new kid on the "blog"

Reality Check

2008-09-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago if you asked me to describe my life ten years form then I certainly never dreamed up sleepless nights and baby puke. My main topic of conversation seems to be my toddler's potty visits and baby's bowel movements. The highlight of my week was purchasing a magic bullet at Costco and seeing all the cool crap I could now "blend" in one easy to use container.

I always thought I would be thin and trendy. Not tucking in my post-baby belly into my jeans that I bought at Old Navy for $20. My only connection to the outside lately seems to be fed to me through my Google homepage where I keep current on world issues such as, Bradgelina's 20th kid and Britney Spears visit to crazytown.

But as this is the state of my life....for now. It is refreshing to be able to live my days without vanity on the top of the list. To laugh everyday while watching my baby in a jolly jumper. And to be rewarded with the words, "Mommy, I love you."

Nothing says, "I love you," like the sounds of a battleground.

2008-02-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

So Valenitne's this year was awesome...we both exchanged thoughtful loving gifts and went out for a great date night.

I got a huge box of Bernard Callebaut chocolates with all my favorites ones in multiples...and my husband got Call of Duty #4, for the X-Box 360. In love languages...video game/ and video game playing time is my husband's currency.

But I have to say, now that we have our kid going to bed at a reasonable hour (most nights), I have been going straight to bed because I am 36 weeks pregnant and do a lot better with my feet up then anywhere else. So Tony has been getting a lot of video game time. And I have to say I have never had a happier hubby.

I wish I could say it was bonding over the expected arrival that was enriching our marriage. But no, it has been the time apart. Tony shooting things and bonding with strangers on X-box Live, and I in our bedroom watching chick flicks and eating oreos.

Strangely enough...our marriage has never been better. We genuinely love each other more, are doing thoughtful things for each other more, helping each other more, kissing more....all because I am feeding him some serious downtime doing what he loves in order to decompress. Who knew?

I am still alive. I know you were worried.

2008-01-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

If you are wondering why I haven't blogged for so long, it is because I actually forgot that I had one. I am not kidding. The other day my brother was telling me how funny his wife's blog was lately, and I thought to myself...oh yeah, a blog...I think I have one of those things hanging around tha is surviving without any love or attention. And so life continues on...

For people reading this that care about my life, I will update you. I am 31-32 weeks pregnant. My ultrasound would say 34 weeks but I know when we conceived because it was literally the first time we tried to get pregnant and whammo...Tony got one past the goalie. Unlike last time which took months..so we were excited! My due date is March 17th. I am huge and very uncomfortable. I have past the cute belly stage. And I am totally into the slow walking, can't see my shoes, avoid picking things up off the floor at all costs, phase of pregnancy.

Jacob is 2 and a half. Angel at 2 years and 5 months. Little devil child from my worst nightmares at 2 years and 6 months. He has taken "No" to another level. Everything is an ordeal, from eating breakfast to getting dressed. My only bargaining chip is Dora or Diego. He's 35 lbs...I am super pregnant. I am at his mercy. He has a meltdown I can't even pick him up and carry him to the car. I just wait for the storm to pass. And boy is that fun....

I love living in Sherwood Park. I love that everything is a 5 minute drive and a 5 minute or less line-up. And the Honda Pilot Tony got me is a dream come true. It is freezing out but I put on that seat warmer button and there is a warm bum for the prego Momma. Love it!

Well that is all for now, Jacob is having a nap for the first time in about a month so I need to put my feet up and eat something bad for me. Preferably something with a chocolate and peanut butter combination to it!

Sit Ubu sit....good dog!

2007-10-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a long time. Frankly I think it was a combination of nothing interesting to share, and just wanting to do other things with my spare time.

We are expecting another baby, due in March. I am almost at the 5 month mark which has come along much too fast. I am already seriously sporting a tummy and cannot stop baking things that are bad for me, but other than that feeling fairly reasonable. I don't have any name prospects. I was reading the top 100 baby names of the last 5 years or so...and nothing really stuck out to me. And then there is the spousal Vito power where if the other doesn't like it and you love it, too bad, so sad, it is off the list.

My toddler who is 27 months is really quite a lot of fun. I think the terrible twos started about 15 months old and ended at 24 months. And yes, I know...you are thinking, "just wait...your in for some fun.' But I have discovered something essential to the good behaviour of my son. He is like my German Shepherd we had growing up. He is a very smart, social, high energy dog?...you ask. Well our family dog Jackson needed to get out and RUN. We needed to play with him at least twice a day. He would then be very good in the house and take a good nap that day. Now if you don't get him out and RUN him...he was looking for multiple ways to get into mischief, constantly annoying you, and getting into trouble all day long.

The same goes for a toddler. Get out of the house, get some fresh air and physical activity...and he is a dreamy angelic kid. Let him fend for himself and keep him in the house all day and you are going to find him unloading your pantry shelves all over the kitchen floor, relocating his toys into various locations so that when you walk into the bathroom things like musical instruments and stuffed animals are there for your entertainment. Everywhere you go, and with everything you are trying to accomplish, he is right there, preferably in between your feet or hugging your leg. And he'll be all listless and bored and whiny.

So no matter what it is like outside, or how sick I might be with a cold...we get out of the house. I need to run my toddler so he's a good little doggie!

Use your words

2007-08-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

If you are a parent and you are using phrases during your child's outburst's like, "use your words," then you probably have a toddler.

Mine has been saying a dozen new words a day and it's all mixed in with his own style of gibberish and hand motions it does feel like I am constantly solving certain linguistic equations in order to decipher the wants and needs of my child.

It has been really fun to hear what comes out of his mouth lately especially since half of his verbal education comes from his best friends on TV Diego and Dora who help teach children Spanish as part of their programming.

So when Jacob haded something to his Dad the other day and said "aubrey" instead of "open" we had to laugh...now I need to learn Spanish words too.

food on my mind

2007-08-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Lately all I have wanted to do is eat at the Olive Garden. It isn't close, we have to drive into the city...and every time we go there, it is an hour wait which you just can't do with a two year old..nor justify because is it really worth it? I mean I have wanted to eat there for so long I think I have built it up in my mind as some gourmet amazing food experience when it could really be...well, crap!

I just can't remember...it's been so long.

Travelling with a Toddler.

2007-07-24T10:23:00.001-07:00

So we are planning a big trip to Ottawa/ Montreal and we are taking our toddler.

Travelling with a toddler makes everything...hard work.

There aren't any direct flights from where we are so we are leaving from Calgary. We need to keep airport time down to a minimum...get in and get out!

I will be sacrificing valuable outfit options to make space for toys, book, and games in order for the munchkin to have more to occupy him on the trip.

My husband and i will each have a bag but for the kid: Suitcase, playpen, stroller, car seat...carry-on of in-flight activities, and portable DVD player. Need I say more?

And now that he is two...it costs the same for him as us to fly...yikes $$$.

All I have to say if your not a planner, and used to living an a routine or schedule. Motherhood certainly molds you to be this way. Eventually you just say "I give!" and start making lists and planning weeks in advance because life just goes a lot more smoothly if you can do so. And then when things happen that throw you of the schedule...oh no! Mini breakdowns occur, you don't want to mess with the precious schedule! And let's just say travelling turns it all upside down!

Motherhood is like the army. It breaks you down and builds you back up. But it's all for a good cause! :)

First Weekend Away

2007-07-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

So my husband and I dropped our two year old off at the Grandparents to have a weekend away. The first one in two years. One of my favorite people in the whole world was getting married and it was in a beautiful getaway place near Fernie.

I thought the weekend would be full of friends, much needed sleep, maybe I'd get lucky...? But we both came down with terrible head colds...so much for the sleep and romance. It was full of cough drops and Kleenex.

At least it was compensated for with an unbelievable wedding and seeing old friends. I forgot all about being sick when I was around them. And what a dress on the bride! I felt sad when we left because I knew it would be a long time befor ewe were all hanging out together like that again.

I have to say I thought leaving Jacob wouldn't be too hard. But both my husband and I missed him so much. With no cell phones, due to us being out of range, we wondered about him the entire time and were so happy to have him run into our arms so happy to see us again.

Harry Potter Fan

2007-06-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to the next Harry Potter book release. And I will probably see the next Potter movie in the theatre alongside all the junior high aged brats that talk through the whole thing...

In honour of the Potter fans out there here's a little fun to get you geared up for July, month of the Potter.

Potter Puppet Pals

Girl's night out.

2007-06-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

Last night was girl's night.

We just went out to a restaurant, ordered a lot of food.

Talked until we were the last ones in the place.

And left feeling so full. Not from food but from laughter, common experience, and genuine understanding.

Women need women. We bond.

structuralism vs. functionalism

2007-06-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

So I started a Psych class through Athabasca University.

I want to see if I can actually focus in on anything that requires me to "stick." I realized I am a chronic quitter. Things get hard, or worse, boring and I quit. And my problem is, I usually get bored really fast.

But I am still thinking about that degree I never quite got motivated to do and thought...maybe I'll just do it now.

So Chapter one: Structuralism vs. Functionalism....oh crap, I am bored already!

It's True About Two

2007-05-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

I thought the terrible two's started early...about 18-20 months old. Well he's about to turn two and boy was I mistaken. Jacob just put his curiosity into high gear and I am literally following him everywhere he goes putting his damaged path back together...all day long!

Yesterday he stacked up packaged bowls of noodles in a big tower and then took a wooden spoon out of a drawer in the kitchen and started whacking them off like T-Ball. I walk into the living room and see Mr. Noodles flying past me.

Jen (my friend with twins) you did toddler life times two and finished your Master's Degree. YOU ARE MY HERO!

I thought the tantrums, the unloading of every cupboard and drawer...the whining, pointing, screaming way of communication was at it's peak season 4 months ago...but he's bigger and stronger and more determined than ever before.

Wrestling him to the ground to change a diaper and watching him kick and stomp the floor when he's not getting his way. Is frankly, comedy at it's finest.

Half my day I think I should just set the camera up and let it roll...the things I have missed and am laughing hysterically about later when I have a minute to myself. Seriously, this kid can clear a shelf way faster than I could have imagined.

You have no idea until you see it in action. The most hilarious and sometimes frustrating thing is when he does something after I have said "NO!"...and then claps and cheers for himself...shouting, "YAY!"

These are the things my husband hears about at dinner time.

When it Rains it Pours

2007-05-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

We are moving this weekend.

And we aren't hiring anyone to help us...

And I am tired already, its midnight and I have to get up before dawn to go get a truck from U-haul.

I thought I would start my week with a little packing each day until it was done. But come Monday morning we found out that the City of Calgary never inspected our furnace after it was installed. This is apparently the contractor's responsibility and we were not aware that an inspection was required. The furnace was installed 2 years ago and we haven't had any problems with it so we didn't give it another thought. Well our new owners took possession Tuesday.

So I packed up my kid and drive madly down to Calgary set up an inspection for Tuesday morning before the new owners arrive and bad news...it isn't good. So the inspector writes up a huge list of things that aren't up to 'code' and I hit the yellow pages trying to find a furnace guy that can fix it pronto.

It isn't worth trying to get the last guy to fix it because a) he obviously didn't care to begin with and b) I could hassle him for months before he does anything and I need it done now. So I am on the hook.

So I get a plumbing/ heating company to check everything out and give me a quote. Guess what it came to...? $2100. (I know I cried too.) Not to mention the gas to drive there and back and the rental care for Tony while I was gone because it took 3 days to clear it all up. So a total of $2500 gone in a second. Oh yeah, and then I get to come back and pack an entire house.

I need a vacation. Apparently a cheap one because my fun budget just got blown on a furnace that no longer belongs to me.

The First Step is to Admit You Have a Problem

2007-05-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Facebook.

I am addicted.

I need help.

I am on Facebook way too much.

Just when I thought I needed to spend less time on the Internet...Facebook gave me yet another reason to suck more of my free time away from me. I haven't read my book since Facebook. Why go to the gym, when I can sit on my butt and hang out on Facebook? I need to scale back the facebooking...I wonder if I could go a whole day without facebook...um, let's not get carried away now!

For those of you that have no idea what I am talking about go to www.facebook.com

Belly Dancing Intro

2007-05-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

So I started a belly dancing class yesterday. My sister-in-law who is practically gone pro she loves it so much made me want to try it. Her enthusiasm is so contagious. I signed up to a local yoga studio that offers the class and it was sooo awful!

The room was dark and hot, there weren't any mirrors on the wall so it was hard to follow the instructor and the teacher was dreadfully boring.

I was expecting pumped music, jingling hips, and a lot of bootee shaking! All we did was arm, neck, and shoulder work.

All of those muscles are tender this morning because they required a lot of focus for and hour....but not one single shaky shaky? Come on! What the hell is going on here? I paid good money to shake my money-maker and I expected an environment to be a crazy silly dancer.

I really hope this gets better. My sister-in-law has a much better instructor than I do. But I can't move to Ottawa just for the belly dancing.

Moi Lately

2007-05-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Update on nothing much,

We are going to Calgary this weekend so we can drop off keys to the house and sign lawyer papers. We have the most boring...drag out everything lawyer....but he's cheap! So I put up with the napping session of an appointment.

I signed up for beginner belly dancing classes at the local yoga/ Pilate's studio here in The Park. I hope I get to twirl around with scarves and have finger symbols...but I don't know if that is part of the whole experience or not.

Jacob is finally talking more. Up, Go, Hot, What? and Bubbles...are his latest addition to an already extensive vocabulary of...oh...5 words. Still mostly screaming and pointing. Awesome.

I worked out today. Yay for me. I have a goal to lose 10 lbs. I joined a website called Spark People to help keep track of workouts and eating. Tonight Salmon, brown rice, and asparagus....it's the late night TV snacks that I will struggle with the most!

Love the new Maroon5 song...pre-ordered their album on iTunes.

And last but not least...sewed a pair of kid pj's for a shelter. I feel sorry for the kid who gets them but I am learning!

I love having a babysitter!

2007-04-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

So we have never hired a babysitter. We always depended on my Mom and a few friends when needed. Now that we are in a different city with no family and no friends to rely on we were forced to turn over our son to a stranger in junior high school. I was terrified. I was dreading the crying and separation anxiety reaction...not to mention what my toddler would be feeling (ha ha).

I got a good recommendation and found the perfect babysitter. She's in grade nine, showed up at my door with glasses and braces and instantly I knew...she's gonna be great. Her entire persona screamed responsible, gets good grades, total sweetheart package. And she was terrific...and we had a whole Saturday afternoon of fun at West Edmonton Mall.

I called her again 5 days later for this weekend and booked her in advance for next weekend...why did I wait this long for....FREEDOM?

I think it's good for Jacob too. To know that we go away but always come back. And that even when we aren't around that he's okay.

Post cereal needs a new marketing staff

2007-04-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday my husband and I were driving to West Edmonton Mall for an afternoon of material overload. On the way, Tony pointed out a billboard for Shreddies and I still can't stop laughing when I think about it.

It said, " New, Diamond Shreddies!" and had a picture of a Shreddie with a golden aura around it to exude its brilliance.

We started discussing what that 'think tank' boardroom discussion must have been like...

"We need to get people excited about Shreddies again..."

"Hey I have an idea...let's promote its dual personality by revealing its "other" shape....the diamond!"

The whole room must have ooooed and ahhhhed. People are sure to eat it if they think they are eating diamonds instead of squares!

Seriously, who are they kidding?

Future Dwight

2007-04-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite television shows is "The Office" and one of my favorite moments is "Future Dwight."

Future Dwight Clip

Maritime trip with my sister

2007-04-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Last summer my sister Alison and I did a trip around the East coast ending in Cape Breton for my Brother's wedding.
She surprised me and rented a convertible and we toured around listening to my iPod and taking in the sea air and terrifc views. We had a great time.

I am officailly domesticated.

2007-04-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

So a bunch of cute Grandma's that sew and quilt are taking me on as their next challenge. I got a personal lesson last night from a pro and I am making my first quilt. It is a quilt for Jacob with plenty of cute flannel fabrics that have boy pictures all over them. My goal is to have it ready for his 2ND birthday at the end of June.

I bought a big mat, a very large ruler, and rotary cutter. It took me 4 hours to cut all the squares. If I didn't have the rotary cutter it would have taken me 12 hours. And now I have to cut just as many squares out of the batting. That is a lot of cutting!

Well I am excited to make Jacob his "blankie." I know it will be good if he loves it as much as his Winnie-the-Pooh Bear.

This probably comes as a shock to those of you who really know me. That is because I don't sew. Nor have I ever sewn. I don't even know how to thread a sewing machine. The "Grandma's" are gonna love me...I am going to soak up every word they say.

I will let you all know how bad I am once I actually get to the "sewing" part. Until then, no problem.

Easter Egg Hunt

2007-04-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend was fantastic. I made a ham dinner that was so tasty that even my toddler ate some! We did a little easter egg hunt in the house and backyard for Jacob and he was so cute looking around for his eggs. He thought it was a terrific game and I saw him putting them in places around the house this morning and then going around and picking them up again.

We Bought A House

2007-04-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

So we bought a house, subject to inspection.

It's a bi-level with 3 bedrooms up and two down. 2.5 baths. HUGE yard. Seriously old lady style which will all be changed of course. The only thing we really didn't like about the place was there isn't a garage. But we can live without a garage until we put one in...if we put one in.

I feel like a big weight is off of me now that our house is sold and we have chosen the next "project." But now its starting to all sink in and the fact remains. We have to move....again. And then Anthony's contract is up in a year so if we decide to go back to Calgary...we will have the pleasure of moving...again. Fun, fun, fun!

One great thing about moving is you have an opportunity to get rid of your junk. I am seriously losing sentimental value on things that I have to pack and unpack repeatedly if I am never using them.

We need a holiday after this is all over. Anybody want to watch my child for a long weekend? I'll pay good money to have a break from my busy, messy, toddler!

Little Friends

2007-04-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

I watched another toddler today who doesn't ever get left. His Mom was in a car accident and has to get physio therapy so I watched him for 3 hours while she drove into the city and had her appointment. I thought it was going to be easy when he happily kissed her goodbye and ran off to play with toys...but was I mistaken.
Five minutes after his Mommy left he had a total meltdown. He was running around my house screaming for his Mom and Dad. He then hid himself in my bathroom by wedging himself between the toilet and the bath tub.
I tried to bribe him with toys, cookies, a juice box...anything to distract him from his feeling of abandonment but nothing worked. Finally I had to just let him ride out the emotion and come to terms with his reality.
Thirty minutes later and still whining, Jacob went over to him and talked to him in his own little babble...and then the crying...stopped. They came out together and started to color on a giant note pad I had laid out as a possible "distraction" and he was fine after that.
I couldn't understand what happened but I think my little guy has a bit of a peace maker inside him. His words didn't make any sense to me but to this little boy it was all that he needed to hear.

President George Bush Moments

2007-04-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

"Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country." —Poplar Bluff, Mo., Sept. 6, 2004

"Rarely is the questioned asked: Is our children learning?" —Florence, S.C., Jan. 11, 2000

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." —Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2004

"There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again." —Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 17, 2002

Click on these for a couple of minutes of laughter!

Funny

More Funny

My favorites are "taking the high horse" and "its your money, you paid for it" and last but not least, "I know we are going to fail."

Victoria, BC

2007-04-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

I HAD THE GREATEST WEEKEND!!!!

I drove to Calgary Thursday evening and showed up at my friend Beth's house for a surprise trip to Victoria. We left the next morning and came back Sunday night. The weather was great and we had so much fun.

The highlights of our trip:
1. Sunny weather, ocean air, green grass and flowers
2. Sunday brunch...orange creme brulee
3. Shopping in the 'Lulu Lemon' and its sister store which sells street clothes called 'OQOQO'(for moi) and at 'Le Mama' a cute boutique for expecting Mothers for Beth
4. Sleep (need I say more?)
5. 3 days of girl fun and girl talk including time at the spa, watching movies, and reading fashion magazines

The only downsides to our trip:
1. It wasn't long enough...I needed just one more day!
2. The uncomfortable beds at the hotel.
3. And coming home to cold blowing snow. My drive home last night was a little scary. But after Red Deer it was fine.

We decided that this needed to be an annual thing. Leave the boys behind and have a weekend to relax.

2007-03-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

Right now my kid is walking around in a diaper and t-shirt and then he brought me his little sneakers and wanted me to put them on his feet. So now that completes a very cute little outfit. And he's grooving to Finger Eleven's "Paralyzed" that is playing in the kitchen.

The comic relief by having children seriously out weighs all the dirty diaper changes and sleepless nights...by a long shot.

We Accepted An Offer On Our House

2007-03-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

So last night we had a couple of offers going on our house and we accepted one. We went to Tony's office this morning instead of church to do a lot of faxing back and forth. So now we are waiting for a home inspection to get the O.K. and then we are good to go.

I am looking forward to moving onto the next house. Everything is all panicky here, it's annoying. I am thinking we will just take our time, when the right thing comes along...and it will...we will feel really good about it because we did our research.

The whole making an offer, then counter offer, back and forth business was super stressful. We had to really play hardball and then when we were about to accept an offer that didn't exactly make us jump for joy someone else came along and offered us a way better possession date. The other people were pissed! I could care less. I just want this done and over with.

This was our first experience with selling a house. I can't say I enjoyed it. I haven't slept well because I can't turn off my mind. As soon as I hit the pillow I am thinking way to much about nothing important. I am looking forward to this weekend because I think it will finally feel like life is getting back to normal.

A Good Laugh

2007-03-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

You know I love to download stuff off iTunes. I discovered that you can download comedy albums and bought Russell Peters and Dane Cook's albums. So while Jacob and I headed back from Calgary today he was tuned into Blue's Clues on the DVD and i was listening to Dane Cook drop the "F" Bomb 50 million times. I was listening to him and laughing..also thinking, " I shouldn't be laughing at this garbage." But I was and it felt good to laugh.

There is this one bit where he is talking about leaving behind a legacy. And you can start to do something everyday that someone will think is unforgettable. Like for example, next time you see a kid eating an ice cream cone, go over and stuff it into his face. Then say, "You will never forget me now, will ya!"

Anywho..laughing is worth every penny.

Our house will be on MLS soon. Its listed we signed papers saying we will shell out freakishly large sums of money to the people involved in this whole process. Thank goodness one of my best girlfriend's has an in with a realtor (aka her husband) and he is giving us a friend reduction. Nice guy.

I'm about to sell my childhood home to the highest bidder. It feels wrong. But if the price is right....oh so right!

I Still Have It

2007-03-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

So tonight after the crazy "I don't need any sleep" toddler finally went to bed for the night I got out the PS2 and played a little guitar hero.

I rocked out to Franz Ferdinand, Gun's and Roses, The Police, etc etc...and I just wanted to let you know that in my heart I am an amazing guitar playing rock star.

Just thought you'd all like to be informed that on the outside: a Mom who fills sippy cups and changes diapers. On the inside: a super amazing rockin' out hottie!

I still have it baby...!

PS. I say this prior to putting moisturizer on and climbing into bed before 11 pm.

Nothin' Much

2007-03-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

So I haired porfessional cleaners for our house this Saturday. It is a post-construction/ move-out clean. And then its on the market. So next week check MLS Calgary, NW, Dalhousie. At the moment there are only 3 houses on the market but that can always change quickly.

We contacted a nice realtor in Sherwood Park and I think things will work out fine. We're just not really going to make a cent on our house it will be a linear move. But it will free up cash elsewhere because our home equity loan will be gone that we used to renovate. Being out of debt is always a good thing. The house around the corner from us that we looked at was terrible. The guy who bought it did it for the sole purpouse of flippign it and we knew where he bought every piece of tile, light fixture, and facet. So we knew just how cheaply he'd done it and therefore couldn't stand the place.

There is a perfect place here for us somewhere. And there is always a deal in real estate. We'll make out just fine.

We are heading to Calgary again on Thursday night. Hopefully the next rip will be because the house sold or for social reasons.

Amen the House is Done

2007-03-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

So we have a couple little projects, a major clean-up, and the moving of many thousands of dollars worth of tools and then the house is complete. (here enters a choir to sing hallelujah) actually lets change that to ( a black gospel choir singing deep south hallelujahs) they really go for it down there.

And today a house went for sale around the corner from us here in Sherwood Park and we are looking at it this evening. In the 6 months we've lived here everything has gone up $50,000. But so did our house in Calgary so its all good.

Then at the end of this month we are going to win the lottery home we bought tickets for. A good month for real estate all around.

Now the house is done what am I going to blog about?

Post Birthday

2007-03-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

So I had my birthday yesterday and my husband was a gem.

He brought home sushi and a big chocolate cake with a giant #2 and a giant #8 to light up and blow out. He played with Jacob all evening so I could play with my gift, Dance Dance Revolution for the XBox 360. He also gave me another iTunes gift card which is the gift that keeps on giving in my opinion.

I got a lot of phone calls which is always nice. And since we are heading to Calgary this weekend I know I still have a present from my parents waiting for me and some cupcakes to eat. I love cupcakes. Its like unwrapping a present before you eat one.

I have to say...life is good.

Its My B-day

2007-03-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

I listened to 50 cent 'In da Club' and ate a cookie for breakfast...Go Catherine, its your birthday, we're gonna party, like its your birthday..gonna drink Bacardi cause its your birthday...and we don't give a....oh I better stop writing the lyrics now.

Tony gave me several different bunches of tulips (my favorite) and they are so beautiful every time I walk by them I smile. They remind me of a great trip we took out to Vancouver and there were tulips everywhere.

I put Jacob down for his nap at 1 pm and 15 minutes later I could hear very loud banging noises. He was running back and forth in his crib making each end slam against the wall. Then throwing himself on his pillow and laughing. So much for that.

Weekend Update

2007-03-05T11:44:00.000-08:00

I need to be realistic. With all the multiple weeks and weekends to Calgary working on our house. And the many times Jacob has been very sick in the last two months my workout regime hasn't even gotten off the ground. The half marathon is going to have to wait until later in 2007 but a 10K I'm sure I can do. So now I am setting my sights on the 10K and hopefully that will help me reach for the half which will help me reach for the whole Marathon one day in my life.

Jacob is getting more brave. Today he was working on going down stairs normally instead of backwards on his hands and knees. We have two steps into our living room and I caught him practising and falling at the bottom step. He was thrilled with himself. Also, he doesn't want to be in his high chair anymore we need a booster seat. At lunch today he climbed into a kitchen chair and ate at the table with Tony and I like a regular little boy. I made him a grilled cheese sandwich and Tony put a little ketchup on his plate and Jacob dipped his sandwich just like Dad. Those are the little moments that make life so wonderful! Sounds silly and mundane but your heart just wants to burst with joy because it's so incredibly cute.

I made a new cookie by combing three different cookie recipes this weekend. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip. Oh, I am soooo better than Cookies by George. You had to have a glass of milk with this one!

Another thing I am good at is roast chicken. My little sister-in-law came up to Sherwood Park this weekend with her boyfriend and had Sunday dinner with us. I made my roast chicken with the onions and potatoes a little gravy. Again, I rock. I have gift for the Sunday dinner. I have to admit it, maybe I ought to add a little humility to it but in short - I'm good.

Our house is so close to being done I have chills. It looks amazing and I can't wait to get it on the market and see what happens. I hope it sells for a good price and fast and then I can scream Cha-Ching!!! And sink it all into real estate and do it all over again. Good times.

Mmmm...mmm...good

2007-02-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

I forgot how much I love to bake.

I stopped baking all together because my husband and I were getting soft around the edges. But the other day I wanted to bake cookies for someone and it re-booted my love and frankly therapeutic need to bake.

So cookies yesterday and today orange and cranberry scones. Which were all for "somebody else" but have magically found their way into my tummy.

Now that I started I am already thinking about what I will bake next...I have a problem. A very delicious problem.

Rainy Days and Mondays....

2007-02-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

I am trying to stay happy and positive today even though my kid has done nothing but whine ALL DAY LONG. I know he isn't feeling well and I am trying to keep him secure and happy as I am his 24/7 personal slave. But that whiny sound is really starting to drive me crazy. I think I would take crying over the whiny sound right now. At least he seems to be on the mend. Fluids are staying inside his body more frequently and I haven't had to do 10 loads of laundry today but its only 3pm.

Being gone for 10 days means we have 10 days of PVR programming to catch up on. I love having so much to choose from. I can't watch TV when Jacob is awake because its hard to be productive. Also if I do have something on that is of interest to me he just keeps turning the TV off until I get the message that he wants my undivided attention. I need a dog or a sibling for this kid. In some ways I do think it would be easier to have two kids. Myself being the only source of attention and interaction is a little wearing. I think I'll look into the dog idea first (ha ha).

Earlier today Jacob was having a little toddler melt down and went and buried his head in the couch throw pillows like an ostrich in the sand. He was trying so hard to be serious but while he was bending over in the cushions a two inch section of skin was showing between his diaper and t-shirt and I went over and tickled him. He couldn't fight the tickling and started to giggle which he followed up with a big whine to convey that even though he thought tickling was funny he was still mad. What is he mad about? I have no idea. Maybe it's just that he feels rotten. For me it's Monday.

Still In Calgary

2007-02-24T16:55:00.000-08:00

We arrived Friday afternoon...started the weekend off with me being sick and now ending this weekend with Jacob throwing up, all over his bed, all over me, and himself. I would rather be sick than have a sick baby any day. So I didn't get to work on the house as much as I hoped to this time so I may stay here this week and work on painting.

Its almost done. The new interior doors are being hung and the basement ceiling is almost finished. What is going to take a really long time is cleaning the place up and out. We have so many tools and building supplies that its going to take a whole weekend just clearing out the house and then another to clean it. I think I am going to hire a cleaning service to do it. It's that bad. Dry wall dust and saw dust everywhere. I should probably have the ducts cleaned too.

It looks really good though. We are trying to figure out how much to list it for. That seems to be a tricky thing because you want to list it low enough to get more potential buyers but high enough to hit what you think the place is worth.

My problem is after all the work we've done I want more than we'll get so I have to get over that right now. I just have to keep positive and hope for the best.

Our Plan

2007-02-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

For those of you who read my blog and want to know what I am up to this month so you can reach me. We are leaving to Calgary tomorrow (Friday Feb. 16th)and will not return to Sherwood Park until Feb. 25th. Tony decided to take this week off so we can just put as much energy into the house as possible.

We'll be crashing at my parents so they can watch the little guy while we work on painting, baseboards, and other good stuff. If you want to volunteer and give a friend a hand you know where to find us.

Hope to see you in Calgary!

My Hubby Is a Sweatheart

2007-02-14T12:51:00.000-08:00

So its Valentine's day. I put on my favorite red top and made heart shaped cookies with pink icing. Jacob was incredibly fascinated with the whole process, mainly the electric mixer. He wanted to have that thing all to himself. He especially loved when I put in the flour while the mixer was on and there was a giant "poof".

Tony came home for lunch with my favorite Quiznos and a huge box of Bernard Callebaut chocolates. Wrapped in heart paper with a giant pink bow. I absolutely love them...they are divine.

My cookies were a huge hit. Especially with my son. His eyes doubled in size when he had one. And then he said, "mmmmmm...." and smacked his lips a few times.

Happy Valentine's Day!

My home consists of mini piles

2007-02-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

So I am walking through my house this morning and all around me are little piles. Piles of dishes, laundry (dirty, clean and need folding, and the clean folded needing to be put away), stacks of papers, bills paid and unpaid, miscellaneous everything...everywhere. I have had it!

It seems I can't stay on top of the creation of these piles or the organisation of these piles. Don't even let me tell you about the front entry-way, use your imagination. So its time for action. I am going through the house one room at a time with a garbage can and a laundry basket. I can conquer the clutter!

Next subject:
My husband bought me this workout DVD that I wanted called Turbo Jam from Costco. Its a mix of kick boxing and dance aerobics. Where this one is difficult is in the coordination. I can handle the workout but I find it hard to follow. I just need to do it a few more times and then I think I will get the hang of it. I think its hilarious when the instructor is doing a certain movement and she says things like, "imagine you are grabbing an attacker by the shoulders and then hitting them in the face with your knee." Nothing like a little violence to work up a sweat!

Question:
Is it a bad if you have zero intentions to leave the house all day long because you have no errands to run and nobody to see so you let yourself and your child to spend the whole day in their pj's? Why do I ask?.....no reason....

Well I am going to start on all the piles now.

March 1, 2007

2007-02-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

We have a goal.

Our house will be complete and put on the market by March

We have less than two weeks total to finish it and be done. So I am writing this and sending it out to the universe so that it will come true. Maybe all our many friends and acquaintances will help us and make this ambition come true?? Maybe we will have super powers this month and renovate with super speed...I don't know how but it will be done!

We drive to Calgary tonight.

Chit Chat

2007-02-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

As we drove from Calgary to Sherwood Park yesterday afternoon the weather became increasingly worse. We left blue sky and drove into cold blowing snow. It is still snowing. I prefer blue sky. I don't care how cold it is, if that sky is blue and you can see the sun shining I can handle it.

So I had a great lunch date on Saturday with my good friend Beth. We had lunch at the Metropolitan Grill. You know when you order your meal but the other person your eating with has something that looks way better than you and you want to eat what they are eating? That was what happened to me. Beth ordered this macaroni and cheese dish that was so amazing it should be called "cardiac arrest on a plate." Being the dear friend that she is she generously shared her lunch with me and I swear it was so good I thought I died and went to heaven! We then finished off with Chocolate souffle...incredible. It was a birthday celebration so we were there with every intention of being as nutritionally naughty as possible. Mission accomplished!

As I write this my son is throwing all his jumbo Lego pieces down the hall and down the stairs. Aah the fun I am going to have collecting those later. And now it just got really quiet....and we parents no that really quiet is never a good sign and I must go.

Learning Something New

2007-01-30T19:31:00.000-08:00

So I tried making sushi rolls for the first time last week. It was fun. I had the bamboo sheet to roll them on and I kept it simple. Tony was very impressed. He came home thinking I was all upset with him because he stayed out to late at the mall after work and he came home to 'sushi Ala Catherine'. I made avocado rolls, shrimp rolls, cucumber rolls, and a combo roll. I have done a little more research and I want to practice before I try out doing the whole raw experience on my own. I feel I should leave that to the experts for now. I would really like to take a sushi making class.

So I registered to Athabasca University. I want to get a Psych undergrad. Hopefully this whole long distance education degree form this University isn't considered a joke. If I discover it is than I will be looking to do it elsewhere. Do you know of any good long distance programs that are considered reputable?

My talk on Sunday went really well. The topic was humility. It was really long and I commandeered almost 25 minutes which is a crazy long time to public speak but it went surprisingly fast. Jacob was crying and reaching for me while I spoke. Tony had to get him away from the sound of my voice so he would stop crying for me. Then when it was Tony's turn to speak I was running around the church looking for him at the intermediate hymn and then he rushed to the front just at the end as we switched off the kid. Tony's talk was on integrity. It was better than mine. It had a good infusion of humour throughout...

Well those are the new things I learned last week.

My Son Has Rhythm

2007-01-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

Many months ago I found a musical instrument set at Costco. It is a giant drum filled with different items that make noise including two drumsticks for the drum itself.

My kid is drumming all day long on everything. When he watches his Baby Einstein's and the music is playing he drums. He drums to the music from his Winnie the Pooh car, he drums to his Leap Frog gym music, his Fisher Price Pirate ship music. He drums on everything, everywhere.

For example, he takes the drum sticks and drums on the air intake vent on the wall, on the tables, on the TV, on the hardwood flooring, the closet doors, the bath tub...you name it he's banging on it. And if he can't find his drumsticks? He bangs and things with his hands, knocks on the windows and TV screen...whatever he can do to make noise.

The most hilarious of all is when he sets up his drum and tambourines next to each other, runs over to a toy to set off the music, and then runs back to his drumming area and plays his little heart out. I can tell he feels the music no matter how fast or slow with his whole body. I wonder if he will always feel this way about music.

3 totally different thoughts

2007-01-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

Thought number #1:
My kid looks so good in overalls. If I could only put him in overalls I would but sweat pants seems to be his favorite so he mostly wears those. If I had a daughter I would spend so much money on clothes for her that my husband would take away my credit card. So hopefully I won't get a daughter in order to keep us out of the poor house.

Thought number #2:
Because the car is in the repair shop this week we have a rental vehicle. A Kia Sportage. I love this car, as I love most newer vehicles because...the key tag that unlocks the car at a click of a button. When you have a diaper bag and a toddler trying to unlock the door manually is tricky. Same with the trunk for all the groceries. I also love tinted windows because when it is sunny and the bright light shines in Jacob's face he doesn't just cry...he screams like he is being tortured. I like a SUV type car because I like being higher up to see better and I like having 4-wheel option in the snow because I feel safer. The most annoying thing about our old Jeep is it doesn't have cup holders. You don't know how irritating it is to not have a proper cup holder in a moving car until you don't have one especially on road trips! So whatever the next vehicle is that we get I want it to have tinted windows, key less entry, 4-wheel drive, and cup holders.

Thought number #3:
Today is a good day because...

1. I went out with a new friend from church and she has a daughter the same age as Jacob. So I was able to communicate with another female adult. Good thing!

2. Tony came home for lunch and brought with him a new sandwich from Quizno's my favorite place to eat. It was a BBQ chicken. Very Good thing!

3. Jacob slept through the night which means I will be able to work out on the treadmill when he naps instead of floating through the day in a zombie state. Another Good thing!

Well that summorizes my ramblings. Back to work.

My life is at a standstill.

2007-01-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

I feel like everything is in a holding pattern and yet life is passing me by. Everything is linked to our house investment in Calgary. We aren't buying things we need or want until the house is complete and sold. I feel I can't make plans like putting Jacob in a weekly class or maybe get a part-time job because of transportation crunches by being on one vehicle. Something that will change once the house is sold. Its hard to settle into our new city and get involved in church with callings etc because we are always going to Calgary on weekends to work on the house. Everything is when the house is done...when the house is done...when the house is done.

I know one thing for sure. I'm done.

The house is looking really good though. There is just so much riding on four walls and a roof that I can't bare the thought of it not working out to meet all our hopes and expectations.

Well this was light and perky wasn't it?

I am so out of shape.

2007-01-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

So I put in my "Get Ripped" workout DVD yesterday. I bought it before Christmas and hadn't tried it yet. It uses a lot of free weights and is mainly exercises you would do in a gym. Squats, lunges, dead lifts, blah blah blah...I am in so much pain today!

I can hardly lift my arms because there is a section of push-ups, which I couldn't finish because I am so weak. I couldn't make it through the video...my legs had had enough! Out of the 60 minute video I did 45 minute only using 2 lb weights and sometimes 5 lb weights.

I can't walk up the stairs or down the stairs...and I was taking the easy on this workout. Next time I do it I am going to use no weight at all and forget all the pulsing. I think this video is going to be awesome however, once I get to the point I can get through it without wanting to scream, or die I am not sure which. Those push-ups are going to haunt my dreams until I can get through it.

I refuse to have another baby until I can get my body to the point that it at least recognises its reflection in the mirror again. I used to have such nice abs...boo hoo. When you have a baby it feels like your body is on lone for 2 years. The first year because you are growing the baby, and the second year because you are healing and breast feeding, and getting back in shape. If I can get back into "wicked awesome holy crap you look amazing" shape before I get pregnant again than I'll have a fighting chance after number two.

At least that is what I keep telling myself. There are definitely things that will never be the same again. And all my girlfriends that have had babies know what I am talking about....

Calgary trip wasn't a winner

2007-01-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

So I had big plans for my social life this weekend. I was looking forward to seeing my friends and having fun. We have been trying to see a movie for months and it never seems to work out!

As soon as we rolled into Calgary...the second we pulled into the driveway Jacob threw up in his car seat. It was all down hill from there. Because he had puke all over him I had it all over me so I threw his clothes and mine into the wash right way and got him settled. The next morning I discovered that in my haste to get the puke off I forgot that my video iPod was in the pocket of my hoodie. My cherished iPod went through the wash rinse and spin cycle!!! I am still mourning my loss because i use it all the time! Then we ended up in the hospital early Saturday morning after being up all night. And since we were in a hurry to get there we didn't eat anything or sleep all day as well.

If I was more aware of what Croup was I would have caught it earlier and it wouldn't' have progressed so far. They were saying he would probably be admitted by Saturday night. Thankfully after two rounds of treatment (that probably scarred my child for life due to his Dad and I having to restrain him and hold his head for several minutes each time) the oral steroid had kicked in and he was stabilizing.

You should have heard his little crackled and barky voice every time he wanted to say anything it would break our hearts. Well he is on the mend now. He just is really putting up a fight every time its nap or bed time. I would have thought feeling miserable would make him want to go to bed. I guess some things don't change no matter what.

Heading to Calgary Tonight

2007-01-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

So we are packing up and going to Calgary this weekend. I really am hoping to see some girlfriends and have some fun while my husband slaves away on our house. That doesn't really seem fair though, maybe I will help him out for a few hours. I am in serious need of kicking back. Grandparents are looking after my little terror and I can experience "FREEDOM" and sing hallelujah praises that I can actually use my right and left hands at the same time as they aren't filled with 27 lbs of toddler or toddler related items.

I was up half the night with him and he didn't seem remotely tired or interested in sleeping. I would dose off while he played in bed next to me and then he would crawl on top of me and put his face like an inch away from mine and say ,"HI!" How's that for a wake-up call every 2 minutes? And I thought he would at least sleep in to make up for not sleeping in the night...also a no in that category. So now I feel like a I am half dead and can hardly move. How am I going to pack up or do my run today? I almost poured juice on my cereal and almost put lotion on my tooth brush.

So of course I have my priorities straight and the first thing I organise is an eye brow shaping appointment. The woman I see for my eyebrows is AMAZING. You know how some women feel about their women doctors? That is how I feel about my eye brow lady. Total commitment!

Music Manic

2007-01-08T23:47:00.000-08:00

So my husband got me a gift card to iTunes and I am on the iTunes website in all my spare time. I love listening to music that's new and old music that I loved once and totally forgot about. And with $50 of song credit I feel like I am shopping for fifty different things...which rocks!

I am on the hunt for the perfect running and workout play list. So if you have a running play list please let me know what you recommend. At this moment I am listening to 'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol. I also downloaded a few songs by Fray. But my favorite song choice of all right now is 'Take Me Out' by Franz Ferdinand which I got hooked on by playing 'Guitar Hero' on the 360 with my husband till the wee hours of the morning. I am a total rock star when I play that song. It makes me want to play it while sliding across the livingroom floor on my back. And then throw myself towards my vast array of fans for a little crowd surfing. (Just Kidding...okay maybe I'm not).

Boy, I can not handle a late night like I used to especially with an early wake up call from my little guy. I guess with that in mind I am not much of a rock star.

Healthy New Year's Resolution..and this year I mean it!

2007-01-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

So I started my workout on January the 5Th. It went way better than I thought I would and I did a lot of stretching afterwards and I wasn't sore at all. I thought I would be in a lot of pain the next day or day after..but no problem.

When I went to the Maritime's with my sister in June she went for a jog and I joined her. I kept up pretty well, even though I was slowing her down, and finished with a good stretch. The next day however....the pain was unbelievable I could hardly move. This pain continued even worse to the 2ND day after and we were on route to the Bay of Fundy/ Hopewell Rocks to watch the Tide go out or come in whatever may be the case at the time of our arrival. To get there you have to walk down a thousand steps..and when your done you walk up a thousand steps. Sometimes I would turn around and walk backwards because it was easier on my aching knees. So I will never, "just go for a jog," when I haven't jogged in months ever again!

I also started a new eating plan to get healthier and help my husband get healthier. I am using YOU: On A Diet and The G.I. Diet (short for glycemic index not G.I. Joe's) for recipes and eating styles.

So far the Harvest soup and whole wheat pizza have been huge hits! If anyone wants the recipe let me know. At the start of the week I make a big pot of soup and cut up veggies for easy access and put in fridge. Then when hunger strikes and your feeling lazy you have something healthy and ready-to-eat and it tastes better over time because ti marinates. I also portioned out nuts and dried fruit for snacks. It seems to be working. I usually eat like crap when I am too tired to make something healthy and when your tired your blood sugar is low and that's when you crave bad food. So having ready made choices are a really good idea.

I am such a sugar junkie that my body is going through withdrawal. I am also off pop which means I am also going through caffeine withdrawal. Hopefully this will end soon because the headaches are terrible. I think all the fibre, vegetables and water will help because it flushes all the crap built up in your body.

Well hopefully this New Year's Resolution won't patter out like it usually does. But my goal to run the 13 miles on May 27Th is a good motivator to keep up on the treadmill. There is the constant state of motion that I am in having a very active little toddler around me to keep me on the move!

A Little Momento

2007-01-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

So my son who is 18 months old and hardly talks, except for his own language, cracked me up this morning when I made him breakfast.

I made him cinnamon french toast and cut it up into little squares put it on a plate and let him eat it in front of sesame street while I went to have a shower.

And before I even got my hair wet he marches into the bathroom and knocks on the shower door. I open the shower and he holds up his empty plate until I take it from him. He gives me a single nod of his head and then says," Yummmm...."

I reply with, "would you like some more french toast?" And he simply says, "Yep!" And then marches back out of the bathroom.

So I am left standing in the shower holding an empty plate and laughing.

This goes out to my sista's!

2007-01-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

My sistas's are my favorite women in my life. My real sister Alison and my sister-in-law Shannon.

So we are going to run 13 miles on May 27th!!! This can't be true. We have a little less than 20 weeks to train for our half marathon and it can't be done unless I know people are counting on me to do it. Watching my every move, checking up on me like I am a 3 year old. So I am going to track my progress on this blog so my friends can cheer me on or get on my case if I am not hitting the treadmill with intensity.

So I am writing this down so that my chances of succeeding are better and to give a shout out to my running sistas!

p.s. i have a cold so I am going to start training tomorrow.

I am a Procrastinating Perfectionist.

2006-12-30T09:56:00.000-08:00

So Christmas...was a lot of work. And that is because I am a procrastinating perfectionist. Say that ten times fast. Its true and I think there must be others out there like me. I need therapy for this.

Trying to cook an entire turkey dinner for the first time with a toddler holding onto your legs wanting 'up, up, up!' added an extra element of difficulty to an already stressful situation. Especially since I need everything to be perfect. Frankly, I really need to let the perfectness go to hell once in a while.

I know where I went wrong. The procrastinating part of my problem. I did everything the week before Christmas. Everything! Baking, shopping, decorating, house cleaning, preparing for company, grocery shopping, cooking, wrapping, getting family photos, writing/addressing/mailing Christmas cards complete with family photos, and cooking. Even though I started late, I still had to do it all. I am crazy.

My son was given a lot of great toys for Christmas but of course they always say the boxes and wrapping paper are the best part. For him it was placing a long narrow box that a sports bag came in strategically over the two stairs leading down into the sunken living room and then trying to slide down it. Who needs TV when you have an 18 month old?

Well hopefully I will have the sense to re-read this blog next year and do it all differently. But I have to admit old habits are hard to break.

Once It Hits Your Lips

2006-12-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

I have a new passion and it is for a sandwich. Its not just any sandwich its a Quiznos sandwich. Damn those things are good. My husband asked me the other day where I'd like to go for dinner and I was like, "Quiznos!" And he was like, "Again?" Not very romantic but tasty and affordable. I love the prime rib on garlic bread as well as the ceaser chicken. They toast 'em, and they roast'em, and there's melty cheese. I am getting a watery mouth just writing about them!

I would like to buy a franchise, because this place is a gold mine! Or stock...have they gone public?

So this blog is dedicated to the Quiznos sandwich, with the little hot pepper rolled into the paper, with all your delectable goodness. No turkey and stuffing being served at my table this Christmas we are having Turkey Bacon Guacamole Quiznos subs...HO HO HO Merry Christmas!

A Long Nap = A Long Night

2006-12-19T14:59:00.000-08:00

Every time my son naps I have to decide when to wake him up. Do I enjoy my peace and quiet and let him take a long nap and then let him stay up really late at night? Or do I wake him up and deal with his crankiness from being woken up but enjoy a longer evening with my husband?

It never seems like an easy choice, especially if he was up in the night for a few hours like last night he was up from 3:00am to 6:00am and he only fell back to sleep because I took him into the spare room so I could lie down with him. Then he fell asleep directly in the centre of a double bed like a star fish (he's definitely my child because if I could sleep any which way that would be how). So I am crammed up in the corner and incredibly uncomfortable and I really want to leave him there and go back to my own bed. But there is a problem.

My husband's alarm goes off around seven and it is almost seven. So if I go back to my bed I have to endure listening to him press snooze several times until he gets up and then proceed to get dressed and make noise and turn the bathroom lights on. I tried lying down but in 5 minutes I knew if I drifted off he'd be waking me up. So I did what any rational woman would do on 4 hours of sleep. I got up and unloaded and re-loaded the dishwasher, swept the floor and did a once over with a swiffer wet mop. Oh yeah, I also washed the dishes left in the sink.

By then my husband had surfaced and left for work so I went back to bed where I fell into a Mommy coma where 90 minutes later I woke up to a toddler yelling for me because he was awake...and I was like...ALREADY??? I was only asleep for 5 minutes or what felt like 5 minutes.

And now I am supposed to go and wake him up when I have had 2 hours of peace and actually managed to get all my Christmas cards written, stuffed with photos, addressed and sealed? And I just want more of this lovely quiet that is in the house. Yeah, I am thinking he can sleep a little longer. But I know I will pay for it later...

Who's Reading This?

2006-12-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

I am always wondering who is reading my blog. I get very few comments but my counter shows that people have stopped by and I am curious are they my friends? Or are they strangers that just like to read what's out there.

So please if you stopped by let me know who you are and where you're from. Its nice to know who your audience is. I'd also like to know your favorite blog if you are an avid reader.

I appreciate the feedback.

The Oven is About to Run a Marathon

2006-12-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

I like to do Christmas baking and I like to do all kinds of different baking. But this year I am responsible for Christmas at my house which means, I am also doing the whole shebang so I need to get organised and narrow down the most important items.

Gingerbread cookies. Should I do a house, round cookies or full out people? I do get joy out of taunting each cookie about which limb is going to be eaten first. Oh come on, we all do it. Poor little gingerbread man just lost his head! Ha, ha, ha, munch, munch, munch munch.
So gingerbread people it is...

Sugar cookies. Very time consuming but I only do them once a year. Maybe I will lighten the effort by doing it in stages. One day make the dough, another day bake a few dozen, then anther day when I have friends over get help icing them. Who wants to come over and ice cookies?

Shortbread. Can't do it. The butter content alone just screams don't do it! I don't know, my Dad loves shortbread as does my husband. I am on the fence about this cookie.

Nuts and bolts. Had them growing up every year at Christmas time. But now it kind of seems like a throw back to the 1970's party snack. But I need something savoury. Any ideas?

And then Christmas dinner...apparently its all about the stuffing. So I am going to do the standard family recipe change it up with a few different kinds of bread. I also want top make a trendier apple and dried cranberry kind. I am a huge Barefoot Contessa fan. She recommends a sour cream and Parmesan mash potato recipe I am going to use. I haven't decided on the vegetable. I was thinking roasted brussel sprouts and carrots. And of course the turkey. The only thing I can't seem to do regarding the turkey is tie it correctly. Some birds look like they have been in bondage. I just tuck the wings under and tie the legs shut.
This turkey roasting is starting to sound like dirty talk. So let's move on to Christmas morning.

Christmas morning at our house always involved Butter horns. A mashed potato dough bun with icing and walnuts. I actually have never made them. My Mom always made them. I think I may try them out this year. Big shoes to fill on this one. I am a little nervous.

Christmas is a lot more relaxing when your not responsible for anything and can just sit back and enjoy the goods. Who am I kidding, I love this. I absolutely know my husband falls in love with me a little more each time I make one hell of a meal. And I soak it up!

this one is dull

2006-12-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

I have blogger's block. I am sitting here waiting for the witty juices to flow but find myself a lot more interested in the box of After Eight chocolates I bought the other day. I put them in the fridge so they are really cold, they taste better that way.

I have this deep sense of restlessness. Nothing appeals to me. I am listless and yet everything I am doing to be productive and fill my day seem like nothing. Its like I am a kid and I am whining to my parents, "I'm bored," like they are somehow responsible for my entertainment. Then your parents give out all these ideas of things you could do which usually totally suck like, clean your room, or help with the chores. Not even getting ready for Christmas or all the unpacking I have left to do from the move seem to remotely appeal to me.

What's wrong with me? I shouldn't have the time to feel this way. I am not even finding joy from blogging. I always love a good blog session.

I need more After Eights...

boo hoo poor me

2006-12-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

My son is teething. The whole process of getting teeth is very slow and painful for him. Most kids his age have twice as many teeth as he does which is a shame because he likes to eat and I am tired of mashing everything up.

Last night I couldn't get him to sleep until almost midnight. He woke up at 7 am on the nose. He usually needs 10-12 hours at night. I gave him a bottle and tried cuddling him back to sleep. But when I tried to put him back in his crib it was like trying to put a cat in a bath tub.

The thing about his sleepless nights is not only is the night shot. So is the day, because he is tired and cranky and takes a big nap because he hardly got any sleep. And I am exhausted and feeling unmotivated so the whole day is a waste. Especially if it goes on for several days in a row.

I just have to say, I am really tired of being tired.

Conversation With a Treadmill

2006-12-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

So we moved a couple months ago. Since then my treadmill has been in pieces on the basement floor surrounded by boxes. This weekend my husband cleared some room and put it together for me. Now its staring at me and I can't make it stop.

Its all, " why aren't you running on me?"

And I'm all, " cause I'm lazy and out of shape!"

Then the treadmill gives me a dirty look and says, " well that's not going to change until you pay me a little attention 3-5 times a week."

And I'm like, " be quiet you expensive reminder of my unfinished goal of running a marathon or I'll turn you into a laundry rack like last time!"

Yeah...that shut it up...I can't stand being taunted.

Random wishes

2006-12-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

I wish I had a British accent. I have a sister in law from London and I could listen to her talk all day.

Last night on the news they talked about a strong tornado in Britain. They interviewed different people that experienced the disaster and the various homes that were destroyed. It was the most lovely and sophisticated tornado of all time by the sound of their voices.

Even when they are using foul language they sound so proper you hardly even realise they are even swearing. When I get mad I wish I could get away with saying things like "wanker" and "bloody hell."

That would be awesome.

I'm not cool anymore.

2006-12-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

My purse used to be small. It had make-up and a palm pilot. Now it always has a Ziploc bag with animal crackers, a couple of diapers, wet ones, and a wallet bigger than the purse I used to carry.

I avoid all clothing items that need special care. I don't have time for that anymore. Special care = shrunk, discolored, or wrinkled and never ready to wear. I also avoid white. It just never stays that colour very long.

I need low maintenance hair cuts. Comfortable clothes. If I wore high heels I would kill myself when I chased after my kid. When I listen to the radio I have no idea most of the time who is singing the song.

When I was a teenager I always said to myself that I would always stay in the game of what's hot and what's not. What can I say? My priorities have clearly changed.

I wanted to do a cleanse anyways...

2006-12-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

So my son came down with the stomach flu on the weekend...which meant I have the stomach flu...and its just a matter of time until my husband gets it.

When you don't have children you know that being sick is miserable. But then when your sick and your child is sick. You have to clean them up, change their bedding, pajamas, and diapers a million times in between your own sprints to the bathroom. You just didn't realise how good you had it being able to lie in bed and watch all the TV you wanted in those ill, child-free days.

All I have to say if it wasn't for Baby Einstein videos , 7-up, and soda crackers. I don't think I'd be alive today.

Well it can always get worse. I am learning that all the time.

My workout philosophy.

2006-12-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

So I bought this new workout video.

I thought since its cold outside and my freedom is limited with the vehicle downsizing that I should do something at home when Jacob is napping. The video is called Get Ripped. I saw it in the store, and I thought, 'I would like to get ripped.' My post baby body has extra motion to it when I stop moving and I don't really like that.

So I popped in "Get Ripped..Slim and Lean" so I could watch it through and learn how to do the weight lifts properly and make sure its not over my capability level. Before you know it I am 60 minutes into it kicking back on the couch eating M and M's. And just when the instructor is really feeling the burn I thought I needed something to drink. So I washed down those peanuts with a little Diet Coke.

Hey, it was diet coke....

I really need to re-think this strategy of mine.

I feel like my house looks.

2006-11-30T15:25:00.000-08:00

I have always noticed that I feel like my house looks.

If I am stressed out and tired. The house is a total disaster. And then I go into crazy cleaning mode which I have to say scares my husband a little. However, it is productive self-therapy.

I run around with a look of terror to anyone who gets in the way of my goal to clean the place up from top to bottom. Don't sit around and watch me either..you better get in there and work your butt off because I am working my butt off.

The scariest part about this whole thing is this is exactly what my Mother does. I am turning into my Mother! I hated it when my Mom went into crazy cleaning mode. My sister and I would literally run to our bedrooms and start cleaning out of total fear.

I should give this alternate personality a name so I have something to refer to, like Mildred or Gretchen.

Any suggestions???

The five stages of grief...over a rented truck!

2006-11-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

Since Tony and I got married we have only had one vehicle. This was mainly because I took the bus downtown to work for four years. I did this even when I had a car. It was cheaper and faster. And then we moved and I became a stay home Mom. We were close to the C-train which stops just behind Tony's office building and since I had free time being home I could drop him off and pick him up from the train most days.

Now we are in Sherwood Park. Going back and forth on weekends to Calgary and we were apart for most of the last 3 months as we got ready to move and still renovating. We really needed a second vehicle. With the budget the company gave us for the move we were able to rent a truck for the last 3 months. It gave us more flexibility and assisted with the renovations. It was a real life saver. Tomorrow we are giving it back. And we will be a one car family again. And its going to suck!

I am actually in mourning over returning the truck. I realised that I am going through the 5 stages of grief over...a truck...that was never mine to begin with.

The first stage is DENIAL. I was completely oblivious to the fact that the truck wasn't "ours" until this week when Tony reminded me he had to drop it off on Thursday. It was like it had become apart of the family.

The second stage, ANGER, set in when I realised that we chose this financially. That we set ourselves in a position that we would put everything into this house and we wouldn't buy a second car until we sold it. How could we be so stupid? Just the thought of not having a vehicle anytime I want makes me feel like I am handing over the freedom to my life away. And It is so freezing here transit is just not an option. I am not even sure what transit is like in Sherwood Park.

Then there is the third stage, BARGAINING. I could cut back on the grocery budget etc, etc. I started pitching ideas to Tony about how we could justify one more month of renting or better yet, we could lease and have a low monthly payment...or...if we just used our line of credit....and so on...

Now I am about to start stage four, DEPRESSION, I told Tony we should take a ride in the truck tonight as a family. Say goodbye. So I can have closure...

Who knows how long it will take for stage five, ACCEPTANCE. I think I may dwell in stage four until the holidays roll around so I can feed the pain with baked goods and chocolate.

Seriously, how do people who never learn to drive stand it? Take away my car keys, and your taking my independence, which is painful!

Costco = Joy

2006-11-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

What is it about Costco that makes you feel like blowing all your money? I always go there with certain items in mind but always come home with things I didn't even know existed before I went.

Today we went to Costco to get a few storage shelves for the garage. We came home with a Red Rider toy car for my son and if they had my size...I would have had a new winter jacket. Which I still want...but I am not an XS...and I take comfort in the fact that all there was left were XS's so apparently I am not the only one who isn't an XS.

Its crazy to think you actually have to have a membership and pay money to shop at Costco. The concept of giving them money so you have the right to give them more of your money. I think that is kind of nuts. And yet...I am considering an upgrade to the executive level of memberships.

But I love Costco. Its on my top ten list of places I love to shop. That money sucking concrete warehouse of joy.

my son: and his path of destruction!

2006-11-27T09:42:00.000-08:00

The other day I thought I'd leave the mess my son created in the house until after he went to bed. Since it felt like I was putting away the same thing multiple times anyway...why not do it just once? So after I put him to bed for the night I walked into the living room and I swear it looked like somebody had broken into our house and ransacked the place.

Today I watched my 17 month old son push a very large cooler across the kitchen floor, over to the sunken living room, push it down the stairs where it landed upside down. He then climbed on top of it, stood up, and then laughed like an evil superhero. After he was finished announcing his world domination,he climbed off, rolled it over and tried to push it back up the stairs. This he could not do...so he yelled at it for not obeying his will and moved on to the next order of destruction. Which just so happened to be taking the phone, saying "hi" a few times and then slamming it against the fridge door.

I swear he went from 16 months to "the terrible two's" almost overnight. Every room in the house he leaves behind a trail that screams, "Jacob was here!" For example, the bathroom. There are miscellaneous objects in the bath tub at any given time. This morning I found one of my slippers and a wooden spoon. He also loves to pull the towels off the rack so they are in a pile on the floor. And of course his final move before his exit is flushing the toilet once or twice.

Then he may move to a bedroom where he opens the bottom drawer and pulls every item of clothing out. Then he'll go into the closet where he likes to push back the pants and hide behind them and yank them off the hangers. Which brings us to his latest fascination...shoes.

Aside from the great joy throwing the shoes down the basement stairs does bring lately he has been really fascinated by putting items in shoes. My Mom told me she walked around with a magnetised piece of the alphabet from the fridge in her shoe once. I found his sippy cup stuffed inside a shoe. I find his sippy cup in the most hilarious spots. Once I found it in the flowerbed. Yesterday he had a runny nose so I gave him some decongestant. When I went to give it to him again before bed it wasn't on the bathroom counter where I left it (sealed tightly of course). The little stinker can get things off counter tops now. And guess where I finally found it? That's right, inside a shoe in my bedroom closet! Now when I can't find something, my first thought is to start holding any available footwear in an upside down position and shaking out its mystery contents.

I would love to hear your kid's destruction stories too...

All I want for Christmas...is to finish my house...and sell it...

2006-11-24T15:47:00.000-08:00

So we have been renovating our house in Calgary since the first week we moved into it. That was almost 2 years ago. I brought a new baby into a place with torn down walls and exposed floor boards.

We are spending all our free time, every weekend, every free thought towards the completion of this project. And now that we are living in Sherwood Park and travelling back and forth on top of renovating...well I have to say this, just when I thought things couldn't get any harder they certainly did.

Even though, I know in the end it will be good for us. It seems it came at a sacrifice. I looked in my son's baby book and I haven't written in it for a few months. There is a 4-6 week gap on the digital camera of time where I didn't take a single picture of him too. And the photos are sparse before that.

So thinking about this today I decided that spending countless hours chasing after the ball he has thrown down the stairs and recovering every single toy he decided should go in the bath tub or better yet in my closet...isn't so mundane. It wasn't so bad chasing him around when he knew I was going to change his diaper. Or to turn the TV off for the hundredth time after he's gone and turned it back on.

I've been so consumed with this house I feel like I have been missing out. And I don't want to miss anymore.

So all I want for Christmas is to finish this house. And sell it. So I can have all the annoying day to day activities back in my life that I thought I could live without before.

we moved in the wrong direction

2006-11-23T09:53:00.000-08:00

And when I say that we moved in the wrong direction. I mean, literally moved in the wrong direction. Since we moved North from Calgary to Edmonton it has done nothing but snow and be windy and cold. Calgary you ask? Chinooks and above zero most of the time.

We moved into a place where the sidewalk and driveway are as big as the house!

So I get the shovel and think to myself...I am a married woman. Didn't I get a husband so I'd never have to mow the lawn, shovel a walk, solve computer/ electronic problems, fix something, kill insects, or put oil and windshield fluid in my car ever again???

Meanwhile my toddler has plastered himself to the living room window in order to watch Mommy put on a good show pushing around all that cold fluffy white stuff and I hate to disappoint a dedicated audience. So I shovelled...

Now my back hurts. And guess what the best part is....it has snowed so much since I finished that I'll need to do it again this afternoon!

this makes me nervous

2006-11-22T12:36:00.000-08:00

This totally scares me to death. This bogging business.

I am writing this blog for myself. Because I really want to find out what I have to say. I hope to be surprised and find out that I am witty and charming and that people love me and my blog and that it will be the greatest blog ever. Well maybe not ever but secretly hoping that it at least doesn't completely stink.

I am a terrible speller.

Even worse at grammer.

And absolutely atrocious at typing!

When I type I actually prefer to do so without any capitals because pressing down the shift button at the same time as a letter is just too much work!
but then reading my blog would look something like this.
and if i ddnt' borther to do any kind of re/read and spell chekc mabye it woiuld llok somethign like this.

Hopefully, I will get better with practice.