NIELSON NEWS

Here we go....

2012-01-15T21:39:00.000-08:00

Got the news this week. I'm trying to decide if I'm excited or terrified. After living in Alberta for my entire life, I'll be dropping everything and moving to Kingston Ontario :) It is happening a lot faster than I expected. We could be there as early as March. The house is no where near ready to sell....so I am going to be VERY BUSY!! I'm just crossing my fingers I can keep my sanity...this is definitley the craziest adventure of my life.

Week 9 of 17ish

2011-12-16T20:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I almost made it through this week without incident. Today was HELL. The bulldozers came to fix the sewer pipe. The dug and dug and dug......destroyed my whole yard....and could not find the pipe. So, they kept digging and digging, untill....BAM. they hit a water pipe.....flooded my yard....and THEN it came into my basement! So, I currently have a flooded basement.....no husband....and no water.

However, it could have been much worse. My insurance company sent a restoration company and they said that since it's grey water, and since our basement is unfinished....we should just be able to rip out the carpets and leave the other stuff to dry with a fan. Probably not even worth a claim (I still have to go through everything and see it if amounted to more than the $500 deductible....and an adjuster is coming on Monday to look at it.

Oh, and to top it off, we have a realtor coming over to look at our house to suggest ways we can get it ready to sell in the spring. I'm sure he's going to say "umm.....there is no hope for this place.....flooded basement, 20 foot hole in the yard?"

And now for the really good news. Ethan comes home tomorrow.....FEWF!!!!

Week 8 of 17ish

2011-12-12T20:55:00.001-08:00

This week consisted of pretty much the usual. Mall, playdates, coffee and scream, the science center and 2 christmas parties (military and church).

The first six days went super speed, but yesterday made up for it.

I was of course thinking to myself how lucky I was that things were going so well, and that my kids were healthy and happy and I hadn't had any major disasters.

Sunday at 10:30pm I got a knock on my door from my neighbour (which totally freaked me out by the way). Being a single mom makes me extra jumpy when I get late night visitors. Neighbour said that he was getting backup water in his basement, and that I should check mine. Sure enough, I was getting it too...and wouldn't have noticed till morning, as I was about to go to bed. Called the condo board, they dispatched a plumber who was here from about 1-2am. good times. I got to sleep around 3....and was a zombie most of the day. Isaac has a nasty cold and a bit of a stomach bug, so that added to my fun. I did survive today though.... Apparently there is a broken pipe and they are going to have to dig up my lawn later this week. good thing isaac likes bulldozers I guess....

Ethan gets home Sat. afternoon. Sarah is really excited, and Isaac has just come to accept that "Daddy" is the guy he sees on the computer every night. It'll be interesting to see how he reacts.

During the break we're planning on a few outings, getting our house in selling condition, relaxing etc.... and I'm planning on curling up in a ball and letting Ethan watch the kids for 3 weeks!!! ok, maybe not really.

This puts us at about 1/2 way for this training stuff....yaaaay. I think march 17th is still the supposed end date.....but has not been confirmed.

Week 7 of 17ish

2011-12-06T20:24:00.001-08:00

Seriously have no idea where last week went..... it seemed like December would never get here, and then it did and went into warp speed.

Hmm...not much to report. Ethan was able to put in his posting request this week, and has chose #1 Kingston, #2 Ottawa. It's starting to feel a bit more real....but still won't be set in stone till March-ish.

I thought about getting a christmas tree, setting it up etc. but decided to wait till ethan gets home. Tying it onto the roof of the car by myself with the kids didn't sound like a fun time. Our house is so small anyway, a tree for a week is enough for me :) Besides, I'm sure Isaac will want to climb it/trash it anyway.

Crazy weather this week. Lost the side of our roof in the wind, and then got a huge snow dump. No worries though, as we were scheduled for a new roof this summer, and the condo board does all the snow shovelling :) Also, lucked out...as we decided to stay in the afternoon of the snow storm, when we normally would have been going out somewhere.

Had lots of help last week. My dad came over while isaac napped and i got some groceries. It's sooooo nice to shop without kids! My usuay youth helper came and played with the kids on Sunday. Another lady from church came and entertained isaac while I cleaned on Monday. Life is good.

What else did we do this week. The usual. Library/playdate/mall/science center/craft fair (which was lame) but gave us a nice walk/ parent teacher interviews/ and I think that's about it.

Parent Teacher Interviews were good. Sarah scored very well in all areas. Teacher said she could work on her fine motor skills, as her printing was a bit messy (hello, it's kindergarden...) but said her vocabulary was off the charts, and she was blown away by Sarah's answers and participation :)

Ok, I'm onto week 8 now.....so better finish this one off :)

Week 6 of 17ish

2011-11-26T20:21:00.001-08:00

Goodbye week 6! Well, I think Ethan and I are about ready for this training stuff to be over! And...we're not quite half way! This is definitley NOT EASY! Only 3 weeks till he's home for christmas though....yaaaay.

After talking with a lot of other military folk, we've decided that we should move into a PMQ while our house sells. I thought about staying here with the kids till it sells, then realized it would mean a possibly ADDITIONAL 6 months + away from Daddy/Husband! No thanks..... If it does eventually sell, we could buy a place in Kingston...and would know the city better after being there for a while. If it doesn't sell, we will have to rent it out and stay in PMQ's till we are brave enough for a #2 mortgage I guess.

Apparently some PMQ's have been renovated and are quite nice....and others are really showing their age.....so crossing fingers it all works out. I've also learned that the base has it's own beach area, splash park, community center with playgroups, clubs etc, pool, gym etc. Sounds great to the stay at home mom! On the other hand....it's a bit far away from shopping etc. and you have to cross the big bridge to get anywhere. Other good thing....they are opening up a brand new HUGE elementary school in a really nice area right off base, and are closing down the one on base. So, Sarah would start at a brand new school in september, rather than one that was falling apart. So....am I ready to move to Kingston....YES!! Am I sure it's even going to happen? no.......

Hmm...what did we do this week.....stir crazy, playdate, shopping, science center, walks (it's warmed up a bit - yay!) and the lethbridge cousins came over for a visit yesterday. Yay for visitors!

I definitley haven't got the hang of my new church calling yet. It's causing me some stress for sure. I haven't been able to be informed of what I actually do yet, and people are already calling me/talking to me about music things....and I have no idea what to tell them. Hopefully I can figure things out this week.

Next week is DECEMBER!!! WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!

I think I could live here.....

2011-11-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

Ok, it's not the end of the week yet, but I found this photo I must post.

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't mind living here........ Certainly a change from my Calgary! Well, I should really not get too excited, because there is still a possibility of Ottawa....but I am starting to get a bit obsessive about kingston :)

Week 5 of 17ish

2011-11-20T21:09:00.001-08:00

Well, week 5 is over. yay! It wasn't my favourite week so far, mostly due to the FREEZING weather... ugggh. But we did ok. The secret to keeping sane seems to be keeping busy. My house is abnormally clean, I am always cleaning... and even Sarah is starting to help with some chores (with some $ incentives). I schedule an afternoon outing every day after Isaac's nap. Science Center/Coffee and Scream/Library/ anything to get out of the house for a bit!

I'm not a huge christmas person....but this year it can't come fast enough!! I like seeing christmas things....and even felt a bit of hope when I picked up a jug of milk that said Dec 03. December is COMING!!!

I got a new church calling this week. I'm the ward music chairperson. Can't say I was expecting that. I was actually hoping for nursery :) It should be ok though. I kind of schedule all things music - pick hymns, get music approved for the choir etc. I've never had a music calling, so it will definitley be a change.

What else. Oh, Isaac weaned himself this week. I'm glad, cuz I was ready to give it up and wasn't sure how to do it without some tantrums. My originally goal was to nurse for 6 months....then I thought maybe 12 months....13 months was plenty. He did great though....he just kinda lost interest one day - a week ago! So I guess I'm done :)

I had some help again today, from a youth. I got sooooo much done in the 2 hours she was here. We also had some church kids over and they had fun building forts etc. Playdates are great!

Hmm....on the military front. We are still hearing a Spring move is very likely. It will either be Ottawa or Kingston, and we are asking for Kingston. It just seems like it would be less scary than Ottawa to me....but considering I've never been either places.....I really have no idea.

Speaking of moving....I am fairly terrified of how the sale of our house will work out....if it even does. There is currently 2 places for sale in my complex....for $60,000 LESS than we paid for this one!! I guess the good news is....these 2 places were rentals and are pretty trashed. We've done lots of reno's to ours, so it might be worth a little more....but not much.... So yeah....worst case we might have to rent this place out.....and wait a few years to try to sell again. This certainly keeps me up at night! There are so many different possibilities... We are probably going to have a realtor come while ethan is here for christmas and see if he thinks there is any hope for us selling without going into debt!

And on that note....I think it's time for me to stalk the kingston MLS listings.....DROOL.

PS. my kids are still CUTE!! I had a lot of fun with them this week.....we certainly spend a lot of time together :)

Week 4 of 17ish

2011-11-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

Well, almost a month down....only 4 to go? ok, that still sounds like a LOT!! (deep breath)Good thing we get a 3 week visit at christmas.

This week was good. My mother in law came for the whole week, so it was nice to not be on my own. She left of Sunday, so today was hard for sure. I have come to despise long weekends! It's hard to keep the kids busy when it's so COLD outside....School is a great way to break up the day, and I miss it dearly when it's a holiday :) Good thing is, only one more day off before christmas holidays. woohoo! Remembrance day was good. We didn't brave any ceremonies, but we watched a bit on the computer. Sarah was very into it and really excited about all the metals the soldiers were wearing, and the canons.

Ethan is still going good. He's keeping really busy, learning lots and excited to be into his real career....FINALLY.

What else....

