My Life In A Nutshell

Best of 2011 Video

2011-12-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

2011 has been a good year. We got to go on lots of fun vacations, Europe with Alexis, San Francisco with Darryl and Vancouver with Lori and Mackenzie. The boys are at a really good ages, they can do most things for themselves and so are not totally dependent on us, but still love to spend time with us. Lucas is at an age where he is learning new things and that is very fun to watch. Although it can also be very hard to watch too. But in all instances it has taken time but he figures it out. I guess that is the joy of kids, they are resilient and always bounce back. Here is some of the best pictures of the year.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T17:18:00.001-07:00

Well as quick as it comes up, it is gone again. It was fun and uneventful and filled with all the luck and love that is in my life. I really am a lucky person to have such a great family. And when my house is filled with noise and happiness and laughter that is the best present I could ask for. Here are some of the picture highlights of Christmas day:

This picutre is Lucas and Nathan playing Nathan's new leapster. Although I think Lucas has played it more then Nathan, Nathan usually watches so hopefully he is learning by watching and will play with it more as the year goes on.

Of course one of the big stories this year was Steve Jobs passing. Darryl got the book for Christmas but I think everyone in the room wants to read it.

We got lots of Lego for Christmas, as it is Darryl and the boys favorite thing. Here is the boys and Pop doing some building on Christmas morning.

Alexis has moved back to town and we are all so happy to have her around again. Although no one quite as happy as mom, to have her best friend close to her.

One of my favorite presents was my new ukelele. It's purple! Here Lucas is playing it.

Here's a picture of the adult table at Christmas dinner and below is the kids table. With there plastic wine glasses and fake wine.

There was some video conferencing with Uncle Arnie and Aunt Lucille.

And Matt hanging out with his favorite teaser

And myself, Darryl and Tammy cleaning up after dinner.

And Alexis's turn to build some lego

And the boys turn to build some Lego.

I hope you all had a fun Christmas filled with love and laughter and good food.

Till Next Time

Jenn

November Round Up

2011-12-06T09:01:00.001-07:00

By god, two posts in two days! While posting about Torin today it reminded me I hadn't done my November roundup.

That being said, maybe there's a reason. As I went through the pictures of November I saw there was very few. November is my least favorite of all the months. Blah, it's dark here will 8am and then it gets dark again at 4:30. But here is the a quick update on things we did do:

We have been attending swimming lessons which is going well for both boys. Lucas was put in a more advanced class, so even though he's not the best in the class, he's being pushed more, which is a good thing for him. He is working on both his front crawl and back crawl, plus diving in.

We did go to some birthday parties and Christmas parties. Which was lots of fun. Nice for the boys to get out and have some fun and exercise.

I did go for a job interview which was a good experience as I haven't done that in a while. Although the idea of the job did consume my thoughts for 4 days straight.

The boys are both doing well, Lucas has got more use to school which is good. Nathan continues to be his funny self. They continue to love Phineus and Ferb and oatmeal and chicken and guns and their imaginations and their Dad (especially Lucas, who wants to spend every evening playing videogames with Darryl.)

Till Next Time

Jenn

Torin

2011-12-05T21:09:00.001-07:00

On Friday we had to put Torin down. About a week before he stopped eating and when we took him into the vet we had blood work done and saw that his kidney's had stopped functioning. As most of you know, you can't function without kidneys so we knew his days were numbered. He continued to go downhill to the point where he was barely responding to us. We knew he was suffering with not eating and so we talked to talked to the vet and decided it was best to send him off to kitty heaven.

Torin was a great cat. He was the super friendly one. He loved to be outside and would make friends with anyone outside (or inside if they came in). He was the one who played with the kids and the one you could

He was also very photogenic.

And him and Emma were quite good friends. They would play together all the time. At first I use to worry about it as Emma is a dog, and bigger, but Torin had the claws and had no problem using them if he needed them. I think Emma will miss Torin as much as the rest of us. Just having that presence in the house.

Torin also had no problem sleeping right on us. Or sleeping right in my face.

Just over a year ago we said goodbye to Tigger. She was a great cat and it was really hard to make that decision and the decision with Torin was just as hard. The house feels empty without him here. When Tigger died we still had a cat around and there was the cat presence. Now there is no cat and I can really feel it.

Till Next Time

Jenn

October Round Up

2011-11-01T21:18:00.001-06:00

I just read over September Roundup to see how this month went and I see October was so much better then September. My balance of work/home life was better, Lucas got better in school and the weather still stayed beautiful.

Things for Lucas have really improved over the month as well. He was struggling with getting his work done in class. We met with the teacher and we both suspected it was more of a confidence issue then a focus issue, as he's never had issues with being distracted before. We worked at home with him trying to get him to write french words and Nathan and I would distract him or we would put the TV on and he'd still have to write a certain number of words in a certain amount of time. I would make the time quite long to be sure he was always done in the time frame, again to boost his confidence.   Things at school have been steadily improving for him as well. We have gotten a couple of notes home from the teacher when he has a really good day or writes quickly. Even last week he put his hand up and answered questions in french. Darryl had volunteered in the class the week before and commented on how Lucas didn't really participate. But it's good to see that is improving as well. We have also been working on speaking lots of french at home and he is reading to us in french. He has learned so much and I am so so so so proud of him. He has done a hard thing and came through it with really positive results.

We did have Thanksgiving this year, but it was kind of a weird weekend. I usually LOVE Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday. It has the good food like Christmas but not the commercialism. And it reminds you to be thankful for all the wonderful things in life. Well this year there was no turkey and most people went away. It was fun to have a weekend alone with my sister and Auntie Karen came to have dinner with us too, but it just wasn't the same as having a house full of people and Darryl making turkey.   Although like I said I do treasure the weekends when my sister is down and I get her all to myself, so that was fun.

We have been enjoying some fun family time too. The boys are in a good age that we don't need naps anymore so we can go out and do something for most of the day. Sometimes it's hiking or swimming. One weekend this month it was Heritage Park.   Where I got some fun pictures of the boys. We ate from the bakery. Rode the train, fed the animals, played with the leaves, ran in the field and went on the rides. It was fun.

Last night was Halloween and that was (as usual) really fun too. The boys both dressed up as ninja's and I was a lion. With my hair that's pretty easy to pull off. The boys got lots of candy and there were quite a few kids here too.

Hope everyone else is enjoying fall too.

Till next time

Jenn

Nathan... lately

2011-10-27T22:07:00.000-06:00

3 years old has been very fun. We did go through a couple of weeks of the terrible 3's about a month ago. Nathan wasn't listening and being a pain and whiny and crying. But that lasted all of about 4 days and now he is back to his happy self. That's one of the consisent things about Nathan is that he has always been a really happy kid.

One of the funny things in the last couple of weeks has been his imagination. We play beach day and Lucas pretends he is Nathan's puppy. I'm loving this stage where he is still my baby but he is so fun and sweet.

Another funny thing he is doing is that every game we play or anything he shows me is something he learned from a birthday party. Really he's only been to maybe 3 birthday parties in his whole life. So it's funny that every food was something he "tried at a birthday party". Or every game he's played is one "he learned at a birthday party." Those must be some pretty eventful birthday parties.

Here is a cute video of him from last weekend. He's got the moves down to be a guitar player now he just needs the technical skills.

Till Next TimeJenn

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T20:33:00.000-06:00

Steve Jobs died today. And although I never knew him, I'm sad. It's sad that someone who was such a visionary won't be able to give us any more of his ideas. And they were such grand ideas.

My mom and dad were early adopters of Apple Computers. We have had one in my house since I can remember. We had computers before anyone else I knew. My dad loved them. They were his hobby. Darryl sent out this picture a couple of months ago and this was my Dad's response.

Well I was a little older than that when I saw the first Macintosh
If this truly is the earliest model I believe it was 128 K
It was a rare expensive $3500 computer that you just could not purchase
My first "mac" was 512KIt brought us years of enjoyment
And tought us that there was greater good beyond the realm of bill gates and the pc
And note that I did not capitalize the letters on purpose
My favorite game was dark castle
And the evil one was the black knight who was a bear drinking swine that threw bear steins at everyone
I learned excel on that mac
Sniff sniff

After about the age of 13 we had more computers in our house then people. And they were all Macs.

One of the first purschase I made when I moved away from home was my beloved purple iMac. That computer was beautiful. And it was fast and it did all the things I wanted it too. That is one of the greatest parts about Apple is all you really need to do is take it out of the box, plug it is, start it up and it works. Whether it's an iphone or a MacBook Pro

Now I spent most nights with my latest best buddy, my 13 inch macbook. This is my second one. The first one died after 4 years, lots of sticky fingers and a cup of grapefruit water split all over it. Macs are great, I've been convinced of that since I was 2. Thanks for everything Steve Jobs, you were a genius and you have helped to make my life more fulfilled and fun.

Till Next Time

Jenn

September RoundUp

2011-10-02T16:35:00.001-06:00

Well this month was a challenge for all of us. I had two weeks this month where I worked more then full time, which is hard for me because I usually only work part time. But I agree to extra shifts and some extra duties so 2 of the 4 weeks of September were totally out of balance.

The other really hard part of this month has been school for Lucas. He is having a really hard time adjusting to grade one as well as all of changes that came with grade one. He went from half a day, English, catholic walk to school, school and now it's full days, french immersion, public and on bus. Like I said it has been a really hard month with all the changes. I posted already that I knew it was going to a challenge, but there have been many tears shed by both myself and Lucas this month. I think the hardest part for him is how long the days are. The first day of school when he saw me, he burst into tears. I hugged him and he said to me "It's no fair mom that we got to spend the whole summer together and now I have to be apart from you for so long." It made me start to cry too and say " I agree Lucas it's no fair". But he also has trouble with the french and not having any good friends with him. I asked him after the first week how it was compared to kindergarten. He said "It's so different mom. The teacher doesn't even speak english." It's been quite hard on me too because I could fix it in a moment for him. I could switch him back to the school that he was in last year, but in my head I know that is not the right thing for Lucas or for all of us. But to hear him cry or be so anxious that he can't get his work done, or that he gets stomach aches or doesn't want to go to school, it all just breaks my heart. When I talk to people though who know Lucas and know the situation they all agree that french immersion is a really good idea for him, so I don't want to just fix it for him, but I want to teach him how to cope and deal with the situations presented to him. We did meet with his teacher and she gave him and us some suggestions. On the good side it is AMAZING to me how much he already knows. And his pronunciation is so good, I'm so proud of him. And I'm loving that we are all speaking french more to help him. It's good for all of us (even Spanish speaking Nathan). But if anyone has any other suggestions on how to help kids deal with anxiety, I'd love to hear them.

On the good side the weather has been so great. Most of the month the weather has been between 15 and 25. Which means lots of outdoor time. Here is one night when Pop was out playing soccer with the kids.

Today we headed to the mountains to enjoy the one (maybe two) weekends of fall we have here in Calgary. I do miss the beautiful fall that they have in Ontario. But before the snow and cold comes here we were outside enjoying it. Lucas did a fantastic job and hiked 8km all by himself. Emma was so happy too. I don't think we will need to give her the pills tomorrow as she will be so tired.

The boys have been continuing to get along really well. Now that Lucas is back in school and they are not together so so much when they do play together they usually have lots of fun. The new thing that they have both become crazy about is Phineus and Ferb. Which is a Disney TV show about two brothers. Darryl even enjoys it too.

It was also my birthday!! Oma and Opa came down and Mom and Tammy and Darryl made me a fantastic dinner. I also went and got my hair done and straightened.

Till Next TimeJenn

Nathan knows Spanish

2011-09-30T22:58:00.003-06:00

Things have been kind of tough around here lately as Lucas is having a hard time adjusting to grade one. But the good thing is Nathan is just the same and makes us laugh. Here is our converstation at the dinner table tonight.

Nathan: I know Spanish
Me: Oh yeah, what words do you know in Spanish?
Nathan: Sasanfra
Me: Oh yeah, what does that mean?
Nathan (while looking around at the table): Chair
Me: Really, what about plate do you know that word
Nathan: Yep..... tresipa
Me: Treispa, nice. What about eat?
Nathan: Yep I know that one too. (thinking) Hesires
Me: Wow, you are really good. Lucas will be speaking french and you can be speaking Spanish
Nathan: Yep, I know.

All the talk of different languages, Nathan is making up his own (he just calls it Spanish)

Till the monthly round up

Jenn

August Round Up

2011-09-03T07:48:00.000-06:00

The second month of summer has been super fun. It started with our trip to Vancouver with Lori and Mackenzie, which was fun and enjoyable to go on vacation with them. We got home on a Sunday and Monday Darryl and I were back to work, Nathan to Lesley's and Lucas did a week of YMCA camp. He really enjoyed the camp, although as posted in the previous post it did take him a little bit to get use to it. But he loved the swimming (one way he is certainly my kid) On Saturday was his birthday party. This year Lucas asked for a reptile party. So we invited a couple of his friends over and had the reptile guy come and teach the kids about reptiles. It was...... interesting. There was a 9 foot boa in my living room! But I was okay with that.... really I was. =)

Playing Elephant Soccer before the reptile guy.

All the kids watching and intrigued.

Petting one of the snakes

The 9 foot boa!

After the kid birthday party we had an adult birthday party. Where as usual Auntie Karen brough the most creative gifts and one gift that her and Lucas had to open in the bathroom. It's always some sort of trick gift. This year it was a whoopie cushion. Which the boys laughed about for hours and hours.

She also brought a pirate board

And Auntie Lexie made the snake cake

Then things quieted down for a bit. My students all graduated and became bonfided x-ray technologists. Which was very exciting. Then after that Tammy and I did our triathalon. This year we did it in Strathmore, in a pool. So my swim time was excellent. I also got slicks for my bike (which are skinny tires) so I thought my bike time would be great but the wind got me (and my lack of practice). All in all I was happy to finish, and happy to have someone to train with me.

How was your August?

Jenn

Parenting Challenge

2011-08-31T10:26:00.000-06:00

This week Lucas starts grade one. It will a change for both of us with him gone all day. And the other big change is that he will be going to a new school. I wanted to try him in French Immersion as both Alexis and I went to french immersion and did well with it. Lucas is a very academic kid and I think he will do really well with french immersion. But now that the time is coming I am worried about him. He is quite introverted and we learned this summer that he gets really nervous in new situations.

This summer he went to a couple of camps. I thought it would good to keep him entertained but a lot of it was a fight. It was new environments with new people. Most of the time he was happy when it was done but to get him to go was a challenge. Even yesterday he had an upset tummy and I wonder if it was because they were having a water fight which was something he hasn't done before.

So this week he is a starting a new school and is taking a bus and there will be all new people and in a new language. There is part of me that thinks it is good to push him out of his comfort zone. And that the more he does now maybe won't be so nervous of new situations. But there is another part of me that thinks maybe this is just his personality and he won't change.

What do other parents out there do? Push your kids out of their comfort zone or let them be who they are? Can I effect Lucas's personality at this age, or is he going to be who he is....

Ahh parenting. Makes you think...

Jenn

To Lucas on His 6th Birthday

2011-08-16T23:45:00.000-06:00

To Lucas on his 6th birthday,

As I sit here tonight, my memory of when you are born, is starting to fade. I remember some of the important parts but the details have all faded away now. For the first couple of years after you were born I use to think your birthday should be a celebration for the feat that I went through and for surviving your first years, but now as you are older and you are so much fun, and my memory of what it was like to give birth has faded, I see your birthday more as a celebration for you. So Lucas here are some of the highlights of your 6th year!

First you started, enjoyed, excelled at kindergarten, which I know is like.. of course it's kindergarten. But I'm glad your first school experience was a good one. We had seen glimpses of how you were as a learner (which is SO good), but we were proven right with school. Your teachers loved you and you loved going to school. Plus you did quite well at it. You can read most things now and you can write or try and sound out alot of things too.

You continue to be SO SO much like your dad. You love computers and games. You are not a morning person and can eat a lot. You love to learn and are introverted. Lego is your favorite toy and you both love to stay home and play. But you can belt out a song just like your mom =)

Being the first born you taught me so many first. You taught me how strong love can be. You taught me how to survive on little sleep and how to have my priorities straight. You taught me about all the different types of diggers and turtles and sharks and dinosaurs. You taught me that consistency is one of the most important things in parenting. You showed me that Darryl is an amazing father and I love him more for that. You taught me how to dance to "Fix You" and to burp a baby and that Ovol is a wonderful invention. You taught me that a baby and a little boy and a big boy's laugh is the best sound in the world. You taught me to trust my instincts and that I love being a mom, especially your mom.

Happy Birthday Lucas

Love Mom

Summer Vacation 2011

2011-08-14T16:46:00.000-06:00

This year we took a week and a half off (or at least a week and a half with Darryl) and did a 2600km tour of BC.   We started off on a Wednesday and headed to my Oma and Opa's (which I started referring to it as the cottage).   We go there every year usually multiple times. Even yesterday I was driving somewhere and thought, could I fit one more visit in before the end of the summer. =) I love it there. It's so nice becuase we have our routines, the dog can come with us and loves it. And the kids love it too. This year they took cues from Matthew and brought Oma and Opa's boat with us.   Lucas had a great time paddling around in it. As usual we ate sandwiches and strawberries and chips.   It's nice to have a routine, everyone knows what happens and it's pretty much the same thing every day. =)

After a couple of days there, we got in the car and continued to meet Lori and Mackenzie in Vancouver.   It was a great vacation. We had fantastic weather the whole time, which makes me love Vancouver. I love how it's so pedestrian friendly and you can tell everyone is active. We rented a really nice condo, so we all had lots of space and there was a kitchen so we could cook some of our own meals too.

The first day Darryl and the boys went to Capilano Suspension Bridge, for those of you who know me well I'm scared of heights, but really only in certain situations.   One of those situations would be on a bridge where you can see down.   So I stayed with Emma and walked 12km, to find Kits Beach and Davids Tea and the dog beach.    Emma loved the dog beach, although she kept drinking the water even though it tasted horrible.

The next day we headed to the aquarium. We put Emma in doggy day care and then headed to Stanley Park and the aquarium. The aquarium was smaller then I remember, but still saw lots of cool stuff.   We did have one of those horrible parenting moments in the gift shop after.   One of those times when you know other people are looking at you thinking you are not a very good parent - or maybe, the other parents thinking - Oh I feel for you, I've been there too. =)

The third day we went to Granville Island and the beach and saw the big fireworks show in the evening. I forgot how much I enjoy swimming in the ocean. It was quite windy so there were lots of waves. We went back to the dog beach and did a bit of exploring with the boys. The tide was out so we were walking around and Darryl moved one of the rocks and there were all sorts of crabs underneath it. The boys thought it was super cool. We also collected some nice shells from the beach too. In the evening was a big fireworks show and it was beautiful. I forgot how when there is a competition of fireworks how impressive they can be.

The next day we headed up to Whistler, which was very fun. It was one of the days that we brought the camera so I have lots of pictures from it. =) One other fun part for me was all the Davids Tea I drank, and was able to introduce Lori and Mackenzie to something we love.

Outside the Davids Tea in Whistler

Someday my boys and I will be back here with snow on that hill

Pretending we are skiiers!

Family Photo

Lucas and Nathan standing in the Olympic Rings

Pretending we are snowboarders.

Shannon Falls, on the way to Whistler

Mackenzie dancing on Shannon Falls.

Mackenzie and Lori at Shannon Falls.

It was a great vacation. It was fun for us too to see Lori and Mackenzie in Vancouver and make new and fun memories with them.

Till Next Time

Jenn

July 2011

2011-07-25T13:45:00.000-06:00

Long time no see.... luckily we have been having a great summer. My favorite part so far is that in the mornings we get up when we want to not when we "have" too. I usually wake up before the kids and exercise, then Nathan and the Lucas. It's another way that Lucas takes after his Dad, they both like to sleep in. We have also been keeping busy, Kelowna and the zoo and bugs and the pool in our backyard.

Kelowna was tough this year because Lucas got sick right before we left. He threw up on the way there, which we are thinking is a combination of the medicine and wondering if he has motion sickness. He did have fun with his friends there, but often just watched them. Last week we went to one of my favorite places, the zoo and walked around. We learned lots about gorillas at the talk they did about them too. We have also been going to the waterpark they have here in our community and the bookstore and the pool. So far it's been a great summer.

Hope your summer is going well too.

Jenn

Mini Man

2011-06-30T18:25:00.000-06:00

Lucas is so much like Darryl. He's smart and introverted and loves Lego and computer games and staying home.

Here he is in Darryl's hat and it's mini Darryl. Expect of course when Lucas belts out BNL or Weakerthans or Adele. Then he's a mini me.

Till Next Time

Jenn

Great Music in A Beautiful Setting

2011-06-26T16:05:00.000-06:00

A couple of months ago (on my way to Europe in fact) I saw that one of my favorite bands, Great Big Sea were playing a show in Banff. I emailed Tammy as so as I saw it and asked if we should go. One of the best parts of it was that we could bring the kids. It was an outdoor venue and the kids tickets were only 10 dollars. So Tammy and her family and Darryl and I and the kids all headed up to the mountains yesterday for an awesome day. Here are some picture highlights from it.

The reason for the concert was the Parks 100 anniversary, so there was the park beaver for the kids to enjoy.


Family One

Family Two

If you have never been to a great big sea concert you may not get it, but Great Big Sea concerts are some of the best, even if you don't know who they are or don't love their music. When you watch them play and even if you've never heard the music you'll love it. And they love it, they get the audience involved and so much of their music is so upbeat that you can't help but get up and dance. And Canadians are so nice and polite that in most concerts there is very little standing or no standing at all. But when Great Big Sea plays they tell everyone, get up! Vertical Movement! Dance Around! At this point Canadians then feel okay to stand up. "Well the lead singer told me to, so I better" =) At a GBS concert you can't help but clap and dance. Even people who are non clappers, or not big GBS fans, they will have sore hands by the end. If you ever get a chance to go I highly recommend it. As you can see from our pictures we had a great time dancing around. Especially Nathan. =)

Till Next Time

Jenn

Grammie and Grandad Come to Town

2011-06-24T22:58:00.000-06:00

This past week Grammie and Grandad came to stay with us for a week. It was lots of fun having them around.

There was excitement when the little boys surprised them at the airport when picking them up.

Then there was amazement as we watch the horse jumping.

Then there was deliciousness as Darryl made a turkey dinner.
Then there was laughter that we caught Grandad's birthday minutes before we were about to serve dessert and so we could all sing happy birthday to him. There was also lots of slapping mosquitoes. Then there was trying to avoid the rain. It was really great to have them around, even Emma really took to Brian, which is rare for Emma to like a man (especially not a young one).

Till Next Time

Jenn

Soccer Time

2011-06-23T10:43:00.001-06:00

Spring time means soccer for us. Nathan has it on Monday and Lucas on Tuesday and Thursdays. So we have been a busy family. It's nice because both Lucas and Nathan play and it's really affordable. With Nathan I've realized soccer is hard with 3 year olds. The drills are not too bad becuase I can make them into little games, Simon Says, What time is it Mr. Wolf. But the games are a challenge. To try to get them to kick it the right way and then towards the goal and then stop once they are out of bounds is as much as I can handle most night (I'm the coach BTW). Plus an hour of running around seems to be a lot for them.

Lucas's soccer is more interesting. The kids are more cooperative and the game is actually kind of interesting. Still there are kids on Lucas's team who don't listen, but the have longer attention spans then on Nathan's team. Lucas has improved over the last 10 weeks, but I'm not sure soccer is really his thing. I wonder if he has a bit of me in him, which means he's not that competitive. But it's been great to watch him grow and get better and better at the game. Darryl was the coach for his team and did a great job. He got lots of kudos after the game tonight and was asked to coach again next year, so we will have to see. I don't have any pictures from Nathan's soccer, it was rained out the last couple of weeks, but here are some good ones from Lucas's soccer.

Till Next Time

Jenn

U2

2011-06-06T21:38:00.001-06:00

Last year for Christmas I gave Darryl two U2 tickets. Darryl has always really liked U2 and when I heard they had rescheduled a show to June 1st in Edmonton I booked tickets. One of the things about me is I often do crazy things. As I talked about before I love experiences, and sometimes do things (or say things) without taking everything into consideration. So I checked Ticketmaster and there were tickets available, so I bought Darryl two for Christmas. It was a Wednesday and we both had to take two days off work, and luckily my sister was around to take care of the kids, so it all worked out.

The concert itself was incredible. There were 65000 people there and I don’t think I’ve ever been to something that big. Bono can really sing and the Edge is an amazing guitarist. They also had a really cool stage. It is 167 feet tall and it takes 100 semis to transport it from city to city. The stage had lots of lights and effects with it. There was also an inner and outer stage to it. There are so many great U2 songs and they played a lot of them. My favorite was probably Elevation, but they played so many of the good ones. Like most Canadian concerts most people stay seated and danced in their seats, but I would stand and dance whenever there was a song I liked. Plus there was this story, which had people talking.

The other crazy part was leaving. With 65000 people trying to get out there was hordes of people trying to get on the train. It was crazy. It probably took us an hour just to get on a train.

It was a super fun experience and something I’m happy to cross of my life list.

Till Next Time

Jenn

May Round Up

2011-06-04T10:57:00.000-06:00

I was at work last night and I haven't been there in quite a while. I kept thinking of all the things that happened this month, some planned and some unplanned. I thought I should maybe start a monthly round up since the blog seems to have gone on the back burner. But here is I"m sure a lengthy roundup of May

Started with Darryl and I returning from our trip to San Francisco
We played ALOT of soccer. More on that coming up this week
Alexis and I went to London and Paris ( I know I still need a Paris post too)
We finshed off the patio at the back
I got a piece of glass stuck in the bottom of my foot, which hurt and I couldn't get it out. After a couple of weeks of soaking it I went to the doctor. He seemed quite uncertain about being able to remove it. But after jabbing very painful freezing in my foot, he did get it out!! YEAH!! Amazing how such a small thing can cause so much pain.
I've done most of my vegetable planting. I'm trying to plant them in square feet so we will have to see what the gardens look like. I'm also trying to plant them every couple of weeks, so we will have harvest for longer.
Nathan has been doing some stuttering again. It seems to be worse when he hasn't had a good night sleep. It also seems to come and go. It's something I'll have to watch. They say for most kids it resolves itself by the time they turn 5, so hopefully it won't be a life long thing for him.
My dad got a new job, which he seems to be really enjoying.
My mom had her gallbladder out.
Lastly, we went to a U2 concert this week. It's great to get one of those things crossed off a bucket list. It was a really good concert and if you ever get a chance to go, I highly recommend it. There is lots of lights and very entertaining (although a different kind of entertaining then BNL or GBS) Also very political and lots of awareness about Africa and Amnesty International.

Whew, and June is just as busy. Although after months of winter and staying inside it's nice to stay busy again.

Till Next time

Jenn

A Dutch Girl....

2011-05-24T14:57:00.000-06:00

I love spring time. I love getting flowers and gardening and growing things. I get such satisfaction in growing beautiful things and growing delicious foods and even this weekend when I opened the bottom of the composter and saw lots of good dirt in the bottom, there is a real satisfaction in that. One of the first flowers that comes up is all the tulips. I am a dutch girl, I have an Oma and Opa and my Oma gives me lots of tulip bulbs. They looks so beautiful in the spring. Our privacy garden in the back is stunning.

Love the springtime and the beautiful flowers.

Till Next Time

Jenn

London Baby!

2011-05-23T09:33:00.000-06:00

May seems to be a busy travelling month for me again this year.   Although my new years resolution was to save money, I seem to be spending lots of it on going on vacations.   But luckily I have been spending less money on things. I just love experiences and don't mind spending money on them.   That being said I've picked up some extra shifts at the hospital to pay off my "experiences."

So onto the latest vacation... London Baby! Alexis has never been to Europe and has been wanting to her whole life. She has really been wanting to go to Paris, so in planning we found it cheaper to fly to London and take the chunnel to Paris and that way we got to see a different city as well.   We fly Air Transat into London, if never taken a direct flight from Calgary to Europe and it was a long 9 hours. I did take a benadryl to try and help me sleep, but only one and it wasn't enough. The other cool part about the flight was that we flew over the top of the world, so I got to see Greenland too.

Arriving in London was a bit of an adventure, once Alexis and I collected our bags we went to the washroom to freshen up and then I checked to make sure I had everything before we left. I couldn't find my passport. Luckily both Alexis and and I are pretty cool under pressure, so we checked my bags and double checked my bags. I did have a photocopy of the passport with me, so I knew if worse came to worse and it was stolen I could go to the Canadian Embassy with my photocopy and they could issue me a new one. But we also knew if it was lost it must be somewhere in that airport.   So we left the baggage area and went to the lost and found. They told me nothing had been turned in, and if something was going to be it would be in the next little while. So we sat and waited. While waiting we checked with someone else who worked at the airport and they told us to ask at information.   So we grabbed our backpacks and walked around to information and asked there. YEAH!! They did have it.   So once we got that we figured out how to get into London from the Gatwick airport.

We took the train to London Bridge station, which became our main station. We stayed at the Southwark All Season Hotel. It was quite good.   They had a included breakfast every morning, which was delicious and free wifi. Also the beds were very comfortable.   That first day they let us leave our bags there till we were ready for our room.

While we were waiting we decided to walk up to St. Paul's Cathedral. I don't know why, but it seems to be whenever, I'm exhausted from a long plane ride I'm drawn to churches where I need to walk hundreds of stairs. (last time Darryl and I went to Europe, our first day after getting off the plane we went to Notre Dame and walked up all those stairs to the top.)   St. Paul's is a really beautiful church, we did get the audioguide, which was an ipod, and learned about the Nave and the dome and the choir and the Quire and the high alter. But the very coolest part of St. Paul is the 257 feet up in the whispering gallery. If you climb up to the dome one person can stand on one side and the other person cans stand 100 feet away and you can whisper against the wall and the other person can hear you.   It's super cool. We did walk to the top and take some picture of London from up high.

St. Paul's while walking on Millennium Bridge

After that we went to our first show in London, we didn't have anything booked but needed something energetic to keep us up. So we went to Thriller a show/concert with all Micheal Jackson songs. A couple of other observations from that first day. Everyone in Europe dresses really well. When we were at the airport in Calgary, every third person has Yoga pants on. In Europe I didn't see even one person wearing yoga pants. And you could tell all the toursists with there nike or new balance or some other brand of white running shoes. Another observation, London is expensive and doesn't have the best food.

The second day we took the tube up to Nottinghill and went to Portobello Road market. It was fun with lots of antiques, food and clothes. It was fun to walk around and see everything.

After Nottinghill went went to the "old navy" of London called Primark. It is a good and inexpensive clothes. It was SO busy as well. There were people trying things on in the ailses and things were a mess. Neverless Alexis and I picked up some goods and headed for lunch. There we met some nice Brits, who were talking to us about London and all the preparations for the Olympics next year. There are lots of improvements being made to the city and I think they will do a great job with it next year.

After that we headed back for a nap and to drop off our goods. For dinner we went out for classic fish and chips. Which were good, but burning hot.

That evening we went to see Lion King, which was fantastic. The costumes are so incredible.

Day Three we headed over to the London tower. It was great to learn about some of the history of London. It's amazing how we use to treat each other as humans. How beheading people was a normal part of life and it use to be entertainment for people. We got to London Tower early (don't always believe those guide books), so we also walked around looking at Tower Bridge (not London bridge as some would believe)

After that we got on one of those buses that drove us around and show us the sights and taught us all about London. It's amazing how so much of those experiences are based on your guide and driver. We had one guide that was great, I could have spent all day listening to her. But then another time we had a driver that was horrible and made us want to vomit. =) On the bus we saw....

Big Ben

The London Eye

Westminster Abbey

Beautiful Buildings

Us on the Bus

Tower Bridge

The last day we returned some stuff to Primark. We went at 8:30 and it was quiet, but by 9am it was really busy again. Then we went to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard (which was not very good, especially for all the people there.)

Then to the Tate Modern, which is full of Modern Art.

To end off our trip we went to see Wicked. It was amazing. The singing and the story was so so good.

All in all I did love London. The people were nice, the city is clean the tube system is easy to follow and people speak English, even if sometimes I still don't understand it. It also has all the history that I love about Europe too.

Next we were off to Paris...

Till next time

Jenn

Our Great Vacation

2011-05-04T22:32:00.000-06:00

We rode cable cars....

And although it's not the most flattering picture of me, we biked across the Golden Gate Bridge...

And had our picture taken with the Golden Gate in the background

And watched cable cars with big jails in the back ground.

And I put my feet in the (freezing cold) pacific ocean.....

And we ate good food....

And we climbed to the top of Coit Tower (the tower in the middle)...

And ate sunny oranges in the California sunshine....

And drank lots of wine...

Snuggled at the beach....

And we ate lots of bread....

It was super fun.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Easter Weekend

2011-04-28T10:46:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we had a whole lot of family and friends over to celebrate Easter. Oma and Opa came from Kelowna and Arnie, Lucille and Shelby came from Saskatchewan. The boys were also happy to have Auntie Lexis and Auntie Karen come for a sleep over too. I love having a house full of people. I love it when there are so many people to talk to and visit with and to see Oma and Opa with all their kids was great.

As usual Darryl made a delicious turkey dinner and mom brought over a ham so we were sure to have enough food for the 18 people we were expecting.

TI

Until next time

Jenn

Faces Part 2

2011-04-25T22:20:00.000-06:00

This weekend Alexis reminded me I forgot about part 2 of the funny faces. So here they are.

Happy Faces

Surprised Faces

Mad Faces


More mad faces

We had a really great weekend. There were so many fun times and being with people you love, eating good food, drinking good wine and having good conversations. More and some pictures on that next.

Till Next Time

Jenn

What I Learned From My Week of Vegetarianism

2011-04-17T16:17:00.000-06:00

A couple of months ago I was inspired by Oprah and her show about becoming Vegan for a week. In the last year or so we have been trying to eat healthier. Darryl has high cholesterol (genetically) so he works hard to try and keep it down, so we thought it would be interesting to see if we could try not eating meat for a week.

1. It's not as hard as I thought it was going to be. When I was first making the list of our dinners for this week, I thought I can't even coming up three days. But I went through the Eat at Home blog and found some meals from there and then I made a couple of our "regular" meals just without meat. It was really quite successful. There were a couple of lunches I found challenging, but it all worked out.

2. I was hungry all the time. I didn't lose any weight this week (not that I was trying to), because 2 hours after eating a meal I was hungry again.

3. I really love chicken. I think I could give up more red meat. But I'm not sure I could do chicken.

Did anyone else given up meat for a while? What did you think? Anything you learned?

Till Next Time

Jenn

Faces

2011-04-15T21:12:00.000-06:00

Today we were playing with the camera and making some different faces for it. It started with Nathan..

Surprised Face

Mad Face

Happy Face

A second attempt at a mad face...

Thinking Face

Tomorrow I'll post the ones of all of us...

Till Next Time

Jenn

Go Fly A Kite.

2011-04-12T21:31:00.000-06:00

We have a fair bit of wind here in Calgary. I think a lot of it is the wind blowing off the praries, that and there are not as many trees here as there are in Ontario to stop the wind. It's not as windy as Lethbridge, but we can still get some really windy days. Yesterday was one of them. But we took it as a perfect opportunity to use one of Nathan's birthday presents.

It worked really well. And we started a trend with the other neighborhood kids. Once we did it everyone else brought out their kites too.

Till Next Time

Jenn

Nathan's Birthday Saturday

2011-04-10T21:46:00.000-06:00

On Saturday we had the double birthday party for Nathan. The first party was in the afternoon with his friends and in the evening with his family. It was a really fun day. For the friends party we had a local pet store come and bring animals. It was really good for the variety of ages we had and I found it very informative. I learned lots about reptiles. Like that a snake can "drop" it's tail if something attacks it. Or that Scaret Macaws can live to be 150 years old and you need to put them in your will. If anyone is needing a good birthday party idea I really recommend it.


The anticipation of the animals before the party started.

Playing with the puppies. They were a dachshunds chihuahua mix

The bird trying to climb Shaun

Lucas holding the snake

The chamelon

Nathan, Auntie Karen and Auntie Lexie with the puppies

Me holding the chamelon

After the animals we had some crown decorating and cake and presents.

In the evening I could roast beef and mashed potatoes for dinner. We had all of his family over and it was super fun.

I love pictures where my house is full of people.

The boys watching Nathan open his presents.

Nathan with his birthday cupcakes


I included this one becuase Darryl and I are rarely in candid pictures together. Thanks Tammy

It was a super fun day and I think Nathan had a great day. Thanks everyone for coming and making it so special for him.

Nathan's Monthly Newsletter: 3 years old

2011-04-07T22:54:00.000-06:00

Dear Nathan,

On the eve of your 3rd birthday I thought I should write this letter to you. It's been months since I've done a monthly newsletter so there will be a lot to include here. Mostly I can't believe you are three years old already. Time is flying. Although I'm' really enjoying this age, I wish things would move a little slower.

First off life with you is mostly awesome. You are smart and funny and cute. All of those things equally. You are so funny. People often laugh at your funny way of say things. We were on the c-train the other day and you were so excited about things that other people were laughing at you. Or if we ask you something you'll often reply with a funny "sure".

Much more cuddly then I remember Lucas being. You love giving hugs and snuggling in bed together. This morning Lucas jumped into bed with you to wake you up and you were so happy to wake up that way. Or the other day we were having a video conference with Grammy and you jumped on my lap and I rubbed your back. Not a minute after you were sounds asleep on my lap. It was such a nice thing to have that "baby" experience again.

