Thursday Thirteen

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

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

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Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Shakes head back and forth

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

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



Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Lucas and the Plane

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



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

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

The Highlight of My Trip

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





Thanks Kenzie, you made it worth it!

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

A Difference Between Ontario and Alberta

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

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

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

Till Tommorrow

Jenn

Video of the Weekend: Dixie Chicks and Gwen

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



I just added this video for Alexis. enjoy!

Jenn

Montly Newsletter; Month 15

Dear Lucas,

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

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

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

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

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


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

love mommy.

My Job

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jenn

Babies

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

Jenn

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

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


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

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants