Time is Flying by

I cannot believe that I have been so bad at keeping up with posting, my apologies and thanks to my frequent readers who keep checking back.

I suppose that life has got a bit busy and I have lost track of the days gone by. We are trying to enjoy the summer and our new deck, despite the frequent and intense thunderstorms that seem to be a daily occurrence. This past weekend we had some family over for a BBQ and enjoyed their company and the summer night. I love to sit out on a summers eve, with a cool glass of 0% Becks beer and just enjoy the night.

We are getting ready to leave for the Port this Friday. Which again is the long trip to northern Quebec. We are making it a holiday, but really it is for hubby's grandfathers funeral service. He died back in January, but there is not much that can be done in the middle of winter so we had to wait until now. Note that he was cremated and not just sitting there on ice, although some poor souls are. I think we are all looking forward to going though, as the entire family is going and we will have a blast during the rest of our vacation there.

I am now 22 weeks pregnant, really I cannot believe it and still having trouble believing that I am actually pregnant let alone over half way there. Although I am still exhausted, the morning sickness has gone from constant all day everyday to more of a random occurrence. I love this part of the pregnancy when you can feel baby and start to develop that bond. For those that do not already know we are having a little girl and although we were shocked at first we are excited for her arrival. I was absolutely hands down for sure, thought that I was having a boy. Not one thing was like being pregnant with DD1. I am much more ill and tired, I am much bigger and carrying different than I did with DD1. However saying that they have similar sleep patterns and DD2 is now just as active as DD1 was. Hubby and I are still debating names. He has even started a facebook group to try to sway me...I will not. Many thanks to all those whom have taken my side, I appreciate it. I am still pulling for Ada and I think that I will just send him for a coffee when the registry comes around.















This is at 19 week....need to update.

I got a new car this weekend, Ford Focus and it seems to be very nice. I don't hold much value in cars so excuse my lack of enthusiasm. It is ice blue with chrome details and tinted windows, kinda pretty for a mom Mobile.

I will post some pics from our vacation and I hope this ties you over until I return.

Another proud moment!

My dad's birthday was this weekend and we decided that the family would meet for a early dinner to celebrate the event. We choose to meet at Swiss Chalet as it was close to everyone, cheap and willing to serve us at 4pm.


We all ended up meeting in the parking lot. My brother and his family which includes a 2 year old, a 5 year old, and a 7 month pregnant wife. My family which includes a 5 month pregnant mom, a 2 year old, a hubby and a sister. My parents were already in the restaurant and eagerly waiting our arrival.


We walked in together; the kids all holding hands with my sister, SIL and I waddling and the men carrying all the gear. I noticed the faces of those we passed as if to say, "that lot are breading machines, I hope they don't sit here".


We made it to our table and got the kids all sorted and we took our spots. Still several tables of seniors staring in our general direction...clearly over whelmed by our presence. We had four tables pushed together leaving a large gap between our table and the people next to us. That table had a young couple with a baby and another couple trying to eat while their baby is fussing. My hubby leans over and blurts out (he is incredibly loud to being with) stop with the one and then displays the with his hands gliding over our table, what their lives could become if they don't.


We order our drinks and food and the remaining tables around us start filling up. Just before our meal arrives my 5 year old niece proclaims that she needs to pee and everyone on the bench down from her has to stand up to let her out this includes my hubby. He lets my niece and my sister out and they return 5 short minutes later. My hubby stands up again and this time takes a few steps forward and cracks his head off the light hang where a table once sat. My husband grabs his head and at 4:30 in a family restaurant littered with small children and seniors yells out Mother fucker! That's right a giant mofo right there in front of everyone. The restaurant was silent until I tore a piece off of my dear hubby.

me: seriously, what are you thinking?
him: What?
me: mofo babe, really surrounded by young children of our own and others....mofo did you really just say that?
him: I cracked my head sorry, beside it's Milton have you looked around.....Gooood!

In fact I had looked around, especially at the woman sitting at the table behind us with three boys under the age of 7. Three boys whom my hubby had just become a legend to. Her face was that of a church going, good by seriously sheltered woman. I could see that she had never heard that expression used live. I guess it was an educational experience for her whole table.

happy birthday dad...how proud are you!

Things that spook me!

I think that I am a pretty well rounded and mentally stable individual, yet I have collection of random things that seriously spook me, some even terrify me.