Your speech has taken leaps and bounds this year. You are also getting better at playing board games and puzzles and all the things "big boys" do. A lot of your growing is influenced by having a big brother. You often copy his dance moves and his kung fu moves. You also like to "read" books like Lucas does.

As your personality is coming out more and more. I'm glad you are taking on some of my traits. Lucas is so much like Darryl it's nice that I have a buddy to do things with. If I am ever going out somewhere you always want to come with me. Last week I needed to go pick up a book at the library. I asked both you and Lucas to come. You jumped right on the opportunity where Lucas was happy to stay home with Darryl. And that happens most of the time. You are my partner in crime when it comes to running the roads, and I'm so happy to have a buddy. Also like me (and Lucas too) you love to sing along to music. Your favourite song to sing along with lately is a Paramore song "You are the only exception". I'm lucky the two boys in my life love music as much as I do.

You are not really partial to any character. You'll enjoy Spiderman as much as Diego and Star Wars. I think part of that is having an older brother. You are exposed to more then I would normally do if it was just you. Your drawing is really coming along too. A couple of week ago I was a work and Daddy sent me a text saying "Nathan just drew a person". He sent me the picture of it and I thought it was great.

I love you so much, my baby. Even though you don't like it when I call you baby and you correct me and call yourself a big boy.

love mommy

March Break: Part One

2011-04-01T10:01:00.000-06:00

This week Lucas is off from school on March break. He was a little disapointed by this as he loves going to school and loves learning. It is amazing what a little sponge that kid is. The other day we were talking about vowels and how each word has to have at least one vowel. About an hour later he saw something with my name on it. He says "Mom I know the vowel in your name. It's 'e'. " For the rest of the day we continued to play a game naming which vowel was in a word. What's the vowel in the word chin? What's the vowel in the word table? (a hard one) etc. He would get most of them by sounding the word out and know what the vowel is. The other thing my smartie has started to do a lot of is writing sentences. Yesterday he drew a picture that said " I love my mom and dadee" and another one that said " "The tabl is over there" Really I can't believe how smart that kid is.

We have been enjoying Lucas being off from school. Today we all slept in till 8:30!! Even though I still am working we have tried to make my days off lots of fun. Sunday we all went bowling,which the kids both loved.


Both boys smiling when we were done in their bowling shoes.

Someone was pooped after the zoo

Our next activity was the zoo, which I always love. And it was really beautiful day out too. We went with our best friends.

The boys looking at the python


Love this photo the boys in the foreground and girafees in the background

The boys watching the prahnas.

The otters!

One of the days I worked the boys went and spent it with their good friends, who are usually in school too.

So I think all in all it's been pretty fun for them. Not sure what's on the agenda today, but there may be a train ride involved. =)

Hope everyone else is enjoying there week.

Jenn

Brothers

2011-03-24T21:13:00.004-06:00

Today Lucas had school in the morning and then went to a friends house for playing and dinner. Nathan hadn't seen him all day. As Lucas walked up the stairs Nathan was waiting for him with his arms open to give him a big hug.

I'm so happy they love each other.

Till Next Time

Jenn

Chapter 11

2011-03-22T15:47:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure exactly how many crazy Emma stories there have been, but I'm sure we are probably at 10. So here is Chapter 11 of the Crazy "tails" of Emma.

Emma has had some stinky breath for the last couple of weeks. It's gone beyond the morning breath I haven't had anything to eat, to the stinky all the time. So I've been looking in her mouth to see if I can find the cause. I saw what I though may have been a sore on her gum, so I thought I'd give it a week or so to see if it would heal itself. But at the end of last week the sore became a hole and you could see what looked like the top part of her tooth through her gum's. So I called and made an appointment with our vet, for what I thought may have been an abscessed tooth.

Yesterday we take her into the vet and explain the story. She looks at Emma's tooth and does think it's something, as well as the stinky breath. She said it didn't look like a typical abscess tooth and that usually an abscessed molar drains through the sinuses and the nose. She asked if Emma chewed bones and thought maybe it could be some trauma that wasn't healing. She suggested trying some antibiotics for a week to see if that would help to heal it. I thought that was a good idea. She wanted to do a more through look in Emma mouth. She opened Emma's mouth and the first thing that came out was "what is that?". I said isn't that just part of her hard palate in her mouth. She says "no that's not normal" What we were seeing was a white thin hard piece at the top of her mouth. So I thought about it for a minute and remember about a time a month ago when we were attempting to decrease Emma's dose of her crazy medication and how she ripped up a wicker basket we had a the front door. Of course the thing in her mouth was a piece of wicker wedged between her two molars. That piece of wood was rotting and causing the stinky breath and the wood was putting a hole in her gum's .

Our vet suggested grabbing some forceps and seeing if she could remove it. She came back in with a vet tech to help hold. So the three of us held Emma and the vet grabbed the piece of wicker with her clamps and got it out. The vet tech was shocked. "Oh my god, oh my god" she kept saying. She was so surprised and didn't have a good poker face.

Luckily Emma is on the road to recovery and the stinky breath is so much better. She is still taking some antibiotics to be sure she heals properly. And the indent in her mouth where the stick was is looking better too.

Wonder what Chapter 12 will be...

Jenn

2011-03-18T15:07:00.001-06:00

Today in the kids in cowtown website I have a new post up about some of my favorite kids songs.

Pictures from the Melting

2011-03-15T17:06:00.004-06:00

We had two good weeks of really cold temperatures in late February early March. But in the last week we have had + temperatures all week. All the snow is melting, the kids are sleeping better because they are getting Vitamin D and fresh air and we are all happier. Here are some pictures from our playing outside.

And then there were 6

2011-03-14T21:37:00.003-06:00

All weekend we had 4 boys in this house. The boys are loving it. They love playing Wii together and reading books and playing Hot Wheels. Today after we got home from school they played upstairs for an hour straight. I was able to get Nathan's birthday party set up, watched Young and The Restless did some surfing and got dinner made.

But I'm missing Lucas. Having 4 kids means your attention is much more divided. Especially since I spent 5 hours yesterday helping the oldest do math home work. Yep that's right 5 hours. And we did another 2 hours tonight. Nathan still takes up a lots of my time. And Lucas and Shaun play so well together that I haven't really seen Lucas. Even reading books at night, the last couple of nights, one of us has been helping with math homework, the other parent reading books to Nathan and the two middle kids read books to each other.

But I can't imagine having 4 all the time and I bow down to moms who do so. I know you just do it. But you have to be a great time manager.

Till Next Time

Jenn

Winter 2011 Playlist

2011-03-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

1. The Cave: Mumford and Sons. Hands down my favorite band of late. If you love banjo and songs that build and rock songs you'll love them. If you saw them at the Grammys you'll know what I mean about music building. If you like this song I would also recommend Little Lion Man and Roll Away Stone.
2. Dog Days are Over: Florence and the Machine. I may have been in the dark about this song for a while. It was a song I kept hearing on the radio and loved it, but never heard the name of it. Again the Grammy's (you'll notice a theme here) introduced me to her great voice and then I found this song.
3. Alberta Bound: Brian Adams. Obviously...
4. Stuck Like Glue: Sugarland. I'm not really a country fan, but her voice is growing on me. Besides who doesn't love a song with some reggae rap in it. =)
5. Jumpstart These kids wear crowns: It was a free song from itunes and it's great. Especially for those of you who like pop music (I'm looking at you Alexis and Lesley). I don't think it's a radio song- but it could be. My kids like to dance to it too.
6. Born this Way Lady Gaga: This is a radio song and it certainly sounds like Madonna's Express yourself, but I still really enjoy it. I also like the message.
7. Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise: Avett Brothers. Again a fantastic performance at the Grammys. I've had this song on itunes for a while, as I've loved the song I and Love and You for a while, but this song is on rotate now.
8. Uncharted: Sara Bareillies She has such a great voice and this song is up beat and has a great message.
9. Heavy Metal Girls: Jim Bryson and the Weakerthans: If you follow me on Twitter you know I saw these guys earlier this week. I enjoy their whole album but this is probably my favorite song of all of them. It was great live (as songs should be)
10. Rolling in the Deep: Adele This is from her new album and man this woman can sing it. Tammy introduced it to me and as she says it's a little motown.
11. Firework: Glee Cast. Again a great message and I like Lea Michelle singing it better then Katy Perry.

What's been on your playlist lately?

Jenn

Sunday Afternoon: Reflections of the week

2011-03-06T14:43:00.002-07:00

I've work a lot this week, when I say a lot I mean a lot for me. I ended up picking up two shifts at job number 2 and it was a stressful week at job number one (teaching). So much so that for a while I was wondering how I could find another job. But right now I have a really good balance in my life. If I were to get a new job I would be working more and I don't want to work more. I worked full time this week and it was a lot. To all you moms who work full time all the time, more power to you. But in my usual life I have good balance, I work 4 days a week and one of those days is an evening shift, so I get to be with the kids for most of the day. Darryl is also great about letting me get some "me" time every week too, so I'm lucky. So my life is made up of equal parts of work and family time. I do get to sprinkle some me time in there as well as some relationship time. Sometimes for those hard times at work I need to grin and bear it because it allows me to have balance in the rest of my life.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Don't you love it when

2011-02-28T21:59:00.002-07:00

your kid falls asleep in a funny way and you can take picture to remember it. =) So Nathan was eating popcorn and must have fallen asleep. Torin took the opportunity to snuggle up too.

Till next time

Jenn

Family...

2011-02-23T20:26:00.004-07:00

This weekend was family day weekend here in Alberta. It's so nice to have the extra day off and I always like to do something together as a family. We didn't do anything overly special, but the weather was nice so we all went outside and slid down the toboggan run Darryl made. It was great fun to be outside getting some fresh air, especially because we are in a cold snap now.

But what I was most impressed about over the weekend was how well my boys got along. Most of the time I'm in awe of the two of them. They play really well together. I'm sure there will be phases in their lives where the don't get along very well, but I'm so glad they will always have each other. Whether they always have a friend to play with, or they need to vent about their crazy parents, I'm so happy they have a built in friend to share their live with, who has many of the same experiences. I hope they are always get along as well as they do now.

Till next time

Jenn

Some Recent Photos

2011-02-18T11:10:00.002-07:00

Lucas and Nathan play alot with our best friends kids Matt and Shaun. Matt and Shaun are older, so they have a fair bit of influence on Lucas and Nathan. Matt and Shaun are very into airplanes, hence all the airplanes and the aircraft carrier.

This is a picture from dinner last weekend (or maybe the weekend before). I love it anytime I get all three of my guys together.

Here are Lucas and Nathan playing together again. I'm so fortunate that they get along so well.

Me and my buddy. Not sure if it's because he's the youngest or if it's his personality, but this kid is a lot like me. We both love to be out and about...

Till Next Time

Jenn

Funny Kid Tales

2011-02-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Lucas is working really hard on his reading. At bed time we often do I read a book to him and he reads a book to me. I have to help him sound out some of the longer words but he is doing really good. The other thing that comes along with the readying is the spelling. So I haven't heard the word Mom in a couple of weeks. It's always M-O-M or D-A-D. Today we were on the couch and it was I l-o-v-e you. I l-o-v-e you too. M-o-m

When I read books to Nathan I've started telling him the author. He always repeats it back to me and in a sing song questioning voice. Give that Back Jack by Phil Roxbee Cox. Nathan: Phil Roxbee Cox?

When Nathan hurts himself, he'll tell us by saying: Something hurts. I'll ask him: what. And he'll tell me "his knee" or "his hand" or what ever he thinks it is that hurt. So the other day Mom and I were talking in the morning and Nathan says "something hurts". So I ask him what, and he says "my feelings". It was so cute.

Till Next Time

Jenn

Jodie...

2011-02-15T21:15:00.006-07:00

This weekend I got a phone call from a long lost friend. Jodie and I were best friends in high school. We continued being best friends for a while after that, but our lives moved on different paths and eventually we drifted apart. I haven't really talked to her since I've had kids (my fault, but those babies take up a lot of time and energy), so I was super happy when I got a phone call from her on Friday night saying she was in town and we should get together this weekend. It's a novelty I don't really have by moving out of the city I did most of my growing up in. I don't accidentally run into people I went to high school with at the mall. I can't go to lunch with them and reminisce about people we use to know. Don't get me wrong I'm fine with this, I wasn't crazy about highschool so rather then running into them in the mall I may be running from them. =). But that is why I was so excited about the phone call and our lunch date the next day.

On Saturday I felt a bit like I was going on a first date. Excited but also a bit nervous. Would she like the kids, would we still get along, what would we talk about. But as soon as I saw her face and got a hug from her I knew that deep down we were essentially the same people who were best friends so many years ago. We talked about plans for the future and beefs we had and what our lives were like now. She brought her new boyfriend and he is so stable and kind. You can see how happy they are when they sit together. There is such satisfaction to see friends you've know for a while so happy and in love. Anyway it was a great lunch and I was happy to learn she is thinking about moving out to Alberta, so if I'm lucky there will be many more lunches to come.

Till Next Time

Jenn

Grammy and Two of My Favorite Bands.

2011-02-10T22:47:00.003-07:00

This morning on my way to work I hear that two of my favorite bands of the past year, Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons will be performing together at the Grammys this weekend. I'm already so excited. Check out two of these bands popular songs.

Till Next Time

Jenn

Dreaming

2011-02-07T19:12:00.002-07:00

The last couple of weekends for us have been non descriptive. This is the part of winter I don't really like, it's the lack of things to do. Or maybe it's my lack of motivation to do things. I'm' just not crazy about the cold, so a lot of the fun things require going out in the cold. The one going out in the cold thing we've been doing is tobogganing which is just beside the house. It's great because we can come in when we are too cold.

Most of the past couple of weekends I've spent dreaming about other things. My parents and our best friends have been skiing every Sunday. It's making me dream about when my boys are old enough to ski. Skiing is such a fun family activity. I'm hoping our boys will want nothing to do with hockey and will take to skiing. I mean I'll let them do whatever makes them happy, but I'm going to encourage them more towards skiing, as I'm not that interested in going to the rink and watching them. I'd rather be in the mountains skiing with them.

The other thing I've been dreaming about lately is vacations. Darryl and I are going away for our 10 year wedding anniversary this spring and Alexis and I are going away this spring too. So I got some guide books and have let the planning begin. So far I've borrowed the Frommers and the Fodors guidebooks from the library. Darryl and I have our hotel and flight booked through Expedia, so trying to decide what we want to do when we get there. Darryl and I also love good food, so looking into the best restaurants the cities have to offer. Some of my favorite foodie websites are Chowhound and Trip Advisor. Trip Advisor is really good for any kind of trip "advising" . Alexis and I still need to book our hotels. So far my favorite website for that is Booking.com Does anyone else have a really good website for booking hotels? Really this is one of my favorite parts of vacations is all the planning and anticipation. Imaging all the fun things we are going to see and eat.

But next weekend I'm planning to enjoy the moment rather then dreaming about the future

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Contributor

2011-02-06T19:55:00.002-07:00

I've started to blog for a local Calgary Blog Kids in Cowtown. It is a great resource for mom's who live in Calgary. Here is my first contribution.

Till Next Time

Jenn

Monthly Newsletter: 62 and 63 months

2011-02-01T21:31:00.003-07:00

Dear Lucas,

Things have been on the up and up with you for the last two weeks. You were sick for a whole week in the middle of January and it seemed to take a couple of weeks for you to get over it. You were very lethargic and had a fever for a week and then for the couple of weeks after that you were very emotional and we were walking on eggshells around you trying to figure out what was wrong. But it seems like you just needed some time to get over it.

The other day you read me a book. I couldn't believe it. We have been working on your reading, but you seemed to get it the last couple of days. We also read you a lot of chapter books, you really enjoy hearing a long more detailed story. You are sounding out words really well, looking at pictures to figure out what the story is and recognizing the same words throughout the book. Reading opens up a whole new world Lucas. I'm glad you have caught on quickly.

Christmas was good to you this year. It was a lego filled Christmas. You and Daddy had a great time putting together so many Lego sets. Often when I see you and Daddy playing together it makes me think of what many of my days will be like. You guys building Lego or playing video games. It's nice that you enjoy so many of the things that he does.

You continue to be a great, very nice kid. We have lots of play dates, you have friends, teachers like you. You are in gymnastics again and although you are the only boy you are loving it. You are also really enjoying crafts. We do quite a few crafts together. Sometimes they are guided and it's step one, step two. But other times it's you being creative and using tape and glue and paper to make your own things.

You are really enjoying playing out in the snow. Dad built you (and the rest of us) a great tobaggan hill. You love love to go out there and play. You and your Dad have had a great month together. You are getting into that amazing fun age where you are great to spend time with. Don't get me wrong you have always been a good kid, but now you are creative, do things yourself and your funny.

You and Nathan still get along quite well. Today was a really good day for the two of you. I think having the balance of being away for part of the day at school and then having the afternoons to play together is good. Sometimes he drives you crazy by his talking and repeating, but most of the time you make each other laugh by making funny words or saying pooh pooh.

We continue to do favorite parts every night and for your Dad and I most days our favorite parts have something to do with the time spent with you. We love you so much Lucas.

love mommy.

Pause

2011-01-30T21:11:00.002-07:00

This weekend Nathan got sick. It started on Friday with a fever and lots of sleeping and developed into throwing up all through Friday night. Saturday he got better, but still had a fever and was quite snugly. Both on Friday night and Saturday night, Darryl slept in the spare room while Nathan slept with me. It wasn't a weekend where we had lots planned, but anything I did have planned or did want to get done got put on the back burner. Shopping is left to next weekend, and getting rid of some baby toys. Our dinner party was delayed and the bathrooms are still a mess. But it was a nice weekend to remember what is the most important in life. Being with the kids. Making sure they are happy and healthy. Listening to the sounds of him breathing in and out, even while he is sick is so peaceful. Snuggling with him on the couch while we watch movies and he laughs at the funny parts makes me smile. In this busy world, a world I make very busy, it is nice to be forced to slow down.

Till next time

Jenn

Happy Birthday Dear......

2011-01-24T19:51:00.002-07:00

This weekend we started our Chinook. After being in a deep freeze for 10 days we came out of it and were able to enjoy being outside again. There was lots of tobogganing and playing with Emma (and cleaning up the poop soup). Today I even wore my spring jacket and people were out in shorts.

Even though we are all much happier because of getting our Vitamin D from the sunshine my favorite part of the weekend was our Happy Birthday song. It was my Dad's birthday and so I made his favorite meal, sausage spagetti with all the fixings. For dessert we had birthday pie (cherry) and lit some candles and sang Happy Birthday. My favorite part of the weekend was the part where we sing: Happy Birthday Dear... Pop/Dad/Teaser/George ... it sounded all discombobulated and like we were all singing a different song for a moment. But I loved that he is so well loved we all have a special name for him.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Eat at Home Challenge: Februrary 2011 Edition

2011-01-24T19:38:00.002-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Michelle mentioned on Facebook about a eat at home challenge, so I was wondering if we are all up for an Eat a Home Challenge for February? The rules are pretty simple.

1. You can only eat food and drink made from someone's home. This includes no Starbucks or Tim Hortons or no cafeteria food. If you have dinner at someone else's house that's fine.

A secondary part of it is the blog. It's a good support for everyone and sometimes can give you new ideas for dinners. And it's all of us taking real pictures of real food. If you are not already added as a contributor I'll be sure to add you can you can post pictures of your food and recipies.

This time it will be quite the challenge for me because I eat out more with work.

Also there is no real prize, other then the money you will save. =)

I'm in. Are you?

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Almost like finding 5 dollars in your coat after a year... almost

2011-01-15T22:07:00.002-07:00

Today Nathan was looking through Darryl's pictures on his phone. There were a couple of great ones that I don't have so I e-mailed them to myself and now I'm posting them here.

Till next time

Jenn

Sickness

2011-01-15T07:40:00.002-07:00

Oh it's been a long week. Lucas has been home sick for the whole week. It's started last Saturday night while we were at a friends house. All the sudden he was laying on the couch. Then on Sunday he had a low grade fever which has stuck around almost every day for the rest of the week. For the first couple of days it was just a fever. So by Thursday we took him to the doctor it see if there was something underlying he could see, but nothing major. The rest of the day he complained about his ear but that was just that one day. The hard part of it for me is what to do. He's enjoying laying on the couch watching TV, so I've taken away the TV so that staying home isn't fun. Yesterday he didn't go to school because he said he had trouble breathing, which "mysteriously" went away within 3 minutes of me saying "okay you can stay home". But he did develop a fever and headache again last night. Sometimes I feel like I'm being unfair, like yesterday when he didn't go to school I said he was not able to watch TV. Just lay on the couch and rest to get better. He said to me "It's not fair that you and Nathan get to wash the floor and I have to just lay here". I don't want to force him to go to school but it's hard to know how far to push it. As an adult you know there is a certain amount of sickness you can deal with while still going to work, but Lucas doesn't have that yet. Even today he's already said " I don't think I'll be well enough to go to school next week." He quite likes school so I don't think he's trying to avoid it. Hopefully this weekend he will start to feel better and we can get back to regular scheduled programming....

Till next time

Jenn

Nathan Monthly Newsletter: 33 Months

2011-01-12T21:55:00.004-07:00

Dear Nathan,

As I write this you have spent the last half and hour talking to yourself in bed while I sat playing games. Your sleep continues to go through stages, for a week it's great then a week it's bad again. Last night you were up for 2 hours so we are in a bad stage.

Speaking of stages you are in the "why" stage. While I was reviewing 2010 one of our struggles one was your speech. At the beginning of the year we were worried about your lack of speech. It's amazing now how much you talk. Sometimes you never stop talking. You ask questions after questions after questions. You want to know where and why and how. Some of your consonances are still needing some work, but most people can understand most of what you say. Although it's still "Lutas" and Huddy Bear" and "Damma".

You love to dance and to sing. Whether it's requesting music in the car when we drive or learning the words to kids songs, like "Down By the Bay". Music continues to be a fun part of your life. Auntie Karen bought you a guitar sweatshirt for Christmas this year and it has become your favorite thing to wear. On the weekend I had to peel it off you get cleaned and then put it right back on as it came out of the dryer. You love that sweatshirt.

You loved Christmas. You were in the stage where it took hours upon hours to open presents because you wanted to play with the toys you got rather then going onto the next thing. And while Lucas's favorite part of Christmas was Jesus, yours was Santa Claus. You talked to the video he sent you.

You have some funny runs, like when you go pee on the potty or you are helping someone out. You do a little run out of the bathroom with lots of shoulder action and I know you are so proud of yourself. Or the other thing you do that makes me laugh is the way you say "sure" when I ask you to do something. Or if I ask you for a toy " Ummm sure" you'll say and it makes me smile.

Over Christmas time you and Lucas have been doing a lot of coloring. You have been getting so much better at it. You are spending more time concentrating on it and doing a much better job of staying in the lines. Also Lucas is enjoying drawing things on paper and you are following his lead. Your drawings rarely resemble what you are trying to draw, but it's good that you are trying.

It has been documented on the blog already, but I'm so proud of how you did with the potty training. Granted the first few days were very very hard. You made it to the potty 1/6 times. But at the end of the second day something seemed to click and we have been pretty good since then. You caught on to it quite quickly and I'm so glad we stuck to it through those couple of days of frustration. You are now a "big boy" and you love to tell anyone who will listen that you are a big boy.

Well Nathan, sleep well tonight, as I'm sure in the morning there will be 100 more questions from you and I'll try to answer them all.

love mommy

My Green New Years Resolution

2011-01-10T20:09:00.003-07:00

For those who know me well and who have been reading for a while know that I am passionate about the environment (among many other things). I'm also pretty cheap, which sometimes interferes with me being green, but sometimes works well.

My green resolution for this year is to try and throw out less. Over Christmas there seems to be so so so much recycling. Even now two weeks after Christmas my recycling/blue bin is over flowing. For those of you not familiar with our recycling here in Calgary over the last couple of years every house in Calgary got these gigantic bins, one blue and one black. I'm pleased to say our blue bin is always much fuller then our black bin, but ideally this year I'd like to have less waste of all types, whether recyclable or not. My resolution is to accumulate less stuff and the stuff I do accumulate I want it to be long lasting. Here are some examples of things I'm going to work on:

1. Not buy the Happy Meal toys from McDonalds. The kids love them for about 10 minutes after they get them and then they accumulate till I donate them to Value Village

2. Generally accumulate less toys. The kids got A LOT of stuff over Christmas. I'd like to try more and more of rotating toys rather then buying new ones.

3. When I buy clothes, buy good quality stuff. For example the last two pairs of black tights I've bought were less then 10 dollars (Joe and Old Navy). Both pairs Torin put a snag in them. The last pair I bought was more of a workout pair from the gap 30$ on sale. I don't like spending alot of money on tights when I know I can buy them for cheaper, but I think it's both a waste of money and resources to be throwing out tights all the time too.

4. Use things that are suppose to last longer, like CFL bulbs (we already do this), but also buy high quality things for the kitchen so they don't break easily.

5. The last one I can think of is my clothes. I love shopping and I love finding deals. But to be honest those cheap Old Navy shirts start to pill over a couple of washes, where my Banana Republic ones have lasted me years. So I'm still going to try and shop for deals to keep my first new years resolution, but also pay closer attention to quality and knowing what fits me well.

Any other ideas on how to have less waste?

Till Next Time

Jenn

Book Review: The Book of Negros

2011-01-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

Last night I finished reading this excellent book. Over Christmas itunes was offering a free "thing" every day. One day it was this book! So I snatched it up because a) I am cheap and love free things and b) I love books.

The Book of Negros is the story of a woman, Aminita's, life. She is stolen from her home and forced to be a slave. She leads an incredible life. One that is often more sad then you can imagine but always incredible. The book is not a true story, but based on true events. At the end of the book the author talks about all the research he did for the different parts of the book.

The book didn't really make me cry (till the end) but it made me grateful for the life I lead and amazed at what adversity people can go through and still keep moving forward.

I highly recommend it. It's a very interesting story and good book.

Till next time

Jenn

What Happens to a Blogger

2011-01-08T09:00:00.003-07:00

I, like many of my favourite bloggers, have not been posting as much as usual. My signoff, till tomorrow is not realistic anymore. I've been thinking about why that is, has blogging run it course for me or is it something else. But I still enjoy blogging and I love having a record of .... life. I think the lack of blogging is probably a bunch of things. First off things with the kids don't seem to be constantly changing. I think with babies things change so quickly that there is always things to document. Now that the boys are 2 and 5, things stay pretty similar, Lucas still loves Star Wars and school and Nathan's potty training was the big news for him. Another reason for the lack of blogging is the lack of struggles with them. With babies it's hard to figure them out so it's nice to write it down to get feedback or to use writing to try and solve it.

Although life isn't changing very much, that is great. Life is great and I'm glad it's not changing all the time. The boys are at a fantastic age where they are fun and funny. I love to be with them and we do lots of fun things together.

So although the blogging hasn't been, and won't be as frequent as what it was when the boys were babies, I am still going to make a conscious effort to document the good and fun things we do. Partly to keep the few readers I still have updated, but also for myself so that I can look back and see what happened.

Till Next Time

Jenn

End of Christmas Holidays

2011-01-05T20:37:00.002-07:00

Well our wonderful two weeks of Christmas holidays is all done. It was great to have some time off with the boys. All of the boys, Darryl had a lot of time off too. But as with all vacations it was always nice to go back too. Over the holidays we spent lots of quality time together. We did some swimming, lots of organizing and even more of this:

We also had good success with potty training too. It's so cute to watch Nathan get off the potty, he's so proud of himself and struts around.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Happy 2011

2011-01-01T09:50:00.004-07:00

Well compared to last year I am more so looking forward to 2011. Maybe because 2010 was so crappy I think we are moving up for 2011. So yes I'm looking forward to what lays ahead for this year. We don't have a lot of big plans as in previous years, no big house projects or vacations, but I guess we will just take what comes are way and enjoy it. As for the start of every year, lets see how I did on my resolutions and make some for 2011.

1. No pop.

Alexis inspired me with her no McDonald's in 2009 and I keep reading on the lulu lemon bag where we keep our recycling how bad it is for you. So no pop this year. Ice tea sure, but no coke or sprite or anything of the like.

I did awesome with this! I am very proud of myself. Not that it was super hard, but there were times I really could have had some pop whether it went well with what I was eating or I could have used it to pep me up. I think in general I'll drink less pop now, but I'm happy to have delicious coke at certain times.

2. Finish the basement.

This is kind of a Darryl and Jenn resolution. I couldn't do it without him, but I know he's on board with it as well.

Again check this off the list. We did great with this (really Darryl did great with it). I love the basement.

3. The added one and the one I'm always working on, pay down the debt and save for things before buying them.

This is one we are still working on this. We've started to stick more closely to a budget. I'll expand on this a little more in my resolutions for 2011.

4. Take more pictures. Not sure if it's because it's the winter or what but I haven't been taking that many pictures over the last month. I need get back into it again. Maybe Lesley and I can take a photography close together. =)

This is a resolution that sometimes is better and sometimes needs work... I still think a photography class would be a good idea. I really like the prime lens we bought this summer. This may be an ongoing one for a couple of years, or maybe forever.

And onto resolutions for 2011:

1. Have our debt paid down to 75% of what it is now. I've been reading the Simple Dollar website and he's been posting a lot about goal making and how to achieve the goals. In the past I've said pay down debt, which we did last year, but our line of credit and credit cards are still now paid down. This year I'm setting a number to it. We started at the end of last year with sticking more closely to a budget, giving ourselves a certain amount of cash to work with every week. We did good for the months of October and November and then December came and Christmas it kind of got blown out of the water, so in January we are jumping back on the cash only band wagon.

That's it, that's really all I have... With saving money I don't think we are going to do anything major in the house or in the yard this year. We are also not going on any big vacations this year. Darryl and I would like to go to San Francisco for our anniversary (we will have been married 10 years this year). Darryl also may take the boys to Ontario in the summer and of course we will go to Kelowna. I'd also like to go with Tammy on some sort of girls weekend/vacation. We will also have to make some decisions about Lucas's schooling and if Nathan will go to preschool this year. But hopefully there will be a calm and happiness about the year. Just enjoying the kids at the ages they are taking it all in.

What about you any resolutions for the year?

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

2010 A year in reflection

2010-12-30T13:07:00.002-07:00

Honestly, good riddance 2010. You have been a really crappy year. Darryl lost his job and I worked like a banshee to keep the money flowing. Darryl did find a new job and he really likes it, but it's downtown and he's gone for 11 hours a day now, which means I am responsible for meals, most chores and taking the kids to and from the day home the days I work. Ian died, tigger died, one of our best friends got cancer, Emma went crazy and ripped up parts of the house and jumped off the roof. Like I said, good riddance 2010, don't let the door hit you on the way out.

On a positive note, we did have some really good times too and got some good pictures....

Till Next Year

Jenn

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T23:08:00.004-07:00

As I sit here late on boxing day I thought I'd type up some of the lovely details of the last couple of days. We have had 3 nights of great food and great family. At one point on Friday night, there were 3 conversations going on in different parts of our living room and kitchen. I wasn't really part of any of them, but I was so happy to be surrounded by so many people who get along so well. I felt so lucky and blessed in life. It's also been great to see the boys and there joy over Christmas. It's been nice to give gifts that they really like, it's also great to give gifts that other people really like. I got Darryl a new apple product (which has been good for me too) and Mom and Dad and Alexis some new dancing games. But most importantly we have been able to share lots of time together. Auntie Karen was here for a couple of days and the boys were so happy to have her around. She is one of those people who genuinely loves being around the kids. Here are some picture highlights.

Alexis with her Just Dance game

Grandma with the plate Nathan painted.
Pop with his bag of onions

Some of the mess after Christmas morning

Karen, Lucas and Nathan with their cake.

Nathan in his guitar sweatshirt
Darryl, Pop and Nathan putting together Lego.

We have also been working on potty training Nathan. He's 2 1/2 and showing the signs of readiness. With Lucas we waited until he was over 3, but I'd love to be done with diapers and becuase we are home with him for over a week I thought this would be a good opportunity. The first two days were hard. We were 1/6 and 2/6 for the first two days. But at the end of the second day we seemed to have a break through, which Darryl and I needed for our sanity. Days 3 and 4 now have been much better. Of course now that I'm writing this who knows what will happen for the rest of the week, but I feel like we are on the course of being diaper free.

Well I hope all of you had a very merry Christmas. I hope Santa, or someone was good to you. But most of all I hope you got to have some good times with some good people.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Christmas Time

2010-12-20T21:00:00.005-07:00

Work is winding down and our Christmas holidays are coming up. Not that we are going anywhere, but I'm looking forward to some fun quality time with my boys (all three of them) and my sister and all my big family. Even with all the work we have been keeping up with the "non chocolate" advent calendar. Here are some cute highlights:

Cookie making

Campout around the Christmas tree

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Working and more working.....

2010-12-18T19:25:00.002-07:00

Well sorry for the lack of posts this week. I have been busy with the accreditation and for some crazy reason I picked up a bunch of extra shifts. Luckily three more days of work then I'm off for two weeks and oh how I'm looking forward to it. Even in the spare moments of the last week, I've spent them making cookies or buying presents. I have so much respect for those mothers who work full time. Working so much does make me grateful for the extra days I have to spend with my boys and my husband. Even the time to clean the house. The good part of it all was the hard work for accreditation payed off. And I'll have some extra money with the extra shifts. But I'm looking forward to a little balance back again.

Till next time

Jenn

Brothers...

2010-12-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here are my two beautiful boys with their two blond heads.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Accreditation

2010-12-11T07:40:00.003-07:00

Hopefully my hair won't look quite like this after the next 4 days. At work we are having the CMA (Canadian Medical Association) in to do a major review of the program. This only happens every 6 years. We have to prove we are doing a good job with the students. If we don't they could potentially shut us down. So much of it is depending on what other people say about the program.... so yeah hopefully my hair won't look like this.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Start of December

2010-12-07T16:22:00.003-07:00

I'm traditionally known as quite the bahumbug about Christmas. I find it to be stressful and all about the gifts. I much prefer Thanksgiving, where you have the food and family and greatful-ness without the gifts. But as the boys get older I really enjoy Christmas. It's great to watch them get so excited about Santa and lights and cookies and the fun things we do. They make it magical again.

One of the fun things is the "non chocolate" advent calendar (as my sister nicknamed it) The boys do have a chocolate advent calendar but we also have an activity that we do everyday.
Sometimes it's something bigger, like skating and sometimes it's something smaller like have breakfast for dinner. It's fun to see the kids excitement over what we do each day.
They helped to put up the Christmas tree (Saturday's activity) and we loved singing one of the bedtime stories.

We have been all a bit under the weather and I have a major review at work next week, so we are all looking forward to a couple of weeks of enjoyable family time.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Lucas Skating

2010-12-05T15:50:00.003-07:00

I don't really like skating. It's not my favourite winter sport. As a kid I usually spent most of my time hanging onto the edge of the boards. So when Lucas friend Elliot's grandma, who picks the boys up from school. Offered to take the boys skating once a week I was all for it. The grandma was telling us what a great job Lucas is doing, so Darryl who does like to skate took Lucas to our community centre where you can skate for free. Here's how he did:

Much better then I do on skates, and this is only his fourth time. Glad to see he picked up Darryl's gene of being good at pretty much anything he tries.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Bahamas: A funny misunderstanding.

2010-12-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Jenn: I won two free tickets to the Bahamas tomorrow night.

Darryl: what?

a call just came in claiming that?

Jenn: No it's the folk fest newsletter, they always give away free tickets.

I always try to win becuase I love free music.

This time I won.

The only problem is they are on really late.

Darryl: so the Bahamas are a band, not the island

Jenn: Yeah, sorry... guess I should have clarified.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Love Bombs

2010-12-02T21:33:00.002-07:00

Not sure if you have heard about this new great thing that the internets are doing called a Love Bomb. Each week the Love Bomb team finds someone who is in need of.... love. The love bomb team sends out an e-mail with the website of the person who is in need and "the internets" all go the the website and make comments on their blogs. So someone who is going through a hard time suddenly gets hundreds of comments on their blog.

It is a great easy way to contribute to the good of the world. And it is a great reminder to appreciate everything you have.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

My Dad's the Coolest

2010-12-01T21:21:00.003-07:00

Look at the cool tobogganing hill Darryl made with the slope beside our house. He piled up the snow and banks it around the fence and the playcenter. He is a really cool Dad.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Weather

2010-11-23T20:50:00.002-07:00

Today in Calgary we were the second coldest place on earth, only second two Antartica. That's right it was cold here then Siberia and the Artic and Alaska and all those all places you think of when you think of really cold places. It all started a week ago when the snow and cold hit with a vengeance. Outside we have about 5 feet of snow. When I woke up this morning, with the wind chill it was -40. Luckily on Thursday it will be -4, I can't remember the last time I was excited about -4. It's been at least a year =)

So we have been playing inside a lot. Tonight we were all coloring on the floor, later we did some karate moves (or I watched the boys do there karate moves). We also made more cards and I made a big batch of my favorite soup. We did go outside to go to swimming lessons, but we were well bundled. And spent a lot of time in the hot tub at the pool too.

One of the worst parts of the horrible weather and snow is the driving. I have spent a lot of time in my vanigan over the last week. It sucks because it takes up time for other fun stuff I usually do, like exercising and playing with the kids. Kudos to all of those who job it is to clear the roads. Once the snow finally stopped I noticed a real difference in the ice on the roads.

So that's the big news over here for the last week..... although I wish it wasn't....

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Party Weekend

2010-11-21T21:10:00.003-07:00

What a really fun weekend we had. On Saturday we went to my cousins wedding. We took the boys with us and it was cool to see there excitement. They saw a princess, went shopping downtown and danced their hearts out. I couldn't believe how much they danced. And they were so good at it. Kudos to Lesley for all their great dance moves. We went with Auntie Karen too, who is so so fun. Sometimes I forget how fun she is, but she makes those boys laugh with no props just sitting at a table.

It was great to see my uncle as a grandparent too. The couple who got married had a little 2 year old, who is my uncle's grandaughter.

Today we had my work kids Christmas party. It was so fun for Nathan. He had a sword balloon made and sat on Santa's lap.

Then this evening we had my mom's birthday dinner. I made lasagna and it was delicious and mom brought a fantastic bottle of red wine from 2003. Then I made a fantastic birthday cake. The kind of cake that is so good, you don't need icing for it. And it was super easy. Here's the recipe:
1 cake mix
1 pudding mix (instant)
1 cup of apple sauce or oil
1 cup of sour cream
4 eggs
1/2 cup of warm water
2 cups of chocolate chips

Mix all of it together and bake at 350 for 50-55min.

See, super easy and I made it fairly healthy (as healthy as cake can be) with fat free sour cream and apple sauce rather then oil.
Love Lucas's face in this one. Getting ready to blow out the candles. Just had to post it.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Abc pooh pooh

2010-11-18T21:00:00.001-07:00

Nathan's Newest Video. Injecting his favorite funny word into a song.

Jenn

November Newsletter

2010-11-16T19:55:00.009-07:00

Hi Boys,

This month is another combined newsletter. I wonder how you will feel about these newsletter when you are grown? I hope you are able to look back and read these and see how life was and see how much I love you. This month I didn't get a letter done for Nathan so I'm going to combine them. You spend a lot of time together. You are really really good friends. The talking and the playing happens all the time. Which in turn means there is also some fighting and not getting along. But most of the time you two are the best of friends.

Nathan you are talking a lot. Sometimes you'll repeat a word over and over. Sometimes you'll repeat every phrase I say. You've started to say funny words to, like "actually". Just like Lucas does. You are still having trouble with certain constanants, but most of your speech has come a long way.

Your favourite thing lately has been airplanes. We have an airplane book that we read most nice. You love to pick up Pop at the airport and we go and watch the airplanes come in. You talk every day about going on an airplanes. Whether it's to go see Aunt Lori or Grammie or go with Auntie Karen or Grandma. You are really wanting to go on an airplane. Next year baby... next year

As for you Lucas, things are continuing on quite hunky dory. You are still loving school. It is usually your favourite part of the day. You love Mrs. McKenna, your teacher. We have been talking lots about bullying and being nice to people. Luckily you are a really nice kid in the first place so we don't have to talk about it very much.

You have been more willing to try new things. Tomorrow you are going skating, which you were not interested in last winter. And you want to try skiing this winter. You have also become more willing to eat different foods. The other day we had stomput and you ate so fast, when last time we had it you didn't like it.

You love playing with Lego. Which thrills Darryl to no end. Most days on the weekend, when Nathan goes for his nap you want to go downstairs and play Lego. You love to build ships and play with them. You are also really enjoying spending time with your friends. We organize more play dates with them and you love playing with Matt and Shaun still too.

The other night, Nathan was sick, so to help us both sleep I brought him into bed with me. Later on in the evening Lucas you woke up with a bad dream. You were both in bed with me and I was the meat in your boy sandwich. It was so peaceful to hear you both breathing. I slept great.

Well boys, may the fun continue into next month. Christmas is coming and I'm looking forward to seeing all of the joy and excitement on your face for the season.

love you both

love mommy

The Weekend..... So Far

2010-11-12T22:51:00.002-07:00

It's so nice to have four days off. Especially when my sister comes for the weekend. We are also dog sitting so Emma is so happy. Both of the dogs have been outside with slobbery ears. It's funny to watch dogs play. Emma is the female smaller dog, but because we are at her house and she is older, she is still the dominant dog. She easily get Tails on his back. The other interesting part about watching them play is that they always try to get each others ears. Must be a sensitive part on dogs.

The other fun part so far is that my sister is here. My sister does come home fairly often, but this time I get her all to myself. Today, by her request, we went to Banff. It was really fun. I haven't been to Banff is quite a while. They have lots of unique shops there. We also went to Old Spagetti Factory for lunch which is delicious and such a good deal. We also went and walked up tunnel mountain.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekends too!

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Tigger

2010-11-09T16:15:00.004-07:00

This morning we had to put one of our cats, Tigger down. She has lost a lot of weight over the last couple of months and has had diarrhea for the last two weeks. They figure she has colon cancer and won't take anything orally to help it. So after lots of crying and talking we decide it was best for her to go up to kitty heaven.

She was a great cat, who would sleep between our pillows every night.

She loved Darryl to no end. She would come when he called her.

She purred and meowed alot.

She was also the boss of the house.

If all the animals were hungry she would be the one to eat first.

She was unique because of her orange coloring

She loved to eat, for most of her life she was a big cat.

She will be missed not only by her animal family but by her people family and all the people who loved her.

Rest in peace Tigger.

Jenn

Book Review: The Help

2010-11-03T21:58:00.003-06:00

I just finished a fantastic book. It's been a while since I've read a book that is so good I stay up late at night reading it. Where I wonder if I should watch the latest TV show or read the book.

Help is the story of 3 women in Mississippi, in the in 60's. One white women and two black maids "The Help". Each chapter is written from one of the women point of view. I really like have multiple narrators in a story. In the chapters that are narrated by the black women when they speak it is written just like you can imagine they would say it 'shoo nuff' and they use the word 'law' instead of damn.

The story line has a lot to do with civil rights and how life was for the black women working as maids for the white women and how poorly they were treated. I found that to be so interesting. Although I know racism is still around, I don't feel like I it's something I think about very much. It wasn't that long ago that it was so prevalent in our day to day life, especially in the southern states. It was a book that made me think and made me laugh.

It was so well written. I couldn't wait to finish but was so sad when it ended. The characters will stay with me for a while.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Love.....

2010-11-03T21:14:00.002-06:00

I've been working and going out lots this week. I rushed home tonight from a going away party to see them before they fell asleep. They were both so happy to see me (as was Emma) and we talked and cuddled for a while. I love those boys so much....

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Happy Halloween

2010-11-02T18:39:00.002-06:00

Hope yours was a fun one. Ours here was good. The weather wasn't too cold which was great. And although Nathan got quite scared part of the way through it was still a fun night. One of the houses we went to had a hand in the bowl and when you put your hand in to get a candy, the fake hand came down on you. That totally spooked Nathan, he was not reaching into any bowls after that. =)

Here is my scary ninja dinosaur.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Christmas Cards

2010-10-30T10:10:00.003-06:00

Edited to Add: Do you want 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly? Click here to go to Shutterfly for information on how you can get 50 free cards this holiday season, and make sure to select Clever 1000 as the referral source.

For the last couple of years we have been using Shutterfly for our Christmas cards. Although one year I wasn't really on the ball so it ended up being a Happy New Year card rather then a Christmas card. I really like the Shutterfly cards becuase the are so unique. Rather then one picture on top and a greeting below, like most photo companies do, Shutterfly has so many designs that you can have a collage of photos. I love that people get to see lots of things we have been upto rather then just one photo. Last year I include a Halloween picture of the boys and a picture of mom and I doing our triathalon. There designs are also so beautiful. They use beautiful colors and beautiful sayings. Here are some of my favourites from this year.

If you are looking for a creative and beautiful Christmas card this year, I would highly recommend Shutterfly

TIll Tomorrow

Jenn

A New Calgary Find

2010-10-26T21:16:00.002-06:00

For the last couple of months we have been picking up my dad at the airport, as he is working a lot out of town. Nathan is loving it because his favourite thing lately is airplanes. When we drive there sometimes it is hard to get in the left turn lane so I have to drive through the lights and turn around at the next intersection. I've realized though that the next intersection is a viewing area to watch airplanes land. There is a nice parking lot with picnic tables where we can sit and watch planes land and take off. It's called the Edward H LaBorde Viewing area. I've looked on the internet and there is not a lot of information about it. But here is a map of where it is.

It is a great spot to watch airplanes if you and your kids enjoy them.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Pumpkin Carving

2010-10-25T21:16:00.003-06:00

I can tell the boys are getting older. For the last couple of years we have just gotten one pumpkin and carved it. Neither of the boys want to get their hands dirty, and they get bored of the pumpkin carving pretty quickly. But this year the boys are getting older and we got pumpkins for all of us. They still didn't want to get their hands dirty (a la Darryl) but they had a lot of fun colouring the pumpkins. Here are our works of art.

Darryl's work of art. He takes pumpkin carving to a new level

All of the pumpkins
The shirtless boys and the pumpkins.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Monthly Newsletter: 61 months

2010-10-20T21:16:00.000-06:00

Dear Lucas,

This week you had your 62 monthly birthday. Which is 5 and 2 months. You are becoming more and more responsible. I really feel like are getting older. I'll leave you to play in the back yard for a bit. Or if I ask you to put on your shoes, I know for sure you'll do it. Or help me clear the table, you are becoming very responsible.

We had a crappy month as we went back to Ontario for Uncle Ian's funeral. I didn't know how you would react to it. At first I wasn't really sure you understood what was happening, but one night we were having one of our conversations and I knew you did. I said "tomorrow we are going on an airplane" You kicked your feet with excitement. I said "You will have to be good though, as we are going to be around all of daddy's family". You said " Everyone, but Uncle Ian" and I said yeah "everyone but Uncle Ian". I've got to say you were so good throughout the weekend. You seem to have a good ability to access a situation and know how to act. You have enough wisdom at 5 to look at a situation and follow the lead of most people.

School continues to go really well for you. I had a interview with your teacher and she hit the nail on the head about you. She said, you are always taking everything in, always learning. She gave an example of you and sorting. There are a whole bunch of small animals that you are suppose to sort. So you "super" sorted them. You didn't just sort the turtles into one group, but sorted all the different kind of turtles. Turtles, leather-back sea turtles, tortoises etc. Glad to see that all the zoo visits and books you were taking in all the information.

You are also in swimming lessons this fall. It is also going really well. You can dive down to the bottom of the pool. And although I won't let you swim in the big pool by yourself yet you probably could. You love swimming, when swimming lessons are done. You swim to the edge of the pool till you have to get out. Just like school, you are a really good student in all situations.

You and Nathan are continuing to play together more. It is so nice for you to have a brother to play with. You guys tonight made up this game called "turrets" which were like a kind of bomb that you guys would run around and destroy. You also played a rousing match of Hungry Hippos together. You love to make him laugh. Which makes you laugh, which makes him laugh and it continues on and on.

Grammie came since the last newsletter too. You were so thrilled about that visit. You followed her around like you were her shadow. Of course she ate it up. She would sit in your room in the evenings and Daddy would read both of you James and the Giant peach. She would play with you and pull the wagon when walking you to school. You would ask for her to come up for extra hugs after we left your room. You really enjoyed her company and took to her quickly.

Lucas you are a really good kid. I'm so proud to call you my son (Keep that up =)

love mommy

Thanksgiving/Nathan's 2 1/2 Birthday Party

2010-10-19T21:11:00.000-06:00

This weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving. Oma and Opa were here and Auntie Karen and our best friends. Darryl made a delicious turkey (as usual) and I made a couple of delicious pies. It was a great meal with great people, my favorite kind of day.

Nathan was also excited for the party. It's been hard for Nathan because Darryl, Lucas and myself have our birthdays close together and Nathan's is 6 months before and after. He forgets about his birthday and really wants to have his birthday. So when he heard we were having a party and lots of people over he thought it was for his birthday. Well I couldn't insist that it wasn't his birthday when it didn't hurt to put a candle in the pies and sing Happy Birthday to him. So we did and he loved it. Even when we modified the words to "Happy Half Birthday To You".

It was a great end to a fun weekend.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Voting Day

2010-10-18T20:30:00.002-06:00

Today I was a super proud Calgarian. I went to the polling station and the lines were so long. In some polling stations they have run out of ballots. Everyone is voting! It's great, democracy at it's finest.

For those of you not from Calgary, it is election day today. There is a 3 way tie between 3 candidates. One is someone with lots of experience, but that experience is also hindering him, one is a professor who is a great debater but doesn't have a lot of political experience and the last is a lady who was a broadcaster in Calgary for a long time, but also doesn't have the experience to be mayor. So with 3 good candidates everyone is going out to have there say, and I think it's great.

There is a big part of me who wants to stay up and find out, but we may not know until tomorrow. Good job Calgarians. I'm so glad we live in a country where every citizen has a say.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Connected

2010-10-12T21:34:00.001-06:00

As Lucas grows up he spends more and more time away from me. Time is spent at school and with friends. Even tonight, we had a couple of hours together and he wanted to go and see his friends. So the times we have together mean even more now. Because quantity is moving towards quality. Especially the times when we get to talk without other distractions. We have started up our bedtime conversations again. We tell stories and talk about favorite things and least favorite things. It's nice because I feel like we are connecting again. I feel like I'm getting to know more about what he does in the day. Journals and workbooks and centers. Spider man games and post offices and coloring. You are a good kid and I'm happy we are connecting more.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Nathan's Montly Newsletter

2010-10-11T20:09:00.000-06:00

Dear Nathan,

This week you turned two and a half. In another two and a half years you will be in school like Lucas is and will have grown up so quickly. You are so looking forward to school. I think having a big brother makes you look forward to life so much. For the moment I am really enjoying our "mornings" together. When Lucas is in school we go out and do things and are best buddies. I am enjoying that we get to spend this time together.

It was a hard month for all of us. We flew home for Uncle Ian's funeral and although you were quite good for most of it, but it was hard for you too. There were times that I was frustrated that you were not more quiet or less rowdy. But at the same time I have to remember you are only two years old. I do think your smile helped people.

As I was looking through pictures from the last month of you I have trouble finding any without Lucas. You and Lucas continue to be really good friends. Tonight you and he played for almost 2 hours. It's nice that you can talk more and communicate and have fun with Lucas. Alot of your play and imagining is beyond what most 2 year old plays, bad guys and "lightsabers" and shoot em up.

You have some of the greatest body language. I'm sure it's because you took longer to talk and so you needed to learn how communicate in other ways. But your facial expressions and your body expressions are priceless. If you don't get something you want, you can see your shoulders shrink and your head go down. Or if are thinking about a question you look around with your eyes.
Well best buddy, happy 2 and a half year old birthday.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Turkey Soup

2010-10-08T21:00:00.000-06:00

When Darryl's mom was here Darryl made her his famous turkey dinner. Although we invited lots of people we still had left over turkey. So I was looking for a good recipie that I could use up some of the turkey. Here is my favorite: Creamy Corn and Turkey Soup

Enjoy!

Jenn

Dr. Faul

2010-10-05T15:20:00.003-06:00

Our family Dr. here in Calgary is a very nice man. We were lucky that when I got pregnant with Lucas there was a family Dr. close that was taking maternity patients. He has always been a quiet talker so you have to listen carefully when he talks, but we really like him. He is very concerned not only about your physical health but also about your mental health. Today when I took him for Nathan's 2.5 year appointment, we spent quite a bit of time talking about parenting. He looked him over physically and checked his height and weight and speech. But while he was doing this we had some interesting conversation about parenting. He said "I was doing a great job". He talked about how parents make the world for there kids. Some parents make the world a scary place or a fun place, he thought I made the place a curious one for my kids. A place to learn. Which I do try to do. It's interesting because we had a oral interview with Lucas's teacher and she said something very similar. That Lucas loved to learn and was constantly taking everything in.

Dr. Faul and I also talked about how parents play different roles for their kids. Sometimes they have to be the parent and nurture the kids. Other times they need to be the teacher and put their foot down. Sometimes they need to be a mentor and set good examples for their children. Sometimes I think I wear lots of different hats to satisfy my needs, but I think its satisfies the kids needs too. It sets example for them to be part of the world. Sometimes I feel guilty when I go to work, or go out on a date night or a girls night out, but it's so good to set examples for your kids on how to act and treat other people. It's interesting because all the things he says are so true and things I do all the time, but when someone puts them into words it is so insightful.

It's amazing how a 10 minute conversation can make me think about parenting for days and days to come.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Lucas's First Black Eye

2010-10-04T20:54:00.001-06:00

This weekend we were in the backyard playing catch with Lucas and our baseball gloves. A ball came at Lucas that glanced the side of his eye. It gave him quite the black eye. Here it is at it's worst. It's looking more purple now but not so swollen.

And of course today was picture day!!

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Fall Colour

2010-10-03T20:43:00.003-06:00

In Calgary we have one weekend of fall. That was two weekends ago. Last weekend it was so hot we were outside in shorts. But really all of the beautiful colors were out two weekends ago. Here are a couple of shots from our back yard and the mountains.

We have a beautiful maple tree in our back yard that turns a lovely color of red.

In the mountains all the trees turn quite yellow. So we don't have the variety that we use to see in Ontario, but for that one week we have some beautiful colors here in Alberta.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Grammie Weekend

2010-09-28T16:03:00.005-06:00

This weekend Darryl's mom came to spend a long weekend with us. She came out last year and it is always really fun to have her around. This time Lucas really took to her, following her around like he was her shadowing. I'm sure she loved it too. He would come and snuggle with her on the couch or hold her hand when they were sitting at the table. Nathan still kind of took to his mom, but if I wasn't around then he would spend time with Grammie too.

We did lots of fun stuff too. We went to the mountains and bowling and harvested all of the vegetables from the garden. Darryl made us a delicious turkey dinner and you could see how happy he is to have her around. I hope we didn't exhaust her too much because as many of you know living in a house with two little kids can be really eventful. Plus I like to keep in fun and lively.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Grandad's Horn

2010-09-24T21:24:00.006-06:00

While we were in Ontario the boys got to hear Grandad play some songs on his horn. He let both the boys try to play a song too. Well Nathan blew and blew into it, but couldn't make a sound. But when Lucas tried he got quite the loud note from it.

Maybe he'll be a horn player.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Best Buddies

2010-09-23T21:53:00.002-06:00

These two brothers have been having a really good time together lately. Tonight while we were cleaning these two entertained each other for a good two hours. It's nice that they are getting along so well. Although you can tell when they've had enough as the fighting starts. But usually they are laughing at each other, especially when the words, poop or pee are involved.

I hope this getting along continues for the rest of their lives. I loved playing with my sister for lots of our growing up.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Uncle Ian

2010-09-21T11:26:00.003-06:00

Sorry I haven't been posting much but we have been away doing something so sad. Last week, our brother in law Ian, passed away. He was young and it was unexpected and it is so tragic. Although most of the people who read this blog don't really know Ian, they all probably know his wife Lori who comments on here all the time. After we heard the news, Lucas, Nathan, Darryl and I all got on an airplane and headed to Ontario.

Although there were happy times in the weekend, I can't help but still feel so sad for all it. I can't say I was really close to Ian, but I talk to Lori (my sister in law) probably more then I talk to my own sister. Lori is so wise and has lived through so much in her short life. Lori was even brave enough to give the eulogy at her husbands funeral. It was so well written, very sad, but funny parts too. The other person who I am thinking about all the time is Mackenzie. I think she is strong like her mom, but I also know, she is just 16.

From what I did know of Ian, he was a happy guy. They came out to visit last year and he was so thrilled about it all. He was so optimistic about Calgary and never said bad things. He was also so complimentary about the boys. He enjoyed playing with them and being around them. He was lots of fun to be around. He will be missed by all of us.

This is one of the times I wish we didn't live so far away. I wish we could be there at a moments notice. I wish Darryl could go over and fix things for her when they needed. It sucks.....

We are all a little sad around here.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Down By the River...

2010-09-13T20:46:00.003-06:00

Emma is doing better and better. The medication has leveled out in her system and now even when we leave and you can tell she is upset, she still won't destroy anything in the house, or howl at the moon. So I do think we have made some progress. I think going back to our regular routine has really helped too.

We have also been more consistent with getting her exercise. She is able to walk on all four legs now and I take her with me when I walk the boys to and from school. I've also been walking her more in the evenings which has been good for both of us. We've also been taking her down by the river and she has been swimming. She loves swimming and it makes her coat so soft and smooth. The river runs through Fish Creek Park.

The first couple of times we did it the boys weren't really sure. Lucas brought his DS and wanted to sit in the car. But its amazing how nature brings out the "exploring" side of kids. The boys now love to go down to the river. They look for bugs and flowers, they throw things in the river and walk the paths. It's such a great feeling that the kids would rather explore nature then play video games.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

From Dirt to Dinner: Corn

2010-09-12T21:43:00.003-06:00

This weekend we did more harvesting of our vegetable garden. For the last couple of weekends we go out and pick carrots and potatoes for our dinner. I love having fresh food from the garden. There is something so satisfying about eating the food you've grown. This evening we also had fresh corn from the neighboors. It is one of those advantages of growning your own food, is when you share it with others they often share food with you too. It is great taber corn too.

Hope you all had delicious weekends too.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Nathan Monthly Newsletter: Month 28

2010-09-08T21:34:00.003-06:00

Dear Nathan,

You continue to grow up so fast.

Your speech is getting better and better. You are starting to use full sentences, which is great. Sometimes I still don't understand you, especially if I can't see what we are taking about. But your speech is getting better and better. With your increased vocabulary we are seeing how much you know. For example you know most all of your colors.

You have this beautiful smile. It is one of my favorite things in the world. You still love me so much. Which makes me so happy. When I've been away for a while and you see me. Like when I come home from work. You jump up and yell mommy mommy. You hug me and you are so happy.

You also love to make people laugh. If you do something and someone laughs at you, you'll be happy to do it again and again to keep them laughing. You know what a wonderful sound laughter is and will do most anything for it. You love to ham it up for people.

You have moved into your race car bed. Bedtime has become very fun with you. You like to turn off your own light and jump into bed. Then we talk about your favorite things and if anything made you sad. The thing that makes you sad is the same thing everyday. Lucas punches you. That is your sad thing everyday. Now it makes me laugh. I rub your back for a minute and then go.

Somedays you are going through the terrible twos, you can be whiny and hard to get along with. But most of the time you are a funny kid, who smiles at everyone and makes them smile back. A kid who wants to be just like his brother and loves his dad. A kid who makes his mommys worries and bad days disappear.

love mommy

Fun at the Zoo

2010-09-03T21:26:00.005-06:00

We haven't been to the zoo, since last winter. Which for us seems like ages, but as the boys get older I think the visits will be less frequent, but no matter every time we do go I really enjoy myself. "A bit of nothing" has been talking about the zoo this summer and I was itching to go, so with the staggered entry for Lucas's kindergarten he didn't have school today, so off to the zoo we went.

The meerkats. They are usually burrowed in their tunnels, but today they were out.

My favorites the giraffes.

It's amazing how the gorillas are so human. I could watch these animals for hours and hours.

Lucas and Nathan in the kangaroo.

Lucas holding a butterfly
Lucas and Nathan looking for frogs.

In the dinosaur section the roars got too loud.

A cute picture of them in front of the fish.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Kindergarten

2010-09-02T20:53:00.000-06:00

Today was Lucas's first day back to school. Last year he went to a great preschool 3 mornings a week, so that was a good introduction for him. This year we are going to the local school and it's every morning. I went with him this morning and it was fun. He knows one other kid in his class and his teacher seems really nice. I don't know that it's really hit me yet that I have a kindergartner yet, but I'm sure in the next couple of weeks it will. I know it's cliche, but that time when they are young goes by so fast. And although I'm so proud to watch him grow, I can't believe that time when he is young is gone and I can't get it back. He is such a great kid, I guess the lesson is to cherish every moment as they go by much to quickly.

Here is a couple of picture of the proud school boy. And of course monkey see monkey do. =)

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Darryl

2010-08-31T14:46:00.003-06:00

10 Great things about my husband who birthday it is this week

1. He's smart, usually smart over all of our heads.
2. He is great at most all sports, I bought him a baseball glove for his birthday and him and Lucas are enjoying playing catch outside
3. He looks very handsome in his work clothes. He's always been handsome, but now that he wears dress shirts and pants to work, I get to see it every day
5. He loves most food and he's willing to try most anything. If we are ever somewhere and I get food I don't know if I like he is willing to try it first and let me know.
6. He is great with a computer. I have all the technical support I need.
7. He is great with my family, and they love him just as much. We travel with them, spend lots of time with them, and he never complains. When I work in the evenings, he takes the boys to mom's house and has dinner with them.
8. He's so punny. No that's not a typo. He makes puns all the time. Sometimes I groan, but I'm always smiling inside.
9. He steps up. As I only work part time I do more of the domestic duties: cooking, cleaning and parenting. But if I'm feeling overwhelmed or that he isn't pulling his weight, I let him know and he steps up.
10. The most important, he is a great father. Not just a great father, but a super amazing fun father.

Happy Birthday Good Looking =)

Jenn