1998

I was driving the other day, probably to pick up or drop off one of my kids at something. As I turned on the radio a song played that took me back to the year 1998
At that time I was working at a restaurant as a waitress. I had become pretty good friends with alot of the staff, we hung out after work and had great times together.
On this particular day it was my birthday, I was turning 23, and my boyfriend (my lovely hubby now) was across the country at University. My friends being sweet and taking pity told me they were taking me out to dinner.
We arrived to the packed restaurant, took our seats to get ready to order. All at once our waiter appeared with a guitar and proceeded to serenade me. Everyone stopped and stared, I'm not sure what shade of red I actually turned, but my friends thought it was hilarious. Now the song he sang had to be changed a little, see my eyes aren't brown their blue.
When my friend and waiter were planning this little ditty my friend didn't know off hand what color my eyes were so they came up with a plan. The plan was whatever color my eyes were, he would wear that same color of shirt so when the waiter/singer came up he would know what color to substitute. It was a fun night, one I won't soon forget.
What a great memory!

Inspired

After reading my fellow blogger's post it inspired me to post a little ditty for your viewing pleasure. This song brings me back to riding in an old Chevelle, windows down, dust in my teeth. My brother and I in the backseat, no seat belts, no air conditioning and this song playing on the radio. My mom trying to harmonize, my dad whistling with a toothpick in between his teeth. We were hot, sweaty and dust covered. What a great memory!! Thanks Cocotte for the inspiration!

Product Review

This here product PROMISES a clean sparkly shine. My poor dishes, especially anything with black plastic, have come out looking like they were dusted in baby powder. I am so disappointed in this product.
I am all for being green, and I am trying to do my part, but let me tell you something friends I need my utensils, plates and cups not to look like there is dried milk all over them.
So just a little FYI- this product does NOT work. I am now off to rerun my dishes through using some harsh, chemical ridden cleaner. Do I feel guilty? A little, but my dishes will be clean. :O)

Kegals, shmegals...?

Let me preface this by saying I would have it no other way right now, I am grateful that I am pregnant and I am TRYING to enjoy the journey. TRYING...
Pregnancy this time around has been anything but easy. Now this could be because I am in my 30's, or the fact that I wasn't in the greatest shape to begin with, or maybe because I didn't do that damn kegals that Oprah and Dr. Oz always say we should. My confession is, (whisper) I have a bladder I can't control.
Ever morning I battle vomitting and wetting myself as I am attempting to brush my teeth. My husband finds this to be hilarious. There I am bent over the sink, legs crossed to prevent an áccident, all the while gagging trying to hold back the vomit. The one phrase I keep muttering to myself as I do this dance every morning is, 'this better be a girl.'
The other day as I was crossing a busy intersection with my husband I felt a cough coming on so I had to stop, cross my legs and cough, in the middle of the street as cars are waiting to drive! Yeah it's a big joke to him, Mr. ' as least I don't wet my pants when I cough' guy. Maybe I should do kegals, but they feel weird, and like I don't have enough to do.
Maybe I'll just invest in some pantyliners, that's what they are for right?

100 Thoughts!!!

I just realized this is my 100th post! YAY!!! What do I win??
Blogging has been a great outlet for me over the past few years. Before blogging was I used to keep journals to record my thoughts, adventures and special moments. Seeing how the pen and paper has become obsolete, and because I am soooo with it technology wise (NOT) I thought blogging would be a great alternative.
So cheers to the first 100 posts, here's to the friends who care enough to tune in, it's been a great ride so far.

Just Because

Just because we were discussing it this past weekend, and just because Flutter posted it on her blog as being one of her favorites. Here are my pics, just for you, just because...

The Door:

HOT, HOT, HOT!!!


No Air

Goosebumps~

Are Those Pants Painted On??

" I am finding it hard to concentrate with her here." , " If I was 30 years younger!" These are a few of the comments my husband has told me about regarding a employee at his pharmacy. These comments came from a younger married man, the later from an older married man in his late 60's.
Now the girl seems nice enough, she's a single mom in her late 20's. I guess my question is why would you want to walk around in painted on Lulu Lemon pants all day? And it's not just some days, it's everyday! Then I thought to myself, maybe she can't afford a simple pair of black pants from Walmart. Nope, that can't be it because Lulu Lemon pants are over $100.
My husband says she thinks quite highly of herself, and has a tad of a reputation. I personally don't get it. You can still show off your figure in a classy way without being able to see every dimple and indent of your butt.
Anyway she will be talked to by one of the female management team soon so the men can get back to work. I mean would you want a pharmacist with one eye counting your meds while the other is feasting on the back end of a single mom?? I don't think so!

Ëverything's amazing, and nobody's happy!

"
My husband and I watched this together and boy did it spark a discussion. I see myself reflected in much of the anecdote's and jokes that he's telling. To stop, I mean really stop, and think about what we are experiencing, the technology that is around us would truly have baffled us 30 years ago.
How do we slow down enough to appreciate what is around us? How do we go from being a people that think the world owes us, to asking how we can contribute?
Our conversation took on many thoughts, thoughts about our own life, how we want to live and leave our footprint on this planet.
Questions have been asked, conversations have begun and we are still searching. I believe the desire with those I've conversed with, be it friends or family, to simplify and live a less busy life is there. How do we do it when the world is spinning around us?
Gotta do more, gotta get more. More toys, bigger houses, more cars, trips ect. How does one step off this ride and just be?
For me, I think there needs to be a center to which we cling to, an idea or philosophy. If we do stray from that which we hold dear major upheaval needs to happen in order to re-align ourselves once again. Simply put, not so simple.

"Life is one long struggle to disinter oneself, to keep one's head above the accumulations, the ever deepening layers of objects ... which attempt to cover one over, steadily, almost irresistibly, like falling snow."
~Rose Macaulay

Ticked

This has happened a few times when I've taken my two young boys to the grocery store. As I am going to pay for our items I notice them pointing and commenting on how gross "something" is. They are at eye level with either a men's magazine or an exercise magazine with a scantily clad woman striking a provocative pose.
Now I am not a prude, I know sex sells. What I am opposed to is my two innocent children having to be eyeball to eyeball with some 18 year old baring all.
I complained at one 7-11 store, we called the head office and they apologised and the next time we frequented the establishment it was covered by a plastic shield. So good for them, I guess.

Half Way There..

This is what my baby looks like at this time. I am 20 weeks pregnant, half way there, it's hard to believe.
Seeing how the first half of my pregnancy was a little rough, I am gearing up for the last half to be much more ideal. You see I had all these expectations and aspirations of how I was going to try to be more fit this time around. In my previous two pregnancies I didn't go to the gym once. Pathetic, and now I see myself falling into the same trap. Today I went to the gym for the first time since seeing the two pink lines appear. It felt a little strange seeing that I am tummy heavy, or should I say heavier.. :O) While on the bike I became dizzy after about 10 minutes so I opted to leave, then changed my mind and did my leg work out.
Now I know I can't turn back the scale at this point, sad as that is, but I am hoping to S-L-O-W down the fast rise of the numbers.
So here's to the first 20 weeks being full of surprises and nausea, and here's hoping the last 20 are full of good surprises, lots of laughter and lack of stretch marks.

Intervention??

It's sad but true. I was able to kick the habit once, a few summers ago. I went through the with drawls of headaches, grumpiness and fatigue. After a few days I was free, and to be honest the smell of coffee turned me off big time. One major benefit was that I was loosing weight, probably due to the lack of coffee cream running through my cream coated arteries.
Knowing all these benefits why oh why did I fall off the wagon? It started slowly, once the colder weather started the idea of something warm and sweet slowly started to become appealing. It only took a couple of days and I was hooked and have been for a few years now.
I woke up this morning with a killer headache, I popped 3 advil and it took the edge off, but it was still lingering. I tried to hold out, tried to resist because I am pregnant and I know coffee isn't the best, but I caved. The lingering headache had me running to the coffee maker like a drug addict needs a hit. ( okay I know it isn't that bad, I am just trying to paint a picture) Anyhow my body is feeling in sync, my headache is gone and my stomach is full of coffee and cream. Will I ever kick this habit.

Cynical?

My husband has just opened a pharmacy in the city we live in. Due to the fact that this "City" - and I use the word LOOSELY, it's more of a village with a Walmart attached - is out of the way and not close to anything remotely appealing we are having a heck of a time finding pharmacists to want to move here.
We have been relying on relief pharmacists from surrounding towns, and sometimes provinces away to come work for short bouts of time. The one we had in this week was a real character- and I mean that is a strange/mentally unbalanced way. He had problems with having to ring customers with prescriptions through the till, thought it was beneath him. He had countless confrontations with front store staff, and when questioned it was always someone else's fault.
One morning he called us from the hotel he was at, cursing a blue streak saying he just about knocked the F*#@% manager's head off because they accused him of inviting staff into the hot tub.
Well due to so many confrontations, and corrections my husband finally told him it wasn't working and he had to go. We expected and scene and weren't disappointed.
This morning he called my husband to apologise for his actions stating that his 13 year old daughter has been missing since the day before he started working for us, and that he normally isn't this CRAZY~~~
Call me cynical, but I don't buy it. I am a parent, if my daughter was missing I would be glued my family awaiting her return.
So do you think I am cynical or is it maybe women's intuition??? I don't know, my husband is inclined to think it's true, but honestly what parent would take off for work in another province. He is a well to do guy, I don't think they are lacking for money. In my opinion he is trying to make excuses and put the blame somewhere else. Always the victim it seems.

Troubled

I have had this conversation with many people, this notion keeps running through my head. There are days I try to justify it, think I can limit it, yet I keep being drawn back to this idea. It's nothing deep and intellectual, it's about video games and the role they are playing with today's kids. Most importantly my kids.
I have to admit I like to indulge them, I don't watch our time limit and before you know it my 6 and 4 year old have been gaming for an hour at a time. I have become lethargic, slowly allowing 10 more minutes until hours slip by.
I often will tell my kids about what I used to do with my friends growing up. We were outside all the time. Bike riding, playing kick the can, making forts, just playing. I want that for my kids, and all I see most days is them on the T.V , computer or Nintendo. It's up to me I know, I know it is.
We have been going back and forth about getting our son a D.S. I fought it, but he loves it, and there are educational games, we travel alot and it's something for him to do on those long drives.
Tonight my little 4 year old had another migraine, I try to think about what may be triggering these painful, awful headaches that have him crying, clammy, and vomiting. I often wonder if it's the video games, all the flashing lights,and fast movement.
After a night like tonight I think that for what a Nintendo D.S is worth one could sure buy a lot of toys. Toys that trigger imagination, play and movement. I want my kids to have a childhood full of fantasy, using their minds and bodies to role play. I feel like they are being robbed of that and it bothers me.
I am disturbed tonight.

Women's Work

This is one scene from a movie that totally undoes me EVERY TIME!


Post a clip or write about a movie that has impacted you.

My Miso

Every Wednesday my boys head to a local church for a kids club. And as much as I love the fact that they are learning about God and memorizing some scripture, I really love that my husband and I have a date night every Wednesday. We don't have to arrange for a sitter, everything is covered.
Tonight we decided to go to a Japanese restaurant for a quiet supper. The food was wonderful and plentiful. The conversation was relaxed and best of all no interruptions from two little boys.
So that was my night, and after a few hours alone with my honey, two doggy bags full of great food, I was ready to rejoin the chaos that is my life.

Ok... 6 things I'm hooked on!

#1 I'm hooked on my husband. I know it sounds soooo cheesy, but unfortunately it's true. I seem to have become more co-dependant on him as the years go by. I don't feel 'normal' when I'm away from him, I miss him even after a day. A-hem.. let's move on.
#2 My kids of course. They drive me C.R.A.Z.Y almost on a minute by minute basis, but their my 'little treasures' and I'd be rather ordinary without them.
#3 Reality T.V. Especially the ones that no one wants to admit they watch. The Hills, Bachelor, Life of Ryan ect.. it's a guilty pleasure.
#4 Flip Flops. Need I say more??
#5 Hot n'Spicy food. I love unique, zesty, mouthwatering food. Especially West Indian and Thai... bring it on baby!
#6 Sangria. I love Sangria, especially from a certain restaurant in a particular city. Love it.

Welcome back!

You know who this is for. Welcome Back.

I'm bored!!

Need I say more? I am husband-less for the next while, I miss my man.

Make a Smilebox photobook

Sukkot 2008

This Sukkot is extra special for me this year. This year we actually have our own Sukkah to dwell in for the next 7 days. Due to circumstances of the previous years we always borrowed other people's sukkah's to 'dwell' in for a quick meal, but not this year.

What a lovely thing it is to watch your children play, eat and hang out in our own Sukkah. I believe we all will understand just a little more about Sukkot this year, what it means to remember the temporary dwelling that the Israelites dwelt in while in the dessert. So here are some pics of our first night of Sukkot!!

Turn, Turn, Turn

This has been a season of change in our family. New job, new city, upcoming baby, another new job... the list goes on and on. Life seems to constantly be changing, evolving Some days ,as I am exhaling, I think when has enough change happened, can't we just be still.
I have seen families torn apart, lost family members, heard of children dying, witnessed people whom I thought I knew acting in ways unbecoming. Daily another change comes, a big change, and I am tired.

You know what they say about life handing you LEMONS!

We started out with good intentions. We were bored and wanted to see something interesting, to do something fun. We all jumped into the mini van, packed out water and camera and headed out on our adventure.
Now we were told the general direction, nothing to concrete, but we felt we had a good idea where our destination was. We were told it would take about 45 min. A nice little jaunt, definitely worth the gas money for an afternoon adventure.
Around our neck of the woods there are supposedly some sand hills,you can sled down and explore. It has quite a reputation of being something worth while seeing.
After an hour and a half of driving, having seen absolutely no signs we decided enough was enough. The landscape around us was all green and flat so we knew we were way off.
The boys were really disappointed and I really needed to use the bathroom. I finally commanded my dear hubby to pull over as soon as possible because my bladder was screaming at me.
We pulled off the highway and drove down the dirt road, finally finding a spot that one could relieve herself without the curious stares of onlookers. We pulled up to a place with mounds of dirt, huge mounds, some were sand, some rock, some coal.
They boys loved it, so after taking care of business we explored and had a great time playing on our own sand hills.
We all left happy and content, especially the kids with no complaints about us getting lost.

Cousins

I have so many memories of my cousins. We travelled together to spend the summer holidays at our grandparents house. All day we would be out roaming the tiny town, trying to collect enough pop bottles to earn us some treats at the local candy store.
We played for countless hours at the local elementary school. Games like, mother may I, Red light green light and hide n'seek. We would spin ourselves on the merry go-round until we were just about puking. So much fun.
Christams and Easter were spent together, nothing like looking at our grandparents Christmas Tree, brimming with so many gifts you couldn't even reach out to touch the tree if you tried. The excitement of having your family around, cousins whom you barely see, to spend such a wonderful time with.
If we were the family to arrive first at our destination we would wait with nervous energy and anticipation, looking for their old buick to turn down out street.
Cousins, kids you share your life with, build your memories with, and share your family with.
Recently I spent a little time with my brother and his kids. Our boys were so excited to see their cousins again. They played hard, laughed hard and built some more memories together.
My prayer for these cousins is that they continue to play, to laugh, and to bond closer and closer. I love you guys!!




"Cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends."

My crazy kid

It is almost a nightly routine for us, my oldest comes out of his room complaining he can't sleep. We usually allow him some quiet time in his room to calm his thoughts and settle down. On this particular night as he was in his room having some quiet time I slowly opened the door and this is what I came across.




Noah has this thing about standing on his head, as you can see :O)
A priceless moment!

Thankful

It's sad that it takes loss and hardship to wake us up, to shake us from the running of everyday life, to slow down and remember what we Do have. It's easy to get negative, to grumble and complain about the dog dragging in dirt, the kids acting up, the husband who leaves his underwear on the bathroom floor, the mountain of dirty dishes that you chip away at daily, yet never get caught up on. Yes the list could go on and on, and we each have our lists.
Someone very close to me is going through a separation. He often talks about missing his children, how he keeps their bedroom doors closed because it's too painful to walk pass because they aren't in them, and when he does venture in it's to smell their pillows. This is truly heartbreaking loss. As we were speaking today, my little guys came to me and whispered that they wanted to make a volcanoe and would I help. I shushed them and asked them to wait because I was on the phone talking. (Now they had interrupted me a few times already so my patience was at a low) upon resuming my conversation I stated I should go and my brother said, 'hey at least your kids are with you.'
That phrase has been running through my head, reminding me to be thankful they are here, that we are at the stage in life that we are in.
So I am trying to put aside the frustrations of life as a stay at home mom to two boys and a dirty puppy. To over look the underwear in the bathroom, and to happily chip away at the dishes.

"The Heart of Marriage is Memories." Bill Cosby

July 10,2008 was my 9 year wedding anniversary. I can be fairly nostalgic when it comes to momentous occasions in my life. I always look back and ask myself what I was doing at this exact time on that specific date. In keeping with that tradition I looked back on the July 10th, 1999 and here are my memories.
I remember waking up, smiling, knowing that today was my wedding day. I then recalled what had happened the night before when my ladies informed me that we were having a murder mystery party. I was told to dress as my character for the mystery party which was a loose gal with lots of makeup and a short skirt. I complied, a little nervous wondering why I was the only one getting into character, being assured they would all change once we arrived at my friends I went along. I should have known better, my closest gal pals then took me to Earl's ( a hip bar) they taped a sign to my back announcing I was a bride to be and paraded me around the bar. (Ah.. good memories)
I remember being at the hairdressers and holding back the tears as she turned me around to see my reflection in the mirror, after that moment passed one of horror replaced it as I realized I had worn a tighter, pull over your heard t-shirt. Thank goodness for my wonderful maid of honor who contorted that shirt every which way to fit over my fancy do'... thanks Tanya!
Upon arriving at the church my soon to be mother-in law informed me that the ring bearer's tux didn't fit ( leave it to my hubby not to have all his guys try things on a day before the wedding-PUNCH) So as we waited for the Best man to race back to the church with a proper tux for the ring bearer all I could focus on was seeing my man-Jay.
When those doors swung open and we finally made eye contact I saw a look come across his face that I hadn't seen before, and since that time have only seen 2 times after. It was a look of deep emotion, appreciation and LOVE. It is the same look I've seen at the birth of our sons. It's a look I will never forget.
After exchanging vows, promising to love each other through the good and bad. We were finally man and wife.
So these are my memories of this day, our special day. These are the thoughts I reflect on when our Anniversary comes along every year. These are the memories I will carry and reflect upon on all our years to come.

7 Questions..

1) What is the 1st thing you do in the morning?~I wake up to the sound of a puppy crying, I race to get dressed, get her out before she dribbles on my WHITE carpet.
2) Your most vivid memory as a child?~I had a friend named Shannon Hart, we played together all day throughout the summer. I remember how much we made each other laugh. She had an old rope swing that hung in front of her house, we use to play on that swing, making each other laugh so hard we peed our pants. We usually had to change clothes a few times a day we laughed so hard.
3) What are you most grateful for?~I am grateful for a happy marriage. I married a man who was my best friend for 7 years prior to us taking our vows. Our friendship and our love has gotten us through some VERY trying time.
4) What hobby would you like to take up?~Photography.
5) Bangs or no bangs?~Side bangs.... for now.
6) Would you ever get a Brazilian???~The thought of someone putting hot wax, then ripping the hot wax off my most tender spot.. hmmmm let me think. NO!
7) What makes you smile?~ My sleepy little sons, snuggling me in the morning...little boy morning breath and all :O)

Hallelujah

I came across this song on You Tube and thought it was beautiful, especially the way these guys sang it. Hope you enjoy.....

Letting go....

I am sitting in silence, thoughts are running through my head. I want to know what thoughts are appropriate to write, to share with whomever reads this thing. It almost feels like a death, yet it's not, maybe it's worse because there is no conclusion, no finality. We are all waiting, hoping and in all honesty knowing that it's over.
A tearing has taken place, and we are all feeling the effects. Saying goodbye to a friend that you've shared your life with, laughed with and confided in is hard.
I don't know what else to say, this is where I am on my journey with this situation.
I wish you well, I wish you whole. I'm letting go...

"and when we pass through stony ground I'll gladly walk upon my knees."

Pardon Me

I go through these times when I have nothing to say really. It's like that uncomfortable lull in a conversation that makes you want to make like a bee and buzz off. I'm trying to fight through it, I'm racking my brain trying to make an effort to find SOMETHING to write about. I have little idea's here and there going through my mind, nothing that I could write paragraphs about. I have decided to share those random thoughts, I cannot promise any type of a cohesive thought process, just consider this some thought flatulence. Here goes...

1. I have decided to make a concerted effort to go green. I am getting rid of the chemical in my house, being conscious of our waste, recycling and teaching my kids the importance of taking care of our beautiful earth.
2. My dirt heap of a backyard is consuming my thoughts. I am wondering how to landscape it, what flowers I want and where to put them. My mom has a nice color combo going on with purple pansy's and little pink roses- I may duplicate it.
3. We may be getting our pup at the end of June, and we have decided on the shepherd which I am fine with. I am mentally trying to prepare myself for what it will be like. I know there will be accidents, and a few rough nights and as of right now I feel OK with that. I keep telling myself it's like having a new born, it's rough and messy but I know this too shall pass and the enjoyment will far outweigh the messy times. :o)
4. To home school or not??? (whine) I don't know. Anyway that's a whole new topic.
5. Good ole weight loss... blah another topic I am feeling slapped around by.
6. Camping- we are considering doing it the old fashioned way, we would be sleeping in one of those nylon-y things, I believed pronounces t-en-t. Should be interesting.

You know I feel much better now. The gas pains in my mind have eased off after having released some much needed thoughts.
Toodles~

Passover 2008

'So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance.' Exodus 12:14


We were all given different tasks to complete to facilitate our passover coming together. My mom prepared some of the traditional elements such as the charoset, the wine, and the lamb shank. My sister-in law hosted all of us at her house and prepared the main meal. I was responsible for writting the Haggadah ( a text read during the passover seder telling the story of the Exodus) and preparing a craft for the kids.
In having to write this Haggadah I believe I finally, after 4 years of celebrating Passover, understood what I was celebrating and why. It was a meaningful time with family, a time of personal reflection and new hope.
Here are a few pictures of our Passover!

Little J and I painting his goblet

How all the kids goblets turned out-beautiful.

Our Passover table

My sister-in law saying the blessing

My sweet niece

Hand washing ceremony

My hubby reading the Exodus story to the kids

Man's Best Friend.

I am longing for the pitter patter of little feet in my home. No, it's not the little feet you are thinking of. I am longing for the pitter patter of four little feet, a puppy.
My husband and I are going back and forth on the subject as to which type of dog we want. He is wanting a pure German Shepherd and the price tag for them is 'purely' ridiculous. He considers the great Shepherd to be the king of all dogs. The supreme in protection, intelligence and courage. Now I can't disagree on those points, I know that it's what their known for, my problem is I want the really pretty dog. My husband says the dog I want is like the ultimate blond chick, hair all wavy, smile on her face at all times. The popular dog. I know I am not being practical, I know this dog would probably lick an intruder as he robbed us. Even as I am writing this I know it sounds ridiculous, but whenever I see my beautiful Golden Retriever I WANT it.(stamping foot)
Oh well the debate will continue, I'm sure I'll lose this one and it's probably for the best.





I guess the shepherd is pretty cute too. :)

“We cannot create observers by saying "observe," but by giving them the power and the means for this observation and these means are procured through education of the senses” Maria Montessori~

We are saying good-bye to many things due to our move, one of which is Allegro Montessori School. It has been a true learning experience for our family, and we take many precious memories with us.

Our youngest attended for a short time so I feel like I can't comment much on his experience. I do know he enjoyed the teachers, made friends, and became a little more independent.

My oldest attended for almost 3 years and has matured in his academics way beyond his years. He has developed a love for geography, other cultures, math and french just to name a few. The curriculum has been so rich and he has been fulfilled in so many ways.

Some days I don't know who is more sad about leaving them or me. :)

Sunkissed

I was going to write about how lousy the weather is, yet it seems to be all we, or I, am talking about so I will remain silent on the subject. Sometimes talking doesn't help but music and pictures do so....... let's close the drapes, tell the kids to take it upstairs, and let's visualize. Here is some fab summer music video's. Go ahead grab a refreshment , an alcoholic beverage is my choice, and enjoy your few minutes of paradise!






Cheers!!

Grateful

"Once you begin to acknowledge random acts of kindness - both the ones you have received and the ones you have given - you can no longer believe that what you do does not matter."
- Dawna Markova

At the end of this particular night I was left deflated, exhausted and a little guilt ridden at how the day had gone with my kids. My oldest son came down from his room with a surprise for me hidden behind his back. Flowers! These flowers were the best flowers any mom could get. My little boy thought up the idea by himself, designed the flowers with his two hands and hand delivered them to me with a sheepish smile on his face.
Sometimes God really knows what you need, He knows how to melt the tension, frustration and anger. He knows what will get to you and this time it came from the thoughtfulness of my 6 year old.

 

Allegro Montessori Sock Hop

Strobe lights flashing, disco ball turning, ABBA's YMCA booming over the speakers and there I am with my little 4 year old shaking it! My oldest was doing what all the 'older, cooler' kids were doing, beating each other senseless with balloons and running around.
At first I sat with the other moms and we chatted and said how cute it was seeing the parents dancing with their kids. A few minutes later little J came up to me and said he wanted to dance, so I told him to go ahead and dance. "No!", he said, "I want us to dance". My friend started laughing and said, go on. Little J and I found a spot right by the huge, loud speakers and started to dance. He was having a great time and within a few minutes I was too. I was a little conservative at first, not wanting to pull all my moves out at once, but when ABBA came on my drunk girl came out. The funny thing was most of the parents who weren't dancing came on the floor once YMCA started playing. The D.J then played some great dance music afterward, I was really tempted to do my running man move, but the oh so loving words of my husband stopped me. " You are so uncool...don't ever do that in public." Whatever, so I refrained.
Here are some pics of our Sock Hop

Realize

My dear Hubby sent me this song a few months ago and just recently downloaded it onto my ipod for me. I can't get this song out of my head. I sing it out loud and I think I sound pretty damn good. Hope you enjoy!

Lets have an Ellen moment

"So many tangles in life are ultimately hopeless that we have no appropriate sword other than laughter." - Gordon William Allport

Freedom

The windows down, no kids chattering in the backseat, driving at a speed a little above the legal limit, hopefully some scenery and a great song on the radio. Whenever I hear a song deemed road trip worthy I start to get the itch for the open road with some friends.
I used to have great road trips. Countless trips to Alberta, Eston, Swift Current and Manitoba. So many memories, Jay and I once got caught making out in his car, I don't know what made the passerby take notice, maybe the fact the windows were seamed up. I believe on that specific trip I almost killed us by falling asleep at the wheel, driving down a swift bank and almost crashing a power box. YIKES!
Trips to Alberta were the best, I went with so many friends, we listened to Caedmon's Call, sang ourselves hoarse and loved every minute of it. For some reason folk music truly suites the mountain scenery and for those who don't think folk music suites anything you will have to trust me.
My trips to Manitoba were always eventful mostly due to the person I drove up with. His name was Don and he was a card. One time we were heading back to Saskatchewan in the late night/early morning with little gas left in our tank. We pulled up into a farmer's yard hoping to get gas, Don went and knocked at the door, no answer so we decided to leave. As Don was backing out he hit a bunch of rain barrels, the farmer flew out of his house with a shotgun, not a good scene.
Ah the memories. Road trips are a right of passage, there is nothing like the open road and some good tunes. Here are a couple that I've deemed road trip worthy, hope you enjoy!







If these scenes don't inspire you to a road trip then your hopeless.



Okay maybe that one didn't end so well, but it still looked fun for a while.

 

She's funny, she dances and she's a lesbian... it's Ellen and I love her show. I never really watched her before until one day I was channel surfing and I cam across this crazy white lady dancing to LOW, I was hooked. This is one of the only shows that had me laughing out loud and wanting to dance.
The audience is full of 30 year olds and beyond and everyone is having a great time. I am going to post a few clips of the episodes that I think are post worthy. So if you want a great laugh or some motivation to get up and shake that silly A*s check her out.

Hope you enjoyed it!

Making Change

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." Darwin~

Cardboard boxes are lining the perimeter of my living room. My love seat is now where my kitchen table used to reside and my butt is too old to be sitting on a Dora the Explorer seat in order to watch the tube.
It seems everyone feels so out of whack when there is any type of disorder about the house. I have a husband who is short tempered, my oldest is feeling nervous which translates him into being very emotional, my youngest is oblivious and I am left trying to manage them all. I am handling things alright, except for the occasional row with the hubby which is becoming more the norm for the time being. Oh well, this too shall pass.
I used to enjoy change when it was just me. The thought of a new adventure, new people with a new landscape was exciting, how things have changed. Becoming a wife and a mother makes you realize the importance of stability, and routine. In those early months of having a newborn you certainly appreciate the importance of getting the baby on a routine as quickly as possible. In doing this it lets you know where you stand with a little human who can't communicate with you in any way that's understandable. So I've come to love the expected, I stroke it like it's my pet and do my darnedest to maintain it. Having said all this and looking like a complete control freak who comes unglued with the slightest amount of change, I am excited.. no really I am. Just as labour is ah... laborious and messy the outcome certainly makes it worth it. I am looking forward to birthing a new home for us even if it means tearing a bit. (sorry had to throw in, it went with the whole birthing theme, all you mommies can uncross your legs now)

Strong Genes

I remember being a little girl in my parents' hometown. Wherever my brother or I went most people would come up to us and say, "Oh, you're Davey and Diane's kids!" Now this was a fairly small town where everybody was "in each other's business" and almost all were related somehow. When I look at pictures of my folks as teenagers and young adults I can see similarities between them and my brother and I.
The other day my parents had my two boys at Walmart in the Pharmacy section. A student Pharmacist, who my parents and children had never met prior, came up to my folks and asked if the kids were "J's kids". (FYI- my hubby is a student in pharmacy with this person.) When Mom and Dad told us what had happened I couldn't believe it.... are their genes that strong???? Must be. Hopefully one day some of MY genes might surface in them!
Years ago in Calgary I had to take my oldest son to the doctor. She asked me if I was his mommy, and I said yes. She then went on to point out how different we were in looks.... thanx a lot lady! I decided from that point on to refer to myself as the white nanny. It seems to make more sense to people. :)

Is anyone else feeling the fever??

Spring fever has officially hit our house. I have been hanging freshly washed blankets outside to get that wonderful spring smell, which I have achieved. :) The kids have been spending hours outside playing which has given me some sanity back. My hubby has been outside grilling, making fires in the fire pit, getting the lawn chairs out( no we have no lawn showing yet). I love Spring! Yesturday was 4 degrees, we all sat outside, Jay and I drinking coffee, looking at home decorating books. The fire crackled and smelled so good, it reminded me of camping so we discussed possibley getting a camper. Spring just gets you dreaming!

