Mini Man

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

U2

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

My Dad's the Coolest

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

Darryl

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

Backyard Project

One of the things we have been working on this summer is some landscaping projects. We started with the privacy garden at the back (which is not really that private yet) and now we have moved onto the patio under the deck. Originally when we moved here we put grass down everywhere, it was a great solution becuase we love to be outside. But the grass didn't really work very well under the deck, so instead we are putting in a patio. Here are Darryl and Lucas putting in the base.



He's such a good helper.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

One Super Dad

We had a lovely fathers day weekend with Darryl. We went to Coras' for breakfast on Saturday morning and Sunday the boys made Darryl some breakfast and we got him some of his favorite things, jujbes and coffee.

But no things can show Darryl what a great dad he is. Both Darryl and I grew up with traditional Dads. They worked and our Mom's stayed at home and spent the majority of time with us. And although I do just work part time and spend more time at home with the kids, Darryl is such a great dad. He is always looking for the teachable moments. He loves to teach the kids. He is also so FUN. He loves to play with the kids and making them laugh. Even Lucas asked the other day if Mom could go to work all the time and Daddy could stay home with them.

He is one awesome dad, I picked a really good one.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Happy Birthday Darryl Weekend!

We had an action packed weekend, that included Darryl's birthday celebration. It also included an amazing theatrical show of the Lion King. Lucas, Darryl and I went on Saturday afternoon to see Lion King. It was amazing. The best musical I've ever seen. The costumes were INCREDIBLE! I would recommend if you ever get a chance to see the show to pounce on it. Even Lucas really enjoyed it. I was kind of worried about how he would react, but he did great, although he sat on my lap the whole time.



Afterwards we had some friends over for steak dinner and cherry cheesecake, Darryl's favorite dessert. I often rant and rave about what a great husband and father Darryl is. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful man to spend my life with. He is funny and kind and caring. He is an amazing Dad to those two kids. Tonight he was teaching Lucas how to throw a basketball and yesterday helping him learn to golf. Today he made us dinner and he even made his birthday dinner. Yep, I did good.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Love

Even after all of these years Darryl and I stayed up too late last night because we couldn't stop talking, just as we started to drift off, something else would come up. It's so nice that even after 8 years we still have nights that we stay up all night talking.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Fathers

This weekend was Fathers Day, so it seemed fitting that my two favorite men (who are both fathers) spent the weekend together. Luckily they were doing some thing productive and drywalling the basement. Mom was there helping as well, she's one of my favorite ladies. But from what I heard they were having a pretty good time being productive. It is one of my favorite things about Darryl, is how well he gets along with my family. We are all lucky that way.




When I asked Lucas what he would like to get Dad for Father's Day he said we should get him some lego, as that is there favorite thing to do together. So we went to the toy store and got Dad some Ferrari lego.



Even Nathan tried to get in on the action.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Weekend Fun Times

This weekend was loaded with fun. I love this time of year. The weather is perfect. Hot, but not too hot. Today was 26 and that is a little too hot for me, but we went to a pool which was great fun. Friday we went to Heritage Park with one of my friends who has a son that Lucas goes to the dayhome with. The weather was perfect and it was a really fun day. Train rides, animals and wagon rides.






Yesterday we were suppose to go to another friends house to play in their community water park, but that didn't work out. So instead we had a water gun fight around the house. It was so great to hear Lucas laugh and shriek and have fun with both his parents as we chased each other around the house. It's so nice to have Darryl off on weekends.

Today we thought it was going to rain so we made plans to go to the pool. I usually swim on Sundays to train for the triathlon. Last week Dad and I had fun jumping off the diving board and it reminded me of Darryl and how he was great at jumping off diving boards. So this week we all headed to the pool. Lucas had the look of terror and excitement as he went down the water slide. Nathan was in a pool for his first time and really enjoyed it. And Darryl joined in on jumping off the diving board. It was a great way to spend an afternoon.

And a great weekend.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Singlemotherhood

Last week Darryl was gone to Ontario, it was a work and pleasure trip. Spent some time working and then spent the weekend with his friends and family. So I spent the week with the kids. When Darryl was planning the trip I was thinking it was too bad it wasn't a week I was still on maternity leave then I wouldn't have to worry about getting the kids to the day home in the morning. But as the week progressed I was grateful to have those 2 days of going to work. The saying you don't know what you've got until it's gone rang very true last week. One of the greatest things about Darryl is that he is around. He works regular hours, he does work some overtime but usually in the evenings once the boys have gone to bed. So he is there, consistently to help. I didn't realize how much I appreciate that until it's gone. The first day he was back I was out shopping and leaving Darryl with the kids. He is such a good dad.

One of the things when either Darryl or I go away there are a relaxation on the things the other one feels strongly about. When I went on the cruise last month Darryl and the kids watched TV during dinner. I don't allow this, even when Darryl was gone last week I had conversation with the 3 year old and turned the TV off. So in return, last week when Darryl was gone Lucas slept in bed with me. Darryl doesn't allow anyone sleeping in the bed with us, but I kind of like it. I think it's good to have a special thing to make it fun when there is one parent missing.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Marriage Advice

At the wedding we went to this week we tried to find something meaningful to put in the card. We looked back at our marriage (of 8 years) and tired to come up with what makes our marriage work. We both have our roles that make the marriage work and the house tick. We both know that I can get mad and irrational about stuff and sometimes rather then talking it out I just need a night to sleep on it. So don't go to bed mad, is not good advice from us. I really like the idea that you always put the other person first, but I don't really do this. I try to and I often think of it. But sometimes, I am selfish.

What we gave as advice was to not keep score. I really try not to do this. I try not to do this in most aspects of life. As long as I don't feel taken advantage of, I don't mind doing extras for people. But I try to do things because I know it will make Darryl happy, not because he had done something for me.

What about you? What is your marriage advice?

Jenn

Last Days of Winter (hopefully)

WInter in Calgary is never ending. It always seems to take forever for it to leave. We often have snow in April or May. Don't feel too bad for us though. We also have lots of warm days in the middle of the winter.

But here are some shots of the boys and Emma enjoying the last of the snow.

The kids playing on the toboggan hill. Darryl just went down it.


Lucas and Torin watching the kids outside.

Darryl may enjoy it all the most.

Lucas and Auntie Karen blowing bubbles.


Emma in the snow.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Get to Know More about...... Darryl

I'm feeling at a bit of a blank on which to write, so I saw a couple of meme on Facebook and thought it would be fun.

He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?
Survivor, Lost, Legend of the Seeker or Who's line is it Anyway

You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Some sort of vinagarette

What's one food he doesn't like?
Oh, that is a hard one.... Beets, he doesn't like beets.

You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order?
Red Wine

Where did he go to high school?
Montcalm

What size shoe does he wear?
9

If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
Tools

What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Some sort of fancy meat. Not just turkey or chicken. But sun dried tomato and basil turkey or herb spiced chicken.

What would this person eat every day if he could?
jujubes.

What is his favorite cereal?
Mini Wheats.

What would he never wear?
Costumes.

What is his favorite sports team?
Calgary Flames

Who did he vote for?
Not sure... or not saying

Who is his best friend?
Chris

What is something he does that you wish he wouldn't do?
Leave the garbage without a bag

What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?
leave my wet towels on his side of the bed.

What is his heritage?
Canadian

You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?
Cheesecake with cherry pie filling.

Did he play sports in high school?
no, he was a bike rider.

What could he spend hours doing?
playing computer games (with Chris)

What is one unique talent he has?
He is quite good at almost everything....

Then there was this one... which is about both of us.

How long have you been together?
Married for 8 years this May. Together for almost 15

How long did you know each other before you started dating?
A month...

Who asked whom out?
He asked me

Whose siblings do you see the most?
We probably see my sister more, but talk to his sister more.

Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
I think having a newborn was the hardest on us.

Did you go to the same school?
At one point, but not at the same time

Are you from the same home town?
Kind of. I moved to his hometown when I was 10.

Who is smarter?
Darryl.

Who is the most sensitive?
That is a hard one. I think me, but I'd like to know what Darryl thinks.

Where do you eat out most as a couple?

Edo Japan as a family. If it's just the two of us probably the Keg.

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Italy

Who has the craziest exes?
We don't really have exes as we met when we were so young.

Who has the worst temper?
Definitly Darryl. For those of you who have not heard the scary voice be glad. Darryl's step father heard it the other day through video conference and he swore to never get on Darryl's bad side.

Who does the cooking?
Both of us. Maybe 60% me, 40% Darryl

Who is the neat-freak?
Neither.... I'm good at overall cleaning. He's good at in depth cleaning.

Who is more stubborn?
Again a hard one. I guess me. Again Darryl what do you think

Who hogs the bed?
Neither of us. We both love to strech out when the other is not there. But both try to not cross over our "rungs".

Who wakes up earlier?
Me. Darryl LOVES to sleep in.

Where was your first date?
Skiing. On the Boler Bump.

How long did it take to get serious?
Years. But we were teenagers. Once we moved out West I knew he was the one.

Who eats more?
For sure Darryl. He can eat a house. But ask who has the higher BMI, it's me.

Who does the laundry?
Me. Sometimes he helps fold while we watch TV.

Who's better with the computer?
Darryl. It's his thing. Although I have converted him to a mac user.

Who drives when you are together?
Again it's pretty equal. If the driving conditions are bad. Usually Darryl. But it most often depends on which kid we grab. Nathan's car seat is on the drivers side, so who ever put Nathan is his car seat drives.

Till Tomorrow

Darryl, Very thorough

Today while we were in Kelowna Oma and Opa headed off to church and left Darryl and I to lock up with the boys. Oma instructed me how to lock the deadbolt and to not lock the door handle as they don't have a key for it. So as we were headed out Darryl and I went around and checked the doors and then headed out for the day. Darryl had grabbed the keys, so I was sure to tell him to just lock the deadbolt and not the door.

Later at dinner Opa explained to us, he had trouble getting out onto the deck after church. Why I asked. He said he almost had to get out his screwdriver, Whys that, I asked again. He explained that someone locked it with a foot bolt and he's never done that before, so he couldn't figure out how to get it unlocked. Yes said Oma. I knew we had a problem when Opa dropped me off after church and opened the garage and I couldn't get in because someone had locked the laundry door coming in from the garage. Oma had to use the neighboors key to get in. I was laughing at this time because this is typical Darryl. He is so thorough in everything that he does. When he built the bed, an elephant could probably sleep on it, it is so well built. I'm sure that when he builds programs for work, they are meticulous. When he vacuums all the furniture gets moved so he can vacuum underneath it. So when you ask Darryl to lock up a house, expect every door to be locked, even with locks you've never used.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Stages of Marriage

I was just over at Dutch Blitz reading her post on marriage, which I totally agree with. Then last week I was watching Will Smith on Ellen and he was talking about divorce and how it is just not an option and I agree with that too. Darryl and I are bot lucky to have had examples of good marriages from both of our parents. But for us, divorce is just not a option, so we are going to be together no matter what, we better make the best of it.

That being said as I grow up some of my ideals of marriage change, which I'm sure if a part of growing up. I remember one set of my grandparents use to sleep in different beds. I thought it was strange and I thought, can they really have a good marriage if they can't share a bed. Although one night I slept with my grandma and she snored so loud the light would shake beside the bed. I got not sleep. So maybe that's a good reason why they don't sleep in the same bed.

Currently Darryl and I are going through a stage where we don't always sleep in the same bed. Having a little baby sometimes it's easier for me to sleep in the guest bed with him. I usually start off in our room, but at some feeding during the night I'm too tired to sit up so I take him into the guest bed with me and we sleep. A couple of years ago I would have been fretting that our marriage is going down hill or we are in trouble, but I know that we're not. It's just what is easier for this stage in our life. When you take out divorce as ever being an option, you know that things will go back to being great again, he's all I've got, so I'm going to make the best of it.

But it is interesting how marriage has it's stages.

Till Tomorrow....... Jenn

Happy Fathers Day Part 2

Most days I don't think I could have gotten any more lucky in my life. Darryl and I married when we were fairly young, but I always knew he was a good person and that we had good communication skills and loved to have fun together. Knowing those things I knew we could make it through anything and live a long and happy life together. But of the two of us I was the one who really wanted kids. I've always known I would have children, but for Darryl he could have swayed either way. But now that I've seen Darryl parent Lucas and Nathan it would be a sin for kids not to benefit from Darryl.

Darryl has become a way better parent then I would have ever imagined. I knew he would be good, but not this good. I often come up with the philosphies that we are going to do with our children, but Darryl excels with them. For example reading. I've always known it's important to read to your children and especially at a young age. When I first suggested it to Darryl he was not enthused. He did not like reading outloud. But now he is so good at it, I want to stay and listen to him read. He loves to play with Lucas and is so good at it. He is an amazing teacher and finds those "teachable moments" in life. Just tonight he was teaching Lucas the difference between a scab and a scar. Like I said he really excels at being a parent. He is fun and fatherly at the same time. Although I'm not overly religious, I do think one of the reasons I had boys is because of the great influence they'll have from there father. I really hope both my boys turn out like their father.






Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Thanks Darryl

Today is Darryl and mine 7 year wedding anniversary. Ideally I'd love to write a post about how wonderful he and life is, but I am not in the mind frame to do that. Really what I want to say is that having a newborn and never getting more then a 45 minute block of sleep last night is really damn hard. Even as I type this I am crying with fatigue and that my laptop is wet and broken. Even though having this newborn is so hard and it is taking a toll on all my relationships I couldn't be more grateful that I am going through this hard time with Darryl. Marriage is not only about all the great and wonderful things Darryl bring into my life, it is that he is there for me no matter what. Even when things are hard and I know things are hard right now. I'm glad to have married someone who I can talk to even when I'm feeling down and irrational.

I love you Darryl.

Jenn

Wordless Wednesday

Now we can send messages to each other sitting across the living room.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn

Crazy Neighboors, Weekend Highlights

After working with a dimwit on Friday night I came home and went to bed, only to wake up an hour later to a kid who was coughing so much he couldn't catch his breath which made him cough even more, which made it worse. I felt horrible because I couldn't remember is it best to bring them out in the cold or put them in a warm shower with steam. The way I got him calmed down was by watching his new favorite TV show, Little Einstiens.

Afterwards I decided to sleep beside him, just to keep an ear on his breathing. He did cough, and still seems to cough a little at night still, but that night at about 5am Lucas wakes me up with his coughing and I can't fall back asleep, all I can hear is boom, boom, boom through the wall. There I go with my crazy hair at 5am knocking at the neighbors door, turn your music down, people are trying to sleep. I am old, who can stay up till 5am?!? I do hope they move soon...... maybe I should by a jack hammer and run it this summer, will that encourage them after parting all night.

Sunday I went to a baby shower, it was good to see a bunch of ladies from our old street (although many of them don't live there anymore) and nice talk mommy for a bit. Although I still feel a little self concious around them. Sometimes I feel way older then my age and other times I feel immature. Still good, just an interesting observation.

Came home watched the Superbowl, glad the Giants won, share the Superbowl wealth I say. Tom Brady and the Patriots don't need another ring.

Probably the best thing about the weekend, and most weekends is that Darryl is home with Lucas and I. It's great to listen to them playing, listening to Darryl and Lucas laughing, listening to Darryl teaching Lucas stuff. It's the greatest to be part of a family.

Till Tomorrow

Jenn