Adventures of Motherhood, Will I Survive?

Conversations... with myself...

2012-01-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's just me, I hope it's not, hopefully it's quite common...

My mind very rarely shuts off. It is constantly thinking, re-hashing conversations, creating new recipes, new projects, trying to remember, dictating blogs/letters/phone calls, singing, reminding, making lists, and well, talking to me. I will be staring at the TV or computer but I'm actually not paying attention to it, I'm preoccupied with whatever thoughts are running through my brain. My husband will ask me something about what I'm doing/watching and I really can't answer him.

I've been asked/told that "it must be so boring at home without the girls" but I'm not. I don't really see my friends that often, 10-20 mins everyday at the school bus stop, a few hours with the neighbour on our shopping trips once a week but other then that I'm busy with *me* till the kids come home. I DO do stuff during the day: some house cleaning/chores, taking care of animals, cooking, shopping, PAC volunteering, computer work/games. But I really don't need someone around me all day, as far as I can remember I have always been fine with just myself.

Never being lonely seems to be the only plus side to living with my brain though. When it's 2am and I'm trying to sleep, it's waaay to noisy! Louder than Micheal's snoring! That is annoying
Or when I'm busy and bustling my little behind, my brain is too quiet and Micheal and the girls can't hear it asking nicely for their help and then my brain sends messages to my mouth to bark out orders at them to hurry up and do it NOW! Ya, that's not fun nor nice.
Or when I keep thinking of something, planing on doing it and I've thought of it for so long that I actually think that I have done it and it turns out that I haven't... that sucks!

It is not fun, very annoying and sucks so much that I begin to wonder if I'm going crazy. Is this "talking to ones self"? I'm I going nuts? When/how do I know when it's too much?

Is my brain taking over... me?

Welcome 2012

2012-01-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I posted, life has been BUSY to say the least! My dear Mother misses my posts, so Hi Mom! Here are some pictures from recent months, Enjoy.

Snow arrived in November

And with snow came to lazy sofa days...

...along with silly girls!

I went with the girls on a school outing, Ivy at GF Museum.

Anna waiting outside museum for school bus.

Samuel in early Nov, home for a few weeks.

Sam at home after a month, DOUBLED in size!

Such a silly puppy, sleeps in strange positions.

4 months old and 37 pounds! Vet says he'll be over 100lbs when fully grown... not the medium size like we wanted...

Sammy's outgrown his bed after 2 months of use.

I snuck this shot of Ivy at breakfast one day.

Micheal grew a mustache for "Movember", the girls were fascinated by his new hair and wanted to grow some too. Ivy came up with these fake 'staches instead.

Anna's birthday party, my friend Drisana stayed and helped.

Anna opening gifts

A rare shot of me, taken by Ivy.

Girls are showing off masks from New Orleans, given to them by Aunt Jen.

Ivy took this photo of Anna, Aunt Jen, and Grandma Cindy (hi Mom)

My friend Andrea in Australia sent the girls these cute Koala purses and Joey pencil cases.

Christmas morning, Grandma Rocky gave them new dresses!

My Silly Husband and reindeer Anna.

And that just about finishes 2011, I haven't downloaded Ivy's birthday pictures yet, so you'll just have to wait with baited breath!
Happy New Year everyone, all the best to you and your family!

2011-11-11T11:42:00.001-08:00

Sir Samuel Pipen, aka Sammy

We got a puppy! He is a Husky/Lab/Shepard cross, he's just over two months old and we adopted him from H.E.A.R.T. Samuel is really cute and rambunctious, he doesn't really cuddle but loves to play.

A puppy is alot of work, more than I thought, the girls seem to cause more problems when it comes to training the pup. They get Samuel riled up, then cry when he playfully nips them, then runs away when he tries to play and he thinks it's part of the game.... it's very frustrating! Specially when Mike has a broken finger and works late.....I'm not in a happy place right now, but we have a puppy!

Tuckered out and snoozing with Scoobie-doo.

Silly Sammy playing with his new toy.

Sammy's new favorite sleeping spot, the girls' princess chair.

PAC

2011-09-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Yup, it was unanimous, I am PAC chair again (...still?) Either way I don't mind, I enjoy the position for the most part, I am good at delegating and organizing everyone, plus I love to know what's going on. What I don't like about the job is being the figure head of PAC and dealing with the School Board, luckily no controversy has arisen, yet!

I've spent all morning doing PAC stuff: writing letters/emails, making coupons and lists, sorting through supplies for harvest lunch and snack shack, dropping off stuff at the school, talking with principal, more writing emails... now I can take a break and watch the noon news hour. Then I'll check to see if I have reply's to the e-mails and if all is good I won't have much PAC stuff to do for the rest of the week but that's only if I'm lucky!

New Topic: It's Fall!!
And boy oh boy, Mother Nature sure knows how to switch seasons. We had a huge wind storm on Sunday, power was out for most of the day, lots of damage throughout town, minor destruction here though. Today it's Cold and Wet! Yup, it's fall.

Blerrg, didn't even get a half hour break, just answered a call from the school... and so it continues.

Happy Autumn everyone!

Busy little kitchen

2011-09-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

My kitchen has been filled with many wonderful smells and tastes this past month. I've only been canning for a few years now but I can honestly say I enjoy it and love trying new recipes. This was the first year I tried my hand at making jam, it's a bit more work than pickling but the results are wonderful. I didn't have great results using the store bought pectin so I'm mainly trying recipes without it, it takes more heat and stirring but oh so worth it! Can't wait for next summer to try it all over again.
So far I have made: Dill pickles, pickled beets, pickled garlic and carrots; Canned peaches and blush peaches; Blackberry jam, Raspberry jam, 3 berry jam, Strawberry & Balsamic jam, Plum & Apple Jam, and Apple jelly.

Anna scrubbing cucumbers

Jars packed and waiting for the canner

Jars coming out of their "bath"

All done! Now to wait 6 weeks for full pickle taste!

Pickled beets and pickles

Some jars of peaches and berry jam

My Parents came for a visit this past week and generously brought me peaches, plums, apples and boxes and boxes of canning supplies! I'm set for life now! Ivy and I were ohh-ing and ahh-ing over all the cute jars, we'll have lots of fun filling them with homemade goodness!

Back to School

2011-09-12T12:22:00.001-07:00

Well, it's that time again. This year it was a little different than the past few years.
The morning of the first day of school, the girls were excited and I was nervous. Why was I nervous? I'm not quite sure, it could be because of the uncertainty towards Anna's diet or just my unwillingness to accept that my children are growing up! How did they get from being tiny little cuddle monkies who needed me for everything to grade school kids who can reach the tap in the bathroom and ride a school bus and read their own bedtime books... but that feeling didn't last long.
As soon as Ivy entered the school, she turned around and grabbed my hand, buried her face into my side and would not let me take Anna into her classroom. I was flabbergasted, I was expecting Anna to have a melt down, (she didn't want to return to school "I want summer all the time Mom!") but not Ivy, not my big grade 3-er, not the girl who begged for summer school and was dancing in the school supply isle.
We dropped off Anna's backpack and supplies in her room, then we went over to Ivy's classroom, Ivy clung to me the whole time. She would not look nor talk to anyone. Once in the room, Ivy looked around, I pointed out her friends and we found an empty desk. She put on a brave face, fought back the tears and settled in. I escaped into the hall to find Lucus (one of the boys I babysit) bawling his eyes out. I quickly hugged him and dried his tears and took him and Anna back into the other room to find his Mom. I turned him over to Tracy and then Anna and I sorted through Anna's supplies got her settled. Then we hear more criing, this time it's a friend of Anna's, her Mom had left and she broke down. I asked Anna how she was and if I could go to the gym to wait for the assembly. Anna was fine, she wondered off to play. I quietly peeked in on Ivy, she looked sullen and was distracted with her teacher.
As I sat in the gym, I felt relieved. My kids are normal, I did not need to feel nervous. This is the forth time we have done this, we are pros!
The first week of school was great, we all adjusted fine. It's good to be back to routines.

Here are a few shots of the girls on their first day of school!

Second part of Summer

2011-09-04T14:17:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the last day of Summer vacation. How can a lazy summer be so full and busy? I'm going to miss all this free time but all good things must come to an end...
The only thing I wish we did more of was to travel/camp. Too bad Mike's been so busy with work and working on our basement, seems like he's hardly been around.

Ivy spent many a days with her friend Seren, here all three girls are dressed up and showing off toy hamsters.

THE QUILT
All summer, on Tuesdays, the girls had library book clubs. One of the topics at Anna's was quilting and she took a great interest in the book, which turned into guilting me into making her a quilt. I didn't have a pattern nor plan, I just started cutting triangles.

All the material was from my scrap bags.

And sewn on my trusty old sewing machine from the 60's

Close up of stitching triangles.

Anna is holding up a triangle "rope"

The girls were put to work cutting apart the "rope"

After ironing the triangle pairs open, I laid out several designs

We chose a layout we liked and started pining and sewing.

Part of the quilt top (laid on another quilt).

The quilt is not finished, Anna lost interest so it got added to the pile of unfinished projects that I hope to get to when the girls are at school.

The girls got a hold of my camera and snapped off these shots of their Doll standing on a table leg...

I cut the girls hair, Anna really suits short hair!

Ivy's cut is cute too but it's hard to tell in this photo, she has been working with Mike in the basement and she is in need of a bath!

Playdoh! It's fun for all ages!

Mike is showing the girls some new techniques!

This summer has been filled with tons of stuff that the camera didn't capture: Camping with my little bro and his family, an overnight camping/birthday party for a friends son, Ivy's first sleepover with a friend, gardening, yard work, fence building, evening visits with neighbors and friends... it goes on and on!

Well, time to put away the laptop and bring out the school supplies, hopefully I bought enough.
Good bye summer vacation, it's been fun!

The Summer so far:

2011-07-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a bunch of photo's from June and July.

Little league baseball, Anna is up front, Ivy is in right field

Ivy running the bases.
The whole team and their coach

The next photos are from Awards Day at school.

Here is Ivy with Big and Little Zoe.
Anna on the playground.Anna and her friend Nikhita

Ivy and her friends, Rayne and Seren, both girls are off to Gr.4.Anna getting her Kindergarten diploma.

Anna and her cousin Sylvia.

The kindergarten class of 2010/11!

Ivy getting the Top Math Award for Grade 2, principle congratulating her.

Ivy after getting the Top Academic Award for grade 2!! See her little grin!

This next bunch is from our Canada Day parade.

Ivy's Friend Jacob. The Japanese Float, with our neighbours.

The Red Hatters, I love the giant hat!

"The Oriental Express" Our neighbour ladies funny float!

Anna, waving the Canadian flag and having a fun time!

Swim Lessons!
The girls had a blast with their Swim lessons, I just wish they weren't so expensive and that we weren't pinching pennies right now.

Ivy is next to the girl in green and Anna is next to Ivy.

Ivy learning to kick on her back. She did not like that.

Ivy in the deep end.

Anna in the deep end.

Anna learning the Doggie paddle.

The last bunch of photos and from this past weekend at the In-Laws.
The girls riding Sonny with Uncle Ben leading.

Posing for the camera.

Anna clinging for life, she fussed for most of the ride.

Ivy climbing out of the pasture...

...and Anna crawling out!

They are too cute sometimes!

Anna is the Queen of the stump!

Klara, Michael, Uncle Frank and Grandma P watching the girls.

And that's it so far...well all I got pictures of. We are planning some camping trips soon so stay turned for more!

OMG!

2011-06-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

We had quite the scare today!

Ivy and Anna were playing nicely outside this morning but within a few minutes I hear Anna yelling "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I-VEEEE! I'm sorry". This is normal for the girls, Anna always yells and usually Ivy tattles on her about some silly little thing.

I thought, Gees why can't they play nice when all of a sudden Ivy come rushing in, crying and covered in BLOOD! WTF! was my first .5 second reaction the other.5 second was ripping off the towel on my head (just had a shower) and start wiping the blood off Ivy to see how hurt she was. It was dripping down her face, down her arm, splashing on her legs and the floor. Her hands were covered from holding her head, I pressed the towel to her head and rushed her to the bathroom so I could sit her down and really look.

After a minute(felt like hours)and once the towel absorbed most of the blood, I could see the source of blood was a small hole/cut. I didn't panic, I know the head bleeds more that the rest of the body. I got Ivy to press on the towel while I called the Doctor. He was just out to lunch and the receptionist said the same I was thinking, it's a small cut, lots of blood but should be okay, go to Hospital if it'll make me feel better. By the time I got back to Ivy the bleeding had stopped so I cleaned her up and got the whole story.

The girls were playing nicely, Anna was up in the fort and Ivy was under. Anna threw out the little chair attached to the pulley rope at the same time Ivy was backing out from underneath. One of the chair's legs hit Ivy square on the head. Purely an accident and one that Anna has learned much from. Anna felt really bad and cried more than Ivy, I made her attend to Ivy during lunch to make up for it.

It's 7 hours later and Ivy is doing great, other than a tender goose egg with a tiny wound that opens when she forgets and scratches it. Me on the other hand has a dozen more gray hairs!

Summer is here...

2011-06-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

...with avengence!

This sudden heat is crazy, I hope it cools down a bit before we go straight into fire season. I'm not one for the dooms day prophesies but with the strange weather this past year, or so, and all the large earthquakes and volcanic eruptions it was me thinking that something is happening. I don't know if it's the 2012 Mayan calendar thing is correct or the Earth is just being grumpy But it seems Earth is building up to something BIG!

Less than a week of school left for the girls. I'm glad to have the time off my school/PAC duties but I'll miss it just the same, we girls might get a little bored this summer. Mike has already said we can't travel too much because of all the work he has to do in the basement and the new lot. Oh well guess we'll be making lots of play dates and maybe ask Grandparents to take the girls for visits. But still 2 months off will be nice!

We are alright

2011-06-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

I don't want to write this post but I should get it out.

Last weekend we said good-bye to Rupert. It was specially hard on Mike, I told him I could take Rupert to the vet but Mike didn't want that. He wanted to make sure it was done proper without pain.

Mike chose a lovely spot for Rupert, in the woods on top of a small hill, under a study larch tree, over looking the valley. In the evening Mike drove us girls to the hill so we could plant some flowers, Anna wanted to put rocks ontop and draw pictures with chalk, and Ivy made a headstone. It was hard to walk away.

I think I did most of my grieveing the first month after diagnoses, I feel relieved that Rupert isn't suffering anymore. I do miss having him around, it is very lonely here during the day without anyone, the cat hasn't filled the big shoes of constant companion that has been left for him.

The first 2 days Mike was visably sad and hurt but he seems alright now. It is difficult to tell with him, he hides his feelings too well. He doesn't like the girls talking about Rupert, I don't blame him though. The evening we came back from laying Rupe to rest Mike found this page (http://www.cancerquest.org/canine-osteosarcoma) about the type of cancer, it was interesting to read and helped alot.

My friend Sam has offered us one of her dogs, a female French Bulldog. But she is 5-7 years old and Mike wants a puppy. The girls and I have met the dog this past winter and we liked her but Mike hasn't and he seems hesitant to meet her, so I think we will wait. It's only been a week.

So, I will say it again... Rupert I miss you, I love you. You were my first baby, you taught me alot and showed me unconditional love. Enjoy the chase boy, Squirrel!!

June!

2011-06-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

JUNE?! 6 months into 2011? That is just plain crazy!

The girls only have 3 1/2 weeks left of school until summer break, I can't wait! I know Anna is tired of school as am I, I am so in need of a break from PAC. Ivy may go through withdrawals but we'll fix that with lots of trips to the library.

Rupert is still with us, he isn't doing to well. His left leg is absolutely useless now, can't bare any weight. Mike and I have discussed how we will handle the whole thing and where we'd like to lay him to rest. Mike wants to sprinkle poppy seeds so there will be flowers every year. It'll happen soon.

I'm getting discouraged with this blog, way too many visitors from foreign lands, 80% of them ae spammers. Not sure if I will continue... I may create a new site... I'll have to think on the subject. If you are a regular reader let me know if I should continue this blog here or at a new site, if I get no response then I'll stop completely... thanks :)

Arrg and more Arrgs!

2011-05-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Talk about ruining a beautiful day! Arrgg!

The stupid Commissionaire that the city hired to enforce by-laws just took a picture of my front yard! He actually left the street and stood in Mike's parking spot and took a picture of the stuff that is hidden by the RV. We've dealt with this before, if it's not seen from the road it's alright and now he leaves the road to look at it!! F*cking A$$hole! If this means we get fined, I'm going to blow!

If one of my neighbours has been complaining I'm going to lose it completely! The only Neighbours that have a right to complain are directly across from us and I've asked them if it offends them and they look at me with a confused look and say "what stuff?". The people next door can't see it through the trees and their tarp garage.

We have had 2 verbal warnings 2 years ago, nothing last year. I'm fairly certain the warning have to be in writing to be enforced. I did notice a messy house on the next street had to put up an 8 foot fence.... I really don't want to fence the yard... even though it would be good if we get a puppy.

Arrrggg, I don't want to tell Mike, I had him convinced to do a dump run soon and now he won't just to spite the commissionaire. I don't want to deceive Mike either and not tell him... Dilemma!

On a positive note, the new guy behind us (who is shifty...) was driving by (on his crappy lawnmower that doesn't mow...) and saw it happen and he quickly stopped and raced to the door to let me know. Now that is neighbourly! I thanked him and he said that our yard isn't that bad, that was nice of him.

I was so mad when it happened, I had noone to vent to so I went outside and hung the laundry and shoveled Rabbit poop into the wheelbarrow and dumped it all into the garden. I did about 8 barrow loads. I was huffing and puffing but still angry! I've calmed down a lot typing it all here.

Deep breathes, Let it go.... Breathe.....is too early for a glass of wine? *grins*

Rupert update

2011-05-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

My poor puppy is going down hill fast. The cancer in his shoulder is growing fast and is restricting movement in his left leg. Rupert is not as active as he was a few months ago, he still wants to play and go for walks but he doesn't run around exploring and if I stop so does he and lies down. We are now giving him a pain killer every evening so he can sleep better, he mainly grumbles at night.

Neighbours and friends keep asking how much time Rupert has left.... I don't know how to answer this, I just say we'll know when it's time to let him go and he seems to have few months yet.... But will we know? I don't want to make him suffer and right now he doesn't seem to be in horrible pain. He is still mobile, still eats and his body functions are fine. I'm not sure how much he can take though... or rather how much Mike and I can watch Rupert go through.

On a side note, I've been noticing more puppies around. I feel a little guilty about it but I think I am preparing to let Rupert go and move on to a new dog. It will still take awhile but I know emotionally I can deal with it, I will not slide down into depression. This is one of life's moments/lessons to make us stronger!

Easter baking

2011-04-22T15:51:00.001-07:00

My Mother in law (MIL) didn't know how much fun the girls and I would have when she asked for me to bring dessert for Easter. My copy of Kraft Kitchens arrived in the mail a few weeks ago and since I have been dieing to make the ooey gooey treats!

Today was the day for sugar madness!

The girls enjoyed helping and loved licking clean all the bowls and spoons after each recipe was finished.But I got stuck with the dishes afterward.... not fair!

I made Jello Marshmallows. So easy, but will be messy to unmold and eat! We made fruity fiesta and strawberry banana.
I made a small pan of Blondies for MIL since she can't have chocolate.

And for the chocolate fans...dang just erased my photo of it but here is the magazine shot. I can't wait to try these!

While all the baking was cooling the girls and I dye some eggs,

and even shrink wrapped some!Tomorrow is dinner/lunch at the in laws, I hope these treats last till then...

(PS, I hate blogger! I lost 2 photos and if I wanted to insert them the whole post would be wonky and I don't have the patience to deal with it right now! Arrg!)

More sad news

2011-04-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

Mike put it best: "feels like something is broken". That something would be our hearts...

Rupert has been limping for a few weeks, we thought he hurt his paw and his leg got stiff when he barely used it. We thought it could be associated with his arthritis... We noticed a huge difference with his leg after we came back form the Cariboo.

So I took Rupert to the vet of Thursday. Dr. Ruth thought he could have broken his upper shoulder and the bone was knitting back wrong or strained muscles were building up from carrying his foot wrong after twisting the paw. She asked if I wanted an x-ray done, I almost said no but thought it would be best to know what was wrong. Dr. Ruth said to leave him with her and she's take an x-ray when she wasn't so busy.

An hour later I went back to the vet's, she was busy with a surgery and I was told she'll call me later with the results. So Rupert and I went back home and continued with our day: got the kids off the bus and babysat the boys, and I sort of put the whole things out of my mind. At 7pm we got the call. Mike answered. It was bad, Rupert has bone cancer. It is eating away at the bone in his front shoulder and and leg and it's growing fast. At his last appointment, in February, the vet didn't notice anything. Dr. Ruth said our options are to do nothing and give him pain killers if needed or amputate the leg, but she said this will only slow the growth and prolong things.

This has hit Mike and I hard, Rupert has been our baby for 11 1/2 years, everyone teases us that he is our first born, we got him the same month we moved into our home. I feel ashamed that I have cried more for my dog then I did my Nana. Mike says it's alright, I had been expecting a call about Nana for several years, she was getting on in years and her health wasn't the greatest. I hadn't been close with her and haven't seen her in a few years. Rupert was so healthy till this past winter, even the vet said he was doing great for a 12 year old Lab cross. Very unexpected news....

We will not amputate. We will see how he does. He doesn't complain, just limps when walking and runs with 3 legs. Rupert is still playful and has a healthy appetite but he sleeps alot and lays down instead of sitting. Not sure how much time we have together, we'll take one day at a time.

I want to shoot everyone who asks if we'll get a puppy before he goes (so that Rupert can teach it) but Mike and I can't do that to Rupert, he'll be sad and know we'll be trying to replace him, that may work for some but not us. We will need time to grieve, I needed almost a year after we put down Missy cat. Ivy was being a pest and stating she wanted a puppy, I could have strangled her when she said it, I yelled at her that she better not ask again! Yesterday, Ivy tentatively asked why I was so upset about Rupert. I tried to keep it simple but she didn't understand, couldn't grasp the concept until I said his owie was cancer. Ivy asked "Like Terry Fox?" she told me all she learned about Terry Fox and how he had a fake leg because of cancer, then she asked "will Rupe die like Terry Fox...?" Yes I said... Oh was all she said. She understands now. I think I saw her mature a little in that conversation.

Spring break over

2011-04-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

I sit in an eerily quiet house... the kids are back to school. Not sure if I'm very excited to have them going back, I was enjoying our time off together. Sure I complained some, the long trips weren't the greatest but I did like having them home. Many thoughts creep into my head when I'm alone, some I am not ready to deal with... I feel upset with the way my Nana passed away...

Spring has sprung a leak, it's been drizzling for a few days now. The rain has melted the snow away, it tries to come back but the rain stomps it out. The birds have come back, a bit late this year and not so many but they are here none-the-less. Now, if only the sun would shine a bit more then it would be lovely spring.

I'm frustrated with the slow Canadian postal service. I'm waiting for 3 parcels, one for me, one for Anna and one for us all (movies!) And they are taking their sweet time! It's been almost a month since I ordered my stuff and it will probably be the last to arrive which aggravates me to no end. My blog isn't very exciting lately, I haven't been taking many pictures... half the time I can't find the camera and sometimes I just forget to take it along with us...Maybe once it warms up I'll take some garden pictures.

Sad news

2011-03-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

My Nana has passed away, I knew she was getting older but I kinda didn't expect it to happen. I'm not sure how I am supposed to feel. I feel some regret, a bit of sadness but there is also a bunch of relief ... I mostly feel sorry for my Dad, his Mom was a huge part of his life. Mike said it's very hard for a man to lose his Mom. So we are going to visit my Dad this weekend, hopefully we can remind him he still has alot to be happy about and that we love him. Grandkids can heal lots of wounds.

200 Posts!

2011-03-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness! 200 posts!

Who would have thought 3 years ago that I would still be blogging. Not I! I will be the first to admit that I don't stick with much, many hobbies get set aside for months and years...

A lot has happened since I wrote my first post. Way back in Jan of 2008, I had recently hurt my hand, had several surgeries and was fighting a bout of depression AND running after a 2 and 4 year old! I hardly remember those days, I've changed so much. My girls have grown, I have grown, my marriage has evolved, Mike is more involved.

I like where I am. It's not perfect but I am happy!

Mondays are....

2011-03-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

... back to routines.

It's a little lonely here with the kids at school and Mike at work. We had a good weekend: lazy mornings, productive afternoons and relaxing evenings. But now it's Monday and that dang alarm has to wake us up, forcing us out of warm comfy beds and back to the hum drum work week... Blahhh

2 more weeks till Spring break and hopefully Mike will take some time off work!

