Christmas: Captured in film

Licking the whip cream beaters

fun with nana Margo

Healy'ing on Christmas day in the Canadian Tire parking lot

Quinner running very fast.

Wadya mean my dress is sticking up in the back??

Hayley as a donkey at her Sunday School concert.

Drinking tea with her mittens on - Christmas Eve at Liz's house.

The note that Hayley left for Santa.

Learning to knit a "scrug"- we told her later that it was a "shrug"

Roller skating inside Carole and Eric's house on Boxing Day.

What are you still doing?

Antique Mommy asked her readers to comment on what they are still doing. Here are my answers.

Still amazed: at how I was blessed to be the mom to Hayley and Quinn, all the while secretly knowing that I have no clue what I am doing half the time.

Still getting used to: sharing Hayley with her dad on the weekends

Still loving: my body

Still proud of: leaving home when I was 17 to be a Rotary Exchange student to Australia - leaving behind my classmates that I had grown up with to graduate without me!

Still not proud of: past relationships left in need of repair.

Still hoping: forgive, embrace and move forward

Still worried: outliving my children

Still never going to: going on a "discover yourself" safari. All inclusive for me baby!

Still pretending: to not be in love with someone

Still reading: ever single night

Still wanting to read: the Secret

Still interested in: owning a house someday

Still not interested in: keeping up with the Jones' (not you Tanya - you are my cousin and I would keep up with you anyday!!)

Still looking forward to: a summer holiday in my mom's backyard

Still not looking forward to: having Quinn tested for Celiac

Still failing: run three times a week without fail

Still grateful for:my health, each and every day I get to tuck my kiddies in

Still praying: that Hayley and Quinn are always the best of friends.

Still not believing in: the quick fix

Still believing in: mankind

Christmas

My mom made me this beautiful wall hanging in celebration of Christmas. Here is what is quilted on it:

The Miracle of Christmas is Hope

The Spirit of Christmas is Peace

The Heart of Christmas is Love

The Warmth of Christmas is Friendship

While I do not want to downplay my true beliefs of why we celebrate Christmas, I also know that we should incorporate all other aspects into your holiday celebrations.

All the best to all my friends throughout the Season.

He is the Reason.

We lost a good man today

Gilles with his mom, Annette and father, Gaby - Summer 2007

Not a great photo, but Gilles with me, Roger and Chantal - Summer 2007

Gilles Beaulieu
March 14, 1951 - December 22, 2007

Always in our thoughts, never far from our hearts.

The very strange Christmas concert

Hayley had her annual school concert last night, and it was a strange one. Here are some diddies that were sung:
**Deck the Halls with Recycled Paper
**I'm dreaming of a green Christmas
**The Christmas Hop (complete with poodle skirts and jive music)

An appearance was made by "David Suzuki" (aka kiddie) to encourage us to "go green" and save the environment. There were candles lit for all the celebrations: Ramadan, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, and prayers were sent up for thanksgiving to the Salish tribe for the land on which the school was on. It covered all basis.

On the bright side, I am honing in on my video skills and here is Hayley (once again) in her singing and dancing debut. If nothing else,, she and the Kindergarten class dressed as trees singing "with a HO and a HE and HO HO HE" made me laugh.

Merry Christmas, however you celebrate it.

PS- the tilting was Quinners grabbing my camera. I think that it add character.

I CARE a LOT bear.

Has to hold the sign so we know what she is.

Hayley and her dad, Earl.

Hayley had her first ever skate carnival today, and I, brave as I am, decided to video tape it off my camera. Without reading any instruction manual. Without really focusing on what i was doing. With about 5 seconds to spare before I had to go back and put skate guards on the other care bears. For those of you that don't know, she is the one in the gray track suit, with "Christmas tree bear" so carefully made on the front. Also, the one with the tail glued on upside down. One of the older skaters ever so "nicely" pointed that out.

So basically, readers, you get to see her skate round and round in a circle, practicing her "I am the Queen wave" and looking damn cute.

Author note - I made that costume. Add glue gun to my list of wants. Along with a new vacuum cleaner. Not dollar store variety. I am just pleased that no one tripped on the sequins that fell off during the making of this video.

The curse of the household appliance

Ever get the feeling that your vacumn sucks? But not in the right way, not in sucking up dirt and debris, but just sucking in general?? It is maddening, as I lug it out, plug it in, turn it on, and proceed to push it back and forth - in hopes of it gathering up all the crap that has collected on my rugs. All the while my youngest princess is running and screaming like a banshee - for she thinks that it is cause for a party.

Then after I put the said appliance away - I walk on my rug and spot fluff, bits and scraps, a polly pocket shoe or two, and popcorn kernels. Obviously it needs refreshing on it's job description. When you vacumn, you are to collect the dirt. Not move it to a new spot on the rug.

Here in lies the dilemma. It is close to Christmas, and in no way, shape or form, am I getting a new appliance for Christmas. Hell will freeze over and I will ice skate pairs with Satan before I get up on the 25th and see a Dyson sitting there under the tree. Why not just accompany that with a new broom and a garden hose? Ya, what every girls dreams of. Not.

So with all the added work that the vacumn will have now that we have our Christmas tree up and it is shedding needles like a angora bunny - let's see how long the beast lasts.

We do have hardwood floors in the majority of our downstairs, I could always invest in a hokey - you know the broom-like thing you see in the restaurant industry. How cool of a mom would I be to ask my oldest daughter to "sweep" the carpet?

Your hands

Quinn, when you were a baby, your hands would curl around mine, and engulf me in so much love I thought my heart would burst wide open. Your hands have been very busy. They reach out for a cuddle, they wrap around my neck and squeeze - transferring your love to my body. No matter how weary, how tired, how exhausting they day may have been, your hands around my neck make it all worth while.

Your hands have painted, drawn, sculpted play dough, decorated my sidewalk with chalk, held bubble blowers and made bubbles dance in the air. They have been dirty, clean, burned, scratched, donned band aids, nail polish and sharpie pen drawings. They hold you up and keep me grounded. They cuddle stuffies and curl into your body when sleep overtakes you at night.

Your hands are practicing for adulthood. Then they have the arduous task of signing cheques, writing grocery lists, typing documents, driving your car and carrying the weight of the world. They will caress babies, wipe away tears, and cuddle with someone else. They will push me away, slam doors and text message everyone other than me. They will hold someone else's hand and make them feel special.

Stay little, my Quinners. Hold my hand and make me feel safe. Let me use my hands to wipe tears and wrap you into my arms. You are special, and wherever you go, whatever you do, remember that my hands will always be here to hold you.

Love, Mommy

Snow and the case of mistaken identity

So the Island received snow yesterday. And in true Island fashion it comes floating down in great huge flakes, blanketing everything in clean white strokes of winter wonder. It gave the children about a half an hour of pure bliss of running in it, gathering it up (along with leaves, cigarette butts and rocks) to make snowballs, cheering madly that we have snow for Christmas. Let's be real everyone, we did not even have snow for lunchtime. It melted before we even persuaded Quinn to wear her winter boots. And not her tutu.

Let's be clear on one thing. Snow in Northern BC = beauty. Long lasting whiteness. Five, sometimes six, months of whiteness. Snow on the Island = rain before long. Short lived fun. Long lived slush. Drivers with socks and sandals. Cars with the top down and the heat on. Five, maybe six minutes of whiteness. Not fun in my books.

But, alas. Old Mother Hubbard also visited us throughout the week and our cupboards were bare. We had no fruit. No veggies. No cream for coffee. Cereal, no milk. Time to part with cash and eat. So we venture out in the white slush and go to the grocery store. Only to remember that my van is involved in a move this weekend and the car that is in my driveway is very tiny. As in smartie size. As in, my kids and my purse are inside and I feel claustrophobic. That tiny. But we have to eat, so off we go. Quinn squished in her car seat with a snowsuit on. Roger beside me. Me breathing into a paper bag as I feel the world closing in on me. $200 later we are like a side show at the circus attempting to find room for all of this lovely food. We drive home with Quinn having the dubious honor of riding shotgun with the eggs and bread. Unload the groceries and I say to Roger, "hmmm, seemed like a lot in the car, why does the fridge seem like $200 more would nicely fit?"

Conclusion made. I am a driver of a minivan. Sadly as that sounds I am. I like the room, the space between me and the kids. I like that we have three row seating. That no one kicks the back of my seat. I like that 4 litres of milk does not make the van "full". So if you happen to see me driving a little black smartie around town, cutting people off and driving too fast - that was my alter ego. Not the real Michelle.

Plus all Celiacs know. Smarties are not gluten-free anyhow.

Only those from BC will get the humor is this one!

You might be from British Columbia if:

1. You know the provincial flower (Mildew)

2. You feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash.

3. Use the statement "sunny break" and know what it means.

4. You know more than 10 ways to order coffee.

5. You know more people who own boats than air conditioners.

6. You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant.

7. You stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" signal.

8. You consider that, if it has no snow on it then it is not a real mountain.

9. You can taste the difference between Starbucks, Blendz, Moka House and Tim Horton's.

10. You know the difference between Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon.

11. You know how to pronounce Squamish, Osoyoos, Ucluelet, Esquimalt, Sooke & Nanaimo.

12. You consider swimming an indoor sport.

13. You can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese,Vietnamese, Korean and Thai food.

14. In winter, you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark while only working eight-hour days.

15. You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.

16. You are not fazed by Today's forecast:: "showers followed by rain," and

Tomorrow's forecast: rain followed by showers."

17. You cannot wait for a day with "showers and sunny breaks".

18. You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.

19. You know that Dawson Creek is a town, not a TV show.

20. You can point to at least two ski mountains, even if you cannot see through the cloud cover.

21. You notice "the mountain is out" when it is a pretty day and you can actually see it.

22. You put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 5, but still wear your hiking boots and parka.

23. You switch to your sandals when it gets about 10, but keep the socks on.

24. You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.

25. You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.

26. You recognize the background shots in your favorite movies & TV shows.

27. You buy new sunglasses every year, because you can't find the old ones after such a long time.

28. You measure distance in hours.

29. You often switch from "heat" to "a/c" in your car in the same day.

30. You use a down comforter in the summer.

31. You carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them.

32. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.

33. You know all the important seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Raining (Spring), Road Construction (Summer) & Raining Again (Fall).

34. You actually understand ALL these jokes and forward them to all your friends in BC... or those who used to live here!

Trip to Vancouver

My new second cousin, welcome baby Jessica and congrats to my cousin Tanya!
Quinn loved the baby, and "petted" her head whenever she could. Hayley and Sam were only there for the entertainment value!
My beautiful, and growing up too fast, daughter, Hayley and Cadance, my niece.
Me and the two girls at the "Disney on Ice" performance. It was incredible!
Could not resist posting this one. This is Quinn and Hayley drinking $15 snow cones. Can you even believe it!

We had an amazing trip to Vancouver this past weekend. The gods, however, were against me, as my Mastercard was left to fend for itself on the Island. I guess that is one way to keep in budget!

We met mom, dad, Steph (sis) and Cadance (niece) in Langley and stayed at a hotel with a pool. It was only about a 10 minute drive (if you remember which exit) to my cousin Missy's house and even more second cousins. We had a blast swimming, talking and laughing. I am so lucky. I have two cousins whom I am very close to. We have kids that get along - we scrapbook - we laugh, have fun, cuddle our babies and take loads of photos. I love them both.

My niece and sister were also there, and boy is she cute! She is like a little fairy nymph. You just want to eat her up. She is walking now, toddling all over the place. It was also the first time that I had seen my sister since she was diagnosed with Celiac. She is managing well, it is so overwhelming the first year. She was over the moon when I told her all the junk food that she could eat though!

Disney on Ice was so good. Quinn sat mesmerized for two hours and Hayley loved it as well. All in all a great weekend away. Must do it again soon!

In Remembrance

"Without remembrance, there is repeating." ANON

Remembering is an act. It is faith that what happened long ago was not in vain. It is the acknowledgement of sacrifice and selflessness that war brought. It is knowing that young faces, often naive men, signed up to serve without the slightest idea of what is will cost them and their families. It is also knowing others stayed behind, in their country, not because they did not want to fight, but rather because they had jobs and commodities that deemed important for the war efforts to take place. It is for young women who darned socks, built care packages, tended to the sick, and typed letters of condolences when young soldiers lost their lives. It is remembering that hate ruled, guns spoke out instead of words, and violence was commonality. It is homes of fox-holes, of utter trust that went into the hearts of men, and killing before they, themselves were killed.

Seeing the elderly veterans today made me realize they were once these soldiers. They were not always the seniors that sit in the Legion, that drive scooters, that walk slow and interrupt my busy lives with their tardiness. They are not the inconvenience that look for exact change in the grocery line up, nor were they always the octogenarian that tells me that my girls need hats on their heads in the slightest cold. They were once young, visiting the dance halls, sneaking a kiss and a feel up in the car ride home. They were like me. They were raising babies, eking out a living, fighting with spouses......or worse yet, going it alone as their partner lost their lives. They have layers of pain, memories, tragedy, and sorrow. They may be old and cantankerous, buy they earned it. They have seen more than I ever will.

I thought about what it would be like to live through a war. To have entire towns say goodbye to the young soldiers, and then celebrate those that returned with a parade. To see strangers come up your drive and ring your doorbell only to deliver the worst news known to mankind. To have a funeral for someone that only has a memory, not a body. Or the opposite. To have your heart burst with pride and joy knowing the end has come on the 11th hour of the 11th month on the 11th day. To once again embrace those that left so long ago.

I took time to remember today. I urge you to as well my friends. Lets all be thankful for the strangers that sacrificed so much.

My mean ol' boss

My boss is very picky today. She has presented me with deadlines that are impossible to meet, she is demanding, temperamental and above all - irrational. I don't know what to do. It is not as if I can just quit, I have others that depend on me. My job is not an easy on to fill either - not like you can just put an add in the paper and wait for the responses to pour in.

Some days my boss is great. She makes me laugh, fosters my self esteem, tells me I am beautiful, and wants to be around me. Then there are days like today.

My boss is two and a half. Her name is Quinn, and she needs a nap.




For those that do not know I am taking a parenting course through the LIFE seminars. It is aptly called "Sidestepping the Power Struggle" and I love it. I am learning so much, and it is enabling me to be a better parent. This is a excerpt from my course.

THE GOOD CHILD

Effective parents produce normal children, not "good children". The message "I love you honey, but I hate everything about your behaviour!" doesn't have a great outcome in the bigger picture. If we are expecting children to be "good" then we really have to CUT IT OUT! Good children curb curiosity in order to be quiet, hide strong feeling and learn to be obedient. They can grow into adults who permit others to treat them badly, can't stand up for themselves or be assertive, and feel ashamed of their true self.

Isn't it amazing to hear people describe a good baby? Sleeps a lot, eats a lot, has bowel movements at regular times and doesn't cry much. The child gets older and starts to separate and assert himself and now what? Does that make him bad? It seems that "good" just means creating little work or trouble for adults. It has nothing to do with the child's moral awareness, kindness, empathy, psychological or spiritual health.

This is normal, healthy childish behaviour. Does your child fit here anywhere?
*makes messes and forgets to clean up (take a look in my girls room)
*gets into a lot of things (my makeup, hair products, cotton balls.....)
*misuses time (time to go in the van = time to find a toy)
*gets distracted (getting her backpack takes 15 minutes)
*fails to plan ahead (not hungry now = no food for later)
*makes great messes and resists (or can't) clean up (my life, need not expand)
*says things that aren't true (Quinn was once sick while riding in a helicopter)
*loses things (jackets, water bottles, agenda, scarf, mitts, head)
*can't focus on what is important....in my mind (manners)
*has mistaken ideals about the world (money grows on trees)
*forgets her manners (dinner every night)
*can act rude, inconsiderate and loud (farting and laughing, then telling everyone again)
*seems to think only of herself (but I need it right now, don't care if you are peeing)
*argues about silly things (rubber boots do go with everything you know!)
*says she can't do things that she can do just fine (like walking)


My kids must be normal. Maybe I need a coffee break from my little bossy boss today.

Photos of the scary day!

Picasso the Pumpkin

Quinn's pumpkin

Trick or treating princess

Hayley's dad and his mask of horror!

Princess Quinn in all her glory

Me (doctor Michelle), Hayley (princess Leah) and Quinn (pink princess) goofing off.

Hayley as Princess Leah

The daycare kiddies

So Halloween was a great success. Quinn had moments of nervousness with dark doorways and smoky areas, but other than that she was a trooper. As for Hayley, she looked awesome in her Princess Leah costume - and managed to bring in over 125 candies for her dining pleasure and my dental bill's demise this year.

I dressed up as a doctor, and the girls loved it! It was a fun costume, and I have to admit, it started as something that I did for the girls, and now do for me as well.

We had a daycare party through the day and they all had fun. We danced to crazy Halloween music and ate orange popcorn with spiders in it. Then mellowed out and watched "Dora's Halloween".

I am thankful there are no more candy ridden holidays until Christmas. Although, have to admit, like those chocolates that are filled with baileys.

Sunday at Oldfeild Orchard

We spent Sunday at Oldfield Orchard (which is a not a hobby farm, but a full-blown money making establishment. It was a ton of fun.Quinn looking through the guillotine but laughing instead and pointing at me taking the photo.
The photo of us on the hay ride. Hayley was not with us this day, instead she was at her own Halloween party with the Sunday School.
Mr. and Mrs. John Deere. Driving the tractor. Well, actually just pretending, but don't tell Quinners that.

Quinn on the minature pony ride. All the proceeds went to Cops for Cancer, and by the time we were done, they drained all change from our wallets. She loved this. Apparently she did not find it too "dangerous" as she quoted riding horses at my Aunty Bonnie and Uncle Brian's farm this summer in Kamloops.

More photos to come on All Hallows Eve. Even one of me in my costume!

Just try not to relate to this!

OMG! so true it is scary!

The mom song.

Bring your sister to preschool day

Hayley and Quinn making a teddy bear mask.

Teacher Hayley helping out. Doesn't she look so big??

What else can I glue?

Oh, I know, I will glue the stick so when mommy picks it up her hand will stick to it!

Well, it is my first official Friday off of daycare, and it was a pro-d day. Quinn thought it was a blast that Hayley could come to "school" with her. She was so proud, telling everyone that her "seester" was here! We had a great day, after school we drove downtown and went to a vintage toy store, then looked at new high top runners and pillaged Value Village. Came home $4 less rich as there were no bargains to be found. Had a great time anyhow.

Hayley and I are watching all the Star Wars movies together. I was really never into them when I was a kid, but seeing them through her eyes is brilliant. They are true classic movies. They have left such an impression on her that she is even dressing up as Princess Leah for ol' Trick or Treat day. I made the costume...wait...don't applaud. The skirt is a pillow case with the bottom cut off and elastic for the waist. The top is a 99 cent deal from the Sally Ann that is a huge caftan beach shirt that we altered and her hair is a wig from San Fransisco's that we are in the midst of winding around ear muffs for the ear-bun look that made her famous. HA! Pictures will come in due time.

Quinn wants to be a princess. Just straight out of the dress up box. Go for it I say. She will probably accent the outfit with her rubber boots anyhow. My favorite part is the look of utter joy when they get candy in their bag, and how to hide it from Roger.

Happy Friday!

Stupid things I have seen

This week alone, I have seen:

**pouring rain, mom pushing stroller in $200 GAP jacket, UGG boots (another $200) and 7 of Mankind (I believe) jeans on. Kid was barefoot. Come on.

**co-op kids having a heydey in a Zeller's shopping cart. Full on *Jack*ass* moves - down hills, unleashed, yelling as if it was fun. Yet stupid people survive these ordeals and carry on to breed.

**van with ducktape and saran wrap on the passenger door window. Who am I kidding, probably was no-name brand cling wrap.

**socks and flip flops. Is that not a wee bit rubbing between your big toe and second toe? hello west coast gone wrong.

**my wallet stolen out of my front seat - then credit cards used. For what you ask? On line poker, QVC and a bag of chips/soft drink combo at the Oceanic market. Go big or go home I always say.

**dog wearing a rain hat. He had his head down. Probably knew how dumb he looked.

**and the stupid thing I have seen was....

Roger and two of our neighbours trying to get an already assembled 6X8 shed into our backyard, lifting it over their heads, over the fence, negotiating my flower garden....but I guess I was the stupid one.

I asked them to do it.

**

Be thankful

I have been thinking about what it means to be truly thankful. Thinking for me equates blogging. So as you can see, my faithful readers, I have not been doing a whole lot of thinking as of late.

I have come to the realization that being truly thankful means not wanting to change anything. I know that there are many things in my life that I am thankful for, as I could not function as me if I did not have them as a part. Then there are the others.......

I am thankful for my house, although I wish that we had ownership, a low mortgage and a load of property that my girls could run on. Instead I possess the biggest backyard in the co-op and the cul-de-sac on which they can ride their bikes.

I am thankful for my health, although I wish that I did not have the gene pool to pass my autoimmune disorder to my children, or I would have more.

I am thankful for a partner to spend my days with. I do wish, however, that he was more in tune to my feelings, brought me flowers everyday and showered me with love and undying attention. I guess I am very thankful that HE showers.

I am thankful for my mom and dad. I wish and pray that one day we will live closer together so that we can spend more time together. That or ruby red slippers that we can put on and tap together and presto....hugs from my mom.

I am thankful that we have food, water and shelter. Why does it have to come at a price of working lots, being frugal, and living in the co-op?

I am thankful for great friends. I wish that we had more time in our busy lives to have coffee together, look up new and exciting recipes, and exchange parenting tips.



Something that I am very thankful for, something that I would not change, who I am pleased with is me.

I like me. I think I have a wicked sense of humor, am a great friend, and am solid in my thoughts and feelings. I am happy with my life, in most aspects, and content with my choices. I love my two girls, get giddy thinking that I produced such unique lives. They are crazy, busy, thoughtful, charming, and although sometimes I feel that I am raising girls with the manners of trained monkeys...........I love them.

So this thanksgiving I challenge you to think of what you are truly thankful for. I bet it is more than you think.

Something, however, I am not thankful for is that now I must sign off and don my runners. It is the time for me to get out the door and run the 8K portion of the Garden City Marathon. In the rain. With 10,000 others. To be rewarded with muffins (hahaha,,insult to injury to a Celiac).

Happy thanksgiving my friends.

Pre-pre-school today

outside of Commonwealth Pool

having snacks

but I really like the flag part of kindergym

how is that for a smiley face??

look at the windblown hair! I am jealous!

Partly to do with mother-hood guilt, partly to do with wanting to see how the "other-half does it" (read - people with real jobs outside the home), and partly to do something with only Quinn; we enrolled in Stepping Up to Preschool. On paper we are to leave our children in the great hands of trained professionals for 45 minutes, all the while sipping on fresh brewed coffee and aimlessly catching up on current events. In reality we are standing at the back of the classroom trying to blend in with the other parents who's children will not let them open to doors to the outside world.

Quinn did amazingly well for a pint sized wonder who has done basically nothing without me right beside her. I even amazed myself by leaving for an entire 10 minutes before the teacher tracked me down in the cafe with a sobbing Quinners in her arms. She loves her mommy, what can I say? She settled quick for snack time, painted an Picaso'esq painting of a pink storm, and sung the "itsy-bitzy spider" song at the top of her lungs. As you can see from the photos, she did enjoy kindergym and would not have given a rat's arse if I was there or not.

She is the youngest there, by three months. And everyone cried. Even some mommies. Those that actually let the parents/grandparents/caregivers leave. I am proud of her. She sang her lungs out.

There is always the radio to listen to for the current events of the world anyhow, and it may be an acquired taste, but I like my coffee nuked at least once.

Hey, have you met me?

Have we met?

Allow me to introduce myself. I am hormonally induced crazy woman. Let me write out the math equation that brought me here:

September + new routine + skating fees + new skates + new daycare kiddies + Roger + a two year old + not enough sleep + bank balance dropping faster than a speeding bullet + PMS + being the only driver =

Hormonally induced crazy woman.

My talents include (in no particular order): crying, yelling, head spinning, not listening, wearing elastic waist pants, feeling bloated, carrying mother-guilt, drinking too much coffee, searching the web for a new island to live on, and driving my family nuts.

Wanna come over?

Can you say allergies?????

Zaiden.

We had friends for dinner last night, really good friends of Roger's that live in Victoria that we don't get to see near often enough. They have a beautiful baby boy, Zaiden, and Quinn and Hayley loved having a little one to cuddle and play hide-and-seek with.

As for dinner, that was another story. We had to put our heads together and come up with a meal that was.....gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, tasty and edible. Not an easy task. Shannon and I split the duty and came up with a wild and crazy concoction that even the girls attempted and ate some of. We did, however, make some steak kabobs for Roger the meat-eating carnivore that he is. Heaven forbid I hide some tofu or soy in his diet. We had a great meal, great conversation, and would do it again in an instant.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Can you just see how happy she is to start Grade 2? You should take a glimpse of me.......

