Rainhat, rubberboots, and some sunscreen

The weather here has been so strange. One day it is almost 20 degrees and the VERY next I am having to wear a coat again. So weird. I am glad that I am going to work today as it is the latter out there again today.

I have come to the conclusion that I am a bit out of shape. Soft. Weak. Undeveloped. I worked in the garden, turning over the plot to get ready for planting, and my arms are a bit sore now. I thought my arms always got a good workout, with picking up kids, packing in groceries, and packing around a tray full of yummy drinks at Moxies. Alas, I was mistaken. They are a bit on the tender side today. Kind of feels good, and then I try to pick up my 20 pound little girl and they remind me that I dug dirt for two hours. How ironic is that.

Not a lot else to report, Quinn says "OH MY" and "WHO ME" now - both are very cute. We honestly believe that she has some kick-back Italian gene in her - she cannot talk without using her hands and is full of expression when she tells you a story. Hayley is really rollerblading, mastering the skill faster than I can watch her. She is really fast too. Thank goodness for helmets and knee pads. Off to work soon, so hope that everyone has a good day.

small stutter...

Just ignore the fact that I posted the last entry twice. I must have stuttered on the button. Not like I am perfect or anything, or for those of you that thought that - sorry to burst that whole dream. Talk soon. Another sunny day here on the Island and I think that I might garden before I am off to the Museum as a driver for Hayley's school field trip......ah the lovely downtown Victoria. Remind me to be considerate to the tourists that proceed to walk in the middle of the road, while I, a Victoria driver, proceed to NEVER remember where I am going, and drive without "due care and attention". But officer, I am paying attention - paying attention to the sale signs at the Gap, my children singing Raffi in the back, the tourists with the many bags they are carrying, and always on the lookout for the nearest Starbucks......

Dirt and worms

My mom, right now, is sitting at home, with a look of unbelief on her face. Her little girl (me) who cannot stand germs, dirt, and the thought of planting something in it and then looking after it - is getting a garden plot!! We live across the street from a community garden site and I manage to fanangle one for this year. They are in high demand here in the big city, with all the condo dwellers that still want a "yard" and some green space. My friend Liz and I are going in together with three, one of which we are letting the kids have to plant and do what they want. Hayley is pretty pumped, with the prospect of planting a pumpkin for Halloween. I am glad that Liz will be there with me, as I am still a dirt virgin and need all the help that I can get.

This weekend was fairly uneventful, with work and just puttering in the backyard. We did head to a friends for a bbq last night, and am so glad that the sunshine is out and we are able to sit on the deck with some warmth other than the fireplace. Summer is coming here in Victoria - just one trip down to the city and you will be blinded by all the lily white legs sprouting underneath some really short skirts. Not me, I will hide undercover until I at least don't blind others with the mayonaise colored legs. Until next time......have a great day!

Dirt and worms

My mom, right now, is sitting at home, with a look of unbelief on her face. Her little girl (me) who cannot stand germs, dirt, and the thought of planting something in it and then looking after it - is getting a garden plot!! We live across the street from a community garden site and I manage to fanangle one for this year. They are in high demand here in the big city, with all the condo dwellers that still want a "yard" and some green space. My friend Liz and I are going in together with three, one of which we are letting the kids have to plant and do what they want. Hayley is pretty pumped, with the prospect of planting a pumpkin for Halloween. I am glad that Liz will be there with me, as I am still a dirt virgin and need all the help that I can get.

This weekend was fairly uneventful, with work and just puttering in the backyard. We did head to a friends for a bbq last night, and am so glad that the sunshine is out and we are able to sit on the deck with some warmth other than the fireplace. Summer is coming here in Victoria - just one trip down to the city and you will be blinded by all the lily white legs sprouting underneath some really short skirts. Not me, I will hide undercover until I at least don't blind others with the mayonaise colored legs. Until next time......have a great day!

Deep thoughts...

Has anyone out there ever thought why they are parents? Your purpose, your mission, your objective that you are to carry out? I always marvel at those parents who are determined to raise their children as a vegetarian, when they themselves eat meat, or that the babies are going to wear only cloth diapers, when the family does not recycle. At some point in time you have to raise your children in the same facet that you were raised in, whether you like it or not, whether you agree with it or not. Your parenting style will in some way echo the way that you were raised. Albeit small or large, it will most likely follow the same trend.

What has caused me to think of this you may be wondering? I have been really reflecting on parenting since Hayley has started school. All the foundations that you begin to put in place, all the values that you instill in them are really put to the test when they begin school and are in amongst their peers. My hope and wish is that the foundation was built strong enough, that Hayley will be strong in her convictions, and her outlook and do right. Seeing all the kids, all the different parenting styles, all the LACK of parenting in some cases, makes me so glad that I am not in school anymore.

My hope is that I do right by my daughters, that I teach them to be strong females, to stand up for their beliefs and convictions, to feel honor when they look in the mirror. My desire is that they will appreciate the rules that we put on them, knowing that they are in place because we want them to be safe, protected and that we love them.

Things I am thankful for - sunflowers are beginning to shoot, days are getting longer and brighter and at the end of the day, I know that I am doing the best that I can to help raise my two girls, all with the knowledge that I possess.

Hoppy Easter to you

Hello and happy Easter to everyone! Hope that the bunny visited your houses and chocolate abounds in all. I was sitting here this morning thinking back to Easter when I was a kid and what kind of loot we brought in. I always got a new pair of shoes, and a huge bunny, although at that time it was solid and not the hollow-cheap ones for sale now. We also got all the things delivered to us in a basket with the riff-raffy-stringy-coloured- stuff inside. We proceeded to wear it as wigs and it went EVERYWHERE in the house. In our house on Lombardie Drive we had a step-up living room and the baskets were always on that step, just waiting for us. We never had a "hunt" that I can remember, but I still looked forward to getting the loot nonetheless. Then we had ham, scalloped potatoes and a fancy dinner that we got all dressed up for. Usually with grandparents, aunts and uncles and lots of homemade buns, which is what my mom is famous for.

This morning the Co-op Easter bunny left something for the kids outside, and then we are all going to Fleming Beach for our Annual hunt with friends. It is a lot of fun, and it looks promising enough outside weather-wise as well. This is the last of Quinn's firsts - as last year we had the Easter hunt on the Sunday right before she was born. Now everything for here on in is old hat to her - been there done that. So you can only imagine the photos taken today for the scrapbook. Get your smile on - here it comes.

So have a happy Easter - and remember, behind all the chocolate, candy, and commercialism, is the real reason why we celebrate the holiday. Whether YOU are religious or not, it is something I am THANKFUL for. Have a great day all.

CANSKATE CHAMPION!!!

She did it!!!!! She won the gold medal for the overall Canskate Champion!!! The girl standing next to her is Sierra, who is the same age, and won a medal for "most levels passed" - she went from level 1 to level 6 in one season!!! I am so proud of her, she is the ONLY skater from the Victoria club that is in spring skate, and is LOVING it!!! OOOOh, I think I am destined to be a skater mom - better get a second job. My mom was telling me that when my sister was preparing for the BC Winter Games she needed new skates. They were $725!!!! Eek, I wonder how many tables I will have to wait on to make that kind of money? That would be two full weekends of work, wage and tips, not spending it on ANYTHING else. Or, we could just forfiet paying our rent for one month, one of the two. Anyhow, will sign off now, proud as ever for my big girl!!!

Well what will it be???

May or may not have mentioned it, but all winter Hayley has been in skating with the Victoria Skating Club. She was enrolled in Canskate, which is a fun, entry level to figure skating, with 6 levels to pass and then you are in the Junior program. She began in level 2, as her skill level was enough to not "fall down, crawl to the glass, stand up, fall down, and then begin the process all over again". When the program ended she was in level 4. We had the opportunity to put her in the Spring Skate program, twice a week for the month of April and so we did. This is one thing that I did solely for the benefit of Hayley, as the entire winter I have sat in the bleachers of the Save On Foods Memorial Arena with a scrapbook magazine without even as much as a HELLO from all the other mom's (aka "I am too good to talk to a mom that's kid wears garage sale skates......bitches).

The point of all my rambling is that I received a phone call the other night to make sure that we were going to the Awards Banquet. We were not. The last way that I want to spend my night is surrounded with a bunch of snotty, spoiled skaters (maybe that is just the moms.....the skaters ACTUALLY say hello to me). Well, guess who is receiving an award that night!!!!????? My BIG girl! They will not tell me what award, but let's be honest, I would be over the moon if it was "The girl that consecutively wears pink" award!!!! I honestly think that I will cry, but in a tasteful way so that I in no way embarrass Hayley when she is up on STAGE accepting her award. Just know that you will all have to suffer through the photos to see come Wednesday on the ol' blog.

Things to be thankful for: more importantly than the award, Hayley had fun skating. Quinn is really getting the hang of the walking thing - trying it every chance that she can get. I am going to be an auntie in November - my little sis is going to have a baby. So happy I think I will burst. Either that or I ate something weird. Until next time......

Where can I go where it is nice and warm??

Where can I go where it is nice and warm, silent from everyone, where my diaper dries by itself, has a built in alarm when my cycle is done, and mom will never find me? THE DRYER - HOW UNSAFE IS THAT!!!!

Folding the laundry yesterday, I went into the bedroom to hang up my work pants, came back out and found Quinn in the dryer! So I did what every scrapbooking mom does - took the opportunity for a photo shoot! Then I did the responsible thing and took her out, relaying the message on how we should not play in it, and never, ever close the door - sort of. You have to admit, she did look pretty darn cute! Thank goodness she did not have any "unmentionables" on her head at the time!!!!!

Tom Thumb Safety School

Pedal cars to teach about safety - complete with working lights, cross walks and pretend gas pumps (although I will wager a bet that the gas is not $1.10 a litre there!!)
OOPS - a small fender bender - gotta hate rush hour, bumper to bumper traffic!
All clear and ready to pose for the camera!

Hayley went on a field trip today, to the safety school. Strangely enough, it is the same school that Roger went to when he was in Kindergarten!! She had such a great time learning all about road safety. Then proceeded to watch her mom run out in the middle of the road to take the photos - do as I say and not as I do never rang more true.

OK maybe a SMALL walk...

Yesterday I managed to get off work early, the sun was shining and I was itching to enjoy it. So Roger, Quinn and I decided to go for a walk (Hay was at her dad's). Buckled Quinn in the jogger, and out we set - down the Gorge to see where life would take us. The view is so beautiful, the rowers were out practicing, so kyaks were cutting through the water silently, birds were out singing and all the flowers were poking their heads out of the spring soil. Magnificent. Guess where our walk took us????? Right to a mall - full of kids in their jammy pants, moms and dad's in Zellers (oh, maybe that was us), and seniors cruising the sale racks in London Drugs. We felt right at home - strange as that is. Then we went to the grocery store and got some yummy steaks for the bbq, and then walked home. We left at 3:30 and got home at 6:30!!!! My feet were a BIT tired - but nothing that a glass of wine didn't numb. The sad thing is that I was thinking that not so long ago I used to run 10K on a regular basis, in under an hour, with energy left to burn. Now by the time I am finished running all over the city with the kids, packing them in and out of the van, making dinner, bathing, yada yada yada I barely have time to dust off my running shoes and do anything for me. I am so glad that my kids and Roger love me just the way that I am - soft.

A day in the life...

so first I stand and get my balance, all the while, looking VERY stylish.....
then I try hard to not laugh, dance, play Simon Says, and concentrate on moving my feet...
one should ALWAYS stretch before any exercise, so I will touch my toes a few times...

but really where I want to be is right here, in my Papa Don's arms. I just know that he will give me a horsey ride later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUINNERS!!! I cannot believe that you have been around for a year, in our lives and in our hearts. Who knew that my heart would mimic the Grinch's and grew and grew and grew. I love you more and more each day.

Sometimes change IS good

Like when you change your hair (stuck in the 80's is not a fashion statement people), change your mind (chicken or fish??? hmmm), change your undies (car accident with dirty undies, not following your mom's rules), or simply change your blog template. Who knew that when I look at my OWN blog the pink is so sunny, spring-like and charming. No wonder Hayley is in love with the color. Makes one feel alive.

Sometimes change is not good either. Like when I have to rearrange the girls' room to make a dresser fit, or when my highlights come out uneven, or when Roger is working a different shift. I am really a creature of habit for those of you that do not know that. I border on obsessive compulsive in some of my habits. I have to shower every day, I have to fold all the laundry right way in, arms tucked in the center and so the fold is NOT down the middle, I have to read every night before I go to sleep (even after sex, I have to read one page - just one I promise...- sorry mom!!!), and I have to have all the cupboards closed in the kitchen at all times. I even scrapbooked the same for a long time before I could change that as well. Technology eludes me, I now have tried unsuccessfully to add my favorite other blogs to my links and only to get an empty page. My MP3 player holds a LOT of songs, but only 16 of them play. Cannot figure out how to stop and start a DVD without it going to the beginning again. HMMM, the list is big. One change I am very good at is throwing away my old clothes and starting fresh again. Holding on to nothing that I have not worn in one season, or jeans that I "one day might fit into", or the flashdance outfit that looked so good on in 1983. Not me. New clothes here - sometimes too many.

Something else I have not changed is my very good friend in Quesnel. We have weathered high school, peer pressure, numerous boyfriends (although we never had the same ones), marriage, babies, divorce, custody issues, second relationships, new babies, and blended families. We share a passion for good tea, great scrapbooking, and like nothing better than a well maintained home. (ha, you just read that we both have babies...). My long distance, kindred spirit, girl who makes me laugh, downhome, Starbucks free, lovable friend, Annamarie. Thinking of you today darling, and wish we were closer. Somethings never change eh?

Just some things on my mind. Not much mind you, as my house might be well maintained but my brain is not!!! One more sleep until my parent's arrive from Arizona for a visit. Can't wait.

QUINN TOOK TWO STEPS!

Hayley at her birthday party - mouth full of cake and having a blast with her friends!!
Quinn looking mischievious as always. She really has her own sense of humour!

Just wanted to let everyone know that QUINN TOOK TWO STEPS ON HER OWN ON FRIDAY!!! She has been standing and wiggling forever, and she did it, all on her own, pivoted and took two steps. Now ALL she wants to do is stand, but is less than keen to walk again. Which, let me get the record straight, I am not too sad about. STAY LITTLE, that is my mantra.

(Secret is out, I am VERY proud of her, before her first birthday and everything...) sniff sniff

Can someone say GROUCHY??

Ok, someone, somewhere, put something in my girls drinks today. They have rotated their heads all the way around, spewed out green pea soup and become absolute monsters. I literally almost lost it on them. But instead, I restrained myself, and put them both in the tub, filled it full of bubbles and let them have at it. Now it is 8pm and they are asleep. Well, that might be pushing it, they are BOTH in BED, NO NOISE and I am quite content with that. The dishwasher is running in my ear, so really, they could be making noise and I would be none the wiser. I don't think I am missing much. So I will vent here on what a hellish day it has been around here, await for the kettle to boil, make tea and veg out in front of the telly with Roger.

EEk, no one wants to hear me rant and rave, so I will sign off and make the world well again tomorrow. Do I have to do my things to be thankful for??? Ok, hmmmm, thankful that Roger's ring arrived in the mail today, after 10 days in customs, it is really honking huge and he loves it. I am thankful that both girls usually sleep through the night, and I am really thankful that my mom and dad are arriving Tuesday of next week and so I can have my mommy here to cry in her arms............Sucky as that sounds, makes me happy......

Scrapbooking kind of day

Big thunk in the mailbox only means one thing according to my friend Annamarie. Scrapbook magazines arriving!! Yahoo. I am also awaiting a HUGE lot of stuff from eBay, including a album kit to do Roger's baby album, 50 assorted papers and vellum, stickers, embellishments, and 4 idea books. All for the mere price of $40 including shipping. Yah, I am shopping in my jammy pants in my kitchen, drinking coffee and watching kids. This is the life. I am almost finished my first ever black and white album as well. I am pleasantly surprised at how much I love it. Black and white photos are so crisp and clean looking, nothing to distract you, just photos.

Boring to all you "not yet scrapbookers" that read my blog, but in my small world, VERY exciting. Now to find the time to do all I want to do to exercise my creative side and still plan a birthday party for little Quinners. Our baby will be turning one on the 30th. As my friend Liz' boys say "yah, she is only zero right now". How fitting.

Can't wait for Annamarie to get her computer up and running again. I miss reading about the queen in training and what is going on in Quesnel. Come on techies - fix it!!

Things to be thankful for - turning 35 was not as bad as I thought, my ring arrived from Roger and it is beautiful (aquamarine stone with 5 small diamonds all set in white gold), and both girls seem to have bypassed the cold that is running rampant around the schools. Yippy for small victories.

The best birthday EVER!!!

Officially the best birthday. Bar none. I woke up with my favorite 6 year old and snuggled in bed watching Scooby Doo, then to the musical sounds of Quinn's jibber jabbing in her crib, proceeded to get up and have a yummy coffee. Birthday cards on the table waiting for me!!! Mom not only made me a beautiful table runner and sent me grandma's ring, she also gave me some money for a new spring running jacket. It will be great for all the "running" I plan to do. Yah, like running back and forth to school, running in and out of the grocery store, running in and out of the skating rink. All the while in the comfort of my minivan. Oh well, the intention is there.

Spent the morning with my friend Jen and her three kids here. They play so well together, and Naomi and Quinn just wrestle for the toy of the day. I admire her, so much patience and love, and expecting #4 soon.

My friend Lisa gave me a hoard of relaxation stuff - for the bath, candles, mini CD, etc. Gonna use that fore sure! After picking up Roger we went into the mall, and unbeknownst to me, picked up my pressie from him. It is a beautiful aquamarine stone, with 4 diamonds, all set in on a white gold ring. Our family ring. I won't lie to you, shed a tear in the jewelry store!!! Then proceeded to hand it back to the saleswoman so it can be sized. Evidently I am a size 5.5!! Baby fingers. He took us out for dinner, had a yummy glass of red wine and a great steak and prawn dinner, then home. When we pulled up to the house there was presents for me on the porch!! Jen bought me a gift certificate to LaSenza and my friend Eden bought me a great summer beach bag, some scratch and wins, and a copy of the Jack Johnson "Curious George" soundtrack. I absolutely love Jack Johnson. Then.............The icing on the "cake" of a day came when my other friend Jen stopped by after her yoga class with her old video camera for Roger and I to use indefinitely!!! I know that I am going to have fun with that toy!! Watch out kids, mommy has got the movie fever now!!! I went to bed very happy and honored to have such great friends in my life. Blessed seems like an understatement.

Just some photos

Baby Goats and Shllamas to see

Spent the day at Beacon Hill Park with the girls, my friends Jen (both have the same name) and all the kids. It was so fun. The best part was when a goat jumped right over Quinn's head! She laughed and laughed! Hayley really wanted to see the llamas, but we could not find them, so we went to see the sheep instead. The looked really funny, long hair, beards and one was so fuzzy it looked like it had a hump. We called them shllamas (sheep-llamas). Then we started calling animals by funny names and one of the Jen's said that female peacocks are called peaginas! I thought I was going to pee my pants. Then I would have some explaining to do...............It was so fun, will definitely do it again. Especially to see the peaginas.

It is my last official day of being 34. I received a package from my mom today and in it was my grandma Tish's family ring that was willed to me. She actually passed away in December of 1990, and although I always knew that the ring was mine, it sat in my mom and dad's safety deposit box. I thought it a fitting gift to recieve again for my birthday. I also got a very beautiful table runner in an oriental pattern, very light and spring colors that she handmade. I love table runners, and with our "all wood decor" it really adds some color and warmth. I am feeling spoiled.

Drinking a chamomile tea and finishing this up. Then off to bed with the latest scrapbook magazine I received today. Me and my friend Annamarie definitely think alike as she also bought one today as well. Until next time my friends. Oh ya, Got snow on Friday, wore capri pants today. How is that for crazy west coast weather????? (for those of you that did not get the peaginas joke, think rhymes with Regina and would accompany pea-cock...)

Snow is in the forecast....But for HERE????

Well it is official....We got snow. Or as my friend Annamarie says, " we had a blizzard last night and not the kind you get at Dairy Queen". We are a white winter wonderland out here on the Island. I am not impressed.....

The kids however, are over the moon. Hayley has NEVER wanted to walk to school, and today, she asks. Quinn keeps crawling over to the window in the back door and looking outside. It does make for good photos!

Quinn did her first sign last night - she signed more! I almost cried, and then was unmercifully teased by Roger for being a softy. She has only said one word, mama (she knows!!!), and now signed one, so that actually means she DOUBLED her vocabulary! My little girl, almost one.

Hayley had Student Led Conference yesterday, and she did so well. I am so proud of her, she is really learning a lot in kindy. Her journal is funny. Her on the beach, me and her on the beach, building a sand castle on the beach, the ocean......Maybe we should spend more time there this summer. Then she skated on her new skates after that. She was a bit stiff, they just were sharpened and the picks are really close compared to her other ones. She did relax and have fun after the initial breaking in period though.

Just gonna curl up with Harry Potter (5th book) and drink tea today. I may even have to wear long pants and not capris today. Maybe.

Things to be thankful for......In Victoria you don't have to shovel it, it makes everything look clean, and it really is a freak of nature here. Might as well enjoy it while it is here....