sometimes have to stop and wonder who in the world is reading my little blog. I mean I see the hits I get and there aren't that many. Yet I occasionally get these creepy or nonsensical comments from people I have NO connection with or recognize from any other board, blog or anywhere else I "hang out".
Am I the only one?

Wordless Wednesday-Blast From the Past

2010-04-28T15:54:00.002-05:00

Ummm can we skip the next two months????

2010-04-27T21:50:00.003-05:00

My calendar is seriously overflowing. I am totally overwhelmed and am wondering what the heck I singed up for and how we are going to manage.
Corey is in little league baseball but it would appear that he is going to be the next Babe Ruth by the amount of practices and games that are scheduled. Matthew is in mini soccer and that is also two nights a week.
Thank goodness Boys and Girls clubs had their wind-ups tonight or I'm not sure how we would do it.
So right now this is the family schedule
Monday-soccer
Tuesday-baseball game
Wednesday-soccer and baseball practice we are also supposed to have small group
Thursday-baseball game
Friday-so far so good :)
Saturday-baseball practice and of course any sessions or weddings I have booked
Sunday-family day hopefully. I really want to try and keep Sundays open for just us

Okay so as I write this down it doesn't seem to look as bad, but it sure feels like it. I guess the thing is this is only two kids in two sports. I cannot imagine how some parent's have their kids in everything and all sorts of activities. Where do they find the time?

I do think it is very important for kids to be involved and active in sports and other activities they enjoy so I suppose we make the sacrifice for two months and hope that in the end they have a good time and good memories :)

Home

2010-04-25T17:49:00.003-05:00

We went to a new church today. We have been "trying" some new Church's to find a place where we all fit. With family of 6 this is not the easiest task however I know it can be done.

As we were sitting at the new church and the kids had gone off to Sunday school the pastor mentioned something I know I totally take for granted. As much as I whine and complain about our city and province and long for something more exotic or intriguing we are extremely lucky. When you look around the world at all the natural disasters occurring it is very rare that we would ever experience such horror. We see the pictures on the news and web and hear the stories but really have no clue and likely never will.

I thank God that we live in such a monotonous city and fair climate where this type of devastation will more than likely never be an issue.

I guess the moral of the story is to be thankful and don't take things for granted. A reminder I often need.

This is a photo I took out in the Whiteshell last year in September and it is another reminder of how lucky we are.

Spring has certainly sprung

2010-04-23T21:18:00.004-05:00

I cannot believe the Spring we have been having. I don't remember such a wonderfully warm yet dry spring. People have been out and about enjoying this summer like weather. The sprinkers have been on and I've even been tempted to bring out the pool for the kids.
We had a wonderful bar-b-que for Jayson's birthday with some good friends and family and it couldn't have been a nicer Sunday.
Baseball has started for Corey and the kids cannot get enough of being out in the sun.
If the weather continues like this we'll have a scorcher of a summer, however we are owed it from the misery of last summer.
Wedding season has begun and work is busy. I'm finding it really difficult juggling it all this time round. Matthew and Jordyn are so much busier and need to be entertained and of course nap for shorter periods of time so I'm stuck doing work later in the evening when everyone is in bed. I know it will all work itself out but I think I need to find a new groove.

And just for fun here is a recent pic of my little Jordyn that I just thought was too cute not to share.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-31T15:13:00.004-05:00

Sling Safety

2010-03-27T10:04:00.005-05:00

I cannot even begin to describe how frustrated I am by the recent media activity regarding sling and babywearing safety. So much of what is being reported is simply not accurate and only accurate when referring to specific baby carriers that really should have never been available in the first place.
I'm sure a lot of parents have been seeing these articles articles and have been scared and turned off of babywearing.
I am here to tell you that there are TONS of perfectly safe baby carriers that are widely available and affordable.
We as parents have a responsibility whenever we are using anything related to our children's health and safety. We need to understand that just because items are sold in stores does not mean they are safe and fool proof. We need to take responsibility as adults and parents to make sure our babies are safe. When using any baby product we have to make sure we are using them correctly. It seems most recalls on baby items are due to people misusing them. i.e. the bumbo seat specifically says to not use it on a raised surface. However people plop their babies on top of the counter in the bumbo and sure enough Bumbo falls! Like seriously what do people expect?!?!? Bathtub ring. DO NOT LEAVE BABY UNATTENDED IN BATHTUB RING. You guessed it, baby drowned and now those are outlawed.
Granted some of the carriers on the market should never have been as they are quite obviously unsafe. Any amount of common sense should prevail in most situations. If a newborns face is squished so that they cannot breathe that is unsafe and baby should be positioned so that the airways are accessible.
Babywearing is a learned skill and babies expect to be carried. Babywearing has been around far longer than most of us and North America is really just way behind in this "trend".
So for all the fear mongering that has been surrounding babywearing please don't paint all babywearing with the same brush. Get reputable, safe carriers and learn how to use them. Also recognize that lots of carriers can be used for the life of your baby however, different carries apply to different ages and stages. i.e. you are not going to cradle carry a one year old nor are you going to back carry your 3 month old. I have three different styles and have used them all at different stages and for different situations.
Here are some great links for safe babywearing and retailers.
the babywearer
babywearing international
parenting by nature

My baby is 2

2010-03-19T08:07:00.008-05:00

Two years ago our littlest girl entered the world. I can't believe how much time has passed and how much she has grown.
I am happy to say she now finally sleeps through the night (most nights). Walks, runs, jumps and is starting to say some words. Her first word was about a month ago and we are proud to say it was "bum". Pronounced BUMMMMMMMMMM. Other words that are coming along are, "all done", "more" (which she also signs), She also signs for milk. Granted most two year olds are talking way more than her we are certainly not worried.
Jordyn was by far my hardest baby with colic that seemed to last forever, a lactose intolerance that was likely the cause of her colic, not sleeping through the night for what seemed like forever, and being an unexpected surprise on top of it all :D

However, with all that being said she is the sweetest little thing anyone could hope for and we are all happy to have a wonderful little girl in our lives.

Happy Birthday to my little peanut and princess Jordyn!

time for Mexico

2010-02-26T16:46:00.002-06:00

Well the time has arrived. The bags are packed and I think I have everything I need. I have this sense of general angst and uneasiness that I hope will pass once I'm there.
I am feeling quite naseous and nervous and sad which of course is ridiculous. Oh did I mention that I'll be blessed with my period while I'm gone?!?!? So I can pretty much garuantee that a lot of my anxiety is related to that fact alone.
Well, hopefully my plane doesn't crash and I'm not lonely as heck and annoyed by my family.
Ugh, I can hardly wait to get back home and I haven't even left yet :(

Trying to be crafty

2010-02-12T10:43:00.004-06:00

Well here I am again attempting my hand at crafts. As we know I am not the craftiest person around although I would really like to be.
With Valentine's Day right around the corner I figured I should at least make my family some cards. Carrie says I should also pick up some chocolate hearts or something as well and I guess if they're real lucky I might ;)
Here are some of my creations.

On another note, I have been on weight watchers for just over a month and have lost 10 lbs! I still have a super long way to go but I am pretty happy with the results so far :-)

Excited, Nervous, Scared, so many emotions

2010-01-31T09:06:00.004-06:00

All over a trip to Mexico for my brothers wedding. They have chosen to have a destination wedding at a very swanky resort and we can't all go as it is just WAY too much money. I am lucky though that I am going. At first I was going to bring Jordyn because way back when this was first discussed she was still quite young and pretty hard to deal with as a baby. Plus babies under two travel free ;) I figured that way hubby would only have to deal with 3 kids instead of four.
As the date gets closer though (next month) Jordyn will be such a drag to have with me. I mean I'll be relegated to my hotel room for naps and early bed times while everyone else is out having a good time. She is also a much better baby now so she can stay home with dad.
I think it's funny though that most women would die for chance to get away for a week to some exotic and hot place without kids and I'm terrified. I've teared up a couple times this week already thinking about leaving them.
I have so many crazy thoughts that I know are unfounded and really quite ridiculous but I can't seem to help it. I know a big part of my issues are control. For instance I really don't think the week at home is going to run anywhere like it does when I'm home. I'm worried homework won't get done, meds won't be taken, Corey will have an asthma attack, Jordyn will be in her crib crying all night because no one will hear her, the kids won't have baths and will eat KD for a week, morning, noon and night. Then of course there is the chance my plane will crash and that this fate of KD and no baths will be their life for the rest of their childhood!!!
Now of course I am totally looking forward to getting away. It will be so nice to sleep in and enjoy the hot weather.
I guess it's true though that you NEVER stop being a mother. Even when I will be thousands of miles away I know that most of my thoughts will be on my family and my children. I know that KD for a week and no baths will not be the death of me or them and I know my hubby is quite capable so I just need to relax.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I haven't even left yet and I'm already appreciating what I have more than before.
I thought I should throw a pic on this post as my last couple haven't had any. Check out the amazing frost we had the other day.

Lots going on

2010-01-28T11:12:00.002-06:00

Well it seems I have gotten too busy again to update this blog. As per my last post I think I have finally decided I am content with my photo blog the way it is.

We are in the process of some big changes in the P/G household. The first one being a possible move. I mean admittedly we had outgrown our little home the moment we moved in however we had to start somewhere and we can at least way this house is ours. (well technically the banks but that is neither here nor there)
When we took possession of our little house I was extremely pregnant. Infact it was only 3 short weeks after we moved in that we had Matthew. Of course a short time later ms Jordyn graced us with her prescense. pardon the pun ;)
So now we are in a little 900 sqaure foot bungalow with 6 people. Oh and don't forget the dumb dog! Well luckily Jayson is handy and so he built an extra bedroom downstairs. That still only leaves though 4 bedrooms for 6 people.
Anyways, all this to say that it is time to move on to something a little bigger and where there are at least rooms for everyone.
We are meeting with a real estate agent tonight to hopefully get the ball rolling and figure out exactly what needs to be done.
We have had our eyes on the Niverville area for quite sometime and the housing costs are substantilly lower there and really only 20 mins from where we are anyway. I hear the schools are pretty good as well.
School, that brings me to another heater topic. I don't honestly know if I should even get started. Needless to say things have been really bad and at this point my kids WILL NOT be going back there next year. It has just been one nightmare after another. Yesterday the school even went so far as to tell me I don't feed my kid enough and that he is so hungry. They questioned every meal I gave him and told me it wasn't enough.
That is just the tip of the iceberg. I also have a report from a dr. indicating that Kianne's teacher has reported she is one grade level behind in all her core subjets.... hmmm this is the first we have ever heard this. So my first question of course is why hasn't the school or the teacher been in contact with me about this issue. Why in the world am I reading it from a dr's report?!?!? So of course this prompted me to check last years report card as we had not received one yet for this year. As of last year all was well and expectations were being met. Something didn't sound right but I wanted to get this years report from the teacher and then review it. Well you can imagine my shock when I received the report card yesterday and again the expectations are all being met?!?!? Okay, now I may not be the smartest kid on the block however, if I have one report that is saying she is below a full grade and another report that says she is meeting all expectations....something is NOT adding up.
Of course this sent me over the edge! Someone is being lied to. Either myself as the parent or the dr. Now the scary thing is that if the Dr is being lied to by the school she is making diagnosis' based on teachers reports and in turn prescribing narcotics.... THIS is a serious situation.
I have put in a call to the dr as I want a copy of the report that was sent from Kianne's teacher. Once I have that there will be a meeting with the school to figure out all this nonsense.
Well I wasn't going to get into it but as you can tell this is a huge issue and one I will not let die.
I don't know what to do about this school we are dealing with but my kids will not be returning.

can't make up my mind!

2010-01-06T15:12:00.002-06:00

I am having a multiple personality disorder over on my photo blog. I change my logo and header on my website and blog it seems on a daily basis.
This does seem to be the time to be making all these changes as of course the workload is down over the winter. I just can't seem to get across what I want.
I "think" I have finally found it though today. We'll see what tomorrow brings ;)

Christmas in a nutshell

2009-12-29T09:34:00.009-06:00

Well I am having a hard time keeping up with this whole blogging thing. For some reason I have lots to say but I am so uninspired to put it all down.
We had a wonderful Christmas in this house. It is so much fun with the kids to see them on Christmas morning. I think though that from now we will not put any presents out until Christmas eve. We also got a real Christmas tree this year. Smells sooo good.
For the first time ever in my life we also did a gingerbread house. That was also a lot of fun and looked great on the table. I love Christmas!

Cans for Comments

2009-11-26T20:29:00.001-06:00

I am so excited to be doing cans for comments on my photography blog. You can check out the details at www.kenzie-kenziesphotography.blogspot.com

A Bathroom Rennovation

2009-11-17T21:42:00.003-06:00

When we bought our home just over 3 years ago the previous owners had done a beautiful job with new carpet and flooring, paint, light fixtures etc... One thing that was really not done well though was the bathroom.
Now we only have one bathroom in our house for the 6 of us so any work that we wanted to do would certainly be a little inconvenient. It had to be done though.
Luckily for me I have a super duper handy hubby who can tackle any job and make it look easy.
He replaced the flooring with ceramic tile and of course the toilet had to come out for this first job. It was out for a good 12 hours while we ran to the nearest convenience store, mom and dads and the good old ice cream pail to relieve ourselves :)
Thankfully we got the toilet back on and next comes the shower tile. Out with the old and in with the new. I think it is so refreshing and nice looking. Now comes the fun part... paint!!!!
So after being without a toilet we were without a shower. So off again we go to the "rents" place for a shower. Luckily one of us is still small enough to bathe in the sink :-)

Falling off the wagon

2009-11-12T08:33:00.004-06:00

I just can't seem to keep up with this blog thing. I guess I just don't have anything that important to say.
Or when I do I don't seem to blog about it. Facebook is like such a daily blog that you can just post whatever you are thinking anytime that to put it all in one paragraphy here just doesn't happen all that often anymore.
I guess I could say I got a new camera but of course have already mentioned it on fb :-)
I took the kids out for fall family pics and even managed a self timed one of ourselves as a family! I must say it turned out pretty good considering I was the one running back and forth.

I know this sounds crazy but I'm kind of waiting for the snow to fall. Birthdays and Christmas are just around the corner but with no snow it is hard to get into the groove.

Fear vs. Fact

2009-10-27T08:32:00.004-05:00

It seems the whole world is in an uproar over H1N1 and what to do about it. Everywhere you turn there is some sort of "news". Vaccinate against the deadly virus, don't take this poison, It is too new, There is a pandemic, and the list goes on and on and on.
What are we to believe though? What is the best thing for us and our families? I believe that everyone chooses what they think is the best for themselves and their families and we just need to run with that.
We will not be vaccinating and just practicing very good hand washing etc... I am not comfortable yet with the vaccine although I have seriously considered it for Corey who is asthmatic.
Some of the safe guards we are taking here at home are:
-washing our hands as soon as we come in from any public place
-taking our vitamins
-trying to eat a well balanced diet with lots of fruit and veggies.

All I can do is hope I have made the right choice for myself and my family. If God forbid one of us gets seriously ill I will then of course question my choice and wish that we had taken the vaccine. However, if we get the vaccine and suffer some serious side effects or death due it I will be kicking myself for that choice as well. Is it a lose/lose situation? I don't think so. If we all live today like it is our last day then we should have a fulfilling and happy life :-)

Hypocrite?

2009-10-08T10:44:00.002-05:00

As most of you know I am a wanna be hippie ;) I cloth diaper my kids, I wear cloth pads myself (TMI I know...) I use reusable everything I can and only natural products for cleaning as well as on my skin and my children's skin.
I've been thinking a lot lately though about the fact that I don't follow this lifestyle for my diet. If anything I consume more "poison" in my eating habits then anywhere else in my life. With all the chemicals in our foods and additives it is no wonder the human race is full of disease and behaviour problems.
So, I wonder why am I so concerned about our environment and the world we live in but not my own body? The answer I would give is that our world needs to last for generations to come and so my children have a healthy environment to grow and live in. I wonder though wby I don't think my children deserve a healthy mom to grow and play and live with?
I have read quite a bit on "clean eating" and this is something that totally appeals to me. I realize it is quite a task to take on but I would really like to try this one meal at a time.
If anyone has any great tips or books or websites please leave a comment.

Yelling

2009-10-01T08:25:00.002-05:00

I do WAY too much of this. Part of it of course it trying to be heard over the chaos of my kids but much more is related to sheer frustration and anger. There I said it. I have known this for quite some time but to actually admit it is a whole different deal.
I consider myself a little bit if an AP (attachment parent) and yelling all the time just does not fit into the life that I want my kids to experience or myself.
I read something quite a while ago about Non Violent Communication. To be totally honest I didn't give it a whole lot of thought or research but I think I might look into this a little bit.
I am also going to count to 10 every time I want to yell. I mean really the things I am yelling about are far from life or death situations so if I need a 10 second countdown to not yell I think it will be worth it.
Anyway that is my thought today. I want a more peaceful house and it needs to begin with me.

Camping at Tulabi Falls Nopiming Park

2009-09-29T10:34:00.006-05:00

Our last big hurrah! The "big kids" went to the boat with Grandma and Grandpa and we really wanted to try out Tulabi Falls.
Back in the day when Jay and I were just dating we camped out at Black Lake and it was beautiful. Now Nopiming Park is really situated in the middle of nowhere. There are very few services and no running water or real toilets. Because we were only going for the weekend though we were pretty sure we could rough it for a couple of days ;)
We pulled in on Friday in the dark because of course it is dark by 7:30 now :p Jayson was doing such a good job setting up our big tent by himself and just as I commented one of the poles broke. Totally crappy but what can you do? Jay being the creative and handy guy that he is found a temporary solution and here it is

With the tent being erect we were in business. We had great fire and put the kids to bed. It was a beautiful evening and the stars out there were incredible.
The next morning started like any other morning when you are camping. A big fire and making breakfast. We were going to hard boil eggs instead of scrambling because it is a way easier clean up. However on the way from the cooler to the picnic table our eggs dropped everywhere. So the ones we could save ended up scrambled ;) No big deal breakfast is served. After a while we figure we'll go do some exploring. We grab a map from the office and head off in the van to some hiking trails etc... we figure the kids will nap while we drive and then we can enjoy the rest of the day.
As we are driving down the most gravel and bumpiest roads ever and winding round and round Matthew pukes everywhere. Give it 10 minutes after we have cleaned up as best as we could and it's Jordyn's turn to get sick. Another stop and clean up and Matthew goes again. By this time we are an hour and a half from our campsite in the middle of no where. Obviously we turned back and hoped the puking was done.
Luckily they both fell asleep and we got back to camp.
Had some lunch and continued our day. That's when I broke my toe! I could not believe our luck so far. It was time to pack up and head home.

Oh Yeah... Banff

2009-09-24T17:58:00.003-05:00

So I kind of forgot to update about our Banff trip again and to be honest, at this point I really don't remember what days what events happened.
I will summarize it this way. I had a wonderful time. We saw tons of wildlife. There was a bear in our campground. We stayed at Two Jack Lake Main and it was perfect. We drove the Icefield Parkway to the Glaciers, We saw lots of waterfalls including Athabaska. We hiked lots of trails Moraine lake and Bow Falls. We went and toured the Cave and Basin which was really neat.
We went to Lake Louise, Canmore, Jasper, Calgary and even stopped at Drumheller and went to the Royal Tyrell Museum.
We sat in the hot springs at Banff,shopped,swam in cascade pond (it was freezing)

Anyway, it was wonderful and I could easily and happily go back and do it all over again. Maybe next summer ;)

Summer in September

2009-09-17T13:59:00.004-05:00

I for one am LOVING this hot summer weather we are finally having! I know some people whine and complain about all this heat but my family is eating it up and savouring every single second we can get.
The backyard kiddie pool is being used daily and we have another camping trip planned for this weekend!!!

Poor Corey-Poor Goldie

2009-09-13T08:15:00.003-05:00

I never grew up with fish or little pets. My brother though had hampsters and gerbils galore. We had a dog and I remember when she died but it was a dog.
Well poor Corey has experienced his first death.
His fish Goldie has gone to the big fish bowl in the sky.
Corey bought Goldie with his very own money after saving long and hard at the age of 7 years old. He had his own tank and fed him (when he remembered) ;)
Of course out of all the times for this silly fish to die it had to be when Jayson was away for the weekend.
I waited overnight to decide how to handle this death and talk to Corey about it. He wanted to bury it but could not find a good enough shovel. So we discussed it and I put Goldie in the toilet. Corey flushed and that is when he broke down.
I felt so bad for him and just had to give him a hug and hold back my own tears.

September 11, 2001

2009-09-11T08:31:00.002-05:00

It is amazing to think that the tragedy of 9/11 was already 8 years ago. I know for me it is still fresh and just think of ALL the major changes in the world since then.
A tragedy that has affected us all and yet every year it seems to become more and more a distant memory.
I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the news hit and what crazy, heart stopping news it was.
I have a heavy heart today for all the families who lost their loved ones on this horrible day and my thoughts and prayers go out to those families :(

Back to School

2009-09-09T20:12:00.005-05:00

Today was the day that most parent's have circled on their calendar. It is bittersweet as today is the day that the kids "get out of my hair" and back into routine. It also means it is that much closer to the end of summer though which is a horrible thought :(
I just realized I forgot to send their kleenex boxes to school with them so I suppose I will send them tomorrow.
Kianne was nonchalant about the first day of school and shot me down when I asked her if she wanted me to walk with her. I guess that is what happens when you go into grade 5 ;)

Corey was excited to ride his bike and see all his friends. The only reason he wanted me to walk with him was so I could help him carry his stuff. I guess in grade 3 it is still acceptable. When I realized that he just wanted to use me as a donkey though I sent him on his way ;)

I am really looking forward to this school year and have high hopes for a great year. Corey has a really good teacher that I know he likes and Kianne's so far seems nice. Unfortunately she will always be the guinea pig with teachers as she is the oldest.
So with the first day being done and only 9 more months to go... here's to a Happy Back to School Day for students, parents and teachers :)

Best Long Weekend Ever

2009-09-08T13:15:00.005-05:00

Due to a change of plans on the Edmonton side we ended up being in Manitoba. As dissapoining as it was to not be able to be with Michael this past weekend we had a great time anyway.
With summer weather finally arriving we took full advantage of it! We booked a campsite at our favorite place and did lots of hiking and swimming and wading and sightseeing etc...
Of course there were a few bumps to the trip including deflated air mattresses, a big rock in the windshield, a broken ignition that Jay was thankfully able to fix and banana on my most favorite mei tie among other "little bumps" that seem to happen when you go camping with little kids. But the weather was amazing, there were almost no mosquitos and the kids actually slept really well.
The "big kids" didn't want to come so they stayed with their Dad. It's to bad though because I think they would have had a blast with all the kids there. Plus it would have been fun to have them along.
We only stayed two nights just because it was too hard sleeping on a bed of rocks. We got home late Sunday night and then on Monday spent the day at Hecla Island and Morton Park.I still like Opawpiskwa way better but at least we know :)
We are hoping that we'll be able to get out one more time this year for some fall camping seeing as how my September is open!

Welcome Back

2009-08-24T23:44:00.004-05:00

Yes I am welcoming myself back. I feel like I have been on a blogging hiatus the last little while. I have all sorts of things to write about but just can't seem to find the time to sit down and do it. I mean for goodness sakes I haven't even finished blogging about our trip to Banff and in 10 days we are leaving to Edmonton.
The kids are in their last week of swimming lessons and registry for fall activities are in full swing. Kianne will figure skate again and both the kids want to play guitar. Corey will finish up soccer in the fall and take a break over the winter before starting up again in the spring. It really works out quite well that the kids have found things they like during opposite seasons. Better for scheduling and great for the wallet ;)
I have been super busy with weddings and have not had a weekend off since we got home from Banff. I have another one this coming up Saturday and then a little break in September. As much as I love it I am ready for a break. I just want a full weekend to relax and if the weather is nice we will hopefully take off.
Like I mentioned earlier we are going to Edmonton for sure the first weekend of September to go visit Michael. If there are anymore nice weekends i.e. not freezing temps we will for sure pack up the tent and head out!

New Books

2009-08-12T21:04:00.006-05:00

I am so excited! I just purchased four new books! Buying books is for sure one of my guilty pleasures. I guess it is because they are all for me. No one else in this house will have any interest in them or want to touch them or play with them or even care that they are here. They are all mine.
As most moms know this is a rare circumstance and so I relish in this little delight.
The reason I ordered four is because when you order online at Chapters/Indigo once you spend $39 you get free shipping. Well, for a shopaholic like myself free shipping is really what it's all about :)
So what did I get you ask?
The Time Travellers Wife-After seeing the trailer for this movie I just knew I HAD to have the book!

My Sisters Keeper- Another one inspired from seeing an add for a movie.

Love the one you're with- Emily Giffin. Love this author so had to try it out.

And finally Can you Keep a Secret- Another great easy read author Sophie Kinsella

Maybe once I am done reading them if I am feeling really energetic I may even do a review :)

Day 4- More Adventures

2009-08-10T11:21:00.004-05:00

Okay this is getting harder to remember because I have taken so long to post about our trip. So what I think was day four really may be day two or five or whatever. Either way you get the drift of what we did and the things we saw ;)
So I am pretty sure that this was the day we drove up to Jasper and on the way stopped in at the Icefields and Athabasca Falls. In the morning though we sat in the hot springs at Upper hot springs in Banff. Both were an amazing sight to see.
The hot springs were cooled to a temp of 39 degrees Celsius. It was HOT. We went in the morning so we could avoid the rush of other tourists and it actually worked quite well.
Driving to Jasper was quite the experience we were so high in the mountains and some of the sights were amazing while nauseating at the same time. We drove the Icefield Parkway which basically connects Banff National Park and Jasper. There were mountain glaciers everywhere and it was incredible to see the natural wonders that surrounded us. We stopped at the Columbia Icefield and took in the amazing wonder of this ancient ice that is over 1000 feet thick.
It was quite the hike up and Jayson was amazing pushing Matthew and Jordyn in the trailer up this steep incline of a hike.

After the glacier we continued on to Jasper. Stopped for dinner at A&W and really was not overly impressed with the town. Just didn't do it for me. If I had to pick I would spend more time in Canmore than Jasper.
Anyway on our way home is when we stopped and saw Athabasca Falls. It is not the biggest falls you will ever see but it is still beautiful.
That is the thing about the Banff area, the scenery is breathtaking. You cannot help but be amazed and know that there is a God who created this all.

Day 3- Swimming?

2009-08-04T16:16:00.003-05:00

Brrr... that is one thing about being in the mountains there are no beaches or nice warm lakes to enjoy summer swimming. Kids being kids though want to swim in the summer. We asked around and there were two suggestions for swimming lakes. One was Johnson lake and the other was Cascade Pond. We chose Cascade pond because it was closest to our campground.
The colour of the water was amazing and the scenery, breathtaking... oh and the temperature as well ;)

Day 2-Setting up camp

2009-07-30T08:29:00.006-05:00

After a good rest in a nice bed, a swim at the pool and a soak in the hot tub while admiring the scenery it was time to leave that oasis and get to the campground to rough it ;)
We drove to Banff and found a great place called Two Jack Lake. There was a main site and a lakeside site. The lakeside site was crazy busy and we prefer our privacy when we are camping so we chose the main one. The only problem with the main one was that there were no showers. The way we figured it though we would stay here for 2 or 3 days and then when we go to Jasper get a site with showers.
The kids were really good with helping out. We got the our circus tent all set up, dining tent was up and Jay bought a great little battery air pump that had our air mattresses up in no time. While he was setting up camp I got to bar b quing some hot dogs for lunch. A quick lunch and then we were off to see the sights.
We drove around town and got our bearings.
We wanted to hike to Bow Falls but ended up driving past it. We got out and saw it and thought it would be kind of pointless to hike it now so stopped for some photos anyway.

Day 1-Canmore Alberta July 19th

2009-07-26T13:18:00.006-05:00

What an amazing journey we had for a week in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Drumheller. A part of me says I could stay there forever with the beautiful mountains and ice blue lakes but the part of me that loves our lakes that we can swim in says I am happy here.
I could have taken sooo many photos of the gorgeous things we saw however I wanted to enjoy our trip in real time so I limited it to 200 ;)
I'm not sure if Jordyn was car sick or what came over her but she threw up and had diarrhea the whole way there :( By the time we got there she had no clothes on and everything we had access to was either poopy or pukey.
Otherwise the ride there was really good. Jay and I took turns driving with of course him doing the most. I just cannot see well enough in the dark so he gets stuck. He seems to enjoy it though and finds it relaxing.
We left Saturday night after a wedding I shot (July 18th) and we arrived in Canmore at about 3pm and after a full night of driving and changing sick babies. Once in Canmore we decided we would hotel it for the first night just to get a good nights rest and cleaned up etc... We found a great little hotel with a pool for the kids and who would let us bring Lacey. Dinner consisted of Dominoes Pizza and then we explored town a bit. A swim and an early evening to bed in lush beds and we were all done for the day.

Hotel was Quality Resort.

View from our room

some friends along the way :)

Trip has finally been decided!!!

2009-07-15T21:06:00.004-05:00

I am so excited! We have finally figured out what we are doing for our holidays this summer. I was finding it hard to get motivated to pack and get things ready when we had no idea what our destination was going to be.
We bought our circus tent (aka family tent) and it is wonderful.

It sleeps 13 and is 222Sq.Ft. It is also nice and tall so you can actually stand in it.

Now the question that remains to be answered though is, where are we going?

Banff, Alberta. With that decision being made I am in full throttle packing and organizing mode. I have lists made and piles have developed that contain all the necessities for camping with four children two being toddlers.
Can hardly wait to take the pics and enjoy the scenery!

Bath Hair aka Bad Hair...

2009-07-12T21:19:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when Daddy gets you out of the bath ;)

Should have stayed in bed....

2009-07-05T15:18:00.002-05:00

You know when it's one of those days where life would have been better had you not even gotten out of bed? Well so far today has certainly been one of them. The funny thing is that this morning for my fb status I specifically commented on what a great day it was going to be and it's like karma just had to come along and bite me in the a$$.
We started off the day by going to church where I worked in the nursery. Pretty safe so far. Jay sat in the service himself and of course our pastor went way over time but that is pretty much par for the course.
After church we wanted to run some errands and thought we would grab lunch at Costco. While there I let Jordyn play with my wallet as she was sitting in the cart. In this wallet of course had my cash from last nights wedding, my ID and all my bank cards etc... Well wouldn't you know somewhere along the way she must have dropped it! Panic sets in as we retrace all our steps through Costco. Can't find it anywhere. Oh did I mention this is the first time I'd even used this wallet?!? New purchase from Etsy.
Home we go feeling super deflated and depressed as everything I had worked for yesterday is gone :(
Get home and the phone rings. It is one of my couples waiting for me to do e pics at the park. Holy Smokes I totally forgot. I apologize profusely and run over there to do their session.
Hopefully that is all the mishaps for the day because I'm pretty worn out.
I'm just hoping some honest person will come across my wallet and turn it in...

Crappy Weekend

2009-06-28T22:24:00.003-05:00

I was so disappointed this weekend. Thursday night Jay went out of town to do some fishing overnight and then the plan was to pack up and spend a night out in the Whiteshell camping. I had planned our menu and ordered a sleep sack for Jordyn. The camping stuff was put together and ready to be thrown into the van for our quick trip.
And then it rained. And it rained, and rained, and rained, for 2 solid days. Oh but don't forget the wind. I guess we could have gone but I would much rather sit in my house doing nothing than sit in a tent doing nothing :p
So what did we do this weekend? We had a playdate and dinner with some friends on Friday evening. Saturday went for a pedicure with Carrie and ran some errands with Jay and the babies. Sunday the sun finally shone in between the clouds so we went for a bike ride this morning, did some more errands, washed diapers, went for another bike ride and finished a wedding.
I guess overall it wasn't really a horrible weekend... just not what I planned.

RIP Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T23:40:00.002-05:00

Today is a sad day... Michael Jackson suddenly and unexpectedly died. I grew up with his music and did the moonwalk in my basement with my friends and wore one glove. He was the king of pop and still is. Michael influenced the music and dance of today and will be greatly missed.
As much as all the creepy stories and news headlines were made he was still an incredible artist and should be respected and remembered for that.
RIP MJ your music will live in me always.

Lessons on Cloth Diapering

2009-06-24T11:18:00.007-05:00

I have been cloth diapering (cding) now for just over a year and would never go back. Along the way I have learned the benefits associated with all the different types and brands that are available. It is certainly overwhelming at first and that is why I wanted to write this post. People often ask what kind to get? With so many different options available I am a strong advocate of not having just one kind. I find that we use all our different types for different needs and times.
Having two in cloth at the same time has for sure saved us money. It is at first a daunting thought to have to spend so much money upfront. That would be my first words of advice. Don't think you have to shell out all at once for your whole stash. Start off small with only a couple at a time and work your way up to full time cding. That alone kept me from cloth diapering my first two. We seriously considered it however the salesperson scared me away with the $800 price tag.
Another way to save some money is to not hesitate to buy used. Most parents who choose to CD take great pride in their diapers and look after them very well. You may at first think that this is just totally disgusting but really what are the chances that you have hand me downs that another baby has pooped on? Probably quite high.

Let us move on to the different types of cloth diapers available.

Prefolds - Great for newborn as there are no sizes to have to worry about. This is a diaper that you fold the way you want. There are different options available. In the "old days" prefolds required pins however nowadays there are things called snappies that are wonderful or if you prefer you can just cover with a great wrap cover. Prefolds do require covers.

Fitteds - These are diapers that are more like a disposable in their fit and usually fasten with snaps or velcro. They still require a cover and a good fitted with a great cover could solve all your diapering needs.

Pockets - These are a favorite among many cders. The reasons are simple. They fit like a disposable and are usually not overly bulky. They dry super quick and you decide the absorbency by "stuffing" them with different types of absortbent fabrics. Microfibre is popular and so are prefolds. These diapers do not require covers.

All in Ones (aio) - The easiest choice of cloth diapering is an aio. It is just as it sounds and so it has the absorbency it needs as well as a cover built into it. These tend to take longer to dry however a lot of Dads really like these as they are the one step cloth diaper that is easy to put on and off.

Now of course there is the world of covers. As we have already learned covers are only needed for prefolds and fitteds. The variety of covers available is about as vast as the diapering choices themselves.
I have a little of everything for covers and again find them all useful for different times and needs.
The most popular diaper covers are a fabric called PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric) it provides a waterproof barrier that contains all wetness and messes a dipaer can create. These covers come in snaps and velcro. Some have gussets and others don't. Again the possibilities are endless.
Fleece covers are a great option and come in all sorts of adorable prints and patterns. Fleece is great for nighttime diapering and provides coverage that may seem damp but will wick moisture away from your baby's bottom.

Finally there is wool. Wool is wonderful and natural. It is completely breathable but does require a bit more care. This is another fibre that may not be completely waterproof but it does hold a lot of moisture.

Washing and Care

So now that we have a basic idea of what is available how do you wash and look after all of them?
I have had a no fail system with a cold rinse, hot wash and cold rinse method. I use minimal laundry soap and prefer to hang my diapers in the sun although of course in the winter have no choice but to use the dryer.
Wool covers I handwash and lanolize monthly and lay flat to dry.

Snaps vs Velcro debate

When I first started cding I had no idea why you would choose one over the other and then I firmly chose snaps with a toddler that could undo velcro and run around diaperless all the time. HOWEVER, now that I'm dealing with the squirmy baby stage of how quick can you get the diaper on before I'm off and running I'm really enjoying the velcro.
So with that being said I go back again to the idea that there are all sorts of benefits to all the different varieties available.

I hope that this post has answered some questions that some people have about cding and if you have any other questions that I may have not covered please leave a comment. Tips are also welcome because I'm certainly no pro and always love hearing back from readers.

2009-06-24T07:37:00.003-05:00

I don't know exactly what it is but I LOVE hanging my laundry outside to dry. I love the fact that it takes less time in the sun and breeze then in my dryer. I love the natural bleaching the sun can do. I love that I'm saving energy and money. I love the look of all our stuff blowing in the breeze.
I'll never forget when I first started hanging our laundry on the new line Jayson put up for me and my neighbour rushed over to offer us her dryer (she thought our broke) :) Funniest look on her face when I told her that I wanted to do this and that our dryer was fine.
Sometimes it's just those real little things that can make me smile. I'm just waiting for my first experience with a bird though and I'm sure I won't be so smiley ;)

A Busy but Great Weekend

2009-06-22T21:57:00.004-05:00

We had a super busy and activity filled weekend but it couldn't have been better.

Vacation Debate

2009-06-19T06:46:00.002-05:00

With summer right around the corner it is high time to think about our summer holiday plans. We have always camped and enjoyed it. We have a nice big tent, a dining tent and a little dome tent for any extras. We have all the neccesities to make for a pleasant but "roughing it" experience. And then Jordyn was born ;) Because she was such a high need and colicky little thing there was no way I was camping last summer.
We rented a cabin and it was luxiourious. Now of course this year we are wondering which way to go. In one way I love the thought of camping and being all dirty and sitting by the campfire at night. However, I really like sleeping in a bed and not boiling water to wash dishes. If only we had enough time to do both. We could always pack up for a weekend here or there to camp but it is just sooo much work. Maybe if we didn't have to pack for an army it would be easier. Maybe my camping days are just done...

New Backyard!!!

2009-06-14T20:38:00.005-05:00

When we first moved into our home 2.5 years ago the backyard was okay but not great. We put in a sandbox and swing set for the kids and it had a little stone patio that was in pretty rough shape. The grass was okay but pretty uneven and then Jayson left the tent set up all summer one year and killed a big patch completely.
I was pleasantly surprised to come home from a wedding on Friday to see that a brand new deck had been built!
When I went to my wedding on Saturday the staining got done and today him and one of our friends dug up the whole backyard and laid new sod. It looks so wonderful and fresh and lovely. I can hardly wait to get some nice patio furniture and sit out there and enjoy a bar b que and drinks and friends :)

10 years already!

2009-06-12T08:03:00.008-05:00

Today is the day I gave birth to my first baby Kianne Layne. I cannot believe that 10 years ago she was a tiny little 6lb 2oz helpless little girl. Today she is a smart, talented and beautiful girl who is full of life and smiles.
Here are some photos of my baby growing up.

Catching up

2009-05-29T12:24:00.002-05:00

So according to Kathi it is time to update ;)
Life has been busy but good. Of course we are all enjoying the spring weather finally.
I have been working more with some newborn sessions and of course the "family marathon" another success. I will for sure do this again in the fall in time for Christmas pictures. I had a total of 7 families this time and that was perfect. I had the chance for a nice little break in the afternoon and was out again for the rest.
Matthew got his very first bike :) I will have to post pics later though because I am currently going between two computers.
Soccer season is in full swing for Corey and he is really fast!
Kianne is going to divisionals for the 800m run and the 4x100 relay. We are so proud and I'm pretty sure Jay is ecstatic because it is the 800m that he went to the nationals for!
I would love for her to really persue track if she is good at it and enjoys it.
My May wedding cancelled as the couple broke up so I don't start until June. That is okay though it has been nice enjoying the weekends before it gets crazy.

Well I guess that's all for now. I will make a point of updating more often through out the week. I know I have new pics to post but that will have to wait until our dinosaur computer is back up and running.

Supermodel?

2009-05-18T16:04:00.004-05:00

Kianne wanted to do a photo shoot so with nothing really better to do today out we went.
She was pretty stiff at first but it ended up being lots of fun. She actually asked if she could bring a friend next time :)

Choices

2009-05-14T16:50:00.001-05:00

It's funny the choices that we as people make. Sometimes they are full of time and effort making sure that it is the right choice and other times it is at the drop of a hat or a last minute decision.
Either way choices have consequences and I guess at the end of the day only the consequence will enlighten us as to whether we made a good choice or a bad choice.

School of thought

2009-05-12T08:49:00.002-05:00

We had tri-conference last week for Kianne and Corey and thankfully they are doing okay in school. I wish though that some of the school policies weren't there. For instance the "no fail" policy. NOT that I want my children held back but I think in the big scheme of things if one is not succeeding then a second chance may be a good idea. I believe our schools are maxed out on staff and budget and therefore can only do so much but I believe it is affecting our children and their educations.
I am sorry to say that we yet again did not get accepted into a great little private school around here. If we could afford any of the others we would certainly consider it however they are way beyond our budget.
I presented Kianne with a multiplication table like we used to use in "the olden days" she had never seen this and when I asked the teacher about this she informed me they don't use these anymore and are trying different strategies. Well to be honest when she explained it to me my head was spinning. Anyone who knows me knows that math is definitely not my strong point however that old multiplication table did the trick so I guess you have to ask "why fix what ain't broke"?
Anyway, all this rant just to say that over the last couple of months I have gathered enough info and evidence that Matthew and Jordyn will be home schooled from K-3 so that I can ensure they have a solid start in their school career.
I am all about kids being kids and not getting stressed about academics at such a young age but I do want them to feel confident and strong and I feel that Kianne in particular is not getting this.
I'm not sure what to do at this point about it and hate to think that is to late. I am going to be visiting a KUMON center though to see what they have to offer.

Times like these....

2009-05-08T10:12:00.003-05:00

Jordyn had rough night last night. Because we do not "cry it out" in our house Jay and I were up multiple times with her. After about the 5th or 6th time I brought her into bed with us. As we lied there the three of us I realized how precious this time is and how before long she won't be cuddling with us in bed.
It was one of those moments where I just lay there and stared at my babies little features and wanted to store them up in my memory.
Her wee little hands holding on to my finger. Her beautiful soft hair with the little curls in the back. Her big blue eyes that were trying so hard not to close. Her little lips that held in her soother that is far to small because it is for 0-6 month old babies, and her little feet that were kicking me ;)
Eventually slumber won and we had a peaceful night.
It is times like these though that I want to treasure forever.

Advertising Success

2009-04-30T16:02:00.004-05:00

Talk about advertising success. This is what I get to listen to from my son who now insists we need a Shamwow! :)

Sick Boy

2009-04-28T11:01:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when you have sick little boy who doesn't want to go to bed :(

These boots are made for walking

2009-04-27T08:34:00.006-05:00

Jordyn got her first real pair of walking shoes on her birthday. We have had them on and off a couple of times as she tries to balance and wobble in the stiffness of new shoes. Her walk has basically turned into more of a marching action as she feels the weight of "real" shoes.
Is is sad to think that with real shoes comes the loss of my baby? I mean I realize she is over one now but she is still the baby.
I guess I just need to accept that these little steps are just the beginning of a life long road ahead that she will march (aka walk) proudly down.

So much sad news...

2009-04-19T17:03:00.003-05:00

I just got horrible news. A friends baby has passed away at only 7 days old. His name was Cole and he was born with an omphalocele which means some of his organs were growing outside his little body in a protective sac. Unfortunately when he was born it was bigger then they expected and he ended up getting an infection.
I'm am so sad for this couple and can only hope and pray that they find comfort in God through this horribly devestating time in their lives.
RIP baby Cole and M&T I love you and will keep you in my prayers.

God, Take This Child....
by Nancy Scott

Sweet child whom we never really got to know,
It’s hard for us to let you go.
We waited and we wanted you.
We had so many dreams for you.

We think of smiles we'll never see.
We think of events that will never be.
There will be no first steps and no first teeth.
There is only a void and our own grief.

We planned to take you to places far and near.
We yearned to keep you safe and free from fear.
We hoped to show you much of your new world.
We wanted to teach you as your life unfurled.

It’s hard to understand why you, our baby, died.
We feel so numb right now, many tears we’ve cried.
We have so many questions and no answers seem to come.
We tried so hard to save you; nothing could be done.

God, we stand before you broken-hearted
and ask you to heal these lives that must be parted
from this little one we can no longer hold,
who will always be a part of us, even when we're old.)

God, take this child in your loving arms.
No more can he suffer any harm.
Bless him always and bless us too.
Be with us and help us to make it through.

Cherish Every Moment...

2009-04-18T21:31:00.005-05:00

This blog was passed on to me and I have been reading it with tears flowing ever since. Too pray for this family and little angel will be a blessing to this family.www.georgialucaswpg.blogspot.com

Big Boy Bed!

2009-04-18T18:59:00.004-05:00

Matthew graduated to a toddler bed and has transitioned with no problems at all. I think a big part of it is the fact that he is sharing a room with Corey and so of course he sees Corey in a "big boy bed" so Matthew thought he should try. It has been a seamless change and he just crawls into bed and goes to sleep. We will eventually put the boys in bunk beds but want to make sure he is good in this little bed first.

Checking it out.

yep this could work.

night night zzzzzzz

Yikes Family pic!!!

2009-04-17T13:43:00.002-05:00

A horrible attempt at a family picture with the use of a timer and the top of the TV as a tripod!!! Taken Easter Morning.

Good Friday in Gimli

2009-04-17T13:36:00.003-05:00

After a nice morning at church it was such a beautiful day we though we should take a drive to Gimli for the afternoon. This is something we love to do as a family. It is a nice short drive and just a chance to change the scenery a little. The lake was still frozen enough that they were out with the bombardier doing some fising for Kris's fish and chips! Matthew thought this was the coolest thing ever.

The Results are in!

2009-04-15T09:14:00.002-05:00

Thanks for all your support voting for Kianne over the past two weeks! The winner was announced yesterday and she didn't win. However she did place third overall!!!! I must say that out of the hundreds of kids entered that is pretty darn good :)
In my opinion she is still Winnipeg's coolest kid anyway and really that's all that matters ;)

The Last Day!!!

2009-04-13T09:26:00.001-05:00

Today is the final day to vote for Kianne! She was in third place before they hid the top 10. I am hoping that we can band together and vote, vote, vote from as many computers as you have access too! Let's see what we can do! They will announce the winner tomorrow morning!
http://www.winnipegscoolestkid.com/kids?search=kianne&commit=GO

Coolest Kid!

2009-03-30T19:14:00.004-05:00

Well of course I think that is my girl Kianne!!!! Hot 103 is having a contest for Winnipeg's Coolest Kid and I entered all my kids but Kianne is doing really well so I figure we should run with her!
If anyone feels like it please vote at http://www.winnipegscoolestkid.com/kids?search=Kianne everyday until the 14th of April.

She would win a really great package and I know she would be so excited!!!!

Thanks All! :)

Getting my butt in gear again

2009-03-23T20:34:00.002-05:00

I completed my first session tonight at the Running Room in the learn to run program.
I did this program right after Matthew was born but quit running. I really do enjoy it and really wanted to get back into it again. This was a perfect way to get my butt in gear and get moving.
I've already met some nice girls who hopefully we can keep eachother motivated and accountable!
Tonight was fairly easy with two minute walk and one minute run for 7 sets.
Here's to going 10 and 1 in 10 weeks!

Jordyn's First Birthday Party!!!!

2009-03-23T11:22:00.003-05:00

The Final Touches re: First Birthday

2009-03-23T10:52:00.005-05:00

I am so dissapointed and upset with myself because I did not take a pic of the cupcake cake at all :(

A Whole Year Gone by

2009-03-19T13:38:00.010-05:00

My baby girl is the big ONE!!!! I cannot believe that a whole year has passed since this little angel entered our lives.
Granted she is by far the hardest and most challenging baby I've ever had, she has brought such a joy to my life and I'm so thankful for her.
A year ago today a little girl weighing 8lbs 9oz entered our world. Helpless and fragile and a little blue and now today she is walking, feeding herself, opening and closing door and cupboards.
I think this is why the first year goes so fast. They go from being completely incapable of everything to reaching huge milestones in just 12 short months.
Well Jordyn Grace, here's to you and I wish you very many more good years full of milestones and joy!
I love you.

Is it me???

2009-03-18T09:44:00.004-05:00

Well I just had a meeting at the school this time about Kianne. My perfect girl who is so smart and bright is likely ADD and dyslexic!!!!
Seriously how did this happen?!?!? I've seen a couple of things at home in regards to organization and being a scatter brain etc... but I just kind of thought that was her.
Then there is the struggle to medicate or find other solutions. I don't know how much more of this I can take and I feel like such a failure to my kids.
How did this happen to both of them? How are they going to make it in life? Are these even real diagnosis'?
I guess we'll get her assessed and go from there.
It is just so heartbreaking :(

I LOVE Etsy

2009-03-16T09:22:00.003-05:00

I think I have a problem... It is time to come out of the closet and admit that I am addicted to shopping! Especially online shopping. It's like your not even spending real money and then these delightful packages just show up at your doorstep every couple of days!
I will admit it's gotten better because there was a point in time where I was very disappointed if there were no packages in the mail and it was simply letter mail.
I have found some great things online but the best finds are those at the wonderful website known as Etsy
My two most recent packages that arrived were a beautiful camera strap and a snazzy coat for Lacey.
Off to do more shopping!

A boy and his Dog

2009-03-14T22:08:00.002-05:00

Otherwise known as Corey and Lacey!!!! Because it was such a gorgeous day today we headed out to King's Park for some fun and some photos!
Corey brought his snow board and hit the hills for a little while and Lacey got some socializing at the off leash park. Unfortunately though for her she is not nearly trained enough to go off leash ;)

Angel Baby

2009-03-13T21:02:00.003-05:00

I cannot even imagine the pain and sorrow it must be to lose a child. The emptiness that must live in your heart and the gut wrenching feeling in the pit of your stomach. The unfairness, the anger, the hopelessness, the helplessness.
A baby was taken away after fighting for her life for just over 3 months.
She was deeply loved and adored and prayed over and yet she is gone. We will never understand why, nor will we ever have all the answers but I have hope that one day when we stand before Jesus we may find peace in these times that are so hard on earth.
RIP baby Ali.

Polka Dots Continued

2009-03-13T18:01:00.003-05:00

Well the preparations continue strong. I am slowly but surely getting this stuff together and am quite proud of myself. I've almost completed the "happy birthday" banner and the cupcake decorations. I've even got Jordyn practicing how to crawl in her tutu!!!!

Ewwww

2009-03-10T11:34:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure what is worse. Changing a toddlers poopy diaper or picking it up off the floor from a potty training accident!!!!
It seems the only way Matthew recognizes the need to go is if he is running around nekkid :) I'm sure it is cold on the bum so here he is in a long shirt and socks with the heat cranked up in the house.
Because we only have one bathroom in the house there is only one potty. I'm debating getting a second potty for downstairs so I'm not left picking up poop all the way up the stairs because he didn't make it.
As I said, sometimes I wonder if it is easier to just keep it all contained in a diaper?
Ahh the joys of potty training

Friends

2009-03-09T09:16:00.003-05:00

I hope that my kids grow up to be the best of friends. I think that because they are pretty close in age that should help. They are already starting and watching Jordyn and Matthew interact in hilarious.
I remember when Kianne started kindergarten, Corey thought he lost his best friend.
As much as they fight and scream and yell at eachother I know they are friends.
I hope this lasts their whole lives and continues to grow.

ugh...

2009-03-03T18:38:00.002-06:00

So sick. Everyone is this house is so, so, so, sick. I'm pretty sure Jordyn is going on a month now between a cold and a nasty gastro type illness. Matthew's poor little bum is so red from the symptoms of a stomach flu/cold. Even Kianne who never gets sick was coughing the other day!

I'm hoping this all passes real soon because it is hard enough looking after everyone when they are sick but when I am as well it is nearly impossible.

As they say. This too shall pass.

Poka dots everywhere

2009-02-28T08:17:00.004-06:00

Slowly but surely I'm preparing for Jordyn's first birthday party! I cannot wait. I have already mailed out the invites and had some replies! I'm so excited to be able to do all the planning. I have been cutting out enough dots to make even the spottiest of dalmations jealous and can't wait to put them all together!

Hopefully this week I'll be able to get more done as the two little ones were sick and now it has hit me.

Thankfully wedding season is almost over as well ;) Obviously not, but it has been a very busy month and that has taken up lots of time.

I have my last one today and then I can get on to some serious first birthday preparations!!!!

This is how it looks so far though.

Just for Fun?

2009-02-23T09:09:00.002-06:00

You'll have to excuse my whiny post this time round. I've had a pretty bad month of weddings and this last one just made me rethink my whole career path.
There are definitely pros and cons to being a wedding photographer and I guess you just have to take the good with the bad.
Some of the pros are the hours (funny though it's also a con) I love that I can stay home during the week with my kids but I do miss the weekends. Especially during summer.
I love the fact that you get to spend your day with beautiful people who are generally excited and happy.
I do miss picking up my camera just for the fun of it though. That is something I am going to have to make an effort to do.
So, no pics this time but from now on there will be more of the what makes me truly happy content. My family, my kids, my life.

Planning, Planning, Planning

2009-02-18T17:34:00.002-06:00

I have been looking forward to this event for a year now. The wonderful "First Birthday Party!"
If I could rent a hall and invite everyone we know with a caterer, a decorator, a live band and cake to die for I would. However, seeing as how that is just a tad bit unrealistic I have decided to take it upon myself to make it a party of a lifetime but at a much smaller scale.
I have designed the invites, picked a theme and started cutting out decorations. I have drafted up the guest list with as many friends as a one year old could possibly have and decided on a menu!
Because of the theme I have chosen I can do a lot of home made crafty type projects (which we all know are NOT my forte) however I am super excited and have already started. As a matter of fact the theme I have chosen is so simple that I am actually enjoying it!
Anyway, as I get farther ahead in the planning and the preparing I will post pics. For now though you just have to listen to me ramble ;)

Hey I tried...

2009-02-11T12:48:00.004-06:00

Well I finally got a sewing machine. I had wanted one for a while now and had all these great ideas and projects. It sat in the box basically untouched for the first two weeks as I tried to find a suitable time to set it up and learn how to use the darn thing. When you have a bunch of kids running around it's not always the easiest thing to do.

The fact that I had to read the insruction booklet just to thread the thing made me laugh and feel proud that I was able to do it! I'm not one to read and follow instructions so I felt that I had really accomplished something.

Now the big question was, What in the world was I supposed to sew????

I had been eyeing these adorable little pillowcase dresses that I wanted to attempt for Jordyn but I thought I should do a mock up first. So that was that.

