Happy Holidays

Well Darryl, Lucas and I got back from Florida last night so I thought I would post a long entry today. I have missed reading everyones blog and will be sure to post a new years blog tommorrow about the summary of this year and hopes for the next year.

Florida was a lots of fun. It's great to not have to wear a coat and have my mother around to help with the child and makes me dinners. =) The first day we were there we enjoyed the sunshine and the pool and did some shopping in the afternoon. I got some amazing deals but I'll include it in a later post along with pictures. Most days were spent this way although we did spend a couple of days at Disney as well.



Here are some of the most memorable moments:

It was so great to a full week with Darryl and Lucas. One of my favorite memories from the trip was one evening Lucas was being fussy after his bath and Darryl and I were trying to get him dressed. Lucas was sitting in my lap and Darryl was trying to get him dressed. To calm him down we were both singing You Are My Sunshine. I remember thinking how much I love my husband and what a great father he was. Also how much that little kid is loved. I tear up now just thinking about us. It was defintly one of those time you try to consciously commit to memory because you never want to forget it.

Lucas really got to know and love his Auntie Lexie on the trip. She would often ride in the back seat with him and keep him entertained. She would make a variety of funny noises and he would find one of them funny and then she would go with that over and over again until he was laughing so hard. I think Alexis got to appriciate all the fun things that a toddler can be. And Lucas got to experience all the fun things an Aunt can be.




We did go to MGM studios for a day and they have lots of "characters" that come out to greet the kids. Lucas's was the most pleased with Lightening McQueen and Mater. Who came out as really cars. He was having trouble understanding why he couldn't just go up and grab them like he can go up and grab his toys. This was probably the highlight of his trip if he could remember it...... We did get a chance to latch onto Mater. Going to the parks was exhausting for Lucas. In the late afternoon we went to watch Beauty and the Beast- the live on stage show. Lucas enjoyed most of it but was sure to fall asleep at the loudest most violent part when Gaston is getting ready to "Kill the Beast"








I think those were probably the highlights, although I'd love to hear Mom, Dad, Alexis and Auntie Karen's highlights as well. It was defineitly my favorite way to spend the holidays. No concerns about presents and making sure your house is clean, just spending time soaking up the sun.

Till Tommorrow.

Jenn

Merry Christmas

Darryl, Lucas and I are enjoying the heat and fun times here in Florida. I'll be sure to post lots of details on the weekend or next week with pictures. But for now I just wanted to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Till Sunday......

Jenn

Christmas in 2006

I read an article the other day that was talking about kids growing up in a day in age where you turn on the webcam on Christmas morning. So yesterday we had Christmas with our far away Ontario family on video conference. SO tell me far way family what was your favorite part?

Mine was when I would ask Lucas to do something, as he is my circus monkey, and he would shake his head no. Amazing to see him get personality and opionins. He is smarter then the dog..... who continues to be my circus monkey.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

All Your Heads Will Turn in One Minute

Sorry about the bad cinematography. No Oscars for me.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Summer in December

The first year Darryl and I moved to Calgary it was 20 degrees on Christmas Day. It was a chinook. It probably snowed the week after, but it's so great to have warm breaks in the winter.

Today was a nice warm day as well. I don't know if it was technically a Chinook but after finsihing up our Christmas shopping Lucas and I played in the sandbox. It was great for him becuase we haven't played in there for months, so he was quite entertained for a while.




Till Tommorrow

Jenn

The Meaning of Christmas

These two animals do not like each other, the female cat rules the female dog. But amazingly they are close enough together to be in the same picture. Ahhhh the Christmas Spirit.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Monthly Newsletter- Month Sixteen

Dear Lucas,

Today you turn 16 months old, you are lucky to share this part birthday with your Aunt Lexie, who's real birthday it is. Happy Birthday Alexis! I have been telling people for about a week or two that you are sixteen months. It is the holiday season and everyone is out and about so everywhere is busy and so people end up talking to people more often. That and we are out and about more.

As I'm sure I write every month, this one was also quite fun. One of the things I hope you learn about your mom is that she is an eternal optimist. I always try to look at the positive side of things, and sometimes when I reflect I realize that I was in a really hard time even though I was optimistic at the time. That being said most of this last month was really fun.



At the beginning of the month we headed off to Ontario. You were amazing on the airplane, both to and from. But you got quite sick while we were there. It was hard on both of us for you not to be in your own enviroment while sick. We did have a good visit with your Grammie, Grandad, Aunt Lori, Uncle Ian and Kenzie. One of the reasons I went through all the craziness was it is reallly important for me to have a relationship with your Dad's family. And although we live so far away I think you defintly will. We try to do alot to make this happen with visits, blog and videoconfercing. I also had so much fun with your cousin Mackenzie. When your dad and I lived in Ontario we spent lots of time with Kenzie and it's nice that we have that solid foundation for our relationship. Anyway we did have some highlights of the trip and you gave your Ontario relatives a slice of what life is like with a toddler. You adapted quite quickly once we got home. And while you were on the mend I got sick, but we managed.

Back at home you have enjoyed all the new parts of the season. Another thing you will discover about your mom is that Christmas is not my favorite time of year. Being your mom has changed that. It is so great to see your reaction to all the new things of the season. How you look at the lights on the Christmas tree or the "stars" from the disco ball ornaments. You love the blow up Santa's and Snowmen on people lawns or sitting on Santa's lap. It has been wonderful to see all your excitment at the new things, it makes the Christmas season more enjoyable.