Flashback without added drug use

Last night we were transported back in time. Who knew that Betty (the van) was also doing side-duty as a time machine? Yes, we teleported right into the land of big, bad hair; too-tight-stirrup-pants-on-too-fat-arses; misbehaved children and roll-back prices. They have got to place that huge smily face everywhere or there will be mass riots and fights over the latest "George" brand clothing. (I often wondered if that is what Boy George is doing now that he is unemployed in the music world? one has to wonder.....)

For those of you that do not know, I detest Walmart and all that it is. Not that I have anything against big box stores, I shop at Cosco. Not that I have any problem with having to match your clothing to a big blue vest everyday...to each their own. Not that I even have issues with their products and prices. It is simply this - I spent too much there.

I am cheap. Very cheap. I do not buy retail, I am known by name and shoe size at most neighbourhood thrift stores. I do not like anyone taking my money. God knows, I don't have much of it - so leave it in my overdrawn bank account where it belongs. Each and every time that I enter into the huge doors of Walmart stupid spray is vaporized on me leaving me a blubbering idiot. I wander aimlessly throughout the isles, throwing products in willy-nilly whether we need them or not. Price mark down on gerrycurl...I am in. Hmmm, diaper rash cream for the almost-potty-trained girly....chuck 'er in. Looky here, they got some flip-flops for $3! (see previous post...not needed any more of those suckers!)

We go in because for three days now we have been reaping in the missed-the-potty puddles on the floor. Quinners so wants to be a big girl so she is forgoing diapers. And the potty. And choosing to pee wherever, whenever and doing whatever. I am finding panties everywhere, and none of them mine. So with our other choice being a safety pin and a tee towel (safety pin already being used) we go get diapers.

God the hair we saw. Big, nasty, bangs straight up hair. Right out of my 1989 grad photos. Whoa. And who in their right mind takes their kids out in a diaper only? There was some strange people there, I kid you not.

So in the end, I get to the cashier, armed with diapers, new sippy cups and ketchup (great combo) and we high-tail it out of there. Getting in the van Roger and I have a bit of a chuckle on the sights and sounds of Langford Walmart, all the while realizing that is how we just spent our Friday night.

Pathetic.

Better Support

I have come to the conclusion that I need some better support.

Not in parenting, not in my friendship circle, not in my running regime......

in my boobs.

I vowed that I would never be that mom. You know the one. The one that comes to playgroup/library/playground/Thrifty Foods with her brood in designer garb, all decked out, looking like they are making a quick stop on the way to a movie premier or something equally glamorous. Mom, however, is looking a little less than made up. A bit harried, with a comb not touching the hair that is not visible in the bathroom mirror, clothes a bit wrinkled, flip-flops being the shoe of choice......and worse of all fashion faux-pas.....her bra held up with a safety pin.

I am this close to being that mom. Just a safety pin away.

How is it that mom rationalle prevents us from spending money on ourselves? On essentials? I have no issues spending money on really little cute jeans for my 2-year old. Nor do I have any issues with spending $40 on a new backpack to grace the shoulders of my 7 year old on her return to school. I do, however, balk at the highway robbery of prices that they can get away with charging for a bra. I have two. One is the "turtlenecks" of bras. You know the kind. The Huge, mother-of-all bras, no chance of escape here, really big and bulky. It is the one that I wear on a regular basis. (not by choice, keep reading). The other is a demi-cup. The one that presumes to be sexy, with coverage of only half your boob. Mine was not bought as a demi-cup. I grew. It evolved into a new entity. One on which does not cover, nor does it support, it just...well...I am not exactly sure what it's purpose is. I only wear this one when I am waiting for the turtleneck one to dry.

This is not rocket science girlfriend. (maybe it is, have you seen the pointy-arrow boobies of the 1950's? complete with darts and take off devices...maybe it is rocket science) It is a piece of material that will defy the laws of gravity and put my "girls" to their pre-baby height of yesteryear. Not too big of a task. I mean, if you can put a man on the moon, one would like to believe that you can return the boobs to their place of honor.

Maybe too much to ask.