Sarah had a pediatrician appointment this week. Our family doc is worried about her BMI. She's the size of a 95th percentile 7 YEAR OLD!! And she's only 5...... so yeah...pediatrician said that she needs to lose 10 pounds. So, I'm trying to get her more active and watching more carefully her portions. It's hard because she always wants to eat and is ALWAYS complaining that she is hungry. We are going to meet with a dietician too....so hopefully that helps. It's so hard to keep kids active in the winter. I have put her in skating lessons in January, and am hoping to do swimming too. Swimming with 2 kids is hard though....as you are suppose to stay "arms length" away from both of them....and they like to go opposite directions. So yeah....a struggle for sure. I am hoping that we can live close to the base when we move...so that we can use all their rec facilities. Definitley excited about that. I need to lose weight too....I put on quite a lot AFTER I had Isaac. I thought you were suppose to lose weight after having a baby...

Other things on my mind.....
I've decided I am definitley having a bit of an identity crisis. A lot has changed in the last month. Husband gone, Resigned my job of 7 years, and this week I was released from my calling with the YW. So.....I guess I am 100% mommy now. I really don't have anything else going on. I'm still wrapping my head around it.

The kids....
Sarah's quote of the day. "Do library fines cost real money, or just credit card?"

Isaac is picking up some words! He's soooo cute (not that I'm biased). He can now say:
Daddy
Bubbles
Apple
Water
Uh oh

Pretty random words, but he is consistently saying them on request. Sarah think's it is hilarious :)

Week 3 of 17ish

2011-11-07T20:44:00.001-08:00

Well, this week went by SUPER fast! I had 3 people help me out this week. 2 youth from church and 1 lady from church. It was so great to get some breaks from the kids. The last time ethan went away I had pretty much zero help. It was bad, and I was miserable and burnt out. So far this time around has been much better. I'm glad I asked for help.

The kids had the flu this week, but they both did very well. And with all the running around and cleaning, it strangely seemed to speed time up :) Also, it really wore out the kids, so they slept a lot!

Hmm...what else. Halloween was fun. I took the kids out for about 1.5 hours. Isaac just stayed in the wagon and sarah ran from house to house. She had a blast. I left candy on our doorstep with a note, and was happy to see people were really honest. There was still candy when we got back! We didn't get many trick or treaters after that, so I had lots of candy left over. I really wanted it out of my house, so I looked into the "candy buy back" I had heard about. I convinced Sarah to sell back 3/4 of her candy, as she was really excited that the dentist turns it into apples for the food bank. She loves to help others. It was a great experience. She got a toothbrush and had a "green smoothie". I would definitley do it again!

http://www.evansdentalhealth.com/candy-buy-back.html

We also discovered the new science center this week. It's GREAT!! Sarah LOVES acting. She is always putting on some sort of "Show". They have a theater there with costumes, and she spent 2 hours putting on shows, while me and isaac explored the other things. Isaac loved it too. It's nice to find somewhere they keeps my 1 year old AND my 5 year old busy and happy. So.....we bought a year pass :) I think we will go once a week. I like coffee and scream, but sarah is getting too old for it. I like Stir Crazy, but Isaac is a bit young for it, and it can definitley get "crazy" when it's busy. So...finally found a place to play in the winter :)

Ethan is doing well on his course. We skype every day, and the kids are getting use to him being gone.

My mother in law is here for all of week 4! It's soooo nice to not be on my own this week!!

I guess that's it. Oh, and Daylight Savings is EVIL.... I hate it.

Back to Blogging...

2011-10-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

So I've been finding myself with a lot of free time in the evenings....so I think I will bring my blog back to life. For those who don't know, ethan left for 5 months of training two weeks ago. I will try to update weekly.

WEEK 1 of 17ish

The first week pretty much dragged on forever! For the first few days I think I was running on adrenaline. I re-organized and de-junked pretty much my entire house. I guess I realized that if it was me vs. so much stuff...I was going to lose! The days after that I definitley had some burn out. Thankfully Sarah had some playdates and parties to go to...and Isaac has LOVELY 3 hour naps. Also, Isaac sleeps 12 hours straight at night and Sarah sleeps 11. Now before you get jealous, know that from birth to 11 months, Isaac was up EVERY 2 hours!!! This has truly been a miracle that he is now a good sleeper. I have asked for some help from the church/family and military and am happy to say I had a YW come over and play with the kids on Sunday. It's amazing how a couple of hours of freedom can save your sanity!

Week 2 of 17ish.

We skype with ethan almost every day around dinner time. The 2 hour time difference is a bit tricky, but the kids like to see daddy on the computer. The 2nd week went a bit faster. We've really got into a routine and the kids seem to be doing well. Sarah has decided that she wants me to teach her to play the piano, so we try to do lessons every night. I found a great book called "My first piano adventures" and it's really a fun way to learn to play. Sarah is doing great in school. I'd like to brag that she's got 100% on all of her weekly grapheme tests. Yes, her kindergarden is pretty intense. It's so great though! I love that they are so serious about learning. She has 30 minutes of homework every night (yes, in kindergarden) and seriously can't wait to do it every night! She gets home from school and rips open her backpack in excitement. I'm so glad we chose the TLC kindergarden. As for help this week, my dad came over so I could pick sarah up from a party while Isaac napped. Also had a youth group come and watch the kids for 20 minutes while they were doing their "amazing race" activity. Seriously 20 minutes is like an hour when you don't have kids tugging at your leg!

Also glad I didn't go back to work. Holy cow, I would have been eaten alive trying to work full time and be a full time single mom!

Hmm...I think that's all. Looking forward to some more help this week, and MIL is coming for a week in November. Ethan is home for 3 weeks @ christmas....so that will be a nice middle-of-training-break!

Supposedly (if all goes well, and he passes the course) we should get our first posting in March.....meaning we might actually move.....to Ontario. With all the false alarms though, I'm saying "I'll believe it when I see it".

recent photos

2011-05-14T17:22:00.000-07:00

since i have a few friends not on facebook.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

More boring things

2011-01-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

So, definitley bored these days. So thought I'd post about TV shows.

We don't have cable, just netflix and an apple tv (hello torrents).

But I watch lots of shows online on global, ctv and discovery.

Anyhoo...new favourite - The Colony 2

It's like survivor, but better!! I'm totally addicted. Anyhoo....I also just started on "off the map". It's the latest medical drama....and since I am a grey's addict I thought I'd give it a try. It's ok so far, but not hooked yet. I watch Raising Hope too...ok, not great....

Does anyone have any good shows to recommend? I have lots of free time when sarah is at preschool...and baby is sleepin.

PHOTOS!!!

2011-01-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

For all of you who aren't on my facebook......

2011 update

2011-01-21T13:32:00.000-08:00

Ok, let's see if I can do two blog posts in a row. Baby steps right?

Here's a quick update on us.

We are STILL in Calgary....STILL!!! We thought the military would have moved us at least a year ago....but nope...still waiting. No signs of it happening any time soon either. It's sooo frustrating because we have outgrown this house, yet it would be silly for us to move without military approval.

Anyhoo...we've decided that there is a good possibility that if we are still here this summer, we will buy a bigger house HERE.... hoooray. I have a house shopping obsession. I am constantly scouring the mls and have found so many houses I want to go see...

Hmm..what else. Sarah starts kindergarden in Sept. There are a zillion schools around here and the one she is designated to go to.....isn't very good. So, I'm looking into other options, but NONE of them feel right! ugggh.... I am leaning towards the spanish one though. I mean...she's a smart kid and the school has really good ratings.

What else. Baby is doing great. He's super cute. I'm enjoying the pre-teething phase and pray that he's a better teether than his sister (1 year of H#LL). Anyhoo...

Thinking about disneyland this year. Definitely a nanaimo trip. A wedding in June (sooo excited!)

Gotta admit, the whole housewife thing can get a bit monotonous...but I keep telling myself they grow up so fast. After all...how did sarah get to be 4.5!!???

Isaac's Birth Story

2011-01-20T06:47:00.001-08:00

So, hugely slacking on my blog...but I've decided I'm not going to give it up. Here's Isaac's birth story (written by my doula)

Isaac’s Birth Story

My story begins in March, when I first met Emily and Ethan. Although Isaac’s story begins a few months earlier, I met with Emily and Ethan on March 21, 2010 to discuss my doula services. Emily and Ethan’s first child had been born by cesarean section, and it was an experience that they hoped to not have to repeat again, so they were looking to have someone help them through their labour and birth for this baby. Ethan and Emily decided to hire me to be their birth doula, and we met a couple more times before their due date of September 22, 2010. We discussed ways to improve their chances of having a vaginal birth, natural comfort measures, and the role I would play as part of the birth team. By the time Isaac’s due date finally came around, Emily and Ethan were prepared, and more than ready to meet their little boy.

Ethan called me at 7 am the morning of September 24, 2010. Emily had been awake since about 5:15 am with mild contractions about 7-10 minutes apart. By 8 am they had increased to 5 min apart. Emily was doing great, and after Ethan got their daughter to the day home, we discussed whether or not they wanted me to come over to their house, or to meet at the hospital. We decided that I would come over to their house first, and I arrived at 10:30 am. Emily was doing great, watching some episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. Her contractions were about 4-5 minutes apart, and were lasting about 30-40 seconds. Our goal was to try to get the contractions a little closer together, and lasting about a minute long, so we all set out for a walk. It was a very gorgeous day, one of the first nice days we had had for a while, so we walked around for about 45 minutes. Once back inside, Emily rested on the couch for a few minutes, and her contractions were every 5 minutes, on the clock. She got onto the birth ball, and then onto all fours on the couch. In this position, her contractions started coming about every 3 minutes, and were now lasting almost a minute long. At 1:20 pm Emily, Ethan and I got ready to leave for the hospital, and we arrived in the triage of Footlhills Hospital at 2:05 pm. It was busy, so only one support person was allowed at Emily’s beside in triage. I waited in the waiting room and switched off with Ethan a couple of times to talk to Emily. She was doing fantastic. Just after 3 pm, the doctor examined Emily’s cervix and found her to be 4 cm dilated and 100% effaced. At 5:15 pm, Emily got her own labour and delivery room, so I was able to join them for good.

