Fall Playlist

Here is my fall playlist (it's actually a combination of summer and fall), but here are some of my favorites.

1. Soldier Ingrid Michaelson She put out a new album and this is one of my favorites.
2. I Love This Town Joel Plaskett Love this Canadian Artist. He is great.
3. Already Yours Bahamas My very favorite song lately! Slow but catchy
4. Lion's Teeth The Mountain Goats Started listening to him when I went on the cruise. Love him, he's like the male Jann Arden
5. Islands In the Stream Constantines & Feist A surprising but wonderful duet.
6. Everybody Ingrid Michaelson Another great song from that album.
7. Sing Your Heart Out The Trews I love the Trews and I love acoustic, a great song
8. Hey, Soul Sister Train My favorite "radio" song lately. Catchy and I look cool when I know it.
9. A Million Miles Away Jann Arden Jann just put out a new album and this is my favorite track from it.
10. Whiskey Is the Life of Man Bellowhead Heard them at the folk fest and they are great, very big band though.
11. If I Ask You Nicely Gomez Another folk fest great song
12. Lie Down Good Lovelies Another great band. Anohter folk fest tune. Although Darryl thinks we are in the "50's" when I listen to them
13. Where the Road Meets the Sky Katie and Matt A song from Grey's, slow and beautiful
14. The Show Lenka This song should be on the radio, so catchy.
15. Man of Two Minds The Trews This is what Darryl calls the Nick Newman song, but I love to sing it
16. You and I Wilco

What are you listening to these days?

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Thanks Commenters

Anyone who blogs knows what a great feeling it is to have people comment on what you write. A big thanks you to everyone who has been commenting on my blog lately. Everything kind of slows down over the summer but it is rewarding to see some commenters coming back again. Over the summer I was feeling a little disenheartened about the reasons for continuing to blog. But I don't blog for the comments, but it is still a really nice feeling to have some feedback from people.

Thanks again, I will continue to comment on your blogs too.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

My Garden Should be Filled With These

Isn't this the most beautiful flower. It's called a dahlia

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Helping Out

This week a friend of ours father died. It was sad, although the dad had lived an awesome life. He had lots of kids and was surronded by lots of love, even in his passing. So our friends and their children had to get from Alberta to Ontario for the funeral. My parents and aunt and I all pulled together to make it happen. I was so proud at how they all stepped up to help out our friends or adopted family. It's so hard to lose someone you love and I was happy we could be there to help them out. Man I have great friends and family.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

30th Birthday Celebrations

Last week I turned 30 years old. In typical Jenn fashion I celebrated for a whole week.

It started on my actual birthday with a delicious bouquet of food from Mom and Dad. Lucas and Nathan really enjoyed it as well. He kept saying about "how good" it was. I would definilty recommend an edible arrangement's.
After a request from me Darryl went out and bought Beatles Rockband, which is really a blast. The birthday celebrations ended with a weekend of parties.



First was my Friday night party. Here are some great, super fun ladies. Singing happy birthday to me. More details are on Michelle's blog (she's a new blogger, stop by and say hi) and Lesley's blog. Then a family birthday with more kareoke and more rockband. It was music filled which makes a celebration for me.

This was a great appetizer I made. It's cream cheese and whip cream mixed together. Then drizzled caramel all over and skor bar crushed on top. I highly recommend it.



Nathan trying to get in on the rockband drumming. The kids were great. I am usually a schedule nazi, but knew they would fall asleep easily with all the noise and excitment. So I kept them awake and they were good, till almost 10pm



Lexie and Karen showing off their moves, they were singers and dancers. I think they both really enjoyed themselves. I was amazed at how many songs we all knew (especially Auntie Karen)



Monkey see, monkey do. =)

Lucas's snuggling with Auntie Karen and her belting out a song.

One of the funniest parts was a 10 year old who was there. He didn't really know any of the songs, but loved singing along. Which meant he really didn't know the tune or the note, so was really off. But still had a great time.

Thanks everyone for a great party.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Reason 707 I Love Apple

Today I went into the Apple store becuase my laptop wasn't a laptop anymore and needed to be plugged into work. So I went to their website and made an appotiment with a genuius. They did some tests and yep it was my battery. But there was no fee to diagnosis my problem. Also while I was there they offered to install a new keyboard and front panel, because my old panel was cracked, again for free! So for a new keyboard, a diagnosis and a new battery. I only had to pay for the new battery. And it was easy and fun! Plus I think a genius would be a great job for my Dad or Darryl.

Buy Apple! They are awesome! I am so impressed.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Monthly Newsletter: Month Forty Nine

Dear Lucas,

This month has had a couple of big milestones for you and I couldn't be more proud of you. When I think about what a great job you are doing it makes my heart beam. Now that you are out doing activites without your mom around it's nice to watch you and see what a great kid you are.


First is swimming lessons. We've started it a couple of weeks ago. It was our first "unparented" thing. You are really great at it. There are a couple of boys in your class who goof off and don't want to be there. But you listen to your teacher and are respectful of the rules and the other kids. You may give dirty looks to the bad kids when they splash you, but you understand it's the teacher's job to reprimand them.


The other major thing is preschool. Again I am so proud of you. You were a bit unsure this whole summer about school and your teachers. But I knew you were ready for it and you are doing excellent. The teacher tells us what a nice boy you are everytime Darryl picks you up. Preschool is helping your learn new songs and practice your coloring. You are doing a great job.

The other great thing that happened this month was that Grammie came out to visit. You are at a great age and she had lots of fun with you. I would nap and you and her would hang out together. It's nice that even though she lives far away you can still have fun with her.



Physcially you are doing well too. We bought some real golf clubs with your birthday money and you used them so much you got blisters. You are also enjoying throwing the football and the frisbee. You are also climbing on everything. It is getting to be too much as you are getting to big to jump off furniture.

You are growing up, which I know is obvious, but it became more and more apparent this month. More and more you are willing to go play on your own. You are becoming more and more independant. When I am around I can keep you in line and help you learn, but when I'm not there I'm glad to see what a good kid you are.



love mommy.

Sitting on the Fence

Nathan is going through a stage where he loves me. He loves me so much that if he can be with me and he's not with me he is screaming bloody murder. If we sitting together as a family and Darryl takes him to change his bum he screams. If he sees someone else who takes care of him other then me, he runs to me and clings to me.

Mostly I don't mind this stage. But it is starting to effect my sleep. Last night I slept in a bed with him for most of the night. His crying keeps Darryl awake and Darryl needs his sleep. Besides I don't really like to let him cry. I know this stage will go by soon enough. But I hate to be inconsistent with him as well. How much does consistency really matter? Can I snuggle with him on the nights I've had enough sleep and let him cry the nights I am going crazy? Like I said I know this is just a stage and will be over soon, but it's hard to know which side of the fence to jump off to, or if I should keep sitting....

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Just Try Not To Laugh

Lucas loves to watch cat videos on you tube. Then we found this one and watched it about 30 times. He laughed just as hard every time.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Lynda's Visit 2009

This past weekend Grammie, or Darryl mom Lynda came to visit. We did lots of our normal weekend things, play outside, preschool and gymboree. I worked and Darryl took a day off, so they had lots of mother and son time. It was also Lucas's best friends birthday and we had lots of fun at Let's Play. It's great to have Grammie around, she loves the kids and plays with Lucas so I can nap. Lucas loves having another fun playmate around. Nathan is not to the same point yet (although he's barely at the point of wanting another playmate other then his mother. ) Grammie is also very clean. I am not so clean, but it was great to have a clean kitchen for a whole weekend.

We did do some special things like go to the mountains and have the amazing brunch at the Banff Springs.

Family photo at the Banff Springs Hotel

Lynda Darryl and Lucas at the Banff Springs hotel

my boys at the castle


Darryl, Lucas and Nathan, playing in the balls.


Lucas jumping in the balls at Let's Play.

An awesome picture of Lucas and Nathan

All of us at the brunch.

Nathan "jumping", which is really just stepping.

A great shot of my boys.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

29th Year

As I do with each of boys I think birthdays are a time to reflect. This 29th year has been incredible. It had some challenges too, but it had some of the most amazing experiences too. The highlights that stand out for me are watching Nathan and Lucas grow up. When I broke my foot. How hard that was and how quickly it went by, although while it was going on it seemed like a lifetime. Going on a big family vacation to Florida for Christmas. Playing with Lucas in the snow. Watching Nathan learn how to walk. Going on the MOST incredible vacation with Tammy on the BNL cruise. Weakerthans music. Concerts. Summer with family, Darryl's, mine and our "chosen" family. Dinner with my parents and Tammy and Pat.











Really I can't believe what an incredible year it has been. Really the past decade has been so amazing. I don't think I can top it. I got married, had babies, went on amazing vacations. Wow....

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Last Days of Summer

We have had a really warm fall here and so to cool off in the afternoons I put out the sprinkler and the kids love to run through it.




Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Fall

Unlike Goofball I love fall. I miss the leaves of Ontario. But generally I love fall. I like routine and fall colours. Today our new students started. Fall around campus is fun with anticipation. There is not the stress that comes later in the year. For the moment it's just the excitement. I love to get them all brand new and know that in a year they will be part of our x-ray "world". That in two ears I will be working along side them rather then teaching them. We get to teach them and nurture them and watch them grow.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Nathan's Monthly Newsletter: Month Seventeen

Dear Nathan,

This week you turned seventeen months old. This weekend we were in Ontario and people kept asking how old you were, I had to do some counting on my fingers to remember. Time goes by so quickly and I can't believe you that much closer to a year and a half.

This month has been quite fun. We spent two weeks in Kelowna and you loved it. You loved the water, you loved being with Oma, Opa, Pop and Auntie Karen. You liked eating chocolate sprinkles on bread and watching Emma shake all the water off. You loved being splashed and loved the water park in Kelowna.


You love dancing. You'll spin or bounce up and down. You also love hand movements whether it rolling your hands for "the Wheels on the Bus" or "Patty Cake". When we watch Little Einsteins now you will pat and lift your hands in the air. We have also taught you a couple of sign language signs and that is helping with your communication as well.

Your speech is coming along, but slowly. You can say a couple of words. Most people who spend any time with you know how much you understand. I can tell you to put a hat on and you will. Or put something in the garbage and you will. SO far you say mum, ball, dad. I've heard you say cat and dog and you know that a dog pants, not barks. Although the other day we were making barking noises and you were trying so hard to do it. But for you to talk back to me is still a challenge. But it's getting there.


You still are quite attached to me. You will go to other people but if I'm in the room you'll want to be with me. Even when we were in Ontario you were great for Lori and Ian while they were babysitting you. But as soon as I came in the door and started to speak you woke up crying for me.

We have been enjoying the outside, people love your white blond hair. Daddy wants to cut it, but I kept putting it off. It is so beautiful and has little curls at the end.



You love to copy everything Lucas is doing. Whether it's a conotation in his voice or something he is climbing on or jumping from, you try to do it as well. I think that having a weekend away from Lucas probably did you both some good. But I think you did really miss him. You learn so so much from him. Even if it seems a little too old for you.


Love you baby

love mommy

Jet Setters

This weekend Nathan and I flew to Ontario for a wedding of a good friend of mine. It was a quick visit but good. I love weddings. This was a beautiful wedding. I love the feeling of love, the dancing, the good food.
It made me miss my husband as he was at home having a boys weekend with Lucas. But it was a really lovely day and it makes me happy to see people I love so happy. Nathan enjoyed having his aunt and uncle and cousin and grammy around to make him happy. He also enjoyed chasing the squirrels around.
We have squirrels in Calgary, but no where near as many trees or squirrels as they have in Ontario. He was also amazed when Alex, a high school friend of ours played the bells during Ava Maria. The reception was also great, although Nathan stayed home with his family, food was delicious. I love dancing and my friend sat me with some very fun, very kind ladies.



Going back to Ontario is always an interesting experience. It's like anytime you go back somewhere you use to call home. Whether it's an old house or school. Many memories come flooding back, like I remember taking the bus to that library, or I remember sliding on the ice in that intersection. I saw old friends at the wedding and we can chat like no time has passed, when really many years have passed.

But at the same time there is that feeling that I don't belong here any more. This is not my home. I've lived in Calgary for 10 years now. One more year and I will have lived longer here then I have lived anywhere else.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

An Ontario Wedding

Last night at my friends wedding I could tell I was nit in Alberta because there was not one country song played =)

Jenn

Smorgy

Tomorrow Nathan and I head to Ontario. A good friend of mine from high school is getting married and I found a great deal to head to Ontario and go see that happen. I'm taking Nathan with me as he is attached to my hip and he's free. Luckily we are just going for a day because it is just about 12 hours till I leave and I just finished my list of stuff we need to take with us.

Life is been kind of busy tonight we met Lucas's teacher for preschool. This was fun, but I know I'm going to have to e-mail the student I'm suppose to see on his first day, because it was obvious he is still quite shy. The whole time we talked to the teacher his arms were clamped my neck. He talked to her okay, but didn't really want to leave me. Nathan on the other hand was cut from a different cloth. He smiled at anyone who would smile back, he would do what any other of the kids would do.

We've also been having some issues with Tigger, one of our cats. We have put her on a special and expensive food. Since it is so "special", we've been doing our best to make sure that she is the only one that eats it, but all of the animals want it. So when I put away her food, both of the animals pretend they are bloodhounds, sniffing all around until they give up and go back to their normal foods.

Last little detail, I was at the grocery store this week and it looks like I am a horrible cook. With having all the vegetables at home my cart has some fruit, but all other food is from the middle of the store.

They'll be pictures and details of the wedding when I return.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

A Mystery

While in Kelowna my laptop would shut down every time I unplugged it even though it said it was fully charged. It would seem like the battery may be pouched. I have been living with it for a couple of weeks now. Last night I tested my friends battery in my computer because that's what I thought it was, but no.... it didn't work. This is the laptop that is a cat, it has many lives. It has had grapefruit juice spilled all over it, Darryl once pronounced it dead after I shocked it and it shut down. So I keep thinking it will come back to me.... but so far nothing.

I think the next step will be to take it to a surgeon. Hopefully he or she can fix it. Please Apple store, let the cat have another life.

Jenn