Sore Left Bum Cheek

I had a super great weekend. My Oma and Opa were down from BC and my sister was also down. It was so fun to see everyone and great to have Lucas entertain everyone. Lucas is so lucky to have so many people who love him. On Saturday Auntie Karen was here and her and mom took turns running around the playroom with him. On Sunday we took Emma to the offleash and Alexis taught him the word robin.


On Saturday Darryl made a great steak dinner for everyone and we played with the Wii. The Wii is quite lovable and we all played it quite a bit. It's fun because you are excersing without really knowing you are excersicing. Darryl said it's going to help me train for my triathlon. On Sunday morning I woke up and my left bum cheek was so sore. In hindsight I must have done at least 50 lunges while pretending to bowl. Plus hit a tennis ball 50 times. Although it was Dad who was great at baseball and mom who was great at the bowling.



On Sunday my sister and I went shopping and she seems to be more peaceful now that exams are done, which I guess is normal. Still catching up on sleep, but happier. I do love spending time with her and glad she is around. I'll be happier if she ever moves back to the city, but know that everyone has to do what works for them in life.

Hope you all had a great weekend as well.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Spring Has Sprung

Well it's spring here in Calgary. The weather is great, although we have had rain last week, it is beautiful and sunny. I have had kind of an emotional week. But am feeling very optimistic today. Maybe it's becuase the sun is shining or maybe it is because I am an eternal optimist.

Things at work were looking bad, but I've gotten good news today so all the craziness will get better. There are good people out there, hopefully we can recruit them.

Lucas, Grandma, Oma, Opa and I had a great morning at the zoo. We saw lots of beautiful animals. The mountains looked great.





My sister is coming to visit soon and I love her and need her help to buy new jeans.

I love the good weather. I can't help but smile when the sun is shining.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

A Cool Thing

Tonight Darryl, Mom, Oma, Lucas and I went to the park and flew a kite. It was great, I haven't flew a kite since I was a kid. Darryl (as usual) was very good at it. At first Lucas was freaked out because he was worried it was going to fly away, but once he realized Darryl had it on a string he thought it was cool. Another good thing is that he started to call Oma, Oma, rather then Opa.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Chicken McNuggets

Before Darryl and I ever became parents we had conversations about what we wanted to introduce our children to. Places we wanted to take them, sports we wanted to teach them, values we wanted to instill in them. One of the things we wanted to introduce our kids to is different types of food. Darryl and I eat a variety of foods. Nothing totally exotic, no bugs but calamari, thai food, sushi, lamb and lots of other things. We hoped that our kids would also like a wide variety of food and enjoy many of our likes.

In the last year that Lucas has been eating solid food he has tried a ton of different things. When we went to Florida this year he enjoyed mussels, when he was 10 months old we took him to a Thai restaurant and he loved coconut rice. We have been lucky that he hasn't turned down much. Generally he'll eat whatever we give him.

Until recently. This evening Darryl and I went to Edo Japan and ordered sushi for him, rolls for me and Chicken Teryaki for Lucas. Well he didn't want any that I put in front of him. So we asked if he would like Chicken McNuggest and he almost did cartwheels to the door so we could get him some chicken mcnuggets.

Guess he's a toddler now....

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Earth Day

Well yesterday was earth day so there has been more publicity on things to do to save the earth. Here are a couple of things I'll start doing.

1. Buy organic. I always thought organic was just healthier but it also prevents more toxins from entering the environment.

2. Drive the speed limit. Driving slower is better for the environment. This is a hard one for me, but more convincing now that I know how it's helping the trees.

3. Use cloth bags rather then paper. I usually shop at Superstore where we use big boxes, but I'm going to try to use them more.

4. Not taking ATM recipets to tell you how much is left in your account.

"If everyone left their receipts in the machine, it would save a roll of paper more than 2 billion feet long—enough to circle the equator more than 15 times,"


A couple of simple things to keep in mind for earth day.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Damn

Well I lost my bet, wonder what Pat wants for dinner.......

Kipper did play amazing!

Damn........

Jenn

Observation

Sometimes it's great to just watch your kids. Interaction is so important for them, but I have been so caught up with work and trying to multi-task my life, that I haven't spent a lot of time observing Lucas. Well today I did and was so happy. I attempt to be a great mother and talk to him a lot but I forgot about the listening. As my friend Pat says, you only have one mouth, but two ears, two eyes.

So while watching Lucas today I saw that he is learning right from wrong. He was using a pen to color on a little piece of paper. He picked up the pen and went to go draw on the wall. Then said no to himself. I was also watching him read books. I always read books to him. Little did I realize that he can learn so much by silently reading to himself. He'll say the words of things he sees on the page, soccer ball, swings, dog, uh oh man tripped, fire, wee-wee, fire truck, slide.

In some ways I can't believe that a year ago, he couldn't really say anything. He could crawl or walk. It just doesn't seem possible that now he can jump with both feet and say so many words.

If you have kids, watch them today.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Nemo

I must be totally pms'ing because today Lucas and I watched Finding Nemo and I was crying and crying. Poor Lucas had a wet head because of all my tears landing on his head. The mom dies, Nemo is stolen, his dad has so many obstacles to try and find him, and just when Nemo's dad finds him, Nemo has to pretend he's dead and the dad loses all hope. So sad. I can't believe it's a kid's movie. Lucas quite enjoys Dorie, as do I. My favorite part is when she is talking to the whales.

I also was exercising tonight, which is rare for me. But I was reading Esh's new Velocity blog and it has inspired me, at least while I'm pms'ing.

Here's something to make you laugh. Although the sound may be behind the video?



Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Monthly Newsletter- Month Twenty

Dear Lucas,

Happy 20 month birthday. I didn't realize it was your twenty month birtday till late in the day, but we did have a really great day. This evening we went to the Marble Slab and you were happy that there were fans there. But must have said 20 times that: 'fan not turning'. It's great that you are using lots of three word sentences. Another three word sentence you used this evening was 'ogre song again'.



It's interesting to see what things interest you. I'm sure they are the typical boy stuff, but it's great to see your interest vary from cars. Not that cars aren't great, but it's good to be interested in lots of things, to be well rounded. I really want you to be well rounded. I think your most favorite thing is Shrek. You love that movie. We have watched that movie more in the last month then I have ever watched any movie. Everyday I quote something from Shrek. Shrek has led into dragons and princess which you quite like as well.




Some of your other big things have been bugs. Whenever we are outside we dig in the garden to see if we can find bugs. Ladybugs are probably your favorite, although you also like "shiny" fly's and 'fiders'. The other outdoor thing you are really enjoying is sports. Baseball, basketball, soccer, golf. You don't really care what the sport is as long as it involves a ball. We did get you a basketball hoop and you love to score and point out every time we miss. The joy of bugs and sports is that we get to be outside in the nice weather we've been having.



Life is amazing with you kid. You listen very well. You are paying attention to "cars coming" and don't walk out on the road. You are able to jump with both feet, your running is becoming better. And you love to count and then race. Although the counting usually goes 'free, four, go'. And then you run. On Easter weekend we went out to dinner on a Saturday night and outside you enjoying running in there caged in area where their outdoor patio is.



You are a typical toddler when it comes to food, somedays you eat everything we give you and other days you only want hot chocolate and 'farties"



Your talking is what I am most proud of. Not that I'm totally responsible for it, but you are quite a good talker. I've written here about funny things you say and how clever you are without really knowing it. You also know that when you do something and we laugh, to do it again and we'll laugh again.



Life is great with you. I am so happy for the life we all have together.

love mommy

Proud to Be a Calgarian

I'm watching the Calgary Flames hockey game and am so proud there are tears in my eyes. They are so loud and everyone is in red. You can't tell where the players stop and the crows starts. They boo everytime Todd Bertuzi has the puck. They are passionate and have not given up hope.

Go Flames Go!

Till Tomorrow (and the monthly newsletter)

Jenn

Life List

So last year I heard Ellen using the term "life list" basically it's a premise lots of people use but to have a list of things you'd like to do before you die. Over the last week a couple of things have triggered my thinking about this idea. Here are a couple of things on my list:

1. Own a convertible. Lesley from Life at the Becks was talking about getting a convertible. That is something that is definitly on my list of things I'd like to do in my life.

2. Travel to China: That is a country I've always wanted to go to. I think the culture there is amazing.

3. Play a Barenaked Ladies song on the guitar. A couple of years ago Darryl bought me a guitar for my birtday. I have put it aside since having Lucas, but is something I want to get back to. Especially now with the Bathroom Sessions.

4. See a Broadway Show. I love musical and would love to go and see a great musical in New York City

5. Read famous books: Last night I bought the book: To Kill A Mockingbird, becaseu I've never read it.

6. Complete a triathalon: This is kind of a lofty goal for me, but I love swimming and biking, so if I could get on board with the running. I may just be able to do it. Lucas and I were watching someone swimming laps today and it inspired me.

7. Life in another country: Another one that may be unlikely, but I have lots of years to life, so you never know. For the moment I'm thinking France or Italy. But anywhere would be fun.

8. Serve food to the hungry: I want to take my family and serve food in a soup kitchen one day a month for years.

9. Eat sushi in Japan. Maybe I could combine this with number 7 and number 10.

10. Do something good in another country. Whether it be giving books and toys to kids in Africa or building a school in Mexico, or teaching english in Japan.

11. Raise well rounded children. This is obviously the most important one, and the least about me. But I would like to do lots of these things with my kids, especially the traveling.

12. Take my mother, father, sister, Darryl and children to Paris and Rome. This is going to be hard one because this is not something they are interested in, but my parents have introduced me to so many great things, I would like to introduce them to something great.

13. Have these jobs: airplane stewardess (although I know that's not the proper term), work as a waitress, deliver flowers, work at a wine shop.

Are any of these on your life list? Do you have a life list? Have you done any of these and was it great?

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Tidbits from the Weekend

I bought a pair of "rip off" LuLu Lemons. You can totally see my underwear lines, so I will now have to go out and buy thong underwear.
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Lucas has been testing limits more and more. He cries much more delibriatly when he wants something.
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I went open housing, and can't believe how expensive houses are priced at. Which is good news for us, becuase we are going to list our house for 8000$ more then 6 months ago.
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Dad BBQ'd us a great pair of steaks and mom made great roasted potatoes.
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The Flames lost another game. Although hockey has been on non stop at our house.
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The new James Bond movie was great
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It is so "freaking" busy at work, I don't have time to do a real post.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Well I Guess I Don't Look Like A Serial Killer

PS I forgot this also happened today. I was driving to get my rental car this morning, when a lady was standing at the side of the road in our neighboorhood. Being the good Calgarian I am I stopped so she could cross the street. Instead she came up to the car, so I rolled down my window thinking she would be looking for directions. So she says: I've just missed my bus and can't be late for work. Are you going close to a c-train station and could drop me off? My automatic reaction: Sure, even though I wasn't going really close, but I could go out of my way a bit. We chatted about various things Calgarian, the price of houses, employment, Saskatchewan. You know all things Alberteans have in common. In the end I dropped her off, she didn't kill me and I didn't kill her......=)

Jenn

Going Away

As part of my I have to visit some other centres in Alberta where our students go. Today I was in Red Deer. One of my favorite things about leaving Calgary is coming home,. Especially when you come home from the north or the airport. Driving into the city seems so familar. The view is beautiful with the mountains as a back drop for the city sky scrapers. The weather here is great and I was jiving to the new Calgary radio station Energy 101.5. I was a great drive home. I love my city.

Till Monday

Jenn

Spring

Well spring has sprung here for the next week. I'm sure that we'll have snow again next week (it is Calgary after all). My tulips are starting to poke through the ground, we enjoyed being out in the sunshine all morning. The days are getting longer as well, which means Lucas is getting up earlier in the morning. Kids are outside playing road hockey and then coming in and watch the playoffs. Speaking of the playoff I received this in my e-mail:

BTW, Wanna a wagger a dinner for 4 on the Flames series? Loser
provides dinner, winner brings the wine.
Sound good?? Let me know before Thursday puck drop time...

Don't you love to have friends?? Even if they are Red Wings fans?

My post today is not very clever, but this one is.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Wordless Wednesday

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Best Buddies

First off I wanted to say hi to the new people reading the blog. It's so nice to hear from you.

Last week, we had a guest dog staying with us. Although Emma likes other dogs, she much prefers her family, or people that are part of her extended family. When we go to the park she's happy to play with the frisbee and ignore anyone else around. She never runs up to other people and is quite happy to hang out with us.

Last week, she was happy to have a dog to play with. I think she will be sleeping for the next week from all the playing that happened last week. Every waking moment they wanted to be outside so they could wrestle or chase each other around the yard. Emma who is not a big eater, was eating all meals we gave to her.





It's so great to have a best friend!

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Another Funny Conversation

So Lucas and I are eating pizza on Saturday for lunch, while Darryl is cleaning up the kitchen. Something made Lucas mention his penis. Maybe he was going pee. Anyway here's how the conversation went:

Lucas: Lucas, penis
Jenn: Does Lucas have a penis?
Lucas: Mommy, penis?
Jenn: No Mommy doesn't have a penis, who else has a penis
Lucas: Daddy penis.
Jenn: Good job Lucas
Darryl *while trying to stir the pot*: What does Mommy have?
Lucas: Pizza

Darryl and I crack up laughing. Lucas doesn't really get it, but said pizza a couple more times to make us laugh.



Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Good Pass

Lucas, Darryl and I are enjoying lunch today and this occured.

Lucas: "Igthing" *while pointing to his Lightening McQueen car*
Darryl Here you go *slides the car over to Lucas*
Lucas: "Good pass"

Jenn and Darryl break out in hysterics.

I hope everyone has a happy Easter.

Jenn

Funny Story

This week I have been busy at work, I helped to plan this great experience for the students. At the college we have a simulation lab where the respiratory students practice intubating and care of a patient. They have the lab set up like a ER and the patient responds to everything that happens around them. If the students intubate the tube properly the patient's oxygen level goes up, in they do it incorrectly the patient gets more sick. The other great part of it is that there is a control room with one way glass so that you can watch the students without them knowing. There is also a great group of instructors who help to make the scenario real. Our students benefited immensely from the experience. It was also good for the respiratory students to work with other allied health care professionals.

At certain times the x-ray students weren't available so I filled in as the x-ray student. This afternoon was one of those times. Today I was working in the Sim Lab and was putting on some lead to prepare for the x-ray. I put it on both arms and as I brought my arms through I realized my bra had unhooked. I was stuck. I was in the middle of a scenario and couldn't really leave. Plus there are cameras and one way glass all in the room. I couldn't go hide behind a curtain because there is a camera there. So there I was stuck doing a fake chest x-ray with my bra undone. I'm sure I was acting weird, trying to get this done ASAP. Once it was done I was able to go to the washroom and do my bra back up.

I hope everyone has a great Easter.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

New Lucas Stuff

Lucas is doing some new cool stuff:

1. He loves to count. Although doesn't quite get the concept yet. He likes to point at things and pretend he's counting them, but he usually says the same number over and over again. Like one, one, one, one or tree, tree, tree, tree. He doesn't get that each thing you count is a different number. It's very cute.

2. He is getting very good at jumping. Now he can lift both feet off the ground at the same time. He loves the jumping.

3. He is starting to talk in sentences. Not lengthy sentences, but as you can see from this picture, he can say "Daddy come in", and Darryl will crawl into the Emma's dog pen.



Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Having Kids

Darryl has been a very happy camper over the last week. Our house has been a revolving door of his friends from Ontario. When I say that it sounds like I'm annoyed, but really I'm not. I love having people stay at our house. But those details are a whole other post. It's interesting because both of these friends were not very interested in getting married or having kids, when we were all teenagers and early twenties. That seemed fairly normal to me as most teenage boys are not interested in babies. I think as you get older and your life changes many people decide to get married and have children.

One of the friends who stayed with us broke up with his long time girlfriend (5 year long relationship) and met a new girl. Within a short period of time they are engaged and they are he is excited about the propect of having children. The second friend of Darryl's has been in a relationship for a couple of years and no plans to marry or have children. So my questioning and line of thought goes to this..... are some people just not meant to have children or have they just not met the person they want to have children with? Or is it both?

I have a couple of girlfriends who this has happened to. When we were in highschool they were not interested in kids. Never knew if they would have them but once they were in relationships with their current husbands they knew they wanted to have children with this person. In my life it seems like a fairly common thing.

I always knew I wanted to have children. I wouldn't have married or dated someone for any length of time if they were totally against having children. As I re-read this post I don't mean to sound judgemental, I'm just wondering what others opionins are on the topic. What about you Dad, before you met me, did you want to have children? Lori what about Ian, did he always want children?

Anyway something to ponder on a Monday (or Tuesday or another day, depending on when you read it.)

Till Tomorrow

Jenn