Dr. Taylor came in at 6:15 pm to check Emily’s progress. Emily had progressed to 5 ½ cm dilated. Dr. Taylor suggested that she break Emily’s water to help things along. After a discussion, Emily gave the go ahead, and her membranes were ruptured. Her contractions became increasingly more uncomfortable at this point, but she stayed strong and breathed through them. Just after 7 pm, after a bathroom trip, Emily was standing, leaning on Ethan, when she started to feel like pushing. She had been using the Entonox, but soon the pushing sensation was becoming unbearable. Dr. Taylor came in and checked to see if it was time to start pushing at 7:30 pm. Emily was a very stretchy 7 cm dilated, and Dr. Taylor said that it wouldn’t be long until she was fully, but it was best not to push until then. Dr. Taylor then offered Emily some Phentanyl through her IV to help relieve some of the pain, which Emily accepted. Emily couldn’t stop involuntarily pushing, however, and at 7:56 she was fully dilated and ready to start pushing. Emily began pushing, and with Ethan coaching her through she pushed hard for over an hour. At this point, Emily had made progress and brought her baby’s head down, but she was wearing out. Dr. Taylor brought the resident obstetrician in for a consult, and they decided that the vacuum could help the baby out, if that was what Emily wanted to try. Emily decided to try it, and got into position. It was then that she made even more progress, and brought the baby’s head down even lower. The obstetrician positioned the suction onto the baby’s head, and with just a few more pushes, baby Isaac was born, at 9:58 pm. He was gorgeous, with a thick head of blonde hair. He weighed in at 8 lb., 7.5 oz., almost a pound and a half less than his big sister. Emily had received a third degree tear from the birth, and after working on stitching her up for a bit, the doctors decided to take Emily into the operating room where there was better light and better pain management to get Emily through the repairs. Ethan and I stayed behind to adore Isaac. Emily returned shortly, very stoned from the sedation. I asked her what she remembered, and all she replied was “bunnies”. I left the family soon after, to let them get some rest and bonding time in with their new son.

Congratulations to the Nielson family on the birth of Isaac! I am so honoured to have been with you through that eventful day, and I am so proud of both of you for achieving your goal of a natural birth. Thank you for the experience!

Your Doula,

Carmen Fuller

more funny sarah

2010-07-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

so....we go to the wholesale club on saturday for groceries and pick up a HUGE thing of yogurt (to make frozen yogurt). It was like icecream pail size....so I pull it out when we get home and say...

Me: Sarah, look how huge this yogurt is!
Sarah: WOW!! that's like TWELVE BUCKS!!!
Me and Ethan: laughing....

funny kid.

6.5 month pregnant photos

2010-07-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

cuz people keep bugging me to post some....

Meal Planning/Cooking

2010-05-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

So, I did a freezer meal phase for a while....I still do it....but now that it's spring, I don't feel like cooking crockpot/oven meals as much.

Anyhoo...stumbled across a pretty neat website. It gives you a suggested meal plan for the week AND a grocery list. Beat that! Anyhoo....the recipes are a little too....over the top for me....example"fiddle head soup". But some of them seem ok. You get a different menu every week and you can motify the recipes if you don't like the ones they suggest.

I've seen a few other websites like this, but you usually have to pay. This one is for free...AND canadian :)

http://www.soscuisine.com

So yeah....anyone else found any secret super meal planning books/websites they want to share?

My cooking motivation is sure dwindling as this baby gets bigger....

It's a....

2010-04-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

BOY!!!!!!

Not that I'm really suprised. I've had SUCH a strong feeling that it was a boy....yay! a little army boy :) Ethan will have someone to play with.

5 months to go....and I'm already huge! Here's hoping this kid is not another 10 pounder!!!

PS. here's another one of Sarah's latest funny sayings:

Mom, it's a CHEAP car!!!!!
Me: huh?
Sarah...pointing at a SMART car....seee...it's a cheap car!!
Me: heeeeee...

Funny Kid...

2010-04-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

So, I have to admit Sarah is a REALLY good talker. She can say words like constantinople without a problem....but sometime she doesn't get the right words in the right situations. Here's a few funny ones she's said latley.

When we arrived in Lethbridge.
Me: Sarah, we're here! we're in lethbridge!
Sarah: WOW!! This place is soooo IRISH!

At the Claresholm air museum.
Sarah walks into the area with the big planes....
Sarah: "Wow...this place is MY LIFE!!!"

Doh...I know there were more...but now I forget....preggie brain. stay tuned.

not much

2010-03-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

So....I really SUCK at updating my blog. Not much action in our lives latley. My pregnancy seems to be going good. I'm about 14 weeks now....still naseous....but I think it's almost past that point.I REALLY wanted to buy a new house....as our condo is going to be SQUISHY when baby arrives. BUT....we both decided we should wait for the military to tell us where/when we are going to be moving. However....if we haven't heard anything when baby arrives...we will re-consider buying a bigger Calgary house. Hmm...what else. Sarah is doing really good. She's growing up fast! I can't believe she will be 4 soon. She's really getting good at controlling her temper and expressing herself. I'm planning on doing the stay at home mom thing when baby arrives. I think it will be an adjustment for sure.....being a working mom has definitley become something I'm use to. My job is going well. I've been doing video filming/editing as my main job...and am finding it a lot less stressful than the course development I was doing pre-christmas/pre-stress leave. So yeah...life goes on. Heading to Lethbridge for Easter, and Naniamo again in June...Family reunion in July...that's about all our future planz as of latley...

Sarah's thoughts...

2010-02-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

"Mommy...when I grow up...I'm going to be a BIG SISTER.....AND a paramedic".

Blonde Baby #2

2010-02-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

Well, to go with my facebook announcement....Blonde Baby #2 is expected to arrive in September :)

I have to admit it was quite unexpected....and although I'm 9 weeks....I only found out a week and a half ago! haw. I just thought I was sick.

I had a ultrasound yesterday and baby is lookin' good. Heartbeat 163. Has a head and a bum....and little buds for arms and legs.

Sarah is really excited to be a big sister. She is convinced it is going to be a boy...and actually so am I...and so is ethan.

Anyhoo...I would really like to NOT have a c-section for this one. I'm trying to get a mid-wife....but apparently there are only 30 in ALBERTA!!! And I've been refused for a bunch of wait lists...because the lists are too long. CRAZINESS....

Since mid-wifes are now covered by Alberta Health Care...the demand for them is HUGE!! Seriously...if you need a career right now...and you don't mind blood and guts and stuff... be a midwife!

And on that note....I think I need a nap!

Going Back...

2010-01-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

So, I'm returning to work Jan 25th. This time has certainly been good for me to be able to have some time to think and de-stress. I guess it's time to get stressed again...

I do feel like going back to work is the right thing for me to do, although...i am sure it is not the easiest option. It's hard because I feel like a big part of who I am...is my career. But after 10 years in this field...you begin to start to wonder what else the world has to offer you.... Sarah is super happy at her full time preschool, and so I should probably just keep her for a while longer....till I decide what else to do with my life.

Financially we could live off of ethan's income....but i'm motivating myself by putting extra payments on our mortgage...and saving up for trips...ugghh and buying a new furnace. Moral of the story - don't overpay for a house that you keep sinking your money into and ends up being worth less than you paid for it?

So, back to the busy madness I guess....for now...

On Leave....

2010-01-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

So, I ended up in a bit of stress overload at work and am on stress leave till Feb 1. I'm really re-evaluating my life, and the whole full-time-working-mom thing. Any advice would be appreciated. I can't get too detailed, because this is a public blog.

new calling...

2009-12-07T09:34:00.001-08:00

new calling is YWs. Translation for not-mormon folks...working with the teenage girls. I'm excited. It's my favorite calling (4th time I've been in YWs in the past 5 years).

wow....i really need to blog more...

2009-12-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a while. I see people are checking my blog...so I guess I should post something? Hmm...what happened recently. Random thoughts...

I saw a car on fire in our complex the other day...now THAT was cool. Took 15 minutes for the fire department to come, and by the time they did...the windows had imploded, the tires had exploded AND the owner (who didn't speak much english) attempted to save a lunch box from the back...while my neighbours were swearing at him, telling him how much of an idiot he was. oh, and guess where my camera was? AT WORK!!! I am STILL kicking myself...especially with my new zoomy lens...i could have got great shots without risking my life!

After that, I went and saw a movie about vampires and warewolves....it was good. Got to see an old friend and sarah got to have a daddy day! If you ever want to see a movie without the lines....go to Eau Claire! That place is EMPTEEE!!!!

I got a new church calling. It's not official yet, so I can't reveal till after Sunday. For your not-so-mormon folks. It means I got a new church assignment. It should be an adventure. I'm looking forward to it.

Hmm...we built ethan a little workshop in the basement. I'm glad he can have a little man-cave and he seems to really enjoy it. It's amazing what you can fit in a TINY house if you really plan it out.

looking forward to christmas. Planning on going to nanaimo for 10 days....hopefully it won't be snow-naimo/1 week delay like last year.

my mom stopped by last night on her way to california to see sarah's new cousin. I wouldn't mind going to California for a while....but really can't complain about the Calgary weather yet...oh EXCEPT for last friday when it took me 2.5 hours to get home from work, instead of the usual 15 minutes!

so yeah, still working full-time. Kinda thinkin' I don't want that to be the case when Sarah starts kindergarden...so I guess I have 2 years/ or so left...unless the military decides to move us....which I think it still 1+ years away.

starting the christmas parties this weekend....2 on saturday. I think we have 2 every weekend till christmas + sarah's getting invited to birthday parties now....how did she get so grown up!!

i didn't get the pig flu shot...nor did Sarah...and I'm quite sure I will live through the winter.

Hmm.....time to get back to work.....hopefully that cuts some of the guilt i was feeling about not updating my blog :)

a blonde's password

2009-10-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

During a recent password audit, it was found that a blonde was using the following password:

MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofy

When asked why such a big password, she said that it had to be at least 8 characters long.

The Gym

2009-09-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

So, it's Probably about time I lost some of the 30+ pounds I gained 3 years ago from a certain blonde baby. Anyhoo....

So, I joined the gym about a month ago. It's across the street from work, and I go with a co-worker @ lunch hour. It seems to work well, cuz I don't have any other time I could really go.

Funny story about it.

Ethan said the other day..."You know...I can really tell you've been going to the gym".

Me "Yeah right..it's only been a few weeks...quit sucking up etc. etc."....

Him, "not because how you look...because...you are less CRANKY"....

WAAA HAA HAAA

It's fairly true though. Maybe I haven't lost much weight or anything at this point....but it sure is a good stress relief if nothing else.

:)

Give A Day. Get a Disney Day.

2009-09-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Saw this from my brother (disney employee), and had to pass it on, because CANADIANS can do it too!!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day

I'm honestly a bit scared to take Sarah to disneyland at this point. A few hours at Calaway is enough to send her into full meltdown mode...but I'm working on re-newing our passports, just incase we get out of Canada at some point in the next 5 years.

Watch the news tonight ;)

2009-09-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I was just interviewed by city tv news, cbc radio AND a photo shoot with the Calgary Herald! Definitley a memorable lunch break :)It was for a support the troops telus rally. It was a good experience. They raised $15,000 for the calgary military family resource center (which have helped our family out a lot). I wonder if I'll make the cut. I think they will probably use some of my ctv interview, and hopefully a photo....not sure about the cbc radio one though...I kinda fumbled through it, as she asked me about afghanistan etc....

For Michelle

2009-09-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Since I think you are one of the only ones who reads my blog...I will write a post for you. Especially since I'm feeling guilty for not updating.

Michelle...remember when you use to use my computer to write me letters and make me powerpoint presentations when I was out? heeee...I hope you are keeping up on your computer skills. I'm in need of an assistant asap! come work for me.

Hmm...what else. Nothing to report. We're still in Calgary indefinitley....most likely for another year or so....Considering our house is worth like $20,000 LESS than we paid for it...it's probably good we're not selling yet.

oh, I have lots of things I want to blog about, but I never get around to it...so, I'm going to write myself a reminder. Here are the things I must blog about.

princesses

sept 11

World Skills

potty training

my dream cabin

freezer meals

ok, now I must get back to work...which is BUSY!!!!! I honestly never thought I'd be a working mom....yet...I still am :) and I still kinda like it....wierd eh?

Job Interview Tips

2009-08-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday I spent 6 hours interviewing people. And...I have some advice.

1) Don't tell looooong stories which stray far off the questions.
2) think about the questions for a few seconds before you try to fumble through an answer...
3) don't give super short answers...and sound like you are getting annoyed that they are similar to previous questions...
4) watch your use of umm/like/"you know"...
5) do I bit of research about the place you are applying for...if you didn't...don't ask dumb questions about the place...pretend you at least know something!
6) act like you actually want the job....
7) bring a portfolio, if your job is something graphic/web etc. brownie points!

we did find a couple of good people....luckily for us, we got lots of applicants!!

Come work with me :) We're hiring!

2009-07-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

Just incase there are some fellow multimedia geeks reading my blog....we're hiring again....let me know if you apply...I've got connections...I mean...I am a connection ;) hee.

Media Developer - Multi Media

http://www.jobpath.com/Jobs/Bow-Valley-College/Media-Developer-Multi-Media-Temporary/J7X2DP60YPYN85NZF84

Media Developer – Programmer

http://www.jobpath.com/Jobs/Bow-Valley-College/Media-Developer-Programmer-Temporary/J8E2R46GTPBSPY02RZ3

I believe they are hoping for a September start date.

It's OVER!

2009-07-24T13:35:00.001-07:00

Yay! He's home! I get a husband for like a year-ish....I think.

ok...this really SUCKS!!

2009-07-23T08:17:00.001-07:00

I have to say, this is the part I really HATE about being a military wife. The courses etc. are hard.....but the waiting in between postings/courses is REDICULOUS! Seriously....I need DATES. I don't do well with...."ethan will most likley be posted to calgary soon". SOON? SOON is NOT a DATE!. It's been 2 weeks of "soon", and I've about had it. Sarah really misses her Daddy and I'm on super single mommy burnout mode. Sarah has been sooooooo fussy since starting preschool. She loves going, but is sooooo exhausted by the end of the day that she turns into a MONSTER. the 30 degrees doesn't help. anyhoo....work is crazy busy....and I've got a big role in a HUGE project. I feel like I have about 3 full time jobs when you add Mommyhood to that. I have seen my husband for 1 week out of the last 14! this is getting STUPID...again.

just needed to vent.

Quick mid-july Update

2009-07-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I forget what week it is. So I guess I'm done counting. Ethan came home for a week, which was nice, but is back in Kingston now...till he hears where his next posting is....which....is now...apparently....99% likley to be.....Calgary. Which he thinks should be happening pretty quick. It would be too expensive for them to move us to Ottawa, and they need people in Calgary.

Kinda an anti-climactic ending to this leg of our military adventure eh? heee.

So, after he's in Calgary for a 1+ years...he will do 3 months more training...and THEN we will move...out of calgary...for REAL this time.....supposedly ;)

Maybe I will start posting about things other than my military wife life....since it's kinda un-exciting at the moment :)

WAIT!!!! IGNORE my last post...

2009-06-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

So, never mind about the last posting....apparently Kingston IS still a possibility......I seriously need to give up trying to figure out what's going to happen with this military family thing.....

In other news, ethan IS coming home next week for a visit! hoooray! We haven't seen him since April. He'll stay for one week - which includes sarah's birthday. good timing.....!

Week 11 of 10

2009-06-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

Well, we're going into overtime folks :) Week 11 of 10. But I have some maybe/sorta news. It's actually quite funny....

So, it looks like our move to Ottawa is NOT going to get approved. Because Ethan is still in the "training phase", this next part doesn't count as a real "posting"...so he can't bring his family with....

So, onto plan B. They said he might be able to do his 1 year security clearance/on the job training ........in......r u ready for this........CALGARY.

HAW. So, he has put in that as his official #1 choice (they get to submit choices).

Funny eh? We thought Calgary was out of the question....but yes...Calgary does have a military base....and since ethan's new career is a "purple trade" aka army/navy/airforce....he could work at an army base...even though he is an air force guy...Last time he got to work at the Calgary base, it was a special exception (cuz I made a BIG fuss)...this time we might be following the rules.

Which means...he would be in Calgary for 1+ years....then go to Kingston again for 3 MORE months of training....then a REAL POSTING.

So, in 2010...we MIGHT move...somewhere.....heeeee.....I'm NEVER going to get out of Calgary I swear! ha!

This is not at all what we thought would happen, but would actually be ok!

Here's hoping he moves to Calgary sooooon...

Week 10 of 10.....

2009-06-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

So, umm....supposedly this is the last week.....of ethan's training...but umm....we still don't know ANYTHING....about what happens next. So yeah....craziness. I'm trying not to get my hopes up. He doesn't have a plane ticket home...and is posted in Kingston till they say he's not...It's going ok though. I'm trying to brace myself for military news that may include more months of single wife-hood. I have had a bit of help though, so that's been good. And Sarah seems to be ok with ethan being gone, and talks to him on the computer lots.

I have this really strong feeling....that I'm not going anywhere for a while. Infact, my boss has given me a big project to work on that goes till January...so it seems to be that no one thinks I'm going anywhere....doh.

I don't really have much to say this week.
Sarah is REALLY EXCITED about the Stampede Parade. I told her it was coming up soon and she asks every day if it's today. I also made the mistake of telling her that dora the explorer was going to be at the stampede (I was reading the brochure and blurted it out). So....looks like we might hit the real stampede too... I think we'll do Canada Day @ Fort Calgary. There's animals, food, entertainment....and she really liked it the last time we went. I'm glad summer is here and there is so much to do. Helps time go by faster ;)

Also, my mom helped point out that I really don't have it that bad. I mean, I have a good job, Sarah has a great daycare, we own a house, and we don't have to worry about money...and even though Ethan has been gone for 2+ months....we still get to talk to him a lot.

OH, AND...I honestly didn't realize I was getting so many hits on my BLOG!! HAW!!! Now I feel the pressure to write something inspiring :)

Hello Week 9!!

2009-06-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Woohoo....only 2 more weeks to go! Only problem is....I have no idea what's going to happen once he finishes. He doesn't have a return flight home etc. etc. So really....anything could happen. He has to wait for his security clearance...somewhere...which could take a year...or more..or less...who knows. But as least this part of training will be over.

Ethan did put in his "official request" for us to move to the Ottawa area. So maybe that will get approved. Or maybe not. I'm trying not to get my hopes up. I was expecting kingston, so that kinda confused me... But yeah, miltary life = confusion. I think I'll get use to it eventually. Ottawa seems nice. I think I went there when I was really little, but don't remember. I've been reading a bit on their tourism websites. It seems like a good place to live..Ottawa Tourism

I also added a FEEDJIT to my blog...so I can see where the hits on my blog were coming from. I honestly didn't know that many people read it! I'm excited...and more motivated to post more.

Sarah is doing AWESOME with potty training. Honestly, I have found trying to get her to pedal a tricycle MUCH harder than potty training! haw! I guess she was just ready for the potty - not so much for the bike.

We've been going to a LOT of parks. Last year I think I felt the need to do the calaway, heritage park, $$$ activities. This year I've noticed that Sarah is just as happy to go to a local park...especially if they have a river/forest. I've been searching out a lot of new parks on the city of calgary website. I think Calgary has a ZILLION parks. I've found a few new favorites close by our house..that I never knew were there.

Calgary Community Parks & Playgrounds

We spent almost the whole day yesterday at Bowness Park. I spent a lot of my childhood at that park, so it was fun to take sarah there.

ok enough rambling. Time to do some work. AKA re-build an entire online math course. EEK! Luckily it's east indian lunch day...AKA YUM!

Week 7 and 8 of 10 +

2009-06-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm happy to see June moving along. Week 7 was ok. It was a bit of an adjustment going from holiday mode to back to work mode. Busy week though! Work is crazy busy! I have to say I'm sort of lucky that I work in education...because the recession has not affected our staff/$/workload. There is tons of work and seems to be plenty of funding to build new online courses.

Saturday Sarah's Auntie B came over and played with her for a couple of hours (awesome!!) I got the house cleaned and the dishes all done...so that's always a stress relief.

Sunday was fun. We went to Noah's baptism (my half-brother) and then to Cori's baby shower with the little twins!! so cute :) And, of course, we had to stop at Peter's Drive in on the way home for "free milkshake day".

Week 8 is going good so far. We had "parent teacher interviews" at daycare this morning. They evaluate the kids in their development skills based on government assessments. Anyhoo...sarah's above average in all the developmental categories and they said they have zero concerns with her. Horray :) They didn't even bring up potty training (thank goodness.)....

Hmm...nothing else to really say. Ethan is still in Ontario, training till July 1...then we await approval for our move....July can't come sooo enough!

Week 5 and 6 of 10+

2009-06-04T08:16:00.001-07:00

So, of course the original 9 weeks I was told...was wrong. It's more like 10....and then ethan sits in ontario for another 1-4 years +. Anyhoo...still hoping we can get permission to move out there after the 10 weeks. Ethan is putting the request memo out to the military big wigs this week...so then we start crossing our fingers.

Week 5 and 6 went really well! My mom was here for a week and dave and annie came to visit too. Sarah loved the company and I had lots of help with her.

The next week we headed to nanaimo for a week. It was really nice. I would live there if I had the option. I put lots of photos on faebook.

This is mom/rich/breck and sarah taking a boat ride on the lake. Mom's house in the background. I wish I had a lake in my backyard....heck...i wish I had a backyard :)

Onto week 7. The daycare has pretty much threatened me that sarah can't be there if she's not potty trained by July 1st. Loveley eh? So, we're trying the potty training thing. It's going pretty good actually....suprisingly. She's still 2...so I wasn't really pushing it....but I guess I have to now.

As to a follow up with the doctor. We couldn't get the blood tests done because they couldn't find her viens! uggh...it was NOT fun. Anyhoo....the x-rays and other lab tests did not turn up anything, so that doctor is not too worried. He just says we really need to cut the carbs from her diet, and give her healthy food only! Lots of sun too and exercise. I suppose we should probably all do that. He gave me some books to read too. I'll have to post the titles of them for all that are interested. Her dark circles REALLY deminished in nanaimo. Lots of sun/exercise and my mom's super healthy food. Makes sense I guess. Also, her cough has not come back for 6 weeeks...which is the longest she's gone without coughing for over a year...so....here's hoping we continue to see some improvements :)

Week 4....almost 1/2 way!!

2009-05-15T08:21:00.001-07:00

Ethan finished SQ yesterday is now in Kingston today :) I'm jealous!! 5 weeks left of course training, and then maybe we will hear some news....hopefully sooner!

Sarah's doctor appointment went very well. The doctor was concerned about the dark circles under her eyes/wet cough and also her weight. She's 90% percentile for height of a 3 year old (umm...she's only 2 by the way) and off the chart for a 3 year old's weight. I admit, she is constantly eating....and I need to be better about her diet. He recommended a low carb diet and gave me some books to read. He also put her on some vitamins, and cod liver oil. I'm suppose to take her in for some blood tests etc. soon too, and we did x-rays already. So....hopefully.....at our next appointment (June 3) he might have some idea what is wrong with her....

In other news. Grandma Diane and Uncle/Dr. Dave are coming to visit this weekend. It will be nice to have some company and help with Sarah. I haven't had any help with her the whole month he's been gone so far. I'm trying to not be bitter, as I've had a few people offer/promise ethan they would help me...and then bail on me. Thinking Positive...Thinking Positive.

The sun is shining today! 1 week till our trip to nanaimo.

There goes week 3 :)

2009-05-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report week 3 went by really fast. Almost half way there! Ethan is finishing up his soldier course next week and then he's off to Kingston for his first bit of career training. I could tell you what that is....but I would have to kill you. My mom is coming to visit next Friday, then a week later we're off to nanaimo. There goes May...woohoo..

I definitley had a bit of burnout this week....but a few early nights and I seem to be feeling better. Happy mothers day to me? We went to the shrine circus last weekend. Sarah really enjoyed it. It was actually pretty entertaining...even for an old lady like me... especially with free tickets! My only complaint is how they really push you to buy all their overpriced circus crap (aka. glow swords that you could buy for like $1 at walmart...selling for $12!) no, of course I didn't get one! It was REALLY hot in the tent, so we did spurge for some cancer causing snow cones (artificial color and flavor)...but....it was worth it.

Hmm...I always think of things to write...and then when I get around to writing...I totally forget what I was going to say.

Oh, we have an appointment with a private doctor this afternoon, and hopefully he can figure out what's wrong with Sarah. We've been to about 4 regular doctors, and one homeopath... and they have all proved to be pretty useless... It annoys me that we get free health care...but that means a 3 hour wait followed by 30 seconds with a useless doctor. This one is going to cost a zillion dollars...but he apparently is really good, and uses natural alternative stuff...but he's a real doctor....we've been waiting 4 months to see him...so here's hoping! It's a one hour asessment. I admit the Homeopath we saw a while ago was very nice....but he blamed it all on vacinnes, and the secret potion remedy's seemed to do nothing for sarah's health.

Anyhoo...Sarah has really DARK circles under her eyes....and has had a wet cough/ runny hose for about 10 months of the last year. She also gets a lot of tummy aches. If you think it's dairy...you're wrong...I took her off milk for 6 months - no changes. If you think it's asthma, like most stupid doctors, you are wrong. Inhalers did nothing, and she seems unaffected by the weather. She's not short on breath. So yeah...that's where we sit. My latest theory is a mold allergy?....but I'm no doctor. Sarah's room has a HUGE window in it, that was rotting....we replaced it a few weeks ago (holy expensive batman) and her cough went away.....but sometimes it does go away...so it could be coincidence....we will seeeeeeeeee. I recorded some video a few weeks ago, when her cough was really bad...and put it on my ipod to show the doctor today (wow, I AM a geek)...

stay tuned...for more un-exciting stories of the single-military-wife-blonde-mommy...who REALLY WANTS TO MOVE TO ONTARIO!!!!!

Week 2 of 9

2009-05-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well,
almost 1/4 of the way done this stretch of single-wife-hood I guess... The 2nd week went pretty good....except for the weather!! ugggh... anyhoo...not really much to report. I got some free circus tickets, so me and sarah are going to go this weekend. I had my birthday. Sarah made me cupcakes, and sang for me (see my facebook for the video). My mom is coming to visit in a couple of weeks, and then we're off to nanaimo for a week...so hopefully...May passes quickly! I'm super busy at work...but that has kind of helped pass time a bit faster...but still way too slow! Our house is all ready to sell...all I need is the word from the military.......so I wait....and wait and wait.....it's a big frustrating when your life is in the hands of the goverment....but.....it'll all be worth it...right? that's what I keep telling myself, again and again and again....

Week 1 of 9

2009-04-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I am hesitant to number the weeks....because in militaryland....time is not equal to the time we use in the "civilian" world. But, I'm going to call this week 1 anyway. So far things are going ok. Sarah sort of understands that Daddy is at "Army School"...but asks every day if he's coming home today. She's been pretty good though...we've been having lots of fun and trying to stay busy. THANK GOODNESS it's nice outside now. I have to admit, being a parent is sooo much easier when the weather cooperates. Sarah loves to be outside...and loves to just go for walks and gather leaves, rocks and sticks for her "collections". That's what she calls them. We've also started a little garden, so she loves to water/drown it each day. Hmm...what else...Ethan called on Monday night, when he arrived in Meaford....come to think of it...I have no idea where Meaford is....Ontario somewhere. He said everything went well and things are going as planned. I haven't heard from him since...most likely because he can't use his phone during the week as he's in his first week of SQ. Probably will hear something on the weekend. We bought him a little "netbook" so he can video conf with me and Sarah, but he doesn't have internet access at this point. Hopefully as time goes on, he will get phone and internet access soon enough. So...that's all my news...

so much for 30 days......

2009-04-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

uggh...
well, i should have known....

20 minutes after my last post, we find out that ethan is leaving for the first part of his training this weekend!! So much for 30 days notice!!! Here's the story (translated into english for you non-military folk).

He’s starting with 1 month of pre-pre-training (maybe nothern alberta or ontario)
-followed by 5 weeks of pre-training (kingston)
-followed by 1 year of real training…(kingston)
-followed by 2 + years first posting (ottawa area)

I’m not kidding.

We’re meeting with our military social worker this week, so hopefully she can help with the insanity!!! I REALLY WANT TO GO WITH!!!
eeek!

30 dayz at a time....