As I was driving into work this morning I noticed a shoe on the shoulder of the left lane. It was a man's dress shoe in good condition and belonging to someone with a eye for fashion. It creeped me out. It then occurred to me that I often see shoes on the highway and I always have the same unnerving reaction. I few exits ahead I noticed a second shoe. A man's black coloured runner turned upside down and discarded under the guardrail. I always think that this must be the only remains of a car accident. I mean why else would a shoe be out on the highway? Then I think that this person must have been quite injured to forget their shoe. I mean if they were just getting out of the car to check the fender, they would not take off a shoe first...hmmmm.
Maybe my EMS girl could comment on this one.

I drove a little further and began to laugh about all the other random things I am spooked by...maybe I am not as stable as I thought.

I am fearful of Banshees. I understand logically that it is a folklore, but the crazy side of me is not taking any chances. Never will I look out the window or go outside when I hear cats fighting, as the wailing of the banshee is thought to be a similar eerie sound. In fact the sound of a cat howling makes my hair stand on end. Never ever ever will you catch me picking up a comb off the street either. A banshee's calling card if you will...I think not!

I have an irrational fear of clowns most likely stemming from an association with a very unfortunate past family member. Clowns are generally creepy and will not be part of any party my kid is at. I am really uncomfortable with the way they have made themselves look happy, but inside one never know the true emotion of the clown.

I fear balloon. Most likely associated with clowns, but none the less they are unstable and unpredictable. Oh lord and that squeaky sound they make...ahhh shivers.

I am spooked when I am woken in the early hours 3am. Things are too quiet and I am not comfortable with any presence that I at times feel. I am especially hate when I wake because someone called my name. YIKES.

I hate dolls. You know the kind that stand there and watch you. The ones that eyes open and close. I hate porcelain dolls, old fashion dolls, really to be safe all dolls. My parents were moving and we were house hunting which lead to us visiting a home my parents loved. They took us over for a showing and we walked about looking at all the wonderful space and features. I went up stairs and headed into the master bedroom; I was not prepared in the least for what waited for me. I entered and immediately crapped my pants; hundreds of dolls. Little ones, big ones, some standing, others sitting, a few even in cradles...all looking at me with that vacant stare. I remembering standing there my eyes darting in every direction I was starting to panic when my mom walk in and started to laugh. I didn't find it funny, nor did I find it funny that they bought the house.

Ps. this also go for ventriloquist dummies...Mr. Marbles!

I will never and encourage others to never purchase or take a mirror from an antique sale, garage sale, attic or roadside. Shivers....Buy new always...I am not going into it with you.

Last but I am sure not the least, I am not okay with the ice cream man that drives through the neighbourhood. His little truck and eerie music gives me goosebumps. I never really had an encounter with the ice cream man growing up, but I don't trust them. I lovingly refer to them as "pedophiles on wheels". I know that it is a bit of a blanket statement and somewhat discriminating, but they creep me out. Why do they all have to look like they were just released from prison on a community work integration program. Driving slowly looking for children out the tiny window, luring them helplessly with the monotonous music and pictures of dancing ice cream cones. Nope not a fan!

So after careful evaluation and reconsideration I am retracting my first comment on this page. I appear to be less normal than I thought. Please feel free to comment about you own fears.

Behind on the photo of the day.

Way behind on this sorry :O(

Here is day 15...planning ahead.
Proof that Frenchies truly have a different way of life.

Day 14
One of Dancer's chubby pups...

Day 13
A sample of some of my painting. I especially love this one.


Day 12
My Nana and I, one of my best friends and I miss her dearly. She would be proud that Iris shares her name.
Day 11
The yellow boots...

Day 10
Ship wreak at Port Cartier.


Day 9
Our last visit with him...Hubby's Pepere.

Day 8
The birth of my baby girl.

Day 7
I love to see my husband laugh...I fall in love again.

Day 6
Our dog, Dancer.


Day 5
Feet that I love.


Day 4
Just because it's beautiful.

Day 3
Thing 2...The newest love of my life, I cannot wait to mean this one.

Day 2
My favourite Tattoo of Hubby's...baby girls foot print at birth. Thing 2's will go on his left leg.


Day 1
My girl, I love that face.

My Word!

