memoirs of a SAHM

Out with the Old and in with the New

2009-08-09T15:46:00.001-07:00

This will be my last post on this blog. I am changing the way I blog, doing more opinion and review posts than my daily happenings. If you would like to follow, please see my new blog at
http://theway1see1t.blogspot.com/

Hope you pop by and take a peek!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-08-03T03:44:00.000-07:00

I have been pretty busy these last few weeks. Lots going on. This week we have family visiting and will for sure not be blogging much. The kids are having a great summer, mind you the fighting seems to be increasing slightly from the beginning of summer. I am sure by the end of August, I will be happy to see them heading back to school.
This week, we are planning a few fun adventures. The aerial adventure and indoor rock climbing and finally seeing the new Harry Potter movie in theaters. It is very exciting. Much to look forward too.
We also plan to sit and relax by the pool and I plan on finishing up my book(City of Glass). It is so good. I think about it all day and can't wait to get in bed at night to read more. I love a good book.

The weather here is nice and I plan on relaxing by the pool and taking in the sunshine. WE get so few sunny days this summer, I am going to enjoy them as much as I can when we do get them.

Drive In Bingo

2009-07-23T04:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took the kids out to the Carp Fairgrounds and enjoyed some family Bingo.
It was fun. The kids had never been and this was hubby's first time playing Bingo.

When we arrived, we bought only 1 game board($10) which has 9 squares of Bingo cards. A friend of ours told us, to bring along some scissors and cut the board, so we had 3 squares each to watch. Hubby and I took turns while the kids had their own cards to watch. You can always buy a strip of cards for the kids, but that is an extra $5, and we thought since this was our first time playing we would just spend the $10 and cut the cards(which worked out great). The only cards you have to buy separate is the 50/50 cards, which are $1 each, and the biggest prize of all the games. Last night the prize for that one was $400. We didn't win.

We arrived at 730pm and had about 1/2 hour before the start time. We walked around to see if we could find our friends, but no luck. At the front, where the ball caller sits, they also have a bbq going and snacks like chips, pie and licorice at the canteen.

This is drive in bingo, so you can sit in your cars and play, or if you bring your own lawn chairs and blankets, you can sit in front of your cars. If you get bingo, you either honk your horn or yell very loudly BINGO.... * If you bring chairs to sit on, make sure you bring some bug spray*

When bingo started the kids had fun. They picked up how to play really quickly. I didn't have to really keep an eye on them too much. During the break, the kids got to walk around and got to buy a bag of chips each. The we played the second half of bingo.

We left early as we were really tired, and we weren't winning anything, so we generously handed our last game to the girls in the car next to us, and headed home. It is definitely a late night out.

Bingo starts at 8pm and ends around 1030pm. There is one more Bingo night next Wednesday July 29th at the Carp Fairgrounds. I highly recommend going, it is a great night out and a fun family outing.

Jillian Michaels

2009-07-20T03:56:00.000-07:00

After succeeding with my 30 day shred, and still doing it.. I decided, that I would try more videos that Jillian Michael s has come out with. I tried the JM Banish Fat and boost metabolism which was a great cardio workout, and a week later, I tried the JM no more trouble zones, which to me is a way longer version of the 30 day shred, and was really good.

I have never been a work out video type of person. I prefer to work out in the great outdoors, but being home this summer with the kids, it is somewhat harder to get out of the house to do a good workout. I am still squeezing in my running, and when I don't run, I walk on the treadmill, and 5 days out of the week I am keeping up with the shred to keep in the weight training. I will squeeze the other videos in on the weekends in the mornings, before starting out the day.

I really like Jillian. I find her very motivating. If you are up for a new workout, or want a change, I definitely recommend all three of her videos. Great workouts.

The city chase

2009-07-19T04:33:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard, Ottawa hosted it's 6th annual City Chase Race yesterday, July 18th and hubby and I participated. If you have never heard of the City Chase race and want to know more about it, click here.

So while hubby and I were racing, the kids were with Grandma for the day being spoiled. The played games, went and played mini golf, went to McDonald's, and came down town to see us. They enjoyed beaver tails and slushy's, walking, and card games. It was a day of fun for all.

The City Chase race, is similar to the TV show the amazing race. You are given clues, and you must find and complete a task before getting a point. The team to check in first with 10 points is the winner.

There were a numerous amount of point stops spread out over the city. You are given 6 hours to complete the race, and a one day bus pass, the only other way to travel other than bus is on foot. The clue sheet is riddled with riddles and scrambled word puzzles, so you need to take some time to figure things out before moving on your way. You are allowed to bring a map, blackberry, GPS, and can call family or friends for help.

Hubby and I had a great time. WE checked in at the finish line, team #24 out of over 450 teams. We faired really well and had an amazing time. I would definitely love to be part of the Amazing race one day. Hopefully they will start accepting Canadians for their show.

If this kind of race is something that you would want to be part of, we would definitely recommend it. An amazing adventure.

The kids are great

2009-07-15T03:45:00.000-07:00

As the school year was coming to an end, my two just seemed to be constantly at each other. My first thought, was how am I going to get through the summer with them like this.
To my surprise the kids have gotten over their bickering and are having a great time with each other. They are finding games and things to do, that they are both interested in.
Right now it is all about camping out in the living room and bedrooms with make shift sheet tents, playing ball, and playing Pokemon on the DS.

Yesterday even though the weather was crummy, cold, overcast and with a chance of rain we decided to take advantage of Karter's Korners discount Tuesdays and head over to play mini gold. C brought a friend along who called just as we were heading out the door to invite him over for a play date. We thought we would bring him along first and then they could have a play date together. After C was off with his friend, K and I decided to pick up some craft items at Michael's, since she attended a craft class in the morning and loved what they did. She wanted to re-create more things at home.

The day was great. The kids were great. These are the ways I want to be spending summer!!

12k

2009-07-10T03:35:00.000-07:00

The sun came out yesterday. Hooray!
The kids and I packed a picnic lunch and hopped on our bikes. We picked up a friend and did a bike ride to our nearest splash pad, which really isn't that near.

We spent hours there. Give the kids a couple buckets and shovels and the things they can make when they mix sand and water.
They had a great time, there were many friends there to play with and the weather was perfect.

On the ride home, we stopped off and picked up an ice cream treat then finsihed our ride.

In total we biked 12K. I thought we did great.

Where is the summer sun?

2009-07-08T04:03:00.000-07:00

Our summer sunshine seems to be stuck hiding behind so many gray and black clouds full of rain. I am missing the sunshine and the dry weather. I have had enough of the rain and gray miserbleness. This morning I was hoping for a little sunshine, but it doesn't look like we are going to get it.

I am so bummed with how rainy and cool July has been so far. We are already into week 2 of summer vacation and we have hardly swam(too cool or it's raining) and we have had to rearrange many a plan due to the weather. Today I am not sure what the plans are. K has a friend coming over this afternoon and I will probably call a friend for C too, but this morning we are free to do something fun. I just have to come up with some idea as to what.

Another shock

2009-07-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

Two weekends in a row and we have gotten some more shocking news.
I won't say what it is again, as I am sure the person involved would appreciate it.

How can things get so bad, and I not notice them. This is two shocks we have had in two weekends, and I didn't even see it coming.

Am I that wound up in my life to just not notice, or is it they were keeping it in, and portraying a good front, hoping things will have worked out.

I don't know. Things still haven't sunk in over any of the news yet. I am still shocked that any of this stuff has happened. It almost seems unreal.

I hope things will work out for the best in both situations.

Great Reads

2009-07-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

I am a Twilight Fan.

I loved the books and will read them again some day soon.
I am right into the whole vampire scene and can't read enough books about them. Right now, I am reading The Night World series written by L.J. Smith and am enjoying these immensely. I like the fact that it is smaller stories within the book and some stories bring up some of the past characters so you can get a glimpse at where their at now.

The next series I am going to read is called the Mortal Instruments and is written by Cassandra Clare. The first is called City of Bones, followed by City of Ashes and City of Glass.

After that, I have the marked series: A house of Night Novel to read. The first one is called, Marked, followed by Betrayed, Chosen, Untamed and Hunted.

After that series, I am going to read the Ink Exchange Series. There are three books, the first one is called Ink Exchange and the second is called Wicked Lovely and the third is called Fragile Eternity. These books are written by Melissa Marr.

Following that series, I will read the Vampire Diaries to get myself ready for the series premiering this fall on TV. These books are also written by the same author as Night World, L.J. Smith. Since I am liking the night world books so much, I might very well enjoy these as well.

So that is my line up so far. I might have more to choose from, because I can't seem to read fast enough. But so far I am enjoying the books alot.

Fun for the kids

2009-07-03T04:27:00.000-07:00

I was thinking this morning what we are going to do this summer. We have lived in Ottawa for many many years and have done almost everything under the sun here.
As the kids get older, their interests have changed and they don't want to go back to some of the same places over and over again.
So I have had to put on my thinking cap and try to come up with some fun things to do this summer.
Here is what I have come up with and places we haven't been before.

Mont Cascade water park
http://www.montcascades.ca/aqua/en_home.asp
You can also get tickets at Costco. For the above 48" tickets , it is $6 cheaper at Costco then if you were to buy them direct at Mont Cascade and the under 48" tickets are $4 cheaper at Costco.

Aerial Adventure for Kids
http://www.montcascades.ca/aqua/en_home.asp
I have done this before and it is great. Hubby and I now go, once a year. The kids have never been and are excited to go.

The Beach
http://www.ottawakiosk.com/beaches.html
Of course, we have been to the beach before, but this time we will check out a different beach.

Laser Tag
http://www.laserquest.com/
Thought this might be fun on a gray and gloomy rain day

Indoor Rock climbing
http://www.coyoterockgym.ca/?Welcome_to_Paradise!

Family Rafting
http://www.owl-mkc.ca/owl/family.htm

I hope the kids enjoy these outings. We have many places to choose from.

July and August Challenge

2009-07-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

My summer challenge will be to keep doing the JM 30 day shred. It is harder now with the kids home to work out as much as I would like to, but there would be no excuse not to be able to squeeze in the video daily.

I am sure I can do this challenge. I enjoy the workout and will keep it up.

June Challenge - Huge Success!!

2009-07-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

My June Challenge was to do the Jillian Micheal's 30 day shred, everyday. And I did!
It is a terrific workout.
The 30 day shred video incorporates cardio with weight training for a full body shred. It is not and easy workout, but it is good for those wanting to pump up their workouts with some weight training, like myself.
The video is very challenging, even 30 days into it, there are some moves that are still challenging for me.

I rotated each level every day so I wouldn't become bored. I started at Level 1, then rotated daily through Level 1, then 2, and then 3 and then back to 1 again. There are moves on each level that are challenging, of course, the third level is still the most challenging.

I was sore for almost a week after starting the work out, but I kept going, I didn't let my sore muscles hold me back. Once I got going doing the workout, I was fine, it was afterward that I was sore. My legs, and arms and chest and gut. Everything was sore. Was it worth it?

I think so. I feel I am stronger, and leaner. My legs look more muscly, my arms are more toned, and my stomach is flatter, even though I still have my post baby pooch of skin, that will never go away...

I am going to keep doing the shred this summer, but I am going to scale it back to only doing it during the week, so 5 out of 7 days instead of 7 days straight. It's a great workout and worth it!

A shock

2009-06-29T04:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we received some awful and shocking news that will change things for our family.

I don't want to say what it was, because we were asked not to say anything, but it was something very shocking, that hubby and I are still pondering the reasons why.
We will probably never know all the reasons, but it has happened and we will have to adjust to the change.

The kids have been told, and with C, it didn't really phase him, maybe it it a boy thing, but with K, she asked questions and was a bit upset by it.

This news will change things

Our First day of summer vacation

2009-06-27T04:11:00.000-07:00

This morning the kids slept in. This doesn't happen very often, especially for C, but they both slept in.
After them waking, Hubby decided to work from home, and get in some exercise, so he went for a run. As he finished, I went out for a run. Boy was it hot, and this was at 730am. I got in a 5Km run, and then came home and did my 30 day shred video, showered, threw on some laundry, hung some on the line and the kids and I headed out with friends to play tennis.

The kids had fun, it was hot though and we didn't end up staying too long, just under an hour. After tennis, we biked home and went to a friends for a swim. The sun had gone in by then and it was starting to cool down. Rain was coming in. After our quick swim, we hightailed it home as I had laundry hanging out on the line drying. Even though hubby was home, he wasn't really paying attention to his surroundings.

We made it home just in time to take the clothes in, and then I made lunch and fed the kids, and found out we have a major fruit fly infestation. I have noticed them flying around the house, but in the summer with fruit sitting out, I always find we get a few fruit flies around. No big deal, everyone gets a few fruit flies around, but as I pick up an apple to get some fruit for the kids, a million and one fruit flies flew everywhere. I got my vacuum and started to suck them in. I got all the fruit flies by the end of the day. So things are under control.

Somehow, I had picked up a rotten leaky banana last time I went shopping, that I pitched as soon as it was discovered, and with the rest of the oh, so ripe bananas that I wanted to bake with a few days ago, I got them mixed into batter and baked some chocolate chip banana muffins since the weather had finally cooled down.

After doing that, I made a fruit salad with the tonne of fruit we have sitting in the fridge, I find it moves faster once it is cleaned and ready for eating, and then the kids and I went shopping. I needed some last minute supplies for our street party tomorrow, and the kids wanted to go and buy a webkinz.
C bought himself a guinea pig webkinz and a pack of Pokemon cards, and K bought herself 2 l'il kinz, a lioness and a oriole. We headed home, where I unpacked groceries, folded laundry, cut the grass with hubbies help, made dinner, cleaned up, and made nacho dip for my ladies night out night. C ended up at a friends house down the street and K played on webkinz online with her new webkinz.

What a great day we had. The kids had fun, and didn't fight, once. I had a great day, got in lots of exercise and a night out with friends. This was a grea start to what I hope is a wonderful fun and hot summer vacation...

Welcome Summer Vacation

2009-06-26T03:43:00.000-07:00

The kids have finally finished school. We are all looking forward to a nice long and hot summer.
We plan on swimming, relaxing and having some fun outings.
The kids finished off the school year with in class parties, dancing and munching, and then after school all the friends got together for a pool party at a friends house. After that they finished up soccer for the season, followed that by a pizza party and then swimming at a friends again until bed time. What a day.

What a great start to summer vacation!

Jon and Kate

2009-06-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

What a sad ending to what I thought was a great beginning.
I use to watch Jon and Kate Plus 8.
Back then the sextuplets were around 1 year old and the reality of life was just that, reality. They struggled with space, time, money, work, everything.. It was real.

I watch it today, and it is just not real anymore. It is all staged events, everything is paid for buy the producers and it has lost it's reality, and for that, I don't bother watching it anymore.

This isn't real life. The show has lost it's direction and now that the two of them have filed for divorce, I believe it is only a matter of time until the show ends.

It is a very sad ending. I wish them only the best going forward.

Father's Day

2009-06-23T03:46:00.000-07:00

Our Father's Day was a great day. The weather here was off and on rain, but it didn't hold us back.
Both of our dad's came for brunch in the morning. Hubby made pancakes, and I did some quiche and fruit. It was delicious. After the dad's left, we headed out to play some tennis with the kids. K was miserable because she was hot and tired, but it didn't take her long before she pepped up.
After tennis we went swimming, but of course, it started to rain, but it didn't stop the kids and hubby, they were happily swimming in the rain. The rain stopped, it was one of those off and on kind of rain days, and we headed home. We ordered pizza for dinner and then hung out at home for the rest of the night.

A nice fun filled day!

I can't find the Rit

2009-06-23T03:45:00.000-07:00

A blogged about Rit last week for dying clothes, and now I am looking for some and I can't find it, anywhere.

Does anyone know where I can find Rit? I am looking for Navy Blue.

I found the Rit.. I actually found it next to the bleach at walmart. I dyed 2 pairs of navy blue shorts that were faded and again, like my black ones, they look brand new. This is great, because there was nothing wrong with the shorts other than the color being faded. Now I have new shorts.

The Pirate Adventure

2009-06-18T03:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went on the pirate adventure. If you remember I mentioned this adventure in a blog a while back, after our return from Panama City. They had something similar there, but we were there in the off season and it hadn't started yet.

We found something similar here and what a blast we had. We all got to dress up in vests and have our faces painted, and tattoos. Then we got pirate names too.

We boarded the ship and went over a few safety rules and then set sail. The ship sails right around Mooney's bay.

First we had to learn the pirate salute. When that was done, we started to hunt for a lost bottle with a treasure map. We found the bottle and the map inside pointed to where the treasure was, but Pirate Stinky Pete had the key and we needed the key to open the treasure. We found Stinky Pete asleep in his little dingy boat and the kids used to the water canons to spray him off of the boat. We thought as he fell he threw the key on board, but we could not find it. While we were looking for the key though, stinky Pete boarded the ship and had a sword fight with Jolly J who of course won with his magic sword. Stinky Pete handed over the key and was made to walk to the plank. Now we had the key, we had to still find the treasure. We searched and searched until we found the flag marked with an X. Under the flag we heaved and hoed the treasure on board. The key opened it up and we all ended up with 2 gold coins each. We did some dancing and the famous pirate dance the Limbo and then headed back to dock the ship.

It was great fun and the kids want to do it again.

I would highly recommend this adventure for you and your family.
For more information check the website at http://pirateadventures.ca/

Making something old, new again

2009-06-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

I love summer. With summer comes the shorts and tank tops, and sandals(my favorite). I love walking around barefoot and then we I have to go, just slipping my sandals on and off I go.

On to my something old. I have a couple pairs of shorts that I absolutely love. They fit me perfect and are comfortable, but, the color has faded. My black shorts are now a grayish color and my navy blue is, is, I don't even know what you would call it, but it isn't blue anymore. I think they have faded from line drying in the sun, not that it is going to stop me from hanging my clothes up to dry, but I think this is the reason the color has faded.

So the other day when I was washing sheets, I cleaned up my laundry shelf. At the very back, was Rit dye, that my mother in law gave me years ago. I had black and I thought to myself, I would try to make my black shorts black again.

I put the dye in the washer on the hot cycle, dropped my shorts in, and prayed that it would work.

Half and hour later, I took my shorts out of the washer and they were black, and I mean Black, they looked brand new. Now I don't have any blue dye, but I will be shopping this week and will be picking some up to freshen up my blue shorts.. What a way to make something old, new again.

I'm sick....

2009-06-12T03:29:00.000-07:00

My husband was sick the beginning of this week, and ended up home from work for two days. Unfortunately he spread those germs on to some of us. K and I are both sick. K is just starting a sore throat, and I have a congested nose, my sinuses are in pain and I feel terrible because I didn't sleep last night. I had a horrible night of not being able to breath and my nose starting to run, and just a horrible night.
Today, I am going to stuff myself full of decongestant and get out the Otirivin to clear up my sinuses, as I feel a sinus infection coming on....

I have had such a good winter of only very mild colds if any, but now, almost the middle of June I am getting hit hard. This just bites.

June is set to be a busy month

2009-06-07T04:48:00.000-07:00

This month will be loaded with many fun things to do, but also with work to do, to be able to enjoy these fun events.

Here are the fun events I will be able to enjoy this month

Pirate adventure
volunteer appreciation evening
School festival
ladies night out
Ladies birthday lunch celebration
Annual street party
Aerial experience
Craft club

Here is the work still to be done on the above events:

Pirate adventure - pick the date(I am waiting to see the forecast so we go when the weather is nice) - send the mail out to those that were interested and have them call to book as well
The date is picked and the mail sent out, reservations have been made. I will blog all about the adventure after we go.
We have gone and I have posted a blog about our experience.

Volunteer appreciation evening - I organized the invitations, so all that is needed now from my end is to send the person organizing the food the numbers
Numbers have been sent out and I am done. The event is ready to roll.
The event is completed and was successful.

School festival - wrap boxes for raffle items and have them prepared for the raffle - wrap items in packaging if needed - volunteer the day of
The boxes are wrapped, items labeled and ready to go.
The event is now complete and was very successful. The kids had a blast there all day with their friends, and fun games and cotton candy and sno cones. They had a great time. By the end of the day we were all zonked and ready for bed.

Ladies night out - The date is picked and the mail sent out - now I just need the numbers. The numbers are in, and the mail sent the hostess.
The ladies night out was so much fun. We had some great conversations on everything under the sun. What a way to spend a night out with friends.

Ladies birthday lunch celebration - The date is picked, The place is picked, the mail is sent out and again I am just waiting on the numbers
The numbers are in, and the potluck list organized.
The event was great and we had a chance to sit and eat great food and catch up on all of our lives.

Annual street party- organized today what everyone will bring. Need to confirm a few more guests are coming, and then pretty much just buying what I need and setting up the night before and day of
I have bought what I need, and we organized all the games today. Now it is pretty much setting up.
The day is done and was a huge hit. I am so happy that so many people came out to celebrate. We all had a great day. The fire truck came, we had a police car come, we had a clown performing juggling acts. Everyone had so much fun. We have a great street full of wonderful people. We are very lucky.

Aerial experience- booking the date and arranging child care after school
Date is booked and child care arranged.
I am very sad, that our adventure has been canceled because the place is not open yet. We were all set to go for tomorrow, and booked, but the new person who took our reservation did not realize they were not open till the day after, and since I have other events booked during the week, we won't be able to go now until our August planned adventure with my sister and her kids.

Craft club - Is now prepped and ready to go. Now it is just getting through 3 full classes.
Is completed until the fall.

Fun things are happening this month...

I'm sore

2009-06-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am very very sore. I have been for days now, ever since starting my June Challenge.
You can read more on my challenge here

So I have completed 5 days of my challenge doing the JM 30 day Shred. I started on Level 1 and jumped to level 2 on day 2 and then level 3 on day 3. I am going to continue to rotate through the levels each day, just to change things up a bit, or I think it would become a bit boring.

I am less sore than I was on day 2, but I am still sore overall. I hope it is worth it in the long run!

Are we heading for the ice ages?

2009-06-02T03:19:00.000-07:00

I thought the earth was warming up thanks to global warming. I guess here in Ottawa, we don't have that problem.
Right now Ottawa is cold and wet and we are getting a lot of rain. Today Environment Canada has forecast a cooler and wetter summer.. Yippee (not)

Where is the warmth of spring, I believe we got one hot weather day and then the rest has been downhill from there. I feel like we have skipped spring and summer and we are heading for fall.
I can't wait for this miserable weather to end and then sun to come out and heat this place up.

It feels like we are heading for the ice ages..

June Challenge

2009-05-30T05:15:00.001-07:00

I was reading a crafty moms blog yesterday and noticed that she tried Jillian Micheal's 30 day shred. You can read more about her trial here.
If you don't know who Jillian Micheal's is, she is best known as the strength trainer on the Biggest Loser. So I was thinking to myself, that this would be a great challenge to try.

Before deciding if this is something that interested me, I did some research on what her program is like and what people think about it and it seems to have some high ratings. So I am going to go out and buy her DVD and attempt the challenge.

As of June 1rst, wish me luck.
My challenge will be to complete the Jillian Micheal's 30 day shred. I am a pretty fit person, but I am ready to push myself to be better. So I am going to give it a shot.

I will let you know how I do in July..

April/May challenge a bomb

2009-05-30T05:12:00.000-07:00

I failed miserably. I am not a cook. I guess I never will be. I will just keep sticking with what I know and what is fast and easy. That is more like me.
I tried, and I failed. What can I say.. No one is perfect.

For more information on my April/May challenge click here.

Fun stuff

2009-05-25T09:22:00.001-07:00

I love stuff like this, so when I saw it I had to have it. I grabbed this meme from Cheaper than therapy: Musings of the mom Jen and thought I would do it. Check it out..