You have made lots of strides with your development as well. More new words like kitty, kitty kitty (although it sounds more like "getty, getty, getty"), up and down (which you have perfected and know what it means). You are also mimicking lots of words, we will say something and you will attempt it as well. More dancing moves sch as kicking and trying to jump. You also are developing more opionions and feelings on things. You don't really like to go to bed, you would rather stay up and play. You also learned how to say no, or more like shaking your head to let us know how you feel. I"m not 100% sure you know what it means because sometimes you shake your head no, when you really mean yes.

You still love cars, but have added Thomas the Train and Winne the Pooh to your favorites. The "Cars" movie has come out, so there seems to be lots of car things around, which is great. You are also quite fond of MegaBlocks and building. Which makes your dad so happy. He loves to spend lots of time building with you. It's so great to see your interests developing.





You dad has had an instrumental role in these past couple of weeks in taking care of you. Christmas time is so busy and I've been quite busy. I've also started a new job which has kept me busy with orientation. As well as final exams at school, anyway enough making excuse, I have been away. Which has been good for you and your Dad. When I was looking for someone to spend my life with it was so important to me that the man I married would play a big role in our children's life. In the beginning all a baby needs is their mommy, but now that you are learning so much it's great that your Dad is there to play with you and take care of you all the time. You really enjoy spending time with him and building tall towers. I hope that you always know that you have two parents who love you more the life itself and they would rather spend time with you then doing anything else.





I love you baby, happy 16month birthday.

Jenn

Winnie Sit Up Straight!

Here's the funny video of the weekend!

TIll Monday

Jenn

Rabbits and A Fun Day

I just got back from walking Emma this evening and we saw a ton of rabbits from our street to the park. I usually feel quite bad for the rabbits. They lived here first and now becuase of this crazy urban sprawl we have taken over their home. That and Emma loves to chase them and although I don't think she'd ever hurt them I'm sure they are scared to death. I especially feel for a rabbit who has been abandoned. One of the families on the street bought a pet bunny, but he would often run away and neighboors would have to bring him back. Now they have decided just to let this bunny run free. I think this is horrible! I was worried that the deep freeze we had a couple of weeks ago would kill this bunny who was not designed to live in the wild, although do animals adapt? Does anyone know? I do feel bad for the small spotted bunny who is not really friends with the other bunnies, but this little bunny is smart enough to escape Emma.

Lucas and I had a fun adventure on the train today to Kenginston. It is a great area of Calgary. We went to lots of neat shops and met lots of resident cats who live in the stores. We picked up a couple more orginal gifts and bought a slingshot duck for Lucas, which makes me laugh. We also had the amazing cupcakes from Crave. Here is a picture of Lucas waiting for the train on our way home after our cupcakes.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Santa Claus

This morning Lucas and I went to Southcentre to have his picture taken with Santa. We showed up in the morning and the line was quite long. So we headed over the the "Mrs. Claus" section where you can decorate your own cookie for Santa and can watch movie. Well Lucas loved decorating the cookie (or shall we say he enjoyed eating the icing=)). So much so that when we got over to Santa he didn't want to let it go. So Lucas's picture of Santa this year is with an unsure look on his face and a big cookie in his hand. =)

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

6 Weird Things About Me

I was tagged by fellow blogger Allie, so I'm happy to play along. Here are 6 weird things about me. My BFF Tammy and I discussed them alot today:

1.I sing ALOT. When I worked as an x-ray technologist I would sing all day at work. Someone would say something I and I would sing a song with that line in it. I"m not quite a good as my sister who can listen to a song once and know all the words, but I'm pretty close.

2. I have never smoked, nor do I drink coffee. Which may not sound weird, but I have never even tried. Never had any sort of cigarette in my mouth. I am quite a prude that way. I did try coffee once a couple of years ago and it was better then I expected but very bitter.

3. Since living in this house I have lived with: Darryl's best friend, my parents, my best friend and her family (not all of them at the same time). When I was a kid things always had to be very quiet in my house becase my dad worked night shift. Becuase of that experience I've always wanted a loud house where everyone can hang out. Part of the reason we've had lots of people live with us.

4. My love for the Barenaked Ladies. I'm a like a teenager when it comes to BNL. Although I don't have posters of them on the walls, but I do listen to their CD once a day. And check their website once a day. Plus I feel excitment, almost everyday about going to the concert on in Febuary.

5. I am 27 and have had two "major" careers. One as an x-ray technologist and one as an instructor. The first year I was an instructor most of my students were older then I was.

6. I cannot sleep naked. No matter how hot it is in the summer, especially since there is no air conditioning in this house, I still have to have a tank top and underwear on.

7. Here is one extra:My ba-hum-bugness about Christmas. I am a generally happy, optimistic person, but I don't really like Christmas. There are certain things I like about Christmas, but I don't like the pressure of gift giving. Not that I don't like getting great gifts for people, but I wish it could happen randomly through the year when you find a great gift for someone. It just seems so fake and pressured. Bahumbug

Now I am tagging:

Lesley
Kristine
Mo

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Kensington

While driving home from work one of the areas where I am always stuck in traffic is an area of Calgary called Kensington. There are a bunch of lights and it's close to downtown, so although I'm never stuck there long, I am always stopped at the light. There are lots of interesting shops and people on this street. One of the stores has a resident dog who often runs up and down the street. THere is the best cupcake store there called Crave. There are interesting clothing stores, bead stores, coffee shops and art stores. Like I said often intersting people walking in and out of these stores.

Today as I was driving by I had a moment of jealously. I saw a girl who kinded of reminded me of me.... She had curly hair and a great jacket. She had a backpack on and was walking in and out of stores. That girl use to be me before I had a child. Before Lucas I was not always racing home to be with him. I spent all my time on me. If I wanted to I could stroll around an interesting part of town I could park my car and do so. I could get interesting Christmas presents and have hot chocolate at the local coffee shop. But that is not my life any more.

Rather then sitting in the car feeling sorry for myself, I decided Lucas and I should take the train (which he would love) and stroll around this part of town. Together we can shop and drink hot chocolate and of course get "cack". Rather then being sad about my old life I'll embrace the new one and try to incoporate things I enjoyed in my old life.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

The Life of A Blogger

Coming up pretty soon here I will have been blogging for a year. I'm not sure what I should do for my one year anniversary so if anyone has any ideas let me know. I have found this world of bloggers to be a very interesting thing. I started becuase of a friend of Darryl's and I thought it would be a great way to keep Darryl's family up to date on Lucas and what was happening with him. (Speaking of that, he is doing well, although teething and still having some seperation anxiety from his mommy, so if he has tylenol and me he is a-okay).

Blogging has become a fun past time for me. The best thing that has come from is was finding a great dayhome for Lucas. I'm so happy to have Lesley as my blogging friend. I feel like I know Lesley from her blog and I feel so confident when Lucas is in her care.

I now read so many blogs I can barely keep up. There are so many interesting people in the world and I'm happy to get a glimpse into their lives. I have also learned a "bit" about HTML, which has been interesting. It's also interesting to read about other people dilemas, one being about Santa Claus, which I will discuss later this week.

I have quite enjoyed this new part of my life from the past year.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Video of the Weekend: For Darryl and Tammy

For Darryl


And for Tammy

Enjoy the weekend

Jenn

Santa Claus and Emma are the Same

Lucas, Darryl and I are walking through Walmart a couple of days ago and Lucas starts to "ha-ha-ha" which is him panting like a dog. We ask him where the dog is because we don't see any around......

Driving home last night Lucas does the same thing "ha-ha-ha" *panting like a dog noise* It is quite dark outside and we are surprised that he sees a dog and cannot find it ourselves

Well today I figured out that with Lucas's limited communication skills what he is actually referring to is Santa Claus. Which we have been calling Ho Ho Ho! As Lucas could not say Santa Claus, but may be able to say ho-ho. He is not differentiating between the ha of a dog and the ho of Santa. I figured this out because he blatantly pointed to the picture of him sitting on Santa's knee from last year that his on our fridge and "ha-ha-ha"*panted like a dog*

If it makes Santa feel any better everyone thinks very highly of Emma.

Till Monday

Jenn

My Favorite Thirteen Artists As they annouced the Grammy Awards Nominees today I thought I'd list my thirteen favorite albums this year: 1. Barenaked Ladies Are Me Deluxe Edition: Barenaked Ladies (bet you never would have guessed) 2. Taking the Long Way: Dixie Chicks 3. Continum: John Mayer 4. Loose: Nelly Furtado 5. Ghost Dreams: Chantal Kreviauk 6. Wintersong: Sarah McLachlan 7. Curious George Soundtrack: Jack Johnson 8. KT Tunstall: Eye to the Telescope 9.Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack 10. Courage, Patience and Grit: Great Big Sea 11. Ta-Dah: Scissor Sisters (I haven't heard the whole album but love the song: I don't feel like dancing) 12. Cars Soundtrack 13.The Live Cut: The Trews Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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Ma-Ma-Ma

Lucas seems to be going through some seperation anxiety again. It seems to have escaleted because I worked at 2 jobs yesterday which meant I left Lucas before he woke up in the morning and didn't get home till he was in bed yesterday. Today everytime I left the room Lucas would cry and scream. I was even peeing with him on my lap today. Of course he was fine moments after I left him at the day home, but it's so hard to hear your kid call for you and have to turn around and walk away. Tonight I couldn't walk away I rocked him to sleep. I peed with him on my lap, I did what ever he wanted. Rather then pull a hard line I'm going to cherish this, becuase in a day that is not far enough way, Lucas will want his mom to drop him off at the corner before the store, or not want me to give him a hug in public.

I think we'll really enjoy all the time we will be able to spend together over Christmas.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Some Nice Pictures of Darryl and I

Usually it's always Darryl or I infront of the camera, or one of us in our PJ's. Here are some good pictures of us together.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Words

Most people who meet Lucas realize how much he understands, like most babies. Babies always understand a lot before they can communicate back with you. This is one of the reasons Baby Sign Language has become a big hit, is becuase babies can use their hands to tell you things before they can use words to tell you things. The baby sign language has been fairly sucessful for Lucas and I. I am sure it has helped our communication and decrease his frustration over understanding and being able to communicate.

In the last couple of days we have been working hard on learning new words. I am also learning what words are good to start with. For example words that start with a vowel often work well. Today we worked on: in and out and up and down. Down is more like "dow" he is also quite good with eight and kitty today. He has grown quite fond of small stuffed animals. He like to hug them, sit on them and carry them around. We did recently buy a small stuffed cat from the gap and he is loving it. If you squeeze it the cat meows, which makes Lucas smile.



The other new Lucas thing is that he has gone through a growth spurt. Sleeping alot, eating alot and all the sudden none of his 12 month pants fit. I am in the process of packing them all up and getting out the 18 month and 2 year old pants. Which means were are back into rolling up the cuffs and hanging pants. Oh well, I guess this is what life has become. =)

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

The Weekend

Well we had a very eventful weekend. On Saturday morning we headed off to Cora's Breakfast Place. It was AMAZING. Good portions, lots of fruit and good extras (free banana's for LUcas, free fudge as you walk out the door). It was a great place, but it fills up fast. I also hear they are a Canada wide chain, so they may be in other places as well.

After that we headed over to our friend Mo's house, who just had a new baby, Adia. She was so small and slept the whole time. I did hold her for a moment, but it made her cry. Guess I didn't smell like her parents, I probably wasn't warm enough either. Congradulations Mo and Allison, it looks like you are doing a great job. While there Lucas quite enjoyed playing with their bunny rabit, although when the bunny peed on the floor, Lucas totally gave him away, by staring intently at the pee on the floor =) Luckily Lucas didn't step on the bunny, although did come close a couple of times, the bunny is going to have lots of time to learn about a moving baby, before Aida is up and moving.

After that Darryl spent most of the weekend helping friends of ours build a garage. He said it was a great learning experience for him as his friend had some framing experts there.

On Saturday night Darryl and I went to his Christmas Party. We had some pictures, but somehow I deleted them. Hopefully if some of Darryl's co-workers are reading this they could send them to me. It was a great party. Any of the Christmas parties I've been to have never been by a larger company. Anything that is done by the governement you have to pay for all yourself. This party was free, and the butter tarts were the best I have ever had! They had a live band, that did a great job. A Characterist, a futurist who told me I was going to change jobs next year, a body artist. For the body artist I asked for a couple of ladybugs for Lucas. A couple of ladybugs turned into my whole upper arm beautifully painted with lady bugs on some leaves. They also had a henna artist, although we didn't have that done. Unfortuanly Darryl's co-workers are not a dancing bunch, so I didn't get to bust a move very often on the dance floor. But Darryl did come a dance with me a couple of times.

All in all it was a great weekend.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Funny Video of the Weekend

I love this show the office. Here is a funny scene between two of the "rivals" on the show. Jim, the one every viewer loves and Dwight, the one every viewer laughs at.

Till Monday

Jenn

K

Lucas learns so much everyday. It is so amazing. The other day we took out a alphabet puzzle that we have had for a while, but he never really knew how to put together, and bam, bam, bam, he's putting all the letters where they belong.

Another new thing he has learned is to say "K". When I phrase something to him and put an okay at the end of it, he'll say k. It's so so cute. In the bathtub tonight I say: 5 more minutes okay?, He replies" K". In the mall today Jenn says: Lets go to the next store, okay? "K", says Lucas.

I adore that kid.



Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things I Love About Winter Being the eternal optimist I thought I'd try to think of thirteen good things about the cold weather we've been having. 1. Snuggling in bed. In the summer it's too hot to snuggle, but it's so great in the winter. 2. Skiing. Although I haven't been in a couple of years with the young one coming and then being around I do like that part of winter. 3. Skating on Allen Bill Pond. It is so amazing to go skating on a real pond in the mountains. 4. Going for a hike to cut down your own Christmas tree. The first couple of years we lived in Calgary we would get a 5$ permit and go to the mountains to cut down a tree. They were always very Charlie Brownish, but it was fun to have a real tree. 5. It is much easier to pick up poop. This thought ran through my head tonight and caused me to chose winter as my Thursday Thirteen topic. In the winter you grab all the snow around the poop and it is much easier then trying to pick it off grass. 6. Hot Chocolate. There is nothing more comforting then having a nice mug of hot chocolate after coming in from the cold. Ummmmmmm 7. The Christmas Spirit. Generally I am quite a bamhumbug when it comes to Christmas, but I do love how everyone is more giving and generous at this time of year, especially to people who need it. 8. Beautiful blanket of white. Calgary is kind of a brown town (very dry, not alot of rain) When it snows it puts a beautiful white blanket on everything. It makes the world a little queiter and the sound of snow under your feet a little louder. 9. Sweaters and long pants: How nice is it to not have to worry if my bra is showing from under my shirt, or did I shave my legs high enough to wear that skirt. Yeah for clothes that hide all of my unbeautifulness. 10. Fireplaces: They are a primal, even though I now turn it on with the flick of a switch. 11. Mulled Wine and Christmas Cookies: More warm beverages and things that make me want to wear more sweaters. But truely at what other time of year can you get such a variety of cookies. Especially those types that only come out at Christmas time. 12. Putting pajamas on at 8pm: It get's dark here are 5pm, so by 8pm many people are in there comfy clothes, watching new episodes of our favorite TV shows. 13. Darryl's opionion: Long johns (as I'm sure Lori could agree with) and Alexis opionion: Turtles Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Shakes head back and forth

Anyone who reads the blog on a regular basis, knows how much we love to dance in this house. Lucas has become an excellent spinner, so much so that he can make himself dizzy and fall over. He has also learner the kick, which is a great dance move, espeically if you listen to the Barenaked Ladies. He can't do a high kick yet, it more so a "soccer" kick. A couple of weeks ago he learned the "head bang" move. Which is would always say "yes yes yes" to so he would learn that bobbing his head up and down would indicate yes.

Of course the move that follows yes, yes, yes is the opposite. Shaking the head back and forth to say no. Now many things are no. In alot of ways it's great, often he actually means no, although I'm sure sometimes when he means yes, he's still saying no. I'm sure we are moving into the toddler stage when everything is no... I can see it as he shakes his head back and forth.



Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Lucas and the Plane

Lucas was very well behaved on the plane both to and from Ontario. Both times we were at the airport he was amazed at looking at the planes close up. Both times he was overloaded with the amount of new things to look at. At the Calgary airport they have large "stuffed" bears by the Nationla Geographic store. Lucas was scratching his chest like crazy (which is the sign in sign language for bear) And they have different kinds of birds on the ceiling, which he also quite enjoyed. I thought we may have some difficulties with the new regulations on the plane, but Lucas walked through that metal detector all by himself, and other then showing my laptop they didn't give us any more trouble. Lucas also quite liked the "toy" shop. So we spent quite a bit of time there. Although his favorite part was the little cars that drive people around. =)



One thing that amazes me about flying is how people all want to get on the plane right away? They called for pre-boarding for our flight and I delayed. Lucas was having fun playing with some toys in the airport, so I figured the longer we waited the better. After about 5 minutes I picked him up and headed towards the gate. There was already a long line and they hadn't even called for regular boarding yet, but here were all these people lined up. In my opinion I want to stay off that plane as long as possible. I'm already stuck in that tube for long enough, why do I want to get on it quickly? If anyone has a good explanation I'd love to hear it.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

The Highlight of My Trip

During the last week I was in Ontario and it was a fairly difficult trip with both Lucas and I getting sick. The major highlight of my trip was spending time with my very cool neice. Before this vacation I didn't realize what an important role I played in her life. For a vacation that wasn't really for me being with her was such a treat. It made all the difficult nights with Lucas worth it. It was so nice to see her genuine excitement to spend time with me. There was no stress in her eyes of the work I would cause her, just pure joy. To see Mackenzie look at her mom with anticipation that she was able to show me what a great guitar player she was. Have her request that she gets one on one time with me. I thought she might be at an age where I was too old for her, but it's nice to still be the cool Aunt Jenn. An Aunt Jenn that she can be honest with and Aunt Jenn who she'd rather go shopping with then get a present online. We had lots of good laughs and had fun being creative with our 70's fashion show (even though Godzilla Lucas tried to crash it). I love her so much and was happy to have some quality time with her, even though I don't have the quanity of time I'd like to.





Thanks Kenzie, you made it worth it!

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

A Difference Between Ontario and Alberta

Yesterday Lucas and I arrived safe and sound in Ontario. Lucas did a great job on the plane, although I don't know how we would have done if there wasn't a spare seat beside us.

We got off the plane a grabbed our luggage and left the airport. As we are walking across the street in front of the airport. There is someone directing the cars and the pedestrian. As a pedestrian you have to wait until this dude can tell you to go, even though there is a crosswalk right there.

As we crossed the street I whispered into Lucas's ear that was one of the differences between Ontario and Alberta, and that he had a lot to learn about this new place.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Video of the Weekend: Dixie Chicks and Gwen

I think Dixie Chicks are becoming one of the themes here. Enjoy the video.



I just added this video for Alexis. enjoy!

Jenn

Montly Newsletter; Month 15

Dear Lucas,

Today you turn 15 months old. Many may say 15 months, but I think it's a big deal. Plus I love wrting you these letters on your birthdays. It has been a really fun month and your intelligence and skills are continuing to amaze me.

This month you have also come to really enjoy TV. Most morning we watch the Backyardigans and Thomas the Tank. You happily drink from your cup (another accomplisment this month, you have totally given up bottles, only sippy cups now.) in the morning while watching TV.

Your level of communication keeps going up as well. These words have been added to your vocabulary: Lila (although mostly sounds like wa-wa), Pop, eight, roar (when we ask you to make a tiger noise) and cake. I am very glad we did the sign language as well. Especially more and all done. They have come in handy. Everything else is a luxury.

One of the ways I know I am doing a good job with you is that you love the Barenaked Ladies. You often point to the ipod and play the Best of BLAM playlist. We dance like crazy people round and round to their music. If I put on something else you don't really dance. You have been trying to master jump, as Mommy likes to jump to their music, but generally it just looks like deep knee bends. You are a great spinner though. Sometimes you like it when we dance together, but other times you like to get on the floor and dance by yourself.

This morning you did the sweetest thing, that gave both your daddy and I arm fuzzies. Daddy went in a got you out of bed and when you saw me you put your arms out. I tried to grab you but you didn't want to leave your daddy either, you just pulled us both in and we had one of ou nce family hugs. The greatest part was you initiated it.


Mommy loves you so much Lucas, there is not a person in the world I would rather spend my time with.

love mommy.

My Job

Generally I try not to blog about work. I have been cautioned by the stories I read from dooce (who is speaking in my city today, but I didn't know so unfortunaly I am not going). But I had a question about it in one of the comments so I thought I'd talk about what I do and how mcuh I love it.

First and foremost I am an x-ray technologist. I spend most of my time working for the college in the city here visiting the students at all the different hospitals and clinic we work at. I watch them work to make sure they are on track and give them feedback on how they are doing. I really enjoying working at all the different sites. For example I would have alot of trouble working at the childrens hospital, but it is fun to spend a day there and hug little babies. Also working in trauma. Don't know if i could do it all the time, but it's fun to do for a day. One of the other big advantages is I know everyone. It's a fairly small field (about 1000 people in the city) so it's nice to have contacts everywhere.

I love being a teacher. I love watching the students blossom from not knowing anything about x-ray to being part of the community. I love passing on my knowledge and tricks and tips to them. I love learning from them. I love to help change and make an impact on their lives. It is a great job.

I do get to work on the floor without watching students once every couple of weeks which is nice as well. Usually this is with a geriatric population which is also fun. I often ask anyone I x-ray over 90 years old what's the secret to living so long. I get lots of funny answers, one day I'll post them all.

One of the great things about my job is that when I went back to work 3 months ago, I was able to go back part time. I have the best of both worlds, some working, but I still get to raise Lucas and spend more days a week with him then working. My job is also very flexible, which is perfect for a mom with young kids. Plus I get lots of vacation!

Till Monday (although stay tuned for the video of the weekend)

Jenn

Babies

Today I got to spend some time holding and loving a sick baby. She was so small, but so beautiful. Since my baby has turned into a toddler I've forgotten how babies smell, and feel in your arms. Oh baby.....

Jenn

Thirteen of My Favorite TV Shows As it is Thursday night and I Am Watching Grey's Anatomy so here's the list 1. Grey's Anatomy: I think it's become a cult. The music is number one on the radio, it's on Oprah tommorrow. Like I said a cult I am happy to be a part of. Never watched an episode with out laughing or crying. 2. The Office: I am also watching Office. Such a funny show. Sometimes a little over the top. But generally quite a funny show. Plus you have to love Jim and Pam. 3. Friends: I love this show. I still love to watch the reruns. Today was the episode where Phoebe sings along with the bag pipes - a classic 4. Young and the Restless: I have been watching this show since I was a kid. It's like a book that never stops. 5. Gilmore Girls. Love the fast talking. Love the great relationship between Lorelei and Rory. Plus is she really going to end up with Christopher or will she go back to Luke? 6. Alias: I love JJ Abrams shows. Combine this with Jennifer Garner doing cool stunts, what could be better 7. The New Adventures of the Old Christine: This is a show I got into over the summer. I find Julia Louis Drefus to be so funny. 8. Lost: Another JJ Abrams show, although I do feel like it's not as good this year. But am still watching it. The first two seasons were great. 9. Felicity: The last JJ Abrams on this list. But another goodie. Besides as a curly haired girl who couldn't love another curly haired girl. 10. Party of Five: As a teenager this was one of the first shows I really got into. HOw could you not have sympathy for 5 kids raising themselves. 11. Hockey Night in Canada: I definitly jumped on the hockey bandwagon a couple of years ago. Now most Saturday nights hockey is on in our house. 12. Sex in The City: I loved this show. My sister had the DVD's and I watched all season straight for about two months after Lucas was born. It reminds me of him and that hard time in my life. 13. Cosby Show: This show reminds me of my family. We would often watch it together and certain things my dad did reminded me of Bill Cosby. Plus wouldn't it be perfect if all problems could be solved in a half and hour. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Pampered Chef, Snuggly and Daddy's Man

So this evening I went out to a Pampered Chef party. Home parties were not something I knew about until I moved to suburbia. I must say, Pampered Chef parties are one of my favorites. They really do sell so many wonderful things for the kitchen. If you ever go to one I defitnly recommend the microcooker, (amazing and cheap), the silicone spatulas and a piece of stoneware. Most of their stuff is great and I have lots of it, but those are three of my favorite things.

Usually I don't like to leave Lucas in the evenings after I have worked all day, but he was totally into his daddy tonight. Stacking all his cars on him, wanting him to play, showing him how the cars move. It was great.

Lucas has also become much more snuggly recently. Which is nice, but also means he's much more into TV. He'll point at the TV and uh, uh at it. We usually watch a show or two in the morning (Thomas and Backyardigans), but that's it. Sometimes in the evening we'll watch his favorite Baby Einstien movie, which is about guess what....... cars. Often when we are watching the movie, he'll sit on my lap and snuggle in. I think he is also realizing that if he lays his head down on me it doesn't mean he has to sleep. Really it is wonderful.





Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Great 5 Days

I have totally enjoyed the last 5 days at home. The house is quite clean, laundry is done. We also had lots of time to visit with Grandparents and friends. Tonight was the first dinner we had with just the three of us all weekend. It's so nice to be able to spend time with the people you love and time to get things done.

In the process of moving I did organize lots of pictures, which reminded me that Darryl and I have been together for such a long time. Someday I'll have to scan in all those pictures. I also organzied the front hall closest, although that didn't go over as well, becuase I have trouble getting rid of shoes. Plus living in such a varied seasonal area you need a coat for everything.

The best part about all the days off is spending time with Lucas. I am addicited to my kid. It will be hard to go back to work tommorrow, for both of us. We have these fun little games we play. Hide and seek behind the bed, chase each other around and flip him upside down. Ahh this is such a great time in my life. I love the time off, and I love my boy.

I will be changing the template again soon, but hopefully Darryl will be able to customize it a bit.....

Till Tommorrow (when I'm back to the grind)

Jenn

SmartyPants

It is amazing how the older Lucas gets the more obvious his increasing knowledge becomes. I'm sure that he was learning at an enormous rate when he was smaller but it is much more obvious to me. Here are some examples:

The other day I told him to put a wrapper in the garbage. He picked up the wrapper, walked into the kitchen, opened the cupboard with garbage in it and put the wrapper in the garbage. He has seen us use the garbage enough that he knows where it is.

While watching his favorite movie he has learned the hand actions for the wheels spinning round and round from the song "The Wheels on the Bus". Now everytime he sees a school bus he does the same action.

In counting books, I touch the page everytime I count something, pointing out the 5 butterfly's on the page. Today my hands were full so I couldn't point out the objects, so Lucas starts pointing at the page. I know he is not able to count yet, but I was amazed that he knew the action for counting.

Yesterday Darryl read him a book tht is similar to the "I Spy" books. There are objects on one page and you find them in the picture on the other page. It is very elementary, but I usually name the items on one page and then point them out in the picture. Darryl had him find the objects in the picture, rather then Darryl finding them and he would find all 6 of the items. It was great!

It is amazing to see the brain developing....

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Geekdom Continues

So what does everyone think of the new template. If everyone hates it I can go back to the old one. I am just so proud of myself for figuring out how to change it. Which really just means copying and pasting, but still, copying and pasting the right stuff. =)

I'll post more this evening. Now I should go wake my baby.

Till Later.

Jenn

Video of the Weekend

An important video.

Till Monday

Jenn

A New Favorite Dance Move

Thursday Thirteen

I love jumping on bandwagons and I see lots of people are jumping on this bandwagon so here we go.....

Thirteen Things about Jenn Thirteen of My Favorite Blogs 1. http://www.dooce.com Just a great writer and witty. 2. http://www.lifeatthebecks.com My friend Lesley Blog 3. http://writingmamassalon.blogspot.com A great blog where a new mom writes every day. Great reading for other moms 4. http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com A Stay At Home Dad's funny stories about his kids 5. http://mokhan.blogspot.com/ The guy who got me started with blogging, a friend from Darryl's work 6. http://krisbabyadventures.blogspot.com/ Another friend Kristine's blog about her and her baby 7. http://meganpratt.blogspot.com/ A Calgary Blog which carries funny news stories as well. 8. http://www.textism.com/oliver/daily/ A great picture of a dog everyday. 9. http://overwhelmedwithjoy.blogspot.com/ Has an amazing adoption story on it. 10. http://jenz.wordpress.com/ A mom from New Zealand, interesting to get a differnet point of view, but makes the world seem very small. 11. http://www.bnlblog.com Well of course the barenaked ladies had to be on here. Of course they are not as good as most for blogging, but I still love 'em 12. http://ameasureofgrace.blogspot.com/ More moms, I love moms 13. http://crazywhittinghams.blogspot.com/ and http://biggestblessings.blogspot.com/ More mom's Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Performing For Pop

Tonight Pop came over for dinner and Lucas decided to put on a fun show for him. We played a game where we almost let him get away and the pull him back, he would laugh and laugh. We'd do that a couple of times and then let him get away while he runs to Pop, Pop does the same thing and then he come back to me. Laughing and panting the whole time.

Lucas also learned how to say Lila today, which is the name of the dog at his day home. So for most of the evening he said "Wai,wa". Sometimes it would come out with an "L" but most of the night he would say "wai,wa"

He was also big on rubbing noses tonight. Eskimo kisses for everyone, which would also make him laugh as well. We also had a video conference with Grammie and he even tried to rub noses with Grammie

Lots of performing for Pop tonight.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Accomplishments

I do love my days off when I feel like I get alot accomplished. I also love my work days when I feel like I get a lot accomplished. Many days I feel like I'm running around but never getting anything done, but I've had a couple of days in the last week, both at home and at work where I felt like I've gotten lots of things done. It is such a good feeling.

Lucas has been having lots of great accomplishments as well. He is becoming a good kicker and thrower, which can be somewhat of a problem, because he needs to learn what is appropriate to kick and throw. He is also learning more and more words. He can say bib, red car, and will try to imitate many things I say, they usually don't come out right, but it's so good to see him trying. He is also communicating, numi numi means he wants something to eat or drink. Owie, if he hurts himself, and he is quite good at pouting out his bottom lip. Yeah, it is fun to have a toddler.

Last night I was putting our visitors to bed (they are 8 and 3) The eight year old asked me, so are you and Darryl like our grandparents, I said no were more like an Aunt and Uncle. He says, so that means Lucas is our cousin. Yeah I said, Lucas is your cousin. Lucas has quite enjoyed having the 3 year old to emulate. He has learned alot in the last week from our visitors. It has been a good experience for him.




Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Dixie Chicks

Last night I went to a great concert of the Dixie Chicks. That Natalie Maines can really sing. I went with a bunch of other "chicks" and it was fun to have a girls night out. They did lots of great songs and I love to sing along. I have been to some great concerts and this was up there. They did lots of there orignal songs but sped them up or slowed them down. Plus she did an amazing version of "Not Ready To Make Nice". Tears were running down my cheeks. You could see the emotion and the feelings right on her face. It gave me goosebumps. I also loved Landslide, Earl's Gotta Die and lots of other fun upbeat songs.





I find that the Dixie Chicks have two main messages, one of course being about how they don't like Bush and his polotics and how they are all for free speech. The next is about being good mom's who love there kids. They have two songs that really reflect that. They played one last night Lullaby, which also made me tear up. I just wanted to go home and hug my kid. We also have another one of there songs on Lucas's sleeping songs Godspeed. If you are a parent get these songs, they are great.

Anyway I'm off to bed, a great concert equals a late night.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Funny Video of the Weekend

Found this video on You Tube yesterday. It's not Lucas, but enjoy it.

Jenn

34 Give A Tour: My 10 Favorite Things To Do In Calgary

A while ago I posted about a book I had gotten: No One Cares What You Had For Lunch 100 Ideas for Your Blog. Today my post is number 34 from the blog, Give a Tour.

So today I'll suggest My 10 Favorite Things To Do In Calgary:

1. Go To The Mountains: I know this isn't directly in Calgary, but quite close and a really fun thing to do. It's great that you can get into the wilderness so quickly. Plus there is Banff and Canmore, if you like to go shopping.

2. See the Skyline: Two great places to see the Skyline of the city are Scottsman Hill above the Stampede grounds or on the Commons at SAIT. Both provide an excellent view of our amazing skyline

3. Banff Hot Springs: Is there anything better then sitting in the Hot Springs, when it is snowing all around you. You get out the hot springs feeling rested and happy, it is a spa experience in itself.

4. Go To the Zoo: Calgary has quite a good zoo and for 15$ or a 40$ yearly pass, it is great to see Lions and Tigers and Bears. The Africa exhibt that was recently renovated was amazing. It is also a really great place for kids, with cool playgrounds and a reasonalbly priced cafeteria with lots of healthy choices.

5. Have breakfast at the Rockyview Hospital: I know you must all think I'm crazy, but if for some reason you are ever at the Rockyview Hospital in the morning, I highly recommend the breakfast there, it's good and cheap. My usual is a poached egg, piece of toast, peice of ham, sausage and hashbrowns. That comes to 3.15$. Water is free.

6. Take a Tour of the Bernard Callebaut Chocolate Factory: If you love chocolate, you should defintly do this. Espeically since you get a free chocolate in the end. It is amazing to see the detail and the quality that goes into these chocolates. Delicious!

7. Shopping: If you are a tourist and like shopping I would say there are two places to check out, the first would be Chinook. It's a mall, but it has an amazing food court and most stores you could imagine. Secondly would be downtown. On the second and third floors of alot of the buildings downtowns are stores and they are all connected by walkways. Plus for a break you can head to Devionain Gardens.

8. Markets: Calgary also has some good markets. Two I frequent are the Calgary Farmers market in Curry Barracks. Runs all year long on Fridays-Sundays and is fairly "high class". The second would be Millarville, which only runs in the summer and only on Saturday mornings (although the Christmas Market is next weekend) but great food sold from local farmers.

9. Willow Park Winery: This is a great wine store in Willow Park. They have classes (that someday Darryl and I will take) and every kind of wine you can imagine (well I'm sure not every kind of wine but tons and tons). They also have a wide variety of ports, which is nice.

10. Going to the Park: Lucas, Emma and I go to the park almost everyday. Most times it is the park at the end of the street, but there are tons of options here in Calgary. We also frequent, the Southland Off Leash and Fish Creek Park.

I know I have lots of readers in Calgary, so I'd love to hear some of your favorite things to do in Calgary.

Till Monday

Jenn

The 1500 Dollar Toy

One of the new great things about my computer is that it has an isight camera in the top of it. This has become very conducive to taking alot of videos. I am sure you have seen quite a bit of them on this blog. I have also been using it for videoconferencing with my sister in Edmonton and my parents who live much closer.

Another advantage has been taking lots of videos of Lucas. It's easy to use and Lucas is always amazed that he can see himself while I"m recording. As you can see from these images he is obsessed with watching videos of himself. Whenever he sees my white beast he wants to watch videos of himself playing cars or saying Pop. He loves it. It will always make him happy. No matter how grouchy, once he sees the white beast he's pointed at it and stops crying so he can watch himself.



In the last couple of days we have had some children visitors. I have a video of Shaun singing "We Will Rock You" while sitting on the toilet. Since Shaun realized he too can watch himself on the computer we have watched the "We Will Rock You" video oh maybe 1000 times. Good thing the video is only 20 seconds long.

Glad my 1500$ purchase is going to good use.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Somthing Sad, Something Glad and Something Gross

Something sad.....I found out yesterday that Bob Barker is retiring. It makes me a little sad, mainly becuase it reminds me of my Grandma and Pop. When I was a kid we spent lots of time with Grandma and Pop becuase they lived on a beach. Grandma would make a big meal at lunch time and we would watch Price is Right while we had a big lunch. It was great fun and always brought back good memories when I saw Price is Right, but now that won't happen again.

Something glad...... We have Tammy's boys staying with us for a couple of days. Tonight I had both Shaun and Lucas in the tub. They were splashing each other, blowing bubbles in the water having a blast. Shaun would pour a cup of water on his head, then Lucas would pour a cup of water on his head. It was so fun and funny to watch them.

Something gross.......I was watching Oprah a couple of weeks ago and Dr. Oz was on talking about how butter is better then margarine because it is a natural fat that your body recognizes. Great, I bought butter this grocery day. So I cut a chunk (probably an inch or so) of it off yesterday to use. Lucas and I came home from running errands and the chunk of butter was gone. Emma had eaten a big chunk of butter off the counter. Yuck! Darryl did find part of it upstairs that was too cold for her to eat, but she quite enjoyed the butter.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Hallowe'en

Well Lucas and I had a great Hallowe'en, he did sleep in a little later then Monday, so we both woke up in good moods. I invited Mom over for some bacon and eggs for breakfast. It was delicious and fun to have a good breakfast at the beginning of the day. I think breakfast may be my favorite meal of the day. Although dinner is up there as well, espeically if dinner is something great like lamb and if it has wine to go with it. Anyway, after a great breakfast Lucas and I carved the pumkin. It has been a couple of years since I've carved a pumpkin and I forgot how gooey they are inside. I think Lucas may be like his dad in this regard, becuase he didn't like getting his hands too gooey, he prefered to use the spoon.





After using a very sharp knife around a child we headed off to have lunch with Auntie Karen at Applebee's. Applebee's was closed for lunch today so we went to Boston Pizza and lunch took forever. But Lucas was in a good mood and the company was great, so it wasn't so bad. Afterwards we headed to Walmart to get candy and it was a zoo. Oblviously everyone has the same idea, don't buy candy till the last day.



This evening we dolled Lucas up in his pumpkin costume and dressed Emma up as a ghost (which she hated). I took him up the street and everyone loved him. Lucas on the other hand was a little stunned at the evening. Flashing pumpkins, people dressed up, knocking on strangers doors. I'm sure it was all a little overwhelming for a toddler. One of the cool things was the fire truck rode up the street and was handing out candy to the kids. Lucas didn't care too much about the candy, but was loving the lights on the fire truck.





Once we got home he was numi, numi numi and he wanted his loot, but we only gave him a few treats. All in all a successful Hallowe'en.

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Any Guesses

Here is the start of Darryl's latest project.





Any guesses?

Till Tommorrow

Jenn