MP said...
HELLO...first it was "cute kid" and we needed updates...now with being pregnant mama...HELLO...we need updates please!!
9:52 AM

My word you are all so pushy...lol.

Okay...due date at it currently stands is November 3rd 2008, I expect it to change as it has changed twice now. I must admit that I am a little freaked out about having a baby this year. My plan was to return to the fertility clinic in June which would put us at a due date for next spring. however, I am starting to think that God isn't over impressed with my detailed planning and may have heard my secret whimper that , "This would be so much easier if I just got pregnant".

Pictures???? Forgive me but I am dumb when I am preggers. MP what nature of pictures would you like to see here. If you think I am posting a baby bump you're nuts. This plus size beauty is not ready for that type of situation. I will scan my ultrasound pictures for you and maybe take an artistic photo of my bump for you all to enjoy.

I think this one is a boy. I am super hungry all the time and started getting up in the night to eat. I started showing at about 9 weeks and purchased maternity pants at 7 weeks. I am continuing my gag and heave ritual for 20 minutes every morning which is super special especially with baby girl hanging off my leg say, "it okay mama". Which in turn I mumble, "become a lesbian dear".

Thank you all very much for your warm wishes and I will be sure to keep you all posted of my developments. MP and Linda, keep the demands coming. Think of my comment section as you own personal suggestion boxes!

After re-reading my post I realized that MP never asked for pics...man I am seriously dumb this time round, my apologies MP.

On the shit list.

Here are a few comments from one of my disgruntled fans.

Linda said...
pssst...it's April Hello are you in there? Don't make me send MP after you...after all you do post when she requests it! I'm sorry maybe you are sitting by the fire with hot chocolate in your pj's?
1:01 PM

Linda said...
hellooooo?????!?!?!?!?!?!?
3:06 PM

The comments where on my last post which clearly has been sitting there longer than Linda would like to see. I believe that the comments are a couple weeks apart...serious poking I guess.

In an attempt to free myself from the shit list, I will provide an update since the past post.

I have not been particularly busy, just occupied. I had some health problems that have left me with little to no energy. I woke up on night with wicked chest pains and figured that it was heartburn, but after taking some tums and milk, quickly realized that this was not heartburn. I paced around the house for a few hours before waking up hubby and getting him to take me to the hospital. After 8 hours it was determined that I was having a gallbladder attack as a results of 5 gall stones. I was not overly impressed, but thankful that I have not had an attack since...knock on wood.

The last two weeks I have been battling a respiratory infection which had me off work most of last week.

Baby girl just celebrated her second birthday this weekend past. I can't believe that she is two already, the time really does speed up when you have kids. Anyway, she was pretty excited and now that she is two she will be giving up her crib and moving to a big girl bed. Pray for me that the transition is smooth.

Florida has been haunting me for the last 3 months. Shortly after getting home I started to fall ill with flu like symptoms, it turns out that while in Florida I picked up a new family member along the way...I did not declare that with the border agent.

We were actually could not have been anymore shocked. Hubby ended up going out and buying the new digital pregnancy test because he said he could trust stupid lines. We have always been under the impression that we are unable to get pregnant on our own. We have not used birth control since baby girl was born, why bother. So truly a surprise and a miracle....we are thrilled to say the least.

I did end up having to go back to the fertility clinic as a patient for prenatal supports. Unfortunately once I get preggers, I can't stay preggers. So I was put on Progesterone suppositories again which began to fail. They upped the dose to three and then four a day, which again I got the phone call that my numbers were dropping. The nurse finally called me in and basically told me that the suppositories are for some reason not working. She is recommended that I start taking progesterone shots or I will lose the baby. Not having a choice I took the shot right then and there. The next day Hubby was brought in and trained on how to administer the shots in my arse, as I would need they daily. He was a champ and we were done it 10 minutes. He was so proud and announced to the admin staff that he was the quickest she had ever seen...lol...true on many counts. I truly thank hubby for being able to give me the shots, it is not an easy thing to have to do to someone you love. Thankfully I was able to stop my shots as of yesterday!!!!!!!!!!

So to wrap it up this pregnancy has been kicking my ass hard and I just have not had the stomach to write about much. I am really hoping that now the shots have stopped I will start to feel better. Maybe some more posts.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just read that Aimee is moving onto her PhD and want to say that I am super proud of you!

I am sure this has been a very hard last few years, but it has paid off and everyone knew you could do it. Enjoy your dinner and pop some Champagne this is a huge accomplishment.

I hope you are reading!






ps....I am a blogging freak this week....lol

Getting so big.

Baby girl started daycare/nursery school back in the middle of January. We decided to put her into something more structured for two days a week to get her exposed to other children and personalities. Baby girl has a big personality and she needs to meet others with the same disposition to keep her in check. We were also looking for her to have more opportunities for growth and play. Up to this point she has been with MIL full time, which has been a helpful, but we never intended for it to be a permanent situation. We are also toying with the thoughts of having another baby and really we needed a place that baby girl is comfortable with that if a baby does appears she will know that "school" is her special baby free place. I place that won't change just because I am on a mat leave. A place where she has great friends and fun times.

So hubby and I went to a meet and greet in December at a new centre that was opening down the street from us. We loved the staff and the vision they had for the children. The facility was being built and everything would be new and up to code. That night she offered a calender of a sample menu for the month. It included but not limited to: Brown rice and teriyaki Chicken with a homemade fruit cup and milk. Tuna on multi grained bread broiled with a little cheese on top, banana spears and fresh juice. Oatmeal, grain bars, homemade oatmeal cookies. The actually have a chef that develops the menus and cooks for the kids. I wish she would prepare my dinner for pick up too.

After our meeting we signed on the line immediately as our city is limited when it comes to childcare places and truly we loved it.

Baby girl did really well the first day, week, month. She met some little friends and is learning to get along with many different personalities. She is learning self control and respect of others and property. She is beginning to understand that although she is very cute, the world does not revolve around her and that she needs to share, take turns and consider the feelings of those around her. She is understanding that her actions have consequences, that she can make others happy, but also hurt others feelings. We think that this is the best place for her and she has grown so much in just the short time she's been there.

This morning was a big milestone. Before our trip to Florida she went into school (we call it school) like a champ, good morning, hi kids, bye mom. However since our return she has cried everyday and throughout the day for mommy and daddy. Very unusual and out of character for her. Today we finally had a drop off that was positive. No tears, no begging, just smiles and right in to see the other kids....champ!

I know that she is safe and will stop crying shortly after I leave, but it is a much nicer feeling to leave her on a happy note. I am guilt ridden all ready that I have to work and not be there for her full time, I soothes my conscious to know that she is not stressed when I leave her.

Reply.

I wanted to respond to a comment left by our dear MP on my holiday blog.
She had many points and questions that I felt should be answered.

The comment is as follows.

*One of these days I'll have to try your famous coffee..is it THAT good?
I joke about many things, but coffee is not one of them. Tim Hortons as sick as it sounds, rocks my world. You absolutely should try it, but I have most likely ruined the experience by all the hype. Canadians are pretty passionate about hockey and Tim Hortons. We send it to our troops it's affects are that powerful on us...lol

*I would have SO jumped in that SC tub.. I want one of those at my house.
Me too. I don't believe that a home is complete without one...damn hubby.

*Dinner at Shoney's sounds like it SUCKED..sorry about that. Being American I feel responsible. McDonalds would have been better I guess.

Sucked assed, blew goats, would make a nun flip the bird! I agree that McD's would have been better, but I don't not hold you responsible in the least. Overall our American experience was enjoyable. To make up for the horrible dining, your Targets rock.

*8 hours from South Carolina to Orlando? Wow, I had no idea. It's a 2 day drive for us too.

Yep about that. We did 10 hours from our house to South Carolina...spent the night and did 8 hours from South Carolina to Orlando. Mind you we had beautiful driving weather and no traffic.

*Did you stay in the park or just at a near by hotel?

We stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Resort in Hubby's uncle's condo. As free is in our budget!

Did you know they have packages at Disney for something like $1500...and that's for a family of 4? We may do that next year.

Totally worth the money. Our friends that were down the same time as us do it every year with the kids. It includes park fees and dining if you want. They fly out of Buffalo as it is way cheaper that Toronto. The best sales they same are from just after Christmas until the 3rd week of February...then you hit spring breaks.

*33 days til my Aruba trip..when you described getting out of the car I could actually smell the warm air..especially after I look outside at the ice/snow/sleet.

If I close my eyes and breathe real slow I can almost smell it again....ah the warmth of the ground the lush flowers and a kiss of chlorine.