So, I am prepared this time. No kids to bring to the bra-shop for me. It is all too fresh in my mind what happened last time I brought my kids. The older one thought that it was an all-you-can-eat buffet from my purse of treats, and my younger one saw the boobs unleashed and thought that it was an all-you-can-eat-buffet from me. Not a good time in the change room for me. I will go get measured, and convince myself that spending money on me is a good thing.

Because do you know what I don't want for Christmas this year? National Geographic boobies of the saggy-tribe of who knows where in Africa. Nope, crossed that one off my wish list.

I'll take some new panties to go with my new bras. Lord knows, I won't be able to afford both.

UFC

Yep, me who detests violence, hosted a UFC fight night here. Actually Roger did the inviting and I did the party planning. I LOVE parties, any excuse to have one is alright with me!

So with money in tow, off to the grocery store I go. Dips, chips, mushroom caps, pizza sauce, cream cheese....oh the list was making my mouth water. Now the prep....

Cranking the ACDC Roger and I went to work. Slicing, dicing, laughing, and working along side in the kitchen. Probably one of my favorite afternoons yesterday. Cooking with the boy was great. no fighting, no bossiness (on my part), no dictating (on his part). Loverly.

Table laden with food (stuffed mushroom caps, potato skins, artichoke dip, pizza 7 layer dip, cheese, crackers, chicken wings, garlic sausage, pickles.....) our friends started to arrive. Of everyone that came there were only four women; two of which wanted to watch the fight and two who gave a rat's arse about it. I was in the rat's arse group. So Tina and I went to the Four Mile Pub and toasted a girls night out, sans children, men and blood and guts (aka UFC fight) and had a great laugh.

Came home to a sleeping baby, empty plates of food on the table and about 7 packs of empty beer bottles...with a smile on my face and a wink to Roger I knew that our "fight night" hosting was a success. Both of us got what we wanted. For me it was spending time with him in the kitchen before, and for him it was finally being able to be social and have some fun with his buds.

The best part of the night was that all our friends were raised right. They all pitched in and cleaned up the house before going home. At 2am. 2am. Who in their right mind stays up until 2am? With kids? Not me, I graced the bedsheets at 12:30. That was late enough for me.

Hmmm, what party can I plan next?

Discovery

The morning that we left for Parksville one of the bulbs in the bathroom burned out. Not so bad, as we had two others in good working order.

Until we arrived home and HP turned on the light and only one worked. She peed in a bathroom with about as much light as a nightclub washroom, all dim and hazy and I made a mental note to go to Canadian Tire (about a 3.5 second dash from our door) and purchase some new halogen bulbs.

Then I got used to the dim surroundings. Dust bunnies did not seem so scary in this light. Shaving your legs in the shower was done by feel alone (really, who feels up ankles anyhow??), and when your put your makeup on in the morning you look good enough to go dancing....I thought this light was pretty darn flattering. Even before I had a glass of wine and had to squint about 2 inches from the mirror to see my reflection.

Tuned on the light a few days ago and saw the light flicker. Knew that I did not want to wipe my potty training daughter's bumm in the dark, nor did I have any desire to explain to guests why they had to pee in the dark, we journeyed to Canadian Tire. OMFG! Try $20 for four bulbs. I just about had to change my panties. That is highway robbery. I paid the lady, trudged home and put the damn bulbs in.

My discovery? All the while of being in the hazy darkness, a dark hair was growing out of my chin. A coarse, ugly, makes-me-feel-ancient hair. One that I could see plain as day when three working bulbs were screwed into my fixture. For the second time in one day I just about sported a new pair of panties. What does a girl to do? Tweeze the thing out...only to make it grow back coarser and uglier? Leave it alone and hope that it does not poke out eyes during cuddles? Encourage two of it's buddies to grow beside the first only to be able to braid them and pass it off as a new fashion accessory?



Nope. Just unscrew two bulbs and forget you even saw the thing.

Parksville Vacation

As a super neglectful blogger, I will now catch up all my faithful readers on our family vacation to Parksville. We finally got a chance to get away as a family and "we were going to have fun if it killed us!" We actually succeeded in our goal, a great time was had by all. We beachcombed, built sandcastles, bumper-boated, played mini-golf, shopped at thrift stores, drank wine, watched movies, danced with the girls, played at the park (a lot) and laughed.

Here are the photos to prove it!