Adventures in Parenthood

Busy WEEK

2011-02-20T22:55:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy weekend leading into a busy busy week.
My sister / brother in law came down for a visit for the long weekend. So lots of late nights were had by all. This week my husband goes for sinus surgery on Wednesday.
Work is going to be busy we are short staffed nurses.
and I'm sure there are many other things that are going to occupy my time.
Oh I need to get sleep now.

Snow time

2011-01-25T19:02:00.004-05:00

This weekend we had a GREAT weekend. Sat. we went sledding with friend of ours who also has three little girls. Then it was back here for Chili & play time.
Sunday was more fun with the same girls & their daddy at the ice rink. It was lots of fun we were able to take their just 2 year old out on the ice with single blade skates. All the girls had a GREAT Time. We were lucky enough to get an invite back to their house for play/dinner. Oh did I mention our friend did all this without his wife who was out of town. Its great to know other dads are willing to take his three little girls out and be adventurous even without his wife.

Now to share the pictures with their mommy.. Next time lets hope she can join us.

2011

2011-01-12T21:28:00.001-05:00

The year has started off to be a busy one!!

Back to work

2010-12-26T22:03:00.003-05:00

Well the day has finally come. I get to go back to work after a 3 month hiatus due to circumstances way beyond my control. But thanks to a Senator's office I got my paper work to go back a little out of order than normally expected. Wish me luck.

Christmas

2010-12-22T22:30:00.002-05:00

It's quickly appoaching. I think the shopping is finally done well that is excluding food shopping.
Skating, sledding and lots of family fun is ahead of us.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-15T08:55:00.000-05:00

Sunday Family Fun

2010-12-12T17:44:00.000-05:00

We had a lot of fun taking the ladies skating today. We found out all three girls have out grown their skates from last year so a trip out shopping will be required before our next skating adventure.

Even though Sundays have laundry, homework & getting ready for the week ahead it was Great FUN going out and doing something fun as a family for a few hours. Now I need to get off the computer and get all those things that didn't get done DONE!!

Christmas Cards

2010-12-08T09:38:00.002-05:00

This year we have decided to be a little more environmentally friendly and save me some time. We have sent an electronic Christmas card. Unfortunately not everyone we know has email (or that we have their address). So if you received a card and know someone who cares about us & would love to see the picture of the girls please share.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-06T08:39:00.002-05:00

When I was growing up we never put up a tree until the weekend before Christmas because my sister has a birthday on the 16th of December. So when I moved out & started a family that just seemed like the way to do. This is however hubby some how has changed my mind and our tree was bought this weekend and decorated. We'll see how the girls do.

Going out to pick our tree was really nice this year. Usually we've gone and bought from the boy scoots but this year we went to a horticultural store and bought from them (wasn't nearly as cold still outside kinda). The store even had people to load / tight the tree down on the truck. This is our first christmas in our new house and getting the tree in was painless.

So far things are going very easy and effortless for xmas so lets hope they continue.

Hard at Work

2010-12-03T16:26:00.002-05:00

Today the girls did not have school so the nany had them HARD at WORK being santa's elves. The girls with the help of the nanny are making xmas gifts for some family members. They are way too cute!

Tough to hear

2010-11-30T20:15:00.003-05:00

Our drives to school often generate very interesting conversations. One day last week the question of what is the "f" word occurred. Today while driving my 5 year old to school she said something that was very hard to hear.

She said you know when you want to become a teacher you need to know how to yell. I tried to get a little more information from her. I asked if she was getting yelled
at and her response was not her but others in her class (boys).

This has bothered me all day. I had the chance to speak to another teacher who assured me many kids are sensitive to changes in tone and maybe my little one is just that. She shared with me that she had a student once says she always yelled. Knowing this teacher I find this very hard to believe. All teachers have their stern teacher voice I am sure. But I'm sure Ms. B. doesn't pull it out often.

So what to do with our 5 years comment... probably nothing.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T08:59:00.002-05:00

The girls are off school now for a few days for this large holiday. It will just be the 5 of us for the holiday. But that still means a turkey & a lot of the fixings. We are going to try & do this low fat as possible. HAPPY THANKSGIVING

HUBBY is getting older

2010-11-11T10:52:00.003-05:00

It's official he's older than me !! It's his birthday. The girls were all excited this morning for daddy's birthday. The girls filled his birthday card with paper and then our eldest had a 'popper' and scared her daddy. It was great fun. Can't wait to continue to celebrate once he's home from work and the girls from school.

Baby Turns 3

2010-11-09T08:40:00.003-05:00

Wow time has gone so FAST...

Baby turns 3 on Tuesday

2010-11-07T17:13:00.000-05:00

Today we went to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate a little ladies bday! She had so much fun! Can't wait until Tuesday to give her her presents

SNOW

2010-11-05T18:15:00.002-04:00

wow you'd think my little Canadian girls have never seen snow before.
It is barely snowing right now & they are all geeked up & outside to see what it's like. The snow is so slight that I can't even get a real picture of it. Wonder how long they'll stay outside. oh spoke too soon that was 2 minutes. Oh wait that's my american girl needing Gloves..

End of 1st Trimester

2010-11-05T15:02:00.003-04:00

Today we had parent teacher conference for our kindergartner. She's doing great. The tough part about kindergartner is there are very few expectations at this stage of the game. Our teacher did do some testing of skills but it's not required at the end of this trimester. She has attained most of all those skills. Over the last few weeks we've had a few challenges getting ready to go to school because she's bored! We had lengthy discussion with the teacher about that today. Hopefully next week we'll be starting on 1st grade math & doing an accelerated reading program for Ms. A. We want to keep her interested & wanting to learn!

Voting

2010-11-03T09:19:00.003-04:00

Yesterday there was an election in the USA. I was lucky enough to be helping out in my daughters 2nd grade class yesterday. It was very interesting to watch the AWESOME teacher teach 7-8 year olds about make up of city/towns/state/country. The kids had to come up with a list of qualities they would want their leaders to have. It was very impressive what 2nd graders think is important. I would be proud to have my 2nd grader vote after they way the teacher taught them to dissect the issues. The kids weren't concerned with the: name, music or looks of the candidates. They wanted people who were: responsible, would create jobs, not spend money they didn't have, make / follow rules that are good for everyone! It's awesome to spend time in class. They also got to make up their own candidate and their class all voted. They had to create a name, values and platform for the candidate. Then present them to their class & people voted for mayor, Governor & president based on their class creations.
Today 2nd grader went to school excited to find out if her candidate won the race for mayor.
I just wish there was a way to bottle this interest & enthusiasm for voting so when she's 18 she'll remain interested.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T19:30:00.001-04:00

Don't know who has more fun the kids or hubby!

Silly Adult Tricks

2010-10-29T16:49:00.002-04:00

Last night hubby and I were snuggled on the couch watching LEAF HOCKEY!! When we both wondered why the over head lights were on. Neither of us wanting to get up so out of no where hubby took off his hat & tossed it clear across the room & some how turned the lights off.
I bet he could never do this again no matter how hard he tries. My poor abs hurt so much from laughing so hard.

A new day

2010-10-26T22:51:00.002-04:00

I'm off work due to issues beyond my control This is my third week and there doesn't appear to be an end in site. Up until now I've had a hard time embrassing the time off. Always keeping hope that I'd be back to work soon! Tomorrow I'm going to go get a gym membership. The nanny is still watching the girls so I'm gonna go get a gym membership and start working out. Then come home & put the sewing machine to work. Maybe I'll be making homemade gifts for xmas again.

fall Fun

2010-10-22T16:26:00.002-04:00

For those of you that know me, know that I'm not a fan of BATS. In 2003 when my baby was weeks old we had a bat in our house AHHHHHH. Not a fun adventure.

Fall Break 2010

2010-10-22T15:54:00.002-04:00

Fall break is here yesterday we had a lot of fun. It was a fun day at the Children's museum & the haunted house (lights on). 2 of the girls would not enjoy truely spooky haunted house. My big girl lost another tooth and received a visit from the tooth fairy. Today we went to Walmart & bought Halloween costumers (I think this is the first time I've ever bought costumes). The baby is a little under the weather with this another cough and her asthma acting up!
maybe tomorrow will be a family fun day at the zoo weather permitting.

Fall Fun

2010-10-19T17:48:00.003-04:00

The girls are LOVING the beautiful weather we are still having. They have been outside since they got home from school playing on their play set. This has allowed me to good dinner, figure out my mom's birthday gift and do some laundry.
The girls are going to be in culture shock by Friday when the "cool Canadian air" hits the area. I guess it had to come to an end. They are only calling for a few days of cooler weather & and cooler weather = 66F. Not really cold for middle of October. What will we do over fall break. Thursday & Friday the girls will be off.

Fall Family walk

2010-10-16T15:38:00.000-04:00

Sewing Again

2010-10-11T19:19:00.003-04:00

I think my sewing machine might get a work out this week. I'm unexpectedly off work, length of vacation unknown. So I went to Hobby Lobby today bought fabric. Tomorrow To wash iron & get cutting. Tomorrow afternoon Hubby and I are going to go golfing.
Not sure what the rest of the week holds.

My GQ MAN

2010-10-04T20:09:00.000-04:00

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Camping pic 2

2010-09-06T18:01:00.000-04:00

Camping

2010-09-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

Just prior to hubby's surgery we had started planning a camping trip for the August Long Weekend. This got put on hold in hopes of the "miracle surgery" solving all of hubby's 8 months of pain. It did and we couldn't be happier. Now to get in a GREAT restful family weekend.
Hubby booked us in to a KOA. We rented a Kabin which is basically beds (bunk bed for kids) there was an a/c unit but that's it. It was a luxury tent, no indoor plumbing, no electronic device. It was FUN....

The kids loved the hours of playing in the sand being able to eat snacks throughout the day. Playing with the camp ground horse.

My middle daughter was being picked up by the camp ground "5 year old". It was very cute and scary all at the same time. We had a lot of fun playing scoop ball.
My big girl had a nasty asthma attack the first night & then the baby fell off the bottom bunk. Luckily everyone was okay by the morning.

End of first day of school

2010-08-10T16:45:00.000-04:00

Walking back home with Daddy after successful first day of school for the 2010-2011 school year...:)

Surgery

2010-08-04T08:49:00.002-04:00

My husband has been ill for the last 7 months. He's
been suffering from horrible pain in his face/ head
he was hospitalized for a week in march with no resolution
he's had many doctors appts many MRI ctscan drugs
and no real diagnosis
this last round of drs include ent and today he had surgery
they went in and cleaned the old snot out and
removed inflamed tissue
nothing looks funny or concerning according to the dr
let's see how this works
at least we get to take him home rather than leaving him
at a hospital

Family Adventures

2010-07-24T17:44:00.003-04:00

This week we were busy busy people, (not like we are every not busy). On Wednesday night we decided to take in a local nature areas camp fire & animal presentation (more than just the mosquitoes). The girls loved it. I think we will try this again next week last one of the summer.
Thursday night we were treated to a minor league baseball game with my new employer as our summer corp. outing. This was the first ball game we've enjoyed here & the girls had a blast. They wanted to stay till the last pitch was thrown. Boy it was a late night. Everyone was well behaved. I don't think the nanny was having nearly as much fun with the girls on Friday after a evening of no sleep.

This weekends adventures Good friends birthday bbq, school supply shopping and I'm sure we'll find more adventures before the weekend is done.

All done

2010-07-04T17:50:00.000-04:00

Hubby and our great friend Mr. C... worked long and hard to get the girls play set constructed in just two days.
The temperature outside is extremly high & no amount of sunscreen was protecting us for the sun!
The girls were a little cranky .. it's really hard to wait for something like this to be completed. But thankfully everyone survived the two days without injury & now the girls are out playing/screaming away on their new playset.

I'm in the house enjoying the new AC that went in on Wed. & hubby he's trying to cool down with a shower.

Tonight should be fun having all the kids Mr. C's kids & ours enjoy the new play set while us adults enjoy some well deserved beverages then tonight 4th of July fireworks.

And the best part is tomorrow isn't a work day it's another FAMILY DAY

playset started

2010-07-04T17:43:00.005-04:00

end of day one

2010-07-04T17:43:00.003-04:00

Playset....

2010-07-04T17:40:00.000-04:00

Progress

2010-06-28T20:40:00.002-04:00

We've Been in the new house 6 weeks now. The garage is painted floor sealed
and cabinets hung on the wall we are officially parking in a well organized garage
this was a rather large project considering we had a lg 3 car garage at
the old house and only have 2 car here. But my hubby sick or not doesn't rest
I'm surprised it took this long ! The week we move in the pictures mirrors everything was
hung in all room but last night the main floor everything was removed but
for less than 24 hr cuz now the living room kitchen is all painted
is a nice warm brown

Tomorrow the dining room and kids rooms the rest of this week
weekend 3 storey play set to be set up

Maybe by august we can rest.

Busy busy house

2010-06-23T11:43:00.002-04:00

Life is busy. The girls were very excited to finally get to
go see toys story 3 over the weekend. Tv marketing did
a great job to build excitement over many weeks with all
the previews for that movie

fathers day was a great relaxing day. Morning at the pool
with great friends then home and veg on the couch for an
entire round of golf. Can't remember the last time we got
to watch an entire round of golf

girls are busy this week trying to decide the color
they are going to have their rooms painted

Ordered the built in for the living room for either side of the
fire place. 4 weeks and they'll be ready yahoo

Hubby sold his bike and now we are planning a road
trip to buy a new bike from the next state over !!

3D

2010-06-08T09:36:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend we had a lot of fun. Sunday we took the girls to the movies. Sherk 3D what fun
after wards hubby and I were talking about how different the glasses were and then what was the last
3D movie we had ever seen. It was probably jaws for each of us. That left me remembering all the movie theatre we had when I was little.

In our neighborhood

2010-06-02T19:42:00.000-04:00

Week one completed

2010-05-29T15:05:00.001-04:00

I've just completed week one of work. It was good. It is frustrating sometimes to sit through orientation (long unorganized) when you just want to get down to business. I know in a few months I'll be longing to be back at the beginning with no responsibility nobody demanding reports or answers from me but right now I just want to get working.

This week also was the last week of school for our 1st grader. She's going on to 2nd grade at a new school.

Summer is HERE it's hot. As soon as the baby wakes from her long over due nap we'll be heading to the neighbourhood pool to enjoy as a family. I think hubby is missing the pool work required before family time in the pool so he's outside playing with the lawnmower, weed eater, & power washer.

Busy Life

2010-05-23T09:31:00.002-04:00

Life has been really busy here lately. May 4th our first born turned 7 where did the time go. Both sets of parents arrived on May 3rd to get us all packed for the move. The big move happened on May 15th. It's amazing it all took place in one day. The parents left the day after the move so far only found one thing left behind which is amazing considering the amount of BOXES.
It's one week later and the main floor is all organized, pictures hung, new floors in all that's left is paint on the walls (summer/fall projects).
Tomorrow is a new day/new week. I start working 5 days a week M-F 8-5 the girls will be with the nanny full time (so excited). Big girl has 5 days left of first grade then its "schools out for summer!!"
pictures to come later.. haven't stopped long enough to take any of our new home yet

Way to cute... Check out this blog

2010-04-28T10:20:00.002-04:00

http://www.ellieinspired.com/apps/blog/show/3572642-it-s-done-now-time-for-a-giveaway

New house

2010-04-21T09:35:00.001-04:00

New Address

2010-04-20T17:05:00.003-04:00

Effective May 20th we have a new address.. Now I can start planning things for the move with some degree of certainty. It's never fun to not have all the details.. But on the same note now it's serious I have to get things in order! Booked the packers they should arrive May 3 thank goodness for mothers..
May is a busy month:
The movers come on the 18th.
First night in new house should be the 19th.. I think
Last day at current job 14th
first day at new job the 24th.
Last day of school 28th

Almost There

2010-04-19T13:36:00.003-04:00

We have made an offer, received a counter offer and waiting for our relator to write up our next counter. Maybe by Tomorrow morning we'll have a new address.

Had two companies in today to get quotes to move.. Wow big job!

It's SOLD

2010-04-13T17:31:00.002-04:00

March 4th we took our chances to see how the market was & now it's April 14th and we've accepted an offer to sell our house.

I have mixed feelings

I remember the day hubby called to say he found our dream home & now we are selling it.

We will find another house that we will make our retreat!!

we have to be gone by May 20

Let the house hunting begin!!

BUSY

2010-04-12T14:14:00.002-04:00

We are a BUSY busy house but not because the girls are in organized activities or anything like that (right now).

We finished a crazy week last week with the Plumbing disaster and then the repair of the ceiling (drywall) and repainting ect. that was required. I went to work Friday/Sat. By Sat. night hubby had everything done and we were ready for house showings again by Sunday.

Sunday we had a family day it was GREAT. We took the ladies to the Zoo then it was date night for hubby & I. I got to go see RANDY TRAVIS. (yes country music). my hubby is the BEST..

We woke up this am to an offer on our house. So now it's time to get serious about house hunting.

Then there's the issue of jobs for me. Actively trying to go M-F. I have an offer on the table & getting closer to making the change!

Hubby is starting (slowly) to feel a little better YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

WHAT THE HECK ...

2010-04-07T20:37:00.002-04:00

We've been enjoying REALLY warm April weather... 83F... That's smoking hot. It's almost the hottest it ever got in the town where I grew up all summer long...

I was reading the newspaper online from back home today & this is what's written for tomorrow...

Significant amounts of snow are quite possible over northern and western parts of the district.
Latest indications suggest a swath of regions from near Sault Ste. Marie to Timmins getting the most snow with total snowfall amounts of 15 centimetres or more quite possible generally on Thursday.

My goodness... I wonder what the weather will be like here tomorrow...

Easter Day Fun

2010-04-07T20:29:00.001-04:00

Home ownership really Sucks sometimes.

2010-04-05T22:12:00.002-04:00

Right now we are having no fun with being grown up & owning our own home.

Spring time fun!!

2010-04-01T16:07:00.000-04:00

Sad Day

2010-03-29T08:57:00.001-04:00

Just doing my usual Monday morning activities. Checking bank acct, paying bills on line. Realized today it cost me money to sent money to Canada. Usually the American dollar is worth money but not last week it cost me money to convert it to Canadian. How sad is that for me being in the USA.

Times Up

2010-03-25T15:49:00.003-04:00

Today was a cleaning Marathon day and laundry. It's ten to 4 and I am finally sitting down for a minute before I go pick up darling daughter from the bus. We have a family coming back for a 2nd showing tonight.. Fingers crossed. This meant cleaning things like ovens & soaker tubs... Its' as good as it gets.

Of other note, Hubby had a few good days last weekend but he's heading back down the path to debilitating headaches again. Not good. He's now keeping a food, activity and pain journal to see what it is. The week he got out of the hospital he stopped taking the medication they gave him but obviously that's not the cause of the headaches. We have all his images from the various scans they did so hopefully soon he'll give our GP the green light to make a referral to the University affiliated hospital in our town. Maybe then we'll get some answers... He continues to work & be a trooper..

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY Spring

2010-03-17T14:31:00.002-04:00

Hubby's memory

2010-03-16T09:35:00.002-04:00

Hubby's got a good memory, however the week he has just spent in the hospital is a complete blurr to him.
It was our middle girls 5th birthday while he was in the hospital. We waited all day for big sister to get home from school so we could take her gifts to the hospital and open them with daddy.
He was awake kinda while we did the gifts but I realized yesterday he has not memory of this day or any others while in the hospital. Hubby had to ask our little bday girl to show him the presents she got. :(

House Hunting

2010-03-15T13:50:00.003-04:00

This weekend we had 3 showings of our house in one afternoon. This was good & bad all at the same time. With hubby just being d/c from Hospital on Friday after an entire week with no real change in his symptoms taking him out was tough. I had to stay home both days this weekend from work because hubby was not safe to care for the girls for 12 hrs + / day.

Thankfully we have great friends & were able to call them up last minute and impose on them for the afternoon. WONDERFUL day hubby slept in their easy chair & the kids all played nicely & adults got to visit. Boy I miss my weekends.

Today I went & looked at my first house for our move. But there was something about the neighbourhood I didn't like, the house was really nice.

What I want in a house...
Big kitchen, open to the eat in area & a family room
minimum 4 bedrooms & 2 full baths (a NICE big master ensuite tub)
minimal carpet
size important 3000+sq ft.
a place for my sewing stuff

Our Realtor understands what we want & hopefully he'll be able to get us a few more showings booked.

One couple through yesterday like the house & and todays couple want to see the survey. So it's looking better every day!

5th bday

2010-03-11T21:53:00.000-05:00

Today was our middle daughters 5th birthday. The day started off letting her open one present. We then got ready and went to visit daddy in the hospital. On our way home we picked up her choice of take out "steak n shake". After lunch the baby needed a nap so we cuddled in my bed and I rented Tinkerbell and the Lost treasure for her to watch (I took a nap). Once big sister got home we went to the hospital and opened the rest of the gifts with daddy.
Daddy still not feeling all that good, we left and went for a little play at Chuck e Cheese.
She had a lot of fun!!! Just wish daddy would have been there to enjoy it with us!

Hubby and his ladies Day 4 in hospital

2010-03-10T08:57:00.001-05:00

The ongoing adventures of the never ending MIGRANE

2010-03-07T20:40:00.003-05:00

Hubby had a stomach flu several weeks back and then a few days later he started with a HEADACHE. This headache is NEVER ending. Five weeks later, MRI, Lumbar puncture & CT SCan still not going away. Hubby is being followed by a neurologist who on Thursday prescribed medication with the disclaimer that he might need hospital admission for the IV drugs. Saturday hubby's headache got worse, how that's possible I have no clue. But it was bad enough that he asked to go to the hospital. I had to leave work early to take him there. It's now the next night & he's still in hospital receiving IV medications and there hasn't been any change in his headache yet. Fingers crossed that it will start to work soon.

The Neurologist figures it's going to take MANY days to kick this thing in the ASS... since he's had it for 4-5 weeks..

It's Friday

2010-03-05T17:40:00.004-05:00

Well its friday. Hubby still has his HEADACHE (if that's what we call it 4 weeks later) The neurologist said all the test were normal. We got to our appt late yesterday cuz some clown decided to cut us off & crash into us. We were all okay but that caused a delay in getting to our appt & caused hubby's BP to be 160/104 (that's HIGH). So hubby is now on medications for migranes & if that doesn't work on Tuesday he'll be admitted to hospital for IV therapy medication x2 days.

Of other note. Our House went on the market yesterday early afternoon we had two showings last night & another today. Hopefully this will work out for us. The goal of this is to down size our yard so that we can spend more time as family and less time working on the yard.

Hoping Tomorrow will bring good new & relief for hubby

2010-03-03T09:13:00.000-05:00

My Hubby

2010-02-26T13:35:00.002-05:00

My hubby is a unique guy & that's why I love him so. He never sits still, if theres a project to be done it's done ASAP. Grass does not grow under my hubby's feet. He can clean circles around me and always seems to get more done than I can. I'm okay with that..

But when he gets sick it's never normal/routine. A few years back he had SEVERE back pain which led to numerous CTSCAN & MRI done to determine eventually everything was fine.

Several weeks ago he had what we thought was a GI flu. After 4 days of tossing his cookies he went to the dr' & got anti emetic which finally made life a little better. But then a HEADACHE hit my hubby. A headache which has kicked him in the ass. My hubby has been in bed more now than I think I've ever seen him. He's been for Massage therapy, chiro, CT, and to the GP & ER. He went to the neurologist this week and has now had MRI & lumbar puncture (needle in the back). He still has a headache and significant pain.

NOW we wait till next week to get the results.

Loves of my LIFE

2010-02-24T10:09:00.000-05:00

Play Date...

2010-02-23T17:54:00.002-05:00

My 1st grader doesn't have much opportunity for playdates. No kids in our neighborhood but she has her first one scheduled for Thursday. She's invited a boy over. Oh my goodness. Earlier this year she went to his birthday party. Today they exchanged telephone number & she couldn't wait to call him (a little too eager). So Thursday this poor boy will join our house for 90 minutes hopefully the girls won't torture him too much.

My baby is growing up! Wait till her father hears she's invited a boy over. LOL :)

potty training more fun

2010-02-22T12:52:00.002-05:00

Being the baby with 2 older sister, she wants to do everything like the big girls.! That means sitting on the toilet no extra seats attached. Little 2 year old bum and large toilet leaves for a lot of risks of falling in. Today it happened. She was devistated. It was probably best that is was just her & I home. No one to laugh at her. Her feelings were hurt enough.
The middle girl feel in a few times even after she learned.

potty training fun

2010-02-22T10:10:00.002-05:00

The baby has decided she's ready to be a big girl and wear panties. We are very excited around here about this. The big girls have been cheering her on when using the toilet.

My only complaint is the loud screams at 1 a.m the other night as the baby is running up & down the hall (non carpet) crying cuz she has to peeeeee. She went to bed with a diaper on (I'm not ready for night time training yet) but apparently she is. Once I woke up & figured out what was going on we went to their bathroom she did her business and back to bed without waking everyone else up. I can't believe the big girls slept through it. Baby was running up & down the hall yelling and waiting for some one to turn on the light.

Sat. was a accident free day & only one accident yesterday.

My Valentine

2010-02-16T12:46:00.000-05:00

Eve of my Birthday

2010-02-11T10:39:00.002-05:00

Today is the day before my birthday. I have lots to be greatful for. An amazing hubby -he's taking the day off tomorrow to spend with me :)! Three beautiful little diva's who are full of energy & life & keep me running! .. I've been lucky to find a job I love which makes it tolerable to work mostly every weekend (being away from my family sucks)

I woke up this a.m determined to find an affordable way for us to take a DISNEY vacation this year. Only the big girl has been & she was only 8 months old. Hubby & I have only been a total of once also. I think the girls are at a GREAT age. The baby would be a good 2 and half this summer the big girls 5&7. Hubby & I haven't decided if we are done having babies yet. So we need to decide that before we book any big trips like this. Also need to decide soon cuz I'm not getting any younger especial on the eve of my birthday.

Birthday plans include breakfast in bed, going into the post office without helpers, Dinner out at Fogo de Chao with hubby, sister, her hubbby & a great canadian friend.

Colts Fan

2010-02-10T17:17:00.000-05:00

adventures of a snow day

2010-02-09T16:19:00.002-05:00

Yet another day of school cancelled because of a little snow. But around here it is pretty good timing. The big girl has had a cough for more than a week & yesterday started complaining about ear pain. Now with her having asthma and 4 ear surgeries for tubes these are common complaints. But last night it was really bad. So before school was even cancelled we decided we'd go to the Dr 1st thing this am. Our dr Rocks she always has great same day appt times.

We went up there at 10 a.m, mainly for big girls ears. But then when the dr' listened to her chest she wasn't impressed. So a nebulizer treatment in the office was required & then the dr could actually hear a little air moving. She was totally diminished (breath sounds) on the right side.

Both ears are infected (oral antibiotic for that) and because her asthma is exacerbated she's now on a course of steroids. I guess it was a good thing we went to the dr.

She doesn't really complain much about her coughing, and it's just part of who she is so I had NO idea she was that bad. At least it wasn't a trip to the ER. Fingers crossed the steroid helps.

Once upon a child

2010-02-04T15:03:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I reorganized the play room & at the time I filled up a big box with many baby toys that aren't played with chez nous. The box of toys has been in the garage for weeks. Hubby & I have been slowly finding balls to one of the toys (balldrop) so today the little ladies & I went & sold some toys. Baby had a MELT down. She did not want to leave her ball game at the store. She didn't notice it has been gone from the play room for weeks. But today she was VERY SAD, TEARS and everything. The store bought many of our toys just not the early learning (sensory) toys. The baby desperately looked inside the bin we were taking back home for her ball game. SAD baby.
The toys we brought home will go to a new home where they have a small baby.

Wednesday

2010-02-03T13:44:00.000-05:00

In high school my girl friend and I ALWAYS looked forward to our birthdays. Mine is just 9 days away & then from then on she would literally count the days till hers (May 16th). But now she has someone even more special to start her count down till her birthday with. This is her little precious peanut who will turn 2 Feb. 16th. (picture taken by her baby girls parents)

My little ladies have only meet this peanut once however yesterday big girl did up a birthday card all by herself & it's too cute. She says we miss you.. How sweet is she. Now the gift is done just need to get to the post to mail it!!

Certified Pediatric Nurse

2010-01-28T15:31:00.003-05:00

I am very lucky to work in a hospital that supports their staff obtaining certifications.

Last summer I was lucky enough to take & pass my certification in Case Management (CCM) which was paid for by my employer. (was very worried I failed the exam)

Then last Monday I took my chances at the exam to become a certified Pediatric Nurse. I found out today I PASSED.. YAHOO for me.. (was just unsure how I did)

Being able to sign up for exams without having to put out the money upfront makes things a lot easier. Luckily for me I haven't had to figure out what happens if I failed.

Even thought I don't have my degree in nursing I now have: RN, CCM, CPN after my name. Hopefully someday before my eldest hits college I'll have my masters in nursing started & completed.

Mittens

2010-01-27T14:05:00.000-05:00

Around here we have a very hard time finding GOOD mittens that fit and stay on for the duration of a play. 2/3 of my girls are truly Canadian and love the cold / outdoors. The baby is still learning.
Yesterday after 45 minutes of fixing mittens (they sucked) I decided I would share (very hard for me to do) my Canadian Olympic mitts (given to me as xmas gift by a dear friend) but they are only mitts right & how much damage can a 4 year old & snow cause.

After 2 hours of outside play, I helped the 4 year old get undressed. My mittens were twice their size from all the snow that was stuck to them. :( But after an evening drying near the register they appear to be unharmed.

Mission next week is to find better fitting mittens so I don't have to share...LOL..

Requirements.. Mitten, with long wrist part to be able to tuck them into the jacket well. I'll accomplish my mission and the snow will go & not come back till next year you watch.

game night

2010-01-27T09:53:00.002-05:00

Tonight is our family game night. Very excited little girls. It's amazing what our 2 year old can do. The girls recently learned to play UNO with their daddy & even the baby can play & she loves to be included. I am sooo tempted to go out and buy a new game for family game night. We'll see what happens today while I am only with one child. Now to plan a fun family dinner. Finger foods are always a hit!

Haiti

2010-01-26T08:24:00.003-05:00

Our 1st graders school is putting together "hygiene packages" for adults and babies to send to Haiti.

This weekend the girls went on a scavenger hunt in our house to locate "stuff" off the list. They were successful in finding 15+ bars of soap, toothbrushes. This week we are making facecloths & receiving blankets.

Then each girl will get 10 dollars & we are going to the dollar store tonight to add more items to the wish list. The girls are loving the lesson of giving to others.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

2010-01-21T13:50:00.003-05:00

We moved to a town with an NFL team Dec. 2006 and in Jan 2007 the team went to the AFC CHAMPIONSHIP game & hubby was fortunate enough to get to go courtesy of Fedex. I on the other hand sat at home with the girls, sister in law & nephew eating pizza. We had only been here about a month and had not yet established a sitter. So hubby called his brother in law (huge football fan) to come down & join him for the game. NOT THIS YEAR!!!

Last night while cooking dinner the contest started for the 9th caller on our local country radio station. I dialed all flustered & dialed a disconnected number. Then I dialed again & it rang and rang but then I WAS THE WINNER!!! yahoo for me. I was totally in shock. I sounded like a complete DORK on the radio but whatever I won two tickets to this weekends AFC CHAMPIONSHIP game.

I then had to hold my breath until mid day today when my request for time off was approved.

So now it's official hubby & I have a date, kids with a sitter than their nanny. Now hubby & I have to go get jerseys. Can't show up there with out them & I don't think our hockey jerseys would work right color wrong sport.

GO COLTS

Family Time

2010-01-19T11:55:00.004-05:00

Last night hubby & I were chatting and came to a very Sad realization. With our busy/ crazy work schedules & maintaining a good bed time for the kids we only spend about 6 hour a week as an entire family unit. How sad is that. That also includes the craziness in the am when we are getting ready for school/work. But it's really only 4 hours a week at night dinner/bed time.

With me working 12 hours I am gone for dinner/bed 3/7 nights.

WOW...

Family Time

2010-01-19T11:55:00.001-05:00

Play room

2010-01-14T13:15:00.002-05:00

The kids have a HUGE playroom. They are rather lucky. But with that much space you can get a lot of toys in there that you forgot you had. About once a year I get on a kick that I need to REORGANIZE the playroom. It hit yesterday & I've been busy ever since. It all started when I decided I needed to clean out two closets at the bottom of the bsmt stairs. That equaled 3 bags of jackets/snow suits for goodwill. Apparently I've been collecting kids jackets & a few of my own. With the streamlining of the closet it gave me an empty closet. This is now the craft closet.
The playroom lost about a dozen baby toys.(this was hard hoping to take them to Once Upon a Child & make a little money) I added a large bookshelf & a new 12 bin storage system.
The girls LOVED playing in their new playroom this a.m They played whit toys they haven't touched in MONTHS. I was also able to get my hands on a label maker & now all the bins are labeled. Lets see how long this last.

FUN!!!

2010-01-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

Family Vacation - Great Wolf Lodge

2010-01-11T09:38:00.001-05:00

We had an AMAZING family get away. After the busy busy month of December, our family needed a get away. Hubby's business is extremely busy for the 6 weeks leading upto Christmas. Some days he finds himself working 24hrs to get the job done. This type of work schedule doesn't leave for much family time. Then its right into the hustle & bustle of Christmas & this year that also included an 5 extra adults visiting (sister/hubby, & our parents)for 1-3 weeks this was busy. I also had to work a lot this xmas season. So by the time Friday January 8 came we were very much ready for a family get away.
We checked into GREAT WOLF LODGE Friday at 6pm & didn't leave the lodge until 1pm on Sunday. It was AMAZING. We spent a lot of time in the pool. All but the babies nap time was spent as a family. The girls enjoyed most of the water slides. It was such a good time that we started talking about what ages we want the girls to the next time we go back. Did I mention they have a Starbucks inside the lodge, major bonus for me.
Hubby and I were extremely impressed with the key & charging system. We all got bracelets once checked in, the adult bracelets allowed us to get in/out of our room & charge meals to our room ect.. This was great. Never worried about room key or bringing money down for dinner or starbucks. It was great!!

Happy New Year...

2010-01-07T08:42:00.002-05:00

2009 was a great year chez nous... We are all healthy & none of us had surgery during the past year! We had lots of family visit during the summer/fall/Christmas holidays.

We learned how to really appreciate our limited family time together. We weathered the recession with both of us being employed.

The girls are all getting so much older and independent. Big girl is 1/2 way through 1st grade and really thriving. Middle girl started an amazing preschool and loving every minute of it. The baby is learning to tidy up one toy before moving on to the next (yahoo).

In 2010 we will hopefully continue to build on all those wonderful things from 2009.

Daddy's girls (1 of 3)

2009-12-25T23:04:00.000-05:00

Pets.....

2009-12-25T22:50:00.000-05:00

These are the pets that have moved in here! The girls LOVE them. The baby is a bit unsure but wants to play with them. MERRY CHRISTMAS.

embroidery machine

2009-12-17T23:14:00.003-05:00

I am learning to use my embroidery machine like none other this week. Hubby had me do over 24 sweaters for his employees for xmas gifts & the nanny 5 sweaters for her boys. In order to do some of these I had to finally break down and buy a program to set up files. So last night was the night to do that and then learn how to use it. Boy it's been a fun day of trial & error & boy let me tell there's been some errors.

One sweater the sleeve dropped down and stitched in. Ruined.
One sweater I totally embroidered on the wrong side, did it on the inside of the sweater. Another one to my scrap pile. That's not to mention the not so straight wording.

I've gone through my first full spool of embroidery thread.. 1000m of thread.

I love my toy.. Just wish somedays I had more time to figure it out! Maybe over the holiday.

Lost tooth #2

2009-12-14T08:29:00.000-05:00

Work

2009-12-11T23:38:00.002-05:00

Today at work I had a mixed day. I started out a little tired (hubby worked all night so not a good night sleep was had), but by the time I got there I had my work spunk ready to run! Our new staff showed up for her 2nd day of orientation. I went to do a carseat install for a co worker and smacked my forehead when I was trying to remove the crotch strap to move it and now I'm sporting a nice purple/blue goose egg. Then my orientee and I went to a BRAINSTORMING meeting, but you put a bunch (15) of middle aged women in a room and it becomes a bitch session & my position was the one they decided to shit on today. Great intro to the job for the new staff. Wait until they have nobody helping then they'll really have something to bitch about! So after that meeting my usual spunk was funked but I was very careful not to bitch, complain or say much in front of my orientee (not fair to a new staff). Then out of the blue my Team Leader came & found me in my office, I was presented with a "Gold Award" & a gift card. Spent my gift card from a large selection of gifts online and got my self a neoprene lunch bag can't wait for it to be delivered. How kewl was that, It made me tear up! It was for helping out at another one of our facilities during a "bed crisis". I did it cuz I could & had fun helping out. Never expected an Award. How kewl. Apparently she had the award for me since before the Thanksgiving holiday but with me only working one day during the week it's been tough to get it to me. She saved it for a day when I really needed a pick me up. My spunk is back!

The mind of a 2 Year old

2009-12-10T20:01:00.002-05:00

Tonight at dinner the girls were all acting like "hams"! The conversation started in loud voices the big girl saying: "if we have a fire the baby is going to freeze" sitting at the table in only her diaper. Middle girl sitting right next to big girl didn't hear her so after several times repeating it big girl decided to try and whisper it. So you've got the two big girls trying to whisper to each other (not normally allowed) but I was too busy laughing to remind the girls that this isn't acceptable at our table. Because at the same time, the baby had turned to me and started moving her mouth all CRAZY with no volume. It was hilarious. This is one of a million reasons we eat as a family every chance we get. The girls get at least one of us each night!

SOCKS

2009-12-08T19:55:00.002-05:00

Our house has a love/hate relationship with socks. The girls and I wear them as LITTLE as possible. But some how we still have a LARGE drawer of mismatched socks.
Two of the girls and I tried to make some matches but I am still probably going to be putting enough back to fill 1/2 the drawer. Any advise ...

LET IT SNOW

2009-12-07T09:31:00.000-05:00

GINGER

2009-12-03T09:11:00.003-05:00

I'm in need of a GOOD Ginger cookie recipe. Using FRESH GINGER.

Due to the illness that ran through our house last week. Hubby had the shopping list for thanksgiving dinner. On my list was parsnips but he couldn't find them so instead I got 3 large ginger root. He was just thinking oof his stomach i'm sure wanting cookies. But now to find a GOOD cookie recipe. I don't want to just get a recipe of the internet I would really like one that others have used & enjoy!

Busy Making Christmas gifts

2009-12-02T17:51:00.002-05:00

This year the little ladies & I are trying to make a lot of our xmas gifts. My medium girl has been busy running the embroidery machine. Since we have yet to buy software to put letters together for names (free trial expired) our home made gifts are getting first initial only. Medium girl picks the thread color, loads the thread (i thread needle), picks the letter we need, loads the card into the reader writter and then once I put the fabric on the hoop she runs the machine. It's nice. I get a lot done while my elf is helping. We hope everyone loves what we are making.
Project #1 is well underway. Then the nieces / special little people project will get started (hopefully we my joann's order will arrive soon). Just wish we didn't have to mail the majority of our gifts. We won't get to see most gifts being opened :(

The day before Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T16:40:00.003-05:00

Today is the day before American Thanksgiving. I really thought I'd be busy grocery shopping, cleaning house and prepping food. That is not the case.

The fun chez nous started late Monday. 6yr. woke up with severe belly pain, she was able to go back to bed but was up several times that night. So when 7 a.m came and she was still complaining of pain in the same spot I decided it warranted a run to the doctor considering it's Thanksgiving here on Thursday. So she got ready for school and off we went to the dr for 8 a.m. Dr. didn't like the belly exam so off to the children's hospital ER we went. Xray, Blood work and ultrasound (normal) later we went home. She was started on antibiotic for junk in her urine. Last night & today we are still having complaints of severe pain episodes but no fever for her or vomiting. Lucky for us school break started this a.m so no need to make the decision about going to school or not!

Before lunch today the baby -2- decided she was going to burn up 103.8 so off to bed she went. Then after about 90 minutes the temp came down 102.7. She's been pretty lazy laying around watching DORA all day not wanting to do ANYTHING. Around 4 pm she started crying and was miserable, I picked her up and was going to bring her up to bed but not before she tossed her entire stomach contents all over me with three large tosses. YUKKK. While I showered the grossness off she fell asleep on my bed. Lets hope she's done tossing her cookies.

Here's hoping we have a well Thanksgiving Day!

Home ownership... the projects never end

2009-11-25T09:40:00.000-05:00

FIRST TOOTH fallen OUT!!

2009-11-23T08:50:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving

2009-11-19T09:26:00.002-05:00

I still find it very weird that Thanksgiving is in November. I'm torn as to what to make. We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving about 4 weeks ago and yet next Thursday is another turkey day.

It will be a great 2 days of FAMILY TIME. I'm sure nobody will care what the food is as long as I offer them something 3 times or more each day!

The other thing I am excited about is the day after "black friday" I might actually get out for a little shopping. Then that night weather permitting will be a family fun night down town when the city turns on the xmas lights for the season.

1st Concert

2009-11-17T08:35:00.005-05:00

Monday night hubby and I took the older two girls to their first ever concert. On the drive down my medium child took a quick nap. Finding parking was a bit of a challenge. But we were still there in plenty of time to get to our seats before the opening act.
The girls weren't overly impressed with the opening act. THey were just there to see the HANNAH /MILEY.
My big girl is starting to be a little imbarressed she was worried about dancing. The medium girl was exhausted half way through from DANCING/DANCING/DANCING. She's a machine!

The concert was GREAT. Lot's of dancers girls enjoyed that! Good stage show lots of stuff to keep the girls interested.

Both girls were asleep before we left the parking garage (took 30 minutes to get out). Everyone was up on time with no complaints this a.m

Stuff....

2009-11-12T08:38:00.003-05:00

Today the baby is scheduled for her two year old check up. Lets hope it happens she's got a wee bit of a cough and runny nose. Fingers crossed.

Being a stay at home mom part time (Mon - Thurs)is FUN but it would really be nice to see my FAMILY on the weekends. Working 12 hr shifts 3 days on the weekend doesn't allow for much family time. But to work M-F would mean the kids would have to have a NANNY full time or go to DAYCARE & that is an expense that I would need to be earning EXTRA money to pay for. I'm not going to work just to pay for child care.
If only family lived closer (and provided cheap child care to hang out with their grand child LOL)
Oh the things we worry about!