A
• Are you available? No
• What is your age? Mid 30's
• What annoys you? whining, fighting, slowness, laziness

B
• Do you know anyone named Billy? Sure, Billy Joel, Billy Jean
• When is your birthday? April.
• Who is your best friend? My Hubby.

C
• What's your favorite candy? I love candy.. I can't choose just one
• Crush? Nope
• When was the last time you cried? Last week, when laughing so hard, I cried.

D
• Do you daydream? Who doesn't.
• What's your favorite kind of dog? Golden retriever
• What day of the week is it? Tuesday

E
• How do you like your eggs? Sunny side up
• Have you ever been in the emergency room? yes
• Ever pet an elephant? Yes

F
• Do you use fly swatters? Nope
• Have you ever used a foghorn? Another no
• Is there a fan in your room? Yes and I love it!

G
• Do you chew gum? Not suppose to
• Do you like gummy candies? Yep
• Do you like gory movies? No, too disturbing

H
• How are you? Great
• What's your height?. Shortish
• What color is your hair? light brown with blond highlights

I
• What's your favorite ice cream? Chocolate
• Have you ever ice skated? Yes
• Ever been in an igloo? No

J
• What's your favorite Jelly Bean? Red or pink or purple
• Have you ever heard a really hilarious joke? yes
• Do you wear jewelry? Other than earrings and my wedding rings- never

K
• Do you know Karate? I wish I did
• Have you ever flown a kite? Yes
• Do you think kangaroos are cute? Baby ones

L
• Are you laid back? Very
• Lions or Tigers? Neither
• Do you like black licorice? NO!

M
• Favorite movie as a kid? I have long term memory loss, and can't remember
• Ever shopped at Moosejaw? Nope, never heard of this place
• Favorite store at the mall? Children's place

N
• Do you have a nickname? yep
• Whats your favorite number? Lucky number 7
• Do you prefer night or day? day

O
• What's your one wish? Happy, healthy family
• Are you an only child? Nope, I am the middle of 3 girls
• Do you like the color orange? sure

P
• What are you most paranoid about? Illness.
• Piercings? Ears.
• Do you know anyone named Penelope? Nope.

Q
• Are you quick to judge people? Sometimes.
• Do you like Quaker Oats? Yes. Maple Brown sugar is my favorite
• Know anyone that makes quilts? Yep
• Do you think you're always right? No.

R
• Do you watch reality TV? Yes and I Love it!
• Best Rock Band of all time? No clue..

S
• Do you prefer sun or rain? Sun
• Do you like snow? yes
• What's your favorite season? Summer

T
• time is it? 8:11am
• What time did you wake up? 5:50am
U
• Can you ride a unicycle? I could try and find out
• Do you know anyone with a unibrow? No
• Uncles do you have? 3

V
• What’s the worst vegetable? Brussel Sprouts
• Did you ever watch Veggie Tales? No.
• Ever considered being vegan? Yes

W
• What's your worst habit? Too many...
• Do you like water rides? Yes
• Ever been inside a windmill? No

X
• Have you ever had an x-ray? yes
• Ever used a Xerox machine? yes

Y
• Do you like the color yellow? sure
• What year were you born? 70's
• Do you yell when you're angry? Sometimes

Z
• Do you believe in the zodiac? Not sure
• What's your zodiac sign? I'm an Aries
• What do you think of when you hear the word Zero? Nothing

Air conditioning

2009-05-22T03:36:00.000-07:00

I am a creature of warmth. I am never warm enough and love summer's heat. I do not enjoy the humidity, but the heat and warmth I enjoy.
I am cold 9 months out of the year, and when summer comes I love to bask in the heat. It is only here for so long, and I want to be warm for as long as I can.

My neighbor asked me yesterday, if I use my air conditioner. She is like me and likes the warmth, and fresh air coming in the house when you leave your windows open.

I told her, we use the air only during very humid spells in the summer, to escape the humidity. Last year we could count on 1 hand the number of days our air conditioner ran. When we do use our air, we set the thermostat at 26 degrees, because I refuse to be cold and under a blanket in my house in the middle of July.

I love the summer heat. I love the fresh air blowing through the house. I love being warm!

Now we have Racoons

2009-05-22T03:26:00.001-07:00

There is never ending wild life around here. The skunk reported in my previous blog, is gone, we have put chicken wire and rocks around the porch so he does not come back, and so far it is working. Maybe it was the soggy muddy mess we created when putting the hose under the porch, to get it out of there, who knows. He is gone and I am happy about it.

Now we have another problem.

My husband made this bird feeder to attract the smaller birds. I haven't seen many birds around it, but the seeds are disappearing. He assumed it was a large animal, but I did not believe how a large animal could get the seeds out of this feeder. Underneath our feeder approximately 1 1/2' under it stands a wooden structure with screen which is used as a seed catcher, so the seeds don't end up all over my garden and sprouting.
Well this morning, when I woke up, and passing by a open window to the back yard heard a noise. I stopped and looked out the window, and outside were 2 very large raccoons. One was drinking water out of the bird bath and the other was sitting on the seed catcher, and shaking the feeder so the seeds fall out. These are very smart animals.
So today, we will have to do some changing, and fixing and moving to set this feeder and catcher up so it attracts the birds and not the other animals.

The skunk is back and living under my porch

2009-05-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Looks like my friend, the skunk is back.

This time he is not digging up my lawn, but instead my garden.
He has dug a hole and made himself a home under the front porch.
We sealed it up the other day after he was gone, and put some stones in front to stop him from digging, well seems he or she is very determined to live under our porch.

This morning, he has dug himself another hole around the rocks, and looks like he is probably having a nap in there.

Since it is baby time, we want it out of there asap, before there are babies living under there too!!!

Why us?

Another Crazy week

2009-05-16T04:44:00.000-07:00

Again, I have had another busy, busy week.
I am anxiously awaiting for things to slow down a bit.
This week I have:

Attended a brunch
Played tennis with a friend twice
Ran 2 times this week(1 day running 6.6km woo hoo)
Walked twice this week
Returned books to the library
Went to the library to get more books a separate time, because the day I returned books, the library was closed
Cleaned my house- dusted, wiped surfaces, vacuumed and washed the floors
Washed our clothes
Cleaned the bird cage
Watered my lawn 3 times a day for the last week, as we put down new sod and seeds, and of course, we haven't had much rain
Attended my Tuesday morning coffee club
Co-coached soccer
Went to the grocery store to pick up some groceries
Worked my very part time job 3 days this week
Had children over 4 days after school this week
Volunteered in my son's class
Washed and hung our sheets out to dry
Washed the comforters on our beds and hung them out to dry
Watered my indoor plants
Attended my stampers group
Volunteered at school to help with a lunch program
Planted some new perennials
Attended a dance at my children's school
Worked on organizing a street party
Delivered flyer's and spoke to neighbors about the street party

I am sure I am missing something, but I can't think right now.. It has been a very busy week and looking at my calendar for next week things seem to look like they are going to slow down a bit.

Gift Cards

2009-05-09T15:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I think about gift cards at the moment. Right now I am not liking them that much.

My daughter received 5 different gift cards for her birthday and by the time we used them, I was out of pocket $50.

I find that in order to use a gift card for the total dollar value, you end up overspending as nothing ever totals the value of the gift card. On the other hand, if you can't find something you like, which happens all the time, especially with children, you may end up with money left on the card, that most likely will be left in the purse and forgotten about, especially if it is a store you don't normally shop at.

Don't get me wrong gift cards have a purpose and are great for those hard to get for people. Gift cards are convenient. They’re easy to give, and they’re generally easy to use.

But when you give a gift card, the person receiving it has to go to the store to use the card, spending additional money to find something they like, usually causing that recipient to spend money on their own gift. This just does not seem right.

What happened to just giving cash, or a present. I think I am going to try more often to shy away from purchasing gift cards and find a present and/or give cash as gifts instead.

Birthday party number 2

2009-05-07T03:28:00.000-07:00

My daughter's birthday is today. She turns 9. We have a wonderful day planned for her. After breakfast and gift opening this morning, she headed off for her day of school. After school, I picked her up, and we went out to McDonald's for dinner and dessert and then home and over to see an Aladdin play. She had a great time with her friends seeing the show, which was very well done.

This past weekend we hosted a party for her with a Totally Spies Theme. It turned out wonderful.
It was an all girl party, with 6 guests. They decorated canvass bags with funky glitter iron on paper(they did the drawing and cutting, I did the ironing) then played freeze dance and telephone. Had KD and cake with Kool aid and then they played BINGO. They loved that. After wards, they got to fill their canvass bags with cool totally spies gadgets(loot bag items) such as laser lipstick(chap stick), sticky press on fingers(nail polish), hologram producing ring(ring pop) etc. They got a list of all their gadgets and liked being able to pick their items. Then K opened her gifts and the party was over. She had a wonderful time.

Next year both my children want to have sleep over birthday parties. We will definitely be scaling back more if this is the case. I think a maximum of 3 kids for a sleep over.

Overall another successful birthday party. As my kids get older the birthday scene is definitely changing.

First line dry laundry of the season

2009-05-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Today I am finally hanging my laundry out to dry, since last fall. Today is beautiful and sunny with a crisp cool breeze. The clothes are starting to dry and they look so fresh hanging out there on the line.

I enjoy hanging my clothes out to dry, with one exception - undergarments go in the dryer. I don't need my neighbors seeing our underwear, bras and socks hanging out there. But all my clothes, sheets, towels go on the line come Spring and up until the Fall.

The dryer is a huge energy consumer and we save $$ over the line drying season.

Here are some pros and cons to using a line to dry your clothes instead of your dryer. I feel it is well worth the time and the money saved, plus the benefits on our environment.

Pros - Laundry smells good, whites look brighter because of the bleaching effect of the sun, saves money, It's some form of exercise and clothes will last longer

Cons- It is a little more work to hang laundry, dark colors, I find fade a little because of the sun

Overall there are more pros then cons to hanging laundry. It just takes a little more time and patience but it is worth giving it a try if you don't do it already. You will love fresh spring smelling clothes.

Cake decorating

2009-04-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

My daughter's 9th birthday is coming up next week, with her party being held this weekend. She is so excited. Tomorrow, I have the task of decorating her cake. I have done many cakes in the past and have been pleased by the results. K has picked a Totally Spies birthday party as her theme with the cake in the shape of the Spy girls heart shaped jet pack. I am not even sure what it looks like, but she will be drawing me a picture tonight so I will know how to decorate it tomorrow.
The cake is baked and in the freezer. I like to freeze the cakes and then when I ice the cake I do it while it is frozen and is so much easier to spread the icing and the cake doesn't crumble. I will try to remember to get a picture of her cake and post it here, but if I forget, someone out there remind me.

I use the same icing each cake, sometimes I throw in whip cream as the center, so it isn't too sweet. Here is the recipe I use, it is really easy and tastes great.

Butter Cream Icing

1/2 cup shortening ( actually I use all butter, No shortening - 1 cup butter)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and vanilla. Blend in the sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate. I throw in some corn syrup some times if the icing is a bit stiff as it makes it much easier to spread.

Here are some pictures of cakes I have done in the past from most recent to oldest.

This is the cake I just finished working on for my daughter's 9th birthday party. It is the totally spies jet pack back pack. It has the totally spies name and flower. My daughter thinks it is great. She loves it. Hubby thinks I spend to much time making it look all pretty, but I love doing it.

This cake was done for my grandfathers 90th birthday. I used whipped cream in the center and then butter cream icing as the main icing. The snooker balls were gumballs and the pool cues were chopsticks that I used black food coloring to color the ends. It turned out pretty well.

This cake was done for my nieces first birthday and it turned out fantastic. My favorite cake by far. I rented the cake pan from bulk barn(lady bug shape). I used the butter cream icing for the decorations, I made sugar cookie hearts and trimmed the tips before cooking to use as the wings and then lollipops as the antennae. This was a big hit at her birthday party.

I made cupcakes for my sons 5th birthday party with a jungle theme. The cupcakes were easy to decorate and then I used candy melts and lollipop sticks to make jungle animal pops. This was way easier than a cake, but still just as time consuming.