Making snow forts




Making Fire, or trying :)

Things that make you go Hmmmm....

I remember growing up beside a a young East Indian family. This family had all sorts of relatives who lived with them. I became friends with the two oldest daughters, Hosheila and Pretti. We played together all the time, mostly in their basement with a big cardboard box. We would line it with blankets and one of us would hop in while the other two would flip the box this way and that. It was a great time and we all took turns getting a 'ride.'
We spent a lot of time together, I especially enjoyed eating with them. Obviously I had never been exposed to this kid of rich, spicy, savory food. It looked different then my kind of food, definitely smelled different and that's why I think I liked it so much. I would always stay as long as I could at their house, hoping to be invited for supper, which I always was. If I ever couldn't stay they would send me home with a little. I remember my family always saying what are you eating now?? I really developed a palate for this exotic food.

Skip ahead 25 years, I am married to a West Indian man, I can out do his family, and extended family, with my tolerance for the hot and spicy. When I look back on my early years, spending all my time at Horsheila and Pretti's house I wonder if it maybe was a little foreshadow of my future.

I have been going to a mom's group once a week that I feel in some ways has been my saving grace. I look forward to our meeting throughout the whole week. It's an excuse to once a week get dressed up, if we so choose, our kids are well taken care of by some lovely people and we are served a wonderful breakfast. As we come together around our table we have all catch up on our week, we laugh, sometimes cry, but most of all we relax.
I am challenged by the many speakers that come. They talk on so many topics, but this past week was really inspiring. Her name is Marilynn and she has travelled the globe as a missionary. She related some very touching, funny stories to us, all with the theme of extravgant giving.
It's so easy, with our lives being so busy, to forget how to be generous. To be conscious of others needs, the world's needs. Keeping up with the Jones', having your house be a masterpiece, our wardrobes filled with the latest fashions. I'm guilty.

Little FYI

Did you know Cotton Ginny clothing is 80% organic cotton in most of their clothes?? Now this is not a store I have usually frequented, not admittedly anyway. I went in their once for the boxing day sale and purchased a pair of super comfortable pants. I only went in because of the huge sale banners.
I used to shop at Cotton Ginny when I was about 14 years old, back then it was the thin cotton pants, or the hammer time pants. The sweatshirts were oversized with a giant Cotton Ginny logo on it. I actually think I worked at the store for seasonal relief at one point. Anyway back to the point, the clothes were hidiousley out of date, shapeless and very uncool. But that may have been stinkin thinkin. My mom-in-law sent me a bunch of clothes from Cotton Ginny and you know what....? I really like them. They are perfect active wear, they fit wonderfully, they look nice and the quality is really good. But what put me over the edge is that they are 80% organic cotton. SO ladies next time you turn your nose up at the Cotton Ginny in your mall take a chance, cover your face so no one will recognize you, and go in.. it may surprise you. This is a pic of me in my new, neon green??, hoodie. Okay I may not be thrilled with the color, but let me reassure you, it's great quality and feels soooo good on. P.S.. no comments on the messy house in the background all you OCDer's out there.

Cheers

You know the feeling when your voice is hoarse from talking so much, your sides are a little sore from laughing so much and your stomach is full from drinking too much?? Well that is the feeling I had last night after sharing a few hours with a friend of mine. It was so refreshing to be with someone who was light, interested in sharing a conversation with me. I can tend to always be the listener in most of my relationships and that is definately draining. So cheers to you Jaimie!! Thanks for a great night!

Goosebumps

Valentine's Day

I normally TRY not to buy into all the commercialism surrounding certain holidays but for some reason this year I find myself getting centimental. I bought my husband a very nice card for Valentine's and I as began to write my own personal note to him I found myself being bombarded with thoughts and feelings I normally don't take the time to feel. Life is busy and kids are demanding and those tender thoughts are pushed aside because dishes need to be done, I"m tired or a good t.v show is on.
This Valentine's day I am wearing my heart on my sleeve when it comes to my husband. I look back over the years, see all the good times, the hard times and can still smile. I would definately do it all again. I dedicate this song to my best friend in the whole world.... Happy Valentine's Day Babe. Love you!

Christian or not.. That is the question

This is something I have been thinking about lately, although it has been a bit troubling since I was practically raised in the church. Since we have decided to embrace the whole Bible as truth and necessary for being a follower of Yeshua, there has been conflict with our Christian friends. It has been difficult for most of them to understand where we are coming from. I believe they have felt condemned, judged and made to feel inferior. They think we are shackled to the law and that we no longer embrace the grace of Jesus who set us free from the law etc.

Having had inumerable discussions with friends and family regarding our lifestyle/philosophy change I always stated that "We have more in common than in conflict"; this seemed to calm the waters. I earnestly believed that it was a true statement at the time, but now I have to say I can't accept this as truth anymore.
When I say the word 'Christian' I know it means a believer in the Messiah of the Bible, but it also stands for a belief system that I don't adhere to anymore. I don't call myself a Christian anymore. For me it has become a religion that doesn't hold much truth.

I don't celebrate what Christians celebrate, and our doctrines aren't the same. This has led to a very ostracizing feeling, and it makes me sad because we used to have a community; a large one at that, all believing the same thing. Now it's only small pockets all over the world that share our beliefs.

" Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not one stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until EVERYTHING is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and TEACHES others to do the same will be called least oin the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will NOT enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:17-20
These verses embody what we believe is absolute and unwavering truth. We embrace the fact that this compels us to accept the ENTIRE Bible as a complete revelation of God's plan for mankind. Our faith has become revitalized but at a significant cost. Shalom.

Hanukkah 2006

In a couple of days Hanukkah starts and we are all looking forward to it. This year we decided to decorate, mostly with blue and silver lights since Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights. The kids and I have been doing Hanukkah crafts, Star of David sun catchers coloring sheets ect. The one really nice thing and that we purchased our first very OWN Hanukiyah. Years prior we've always borrowed so this is extra special for us.
To purchase the Hanukiyah my son and I went to the Synogogue. The building was very unassuming on the outside but on the inside it was decorated for Hanukkah. You know it really felt nice to be there. The man who let us in led us down to the classrooms to wait for the lady who would open the gift shop for us. While walking down the hall there was bulletin boards describing the commanded feasts, Sukkot, Passover, ect... It felt good being there. It made me long for more people around us who shared out beliefs. Everywhere you go, especially during this time is all Christmas. Being in a place with Hanukkah being celebrated was a welcomed changed. Being with people of like mind is something I long for and hope to never take for granted again.

A Day in My Life...

8:10 am -- I am woken up by my toddler as he crawls into bed with me. Looking at the clock I realize we've slept in!! My husband and I stay in bed and snuggle him for a few minutes before the craziness starts.
8:20 am -- My hubby goes to get our oldest up and I make a bee line for the bathroom to brush me teeth, hair and um.. Other things :)
8:30 am -- The drill sergeant, that's me, heads into my sons room to find both child and father laying together, NO ONE IS UP!! So I spend the next 7 minutes bribing, threatening my son to get up and get dressed.
8:40 am -- We finally head downstairs, I have sent my husband ahead of me to prepare some chocolate milk and a breakfast bar for a quick snack in the car on the way to school.
8:45 am -- My son and I are on our way. I leave our little one at home with Daddy, since he didn't make it to his first class.
8:57 am -- Drop child off at Montessori and head back home.
9:12 am -- (Yes I tried hard to pay attention to the times just for your viewing pleasure) I arrive back home and both toddler and daddy are in the tub.
9:22 am -- I check my email, and yes the jacket I've ordered from MEC is on it's way.. YAY! I look at the Flylady chore for the day, ignoring it as I almost always do. Look at all the new listings for houses on a local web site and then I'm off.
9:53 am -- Hubby yells for coffee ....Please.
10:00 am -- We all bundle up and we are off to drive daddy to University.
10:23 am -- Arrive home and make little J some tomato soup with crackers, let watch Caillou while he eats.
10:35 am -- Start dishes, phone rings it's my dear sis-in law. We chat about her joining the gym and so on.
10:44 am -- Take out the stinky trash, try to get more dishes done.
10:50 am -- Oops I forgot to call the gym to book the kids in for babysitting, I call and they are full. %*&#$!!! Well I will call back to see if someone cancels.
10:57 am -- Make Big son a little lunch in case the gym pans out and we can go.
11:00 am -- Bundle little J up 'again' and head out.
11:05 am -- stop for gas, of course he has to 'help' and we buy bubble gum for being a good 'helper' ;)
11:23 am -- Get to the school, unload little J and head in to wait. Chit-chat with the other moms and dads and grab big son.
11:45 am -- Get kids into van, hand big son his lunch and pray that the gym has had a cancellation.. No luck AUG!!! This sucks. We head home.
12:00 pm -- Kids watch Dragon Tales, I feed myself, and then decide to get little J's work desk set up, so I head downstairs fish out an old table and kids chair and drag them upstairs. He 'helps' me carry them which just about put out my back. Well of course his room is a disaster so I spend the next 25 minutes cleaning it and organizing, I finally have his desk ready, he gets about 5 minutes of usage before nap time.
1:00 pm -- It's that glorious time of the day when all is quiet and calm. Big son asks me to play Nintendo with him. So we play for about 30 minutes and then I go to finish the kitchen I started mid-morning.
2:30 pm -- Little J is up and they have been glued to the TV for some time so I kick them off and up to their rooms. We oh and awe over little J's room then each boy heads off to draw rockets and color. We then pull out the leggo's and make spaceships.
3:30 pm-- I tell Big son to get his swimming trunks on. I pack up the towels, the snacks, toy cars for little J to play with while we are there.
3:45 pm -- I bundle both children up and we head out again to the van for swimming lessons.
3:57 pm -- get big son undressed, shove all our winter coats into 2 lockers and find a table for little J and I to watch Big son swim.
4:30 pm -- drag the kids into the private shower room before all the stalls are taken. Big son goes right in and then little J decides he needs a shower also. So I undress him and they both shower. After I have pushed the button for the shower to continue about 5 times I drag Big son out, dry him off and dress him as he complains the whole time about his younger brother having a longer shower then him. Once both kids are dried and dressed we head home.
5:00 pm -- Arrive home, put on a show and rush to cut up chicken. Get supper on it's way to the table. In between starting supper and eating there is quite a bit of fighting and kids complaining how hungry they are and just can't wait.
6:00 pm -- Eat with the kids. Hubby isn't home yet from playing squash. We are just about finished when he walks in.
6:30 pm -- We are all upstairs, little J has to show daddy his room. Big son wants dad to make paper airplanes and I am veg'd out on our bed watching Entertainment Tonight.
7:00 pm -- Turn out the light for Big son and tell hubby I am heading to the gym.
8:00 pm -- Get home from the gym to find both kids up.. AUGH!! Is this day going to end??
8:10 pm -- Daddy takes little J up to get pj's on. Big son has the massager out and 'forces' me to sit for 15 minutes getting my back rubbed. ( the things I won't do for these kids :) ) It was heaven!!
8:30 pm -- both kids are in bed, and that brings us to this point. My plans for the rest of the night. Put supper food away, a hot bath and Grey's Anatomy.
Life is hectic BUT when I look at these faces.... It makes it all worth it!

Gripe Session

It's too HOT!!!!! I can't even sleep at night. I need a reprieve. I have been diving into ice cream and watermelon like it's going outta style but nothing is bringing down my core body temperature.
I'm uncomfortable and it stinks.

Test...... this is only a test!

A woman, while at the funeral of her own mother, met this guy whom she did not know. She thought this guy was amazing, so much her dream guy that she believed him to be just that! She fell in love with him right there, but never asked for his number and could not find him. A few days later she killed her sister.

Question: What is her motive in killing her sister?


* please answer the question.*

Nothing to say

Hi Y'all
It's been a while since my last post and yet I still don't have anything thing witty, informative or interesting to write.
My oldest son is out of school so I have been spending my days trying to entertain the two munchkins so I don't have to hear the screaming through the kitchen window every 2-3 minutes. With my days filled with cutting up watermelon, handing out ice cream and taking trips to the spray park and beach I am pretty much tapped out.
So to all my avid readers ( all 3 of you ) I haven't forgot about you I am on Sabbatical.
Happy Summer!!

The yestur-years..

It's funny how things work. I was online 'obtaining' some music, trying as I might to think of hip and up-coming artists to add to my MP3. While I was wracking my brain do you know which songs jumped out at me? The songs of my childhood. Forget about the Black-eyed Peas, Snoop-Puffy (whatever his name is) and Pink. Otis Redding, Van Morrison and Burton Cummings was what I was after.
I always knew music was powerful, but after listening once again to these songs it brought back such vivid memories. Even more interesting is that it brought back an era in time, one that was probably in existence before my time. A time of simplicity and innocence. When I listen to these great old songs I picture children running through the sprinkler, riding there bikes throughout the neighborhood and you know what there is no fear on the side of the parents of some unknown danger. People trusted each other.
So on my MP3 I will have some crazy hip-hop, some melancholy stuff all mixed in with these great oldies just to remind me that maybe, just maybe things can be simple again.

Yesterday

Yesterday we took our boys to get their immunization shots. My oldest was up to speed and only needed one, but my little one had to have three. Poor kid. I have really debated whether immunization is justified, I have only really ever read all the conspiracy theories online . But my husband is completely for immunization and has talked with me in great detail why it's important and the responsible thing to do. One reason that made me want to do this also is that I heard on the news the other night that MUMPS has broken out in middle America. I wonder if that's because some won't immunize?
I know that there are stories about kids actually breaking out in the disease upon getting immunized, but those are few and far between. I wish we could see the other side of the coin, that being what immunization has prevented in a life of a child.
To me the risk of a 1 % reaction versus a terrible disease like mumps, meningitis and so on being inflicted onto your kids is well worth it.
Anyway they both did well, the younger brother better the the older brother. So vaccinate! :)

NEWS FLASH: I don't want to see your naked body!

Upon arriving at Ladies California Fitness I headed to the change room. As I was rounding the corner to my locker I saw it... augh!! She had her back turned to me, naked as the day she was born. To make matters worse she was bent over so every crevice was available for viewing, not that you could help it much.
I quickly turned my back so she wouldn't feel uncomfortable. Can you believe that, I didn't want HER to feel uncomfortable. I should have sat there starring at her but the thought of ass in my face wasn't all that appealing.
So I am sure the classic guy question to come at me is, "well did she have a good body?" Ummm.... I don't care. Naked doesn't look all that good on anyone. To make matters worse, she started walking around the locker room and then if things could get any grosser, she went into a stall and peed, BUCK NAKED!!! Then came out and started walking around again. BUCK NAKED!
Why is this okay to people??? I am so ticked off, the more I write the more ticked I get. She decides to be naked, to go have a pee, and then walk around some more and we are all supposed to turn our backs, avert our eyes so she won't feel uncomfortable! What is wrong with this.
I wish i was gutsy enough to say, get some clothes on you freak your not the only one in here.
Should I complain to Calfit????

Passover 2006

Passover was really nice this year. My family celebrated with about 20 other people and it was a joyous occasion. We sat around a big table, drank wine, read our sedar and ate till there was no more room! It's wonderful being around people who have done this for so many years, we are still qutie new at this. I feel every year we glean more and more from participating in God's commanded feasts. As I watched the 10 Commandments this year on TV I was reminded of how the blood on their doorposts protected them as Yahweh passed over them, and again in scripture how Yeshua is our passover lamb. His blood was shed so that we might be saved, and this happened during Passover. So we remembered and we celebrated!

Will you 'Passover' on two opinions??

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is quickly approaching. What used to be a time of buying chocolate bunnies and picnic hams is now a time of preparation and reflection.
I found this article from www.messianichome.org I enjoyed reading it and decided to post it. I would love to hear your thoughts.


No longer is the emphasis of Passover on an animal sacrifice that needs to be offered year after year in the Temple. Now our focus is on what Messiah has accomplished for us. Bread and wine are not required to be offered in the Temple. They are available to each of us at any time in our homes and congregations.
Each Friday night as we enter into the Sabbath, we offer up prayers along with the bread and wine. “Blessed are You, YHWH our God, King of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.” On a weekly basis we are reminded of Y’shua’s(Jesus) sacrifice for us through the symbology of the Bread of Life and the earth and grave. On an annual basis, we eat only unleavened bread during Passover as we remember the death of Messiah at Passover and His resurrection on Firstfruits. The unleavened bread reminds us of the sinless Lamb that was raised from the dead. “But now is [Messiah] risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” (1 Cor. 15:20)
As YHWH is writing His Torah on our hearts, we find ourselves needing to change our approaches to our worship. How we celebrate the Messiah’s death and resurrection to more fully honor Him is one of the places where we are to “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
If differing opinions are calling you to something other than what the Father’s perfect will is for you, here is a question from the prophet Elijah for you to consider: “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions?” (1 Kings 18:21) The word halt in the above passage is the Hebrew word “pesach” which is the same word translated as “pass over” in Ex. 12:13: “when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” So the question may be asked, “How long will you Passover between two opinions?” Keeping Passover as the season of Messiah’s death and resurrection is the Biblical, Torah-honoring thing to do because it is a feast of the Lord. Keeping Easter as prescribed by the church is conformed to this world’s understanding and misses the mark of YHWH’s purpose. Fertility goddess celebrations involving eggs does not honor the Lamb of God. Keeping Passover just as prescribed by the synagogue and oral tradition of the rabbis (which also includes the egg) is vain without the understanding of Messiah Y’shua. Today we are to heed the voice of Elijah crying in the wilderness. “Prepare the way of the Lord.”

There are certain things in life we don't want to experience. We all have our lists. I don't know where this ranks on my list, but it the thought of wiggling, bouncing and sweating in front of men didn't rank very high. So like all of you have avoided certain things on that list, that was one I avoided almost to a fault.
After a very graphic conversation with my sis-in law regarding loosing the jiggle around my middle, she's inspired me to try, try again. :) Normally I have to drive across town, 1 or 2 kids in tow to get to the all FEMALE gym. This just wasn't working, it became my excuse for not going. Well on my side of the tracks, ghetto tracks that is, there is a co-ed gym....AUGH!!! I really didn't think I would be able to do it. It turned out to not be so bad. Can you believe it, not everyone was starring at me????!!!??? There weren't people whispering as I walked by about how out of shape I was?!?!?!
We can't let our list hold us back.

My dear husband

I must take this opportunity to boast about my husband. Today he received a scholarship from the university for excellence achieved in balancing school life with family life. Most students don't have to come home to a spouse, let alone children who crave their Father's attention, along with the high demands of pharmacy. He has excelled in both!!!
So I honor you today J for a job well done. We love you and are so proud of you!!!