All Bugged Out!

So today was the much anticipated day! Abby's first birthday party. You know, it seems to me that Abby's birthday has been the dominant focus in our home ALL week long. Thankfully - Sam still thinks it's been all about HIM.

Seeing as Abby turned 5, we told her that she could invite the five girls that she goes to school with. Of course we invited Mya too because my kids can't seem to BREATHE without seeing her daily! The theme: Spring Fling. Sounds easy right?

I tried really hard to keep the party simple, but boy is it easy to go overboard. I decided earlier this week that I needed to simplify and downsize in a major way before I exploded from the stress of my 5 year olds birthday party. Cuz you know that can be SOOOO stressful!!!!! Therefore, in efforts to simplify, we opted out of many of the games I'd planned, decided against the trip to the nearby farm to see the baby lambs, and of course it was good bye Pinata. Despite the (above)omissions from an already worn out mom, I think the kids still had a fun time. They planted flowers to take home...went on a "bug hunt"... played "Bumble Bee Bumble Bee, are you sleeping?" Mostly though, they just did what kids do best. Play. (It helps to have John around when the playing starts. He's so good at that) They were very sweet girls. I couldn't help but think that one day Abby will be driving "mainies" with some of these same kids. Ugghh...stop thinking about it Tanis.

The menu consisted of Caterpillars, Butterfly wings, Ant Sandwiches, and Ladybugs. Look at us, trying to be all healthy. Well..except for those blasted ladybugs!


All in all it was a pretty good time. Mind you, one sweet little girl couldn't help but ask..."But when are we doing the pinata?"

She's FIVE!!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Today is Abigail's birthday! We have some family coming over this evening to celebrate and then she is having her first real "friend party" this weekend. Something tells me there will be a lot of sugar consumed this week. LOTS and LOTS.

I had fun making this video montage for her today. Looking through all of her pictures brought back so many memories. Since she is our first, she's had to put up with our early days as I learned how to be a MOM. I hope she'll forget those days that I didn't do so well;) Abby is such a spunky little girl and she is not really afraid of anything. One thing I love about her is her ability to consider everybody her friend. I remember one time when we took her to the park, there was a group of rebelious teenagers smoking up on the playset by the slide. I cringed inside as Abby went up to these adolescents and said, "Hey friends...wanna play?" We'll have to encourage her to be a little more selective in the future...but I do love how open and inviting she is to others.

Abby you really are a special little girl and one of MY best friends. Happy Birthday!

A year ago...

It was a year ago this weekend that I was preparing for a family dinner we'd be having the next day. Jessica was going to be blessed. ...It was Abby's 4th Birthday. It was a year ago this weekend that we got the call. My Dad had suddenly passed away.

I've been trying to write an entry about my Dad all day but I can't seem to be satisfied with what I type. Perhaps it is because nothing I could say would do justice to how much I miss him, or how great of a man he was. Thankfully, my sister Jewel wrote a very beautiful entry on her post and she really summed up everything I have been feeling. She included a slideshow of my Dad that included so many pictures of him with our kids. He was the BEST Grandpa. Go here to read what I wish I could have said about this man that was my Dad.:))

Mostly I wanted to give a shout out to my siblings and let them know how much I love them and that I am thinking of them this today. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have that Mom and Dad are together! Love you guys!

Just singin along

So last night, as I was on my way home from running a couple of quick errands, I managed to get a little bit distracted. Just as I turned the corner and proceeded up our street about to pull into our driveway, a song came on the radio that I hadn't heard in a long time. Suddenly I was compelled to pass by my home, (sorry kids...sorry John...sorry dishes that had to be done), and I just drove, soaking up the memories that floaded into my mind as I sang along.

Isn't it funny how a simple song can take you back to a totally different place and time. Some songs bring back such vivid memories to me I can almost feel the weather or smell the odors of that moment. For example, hearing Whitney Houston's "I will always love you," will forever remind me of warm summer days, riding in my yellow jeep with my little sister, as we belted (or bellowed) that song at the top of our lungs. Hearing "Heart in Peices" by Chicago reminds me (for some reason) of christmas tree hunting in the mountains when I was ten. Nelly Furtado was playing on the radio one time as I fished along the North Saskatchewan river and now every time I hear "I'm like a bird", I go back to that same spot in my mind, the beautiful summer evening, mosquitos and all. My all time favorite memory comes to mind every time I hear Eric Claptons "Wonderful Tonight." John performed that on his guitar on our first date. Sure he probably sang it to lots of girls before me...but whenever I hear it now, I can't help but feel like it's my song, or should I say OUR song. What kind of songs do that for you?

It makes me wonder sometimes, when I turn on the radio, what music am I listening to today, that will one day bring back vivid and tender memories of little feet, a dirty van, piles of laundry, and a to-do list that is quickly reaching impossible proportion. ...I hope it won't be something by the Doodlebops;)

Just a little, white one...

So we went over to my sisters house this evening to celebrate her husbands birthday with them, and some other family. She served a delicious strawberry layered desert and we played a cute little game with the kids, but that's beside the point. As we were talking, the subject of pregnancy came up, because let's face it, anytime you get more than one mom together that topic will inevitably be discussed. Anyways, I happened to mention at one point that I have, a time...or two lied to Doctors during my initial pregnancy checkup about my "dates." I push them up by one week, and ONE WEEK ONLY, thus making my due date on their records one week earlier. My reasoning for this was simple. It meant that worst case scenario, even if I do go overdue and need to be induced,technically, the baby is still out of my tummy and in my arms at 40 weeks-no later. Now I know most people don't worry much about being over due, but until you've had to puke daily,for nine months straight-don't judge me. Besides I have, like 8 lb babies...I'm not jeopardizing any extra growth or anything. I was only wanting to ensure that I didn't have to be sick for any more than 40 weeks. 41 weeks? I don't know if I could do that...OK?!!

This does pose a little bit of a dilemna for me now however, when people ask me how close my kids came to being born on their due dates. On record? My youngest was 6 days late. Seriously though, my kids have all come on their "real" due dates or a day after. Now how do I answer that without going into a long drawn out confession about what a liar I was? Honestly (no pun intended) is that really so bad? I didn't think so, until we got home and during our scripture study John just happened to read about honesty and how the "angels in heaven do not decieve." Great. Nothing like some light reading before bed to help me sleep tight:)

Ok...Sure... I've lied before. Like when I go shopping and come home to show John the purchases, I tend to "round DOWN" when describing the prices to him. If someone asks me if I like their outfit I will ALWAYS say yes even if I don't. When asked- I'll always insist I'm not that busy...even if I'm SWAMPED!

HOWEVER, and in my defense, I really do strive to be an honest person. For example, this past week during Volleyball, I reached high to block the ball as it came over the net. I felt my fingers slightly graze the ball before it landed out of bounds. Now I could have lied and said I didn't touch it, but I was honest, thus giving the serve to the other team.

There. Do you think that cancels out the whole due date thing?

One Beautiful Day

The kids played at the park today for the first time since last fall. They sure enjoyed it. Infact, I think I packed em up and brought them home much sooner then they would have preferred! Definately lookin forward to spring here!!!

Birthdays...Carnivals...and the great Outdoors!

Brace yourself. We've had a busy week...I've got lots of pictures...and I'm in the mood to talk! I'm afraid this little recap is going to be, well...not-so-little:)

So the school students down here are enjoying a week off. And when there is no school...John has no prep...no marking, no early mornings. Aaahhhhh-this is when being married to a school teacher rocks! We've had a lot of fun with him and others this week. Some of John's family came last weekend to visit and we all went cross-country skiing in Waterton. A big thanks to them all for making that fun trip happen. It was so beautiful and WARM, and just great to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some great company too. Jessica was quite content to be carried on John's or my back. Sam and Abby were equally content so long as they too were being carried! By the end of the day John and I had a renewed determination to get our kids out more doing stuff like this so they don't become complete wuss'! (is that how I say that? Wussie? Wusses?) Bottom line...we have ventured out on the skis a couple of times since, and they are enjoying it more and more each time. The weather has been amazing
Family day was perfect. My sister Crystal and her son came down to visit for the weekend. It was great to see them and to hang out together at Jewel's house. If I get permission, I plan to post a recipe for the BEST BBQ pizza Jewel created. I'm telling ya, Hmmm-mmmm! It was loaded with BBQ sauce, chicken, corn, and black beans, topped with cheese! Oh, look at that, there you have it...the recipe:) After lunch, we all went to a local carnival that was put on by a business here in town. The kids got their faces painted, toured a museum, got some funny shaped balloons, and played some great carnival style games. We took them home tired...painted, and full of sugar. Later that day we all built some snowmen together outside. The warm weather has helped make the snow perfect for building!
Other activites accomplished this week were: skating as a family, trips to the library, baking, gathering all of our tax info, watching the awesome lunar eclipse (wasn't that cool!) and celebrating Jessicas 1st birthday!

Yes that is right our little baby turned 1 yesturday. It seems a little anti-climatic to just mention her at the end of this post...she deserves a lot more fanfare than this. There is something about Jessica that just lights up our little family. So often I see little individual characteristics in each of my children that I think could, one day, be great talents and abilities. She is such a happy little soul. I think that is a gift of hers, and hopefully she'll carry that happiness and positivity with her throughout her life. This has been a big year for us, one with many changes, and I'm so grateful that Jessica has been here, our little "ray of sunshine" through it all!


Happy Birthday Jess!!!

Major Meltdown

No I didn't have one today. The meltdown is in reference to the fantastic Chinook that blew through here. Yahooo the deepfreeze is over! I actually felt the need to rush through what needed to be done (ok John would tell you that I'm always in a "rush", but today I made particular haste), just so that we could all get outside a bit to play. I really thought that the practically waist high pile of snow would be gone in no time and I didn't want to miss it. Boy did it feel great to get some fresh air and the kids enjoyed every second. Jessica wouldn't stop squealing-and I realized it was the first time this entire winter that I've really brought her out. Usually when we go somewhere I've got her bundled up, ...in a snow suit,... with a blanket tossed over her head and face,... running her to the van, all the while she can hardly breathe she's so covered. Well today she finally got to enjoy it a bit. Sam and Abby rolled around the snow with a couple of their friends until they were soaking wet. WET I tell you! I love it. Will I jinx it to say I think spring might be on its way?







Only two more days until Valentines Day! I can't wait! I am a real succor for Holidays. It doesn't matter which one. I just love getting to teach my kids about the significance of each celebration, and seeing their enjoyment gives me the best feeling. Tomorrow Abby is having a Party at preschool. I remember those parties so well. No, doubt she will come home with a handmade envelope full of cute little Valentines. I will be, eh-he... I mean SHE will be so excited to look at every single one. Ohhhhhh!!!!!

I made a bunch of these cinnamon succors this past week, so we put this Valentines Bouqet together for her teacher. Hope she likes cinnamon...my family sure doesn't!


Happy Valentines day to all of you that I know and Love. Isn't it great!!
I hope John gets me something good! We'd agreed not to really buy eachother anything this year, but I totally got him something and it was SOOO expensive!



HEE HEE
(k only kidding...I just wanted to make him panic for a sec;)



Sugar Cookie Recipe for Laura and anyone else!

K Laura sorry for deleting this recipe. I'm glad you liked it. Here it is for you again:

1/2 cup butter, 1 egg, 1 1/2 cups flour, pinch of salt, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 Tbsp milk, 1Tsp baking powder, 1tsp vanilla. Cream together, cut in shapes and bake at 350 for 8 minutes.
HERE IS A GOOD TIP: I made these the other day and I didn't have any milk so I used 2 Tbsp of sour cream instead. They were fantastic. Also when you make your icing, add a tsp or two of almond extract to the icing. Yummm.

Vampires, Werewolves...and ME

I have been doing a lot of reading lately, and that is unusual. Infact I think I've read more books in the past two months then I have in the past decade. My most enjoyable reads this past month or so have been the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. Seriously! Not since the "Babysitters Club" have I been so excited by a series of books. It is all about vampires, and werewolves and I have to admit that I have gotten sort of swept up in the world of the supernatural. Examples of this:
For starters I think I may have developed a teensy little crush on one of the few GOOD vampires. His name is Edward and he is a dream! That said, not all vampires are good-infact most are deadly. I'm suddenly too scared to go outside and start the van in the mornings. The thought of a "bad one" lurking just inside our garage has me terrified. I find myself seriously contemplating what I would do if I ever did come across a vampire. Of course, I'd be a goner. Apparantly, they move like lightning! Last night I reached an all time low, when my 2 year old woke up during the night. I walked back to his room, layed down with him and rubbed his arm until he fell back to sleep. When he was out again, I just layed there, desperately wanting to return to my own warm and comfortable bed, yet the thought of venturing out into our dark hallway had me paralyzed. So there I stayed, on that cheap IKEA mattress, (curled up in the fetal position), blankets over my head, listening for any sound that might of been caused by a vampire or werewolf. I pretty much acted like a 6 year old. Is that crazy or what? Don't worry, this morning I woke up feeling like a complete idiot. Not to mention the kink in my neck.

I forgot how great it was to just get lost in the make believe world of a book! Anyways, I finished the last book this morning. Shortly after that, Sam crawled out of his bed and threw up...a half hour later Jessica did the same...and I'm feeling sick as well.


I guess it is back to real life for me!!




________________________________________________________________
On another note, I was tagged by my sister in-law Kristen. I'm out of fresh answers for these "tags" so I'm going to have to dig a bit deepeer.

Seven things you may not have known about myself and/or my family:

1. I am in love...with a vampire:)))

2. In Junior High my friends (ok everyone:) called me "Mel." It was short for "MALnutrition." Yes I was a bit scrawny, but honestly they maybe took it a bit far. To this day I still plan to take my kids out of school in time for those hideously awkward junior years, and then return them to the public system, unscarred and confident, by grade 11:) I wonder if John will have a problem with that?

3. The only thing I really truly fear is...everything I can't control. :)

4. Deep...deep...deep down it bothers me when people comment on how much our kids look like John. I mean, true he is the better looking one, but I did do all the work for those long 9 months!!

5. We are very nomadic in nature. We've been married for six years and have moved NINE times. It seems only fitting that the first home we purchased would be a "mobile" one:))

6. Our dream vacation would be to rent an RV and drive across the country to PEI stopping everywhere inbetween.

7. I think John is the most amazing person I know. There is nothing that he can't do. He can fix, build, create ANYTHING. He's practically superman

Happy Groundhog day to everyone. According to the official Website in which I got this pic from, ol Phil saw his shadow. Six more weeks of winter. Did you know that Groundhog day actually marks the mid mark in the winter season? Seriousy are we only halfway through? I guess I'm in a "glass half empty" kind of mood when it comes to the weather right now.

I ventured onto ETSY for the first time ever last week and ordered some of these: http://ribbonwands.blogspot.com/. (Sorry...having some trouble posting the link any other way right now) I was EXTRA thrilled when they arrived on Friday;) Thanks Nikki. Can't wait to give em to my wee ones on valentines day!!

The life of...?

I am attending a book club in two weeks in which we are required to come prepared to share our book. (a biography of our choice to be exact) I had selected a biography on Pablo Picasso, and it just wasn't as interesting as I thought it would be. It didn't capture much about his "life" it just discussed his work. His work was often dark and abstract. I don't know if I'd have much to share about him, other than to just show some of his art. The good part about reading this book was that by the end of it, I felt totally inspired to take a minute and draw a bit myself. This picture above is my version of Picassos 1922. Mother and Child. (Yes I spend my time copying other peoples art. I have no imagination), the only difference is that mine I did with lead and charcoal and his was done with oil. It felt good to pull out the pencils for an hour. It must be the -30 degree weather. He was an amazing artist!


The problem now is that I really feel the need to find a new biography to share at this book club meeting. But who? I have a couple ideas, but no person has really stood out yet. What about you? If you had the chance to sit down and read about someone's life, who would you chose to read about?

Good News/Bad News

Hip HIp Horray it is snow day today!! John's boss phoned this morning and told him to just sleep till noon if he could. I LOVE it when there is no school. It means an extra set of hands to help for one more day. Abby is going to be dissappointed that there is no pre-school however but since John is around...I'll get him to break it to her:)

On a different note, I was very sad to learn about the passing of President Gordon B Hinckley last night. He has been the prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints since 1995. He was truly an amazing man and leader, and I will miss hearing him speak. I thought this was a good summary I found in the church news:


"SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - He was in his late 90s. He arrived at the
office early and often left late. He traveled the world at a
breathtaking
pace and kept up a speaking schedule that would drain the energy of men
decades younger. "I would enjoy sitting in a rocker listening to soft
music
and contemplating the things of the universe," President Hinckley once
told
the Associated Press. "But such activity offers no challenge and makes
no
contribution."


It is amazing and inspiring to think of what some people in this world manage to accomplish in their own lifetime. It makes
me want to strive to be a little bit more productive than I am perhaps being.

Jessica actually took her first steps back before Christmas time. We figured it was about time to show off her skills a bit. Hmmm, this is going to make church that much more interesting:) I love how proud of herself she looks.



Other notable news of this week:

John spent all of Saturday registering and training with Scouts Canada. He now has his "woodbadge?" He came home with some cool survival tips, like how to start a fire with a battery and steel wool. He's officially finished teaching his first semester at the High School, and begins a new series of courses this week.


I made two trips to the local Bargain Barn this week and scored on some cool used toys for the kids. Have they been a bit spoiled? Perhaps. But at $1 a toy...I don't care!! It makes Sam happy...he plays well all day, and then goes to bed SO EASY at night. Sam is in Toy Story Heaven. Best couple of bucks I spent all week!





It's the end of a busy week.

I could use some survival tips of my own.

Yesturday when I went to pick up John from the school, Abby and I decided to race to the entrance doors. Midway through our sprint Abby called out, "First one there WINS the Rotten Egg." I couldn't help but slow down...a lot and just let her win. I love it when she says something that is almost right, yet just a little off. She is so unaware of how much she makes me laugh sometimes.

Abby and I often play a little game in which we compete to see how much we love eachother. It usually results in one of us getting to say "I love you more than the whole Universe" or something outrageous like that.

So, last night as I was putting the kids to bed, Abby looked over at me and asked, "Mommy...how much do you love me?" I quickly said, "Abby I love you more than ...THE OCEAN!" After a second she said, "Yeah, well I love you more than this house!"
...huh. I couldn't help but clarify if she was talking about our little house or perhaps she meant that really big house at the end of the street. "Nope. Just our house." she sweetly said.
Ah well...maybe next time:)

k We have had some SNOW in the last few days. We are trying our best to enjoy it here:)