I made this cake for my sister and husband's wedding shower. I did one with his name and one with her name. I used the basket weave icing pattern, which really is pretty easy. Again butter cream icing, easy to make, and use was the icing used again on this cake. I made one chocolate cake and one vanilla. A big success.

My sister's baby shower cake with a teddy bear theme. It was easy to make and I was pleased with the result.

Can you say Superhero. My son who is still big on super heroes had a party focusing around all the super heroes. So I created a cake and divided the icing part into quarters to create a super hero cake.

This was my first ever cake decorating for K's 4th birthday with a my little pony theme. Free hand drawing of the pony, which turned out pretty good. I was impressed with myself. The icing was easy to do and this cake is what got me started on cake decorating. I enjoy it.

Pink Eye

2009-04-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

I hate pink eye.

This morning, C came downstairs and the poor boy's eyes were glued together by the thick gross discharge that comes with having pink eye. His eyes were swollen and gross looking. I got his eyes cleaned up with a warm wash cloth, and then kept him home from school to get him into the doctor's office.

The doctor confirmed what I thought he had, which is pink eye. He has started antibiotics and will have to stay home from school another day, as he is highly contagious.

My eyes are starting to feel a bit scratchy and I have decided to use some polysporin on mine, just in case. Hubby thinks I am psychosomatic as when K had lice my head itched and itched, for weeks and weeks after I knew they were all gone. I just kept thinking about it. Well now my eyes feel funny, is it pink eye, or is it me just thinking it is. I will keep you posted.

Well my eyes are fine. I have kept up with the Polysporin as a preventative. I am sure I was fine all along.

Tennis Membership

2009-04-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 years my children have taking summer tennis lessons at a court pretty near to our home. This year, I thought we would change things up a bit, and instead of lessons join as a family and just try to play as often as we can. The cost to join as a family, was the same price as their 1 week lesson, but we can play from now until October. Quite a good deal.

Today was the first day we used the membership. This morning, I went with a friend to play tennis. It was great fun, we actually did fairly well. I really have to work on my back hand though. I suck at any back hand return.

Later this evening I took hubby and the kids to enjoy a game. It wasn't as fun as this morning. Hubby doesn't know his own strength and hits the ball too hard, he did start to try to hit it softer, but it was still too hard. K got hurt by one of hubby's hard hit balls that whacked her right in the arm and stomach, and she cried for a while. C got frustrated at us trying to help him hold the racket properly and hit the ball with out moving his wrist. They get more frustrated with us trying to teach them and help them than with an instructor.

So the first time out there with the family wasn't as I had envisioned it and am thinking maybe some lessons would still be a good idea. We will see. We will attempt to go a few more times and see how and if they improve.

Second time we took the kids to the tennis courts, they did much better, but in the end they broke down, in sheer frustration because they were having difficulty hitting the ball. It was still much improved from the first visit.

Third time out, they did great and now are asking to go back.. This is good.

My never ending week

2009-04-23T09:06:00.001-07:00

This week just seems to be never ending with endless things to do and get done. Not all of it bad, but just alot in one week. I find that some weeks, there is nothing and then other weeks are chalk a block full of activities, events and things to do..

So far this week,
I have cleaned my house from top to bottom, even though it is looking like that needs to be done again.
I had a 2 hour meeting at my kids school,
attended a surprise baby shower at which I could only attend for 20 minutes, as hubby couldn't come home early to pick up the kids from school and I had to go.
I have had multiple children to pick up from school due to parents hair appointments, a funeral and doctors appointments.
I attended our coffee club
Worked my part time city job 3 days this week
Did laundry, and there is still more to do
attended the school council meeting
Started working on the minutes of the meeting and completed the minutes
Hosted a litter less lunch display at my child's school, on earth day and cleaned it up
Made photocopies for numerous newsletters at the school to go home to students
I went grocery shopping
gardening shopping
got gas for the car,
put fertilizer down on the lawn
went out with my ladies friends and played Bingo
brought all my garage sale items to moms, setting up for the garage sale and this Saturday along with a bday party K is attended I will be having a garage sale.

I am going to be really happy when Sunday rolls around and the new weeks starts.. I am exhausted.

1/2 price Date Night

2009-04-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

Driving home from the garden center today, I heard an ad on the radio announcing a 1/2 price date night.

Where: Milestones restaurants
Date: April 29th, 2009
Time: 4pm-close.

When you order and entree, appetizer or both, your date will get theirs for free...

Wow, a half price date night. Life can't get better than that!!!!!

Better go early as I am sure this event will be popular.
To view the website click here

April/May Challenge and March Update

2009-04-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

Since I don't have a challenge for April, because time just seemed to slip away from me, I have decided to go ahead and do a April/May Challenge. Here is my challenge and update from March......

Well I didn't make all the recipes I was hoping to from the Loony Spoons cook book in February and March, but I did accomplish 4 meals, with leftovers. I think I fared pretty well for someone who has difficulty cooking dinner. See recipes here

I do not enjoy cooking dinner. I just don't. So my February challenge was to try to cook a few new meals to spice things up a bit and make cooking dinner more rewarding. Did it work.. No, not really.

I am thinking maybe I should push myself on this challenge again for my May. I don't think I will work from just one cook book though. I think I will challenge myself to find fast, and delicious dinner ideas from whatever sources I can(books, internet, friends) and whip them up once or twice a week. I will fill you in on how I do in June. Wish me luck, again!

Today is May 1rst and I haven't done any recipes yet... I better get busy. Tonight we are having chicken, so I am going to look up a recipe right now and start this challenge.

Whine, whine, whine... When will it end!

2009-04-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

My lovely and most wonderful children have caught the whine bug. I am hoping it won't last too long, but they seem to whine about everything lately.

If we have to run an errand, they whine.
If we want to go for a family walk together, they whine.
A nice bike ride on these beautiful spring days, they whine.
When video game time is up, they whine for more time.
They whine when they are bored, even though they have a houseful of toys to play with.
They whine that they have no one to play with, even though they have each other.
They whine when I ask them to do something.
They whine at each other.
They whine 2 minutes after a meal that they are hungry.

They whine about this and whine about that, it is truly and utterly driving me to the brink of insanity lately.

I don't know about you other moms out there, but whining to me, is one of the most difficult and trying behaviors a parent must endure. I try to ignore the whining, I try to not loose my cool, but in the end, I break down, and get angry, and frustrated and feel at my wits ends.

Today they lost all their Easter chocolates until their behavior changes for the better. Hopefully this helps, if not, I will be following the old saying:

When Kids Whine, have some wine!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2009-04-18T04:36:00.001-07:00

Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me!

The big talk

2009-04-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

I had, what our moms would have called the big talk with my daughter this evening.
I had gotten her the book Just for girls(all about the changes that comes with puberty)
She had read it last week and I finally sat down with her this evening and explained what she didn't understand. Since I was sitting down explaining, puberty, breasts and periods, I decided, what the heck, might as well inform her how babies are made.. She giggled.

All in all it was a great discussion, and I am sure there will be many many questions over the years as changes start happening to her, and she starts to have feelings for boys, and all those wonderful moments.

It was a great bonding moment..

Totally Forgot

2009-04-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe we are already mid April and I forgot to set up a monthly challenge for myself. I can't believe I have forgotten. This month is busy, with my birthday coming up, planning for my daughters birthday party, Easter, stuff I am handling at the school and the list goes on. To much to handle right now and I think I will stick with that right now. Next month, if I don't forget I will definitely set up some kind of challenge for myself and let you know how I do. This month is going to be a write-off..

Is the Easter bunny real?

2009-04-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

The kids are counting the days down until the Easter bunny comes.
My two have started to question if the Easter bunny is real.

They are coming to the age (7&9) when their friends and classmates are starting to say things that make them question whether he is real or not, like -

my mom hides the eggs in our house.
The Easter bunny isn't real, neither is Santa.
My dad told me that their is no such thing as an Easter bunny.
My sister says mom and dad hide the eggs.

These are the things they are hearing, and they question me on them. I don't want to lie to them, because they have been taught not to lie, and frankly, I am not sure I want them to stop believing just yet, I want them to be stay young a little while longer, and I don't want to spoil the fun and fantasy of the whole holiday.

So when questioned this, by my children, I simply said to them, well, do you believe? They said yes.

Eventually and of course it will come, hopefully not for a while yet, but they will just be the wiser and know that it has been mom and dad that hid the eggs, and filled their stockings and put money under their pillows when they lost their teeth. Is that so bad?

I am not ready to admit to them just yet, that yes, it is us, your mom and dad that did this for you. I want them to believe for as long as they want to believe. There is nothing wrong with that!!

BUGGER!!!

2009-04-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

Why do I bother to take good care of my lawn? Last year, we had such a major case of grubs, we decided to switch to natural lawn maintenance that we did ourselves.
Our lawn looked wonderful and great all summer long, and believe it or not the skunk did not come and dig up our lawn last fall like the previous fall. We were amazed the natural lawn stuff worked. Hurray!

But he is back.... and digging up our front lawn again. This is very frustrating, because I spent so much money and took so much care in doing the right thing, and he is still digging up my lawn, and what gets me even more, he only digs up my lawn, he doesn't seem to go anywhere else but here..

I am SO frustrated, I just want to shoot the bugger!! I am sure he lives under someone's deck around here, and he invites himself nightly to my front lawn for breakfast. (I just looked at our deck and there is no way he is living under ours. Hubby last year, lined the inside of our deck with huge cement stones from his mothers fireplace demolition so nothing can penetrate it.)

He's wrecking my lawn and I am pissed off at him. So this morning I will be outside flipping and putting my lawn back together again.. BUGGER!

Doctors check

2009-04-01T03:28:00.000-07:00

The other day I finally brought my two to the doctor. C has had these white spots on his cheeks for quite some time and I wanted to discuss K's fears and anxiety with the doctor.

The doctor took a look at C's cheeks and he might have either a fungal infection which could be 2 different types of fungus or he at some point got frost bite. She gave me a prescription as she can't tell by looking at it. If the cream works it was fungal, if it doesn't it is frost bite which has discolored his cheeks and will eventually go away on it's own. It just might take a very long time.

She had a talk with K and tried to figure out what is going on and how she is dealing with things. Then she had a talk with me. She feels K is learning to cope and that is good. As long as she continues to find ways to cope with her fears she will be fine. If it starts to affects her going to school or other places than she will need to be seen by a psychologist. I was very happy to hear she thought she was doing very well and not to worry unless things got worse. But for now, just assure her when she is afraid that she is alright.. One day she might just grow out of it. Actually one day I am hoping she will grow out of it.

I left the office with a feeling that things are just fine. That maybe all this time I have been doing something right and have helped her cope with her fears. That thought made me feel very good.

Twilight

2009-03-29T04:57:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading the Twilight series of books and am enjoying it. I am reading Eclipse which is the third book in the series. I got my husband on to it just recently. He finished Twilight this weekend and we finally got to see the movie.

The movie was great, the actors cast to play the characters I thought were great, especially Bella. The actress fit her character just like I pictured.

I really enjoyed the movie and could watch it over and over again. I hear the second movie based on the book New Moon is due to come out in November. Now I am really looking forward to see that one.

I heard through the grapevine the other day, that the author Stephanie Meyer was working on a 5th book called midnight sun and that part of this book some how got leaked on the internet.
She has posted it on her website, and I have started to read it during any little free time I have. This book is Twilight again, but from Edward's view and it is really good. The Author is very upset that the book got leaked and has suspended writing it indefinitely. I hope she picks it up again, because even though I am reading part of it now, if and when it does get finished, I will be lining up at the book store to purchase it and read it from cover to end.

I am Twilight obsessed!!

Shin Splints

2009-03-26T03:43:00.000-07:00

I am a very active person. I normally work out 5-6 times a week. I am obsessed with working out and keeping in shape. I love it, I love the work out high and the feeling of overall strength.
Sunday I went for a run/jog.. My husband calls what I do jogging, as the speed I go is too slow to be considered running... ha ha..
I did very well, I ran 6km in just over 30 minutes. I like to strive for longer runs and better time.. A little competition with yourself and sometimes your husband is very healthy!

About 6-7 minutes into my run, I could feel a slight twinge in my lower shin, close to my ankle, and I kept going for a few minutes longer, until I decided, I better stop and give my calf a good stretch. I took a few minutes to stretch and continued on my way. I never felt the twinge again until the next day..

I had a shin splint and it was very painful. I took the day off any pounding exercise, but managed to squeeze in about 20 minutes of strength training. I couldn't totally take the day off.
Tuesday it was getting better, but still sore, so I worked out on the elliptical and then a yoga pilates DVD (a no pounding, gentle workout). I just started using the Yoga/Pilates DVD. It isn't easy stuff, but I don't mind doing it after a good cardio workout, as a strength training relaxation workout.
By Wednesday I felt no pain in my shin, but still didn't want to push myself. I went for about a 35 minute walk and felt great.

Today I think I will run again. I will take it easy and make sure I spend a good few minutes before hand doing some extra stretching of my calf.

Are you ready to live the life of a Pirate

2009-03-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

When I was looking up things to do with the kids on our recent trip to Panama City Beach, I found this great pirate adventure out on a boat where you dress up and get to be a pirate for a few hours complete with treasure hunting using a map and water canons to fight off the bad pirates. Unfortunately during our time there, they were not ready to set sail.

Going through our local city newspaper yesterday I found something similar right here in Ottawa. I checked their website and it sounds pretty similar to the adventure that was offered in Panama City, but here at home on the Rideau Canal. I think my kids will enjoy this and will have to try it out this spring/summer.

Here are some details:

Name: Pirate adventures
Website : http://pirateadventures.ca/index.html
Sails from: 588 Hogs Back Road north of Mooney's Bay Beach
Ship sets sail: Mid May and runs about 6 times per day. Reservations are recommended.
Special: Save 15% off regular rates when booking weekdays only from May 16-June 20.

Fun times to be had aboard the Pirate ship. Children will get to wear pirate gear, tattoos, and have their face painted.

I think this summer we will have to live the life of a pirate, for a day! Arrrr!!!

Ottawa is full of Dog Poop

2009-03-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

Spring brings wonderful things. Warmer weather, flower buds, fresh spring air, and just a wonderful energetic feeling.

The one thing I don't like in Spring is when the snow melts and reveals what many irresponsible dog owners all over the city have left behind. A smelly disgusting pile of dog poop.

There is dog poop everywhere. On pathways, sidewalks, fields, parks and even the road.
Come on people, scoop the poop!

and please don't toss the bag outside either or leave it hanging on a tree, which is seen around here quite often. Pick it up, bag it and toss it in a garbage can, or better yet, bring it home and flush it down the toilet. Let's work together to keep our city beautiful.

Spring cleaning

2009-03-19T04:35:00.000-07:00

I love Spring.
Now that Spring has arrived, well not officially yet, but only another day to go, I have started my spring cleaning. Today I am tackling my windows, and hope to complete the task.
Here is what I have on my to do list:
*please note, items that have been completed are in red*

Clean my windows,inside and out + wash those grimy screens( you wouldn't believe how much dirt is built up on the screens)
Carpet Cleaning (I do this twice a year in the spring and the fall)
Upholstery cleaning (I do this once a year)
Curtain cleaning(I do this once a year)
Dusting blinds/shades( an awful task that is done once a year)
Putting away winter clothing (hurray, I love putting away the winter stuff)
Organizing spring clothing ( make a long list of things the kids have grown out of that you need to buy)
cleaning the car inside and out
cleaning the garage-putting away winter shovels, tobaggans, toys, and bringing out the spring/summer toys and tools
cleaning up the garden- this is a big job(removing tree wrap, weeding, raking, fertilizing, planting, seeding, moving shrubs)etc. This is done over the next few months
Hold a garage sale! (I have the hugest pile of stuff in the basement ready to garage sale. I am sure there will be more to add to the pile before then)
Move furniture and vacuum beneath it(you would be amazed what you find under furniture)
changing sheets (fleece to cotton, this job is hard to do, as I love my fleece sheets!)
cleaning baseboards(another awful task that is done once a year)
Repaint my garage doors

My husband, who is always very helpful, has chores of his own to complete as well, this is what his spring list of chores looks like:

Change our car tires from winter to all season
Tune up the cars
Tune up the bikes
Move heavy furniture
Build a picnic table(almost done)
Fix the play structure(we took it a part to remove the slide/tree house portion and just keep the swing portion as the kids are getting too big for that side, but are not willing to give up the swings just yet)
setting up the trampoline(job completed, need to fix one section though)
checking the bbq and air conditioner to make sure they are in good working condition
Build seed catcher to place under our outdoor bird feeder so the seeds don't end up in my garden.(not sure what yet, but he is very creative)

I am a very energetic and motivated person, but Spring just makes me have that much more energy and motivation to get things done.

The log farm

2009-03-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

I wasn't that impressed this year with the log farm. This year, it cost me $42 for myself, my children and a friend. That included 4 of us to tour the sugar bush($20) and 1 adult meal($8.95) and 2 kids meals($6.95)

What we got: we did a self tour of the farm, and could hardly see the animals as they were outdoors and far off. That was a bit of a disappointment to the kids.

Then the tractor again was not running. My kids again missed out on the tractor ride again this year. We are not a lazy family and do not mind the walking, but they want the fun of taking a tractor ride. Last year it did not run because there was too much snow, this year it is too muddy. So we tromped our way through mud, ice and water to the sugar bush tour area.

The tour guides(teenagers) weren't that great. Last year, they had an older gentleman who did an amazing job telling the history of the sugar bush and the process involved in making maple syrup. This year, the girls just didn't compare in their telling of history and processes. They also passed around a bucket of sap for all the kids to dip their fingers into. I am sorry, who knows where all those little fingers have been. I was very unimpressed.. I am not a germ freak, but when 40 kids and adults are all dipping fingers into one bucket of sap that grosses me out a bit. I don't see why they couldn't hand out Popsicle sticks. My kids weren't interested in tasting anyways.

After the tour, which lasted maybe 15 minutes, the kids passed on the maple taffy. We headed to get our pancake breakfast. That was the same as last year. All you can eat, eggs, pancakes, and sausages as well as juice, coffee and hot chocolate.

The kids were ready to leave after 1 hour and 20 minutes. I guess maybe with my kids getting older, they are losing interest. They have more of a been there, done that kind of attitude.

I don't think next year we will go there. Not sure if we will do the sugar bush at all, or maybe venture out farther to see what differences there are between the different places. I will decide next year. For now, the kids are happily at home, bouncing on the trampoline with their friend.

How time flies - How much have YOU changed in 15 years!

2009-03-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

I found this questionnaire online and thought I would fill it out, just for the fun of it. I love things like these. So here goes....

****15 YEARS AGO (1994)****

1) How old were you? 19
2) Who were you dating? I was single
3) Where did you work? Walmart
4) Where did you live? Ottawa
5) Where did you hang out? Walmart, home, friends
6) Did you wear contacts and/or glasses? Yep
7) Who were your Closest friends? Vala
8) How many tattoos did you have? None
9) How many piercings did you have? double pierced ears
10) What kind of car did you drive? Dodge Colt
11) Had you been to a real party? Yep
12) Had you had your heart broken? nope
13) Were you Single/taken/Married/Divorced? Single

14) Any Kids? No

***10 YEARS AGO (1999)***

1) How old were you? 24
2) Who were you dating? My husband
3) Where did you work? Insurance company
4) Where did you live? Still in Ottawa
5) Where did you hang out? home/work/friends homes
6) Did you wear contacts and/or glasses? yep
7) Who were your Closest friends? Vala, Lisa, Sandra

8) How many tattoos did you have? none

9) How many piercings did you have? only ears still

11) Had your heart been broken? yep
10) What kind of car did you drive? Dodge Caravan
12) Were you Single/Taken/Married/Divorced? Married
13)Any Kids? No

****TODAY (2009)****

1) Age? 34

2) Where do you work? Mother of two, City of Ottawa
3) Where do you live? Ottawa
5) Who are your closest friends? Vala, Helen, Pam, Kim,
6) Do you talk to your old friends? yes
7) How many piercings do you have? Still only my ears
8) How many tattoos? none
9) What kind of car do you have? Hyundai Tuscon
10) Had your heart been broken? not lately
11) How many kids? 2
12) Are you Single/Taken/Married/Divorced? Married

Nit picking again

2009-03-15T04:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I sat nit picking for hours. My sister and her daughter both have lice.

It started last week, when my niece A, had an itchy head, and my sister, M, checked her head and found lice. She treated her hair, but she was having problems finding nits, because she really didn't know what she was looking for.

Yesterday, I went through A's hair, and found quite a lot of nits, and because she didn't do a second lice treatment(she didn't want to use the chemical shampoo again) the nits were starting to hatch and she must have had 20 or more live lice in her hair.

We treated her hair again, and my sister asked if I could check her hair. She was at the doctors on Wednesday and told him she had an itchy head, he checked, and couldn't see anything, but told her to treat anyways. She treated her hair Wednesday.

I checked yesterday and must have found over 100 nits and 1 large live lice crawling around. She treated herself again.

Tis' the year for lice. K has had it, friends of K has had it, and now my sister and niece.

If anyone is in the same situation and doesn't know what they are looking for, I found this great site when K had lice, called the lice squad, which shows pictures of what you are looking for and great tips on how to get rid of it. After I read the information on this site, I found myself feeling better about the situation. It is not as bad as other people say it is. You do a thorough clean at first but you don't have to do it everyday. The picking is the real saving grace.. I picked for 2 weeks straight and that for me was the way I got rid of all the lice once and for all.

February Challenge update

2009-03-13T06:48:00.001-07:00

I don't think I did very good on this challenge. I did manage to cook 3 recipes from the Looney spoons cook book (see recipes here).

Due to our vacation this month, and it already being mid March, I will continue to try to cook a few more recipes from the cook book instead of a new challenge. I will post a new challenge for myself in April.

I hope to cook 3 more recipes. We will see how I do.

March Break

2009-03-13T03:44:00.000-07:00

March Break starts today after school, or that is how I see it.

I have been checking out the following site Kids Ottawa, which shows many events happening in the Ottawa area all year.

Here are some ideas I have:

St. Patrick's day parade (downtown Ottawa on March 14th*check the link to Kids Ottawa for details*)
Plant our vegetable seeds for our garden
Make St. Patrick's day cookies
Go to the Maple Sugar bush
Plan some play dates for the kids
Decorate the house for Easter, as it is coming up fast
Going to the library
Swimming
Skating
Billings Bridge shopping mall has fun activities planned during the week
Painting a ceramic piece at Gotta Paint
set up the trampoline(which will keep the kids busy on the nice warm afternoons expected)
biking

That is all I can think of at the moment. I am sure there will be other things happening.

So March break has ended and the kids had a great week. We didn't do everything on the list, but we had a busy week none the less. Here is what we did.

Monday
Met friends at a local park for a game of basketball
play date at our house
Tuesday
Went to the sugar bush for a pancake lunch
K had a friend over for a play date
Wednesday
March Break party - K had 3 girl friends and C had 2 boy friends over for a party. They did crafts, jumped on the trampoline, I made pizza and KD for lunch and then brownies and sundaes for dessert. Great time had by all.
Thursday
C went to a friends for a play date and lunch
K had 2 girl friends at our house for lunch.
We planted our vegetable and flower seeds for the garden.
Friday
A day with grandma. She took us bowling and to McDonald's for lunch.
The kids had a play date with friends in the afternoon
a sleepover planned int he evening.
Saturday
K had a play date at a friends house
C had a friend over
Sunday
Decorated for Easter

Back to reality

2009-03-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

We are home. Back to our normal lives. It was so nice to escape to somewhere hot, and just relax and have fun and not worry about everyday problems.
We all had a wonderful time and look forward to one day going back for another visit.
To read all about our fun trip to Panama City Beach, Florida, check out my travel blog.

Back to life!

Off on Vacation

2009-02-25T03:24:00.000-08:00

We are heading off tomorrow for our wonderful family holiday and skipping the last few weeks of winter for some mild spring/summer weather!
I will be updating My travels blog, when I have a chance upon our return, for now, I will be on vacation from blogging too...

Fitness instructor

2009-02-24T15:41:00.001-08:00

I am currently thinking about enrolling in the YMCA's Fitness certification classes to either be certified as a personal trainer or a group fitness instructor. Not sure which one yet, but I think at this point I am leaning more towards the group fitness instructor certification. I am looking at a September start time, when the summer is over and the kids go back to school.

Fitness is a very important aspect in my life. I work out 5-6 days a week, getting in a minimum of 1 hour a day, pushing lately for 2 hours a day. I feel strong, and healthy, and it would be a great to help someone else get to this point in their life and help them become strong and healthy and fit.

My co-worker suggested I take this course back in October and I wasn't so sure, but lately I have been thinking about it more. Even with the kids getting older, I still want to be home with them, help them, be there for them. Can I take on something more?

This could be a new adventure with many pros such as doing something I love, being able to make my own work schedule and being able to work and be home with the kids at the same time giving me the best of both worlds, which I basically have now.

It would open the door for more opportunities maybe not now, but in the future. I think my only concern is taking on too much and being too busy.

Any comments.

Kids Ottawa

2009-02-24T05:52:00.000-08:00

If you are ever looking for something to do with your kids, this site called Kids Ottawa is great.
It lists upcoming events at museums, library's, special events, farms etc. It also lists many day camps if you are looking for that too.

Check it out.
I look at it all the time, to keep track of what is happening in our city that we might want to take advantage of.

Coupons and freebies

2009-02-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

I just found out about this great site called smart Canucks . This is a great link for money saving coupons and freebies that I just bookmarked.
For more coupons you can also check out save.ca as well, but I think this site has way more to offer us canadians. Check it out.

The no homework policy

2009-02-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

I am currently working with our school council to create a no homework policy for our school.
I think are children are in school in an age where we as parents, expect homework.
I for one do not like homework. I have problems helping my daughter in grade 3 with her homework, many times going to the internet to find out how to help her. This is not right.

When most people leave work, they leave their work behind for tomorrow. In some cases, there are times we have to bring our work home. This should be the same concept for our children. They should leave school behind and the odd special project will come home now and again.

My kids both get a homework package and are expected to do homework nightly.
K needs to do math problems, counting, reading for 15 minutes as well as other work sheets related to the subjects they are currently working on. I try to get her to complete it all in one night, because it becomes a hassle on busy nights to try to squeeze it all in.

C needs to read a book each day, write down a response to this book and then do math every night. This most nights takes him 1o minutes, but depending on the length of the book he could be sitting there for 20 minutes.

There is a great article at the following link of just what the policy entails and is needed here.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080402.wlhomework02/BNStory/lifeFamily/home

I will be fighting hard for this one, but it may take time. Hopefully not to much time.

My electric blanket

2009-02-23T03:30:00.000-08:00

I am always cold, especially at night. Trying to be money savvy and keep my heating bill at a reasonable cost, I keep the temperature of my house at 19C(66F) and by 8pm, my thermostat switches over to sleep mode where I have set the temperature to 15C(59F). I am sure you are thinking, 15C, this person is crazy, but we sleep under blankets and we are warm. We have never woken up a night, cold. If I had all the money in the world, my house would always be 24C(75F). I like to be warm.

In the summer, we rarely use our air conditioner, because I want to be warm. From October - May I am always cold, so in the summer months, the only time my house surpasses 19C, I love it. I will only turn on the air, when we get a really hot humid spell, and I don't like humid heat, it is very uncomfortable, I prefer a dry heat.

My husband's nickname for me is Lizard. I love the heat and sun. Come on, who doesn't?

These long cold Ottawa Winters are brutal. I wish we had long summers, like we have long winters. Global warming, where are you?

Quite a few years ago, my wonderful husband bought me an electric blanket.
This is one of the best gifts I have ever received. I snuggle up under this blanket practically every night in the fall,winter and spring.

My electric blanket helps make these long cold winter nights bearable. I don't sleep with it though, because our new comforter, which is super light, is also super warm. Not sure what they are making these blankets with but they are great.

I have a friend who bought an electric blanket this year, and LOVES it too..

If you are like me, and love to be warm, get yourself an electric blanket. It will be one of your best investments.

What would I do without my blanket? It is my way of keeping warm without breaking the bank.

Quiz: Twilight Quotes!

2009-02-22T05:16:00.001-08:00

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Just for Girls Amazing Body Growing Up

2009-02-22T04:31:00.000-08:00

A friend and I were talking about our kids yesterday. K is afraid to watch movies, and it stems from something she saw last year on the internet. I have written a few blogs about her fears and anxieties. Her daughter as well is afraid to watch movies. We got to the subject of movies in school. K watches movies in health and science related to whatever subject they might be working on. Next year in health they will be talking about sexual education, and I was worried the movies will scare her. My friend told me about this great book she got her daughter called, Just for Girls amazing body growing up, she got it at Costco and there is one there for boys too, they are under $7 each. I will pick up both books for the kids. I think with K turning 9 in May, that the time has come to start talking little by little about changes that will start to happen to her as she starts changing into a woman. Instead of having the "talk" like we did with our mothers, this would be open for anytime discussion and slowly start looking through the book and answering questions.

Things are getting better.

2009-02-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

K seems to be taking control. She is getting into her books more when she thinks about things that scare her. The other day before school she was afraid that her teacher would put on a movie that would scare her. I told her to watch it and if something starts to scare her, to tell her teacher that she can't watch it as it is scaring her. Her teacher will understand. She seemed OK with it. She watched the movie that day and she liked it, and she thought it was funny. So there is hope.

Fear and Anxiety

2009-02-17T03:43:00.000-08:00

I posted a while back about my daughter and how she is fearful and experiences anxiety. You can read up on it here. Well we are going through issues again.

It started last weekend, and I thought it was because a whole bunch of family members were over, but she said it was because her baby cousin was touching her stuff in her room. I don't think that was the reason, because her baby cousin was here a few days later, and she was fine with her touching things. I knew there was something else going on.

This weekend, she started again. She starts crying just at random and we don't know why. She finally told us, she was thinking of something she saw on the internet last year, that freaked her out.

SO again it feels like we are back at square one with this. She says she will try to read a book when her mind thinks about it, but if it continues into the next few months, I have told her she will have to go the Doctor, which has upset her too.

My thinking is, she will definitely need some professional intervention to help her deal with her fears and anxiety. She is only 8 years old, and I am at a loss as to what to do to help her. HELP!

Winterlude Weekend 2

2009-02-16T04:59:00.000-08:00

We went to Winterlude again.

We headed out on Family day to The Snowflake Kingdom, during the day. I know in my previous blog, I said the next time we would go, we would go in the evening, but the kids really wanted to go today. So we went.

It was crazy busy there today, as the weather here was absolutely beautiful. It was sunny and a mild high of -2.

We didn't do much sliding, as the line ups were 15-20 minutes long and the slides weren't that great. The biggest slide was closed, due to the warm temperatures, which left 3 small slides open and the tubes, which weren't the greatest because it was melting, and becoming soft.

We did however, get to see some snow sculptures, that were not there last weekend. They looked really good. The kids kept asking how they can do that out of snow. They were amazed.

We stayed about an hour and half, most of the time waiting in line, but it was a nice outing, in the fresh mild air. We got to enjoy the nice weather.

So many things to do, places to go and things to see

2009-02-16T04:32:00.000-08:00

I found this list online, and thought I would add it to my blog. I like doing these, because it gives you a chance to evaluate things in your life, and or remember things that you have done, or things that you would still like to do.
Going over this list, there is alot of places I would still like to go to, and things I would like to do.
The things I have done are in bold. Enjoy.

1.Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Rode on a Ferris wheel
6. Given money to charity
7. Been to Disneyland - I've been to Disney world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Made homemade Bread
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Been to Europe
13. Rode on a public bus
14. Seen the ocean
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to The Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Took piano lessons
20. Traveled by Train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Test drove a sports car just for the fun of it
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched the sunrise
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Been to Niagara Falls
34. Bought a pair of pants that were over a hundred dollars
35. Seen an Amish community
36. learned a new language
37. Won something big
38. Rode in a convertable
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Visited Mount Rushmore
41. Sang karaoke
42. Gone Skiing
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Rode in a hot air balloon
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone to summer camp
49. Gone Horse Back Riding
50. Got your ears pierced
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Got a Tattoo
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Had a near death experience
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood
65. Gone sky diving
66. Been on a Blind Date
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Got a speeding ticket
74. Played spin the bottle
75. Been fired from a job
76. Been in a food eating contest
77. Broken a bone
78. Rode on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Seen a Broadway Play
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Auditioned for a reality show
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Line Danced
96. Been White Water Rafting
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Stayed up with someone until Sunrise

7 3/4 - 47

2009-02-15T04:52:00.000-08:00

7 and 3/4 - 47.
These numbers represent the total Kilometers and time I ran them in.
I have never run over 6KM or over 40 minutes, so this was a milestone for me.

I headed out with a friend yesterday for a run. I have never run with her before, and we did great together. We ran 7.75 Kilometers in 47 minutes. I was very pleased that I accomplished this, but I was dying afterwards

My legs were hurting, my body exhausted. I came home, had a nice hot shower, covered my legs in A535 and then took some Tylenol and sat under my electric blanket for the night. I was passed out by 9pm. The run really exhausted me.
I think it was a little too much and long for me right now. I need to work more slowly and gradually, I like my workouts to give me a boost, not exhaust me.

We plan on running again next weekend, if the weather is good. Maybe we will do a little less this time round.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T04:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's day!

My husband decided to write a poem for me. How sweet. Here it is.

Happy Valentine's Day
The love I feel for you is like sunshine,
It beams from my heart whenever I see you
A smile from your lips,
Always raises my spirits
Your energy inspires and motivates me
I cherish everyday I have with you
We are bonded for eternity

I love you.

Winterlude

2009-02-10T03:36:00.000-08:00

Here in Ottawa, it is the winter festival, Winterlude.
On the weekend, we headed out due to the mild weather to go and enjoy some of the wonders of Winterlude.
We went to Snowflake Kingdom, and we had a great time.

The ice slides were great, and there were plenty of them. It was very busy though, because of the mild weather. We did have to wait, probably less than 10 minutes in each line, but it was fun.

We have done the snowflake kingdom in previous years, always in the evenings, and I think that is the time to go, because it is really quiet and you don't have to wait. You just keep going down.

If we go there again this year, we will definitely go in the evening.
If you have never been, it is worth going. The kids will have a great time.

My New blog

2009-02-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

In between, running, volunteering at the school, cleaning my house, baking cookies for a school party, skiing and setting up for a birthday party, I managed to start a new blog. I know. I am a little crazy.

This blog will focus on my part time job as a preschool instructor and all the songs and movements that I have accumulated over the years. I have found some times looking online for song and movement ideas I need to help run my classes can be somewhat challenging. So I thought, I would take it upon myself to create a music and movement blog that will focus on movement songs, parachute play and circle time music for toddlers and preschoolers that I use.

Eventually I will get around to putting in ideas for toddlers for movement activities like jumping, throwing, kicking etc. if I put it all in one spot, it might help someone find what they are looking for and more.

Hope you find what you are looking for. You can see my music and movement blog here.

What a workout

2009-02-06T03:43:00.000-08:00

I am big on keeping physically fit. I live for my workouts. I love doing them and the boost it gives me after wards. Lately I have been upping the amount of time I spend working out. I like to make sure I at least get in 30 minutes a day whether it be running, walking, elliptical or lately XC skiing as we here in Ottawa are in the cold bitter months of winter. 30 minutes is my workout minimum.

Lately I have been getting in a workout for a good hour, sometimes split over 2 - 30 minute workouts, if I have something scheduled, but I make the time to fit it in while the kids are in school.

Yesterday, I did the longest workout ever in one shot. I worked out 1.5 hours. I did 15 minutes on the elliptical, then 15 minutes walking on the treadmill, another 15 minutes on the elliptical and then I thought I would do another 15 minute walk on the treadmill, but instead I did a 15 minute run, and then another 30 minute walk after that. Then I worked on my push ups( 2 sets of 30) and then my sit ups (2 sets of 50).

I think the 1.5 hours was a little too much, as I felt a little sluggish after wards and not having the same energy boost as usual.

It was a good workout. I am working out again today. I think I will run 30 minutes+ and then ski this afternoon for about an hour, as we are suppose to get some nice mild weather..

Another year older

2009-02-04T07:01:00.000-08:00

My sons birthday is coming up on February 7. I can't believe my baby will be 7 years old. Shocking how fast time has flown by.

This year, we have cut back dramatically on birthday party guests. In years previous we have had very large parties to try to include everyone, but the time has now come to end this tradition. This year I have told my kids that the maximum amount of friends they can invite is 8. My son, C has decided to invite 7 boys to help him celebrate his birthday!

The theme this year, as there always has to be a theme, is Super Smash Brawl, one of his favorite Wii games. The plan is to have the kids play play the game on the wii for about an hour, then have pizza and cake, open presents, and then play freeze dance and buzz balloon (It is a game where each child blows up a balloon, and holding in the air, and then aim at a target and let the balloon go allowing the air to escape and hoping to hit the target.) What boy wouldn't love that. Just the noises the balloons make will have them in giggles.

I think it will be a super party.

When it comes time for my daughters birthday party in May, which she has been planning over the last few weeks, she is focusing on plenty of crafts. This is great, just along the lines of my expertise.

Birthday parties are changing in our household, how about yours?

Take your medicine

2009-02-04T03:35:00.000-08:00

My daughter, K, I love her to bits, but she is nutty sometimes.

Yesterday her teeth were bothering her. There was a lot of pressure due to a new tooth coming up and trying to squeeze it's way into the tiny spot it has. Things are starting to shift in her mouth to make room for this tooth and it has been bothering her since Monday.

So Tuesday night, I am trying to get her to take Tylenol. Chewy grape Tylenol, but because it is not the no name brand that I normally buy, she suffers and complains about it for 2 hours, driving me up the wall, because the medicine is just not the same.

My daughter needs time to think things through, she has been that way for a very long time. If she is in a mood, or mad, leave her be for a while to think things through and then she will be reasonable about whatever it is bothering her afterward.

It took her 2 hours to decide finally that her teeth were bothering her enough to take the medicine that will help get rid of the pain and pressure associated with her teeth.

She finally takes the medicine, 2 1/2 tablets broken into tiny little pieces with 2 small glasses of juice, but she gets it down and then decides she likes these better than the usual ones I buy. The only reason I bought these ones, was because Costco did not have the Kirkland brand one. So I had to buy something else and this was the only thing they had.

I am glad she took them, but she was driving me crazy for the 2 hours before taking them with them sitting in front of her ready to be eaten complaining about the fact that they are different and her teeth hurt.

When will kids learn that different isn't always a bad thing.... Kids...

February Challenge recipes

2009-02-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

I am going to list here all the recipes I create this month from the Loony spoons cookbook for my February challenge. This is a great recipe book focusing on low fat cooking.

I will list recipe name, page number and my rating out of 3 stars.
3*** really good - will make again
2** not bad, not sure if I will make again
1* not good. Will not make again

Recipe #1
Oriental Express - Page 81 - Star rating - ***
*I liked this recipe, but it was a bit too spicy for my liking. My husband loved it, and the kids wouldn't touch it. Typical. I will make it again, but next time less on the hot pepper sauce.*

Recipe #2 - (yep, another chicken recipe)
Wowie Maui Chicken - Page 88 - star rating - **
*I am not sure about this recipe. It was just OK, It really didn't make a big impression on me. Husband again loved it and he has plenty of leftovers for lunches, and the kids would not go near it.*

Recipe #3
Mac Attack - Page 86 - Star rating - **1/2
*I am rating this one 2 and a half stars, because I would make it again. I didn't use sharp cheddar cheese like the recipe called for, because I didn't have any, and I found there was not much flavor to the dish. It really needed the sharp cheddar. The recipe was very good overall. I had to use a little imagination, as I didn't have any bread crumbs for the topping, so I put 1 package of Melba toast in my food processor and zipped it up and made home made bread crumbs.*

Recipe #4
On Top of Old Smokey - Page 82 - Star rating-**
* I am not sure about this recipe. I wasn't too keen on the turkey meatballs. Everything else was good. I think if I make it again, I will use ground beef instead. *

February Challenge

2009-02-01T06:34:00.000-08:00

Last month I decided to change things up a bit, and not do a fitness challenge in February.
Well I have been thinking on what is it I will challenge myself at this month and I have finally figured it out.

I love to bake. I could bake something every day. I do not, however, like to cook. I hate making dinner and coming up with ideas for dinner. I do cook things for dinner, but I just don't enjoy it. That is a real challenge for me every day.

So this month, I will try to enjoy cooking more. I think I will cook a recipe out of the loony spoons cook book 2x a week and change things up. Try to make cooking a bit more fun. I will keep you posted on what recipes I do and how we find them.

This might be a hard challenge for me, but I am determined to accomplish it. I will post how I do at the end of the month.

January Challenge update

2009-02-01T06:29:00.000-08:00

I did it.. I actually did more.
My January challenge was a fitness challenge. To try to work my upper body muscles by adding push ups and sit ups to my workout routine. My goal was to do 2 sets of 50 sit ups and 2 sets of 30 push ups. You can read more on my Challenge here.

I have attained my goal plus a little extra. It did take like 3 months, but I did it.
I managed to do 2 sets of 54 sit ups and 2 sets of 30 push ups. Woo Hoo :)
I am hoping to keep this up for the long run and keep increasing as I get stronger.

I did not, however, complete my goal for drinking an additional glass of water a day. I know you probably are thinking, that was the easy challenge, but I find I am not a big drinker. My husband thinks I am a camel. I drink when I need to and after a work out, but I can't add any extra. I did try hard, but I just couldn't do it. Whatever, I am still very pleased with myself right now.

new background

2009-02-01T05:20:00.000-08:00

I found this template thanks to my BFF.. What a great site. Check it out at Aqua Poppy designs.

Finally booked

2009-01-28T03:26:00.000-08:00

We finally booked our flights last night to Florida.
In the morning prices were up $400 but we ended up getting the cheaper price of $2200 for all 4 of us return. We thought great, at least we didn't pay $2600.
This morning, checking online again, which I shouldn't have, prices are down to $1800 return for the same flights... I could just kick myself. What a game this is. You just never know when to book.

I am happy we booked, and confirmed. It still would have been nice to have $400 extra for the trip. Oh well. Serves me right for checking.. The general rule of thumb should be, once you book your flight, don't look back.

Just thought I would keep you up to date.

You can keep track of all the plans and trip details on my Travel blog.

Good bye

2009-01-26T03:28:00.000-08:00

I had to put my cat down on Friday.
One of the worse decisions to make as a pet owner.

My cat, Simba, who was going to be 11 years old in April, was a big round ball of love. He had some extra weight, OK, on the vets scale he would be considered obese, but the friendliest cat around.

Unfortunately he has been having issues with pooping on the kids beds this last year and lately has been drinking and urinating alot. We have almost gone through 18kg of litter in under 2 weeks and practically 4 bowls of water a day. Before Christmas, probably sometime in November we had weighed our cats, and Simba was 23lbs. I weighed him again at the beginning of last week, and he weighed 20 lbs. He had lost 3 lbs in 1-2 months. I was pretty sure he was going diabetic with weight loss and drinking alot.

I made the call to the vet to have him put down.

When I brought him into the vet, she tried to convince me to do a whole work up for $300 to find out if it is type 1 or type 2 diabetes. If it is type 2 diabetes he would just need oral medication, most likely leading to insulin in the near future.

We as a family could not make this commitment, and had him put down. It was a hard decision, but one that had to be made. I cried when it was done and kissed him goodbye.
He was a member of our family and will be missed terribly.

XC skiing

2009-01-18T10:46:00.001-08:00

I got XC skis for Christmas and have been able to try them out a few times. I haven't XC skied in years and years, so this is like a learning experience again for me.

The first time out, I fell 5 times, mostly on any type of hill.
I am not a down hill skier, and wanted to sign the whole family up for lessons this year, but ended up not because I would rather take the $1000 it would cost us for 6 weeks of ski lessons and put it towards our flight to Florida. Yep, you heard me right, $1000. Down hill Skiing is an expensive sport. Way too pricey for my liking.

The second time out, I fell 2 times, in the same spot. I swear my skis are possessed. Seriously, they have a mind of their own.

The third time out, I did not fall and I am getting better. What is that saying "Third times a charm"

It will take me some time get use to the being on skis and the different way to move, but I do enjoy it. It is alot of fun, and a good work out. I am sure by next Christmas I will be XC ski pro.

Disney On Ice

2009-01-18T04:58:00.000-08:00

I have just bought tickets for Disney On Ice. This years show is called 100 years of Magic. We have seen 2 shows in past years and have absolutely loved it. The kids are very excited to go. They really enjoyed the last shows we saw and look forward to this years show.

If you have never been, I suggest you check listings for when it is playing in your city and go and see it. You won't be disappointed. It truly is a magical experience.

Check out the link below, and click on highlights of the 100 years of magic show and you will see what it is all about.

http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/

Still looking for flights....

2009-01-18T04:50:00.000-08:00

We have still not booked our flight to Florida. We are now contemplating either flying to Panama City, Orlando or Tampa. If we fly to Orlando or Tampa, which seems the best option because there are quite a few direct flights, we will rent a car and drive up to Panama City. We do have many options but it looks like we are going to book last minute and hope we get a really good deal.
I am online everyday checking flights and sales. So far nothing.
I am currently getting things ready, finding people to cover my preschool classes during the dates we have chosen to be away, and getting other things planned like having someone come and feed our cats etc. So booking last minute will be OK, because I will be prepared, and all I will really have to do is pack.
I am getting excited to go, because it is so cold and miserable here. I can't wait to be sitting on the beach and swimming and having fun in the sun.

My daughter has lice

2009-01-14T03:24:00.000-08:00

Ughhhhh! My worst fear has come true, I found live lice in my daughters beautiful hair.
This is so disgusting. Nothing I ever want to deal with again.

I went out right away and got the shampoo, and it worked at killing the lice. Now I will be nit picking for weeks. I am having trouble seeing the nits though. What are the chances all the lice are male. Hmmmm!
She is free to go to school today, and I will ask the nurse there to help me look for nits. I had a friend pop by yesterday and she couldn't see anything either. I am hoping for the best, hoping that there are no eggs left. I have brushed her hair twice with the nit comb, and maybe that took it all out, if there were any. My head is itchy just thinking about it. I had my husband look though and will continue every day to make sure we are free and clear.

Anyhow, yesterday, my dryer went non stop, as I washed everything in the house, and those things that didn't get washed, went into the dryer for 20 minutes, to make sure anything that might be on it, is dead. I vacuumed carpets and couches, and if there was anything alive in the carpets or couches are now dead and gone.

A parent's worse nightmare, well, mine anyway.

GOOD NEWS ON THE LICE FRONT: I took my daughter into the school and had one of the ladies in the office have a look, as for the life of me, I cannot find a nit. She has been through it with her own daughter and also many other children in the school. She found 1 nit, in her whole head. This is really good. She thinks I caught it really early, what are the chances. Anyhow, I am very ecstatic, but will continue nightly and morning checks of her head as well as the second treatment of lice shampoo in a few days to make sure we are really free and clear. This is good news.

December Challenge update + January Challenge

2008-12-30T05:01:00.000-08:00

I did better this month than last month at accomplishing my challenge. I have now fit it into my workout routine.