I think I've grown used to our new bed, I'm sleeping for longer stretches and have no more back pain... my hip is bugging me some but that might be from more activities during the day. I did have to steal the step stool from the RV to use beside the bed, a bit easier to climb into bed now.

On Tuesday there is assembly at the school in the morning then Teacher interviews in the afternoon... bunch of back and forth driving tomorrow.

Wednesday is the school's 100 day celebration, they are off to GF for Bowling and swimming. Mike will be going with them, I was asked to come along but I do not function well with all those kids and in new environments. So I am very happy Mike will be taking my position. The teachers like it when Mike volunteers, the male children show him more respect then to the women staff and volunteers.

Thursday and Friday will be normal days. I wonder what next weekend will hold for my family...

Happy, Blahh, lonely Monday...

MARCH!

2011-03-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

It's March!

Spring is almost here!

Can you believe it!

In 2 1/2 weeks it will be school's March break and I hope we can thaw out the trailer and visit our friends in Clearwater who have bought their very first home! I'm happy for them, no more renting!

Rupert is doing much better with the arthritis meds, three days in a row he has been able to climb onto the sofa! It's nice to have a happy dog again.

We bought a new mattress, but not just any mattress. It's got all the bells and whistles: Do not disturb pocket coils, memory foam, plush top and leak proof/non staining cover! The down fall of this mattress is it's 18 inches thick! On top of our platform bed with drawers, it's incredible tall! Our bed now comes over my belly button, I have to CLIMB into bed... I will be searching for foot stools next time I go to down. Mike is sleeping well now, the first night was difficult for me and last night was better but I'm not 100% sure yet, thank goodness we have the 90 day trial period.

Until next time,
yours truly,
Princess and the pea ;p

almost healthy

2011-02-22T11:21:00.001-08:00

Who knew that after I wrote that last post that I would suffer through a hellish 36 hours of fever, chills, sweat and delusions. Thankfully once the fever broke I was almost back to my normal. I still have a cough but am good otherwise.

Because I was unexpectedly ill, Mike had to step up and be "Mom" for a day and he did a very good job... not perfectly like me but a close second :) Mike took Tuesday off work so he could take Anna to the Dentist and Rupert to the Vet.

Anna had an abscessed molar and the dentist opted to pull it instead of doing a root canal. She seems happy without the tooth, no more pain, but I feel bad she will be toothless for several years till the adult tooth comes up.

Rupert hasn't been himself all winter, doing strange things and not doing his regular comfort stuff. I thought maybe he hurt his paw but Mike said the vet said Rupert has arthritis in the back end. Both legs and hips are inflamed and stiff. But other then that he is wonderful for his almost 12 years, good teeth, eyes OK, good weight and fitness. Vet gave us some arthritis meds to give Rupert when he is having a bad day, in the last week he has had 2 doses and has shown big improvements (barking at strangers on the road again, lol)

I had a PAC meeting yesterday and I actually felt good about it, I was in control! Things are finally changing!

I can't wait for spring! I want to camp!

Still sick

2011-02-14T10:44:00.000-08:00

When will we be healthy!?

Another round of flu/colds has made it through the house. The girls seem to be on the mend but I think I still have awhile to go and I'm not sure about Mike, he hides how he is feeling too well.

Anna has had a fever off and on for over a week, it's hard to tell if it is a symptom of her illness or if it's her teeth bugging her. I've made an appointment for her with the dentist to see what we can do about her abscess... not she if it's just food caught deep or something worse.

I'm surprised how fast Ivy rebounds back from her illness, but sometimes I think she is acting. She looks bad, has a fever and is coughing up a storm but is bouncing off the walls all hyper... I think she takes after her Father...

Today is Valentines but I have a "who cares" attitude towards it this year. I have no plans, Mike asked if I wanted to do anything but I gave him a pass, it's just another day. We can make plans when we are all feeling better.

Look what happened!

2011-02-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

Ivy has lost her first tooth!!

Mmm, maybe the flash is too bright....
You can see the new tooth in behind the hole, we worried the baby tooth wouldn't come out but she wiggled a bunch and then we used some floss and yanked it out, took about 2 weeks but it finally came out!
Ivy was very excited about a visit from the Tooth Fairy, we are happy it came out and after a week the new tooth has moved *almost* into the baby's old space. Already there is another wiggle tooth up top!

A young mom still?

2011-01-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

Some days I feel older than my 31 years and some days I can't believe I'm in my 30's, I should still be 15!

I've been noticing a few of my high school classmates are posting on facebook that they are pregnant with their first, others are having their 3rd and 4th children but all under 5years old. I feel strange having a 7 & 5 year year old..... Did I have my children too early? I didn't feel young when I had Ivy at 24.

I see couples getting married in the early 20's and think they are waaay too young for marriage but I was just 22 when Mike and I married.

I'm I a hypocrite?
Do I just have a different perspective now?
Or am I turning into an old lady sitting in her porch swing yelling at the kids playing in the street....
What am I going to do with the next 50/60 years of my life?

December in Review

2011-01-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

As everyone who is close to us know, December is very busy month for my Family. I apologise for no updates for the month of December but here it all is, better late than never, eh?!

Christmas School Concert

Not the best photos, as the gym was FULL but some shots of the girls none the less.

Here is Anna, (center front) this is the only smile I could get, she was very nervous and kept searching the crowd for us, I had to go to the front to let her know we were there and then she relaxed and sang with her class.

Ivy (Center w/pink scarf) was too busy directing her classmates for me to get a good pic, this is the best I got. She sure belted out the songs thou, we could pick up her voice over the others.
Near the end the girls were close together, Ivy saw usand waved but Anna is still searching, notice her expression.

This is both schools together K-3 & 4-7 (and many parents heads, lol)

Every year the School Board does a Christmas card contest and each school has 3 winners. These are MES's winners; Wyatt, IVY!! and Vance with the principal

Anna's Birthday!
The last day of school was also Anna's B-day, that night it was just the 4 of us and we had cupcakes and family presents:

The next day we had some of Anna's friends over for a party. Only two showed up which disappointed me but Anna didn't seem to mind, the 2 that came were the most important to her. We played games and the girls got to decorate their own cupcakes, a huge hit!

Guests, Kylee and Rayanne, decorating.

Lots of fun was had!

The cake! 5, where has the time gone!?!

Visitors

My Brother, his wife and their son came for a visit the weekend before Christmas. We all had a blast (except for Mike, he had to work) but we didn't do much as it was bitterly cold and thus were house bound.

Jamie and Cam:

My crazy little bro, Rob:

I love this photo!! Cam being tickled by his Mom.

Right before they left Cam fell asleep, the black blur is Rupert checking to make sure Cam was alright.

Christmas!
I made these mini cross-stitch stockings as Christmas gifts.

My girls loved them!

Our Christmas tree:

Notice all the presents and that is only half! We sure got spoiled this year.

Christmas Morning:

Very, very spoiled, each one of us!

Ivy's Birthday

Originally, I didn't plan on doing a party for Ivy's B-day. We girls were going to go see the new Disney movie but that didn't work out. so the night before I scrambled and invited our friends the Davies over for a Pizza/Wii party. It was very relaxed and all had a great time!

Lucas, very focused on the Wii game.

Sean's turn at Wii, Ivy dressed up in princess costume.The Cake, Snow castle!

As you can see the month was jammed packed and there was lots that wasn't photographed. We all have been sick on and off during all that, I dubbed it Merry Sickmas! I loved it all but am thankful its all done with. Now to get life back on schedule!

misc. moments

2010-12-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

It happened, I couldn't stop it....

December

here.

The girls and I cleaned up and sorted through their toys in the living room. Garbage and broken toys were tossed, papers/art got recycled, the little kitchen was moved to the shed and everything was moved to their proper bins. Phew, took several hours but when we were done we had room for the Christmas tree!

But before the tree could be brought in and decorated, Ivy decided to decorated herself with ALL the new found jewelery

Anna wanted to share her dolly that's been missing for awhile, it was in the bottom of the toy box.

Earlier this week I was asked out for coffee by the school trustee, I never go out for coffee so I was a little nervous. But Cathy was very nice and she wanted to see how things were with PAC and if I had any Q's, I asked a bunch! She gave lots of advise and insight. I had a nice time, I should have coffee more often.

Who is in the box?

The highlight of coffee was when a young lady came into the cafe and told us she has a box of kittens she is taking to the pound in GF. Cathy and I knew the pound had been shut down, so then the lady said she'll take the kittens to the woods. I could not see that happen! I said I would take one for my Bro-in-law.

So I took this little guy.
He is very feisty! He attacked Rupert, was hissing at Oscar and wouldn't stay in the box! But he was nice and cuddly with me. I rushed him to BIL's before my pets revolted on me! BIL was so happy and kitty seemed happy with his new home and I was very proud of myself too!
And the other kittens did not get left in the woods, they were taken to the vets and then transferred to Trail's SPCA.

End of November

2010-11-30T09:02:00.000-08:00

It can't be... How is it possible?

The last day of November? When did that happen?

Just one more month till the new year, one more month till my big girl is 7 and 2 1/2 weeks till by baby girl is 5!

I'm not ready for December.

It's going to be a very busy month, besides the birthdays and x-mas we have family coming to visit, school concerts, other school activities, dentist, babysitting, and many unexpected things. Phew, I'm tired just thinking about it.

I've been having issues with Anna lately. We've been managing her diet, the school has been helping some but I'm wondering if the few slips she has had these past few months has effected her somewhat. This has to be the worst part of Galactosemia, not knowing if it's the disorder causing problems/issues or if Anna is going through a phase and it's a typical 4/5 year old thing or second child thing. It's hard to be a Mom and wonder why your child is acting up. The issues have to do with her hearing, she is always saying "huh?" I have to repeat myself several times, usually Mike has to relay what I say to her. Mike thinks its because of our noisy furnace but she still can't hear me outside. And don't get me started on her and rules, She doesn't follow them at home nor at school! Very different then her sister, Ivy.

Stupid Blogger is acting up again, spacing is off again.

First Snow!

2010-11-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

It was a little late this year, the girls were anxious for the cold white stuff and they weren't disappointed when it finally snowed.

I actually pulled a joke on the girls:

Early Saturday, I stomped into their room (they were awake and talking) and I sternly said "Who did it?"

Both girls were shocked and asked "Did what? I didn't!"

"Get into the living room and tell me who did it!" I yelled, trying not to smile.

Ivy whined "What is it? Maybe it was the cat..."

We entered the living room and the girls couldn't see anything wrong, they look at me very nervously. I marched over the window and through open the curtains and laughingly said "Who put all this white stuff outside?"

Anna laughs and screams "It's Snow!! Silly Mommy, it's snow! It fell from the sky, I didn't do it!"

A good memory for this first snow!

School Photos

2010-11-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

My beautiful girls!

They both had wonderful shots to choose from, we had a hard time picking a pose. Luckily the photos came with a picture CD with all the poses and B/W and sepia.

I got lucky with two gorgeous girls!

Raining

2010-10-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Fall is officially here.

Goodbye warm sunny afternoons,

Hello rain and dreary days...

Please stay away snow, at least for another month!

At least I can make thick, warm comfort soups again!

And not worry about tan lines and shaving!

New shows are on TV again.

Oscar and Rupert aren't wondering as far these days either.

The girls will go to bed on time now that it's dark earlier.

The car won't be scorching and Rupert can come for drives again.

HALLOWEEN!!!

Why!

2010-10-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

AARRRRGGG! Why do people make such a big deal out of something that should be so easy!

Being PAC Chair is getting frustrating. Why do people jump to conclusions, why do they insist their way is the best, why is there no room for compromise, why can't they sort things out between themselves....?

Why did I agree to this position? oh ya... for the children.... then why do Parents act worse then their children???

R & J's wedding

2010-10-03T10:30:00.001-07:00

Lightening, Thunder, Pouring Rain...

All things a bride would hate to have the day of her wedding, specially an hour before the ceremony!

But it was true Albertain weather and the sky cleared 30 mins later and left us with this spectacular rainbow.

The Justice of the Peace, my handsome brother Rob and his Best Man and childhood friend Steven.
Little Cam and Bride's Mom, "Hey you forgot the pillow!)

Take two! Little Cam didn't want the pillow.

My girls, the beautiful flower girls.

Anna was very nervous but did a good job.

The bride's sister and Maid of Honor.

The Bride Jamie and her father.

The Kiss!!

Giving of roses, a unique and lovely ceremony, brought a tear to my eye.

Signing of documents! It's official now!

Where did Anna go?!

The Groom, Bride and their son, Happily together forever!

Girls being too cool

Aunt Kelly, baby Julia and Grandma. Julia loved Grandma's gold purse!

The Bride and her flower girls.

Just after the sunset

My silly Ivy.

Cutting of the cake, Bride's Step mom made it, she did awesome!

The first dance!

Rob dancing with our Mother.

Rob dancing with his little sister Jen, Mom dancing with her son James.

My Father dancing with his daughter Ruth.

Grandpa Hardy dancing with Anna, which surprised everyone as he has the rep of hating children but Anna seems to have turned him into a teddy bear!

Gr. Hardy and Grandma dancing.

Uncle Rob and Niece Anna!

The next morning we had to rush back home, 10 hour drive + stops.

Ivy took this shot of "a really cool tower mountain". I think she picked up my love of nature.

Every mountain is unique.

This one looked strange with the low cloud/fog.

I think this is the same one from a different angle.

One of many pit stops.

Anna and Mike looking for cool rocks in the glacier river.

Hoodoo Cliffs near Kimberly BC

I've been to 9 (I think) weddings in the last 8 eight years and every one has been different but each was special and I enjoyed being apart of each.

Congrats Rob and Jamie!!

Vacation part 4

2010-09-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

Mountains, Waterfalls, Glaciers and my Family!

I can't believe it's been a month since our return from the vacation, seems like a year ago. I'm so ready for another! The RV is calling me....

This is the finally post about our vacation, it starts in Jasper National Park and the most coolest waterfall (I forgot the name thou) then in continues to the Jasper Ice fields, sooooo cold! Many of the final shots are mountains in Banff National and their Glaciers. I hope you enjoy the Pictures, it was hard choosing which ones to share.

As always click on pictures to enlarge!

First day of School

2010-09-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

*Sniff*Sniff*

My Baby is a big girl now!

All set to go

Ivy's ready too!

Now their not to sure..

Home after the first day, both are happy and full of smiles.

Never a dull moment..

2010-09-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

Life has been on the verge of being hectic!

This past weekend we drove to Calgary to attend my younger brother Rob's wedding to Jamie. It was beautiful! A bit stressful but still enjoyable. I have to hunt down the camera so I can share. The girls were wonderful as flower girls, the dresses were lovely!

Monday I was rushing around getting the school's welcome back BBQ ready, they were expecting 200 people and we had around 300! Way more people then when the other school hosts it! A huge pat on my back for convincing them to switch it to our school!

After the BBQ was the first PAC meeting. I was a bit surprised the 2 nasty women that made my (and others) life hell last year didn't even have the courtesy to show up. Principal said they would show the new members what their duties were but when I asked one about it, she said no! the nerve! Anyhow, I was also overwhelmed by how many people wanted me to be the PAC Chairperson, I can only hope I can live up to their expectations.

The classroom sizes have been a big issue with parents and teacher. Anna's class has 16 kindergartens and 10 grade 1's. Too many for our district's policy and too many hyper K's for one teacher *all day* along with trying to teach grade 1's. The principal asked the School board to hire a new teacher for the 1's and some 2's BUT the board's decision was to take 5 gr 1's and stick them with the 2/3 class...! WHAT!! No parent I have talked to likes that idea one Iota! Something needs to be done, We are arranging a parenting meeting for tomorrow and we are going to go after the school board!

Arg, I just got an e-mail from the PAC's ex-secretary (nasty woman) so now I have problems to solve, Joy of joys!

Vacation part 3

2010-09-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

Holy Influx of Visitors Batman!!

I am quite surprised by the recent boost in my blog readers, where and how did they come across my blog? I have a feeling it is because of the Barkerville post, but WOW!

The girls have started school, Ivy in grade 2 and Anna in Kindergarten. I am filled with lost of mix feelings: I'm happy they are in school, excited for Anna, nervous for Anna and her Galactosemia, Proud of both, Lonely without them...

I'll post pictures as soon as my friend e-mails me, I forgot my camera yesterday when they got off the bus.

They both loved school the first day, the real test will come next week when it's full days for both. There will be a bunch of changes this first month in the classes as there are more kids then the school had expected. And I've been contacted by the special Ed teacher to set up an IEP for Anna and for me to teach them about Galactosemia.

Back to the Vacation.

After leaving Barkerville we headed towards Prince George, we almost got lost and quickly got the hell out of that city, Mike and I hate large cities and agreed to avoid densely populated areas after that.

For most of the trip so far, we stopped at schools to let the kids out to play while I made lunch/dinner. It was an excellent plan as the parking lots are big enough for the truck and trailer to turn around and the girls loved the different playgrounds.

This is in McBride, a random boy played with the girls, he even waited for them to finish eating so they could play again, I think he had a crush on Ivy.

The next day we traveled through Mount Robson Provincial Park. Very few people know this trivia fact about me: I love Waterfalls and Mountains! This is why I love the Parks!

Most of these pictures don't need comments, click photo for a larger view.

Rearguard Falls:

Moose lake:

We have now crossed over to Alberta into the Jasper National Park. I love the twisting rock formations, I wish I could have witnessed the making of these mountains.

I could never grow tired of looking at this mountain(next 4 shots, all the same mountain), all it's twisting, folding and up heaving, I am full of awe. Unbenounced to me it was the last mountain on our way out of the park towards Hinton ALB.

We then spent 3 nights visiting friends around the Whitecourt area, for some reason the camera was never brought out at all, typical for us. After that we re-entered Jasper NP and worked our way home.

To be Continued...

Vacation Part 2

2010-09-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

Barkerville!!

http://www.barkerville.ca/

We had a wonderful time in this "living Museum", so much fun to step back in time to BC's Gold Rush days. We spent 1 and 1/2 days exploring, shopping, watching, eating and learning.

These 4 characters led us through town on a hilarious tour, we learned about the different buildings and the people who built and lived in the town way back in the 1860's. I highly recommend the tour!

I loved the business district, loved looking in the old shops. Most of the building had bars in the doorways, you could stick your head in but could not touch anything. Some stores where open to the public with reproductions for sale.

This store was open, the shop keepers wore period outfits and no plastic (anything!) in sight.

A view of half of Barkerville. It was a very cold day, we were wearing our winter coats.

An actress outside the Theatre Royal.

The star of the one woman play "Bride of Barkerville", the wonderful story of a women's journey from London to BC and then to the cariboo, she opened the town's first library and theatre.

The Cornish Waterwheel demo was awesome! These two fellows were supposed to be showing off the wheel and trying to get the audience to invest in their mine. We were busting a gut laughing!

There was two different chicken coups in town, this one was in the Chinese district. The girls loved clucking at the chickens.

A Chinese store. Notice the bars on the doorway.

I like this photo, Ivy peeping in the window of a house while I was taking a picture through the door.

The same house, I think it was a doctor's.

The most famous building in Barkerville, it's on most postcards. The catholic church.

Inside the same church, Ivy was giving the sermon.

Near the end of the day the characters changed from the 1860's era to the 1930/40's. This fellow was teaching the girls how to be a miner's helper.

He showed them how to hold and turn the drilling rod/steal while he hit the end with a hammer, And he promised he wouldn't smack Ivy in the head like he did with his last partner "who is recovering just fine, he'll be able to eat solid food in a few months ;)"

We have some souvenirs, lots more pictures and fond memories but can't wait to go back and discover all that we missed. The girls want to go back next summer but I think we should wait a few years so they will be old enough to sit through a longer play and a session at the court house with the infamous "Hanging" Judge!

Next stop, National Parks!

To Be Continued...

3030 km in 40 hours...Vacation part 1

2010-09-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, I didn't know we covered that much ground! But over 10 days it doesn't seem as much. It's nice to be home but we all wish we could have travelled more, next year we'll try for 2 weeks or more!

Our vacation started August 19th, we hooked up the trailer and drove to my Dad's in the Cariboo. Usually the drive take 6-7 hours but this time it took over 9hours, we had some pit stops but mainly the truck had a hard time pulling the hills with the trailer. We will be shopping for a new truck this fall/spring.

Anyhow, we spent 2 nights at my Dad's and we also went to the Ranch and lake. The girls love the lake, they didn't swim this time as it was a chilly day but they played on the beach, collected shells and feathers and we all enjoyed the scenery and wildlife.

My Dad showed up this awesome hornet's nest on his barn wall, notice how they built it around a hose and under the slate in the wall. Incredible little builders!

The ranch house from the back, it was not foggy that day, it was smoke! There was some huge fires around Williams Lake.

The girls and I looking for shells.

Mike rescued this huge dragonfly out of the creek with a goose feather.

4 cranes in flight. They were following a pack of geese.

The cranes landed in the field across the creek.

Relaxing and playing on the beach.

The girls loved playing on the stack of square bales while Mike and Dad loaded up the pick-up truck.

We could have stayed longer at Dad's but we were anxious to continue with our travels. Next stop Barkerville!

To be continued...

Summer so far...

2010-08-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

I've been rather neglectful of my blog, too much to do and not enough time.

So instead of vacuuming and packing for our vacation I shall update the world on whats been happening with my little family.

On one of our weekend camping trips, we were exploring an unused logging road and came across this cute abandoned cabin.

The girls have been enjoying life. Here they were visiting the neighbours and insisted on having a picture taken.

My Brother Rob and his fiance Jamie and son Cam came for an overnight visit. Rob, Cam and the girls enjoyed the pool for awhile. Sorry no pictures of Cam in the pool but he did have a blast!
"Bike!"

I was surprised how nimble he was with the trike, I predict he will get one for X-mas (hint, hint grandma)

Rob, Ivy and Anna.

Cam was a bit upset he could not go back in the pool nor climb the tree fort, I love his expression (click for bigger photo)

Anna, mid splash!

I was totally freaked out by this guy, I spotted it from across the room, trying to make a home with a bag of quilting and cross-stitching supplies. Mike wanted to take a picture before he shooed it out the window, if it was up to me it would be dead, they can stay outside but don't invade my territory! Mike's big thumb makes the spider look smaller then it actually was, trust me it was scary huge!

As I posted before, the newest cousin has arrived. Little baby Jacob, he's very cute.

Big brother Danny doesn't seem too impressed by the new baby, Yup it's another baby. David has been having a hard time adjusting though, his parents didn't prepare him, he's been smacking the baby and throwing many tantrums. Reaffirms mine and Mike's decision to only have 2 kids.

This past Sunday we went to an old gravel pit so Mike could put some rounds through his 50 caliber black powder rifle. The girls loved exploring.

Mike is priming the rifle, putting some black powder in the pan.

"Fire in the hole!" BOOOOM!

Love this shot with the smoke and the dust cloud behind the target

A typical dinner lately, the girls would rather talk and goof off instead of eating *sigh* but they are cute!

We've been going to the city park after supper when it cools down. Anna loves the Merry-go-round.

And my monkey Mike got the girls to climb the trees.

But they couldn't climb as high as he.

Tree hugger Anna!

Peek-a-boo Ivy!

I guess it's back to packing and cleaning for me. We'll be camping for a week and a bit, so expect lots more pictures with the next post too. Ta ta!

Time flies!

2010-08-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

August already! Where the heck has 2010 gone?!

Obviously I survived the day of babysitting the cousins. Luckily David slept for a few hours when he got here and Sylvia napped in the afternoon. Mike dropped Ivy off at Gr. P's on the way to work so that was one less kid and Anna seemed to be on her (next to) best behaviour. I haven't been over to see the new baby yet, I wanted to make sure M was healed so she doesn't ask me to look after the kids again.... that sounds bad but everyone who has met these kids will know why I have this attitude.

This past weekend was fun filled. Friday night was a surprise party for our neighbour, over 50 people, great music, and even better food! It was cut short because of rain but we were there for a few hours and the girls were ready for bed afterwards.

Saturday we went to the pool for Ivy's friend's birthday party. It was a little frustrating because the girls were acting like they had never been in a pool before, clinging to our necks and screaming about being in the water! But towards the end, they relaxed and had lots of fun and didn't want to get out and go home!

Sunday, we were invited to another neighbours surprise party but I didn't want to go and convinced Mike to leave town for the day, we ended up taking his parents to Rossland to visit his Grandmother. it was a lovely trip and everyone (kids and S) were in good moods. We did some shopping and got to visit Derek too.

Holiday Monday we relaxed at home and did very little!!

I wish I had photos to share but we can't seem to find the camera.... actually I should look in the trailer... I also forgot to post that my Brother Rob and his little family were out last week, overnight. Baby Cam is getting to be a real boy, lol I'll have to start calling him little Cam instead of Baby. There was lots of talk about their upcoming wedding, the girls will be flower girls so we have to find some matching dresses in blue and cream.

Oh and I got new glasses today! I don't like the clip on shades but I love the anti-glare coating on the glasses, I'm not squinting as much. Can't wait to see how much my night driving improves.

Not again!

2010-07-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

I'm upset with myself, I really have to learn the word NO and be more assertive!

I got a phone call today, didn't recognize the # and was not going to answer but double guessed my instinct....

It was Uncle Troy.... His new son arrived today, 2 days ahead of the scheduled c-section. Mother and baby are doing great. Jacob, 6lbs 11oz.

... And then comes the true reason for the call.... Can you babysit the other 3(horrible, misbehaving, toy stealing, book destroying) children till Martha comes home..... ummmm NO!!!!! Well I wish I had said that no but instead I said the only day I can babysit is tomorrow... then he said he'll drop them off at 5am...(What!! 5am!! %$#@&) ... Fine see ya in the morning...

I'm going to tell Troy, he is going to look after the rabbits when we go away for a week in August! It's only fair... actually I think he'll be getting off light. Oh well.... Wish me luck, hopefully Mike won't come home to a blubbering fool, needing a nice long stay in the Mental ward...

Summer is too long!

2010-07-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

I have never liked summer, I much prefer fall and spring!

The heat is too intense, the sun is way too bright, the day is too long and it is too long of a break from school!!

Who invented this season?!?!

Too many thoughts

2010-07-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

My head has been buzzing with too many thoughts. Once again I am having trouble sleeping.

I initially started this blog so I could get things off my mind and lead a less stressful life, but I think I forgot how to do that recently.

Other than my husband, children and in-laws, I have no contact with my family. Why is this? Well, some I do not want to talk with, some I wish I could and others are lost in limbo. Why do some not call or visit me? Am I so unlikeable, have I chased away everyone?

I feel abandoned.

My girls are starting to forget, they mix up some relatives with others relations and friends. It's sad.

This all may sound dramatic, there are some family I see/talk/chat on a regular basis but most have grown very distance.

The one that hurts the most is my Mother, she is the one relation that reads this blog, I post the pictures for her, but she does not respond. I am the cause for much hurt but am I to be forgotten because of it? I am still here, I still love. I am hurting too.

Father's Day Weekend

2010-07-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day Mike wanted to have a family camping trip, and his Mother has been wanting to go to the hot springs for several years now, so we planned a weekend trip to Nakusp Hot springs and Campground!

The weekend was filled with many emotional ups and downs for everyone, but for the most part it was wonderful.

Grandma P and Uncle F drove their 5th wheel to Nakusp early Friday morning. Then K&S came and got the girls in the afternoon and Mike and I were to follow 2 hours later but Mike ended up working late so we didn't leave our place till 6:30 pm. The trip took over 4 hours, so we were very late getting to the campground.

I took this shot on the drive up, we had stopped for a pit stop. The moon looked eerie glowing through the old burned trees.

Our camp spot.

The in-laws spot with ours in the background.

The family went for many walks along the hiking trails, for some reason they always left me behind to make the meals or to have naps (the girls didn't sleep well, so neither did I)

Mike, Klara, Ivy, Anna and the dogs posing by the old foundations of the first hot springs.

The girls enjoying the Hot springs pool.

Sister and Brother, K and F.

Anna waiting for something...

Ivy did really well in the pool, after a day she was starting to swim with very little help of the floats.

Anna's wait is over, her Grandma K came to help her.

A happy shot of Mike and I, our first in a long time...since our wedding day maybe...

On the drive home, Sunday, we stopped in Silverton at the Outdoor Mining Museum.

Mike loved all the old machines.

Ivy loved reading the pamphlet and teaching us about each machine.

Anna, K and puppy Molly exploring.

Ivy and me.

The drive home was fast and we all didn't want the weekend to end. Since then Ivy and Anna have been on and off sick with flu and head cold, then they past it along to their daddy who is still sick. Hopefully everyone will get healthy so we can go camping again.... but not with the in-laws.... at least for awhile!

Miss Smarty Pants!!

2010-06-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Awards day at Ivy school.

Mike, Anna and I went to cheer on Ivy and her classmates, we knew everyone would get an award and we're curious what Ivy's would be.

The Teacher, Miss S, gave out awards for best story teller, neatest printer, most helpful, and other "nice" awards but Ivy didn't get anythings.... Next came the awards for best math, reading and Art etc and still Ivy did not get anything... we were getting worried.

Then came the last and Highest award for her grade, Top Academic Achievement and Ivy Won it!!!!!

Here is Ivy with Miss S. and Principal T.

Ivy sitting with some classmates, waiting for the awards to begin.

During the year we record what books the kids are read or read themselves and if they get over 100 books then they get a reading club T-shirt. Ivy got one, as most of her class did.

And the top 5 readers got an extra gift of a goody bag full of books! Ivy was one of these 5 with 285 books! Her friend Jacob got tops with 530+!!

I was also recognized for all my volunteer work through out the year: being on PAC, hot lunches, and running the snack shack. The kids all signed a big card and I got a gift voucher for a local store!

Cousin Sylvia found her way through all the parents to come sit with us, She was excited to tell us she was coming to this school next year... we already knew this, as she will be in Anna's class.

A finally shot of Ivy and Miss S. I really hope she keeps her position as K/1 teacher for next year, Anna will benefit from being her student!

And now we wait through the summer and prepare ourselves for having 2 school age kids, Kindergarten and Grade 2!!

Baseball Vent

2010-06-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

I'm upset for my daughter, Ivy. The baseball season was such a let down for her. To only have played one regular game all season and then only game at the tournament really sucks!

Because one town/team didn't have enough members it left big gaps in the schedule for Saturday's tournament, and on the schedule it stated it was up to the coaches if these gaps stayed or if times were moved up. I asked our coach, Nicole, if we could ask the other team but all she did was ask our last year coach if we should and they both decided not to ask... I was irked but it was not my place to push.

So, our first game ended at 11am and the next was scheduled for 1pm, I double checked with Nicole and she confirmed. Our family then went to Mike's Grandma's for lunch instead of eating out at the concession. Did I mention the Mike's whole family came to watch Ivy play ball... After lunch, 12:30pm we went back to the ballpark to find it almost empty! My friend said they had just finished playing...What!?! Not 5 minutes after we had left the other teams coach came and asked if they could play now instead of 1pm. I was so upset at our coach for not asking earlier. So our WHOLE family was disappointed.

One Mother did try to get a hold of us but not the coach, The coach's husband came over to let us know what happened but he didn't apologise to Ivy. I am mostly pissed at Nicole for not owning up to her folly and for sending her husband in her place. Even this morning at the bus stop another father came and explained what happened and HE at least said sorry to Ivy.

Saturday at the ball field, Ivy didn't seem to care that there was no other game, even the car ride home she was indifferent but when we got home she had a melt down. She cried and cried and wanted to know why! I felt so bad for her. I wonder if it took the 20 min for it to sink in or whether she just held it in till she was home either way she was hurt by the whole thing. She didn't miss a practice, she wanted to play so badly. I didn't know how to explain it to her other than this was just one of life's disappointments that we have no control of (people/weather/illness), sometimes people let you down.

I couldn't stay home after that and I had to make her happy so I convinced Mike to hook up the trailer and we went camping over night, did us all good to get away for abit.

Hopefully Ivy will still be in a good mood when she comes home from school.

May Camping

2010-06-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Before I get to the camping photos I want to share a cute little story of my girls.

The other night the girls were in quite the mood, constantly bickering and screaming. Mike and I were so upset that we sent the girls to bed without their bedtime story. Ivy was very upset and cried for a long time, she loves her stories. About 30 mins later Ivy comes out of her room asking to sleep in our bed, as she didn't want to stay in her bed. Mike told her no. She then asked to sleep on the sofa, again Mike said no because I was in the living room. She then asked to sleep with Anna...We were shocked, with all their fighting she would want to be that close to her sister. Mike said it would be ok as long as Anna allowed it and, again to our amazement, Anna mumbled yes (she was half asleep) and made room for her big sister. An hour later I took this picture, they slept that way all night long! I am still in shock.

Camping! Yes, I love camping with our trailer, we are still getting used to it but it's getting better. Here are some random shots of our overnight trip up Bull Lake.

The weekend after we spent 2 nights at Marshal lake. The weather was horrible: windy, cold, snow, hail, and frost. But the last morning was super sunny and warm, made it all worth it. Someone and made a raft that was tied to land with 50 foot rope, Mike was brave enough to try it out, and soon after Ivy joined him (with life jacket!) to try some fishing.

Ivy really enjoyed herself, sadly no fish were caught. Anna was so worried about them being on the raft, most of the time she was pulling them in with the rope.

As evening was drawing in we left the raft behind and walked around the lake, Mike the girls would cast their lines in hope of catching a fish. After awhile, Ivy and I grew tired and walked back to camp. When we were across the lake from the others we heard Anna scream out with excitement.

Ivy and I knew she caught something!

And soon after a very proud Dad and daughter came back with this little trout.

Anna was happy but a little worried because it was still flopping about.

Ivy was not jealous, which surprised me, she was happy for her sister and glad someone had caught something.

The next night back at home Mike fried up the trout for Anna.

She enjoyed it alot! (I was surprised again!) And she even shared with her sis which made Mike and I so happy.

Ivy's baseball

2010-05-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

Ivy has been waiting all year for baseball, she loves it!

Each local town has their own team comprised of players from kindergarten, grade 1 and 2. They only play 2 innings and no one worries about strikes or foul balls. It's just to introduce the game to the kids and teach team spirit! We have practice on Mondays and games on Thursdays. Ivy missed the first game while we were in Vancouver and every game since then has been cancelled due to weather and other teams being sick.

Finally she had a game!

Ivy in the out field.
Ivy with her team waiting to bat.

Ivy up to bat, didn't get a good shot of her swinging, coach stepped in the way.

Ivy running for first.

Posing on first.

Running for third...

And running for home, Montana caught up and passed Ivy.

Gramma P came to watch the game, Anna had fun running around with her.

Ivy slid (tripped) into first.

Ivy on Second.

Playing with the pompoms while waiting.

Anna loved playing with the pompoms too.

As did Avneet!

Hopefully we'll have another game before the all day tournament on June 5th.

Life is good...

2010-05-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

Yup, even with a nasty headache, I can say life is Good!

We've been so busy lately, most of the time it's fun but a little stressful and the rest is dull and mundane but I'm alright with it.

Oh boy do I have pictures to share but I have not had the time/energy to do it yet. Soon!

We've been out every weekend camping in our trailer since we got it! I'm still adjusting and finding things that would make life easier with it but it's 100 times better then tent camping. This past long weekend was sooo cold and it even snowed but it didn't bother us, all snug in our RV! Makes me very happy! and the girls are happy they don't need to use an outhouse, LOL!

This week is supposed to be the last of my babysitting the cousins, I'm so relieved. They are (mostly) good kids but I am not cut out for looking after other peoples kids! I wish that family would get their act together, it would normalize our extended family alot!

Hopefully I'll be getting some free time soon, but it's all GoooooD!

Take a tour....

2010-05-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

...Of my new Trailer!!

For a few years now, we've been thinking about getting a travel trailer. Mike has many memories of camping with his extended family and I have a few memories camping with Nana and Popa, they were always fun times and we wanted our girls to have those memories like that too. So this spring we started looking seriously for the ideal RV. And we found one!

19 foot, Super Sport!

As you enter the door, on the left, is the sofa and folds open into a bed.
Directly across from the door is the kitchen, with a 3 burner stove and oven, double sink and lots of counter space
To the right of the door is the dinette, also folds down into a bed.

The rest of the kitchen, Fridge/freezer and microwave. The dark door in the middle is the bathroom.

The cute bathroom, mini tub/shower and toilet.

Bathroom door open and the bedroom area.

Just in front of the bathroom and across from the bed is the Vanity.

The bedroom area, Double bed with a single bunk and a small clothes closet.

Slightly different angle of the beds, I love all the light from the windows.

A bonus DVD/CD/Radio that's TV ready but we probably won't be getting one, we want the girls to explore the wilderness, not stare at a TV.

The view from the back looking to the front.

And another angle of the kitchen, I love the extra counters, most models this size do not have this much counter!

I have been busy this past week buying and stocking the trailer for our future excursions. Our first will be a "trial" overnight run to a local lake, hopefully we'll learn what we really need for an upcoming family trip to the Hot springs! Mike's Grandma and Uncle have a 5th wheel and we're going to caravan together!

I'm so excited! And the girls can't wait!

Vancouver trip part 2

2010-05-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is the rest of our visit to Vancouver or rather our exploration of Bridal Falls. It was a nice warm day but the park was in the shade of the mountain and it was very moist due to the falls and the park being apart of the coastal rain forest. (Click on the pictures to enlarge.)

Mike and the girls posing by the sign post.

I loved how tall the trees were and there was moss along their whole length.
On the forest floor were many ferns, these were in the process of uncurling.
The closer we came to the falls, the more little falls there were along the creek.
Mike and the girls (blue things in the middle) were at the top view point while I was just below them... it was a difficult climb for me, the couch potato that I am :D
Another shot of the small falls, it looked like a Dinosaur would come clomping around threw the dense undergrowth...

Bridal Falls!! Over 100 meter drop!

The actual view from the top view point.

Anna and Mike enjoying the view.

Ivy had more fun goofing around on the railings than looking at the falls. A wide angle view of the bottom of the falls, the little falls are on the right.

Family looking at the Falls with the little falls in the background.

On the walk back down the hill, the girls found lots to explore like this rotten hollow stump.

The way back had steps (the path up did not)

lots of stairs...

A close up of the moss on the trees.

Ivy was quite happy on the journey but was sad the maple leaf was brown and not green, lol!

Mike waiting for me to stop taking pictures and to get into the van so we could continue on our way home.

Last but not least, My favorite picture! My happy family on a cool hollow log.

Somewhat Blahh

2010-04-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

Yup, I'm still not healthy.
I felt almost better after our Vancouver trip but on Saturday I started feeling worse.
Monday evening, after Ivy's baseball practice, my ear started to hurt. It was popping, aching and then stabbing pain. I had a Hot neo-citron and some Tylenol and went to bed. In the morning I could barely hear out of my right ear but the pain was minimal. I suffered thought that day and night and first thing Wednesday I went to the Doc.
He gave me a script for antibiotics and said it was real bad, if it doesn't clear up after the meds then I have to go back to him and he'll set up an appointment for tubes. Momma!! Waahhh, I don't want more surgery!

I have been riding a nice high from the Great appointment Anna had at Children's but it was shattered yesterday. The Dietitian called to say she was looking more closely at Anna's height records and noticed that she didn't grow enough for this visit.... Say Wha?? ... She wanted to know why... ?
How I'm I supposed to know why Anna didn't grow!! She could have a growth spurt next week for all I know! Most of the women on Mike's side are petite!
The Doctors have never been concerned with her height, they have wanted to know her weight more than anything else, geesh! This has me so frustrated!!

Vancouver Part 1

2010-04-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

It was time again for Anna's Galactosmia check-up at BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver, we go every 6 months. This time was a little bit different as we left home late in the morning instead of the normal 4 am. Because of that late start, the girls were awake for the whole trip and we got to do some sight seeing along the way. Sadly the camera was left in the car for most of it but we did capture some pictures of the girls at Hope slide.

Ivy asking what the sign says, Anna checking out the hole in the post.

Ivy reading what the sign said and Anna still checking out the hole in the post.

Ivy posing and Anna yelling "wait for me!"

Ivy climbing back into the van, she loves posing for the camera.

We stayed at my Brother Rob's place, we had a wonderful visit with his fiance Jamie and son Cam but we didn't see much of Rob as he was working afternoons. Once again the camera wasn't brought out till it was time to go home. Cam grew attached to Mike during our visit, Cam burst into tears when Mike put on his shoes to take our luggage to the van. We all trying to cheer him up but as you see from the picture... it wasn't working!

A kiss from Anna didn't make things better either...Jamie and Rob were shocked Cam was so attached to Mike.

Finally Cam settled down and blew a kiss to his Auntie...

And there were smiles all around!While we loaded up the van, Mike and Rob spotted a raccoon, Mike tracked it down for this shot.

Rob and Jamie's Landlord had a beautiful tulip garden.

We loved the Cherry Blossom trees that lined every street in East Van, so wonderful seeing it rain pink petals!

Anna's appointments went well, as usually. She tested above her age (again) during the Occupational Therapy and will no longer need to followed by OT. The therapist did suggest we find Anna some shoes with a high arch as she has her daddy's flat feet. Her diet is good and her G1P levels are coming back down!! March's blood work isn't back from the lab in Manitoba yet, but we are all hoping they will show a downward trend too. Anna is still on the 10% curve for her age in height and weight and she is finally over 30lbs!! So it's all good, we continue with blood work every 2 months till her levels steady out and come back in the fall. And that's that!

I'll post some more pictures of our jaunt up to Bridal Falls in a few days.

Belated Easter post

2010-04-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

This post it late but our actually Easter was celebrated on the correct weekend.

Anna says "Thanks you Gramma Cindy" for the nice card and stickers. Ivy says thanks too but I forgot to take her picture. They both loved receiving mail with their own name on it!

While I was getting dressed for Easter, Ivy grabbed my glasses and tried them on. We thought she looked silly and cute! A glimpse into her future if she takes after Mike and I...

Easter dinner was at the In-laws, the usual Hungarian Easter fare, Big pot of ham, sausage and eggs all boiled together. Afterwards the Easter bunny made a quick run threw the yard and left behind some eggs for the girls to find.

Rupert helping Anna search a flower bed.

That tricky Bunny hides eggs everywhere!

Ivy was quite pleased with the eggs she found

Grandma K taking Anna's picture

"No Ivy! This is my spot!!"

Uncle Ben even had his own basket! How cute!

The Easter Bunny was thoughtful enough to fill the eggs with Jelly Beans, Gummi Rabbits and Gummi fruit slices. The girls loved them all, only I missed the chocolate eggs/bunnies.

For dessert the girls and I made Jello ice cream squares but with So Good vanilla Frozen treat so that Anna could enjoy them as well. And we made peanut butter Rice Krispies eggs dipped in Dairy free Chocolate, they were a huge hit! Not sure if I'd make them again though, hard to shape into eggs, messy!

On Good Friday we dyed eggs with Ashley (Mike's friend Corey's teen daughter) All 3 girls had a blast. Actually the whole weekend was a blast, even with the colds the girls had, it didn't stop them for enjoying themselves!

still Blahh

2010-04-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

Yep, still sick! This sinus cold will be the death of me yet! I should have went to the doctor yesterday but got stuck with the cousins and my Doc is only open Wednesday and Thursdays. I think I have a sinus infection but Mike says it could be an abscessed tooth (he only says that cuz that;s what he had a few years ago) I hope this will be over by Monday.

Anna has appointments at Children's in Vancouver next Wednesday. Not sure what we are doing with travelling, weather we leave Tues or early Weds... not sure how long we stay down there, Mike kinda wants to sight see but we are not sure if Ivy will be coming with us or not. I'm not well enough to make up my mind and Mike just doesn't like to decide... Blahh!

Blahhhh

2010-04-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

I'm sick...again

This seems to be the year for colds in this household. The girls were sick for the Easter long weekend then i got it mid week and it fully hit this Saturday. It sucks being all drippy, achy, stuffed up, and having a brain that's muffled... feel like a zombie minus the hunger for brains....

Frustrating times

2010-04-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

Life seems to be attacking me these past few weeks...

No time to do much of anything I want to do...

Finding new sides to people that I didn't want to see or know, such pettiness...

My strength and assertiveness is being put to the test...

I want to scream...

I want to hide...

I want to be 8 again...

Why can't I make and keep friends...

Does anyone truly see me?

Spring break update

2010-03-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

My goodness, how time flies! It's been a month since I last blogged!

So, what has happen this past month? Umm, well...not much...but enough to keep us busy!

Ivy was off for spring break and spent a weekend at my Mom's, we had several colds, kids went to the dentist(many visits in the next year too!) a few outings to the park, etc... well here's some pictures!

The girls painted, they loved the sun shining in the kitchen window.

They got along great...

... until Anna had enough, lol

The girls loved having Daddy around on the weekends.

They did a bunch of bike riding.

And bike fixing!

While Ivy was visiting my parents, she was spoiled rotten by Mom and Jen. Anna is showing off the Olympic Mascots they sent out for her.

Then Ivy had to show off her mascots, we are overrun with Tiny furry beings!!

I love this shot of crazy Ivy!

Somehow I got conned into babysitting the cousins 2 days a week for the next few months, Martha is going to the local collage to get her GED and her current Babysitter isn't working out. at least this time around I will be getting paid...fingers crossed!

Sylvia (4y), Ivy, and David (2)

This past Saturday was Uncle Franks B-day, he had a blast with the joke gifts we gave him, he needed a little cheering up!

This morning we all got back to routine, Ivy got off to school, Mike off to work and Anna and I are doing our things. Today will be the only quiet day this week, gotta make bread and then a PAC meeting this afternoon.

I hope it won't be so long between posts... :D

Sewing time!

2010-02-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

With encouragement from my girls, I have been sewing again. Not much but enough to keep the creative juices flowing!

Ivy brought home some quilt patches and insisted I make a quilt, so on the weekends I've been working on that... no pictures yet, it's a surprise!

I also have been working on this pillowcase for Anna's pillow she got from uncle Ben. (Ivy and I did one for her pillow but can't seem to find pictures of it.)

I initially was just sewing and cutting scraps from Baby Cam's quilt and came up with a spider web design, I sewed on a heart and then it sat for a few months.

Then I got some cool fabric and started messing around with it again. I had it all sewed up and then Mike said it needed a spider.

Anna chose the material for the spider, I wanted purple but she wanted her favorite, Black!Spider is just sewn on with the zigzag stitch, quick and easy.

Anna Loves the love bug backing.
This is where all those creative juices come together, material and cutting board thrown onto the bed...
and the cluttered sewing desk in the corner of my room.

And the magical sewing machine from the 60's,

plain Jane but sturdy and strong!

Ivy came home from school so I am editing to adding this picture of the two pillowcases, I think they represent the girls: Ivy is straight laced and organized; Anna is wild and lovable!

New baby cousin

2010-02-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

Little baby Julia has made her way into the world at 6lbs, 12oz and on her mother's birthday.

Welcome Julia!

Yes we are cousins, 30 years apart! She brings back a lot of memories of my girls!

My younger Aunt Kelly and her new baby Julia.

Grandma Rocky with her newest grandchild and Ivy, the first great grandchild.

Julia's father Jam, he is awesome with kids.

Even though the birth didn't go as Kelly had planned and with all the complications afterwards, Baby and mother seem to be doing great!!

GO Canada!!!

2010-02-14T20:22:00.000-08:00

GOLD!!! Yes, our first Gold for 2010 Olympics!!! Whoo Woo!!

I like watching the Olympics, about the only time I ever watch sports. I enjoy both summer and winter Olympics and am Proud that my country and Province are hosting this years winter games! But I haven't always been happy about this fact... I have hated how much money has gone into these games, hated the bureaucracy behind it all and even more I hate the companies/sponsors involved. But now that the athletes are now competing, I have put those feeling of hatred away and am now cheering for my Country! GO CANADA!!

I keep waiting for things to slow down but life just keeps getting in the way. Most of the time its a good busy that going on. I have said no and limited what I have to give to others, so I am not over whelmed.

Anna has been doing awesome with Holly, the speech pathologist. Anna has slowed down her speech and most people understand her now. Holly wants to tackle Anna's lisp soon, usually they wait till kids are older but Holly is confidant in Anna and hopes to get most of her issues sorted before school starts in the fall. We will be going to Children's Hospital in April for Anna's 6 month check up.

Ivy has been doing well, her ego hasn't grown too much from her debut as a singer. She is doing very well in school, they have started the dreaded spelling tests, so far she is enjoying them, hopefully she won't be like her mom and grandmother, we hate spelling/English! Everyday Ivy can read a little bit more, she is doing awesome! She does get frustrated easily but accordingly to her teacher she never shows it at school, she saves all the moaning and crying for home, lucky us! Ivy has lost interest in Japanese dance, I don't know how I'm going to tell Taki that we want to drop it, if we could get more girls to join then I'm sure she would want to keep doing it.

Mike's Dad came over on Saturday and helped fix our leaking roof, it's not pretty but it will thing dry till we can re-roof. Mike is so upset that all the time and money he put into the portion of the roof last summer has failed. Mike has been working 6 days a week lately, he so over worked, then he comes home and the girls ask him to fix this toy or that. He is so tired of fixing things and is looking forward to spring break up.

Another week starts tomorrow, Thursday seems to be my only relaxing day....well Friday too but then I have to referee the girls all day. I have pictures to post but they will have to wait for another time. I have noticed a lot of overseas visitors, Welcome! I am always curious how people find their way to my blog, weather it is random or followed a link here, please let me know! Thanks.

BA meeting

2010-02-03T22:20:00.000-08:00

"It's plan B!!"

Mike and I attended a meeting in RC tonight that was organized by parents who have had enough of all the Bull Shit that the School Board and Ministry has been hand down to us lately. Boundary Alliance-BA (might be BAC but I do not know what the C stands for...) wants parents to be aware of situations, have information about what the school board discusses, act as one group and make the board realise that their decision are not always right and they effect ALOT of people.

They/we do not want the BA to be another committee with Presidents and secretaries, they/we want it to be an open forum where everyone has a voice and a vote. It's not Mob mentality, they/we want information and help influence the boards decisions. As several people stated, we do not want it to be -Us vs Them- but rather everyone communicating with everyone else.

I'm not sure how involved I want to be but I do want to help and will try to go to more meetings, there needs to be a change... it won't happen overnight but hopefully over the next year or so it will start!

It was a good meeting but long, had to drive to RC after dinner, Mike met us at his Parents after work. S&K looked after the girls, it was after 10pm by the time they went to bed. I hope Ivy will be alive come morning and not a zombie!

Pre-Olympic stuff

2010-01-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

Life has been busy as the host country and province for the Olympics this year. Our Town has been a buzz of activities leading up to the Torch relay that passed through on Sunday. The schools got a money grant to help them celebrate. They put on a Mock Olympics, The kids were put into groups of 7 and each one represented different countries. Participating in an opening ceremony and sharing in unique chants and songs, learning information on their countries. Ivy was Finland! Then there was a day of sledding(luge), down hill skiing, cross country skiing and snow shoeing, then another day of curling and ice skating. To finish up there was also a closing ceremony, including the Gold/Silver/Bronze podium. Winners were chosen by each groups co-operation and participation and guess which group won gold over all? Ivy's Finland!!!

These two shots of Finland sharing their chant and information of former Olympians from Finland.

This Ivy's group Finland on the Gold Podium!

Sunday afternoon the Olympic Torch came through town. Hear it comes...

.... And there it goes... and about that exciting too, I felt disappointed.

The girls and I going home afterward. Girls wanted to know why the runner didn't stop.

When we got home Ivy and I got dressed for the Soiree, the city put on the celebration.

Don't I look nice! I wore black heal boots too.

The girl across the table took this picture of Ivy and I, I don't know why the quality is so poor...

Ivy and Jacob did a wonderful job singing "Oh Canada" our country's anthem. Everyone thought they were sooooo cute!

The rest are some highlights that I could see from my table, Did I mention that we were 3 feet from the stage and the MC was right beside Ivy the whole night. We got that table so Ivy didn't have to fight her way through the VERY crowded hall to do her part.

Ivy loved the Irish Dancers.

This is Taki, the Japanese dance instructor, doing her solo

It was a lovely evening, Ivy was a great date! We missed the last few performances as it was running late and Ivy had school the next morning. We are all so proud of Ivy, I think I have a future star on my hands!!

Mid Jan update

2010-01-19T12:02:00.000-08:00

Went to the doctor last Friday, got the Merina IUD put in. Hurt a bunch afterward, I don't think the Gyno doc is very gentle, I wish I had a woman Gyno! Anyhoo, I was crampy for a few days but yesterday I felt great, did a whole bunch of housework and was fairly calm towards the girls. I'm liking this progesterone, I hope this feeling/mood lasts!

Also got in a small visit with my parents on Friday evening. They spoiled the girls with new backpacks and clothes and stuff. Wish we were closer so the girls could spend more time with them, Kinda sad about that. Anna spent that night and Saturday at Mike's Parents. It was S's B-day on Sunday so the family gathered for lunch, K 's meal was lacking but she made sure it was dairy free. Ben brought his newest girlfriend over as well, means he is getting serious with her. They took the girls out horseback riding after lunch. Anna loved it, Ivy was too cold and kept slipping on the icy snow when waiting for her turn.

Today has started out fairly bad.... Well it actually started out on Sunday, Ivy had a fever and a soar throat but was fine Monday morning. Then after school she complained of her jaw hurting, then before bed her ear hurt....she didn't seem in too much pain and had a slight fever so I gave her Tylenol and sent her to bed but she was up a few times crying. Then this morning (Tuesday) she's crying about her ear but didn't have a fever, she really wanted to go to school.... I was going to send her off but thought otherwise and took to the hospital 30 mins away. Turns out she has tonsillitis and her ear is filled with puss meaning she had an infection that most likely burst through the ear drum. Thanks goodness for Motherly instincts, She is on amoxicillian for a week and misses school today. I have to take her to our regular Doctor in a few weeks to make sure her ear has healed up

You wouldn't know she was ill, she's bouncing around all hyper and causing problems with her sister, a big headache for me!

Feeling rested

2010-01-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, so nice to sleep for more than 6 hours for two nights in a row! Feeling back to normal, or at least as close to normal as I can get! *grins*

Ivy and I went to practice last night for the Olympic ceremony on Jan 24 when the Torch comes through town. Ivy will be singing Oh Canada with her friend Jacob, she is nervous but did really good at the practice. We got to watch some of the acts but had to leave at 8pm to get Ivy to bed. There will be an Indian singer, a folk band, a country band, a rock/drum group, Japanese dance (Taki my dance instructor), Judo demonstration, Stand up comedian, bag pipes, Irish dances and a slid show of our town. It will be a sit down, semi formal dinner as well.

Off to the Doctors again tomorrow, getting a Merina IUD put in. Hopefully it will solve all my "lady issues" and hopefully I won't have to go so far for the doctor for a looooong time.

No sleep at all

2010-01-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

Arrrg, just when I blog about not sleeping properly, I have the worst night yet! The stress caught up to me last night and I just bawled my eyes out and told Mike everything that has been going through my head, he couldn't sleep either, and he told me he's been stressed to the max as well. We laid in bed talking till 1am and then just stared at the walls till 2ish, Mike ended up going to the sofa to fall asleep while watching TV. Very restless sleep, tossing and turning till that dang alarm went off at 6:30am.

Life just sucks sometimes, too many people depend on you, too much stuff to do, too many places to go and no time to do any of it let alone time to ourselves. When will life be easy?!

So, so tired!

2010-01-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

We are all back on schedule, Finally!! With Mike back to work and Ivy back in school and Anna and I doing are things it finally feels normal!.....but..... I'm soooooo tired.

I guess not everything is back to normal. I can't sleep! I can get to sleep but can't STAY asleep. If anything wakes me up, be it Mike getting into bed or Anna calling for me or the dog grumbling in his sleep or snow falling off the roof or a bad dream, I have a very hard time getting back to sleep. So frustrating and it ruins me for the next day. Doesn't matter if I go to bed early or stay up late, have a night cap or a warm shower, nothing seems to work.

I know there is stress going on with my life even though it is back on schedule. Takes awhile to deal with all the little things that add up, I won't get into "the things" as most has to do with people in town and I don't need things leaking out and causing waaaay more stress.

Deep breaths, let it flow off. Take time for me, don't worry about other people/things. Me, me, me! blah blah blaaaaahhhh. Sounds good but hard to do!!

Christmas 09

2010-01-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years everyone, welcome to a new decade!

Finally the Holidays are over and things can get back to normal once again! December is always a busy month with School activities, both the girls birthdays, Christmas and New years. It's crazy!

A few days before the big day, the City's Fire crew goes door to door spreading holiday cheer by giving everyone candy canes. The girls were excited to see the fire truck. Christmas morning, the girls have already opened their stockings and ate some candy, now they are enjoying some cream of wheat before they really get down to business of opening gifts!

Anna opens a gift from Ivy, a monkey with adjustable arms and legs.

Ivy showing off a shirt from Uncle Rob and Aunt Jamie

Anna with her new Tinkerbell outfit from Mom&Dad

A new Tag book from Aunt Jen.

Winnie the Pooh characters from Uncle Rob and Aunt Jamie

Mike (grumpy that I'm taking his pic) showing off the bottle of Hungarian wine from Uncle F

Toys and colouring from...?? I can't remember

Anna loving the stuffie from Gr. Cindy & Popa Harry

Mike (being silly) with a Wii game from Rob and Jamie

The girls loved their new Christmas Dresses from Gr. K (I picked them out )

Anna with a big book and stamps from Uncle F

Ivy won a draw at school, a present from the teachers to a lucky girl and boy. She got a box full of books, markers, crayons, pencils, little games, cup and kinder egg.

Mike busy putting batteries in some toys/games

A few family members gave us $$$ for us to buy ourselves gifts, we decided to put it all together and buy a Wii system!! Mike is hooking it all up here.

A little while later Mike is Boxing! The whole family loves to bowl, my fav is tennis.

We all got dressed up and went to Mike's Grandma's for Christmas lunch, the girls got to open more presents! Mike's mom K want some family pictures, she took this one with our camera... I'm not happy with it but it's the only shot with all of us! Here's a shot with all the women (L-R) Ivy, K, Gr.P, Anna and me. (I'm the tallest at 5'3"!)

Anna soon got tired and grumpy....

But Grandma soon made her happy!

We then went home and vegged all day, played some Wii and ate leftovers! Pretty much a relaxing day, not too stressful.

Fighting the Winter Blues

2009-12-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

This Christmas season has been a hard battle for me, I've been trying to stay positive for my family's sake but yesterday I had a melt down.

It's been a combination of things that have been effecting me. The darker/colder season, being house bound more, an interruption of schedule (no school/work) my free time being invaded, hormones from birth control, the lack of extended family, Anna's regression of potty training, lack of sleep, every second holiday season I'm in the hospital and this is a second year and I'm waiting for something to happen.

Luckily my melt down happened on the day my councilor visits, so she helped me talk things out and then I could talk with Mike about what is happening with me. I knew what has been happening to me and I understand why I feel this way and that is half the battle. I just have to remember to take time for me to do things I enjoy and not worry about the small things: every second year, Anna's potty accidents, and schedule changes. Just breath!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T21:09:00.000-08:00

The stockings are hung, Pop and cookies are left out for Santa, the children and all snug in their beds... and now it's time for this Santa to get to work! lol

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

The busy week is over!

2009-12-19T19:01:00.000-08:00

Man oh Man!! What a hectic week it has been.

It started with baking cookies on Friday

Saturday was a relaxing day for the whole family, Rupert and Oscar sleeping together...
... Mike and cuddly little girls.

On Sunday, Santa came to town. Girls and I waiting for him in the hall

First year Ivy wasn't (too) scared of Santa!

..and I want chocolate, barbies, new clothes and...

Monday was busy with baking cookies for the school bake sale.

Tuesday I helped make and serve hot lunch at the school while they practiced for the Christmas concert.

Wednesday was Anna's 4th birthday, we had Mike's Family over for dinner and cake and then we all went to Ivy's concert afterward.

Ivy, Mike's mom and Dad K&S, and Uncle F.

Grandma P, silly B-day girl Anna and Ivy.

This is the stage for "The Pirate's Christmas"

Ivy (center) with her pirate classmates

Both schools (K-3 and 4-7) all together.

Buccaneer Ivy (left)

Ivy's Teacher made a Gingerbread house that was raffled off.

Anna and K watching the raffle

Thursday was the last day of cooking/eating club and we had a cookie exchange. Then Anna and I went to playgroup and made cookies, last playgroup till the new year.

On Friday we had an early B-day party for Ivy and her friends, I thought this cake was fitting the "Pirates" theme!

Ivy and her friends (Anna too), some friends didn't make it but I'm kinda glad because the boys were quite the handful, Ivy told me that next year she only wants to invite girls and I agreed!

Ivy and her best friend Connie.

Today, Saturday, we went to GF and shopped till Anna and Ivy dropped!

Tomorrow we are going to relax!

I am not ready for Christmas, it sure came fast this year but I'm not going to worry about it too much, whatever will be will be!

So, So Cold!

2009-12-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

I curse you Arctic air! -20c this morning, -22c yesterday! Way too cold for December. Hard to believe that we are colder than the northern part of BC, strange how weather works.

We got an estimate for a new furnace, will set us back about $3000 with parts and labour. less then I was expecting, wish we were doing it a few months back and right before Christmas! But that's Mike for ya, procrastinator!

Anna was nice enough to share her cold with Mike and I. I've been having coughing fit's early in the morn, wrecks me for the whole day. Mike just came down with it Sunday, so I guess I gave it to him, can't blame Anna I guess.

Lots of stuff happening at school, hot lunch, bake sale, Christmas concert and I'm in the middle of all of it! No free time for the next week of so. AND the girls Birthday's are coming up....aarrrgg I better feel better soon so I can start prepping! Trying to keep my spirits up but I really wish we could skip Christmas this year, so not looking forward to it....Yet!

Gyno update & weekend

2009-12-01T19:05:00.001-08:00

The histerscopy on Friday went well, uterus is nicely pink and smooth with no abnormalities. Procedure was fairly painless, less then a pap smear....and then the Doc says I need to take a biopsy just to make sure.....OUCH!! Felt like a hard pinch that doesn't let up for 12 hours!! Actually the pain did let up after awhile of sitting around at my Mom's but came back when driving back home, all those twisting corners..... I seem to be recuperating all right, had some spotting and discomfort, feel awfully bloated though, hope that feeling goes away soon.

We went to little cousin Sylvia's 4th B-day party on Sunday. Tons of food, half was good, other half was too strange to try, lol. I always find it strange that no other kids are invited, just my girls and the cousins, All the other guests are 50+

** Vent Warning**
Martha was telling me that Danny has been protecting Ivy at school, defending her against bullys......this was news to me, Ivy usually tells me (tattles) about everything. Ivy said she has no clue what Danny was talking about. Then Monday night Martha calls me to tell me Danny told her that he beat up a kid and he had to go to the hospital and she wanted the teacher's name so she can find out the details. 2 mins later and they call to ask for Principal's #. I asked Ivy what happened at school and she said nothing happened.....Now I'm puzzled! Why is Danny tell these stories and Why doesn't his parent's know his teacher's name nor the Principal's name?? I'm upset that Danny is telling stories about my daughter and I'm curious to know how his parents are dealing with this. He can not continue to tell these tall tales, soon he'll be bold face lieing....actually he does lie and steal but soon he'll be even better at it and be causing huge problems!! Can you say BAD Parents!!!

Bath time fun

2009-11-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

My Silly girls having fun at bath time.

Fall photos

2009-11-16T22:27:00.000-08:00

Picture time again! Took me forever to upload these photos, Blogger and I are having issues.

These are shot's from our trip to My Dad's in the Cariboo and Vancouver, the photos are backwards from our actually trip (one of those issues with blogger) but no worries, it doesn't matter.

My Brother Rob and his Fiance Jamie had a cake for my b-day, the girls helped me cut.

Jamie and Little Cam, he's quite the handful
Anna and Cam playing Rob's guitar
On our way from the Cariboo to the coast we traveled through the Fraser Canyon and had a few pit stops.

Ivy holding some huge maple leaves, we brought them home and dried them.

Me, Anna and Model Ivy at the view point at Jackass Summit

Murphy Lake at my Dad's Ranch

Girls and I looking for shells on the beach.

Snail shells, hundreds...or dozens of them! Doesn't my hand look good, the scars barely show, fingers just look bent, can't believe it's almost 2 years since my accident.

Grandpa helping the girls finding shells

These shots are from before we left for our trip, when we weather proofing the yard, garden and house.

Oscar sneaking rabbit food, he is soooo strange.

Ivy and I sorting potatoes.

Our basement that Mike is digging by hand. This is about under our dinning room looking east to the back door. The stairs to the basement are in the back.

And this is the opposite view, from about the chimney looking west, the bare dirt is almost to the front of the house. The bricks end about under our dinning room window.

Ivy showing off a weird potato, looks like a snowman with a little bump for a nose.

Anna peering around the back porch.

We've been leading busy lives these past few weeks, Mondays and Fridays seem to be our only days home. Weekdays are filled with school, playgroup, story time, volunteering, PAC duties, shopping, errands, dance and baking. Weekends we either travel to bigger cities or visit family.

This week I've been getting ready for the city's annual Christmas craft and bake sale. I sell baking and candy while K sells craft items that she and Gr.P make over the past year. I'm hoping to find some nice presents for the extended family.

Gyno appointment

2009-11-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

Had an office visit with a new (to me) Doctor in K-Town last week. He gave me a few options to thing about and booked me for a Histeroscopy, which is a fancy term for: check out my uterus with a camera. If that procedure finds no problems then the Doc highly recommends Endometrial Ablation and tubal sterilization(tubes tied) because to have the ablation it is very dangerous to get pregnant.

As those who know me know, I am a big scaredy cat. The thought of have surgery is terrifying for me and I hate making decisions. I do not like being on hormones to control my heavy periods, I can not be off them though and be constantly bleeding and in pain. Mike and I do not want any more children but I (and Mike) do not want to permanently close that door.

Arrrgg, what to do! I don't know!

Halloween

2009-10-31T22:52:00.001-07:00

All Hallow's eve! My favorite time of the year! We didn't have much time to decorate and prepare for Halloween this year, but on our way home from Vancouver we stopped and found some pumpkins in Keremos.

(Click on pictures for a closer view.)

Girls posing with the pumpkins, 2 orange, 2 white and 2 white/green gourds.

Ivy Loves her "Ghost" pumpkin, Anna and Ashley (Friend's daughter) are in the background.
A mini jack-o-lantern that we grew in our garden and the front bush covered with mini ghosts.
Our front yard with Ashley, Ivy, Anna and Rupert.
Anna all set for Trick-or-Treating, dressed as a Unicorn.

Ivy as Snow White and wearing make-up.

Anna's pumpkin all lit up.

3 more Mini pumpkins that we grew.

Ashley's and my Jack-o-lanterns

The infamous Jacob as Superman.

Ashley and her Dad Corey at the bonfire the City puts on at the ballpark.

Mike, dress as a logger, roasting a wiener at the bonfire.

The girls, high on candy and having a blast watching the fireworks and running with friends.

This year the girls went to more houses and I was surprised how many gave out safe candy for Anna's Galactosemia Diet. It's nice that there is a lots of variety out there these days. Anna had no qualms with giving up the chocolate bars and cheesies and she didn't even want to trade for safe candy, "that's ok Mommy, you have it" Wow, how did I get such a great, smart Girl!!

Dinner at Parents

2009-10-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to my Parents home for Thanksgiving (round 2) and to celebrate my Dad's 79th birthday as well as my nephew Cam's 1st birthday! Both are born on the same day!

A wonderful turkey feast with all the fixings, lovely people and conversations. The girls charmed everyone and were on the best behavior. Cam showed all how brave he is, taking a few steps and climbing on anything and everything. Step Sister Ruth told cute stories of her grand baby and of meeting her daughter she had given up to adoption 28 years ago, so happy they are able to meet and have a relationship. Mom has started working at Wal-mart and told about how strict the store policies are. The highlight of the evening was playing Apples to Apples, a game my brother Rob brought, It had everyone laughing. I love board and card games!

We also bought ourselves a new camera, as our old one's shutter wouldn't open half the time. Here are some shots from this weekend, some are poor quality, still figuring out some of the functions. Enjoy!

(from L-R) Anna, baby Cam, SS Ruth and Jamie-Cam's mom

My Dad, the birthday boy!
Beautiful Ivy
Cam enjoying his birthday cake

Everyone enjoying their cake and taking pictures of the birthday boys.

I have more photo's I'd like to share but blogger and/or my connection is acting up. I'll do some photo posts when we come back from our week of travels. We are leaving tomorrow for the Cariboo, a mini vacation and then on Tuesday we go to the coast for Anna's 6 month check ups.

Addictions

2009-10-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

I play a game on PoGo called Addiction Solitaire and I think one of the reasons why it's so addicting is because it doesn't give you much of a chance to stop the game. When you win or lose a game and click "OK" a new game starts up and you keep playing, it's very hard to click that little red x to get out of the game, way to much fun.

While playing this game earlier this week, I started thinking about addictions and obsessions. I once had the bad habit of chewing/biting my nails but I don't think it was an addiction, I'm not sure I've even been addicted to anything. When I had the surgeries on my fingers I was given pain killers that was supposed to be addictive but I made sure I did not get hooked. I wonder if anyone truly wants to have an addiction, be it drugs or alcohol or cigarettes or even sex.

I've been called a "goody goody two shoes" several times in my life when I declined cigs and pot/hash and other stuff. I knew what could happen to people who liked it too much and I never wanted it to be apart of my life. Alcohol is nice in moderation but I've never had enough where I blacked out and after a few hangovers, I now know my limitations. How come many others do not know their limitations, do they not remember all the anti smoking campaigns? Do they not watch the news stories of all the drug dealers and druggies living on the street, do they not learn a lesson from all of that? Or have relatives die from cancer caused by smoking or chewing tobacco, or have their livers so enlarged and dieing.

I've heard some say; it can't be helped, I had no choice, I didn't mean for it to happen. That is all pitiful excuses. The only ones who can use those excuse are babies born with drug addictions/FAS from their stupid mothers.

I don't understand these kind of addictions and if I ever develop a bad habit that progressed into an addiction, I would want someone to kick me in the butt and tell me " What the Hell are you doing"

Thanksgiving

2009-10-11T22:37:00.000-07:00

Canadian Thanks Giving. It was good, we went to Mike's Grandmothers and a very enjoyable time. Everyone got along, no fighting, no sideways looks, no backhanded comments, Ahhh a peaceful family!

The Table was full of wonderful foods: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, candied yams, brussel sprouts, peas & carrots, salads, lemon meringue pie, pumpkin pie, apple crumble and whipping cream! And it was ALL DAIRY FREE!!!

I couldn't eat very much though ( I tried! ) I think my stomach has shrunk after being sick and not eating and then not having much appetite with all the stress from the last few weeks. I can fit into jeans that were too tight in the spring. I'm going to try and not eat too much at meal times, use the smaller dinner plates etc.

I feel good, getting my last post out has helped me alot. I was advised by a councilor to write a letter to those that I have issues with and it was my choice to send it to them or not. I chose to Blog it and when Lisa was harassing me, I chose to give her the address for the blog. I heard her opinions of it via MSN and my answering machine, they were not pretty, makes me glad it is now out in the open. But I see from my visitor feed she never let my brother read it. Just proves my point about her.

I do not hate my sister and brother, I just don't want to deal with them anytime in the near future. Things may change in a few months/years/decades.

I'm Done!

2009-10-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

I am so sick and tired of reaching out, being nice and making peace and then to get a wall put up or to be yelled at and my hand slapped. It's ridiculous.

This is my notice to some family members, this is the end!

James I love you, But I also Love our Father Chuck and our Brother Rob. You and I have barely talked in the last 3-10 years. When we are together we have a great time, I always have good memories of you. You know I have never liked your girlfriends and you current one is a Bitch. Lisa said she doesn't like to be fake to others but, you know what, I've been fake to her and you about her. I do not like her, I do not like how she runs her house and I do not like how she is raising your daughter. I do have a few issues with you, James, that go beyond your choice in women. You look for negativity, you remember all the bad things. Can you recall any good things about our time spent at Chucks? Do you have anything nice to say about your brother Rob? Do you even like/acknowledge that you have 3 wonderful younger siblings that had tried for years to get to know you even when Chuck told them not to? Do you even remember good times with me? or our childhood? I wish you lots of love and luck in your life. I will regret not knowing your daughter.

Lisa, I do not like you and I never have. I have always been fake with you just to keep James in my life. I truly hope your daughter will not be totally screwed up. She is a very happy child but you are preventing her the necessary milestones.

Jennifer, I love you but I do not know you. There were a few years after you graduated from High school that we were friends and possible understood each other but before that time and after, we never got along. Mike has been in my life since you were 10 years old, weather you want to believe it or not, he thinks of you as a sister. It has always hurt me that you don't respect him and have never taken the time to know who he is. Recently you accused me of spreading lies about you, but you are just lieing to yourself. You may not want to admit those things but it doesn't matter, you know you said them and did them as do I. I thought you had turned over a new leaf when you met Murad, you calmed down and stopped the drinking and sleeping around. But he really didn't change you, just hid those details about you. You may be able to forget the past but it's still there and it's made you you. Giving presents to my daughters doesn't make you an aunt, time spent with them does.

Murad, I'm sorry I'll never get to know you. You seem like a decent guy and it's no wonder why my sister loves you, I wish the best for you.

I know this blog will cause a Grand canyon out of a small rift but I am past caring. I have been hurt for too long, the stress is not healthy. The saying "You can choose your friends but not your family" is too true but right now I am choosing to say good bye to those family members.

I'm sorry Mom.

Anger, Sad, Stress and Frustration!

2009-10-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

That about sums up what I am feeling right now. I wrote a huge post telling certain people off but I have deleted it.