2009-04-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Well, latest news from the military is.... we will have 30 dayz warning before ethan's training starts again. So....because we haven't had the notice yet....I guess we will all be in calgary for at least 30 more days. This not knowing is sooooo annoying.....but at least ethan is here and not in ontario without us. I REALLY want to go with him this time....but of course there are no guarantees that that will happen. I still REALLY want to move out of Calgary...but I'm STILL here.....I suppose there must be a reason I'm still here? But I have noooo idea what it is....anyhoo...that's my non-informative post. I don't really talk about family/personal stuff on here....cuz of the top secret nature of a certain persons career....but....maybe if I'm vague enough I could.

Hmm...what else. We spent the weekend in Raymond/Lethbridge. I'm happy to report that travelling with a 2.75 year old is MUCH easier than a < 2.5 year old. Sarah did great on the trip!

One note....I always thought it was really wierd that most of the houses in Raymond didn't have fences...untill this weekend. Sarah could run through peoples backyards and play on their playgrounds etc. without feeling like a tresspasser. ha ha.

I could never live in Raymond...but it's an ok place to spend a weekend :)

Airmiles and Their Value

2009-04-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a really good article I found explaining airmiles and their value. It really is a math-game, but it seems if you know how to play it, you can come out ahead. I'm excited because I already have enough airmiles for the 3 of us to fly to nanaimo again, and it's only been 4 months of collecting :)

http://thoughtsfrommylife.com/article-15-Collecting_Air_Miles_and_their_Value

Home Remedies and Depression Cooking

2009-03-06T19:32:00.000-08:00

Just a few more useful/cute links I stumbled across this week and wanted to share.

First one is home remedies. All kinds of lotions and potions you can mix up in your own home :) People try them out and give feedback, so it seems fairly creditable....unlike most doctors I have visited :)

http://www.earthclinic.com/

Second one is a cute 92 year old lady who teaches how she cooked in the depression. She has a series of youtube videos.

http://www.youtube.com/user/DepressionCooking

Utah Bomb Shelter Company

2009-02-23T09:12:00.001-08:00

Apparently business is booming. These things are soooo cool! I think me and ethan are going to start saving up for one. I'm not even kidding...an underground bunker/shelter would be a good investment I think. If nothing else, a cool place for sleepovers? heee. Watch the video below ;)
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=4598937

Great Service from MEC

2009-02-19T12:31:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to give some praise to the service at Mountain Equipment Co-op. Since I've done some bad reviews (car dealerships etc.) I thought I'd share a good one.

So, I've had a backpack for about 2.5 years. It was still in great shape, but the zipper totally blew out a few weeks ago...So, I thought I'd check out the cost of getting it repaired at MEC vs. buying a new backpack. I took it to the repair desk, and they said...sure we can fix it...no charge to you :) So yeah...FREE! When I went to pick it up today it said that MEC was charged $40 to fix my bag, but I was charged nothing! Yay for great service! And good quality gear....I've seen people with MEC bags that are at least 10 years old and still going strong :)

25 Random things....

2009-02-03T10:28:00.001-08:00

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. I use to be TERRIFIED of driving in downtown Calgary. Now I could drive it every day in my sleep…oh wait! I do!
2. I like food. Any kind, anywhere. Oh, except for sweet pickles (GROSS) and seafood.
3. Shrimp gives me a headache. Nothing else does…I have no idea why.
4. My Daughter will have EIGHT grandparents by the end of this year…
5. I have four and a step and a half siblings ;)
6. I had an ipod and a mac before 99% of you. You just wanted to be cool like me.
5. I had a 9 pound 14 ounce baby and am in no hurry to do that again!
6. During childbirth, I had three epidurals which did not take, and ended with a spinal, which paralyzed me for two days. I threw up while they were doing the emergency c-section.
7. When I do eventually have more kids, I would like to have twin boys…and call it quits.
8. I once almost started the Calaway Park rollercoaster without locking the seatbelts. I got in big trouble….but no one would have died…because it automatically shuts off before the big drop if the seatbelts are not locked. That’s what they get for making me work ten hours without a break in 30 degree weather, for $5 an hour?? I had heat exhaustion and wasn’t thinking clearly.
9. Once, I threw up in the Mount Royal College library paper recycle bin. One of my most embarrassing moments.
10. I’m illiterate. I read the twilight series…but only because it was audio books.
11. I dream of being a hippie one day. With a solar powered house, etc. etc.
12. Our car was stolen in Silver Springs when Sarah was two weeks old..
13. I want to be a hobby photographer…but realize so does everyone else in the world at the moment…
14. I may or may not rip library potty training DVDs into itunes format so sarah can watch them over and over again. And no…it’s not working.
15. I have a BFA (Multimedia) and most people have no idea what that means
16. I’m pretty sure I require about 10 hours of sleep, but usually get 5 or 6.
17. I would REALLY like to get out of Calgary…but it seems the more I get my hopes up, the longer I’m stuck here.
18. I’m a blog-stalker. I read all of your blogs, and you probably have no idea.
19. I had to take my belt off to pay a u-turn ticket last week. Welcome to the new Calgary Courthouse!
20. I’m addicted to Licorice Herb Tea. I think all other kinds of herb tea taste like stale water.
21. I hate windows computers. I’m crashing Photoshop as we speak.
22. I tan abnormally fast and have been asked numerous times if I’m from California… Apparently tanned blondes can’t be from Canada.
23. I see drug dealers/deals/usage almost every day… just walking from my parking lot to work (3 blocks).
24. I’ve never tried drugs, but know where to get them (see above).
25. I don’t like automatically flushing toilets

Dashing Dishes - Justifying the cost

2009-01-27T15:13:00.000-08:00

K, Here we go.

I once had a boss who told us how he could justify paying other people to do things for him compared to what he thought his hourly worth was. My husband cringes when I bring it up, but I think it's worth a thought.

So, say I conclude that I am worth $20+ an hour. I am employed and could do side-work for that much...so it seems reasonable. Making freezer meals on my own, I could possibly make 4 in an hour. So, it would take me at least 3-4 hours to make 12. Add in shopping time/grocery list planning and it's easily over 7 hours a month. So, that's $140+ of my time right there ;) I figure the actual food content of the dashing dishes meal is $10-$15, but we pay $20 (for the employees/hall rental etc. etc.)

So there ya go - 12 freezer meals - to do it all on my own - probably $150 of food + $150 of my labour.= $300+ Don't forget to add the exhaustion factor too!

Dashing Dishes - 12 freezer meals - $245

I should also note they have different meals every month, so it's not like you are eating the same thing all the time ;)

What do ya think?

See previous post if you don't know what dashing dishes is...

Dashing Dishes

2009-01-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share this with any other busy moms who are looking for some meal sanity ;)

DASHING DISHES

I did my first one last month and sure think it is GREAT! You make 12+-ish freezer meals in about an hour and a half...So far it's been soooo easy and yummy too!!

I can justify the cost....I will have to do the math for you in another post.

Mac-savvy Obama staffers frustrated with legacy PC Computer White House

2009-01-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

So,
I have to post this. Why? Cuz I'm a mac geek. And, although I'm not an obama-obsesser etc. etc. I found this quite interesting. I mean, if macs hit the whitehouse, will we finally see less PC's in our lives? Here's hoping...

Mac-savvy Obama staffers frustrated with legacy PC Computer White House

On another note.
Celebs pledge to the new president...is a video that might touch you...or just make you laugh...because....well....there is something strange about it...i'll let you figure it out.

Pledge to be a Servant to our president

Ps. I'm glad to be canadian :) Although certainly would like to get out of alberta!!! (working on it....military updates to come....eventually)

Some videos to share...

2008-12-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Well...here are a couple of videos that seemed to find me this week.

First.
This one is about Tire Safety. It's pretty scary/informative and definitley worth a watch:

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

Second,
This one is about perscription drugs (sent by my mom, of course). Certainly makes you think...about psychiatrists etc. etc. It's a bit on the conspiracy theory side of things....take it for what it's worth to you:

http://www.cchr.org/#/videos

I need to be better at Blogging....more posts coming soon.

Vote For Sarah

2008-11-14T09:14:00.001-08:00

http://vibemorningshow.com/Vote.html?ID=1661

Freezer Meals and stuff

2008-10-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

So, I'm really getting into this freezer meal thing...seems to be saving a LOT of time and money....I could really turn this into an obsession. There are 10 meals in my freezer as we speak :)

Airmiles......

2008-10-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

So, I've been doing the airmiles thing for a few years now and FINALLY have enough for our family to go on a little trip. (Nanaimo for Christmas) Anyhoo...I've recently started getting obsessive about airmiles...I realized we weren't accumulating them nearly fast enough and am finally learning the air miles game.

1) I upgraded our mastercard to gold (1 mile for every $15 you spend. The gold card also allows you to redeem flights for 80% of the regular airmiles cost. The problem is...the gold card costs $90 a year. I could never justify if before, but realized if I upgraded the card I would end up saving over $200 on our flight this year alone...plus easily gain well over $90 each year worth of airmiles....so it actually is worth it. If you consider...one air mile is worth thirty cents...you can figure out if it's worth it for you.

2) Here's a neat site I found. I'm NOT a safeway shopper.....BUT they do have awesome airmiles deals every week. This site calculates which airmiles deals are the best for the week. So, we buy whatever the best air mile deal is of the week (if it's something we would actually use or eat).
http://www.bestairmiledeals.com/

I think if I keep it up should be able to go on a trip (paid for by airmiles) once a year or so... :) We've accumulated 500 airmiles this month alone....and haven't really gone too far out of our way.

Do you have any air miles tricks?

Locks of Love....should I?

2008-10-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

So...with a military husband gone for 9 months, a hair cut was not really a priority...not that it ever really is for me. Anyhoo...pretty sure I've hit the longest length my hair has ever been. I was thinking...why not hack it off for a good cause?

http://www.locksoflove.org/

If I cut a minimum 10 inches from the longest layer I could donate it to help make wigs for kids who need them. I have plenty of hair to spare... It would probably hit chin level if I did it....so it would be pretty drastic.... what do ya think?

Super and not so Super Superstore Experiences

2008-10-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Two Superstore Experiences I wanted to share.

First, Not to Super.
One day...I had to grab some eye drops for Sarah and so we just went to the self-checkout. The guy infront of me put in some cash to pay for his food, grabbed the receipt and rushed out the door. I go up to the machine and it spits out $40 in change! The guy had put in a $100 bill. The guy was long gone...so I tell the self checker supervisor guy about it. He checks on his screen to make sure I was right and then says...ok thanks...THEN out of the corner of my eye I see him POCKET THE MONEY!! Uggh....guess that's what I get for being honest. Why didn't I just keep it?

Next Super.
So, yesterday I go shopping and buy a few packages of pull-ups (diapers). They were on sale so I got 3 pkgs. On my way out the door I noticed I got charged full price. So, I go to customer service and show them. They check and confirm I got charged $6 too much. Then, she credits my credit card $30! And I'm like....it should only be about $6 right? And she's like...nope...we have a new policy...if we overcharge you, you get one item free! Nice eh? So, $30 for free is always good.

And those are my superstore adventures as of late.... stay tuned.

Survival Guide for Canadian Military Wives with a Baby/Toddler

2008-09-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

So, as most of you know, I just finished 8 months of being a single mom while my husband was away on military training. Often people would say "I don't know how you do it"...and I usually replied with a cheeky "It's not like I have a choice..." or "you get use to it after a while..." So, I've decided to share some of my survival tips in hopes of maybe helping out other military wives.

1. Get a Job/Volunteer/Take a Class...or SOMETHING.
Now, you may think...isn't single mommyhood hard enough without having to work full time on top of that? That's where you're wrong. Working was my sanity saver of single motherhood. It lets you use the intellecual side of your brain (not just the mommy side) AND you get things like....lunch breaks without a kid....social time with other adults and of course, you can't complain about the money. It also makes time go faster...and that's always a good thing!

2. Find good child care
You're not going to be able to watch your child 24-7 for the next 6+ months....so find someone who can help. I was lucky to find one near where I work that had a really good reputation.

3. The Ultimate Survival Secret...
Daycare 5 days a week, Work 4 days a week! 1 day for Mommy Day! This was truly my ultimate survival secret. I was able to cut my work hours down to 4 days a week (luckily I have a very understanding employer) and have one day to myself. One day a week I could clean the house, do some cooking, and shopping...or sometimes...just crash! Of course, it was a bit less money, but when it comes to your sanity...who cares about money? Besides...with husband gone you are saving some money on things like groceries/utilities/gas etc. anyway right?

4. Get a NEW Hobby
With a lack of husband, you're going to find yourself with some free time. You may find after a while of watching a zillion movies that things start to get a bit boring. Try a new hobby. For me, photography was something I always wanted to learn more about, so I started taking photos a few times a week during my lunch hour (to get out of the office). It's also been nice to have some cute photos to show daddy of what we've been up to while he's been gone.

5. Laundry
The good news is...there is going to be a lot less of it! The bad news...it's still got to be done. For me...I took a short cut in this department. Clothes all lived in the laundry room. We made (with the help of my mom) a closet in the laundry room, so that I could wash them and hang them and leave them there. We got dressed in the laundry room and put the dirty clothes back in the laundry room. No hauling baskets of clean/dirty clothes up the stairs etc. etc.

6. Groceries
The less you go shopping, the better! I found I could get it down to twice a month. I wish I could get it to once a month. I did this on my day off, as going to the grocery store with a terrible two year old was...well...terrible!

7. Cooking
I have to do most of the cooking after the little one is in bed...I have learned to do a lot of freezer cooking though. The Big Cook is my favorite cook book at the moment. It shows you how to make lots of meals really fast and put them all in your freezer. The only problem I found was that these meals are made for families of 4...so I had to split everything in half and then freeze it.

8. Exercise
Unfortunatley it took me 7 of the 8 months to figure this one out. Exercise gives you the extra energy to be a 24-7 mom. Also helps you to be stronger. You're going to need the extra muscles as you're going to do all the lifting/hauling/carrying of 40 pound children etc. etc. while daddy is gone.

9. Sleeping In
Unfortunatley you will never (unless by some miracle your child decides to sleep in) be able to get as much sleep as you would like. So, once in a while, I reccomend sleeping in - backwards. That's where you put the kid to bed and then put yourself to bed asap...forget the dishes/cleaning/laundry for one night. Go to bed at 9 instead of your usual 11... It's just as good as a sleep in :)

10. Staying in Touch with Daddy/Husband.
Technology has come so far and we are lucky for that. See if daddy can get a laptop and a webcam for free chats. The little one loves to see daddy and it's much more fun than the phone, as he can read stories/show military items for entertainment.

11. Our Typical Weekday

7:00 - wake up
Visit/Play for a while
Turn on the TV (ha ha)
Go get breakfast ready and pack lunches
Eat Breakfast
Get Dressed (TV still on)
Get little one dressed
Run out the door (being sure not to forget one of the 10 things you are going to have in your hands)
Drop off kid at daycare
Put Makeup On
Go To Work
Leave Work
Pickup Kid from Daycare
Go Home
Distract the kid with toys/tv/something while you warm up Dinner
Eat Dinner
Go Outside for a walk or do another quiet activity with the little one
Bath (BOTH OF YOU - big time saver!)
8:00 pm Bed for Kid
Cook dinner for next day/Straighten up House/Laundry etc.
Go to Bed (try for 10:30pm or earlier)
REPEAT

12. Our Typical Weekend

7:00 - wake up
Visit/Play for a while
Turn on the TV (ha ha)
try to pass out on the couch as long as possible till the kid bugs you for breakfast.
Eat Breakfast
Get Dressed
Get little one dressed
Leave the House for a morning activity
Home for lunch (something quick and easy, that the toddler will have fun preparing with you)
NAP TIME!!! Be sure to have a nap too
Afternoon Activity - Leave the house
Home for Dinner
Go Outside for a walk or do another quiet activity
Bath
8:00 pm Bed for Kid
Cook dinner for next day/Straighten up House/Laundry etc.
Go to Bed

13. Support
Here's one I procrastinated on. The Military Family Resource Center is really a great place. I wish I had contacted them sooner. Try to contact them as soon as possible, to see how they can help you. Other things I found helpful were facebook military wives groups and other canadian military wives websites.

14. The Library!!!
I have grown to really love the library. I think we're pretty lucky because the Calgary library system is gigantic! I probably take out 20+ items a month-ish. New Music in the car always keeps the little one quiet, and new children's videos are always a good way to distract them! Also a good place to find books for your new hobby, or just to read for fun.

15. Final Thoughts
It's going to be hell. But eventually it will end. And then you have to adjust to not being a single wife...now that you've got it all figured out ;)

Wow..that was long. I could probably write a lot more...feel free to let me know your tips too - maybe I could make a website out of it...or a book or something ;)

ooops.

2008-09-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

I'm a HORRIBLE blogger. I'm going to do better...Here's a quick update...incase you're all confused with my confusing life...

I didn't move to BC...or Ontario...or anywhere...I'm still HERE....although I would still like to move ASAP...it doesn't seems likely for at least a year..probably two...
Ethan is home with us. His last course didn't work out, so they agreed (possibly after I through a fit...cough...) to send him home while he works out a new career (since it was going to take forever!!) He's working at the base, yes...there is one here...don't laugh.
Sarah got her two bottom two year molars! That's only 2 more teeth to go till teething is done...FOREVER!!! yaaaay. Actually...she was hardly fussy at all this time around...and is still sleeping through the night...yaaay.
I joined a gym a week ago...it's about time I lost the....40....50? pounds I gained with motherhood..
Hmm...nothing else really to say. I'm still working FT @ the college, I can't believe I've been here almost 5 years....It's a really good job, but I kinda feel like I'm ready to try something new...dunno what though!

MLS®: C3330034

2008-06-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: The house sold..my mom moved to BC. I'm sooooo JEALOUS!!!!!

My mom's house is for sale:

http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?vd=&SearchURL=%3fMode%3d0%26Page%3d1%26vs%3dResidential%26ret%3d300%26sts%3d0-0%26beds%3d0-0%26baths%3d0-0%26aid%3d4711%26mp%3d600000-800000-0%26mrt%3d0-0-4%26trt%3d2%26of%3d1%26ps%3d10%26o%3dA&Mode=0&PropertyID=7082002

UPDATED....my car repair story

2008-04-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I've decided to pull down my post about my experience with a certain company. They contacted me about my blog post and addressed my complaint. In the end I was refunded the $120 I paid for the diagnostic test, and they also gave me a $400+ service for free on my car today :) This was a routine service I needed to get done anyway . A head mechanic showed us exactly what happened, and explained how the mechanic mistakenly told us we needed a new engine. He said I was smart to get a second opinion and the mechanic who looked at my car should have done some more testing to narrow down the problem (which ended up probably being some built up carbon or something)... Anyhoo...I'm happy and my car is happy. The customer service guys were great.

Moral of the story:
ALWAYS get a second opinion on car repairs
and
WRITE a complaint letter if you really are disappointed in service you receive. Good companies will address your complaint.

Also, I've learned that people actually do read blogs! ha ha. I couldn't believe that the company contacted me less than 24 hours after my blog post. I'm pretty sure they used something like this:
http://www.google.com/alerts

I wonder where I'll be moving to...

2008-02-20T13:31:00.000-08:00

So, as most of you know, Ethan is now in the Air Force and we will probably be moving to somewhere with an air force base this summer. The question is...where? Well, we won't know for sure till a few weeks before the move, but here are the choices:

http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/orgdocs/organization3_e.asp

Any guesses? Maybe I should start taking bets...

I'm excited to move. Calgary is too expensive and silly these days....not to mention boring when you've grown up here. I don't really have any preferences to where we move to, but hopefully somewhere that doesn't cost $250,000 for a small townhouse (like the one we live in now).

Well, Ethan is 1/2 done boot camp now. less than 50 days to go. I'm flying out to toronto for his grad on April 10th.

THE BIG COOK

2008-02-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

So, I found this book (actually while doing some blog-stalking) and I think it's going to change my LIFE!! It's sooo easy and sooo good! I made like 5 meals in an hour and put them in the freezer. Ready to go! I've only cooked the saucy chicken so far, but it was YUM! And the ladies who wrote it are from alberta...so that's cool.

THE BIG COOK

Blog Stalking

2008-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

Well, in attempt to kill time I was doing some blog stalking and noticing that no one has been updating their blogs latley...and then I thought....neither have I. So, here it goes. highlights of single mommy life the past couple of weeks:
-150 ziplock bags on the floor
-toast + butter on head = "hat"
-favorite food = taco chips?
-waking up at 5:30 every !@#!@$@#$ morning
-chasing and tackling her in every diaper change/clothing change event
-finally getting a montly downtown parking spot after 3 months on multiple wait lists

Hmm....now I'm going to play online scrabble with a co-worker...i mean...work...

Heard from Ethan

2008-01-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I got a couple of calls from Ethan this weekend. He said that things are going good and that he's really enjoying himself at boot camp. I was quite amused when he said "I look so good in my uniform!". ha ha. Looks like his graduation will be at the beginning of april, and then he heads off to cornwall for 2 more months of training. I'm hoping to go to the graduation, and probably won't take sarah - as the 4 hours flight would be killer with a squirmy toddler! nothing really else new to report. Me and Sarah are surviving...although she's been sick and has some possible food alergies/ infant reflux....joy..... She's a cute kid though and seems to be doing well with ethan gone. We play with the "daddy doll" quite often and she likes to tuck him into his bed and cover him in stickers...

....I should really use this thing

2008-01-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have a new years plan of using this blog more. It has the potential to be a good way to keep track of the ongoings of our life. Well, Christmas was good. We went to Raymond and Crossfield and did the usual sorts of things. Sarah is finally at the age where she kinda knows what's going on. She likes all the christmas lights and liked getting presents. After Christmas we spent a week doing more house renos. We finished the kitchen and re-did the bathroom. On Saturday ethan shipped off to Ontario for basic training. I haven't heard from him yet, but today is his first official day - so I imagine they are shaving him bald and yelling at him at this very moment :) Single parenthood has been pretty insane so far, but I did manage to shower and get all packed and come to work today - so that's a good start :) Sarah seemed happy to go to daycare, so that was good too. I washed my cell phone in the washing machine....so that sux....hmm.....nothing really else new to report. Oh, Sarah had her first day at nursery yesterday - she's finally 18 months - hoooray! She seemed to really enjoy it, which means I'm looking forward to going to some church with some peace and quiet!

Military News!!

2007-11-15T14:58:00.000-08:00

So, I should probably share that ethan FINALLY heard from the military. He's heading to boot camp in January, followed by a few months of training. It's been a looooong process, so we are excited things are finally rolling. It will be hard being a single mom while he's in training, but will ensure a good career for him and hopefully get me out of calgary....eventually.....

been slackin'

2007-10-26T08:06:00.001-07:00

Well, I've been slacking at this blog thing. I went from 4 post a day to none for 2 weeks. Here's a quick update. Ethan doesn't work Saturdays anymore (yay) so we've decided to do some "family things" on Saturdays. A couple of weeks ago we went to the zoo. Sarah really liked it! She was quite excited about the animals and loved playing on the playground etc.

Thanksgivin was good. We went to Lethbridge and stayed at the Ramada. Sarah LOVED the wave pool, but didn't like the lifejacket idea. She would fuss till we took it off and then go running for the deep end. what a silly kid. Unfortunatley Sarah screamed pretty much the whole way home from lethbridge. Pretty sure she was cutting a top molar at the time. I'm determined to have 1 good car ride to lethbridge - haven't had a good one yet! Any ideas for keeping her quiet in the car?

Work silly-ness

2007-10-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

So we’re testing out “google documents” and someone writes a joke on our test powerpoint.

What’s invisible and smells like carrots?
Rabbit farts

And then the new chinese girl asks…what is this word "fart". What does fart mean?

We told her to look it up in her english dictionary and she’s been laughing for like the past 10 minutes straight…

Boo!!!

2007-10-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

Well, Sarah got excited every time she saw her halloween costume, so we decided to put it on her. She LOVED it....for about TWO MINUTES...and then was screaming and trying to rip it off. ha ha. At least I got a photo before the screaming part. Hopefully we can take her to a couple of houses, before she starts getting mad on halloween. She's FINALLY walking a bit on her own now - yaaaaaay. Just a few steps, but we're getting there.

A-Z

2007-10-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

I'm bored...so here goes a big time-waster

A- Attached or single: attached
B- Best Friend(s): Sarah + #6 roomies :)
C-Cake or Pie: hmmm...yes please!
D- Day of choice: Saturday - no work, no church, no problem!
E- Essential Item: my mac computer
F- Favorite Color: blue
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: umm....either is fine with me.
H- Hometown: Calgary
I- Indulgence(s): hot chocolate, mars bars, chips
J- January or July: July - I HATE winter
K- Kids: Sarah
L-Life is Incomplete Without: sleeeeep!
M- Marriage Date: Oct 26 - 5 years comin up
N- Number of Siblings: 4 and a step and a half (say that fast)
O- Oranges or Apples: both
P- Phobias or Fears: driving downtown - getting over it though
Q- Quote(s): " I am a lone reed"
R- Reason To Smile: Sarah
S- Season: Summer!
T- Tag Three +: umm...whoever reads this and has a blog
U- Unknown Fact About Me: umm....I got nuthin'
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Meat-tarian.
W- Worst Habit: eating crappy food!
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: no thanks!
Y- Your Favorite Food: pizza, chocolate, food...I pretty much like it all!
Z- Zodiac: cancer

Dragon's Den

2007-10-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

My Auntie Arlene (my mom's sister) is the "new dragon" on the show DRAGON'S DEN.
Starts today @ 8 on CBC.

YouTube picks

2007-10-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here's my YouTube picks of the week :)

Popstar Parody:

Brangelina Parody- "Adopt Me Too" Music Video

Getting hit on at the library

2007-09-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this happened a couple of weeks ago, and some of you have heard about it. But I want to share...cuz it's entertaining.

So, I go to the library at lunch one day.
I'm on a computer checking my card, and this young chinese guy comes up to me.
He's like, "hi ummm...how are you?"
Me: "Fine..."
Him: "Bow Valley college. Do you go to school there?" (I was wearing a Bow Valley Hoodie)
Me: I work there.
Him: Oh really. I would love to work there. I applied for a few jobs, but never got them.
Me: Oh, that's too bad. There are lots of jobs there. Maybe you could apply again.
...Conversation continues....small talk etc....
Then, Him: So, do you ever go to the free movies they show in the library theater?
Me: Umm...no.
Him: Well, maybe WE could go some time...
Me: (thinking....eek...) Ummmm.....
Him: I would like that very much. Could you call me sometime?
Me: Umm....(trying not to burst out laughing)
Him: Here is my card with my number and e-mail...I look forward to hearing from you.
Me: bootin' it out of the library..going to tell my co-workers the story.

Later that day.... we face-stalk him (look him up on facebook)
And his profile says "I am lookin' for marriage with a daughter of the late Columbus' community, Canadian constitution encourages physical diversity, means her features differ from my own....complementary and supplementary...
to enrich a blue eyes snow white girl......"

So yeah....I try not to go to the library alone anymore - eek! but funny :)
Ps. I would wear my wedding ring, but my fingers haven't been the same since becoming a mommy! they don't fit!

Molar #2

2007-09-28T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well, after having a nice happy sleeping baby for about...a week....it's time for another molar! Sarah has been doing a new teething thing this time around. She wakes up around 6am screaming MURDER! No way she's going to go back down...Normally she doesn't get up till 7:00 - on the dot might I add! It could be worse, becuase she does sleep soundly till then, but it's not a pleasant sound to wake up to! This morning the 2nd molar decided to actually break the gums and so I got the murder scream at 4AM! This time I got her calmed down pretty fast and rocked her back to sleep quite quickly....BUT as soon as I tried to put her back in her crib, it was screaming murder again. So, I'd rock her, she'd conk,try to put her down - no luck! So.....i spent the morning sleeping on the recliner with her. Luckily I fell back asleep too...so it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I guess we are one tooth closer to getting all her teeth - what a day of celebration that will be!!!

Nielson News Launch

2007-09-27T09:24:00.001-07:00

Ok, this is my attempt to launch a family blog.

Here's the latest Nielson News:
Sarah took her first steps yesterday and gave up the bottle this week! She's nearing 30 pounds now! She's a big kid, but not fat, just big! She also took a bite of my arm on the weekend! I have a nice black and blue bruise to prove it. I think she might be part-vampire. Speaking of vampires... I'm 73 in line at the library for the 2nd audiobook of the Twilight series. I dunno if I can wait that long to find out what happens!

As for me. I'm still a workin' mom. I like my job, and really have nothing to complain about in that department. I thought it would be much harder than it actually is. Sarah loves daycare, and I love having a break from her!

As for Ethan, STILL waiting to hear back from the military...wait, waiting, waiting...

As for us. We're in progress with the kitchen reno's. Still need to paint and put the tiles up, but the cupboards are almost all in, and the kitchen is functional - hooray! no more doing dishes in the bathtub!