My December challenge was to work upper body muscles doing sit ups( 2 sets of 50) and push ups (2 sets of 30).
See December challenge here.
I am happy to report I am half way there. I am doing 2 sets of 20 push ups and 2 sets of 30 sit ups 3x a week. I am happy with this result. I didn't reach my goal, but I will continue with it in January as part of my challenge and hope to reach the goal by the end of the month.

I will increase my water consumption this month as well. I am going to add an extra glass of H20 a day.

I did try one day to drink 3 Liters of water, like my bff has challenged herself to do, and I failed miserably. I could not physically drink that much. I just felt like a drowned mouse, water logged, and feeling sick. I think the one extra glass a day will be perfect.

Next month I am going to shy away from a physical challenge and do something different. I don't know what that will be yet, but I will think of something.

Happy New Year Resolutions

2008-12-30T04:14:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009.

I am hoping this year, brings many happy surprises and fun.
Live life to the fullest.

Here is a list of some of the top resolutions people make(in black) and my reasons for not picking them as one of my resolutions this year(in blue)

get a better job - No job is better than mine. I am a SAHM, and work very PT as a preschool instructor.
get fit - I will keep up with my fitness regime, always striving for better
lose weight - I am at a healthy and happy weight and will work hard to keep it that way
reduce stress - I have very little stress and de-stress by working out
quit smoking - I am not a smoker
enjoy life more - I love my life
quit drinking - I am not a drinker
get out of debt - I only have my mortgage(18 more years) and car debt(0% interest)
save money -I put aside $320 month into savings for emergencies or fun trips
learn something new - I could always learn something new(this year I have joined a stampers group and will be learning something new each class)
help others - I can always help others more
get organized - I am a very organized person and try to keep everything in my life that way

What should my 2009 resolution be?
I think this year, will be a frugal year.
I will try to save more, and spend less.

I wish you luck in your resolutions and hope you accomplish many goals this year you may set for yourself.

Twas Christmas Day

2008-12-25T05:57:00.000-08:00

Twas' Christmas Day
When all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse
the stockings were full and sitting on the floor
Santa Claus came then headed out the door

The children at dawn sprang out of bed
out of their bedrooms and down the stairs they fled
While hubby and I lay in our bed
wanting to go back to sleep, instead

When down in the family room I heard something clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter
Away to the stairs I flew like a flash
tripping and teetering, there was almost a crash

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
but my children all wide eyed, and full of Christmas cheer
Santa Claus came, he left goodies and a toy
the kids were in heaven, their hearts full of joy

Then off to the tree to see what was there
maybe something so special, and ever so rare
The papers went flying with ribbons and bows
there were toys and games, electronics and clothes

Two minutes to play and then time to go
got dressed, out the door, and into the snow
hopped into the car and away we all went
visiting family, with time to be spent

We opened more gifts and a present or two
then relaxed for a minute with still more to do
When the gifts were all opened, we cleaned up the mess
threw out all the boxes, and ribbons, and excess

We had a quick lunch, then hopped in to the car
over to granny's house, which isn't too far
the kids are real happy, can't wait for more gifts
they open and open, their movements so swift

Now it's all over, we sit back and relax
Put up our feet, and have a few snacks
The kids are real tired, and we are quite spent
the day has been long, but very content

When we get home, the kids are quite sacked
we get in the door and start to unpack
the day is now over, Christmas is done
What a day it has been, we've had so much fun

Another year over, another Christmas down
365 more days till Santa comes back to town
The day it was fun, so merry and bright
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night

The work was created by me, and posted only at lizzyborden.blogspot.com

Santa Claus is coming to town!

2008-12-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

The kids are SO excited, tonight Santa is coming. They can't wait.
I can't believe how fast Christmas has come. I am still in shock that today is Christmas Eve. What happened to the rest of the month. Seems like yesterday was just December 1.

The kids have had a pretty laid back day. We have been hibernating indoors, I have been cleaning house, so I don't have to worry about it over the holidays, and the kids have been watching TV, playing and just hanging out.

I can't wait to see their faces tomorrow morning.

Merry Christmas!

MOM

2008-12-23T04:31:00.000-08:00

As a SAHM, my job is never ending. I take care of the kids, nurture them, try to teach them right from wrong and teach respect and responsibility. I am the CEO of my household and am responsible for the overall performance. I am the housekeeper, homework helper, cook, laundry machine operator, janitor, facilities manager, taxi driver, psychologist, interior designer, events planner, administrative assistant, book keeper, grounds keeper and nutritionist. I heard this song about moms last year on You tube. It was great. A mom's life in a nutshell.

Click here to see

THE MOM SONG

Fa la la la la la la la la

2008-12-22T03:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight the kids and I went to a friends for a night of Caroling. We have never been out Caroling, and unfortunately with the very frigid temperatures last night, we never had a chance to Carol.
The temperature was -17 and feeling much colder with the wind chill.
Instead we all stayed inside. The adults had some great conversation and the kids had a great time, playing table tennis, air hockey and soccer in the basement. It was a great night out.
Maybe next year, we will be able to carol and bring some smiles on neighbors faces:)

Over 4 hours

2008-12-22T03:25:00.000-08:00

My last baking day of the season. Thankfully. I am baked right out, and need a break. Yesterday I made my Cranberry Bliss bars for the Cookie exchange coming up this Tuesday. I spent over 4 hours baking the bars. I made 3X the recipe and ended up with over 120 bars. Perfect. As I need 96 for the exchange, and I have some leftovers for samples at the cookie exchange party, and for husband who would be very disappointed if there was enough.

The recipe is fairly simple, it is just 3 steps, the longest part being waiting for the bars to cool before adding the icing.

They are done and husband thinks they are better than the real thing, which he got to try last weekend at Starbucks. So 4 hours later, I end up with a very successful bar.

I have packaged them in 2 sets of 4's (as we exchange 8 each) wrapped them with parchment and saran and put them in gift bags with tissue paper.

I highly recommend if you are looking for a recipe to bake this holiday season, to try this one out. It is very festive and delicious.

Dental problems

2008-12-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

In the last few weeks, we have all visited the dentist. Only C has had to go back to have some work done. He had 2 mini cavities that needed to be filled and 2 sealants done on his 6 year old molars since he is prone to getting cavities, this should help save his adult teeth. The fillings were so small that the dentist did not need to use any freezing. The work was done, paid for and then I thought all was good.

C has been complaining for the last few days that his tooth has been sensitive. I thought it was one that was just filled and sometimes this can make the tooth sensitive to cold/hot and eating, as it has happened to me. I made an appointment for him to go in, thinking he was just going to apply a coating on his tooth to help with sensitivity. I was wrong.

Turns out C has an infection in one of his baby molars. His nerve is very close to the tooth's surface and he has a filling there. Well the nerve has died and has caused and infection. The dentist squeezed the area around the tooth and low and behold it is full of pus. GROSS.

C will need to return, in the new year of course, after a round of antibiotics to clear the infection to have a baby root canal done. This poor kid has had so much work done in his mouth already, and he is only 6 years old. I hope his adult teeth are alot stronger than his baby teeth. My fingers are crossed..

Real Canadian Stupidstore

2008-12-15T11:08:00.001-08:00

This is what the Real Canadian Superstore should be called. I don't know why I go there to shop. Maybe it is the few items they have on sale each week, that draw me in, maybe it is because it is close. I don't know, but I I have to stop doing my shopping there.
Here is why.

They never have anything in stock, especially on a Monday after a busy weekend. I guess they don't have enough staff stocking shelves, because they are always empty.

Their produce is CRAP! I might as well go to Food Basics for the same quality of Produce they offer. They are very slow at pulling the rotten, soft, and damaged produce off the shelf, maybe they are hoping for one or 2 people stupid enough to waste their money on it. If their produce isn't rotten, or damaged, they don't have it.. AHHHHHH.... Very frustrating.

Their Cash.. OMG!! Why, OH Why.. They had a good cash system before, the cashier would scan and bag, then some dumb ass decided to change it, so that the bags are at the end of the counter where you park your cart ready to load it up with your purchase. Now the cashiers have to touch your food two times, scan, pile and bag. I guess it was the Stupid store's idea of bag your own, without calling it bag your own.

They don't give you your green points for bringing your own bags. Do you think I am going to line up at the Courtesy desk with 20 other people in line buying lottery tickets to get 5 PC points for bringing my own bags. I DON'T THINK SO! They need to separate the lottery tickets from the courtesy desk and then maybe they can service some customers with returns or exchanges.

Well that is my rant for the day. I did go over to the Independent grocer since the Superstore had no food, and I was pleasantly pleased, they had everything in stock the Superstore didn't. Maybe I will start shopping there more.

The prices for flights change hourly

2008-12-14T05:30:00.000-08:00

I am looking everyday online, at prices to fly to Florida this February. I can't believe, yesterday when I looked it was almost $1000 cheaper to fly out of Montreal as opposed to Ottawa. Today it is the same price, EXPENSIVE. What the heck is going on.
I check sometimes more than once a day and prices fluctuate all day long, it can be hundreds of dollars cheaper or more expensive than 5 hours previous.
It really is a big game, looking for deals and prices, and you never know when to buy. I guess eventually you just have to bite the bullet and hope for the best.

Recipe #3 and #4

2008-12-14T05:07:00.000-08:00

I have completed all my Christmas baking. The kids have enjoyed decorating the Ginger bread cookies, most of which will be going to school this week for their Christmas parties in class. I have left a collection of all the baked goods out, but most cookies are in the freezer for guests and entertaining as well as bringing along to share with friends and family.
Here are the recipes.

Recipe #3

Gingerbread Men

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup+ water

Frosting
1/4 cup icing sugar
a few drops of water

Preheat oven to 350F.
Mix butter and sugar until creamy - beat in molasses - sift dry ingredients together and add to butter mixture, alternating with water. I always find I need more that the 1/4 cup of water so I get the right consistency. Once mixed, roll dough on a floured surface and cut out men, using up all dough. Bake for 8 minutes or longer depending on their thickness, let cool and then decorate with frosting.

Recipe #4

Grandma's Shortbread Cookies
* this is the best shortbread recipe ever. It make a nice light shortbread, with lots of flavor*

1 Cup flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup icing sugar
3/4 cup butter
Decorations-sprinkles, nuts, cherries etc.

Combine flour, corn starch, and incing sugar - blend in butter - work with hands until nice smooth dough forms. Shape into a ball and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes if necessary.
Roll dough on icing sugar surface to 1/4" thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. I also roll into balls and use fork to press down to make impressions like a peanut butter cookie. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 15-25 minutes or until edges are lightly brown. Time will depend on size of cookie, so watch your cookies.
Cool completely on wire rack and then store in a covered containter.

Recipe #1 and #2

2008-12-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

Well I started around 10 am this morning and made 2 recipes. They both turned out excellent.
They are sitting on the stove cooling and I will put them in the freezer shortly.

Recipe #1

Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
(a bit of work, but worth it in the end)
1 pkg cream cheese(250g)
3/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
4 squares(or 4 oz) melted semi sweet chocolate
1 pkg white baking chocolate
sprinkles

Preheat oven to 350F. Beat cream cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla in bowl until well blended - add flour and baking soda - mix well - blend in semi sweet chocolate
Shape spoonfuls of dough into balls - roll each ball into a rope - place on baking sheet bending top of each to form a candy cane shape
Bake 10-12 minutes - cool on sheet 5 min - cool on wire rack - microwave white chocolate - drizzle over cookies - sprinkle and let stand until chocolate is firm.

Recipe # 2

S'more snack treats

44 squares of graham crackers broken into bite size pieces
3 TBSP margarine
10oz of marshmallows
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

In a bowl combine margarine and marshmallows - microwave for approx. 3 minutes until marshmallows are puffy - Remove and stir till creamy - Add graham cracker pieces and stir until coated in marshmallow - Spread mixture in a 13x9 greased pan - sprinkle with chocolate chips pressing lightly with hands - Chill at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares.