Halloween 2012

As you can see it was cold here, look at all the snow!  Even had to shovel today.  Orginally I was a witch, but it wasn't warm enough so I had to go as a skiier instead.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Jenn

Happy Halloween

So I failed this challenge, darn it. I was so sure I wouldn't, but it is really hard to do this everyday. One good thing it has taught me is that I should do it more. I should record more stories. Not just for family and friends, but for myself, so I don't forget. I have a posted percollating in my head about why I failed and balance and working too much. But I'm headed off to bed, so I can have an awesome day tomorrow in Lucas's class and have fun trick or treating tomorrow. Happy Halloween everyone! Have a great and spooky day!

Jenn

It's that time of the year again

Snow came very quickly and severe this October.  It's not totally unusual to have snow here in October, but to have it stay and to have enough for a tobaggan run is unusual.  Even Nakiska opened this weekend.   Luckily the boys (and the dog) were very excited for the snow. 

Jenn

A Great Friday

Today Lucas had a PD Day.  It was such a treat.  Reminded me of summer vacation and makes me look forward to Christmas vacation.

We were able to get up when we wanted (8:30) and had waffles for breakfast and we played some board games. Then the boys had a couple of hours to play, while I ran on the treadmill, cleaned the kitchen and organized some clothes. Then we headed off to gymnastics.  There the boys had a GREAT time, acting like monkeys, running around and generally burning off a lot of energy.

Then we came home and had a great Mexican dinner. It was burritos and guacamole with lime margaritas (and real tequila!) Now I'm watching the Ed Sheeran concert very loudly while Lucas sings along, even though he really doesn't know the words. =)

Such a great PD Day

As you can see I'm running out of things to blog about..... any requests??  5 more days to go.

Jenn

A Conversation with Nathan

My favorite food is: Macaroni and Cheese
My favorite sport is: Soccer
The coolest person on the earth is: My family. 
When I grow up I'm going to be: Police Officer
My favorite color is: red and orange
My favorite song is: The Robot Song (Interglatic Beastie Boys)
My favorite season is: Winter
If I could go anywhere in the world I'd go: Mexico
When I was little I use to: love cars
My favorite school subject is: Doing crafts
My best friend is: Matt
My favorite snack is:  Pineapple and Cheese
My favorite movie is: Bolt
I'm really good at: Coloring
My favorite thing about summer is: Going outside
My favorite thing about winter is: Tobagganing
I love the book: Splat the Cat
A food I don't like is:  Peppers
If I had one wish it would be: To get my own little skateboard
My favorite thing to do with Lucas is: Play
My favorite thing to do with Dad is: Zoom hot wheels cars down hot wheels ramps
My favorite thing to do with Mom is: Play Puzzles

A Conversation with Lucas

My favorite food is: Candy
My favorite sport is: Soccer
The coolest person on the earth is: My family. 
When I grow up I'm going to be: Police Officer
My favorite color is: orange and blue
My favorite song is: LMFAO and Jack Johnson
My favorite season is: Summer
If I could go anywhere in the world I'd go: Paris
When I was little I use to: love cars
My favorite school subject is: Math and Gym
My best friend is: Henry, Elliot, Shaun and Matt
My favorite snack is:  Chips and Salsa
My favorite movie is: Madagascar 3
I'm really good at: Soccer
My favorite thing about summer is: Going outside
My favorite thing about winter is: Having hot chocolate
I love the book: Harry Potter Series
A food I don't like is:  Cauliflower
If I had one wish it would be: My house would never burn down
My favorite thing to do with Nathan is: Play
My favorite thing to do with Dad is: Play video games and lego
My favorite thing to do with Mom is: Swim

New Music Tuesday

Here's the latest of my greatest



Jenn

Davids Tea

One thing that I haven't blogged about, that is hands down my favorite "thing" of the last year and a half is Davids Tea. It is a loose leaf tea company. I had seen many of the beautiful teal bags while shopping in Southcentre, but didn't check them out till I did my year with no pop. I started drinking lots of tea is that year. Mom and Dad have always had tea around, so I've always enjoyed it even as a kid. This foray into tea has been abundant and delicious.

Now I've tried 108 of the 209 teas they have. I loved iced tea in the summer and hot tea in the winter. I wait excitedly to see what their new tea of the months are or their collections. For the first year I would buy every new tea they put out. But in the past while I've had to be more picky. Partly because I need to have space and partly because of the cost.

Davids tea is great because

1. It's a Canadian company, love to support local greatness.
2. The customer service is INCREDIBLE. And everywhere. We went to one in NYC and the service was still so good. I'm amazed that they are able to be SO consistent with the excellent customer service. I've never had a bad experience and I go alot. The ladies at Southcentre even know myself and the boys.
3. The teas are delicious, which I guess is the most important, and they have so many varieties. Black or Mate or Oolong in the morning. Green tea in the afternoon and herbal or rooibos in the evening. 
4. They have great products.  My favorites are the steeper for ice tea and Asian style tea mug.  I also really like there tea bag and my travel mug. 
5. Tea makes for a great gift.  Most everyone enjoys tea and for about a year I gave it to everyone I knew. =)

Davids Tea in Penticton


Davids Tea in Toronto (one of the many)




 David's Tea in Whistler





Davids Tea in NYC

Can you tell it's my favorite!

Jenn

The Third Child

Actually it's the first child.... although she may feel demoted as each of those kids arrived.

So Emma, she is doing well.  The last really crazy thing she did was this.  And last year at Christmas I thought I would take her off her meds.  Afterwards we came home to this

The garage door being ripped apart was also crazy.  There was certainly some frustration and uncertainty about what to do.  We took her back the the doggie psychologist who recommend some different drugs, which we tried but then we came home to more door damage.

We've resigned ourselves to the fact that Emma is so crazy she can't be by herself.  It's been good for the last 8 months as my mom has been able to take care of her on the days I work, and this fall she has been able to hang out with Auntie Karen (who works from home) on the days I work.

It's interesting because she is SUCH a good dog.  She has a special places in all of our hearts.  She causes us to be better people, be more patient and loving.  She keeps us company and shows her love for us all the time.  She is my running partner and keeps me active.   She is getting older and with the medication she is on, it keeps her calmer and she doesn't require the same amount of activity as she did, but you can see her face light up and her tail wiggle wildly with excitement every time I do take her out.

Jenn

What I wore: October 20th

On Monday I went wedding dress "picking up" with my friend Jodie. I should really be posting a picture of her looking like a princess in her dress, but I wouldn't want to spoil the special moment for everyone else, so instead, this is what I was wearing: Shirt: Gap (last season) Pants: Also Gap, there a thinner denim though so comfortable in the heat Shoes: Black Flats: Locale

This was my work outfit on Wedneday. I really liked it. Shirt: Gap Outlet, it's a brown tunic Pants: Green ones from Roots Boots: Brown ones from Winners.

Today I did Open House at SAIT, so I'm wearing a sponsered (and free) open house red shirt from SAIT Jeans: Seven for all Mankind Shoes: Red Runners by Merrill.

Really looking at all these pictures, my hair.  It's EXACTLY the same everyday.  I feel bad for Darryl and the kids who get no variety..... I guess that's what it is when you have curly hair.

Jenn

I've got a horseshoe around my neck

Yesterday this email showed up in my inbox!!

You might remember that last week you told us what songs to hear on KooL 101.5 with our Friends with Benefits Music Club and in reply you could win a $100 GC to Chinook Centre?!

Congratulations! Your gift card is ready for pick-up here at the KooL studios in Downtown Calgary!

All our information is listed bellow in my signature.

If you have any questions please do send me an email or give me a call directly and I’ll be more than happy to get back to you.

Yippee!!

Now what to spend it on...

The Last of the Awesome Things from September

When Mackenzie (our niece) turned 16 years old we made a "deal" with her.  Rather then buy her presents for the next couple of years (because really how much do clothes and makeup mean (although I guess they do mean a lot to a teenager))  Darryl and I thought it would be more fun to make some memories and take her to New York City instead.  So the second last weekend of September, off we went. 

Here are some of our highlights:

Food.  New York City has the BEST food.  And usually it's all quite reasonably priced.  The first night Darryl and I went to a little Italian Restaurant.  Darryl has his favorite, risotto and I had a delicious salmon pasta dish.  We shared a bottle of wine too.  Another night we had a 5 course thai meal in Hell's Kitchen and it was 15.95.  Hell's Kitchen had so many good restaurants, if you ever go to NYC I would recommend that area for the food.

Hotel: We stayed really close to Times Square, which was great for the walking and even though it was right beside a parole office I wasn't worried about our security.  Last time I was in NYC we were on the upper west side and we had to take the train everytime to get places.  It was nice to have the option to walk a lot of places.

Company: It was really fun to spend the 4 days with Lori and Mackenzie.  It's so nice to see them and although I don't mind going to London, it's way more fun to meet up in NYC! They were up for all the walking and sight seeing we did.  It was also fun to have a weekend with my husband who is the best company.

On Thursday we walked up 5th Ave, which has all the really posh stores.  It was there we had "breakfast at Tiffanys", went to the Apple store, walked through Louis Vitton and went to one of the greatest toys store FAO Schwartz.  There we got all kinds of cool candy and danced on the big piano from the movie Big.  After that we walked through Central Park, went to the Central Park Zoo and then went to Wicked in the evening. If you ever get a chance to see Wicked I HIGHLY recommend it.  It is the best broadway show I've ever seen.  It's so good I've seen it three times. 



On Friday we  walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and had pizza in Brooklyn.


I didn't bring the right socks so I got a blister so we took the train home and changed my shoes.

Darryl and I also had our delicious Thai Meal that day.

On Saturday we went to the 9/11 Memorial.  Which had a TON of security.



I think there was more security there then at the airport.  There were metal detectors, you had to show your free ticket about 8 times.  Above is a picture of one of the pools and fountains, which is what they did in memory of the two towers and the people who died in the tradegy.  It is a beautiful tribute, something I recommend.  Just be ready for the security.

Then we headed to Century 21 which is like a bigger and better Winners.  Then we headed to the Shake Shack!  Which is my favorite places for hamburgers and shakes and ice cream.  I highly recommend it when you go to NYC.  After that we went on the Staten Island Ferry, which has absolutely no security.  You don't need a ticket, you just get on, they don't even count how many people get on.  The staten island ferry is one of the great deals of NYC.  Free and you get a great view of the skyline as well as the Statue of Liberty. After that we headed back to the room and went to another Broadway show, Chicago.  Which was also brilliant. 

Sunday we packed up and then walked to the Davids Tea =)

On our walk we also saw Grand Central Station, which is beautiful and saw the apple store there too.



We also walked by 30 Rockefeller Center and went into the NBC store where we got a lot of very cool souvenirs from NBC's we love.  I got to pretend I was on the Voice too.   





If you ever get a chance to go to NYC, I definitely recommend it. The shows and the sights and the food are like no where else!  Okay Mackenzie and Lori, where do we meet up next?

Jenn

Monthly Newsletter: 86 months

Dear Lucas,

Today you turned 86 months old, which seems crazy old, but I guess that's what happen when you are 7 =).  We say 7 rather then 86 months, cause that sounds like so many months.  I haven't written you a newsletter in a couple of months as it was your birthday fairly recently and I usually write these each year now, but with blogging everyday this is a good way to fill the day (and I like talking to you).

You are at a great age for chats.  You are smart and kind and funny, so talking to you is quite enjoyable.



School has been going really well for you.  You are enjoying and excelling at grade two.  Each night we practice your "mots de semaine" and your reading.  With your mots de semaine, you get progressively better each day so that on Friday when you have your test, you often get perfect.  We are very proud of you and your accomplishements.  Earlier this month I wanted to check in with your teacher to see how you are doing.  Here is the email I sent:

I just wanted to check in and see how Lucas has been doing in class?  We've talked to him at home and he says everything is good and he's really enjoying school, but there were times last year that he said that and he was still having a hard time in class.  Just wanted to make sure he's not getting too upset and able to participate in class.

Thanks and have a great Thanksgiving.   

And this is the beautiful email I received from her:

Good afternoon Jenn,
I can only say that I have not seen any tears nor teary eyes but I did witness many smiles on his little face. He truly seems to be enjoying his time in grade 2. Positive comments/reinforcements light up his face. If I notice something negative, I'll let you know.
Have a great Thanksgiving too.

She has done a great job of providing a safe learning environment for you and you are doing really well.  I feel lucky that you have such a great teacher this year.  



The other big development for you in the past couple of months is your love and abilites in reading.  You can now read a chapter book in a week.  We have set a new routine where you read your chapter book till 9pm and then it's lights out.  You are very proud of yourself, as we are very proud of you too.   Luckily you can get a new book each week at the library and we are not going broke buying you books.  But I'm so happy you have the same love of reading that your Dad and I have.



Other then that things have been pretty status quo.  You are in swimming lessons again this year, although it is getting more and more challenging, so you didn't enjoy it as much as when it was easy peasy for you.  But your swimming is really improving, you can swim a whole lap of the pool doing the front stroke and the back stroke.  And this week in class you did the best dive of the class.  Even though you are one of the smallest and youngest in the class, I'm glad I keep pushing you to go as I am really seeing improvements to your skills.   

You are losing lots of teeth.  The other day you had enough money from all the tooth fairy visits that you could buy yourself a pokemon card pack.  

I love you and I'm proud of what a great kid you are. 

love mom 

New Music Tuesday

When Tammy and I traveled to the middle of the state, we were crossing two artists off our concert bucket lists.  Dave Matthews was one, although now that I've been to the concert I'm not exactly sure why.... But the opener was also on our bucket list was the Avett Brothers.  I fell in love with the Avett Brothers when they put out the album I and Love and You.  



At the concert I also really enjoyed their earlier "crazier" stuff.  Sometimes when I listen to it now I'm surprised that I enjoy it.  But when you see music live it can give you a different appreciation for it.



They are fantastic songwriters too.  Their songs can bring tears to my eyes and tell great stories.



Enjoy it!

Jenn

Recipe.... Monday

It's not meatless, it's not a great recipe, but I'm starting to run out of ideas, for every day!

So as per Lesleys' request, here is my favorite salad recipe lately. 

Lettuce- it's best to use romaine or a mixed lettuce.
Tomatos: diced cherry tomato have the best flavor
Chicken: whatever is available.
The two key ingredients:
1. Renee's Asian Dressing ( probably any sort of sesame dressing would work, but Renee is canadian and delicious.
2.  PC Salad Topping: Asian Blend.  It's got almonds,  chow mein noodles and other seeds

I love my asian salad.

Jenn

Zoo Day

In September when we went to NYC, we went to the zoo in Central Park.  Darryl loved it and took a lot of pictures.  When we got home and I was going through the pictures I realized I have more pictures of animals then I do of all other things "New York".  (More details on the NYC trip coming up this week.) It made me realize that we don't take Darryl to the zoo often enough here, as I wasn't as excited about the NYC zoo as Darryl, Lori and Mackenize, but it's because I take the kids to the zoo all the time.  So today we took Darryl to the zoo.

It was kind of an overcast day, but it gave us a chance to see lots of the animals.  Plus it wasn't as busy, but still very warm.  Even the penguins, we were able to walk right in!  Here are some of the picture highlights:

 Here's Lucas with the two hippos, one of them new to the Calgary Zoo.

Here's on of my favorite pictures with the beautiful fall colors!

 Here's another new addition to the zoo, it's the three baby tigers (although they are already really big)

 Riding the Lion Statue

 Lucas making friends with Yolande, the baby gorilla.

 Lucas the Butterfly Whisperer.  He's got a pretty good way of getting the butterflies to walk on his finger. 

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

What I Wore October 13th

 HEre's what I wore today shopping, but in hindsight, no the most flattering, so I won't be wearing it again.

Black Jeans: Old Navy
Black Toms
Black Tank: Old Navy
Green Henly: Also OldNavy

 This was a good outfit.. it incorporated a scarf and I love scarves.

Boots: Winners
Jeans: Skinny, Banana Republic
Shirt: Brown Old Navy
Scarf: Present from Alexis =)

This was my work outfit this week
Black Flats: Locale (which is my favortie shoe store and I think it's going out of buisness)
Black Jeans: Old Navy
Shirt: RW and Co

Last Monday outfit:

Jeans: Sevens
Grey Tank Top Underneath: Got at a store in London, whose name eludes me but has incredibly cheap and cool clothes..... Alexis if you are reading this and remember can you put it in the comments
Striped Sweater: Old Navy

In conclusion I think I wear alot of clothes from Old Navy....

Jenn

A funny comment

Nathan says to me this morning " Mom I'm cleaning so you don't have to".  He's so sweet.  He's such a great kid.   Little does he know....

 

 Happy Friday!

Jenn

The Day I Turned 33

We did something awesome.

It all started about 4 months ago when my dad was talking about getting back into shape.  He said he was going on his staitionary bike in the basement.  My sister and I talked about "smart" goals, specific measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound.  I suggested for Thanksgiving we should all ride the bike path between Canmore and Banff.  But my sister thought it might be snowing then, so we decide to do it for my birthday.

So for my 33rd birthday off I went to do the bike path between Canmore and Banff.  Unfortunately Mom and Dad were in Hawaii so they couldn't do it with us, but I did follow through on the goal.  We headed out to Canmore where we rented a trailer for Nathan then asked the rental place where we should start from.  They suggested we could start from their store and leave our cars there.  So off we headed




It was a beautiful ride that wasn't overly challenging. It was all nicely paved and had a beautiful spot to stop.


 

As with a lot of my adventures I don't always have an exact plan. I have an idea but since I've never done it before there are parts of it I just figure out while I'm in it. Once we got to Banff it was 3:45. It had taken us about 2 hours to get there. But the trailer needed to be back in Canmore in an hour and 15 minutes. Earlier in the day the big boys stated they wanted to bike both ways so Darryl, Pat and Matt headed back to Canmore. Tammy and I loitered at a park of a time share resort we stayed at oh... 15 years ago...

 At one point Shaun needed to use the washroom, so I took him to the lobby. While waiting for him I overheard a videographer looking for the "Stoic Wedding" and where does my brain go, to congratulations or that nice. Nope I make a mental note of the name just in case someone tries to kick us out of the playground. "Oh no we are here for the Stoic wedding"... ha ha I think it's from watching all that Alias.

Also at one point I saw something in the forest behind the park, being in the mountains (and not getting a good look) I thought, look a fox. Ends up it was just a squirrel. After an hour the boys came back to get us and we headed to Canmore and the Iron Goat for a delicious birthday dinner, while the Three Sisters were out the window.

Definitely a memorable birthday!

Jenn