So far that is as far as I've gone and I'm still trying to decide if I should keep the silly thing as I just don't find that I have enough time to really sew or learn how.

Maybe someday.

Scare of a lifetime

2009-02-06T08:35:00.004-06:00

I remember running away when I was young. I would pack my bag and a snack and take off to the park until I got bored. I would eat my snack, sit there for a while and eventually head on home.
Well, let me tell you. Times have changed. Kianne ran away from home yesterday with her bag packed. No snack, although I was thinking of offering her one. I have to be honest I really wasn't worried. I watched what direction she left in and figured she had gone to her friends house.
At this point it was still daylight and I didn't chase after her because I honestly didn't think she'd be gone long.
Once it started to get dark I got to calling her friends homes to see if she was there. It had been an hour already and I was starting to get a little worried. None of the friends or parent's had seen her. Once Jayson got home it had been just a little over an hour and so I hopped in the van with Corey to scout out all the parks and school yard and friends houses again. Still no sign of Kianne. After I saw the one friend whom I was sure she was with, playing with another girl and they had not seen Kianne I really started to panic!
I drove down the major highway closest to our home to see if she was trying to walk to her Father's home. I went as far as I thought she would make it looking on both sides of road at all times and lucky I didn't crash.
I finally turned around as it just didn't seem that she could walk that far.
I went back home and it was Jay's turn. He first went out in the car and checked around the neighbourhood again and when he came home alone he went out on foot. It had now been 2 hours and I was feeling sick to my stomach that something awful had happened and mad at the same time that she would pull this stunt.
It was dark and almost 7pm and she had been gone for so long I phoned the police. I think at first the officer thought I was some dead beat mom. She had asked if I went after her when she "ran away" and I explained I hadn't because I really didn't think she was going anywhere.
After I was able to tell the lady officer that I had called and driven to all the friends homes and spoken to parents, provided a detailed description of what she was wearing and what kind of backpack she was carrying. The officer softened up obviously noticing that if I was that aware of details I didn't just let my kid run the streets.
Jayson was still out on foot during this time and I felt a little relief knowing that the police were aware of the missing child and keeping their eyes out.
About 20 minutes later the police called and they had found Kianne!
I was sooooo relieved. I asked the officer where she was and the officer was quite short with me and wouldn't tell me. She simply said the police have her and they will bring her back sometime tonight. She didn't know how long they would have her but someone would let me know.
Now I understand that they probably wanted to assess the situation and make sure she wasn't living in some horrible situation but after a night like this I just wanted my girl back home with me.
They finally called and said they were on their way home. Kianne came home with the police officers crying but happy to be home. She was scared.
She had walked all the way to the corner of Stafford and Mulvey. (which of course is right by Dad's house) however she got lost. She asked a man for directions to a park and luckily he was a good person and thought this was a strange scenario and did the right thing by calling the police.
He apparently is a teacher and him and his wife gave Kianne a banana and stayed with her until the police came.
I want to somehow get this man's info so I can thank him for keeping my daughter safe.
I am still in shock that this happened but so very thankful for our police service and for good people in the world.
Now that we have her home safe and sound there will be a discussion and consequences.
I'm just happy to have my girl back.

Wool

2009-02-03T10:13:00.003-06:00

I love cloth diapering even the laundry part is really not too bad. Dunking in the poopy diapers in the toilet is not the best but completely doable. What I really don't like is washing my wool covers.
Now don't get me wrong, I love my wool covers they are the most adorable things ever and the way they work is pretty amazing. I just find it such a pain to wash. Really it's not like it is hard but I guess the problem comes in with the fact that I really don't hand wash anything and yet these have to be.
I must say though that when they are on those little bums it is all worth it

Just another manic Sunday???

2009-02-01T12:32:00.003-06:00

Anyone who knows us knows that we are a family with a great church that we like to attend and even proudly call ourselves members. Every week we look forward to connecting with our friends, God and the true meaning of life. It's funny though that often right before and right after this hour and a half of peace is when the most turmoil occurs. It is as though that evil force known as Satan tries to take over and hinder our goal of getting there each week.
We can find a million reasons to not attend this Sunday. i.e. too early, slept in, kids sick, nice day to go out and do some yard work, (well not at this time of the year), worked a long wedding the Saturday before, and countless other excuses.
Once we get past the excuses it seems to be the craziness of getting everyone ready to go and getting out the door. I have come to the conclusion though that even if we are late because of some unexpected delay or one of the kids forgot to comb their hair or I still didn't get a sip of my coffee or the dog has peed on the floor it is still better to go then not. Once we are there no one cares that the dog peed on the floor, I am offered a cup of coffee, the kids hair is flattened by the hat and all is well. I guess what I am trying to say is that even though it seems impossible when we wake up in the morning it is all worth it.
We have a wonderful church and church family that I am so grateful for. This is just a post of thankfulness.

Complete and Total Chaos

2009-01-26T16:56:00.003-06:00

I think most days I'm lucky that I don't break my neck by running around and tripping on a toy!

Infact, I'm sure most mothers are thankful for this.

When I actually sit and think about what my normal day consists of it is rather amazing to consider all I actually do achieve. My friend Carrie tells me all the time that I don't know what it is like to not be busy and I am starting to believe her.

The fact that I get the laundry done, vaccuming, general tidying, kids off to school, lunches fed, dog fed, phone calls made, email returned and the never ending list of other tasks that mothers around the world accomplish everyday I still can find time to look back and enjoy the chaos!

The Family

2009-01-22T22:31:00.004-06:00

So it has been a while since we have had a family picture done of all of us. In fact I'm sorry to say that since Jordyn has come along we don't have one. This summer for sure on my list of things to do. However, these are my beautiful children. Each one of them a blessing and special and loved in their own ways.

Is this my family? Is this it? Are we done? Everyone asks this question all the time. People already think we are crazy for having the amount of children we have. I also get the question on how we afford it? The thing is, you just do. I don't feel we are making huge sacrifices. Our children are in activities, we own a nice home in a nice neighborhood. (well we'll own it in another 22 years) We each have a vehicle, there is plenty of food to go around, etc...

Why should we be done? Who says that you can only have a certain amount of children? Why is it in today's society it is frowned upon to have a big family?

As you can see, I am filled with all these questions. Because of the way our society has dictated what the "average" family should look like I think in my head we are done. However, my heart tells me otherwise.

Ah the lifelong battle between head and heart. If we lived our lives by our heads I'm sure we would all be a bunch of robots running around on auto pilot. If we live by our hearts though where would the order in the world be? To find that balance is the key.

Until I find my balance though we will wait and see what the future holds. So is this the family?

Too big for the sink?

2009-01-19T16:34:00.003-06:00

Not yet. After a long day at The Wonderful Wedding show I came home to find my little girl in not so good spirits. I had been putting off taking her to the Dr as I am not one of those moms who rush their kids in with every cold and sniffle. I realized though on this Saturday evening that this "cold" was not going away. Jayson and I discussed it and decided he would take her down to one of the only walk ins open on a Saturday night. He had her there and back within an hour which I thought was quite amazing. The diagnosis? A sinus infection and an ear infection. Poor girl.

The poor kid was covered in snot and other bodily fluids as well as some dinner that Daddy forgot to wash off and so I gave her a bath. Because I hate bending over the bathtub to bathe her I thought I would see if she still fit in the sink. Well to my delight she fit just fine. She was "happy as a lark" and my back was straight. We had a little play in the "tub" and I think she smiled for the first time that day.

Poor girl.

Wonderful Wedding Show

2009-01-17T10:06:00.003-06:00

If anyone was lucky enough to get engaged over the holiday season the best place to be is The Wonderful Wedding Show

I'll be there with Carrie Ekosky Photography . I hope to one day have my own booth but until then I will live vacariously through her :)

I always love being there and seeing all the sights and sounds as Nicole said it is sensory overload.
It is fun though :)