*Iris is so fricking adorable..you know that don't you?
Yes I know. She is pretty great!

Thanks for the comment MP...you're great. Hope you have a blast in Aruba. You will be back just in time for some beautiful weather of our own.

Relaxed!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It seems what is missing from my job description is as follows:

* Must be able to spend a minimum of 4 hours daily at poolside

* Must be willing to visit the hot tub on several occasions

* Must be creative with your drink orders adding new favourites to your profile daily

* Must be available for poolside massages

* Must laugh endlessly at stupid things

* Must be live the relaxed lifestyle of Florida retirees

The family and I recently returned from a fabulous trip to Orlando Florida this past weekend. We spent 10 gorgeous days or rest and relaxation. I will give a little run down of our adventures...run a get a drink.

We left at 4:30 am Friday morning and drove to the border in record time, stopping only for our last Timmies. While at the border we were questioned by a less then pleasant agent...smiles are not free. I mean we have nothing to hide and all our documents where ready and legit, but sometimes you pull up and you can just feel the looming sense of doom. During the tense 7 minutes of who, what, where, when, and why; Iris leans over towards the woman and shouts out, "I yike Tim bit please". We almost literately pissed ourselves, of course agent lifeless did not crack a lip, but at least it cut the tension for us. We passed with no issues and set a course to Bob Evans for some breakfast. After a good breakfast we carried on and drove 8 more hours to South Carolina where we stopped over night for a rest.

When we arrived we were pleasantly greeted by a clean and spectacular room including a big screen television and 4 person Jacuzzi. I normally am a germ-a-phoebe and would not dare enter a "public" bath, but the room was so clean and I was so tired that I ventured and figured at worse case scenario that's what they have penicillin for. It was pure bliss!



We were all pretty beat and needed a place to eat. The whole way down we saw signs for Cracker Barrel and Shoney two chain restaurants. As it happens they were both right outside our hotel. The Cracker Barrel was packed and Iris would not hold on much longer so we went to Shoney...we chose poorly.

It was seafood night at Shoney's and really I could not identify anything that was there and the fact that nothing was labelled made dining a real mystery. They seated us in smoking, because really that is all they have. Basically the difference between the two is whether or not you chose to smoke at your table. We sat at our table and I looked around; it was filthy...germ-a-phoebes nightmare. My sister and I went up to the "buffet" where I witnessed in horror a woman chip through the crust that had formed on the 1000 island dressing like the sugar topping of a crème brule, and poured it onto her salad. I know I staggered back and I think my sister helped me not fall over. My face must have said it all. I continued to walk around the tiny buffet holding my plate tight against my body, looking at the bounty before me like I was next on fear factor. I ended up with unknown fish stick, fruit and plain salad and we left pretty soon after and headed over to Sonic for a burger. If I am going to get botulism I at least want it to taste good on the way down and be able to identify what gave it to me in the end. LOL...in the end...ahhhh.

The next morning we hit the road for another 8 hour drive. We stopped at Dunkin Donuts as it is the closest coffee to Timmies as you will get in America and really I miss it now....God bless DD. So my sister, Iris and I waited in the car as Mark ran into get the coffees. He came out with this tray of steaming beverage that made my jaw drop. The size of the DD's extra large coffee was unreal. My God you have to pee half way through it. Remarkable!

Finally we arrived in Orlando just around the dinner hour. It was warm and you could smell that beautiful scent of flowers and summer eve air. I was immediately in love. Our condo was perfect 2 bedrooms 2 bath and the grounds were lovely. Over the course of the next week we played in the pool dined at wonderful restaurants and visited SeaWorld.

Our friends were also in Orlando by chance for 2 days while we were there and we decided to have a grown up night out....insert sister here. So we headed over to a place called Boston Lobster Feast to eat our body weight in seafood. We had some wine...no offence to our American friends but the beer is a waste of money really. We had some great laughs talking about Orlando parks and the various arguments we had. My husband and Doug ate 6 lobsters each plus many other tasty seafood items. They were pale and could hardly move...buzz killers. I tried raw oysters for the first time and YUMMMMM....I am hooked.

One of the days we headed over to SeaWorld which was interesting with a 22 month old to say the least. Iris was tired from all the weeks’ activities and was a tad whiney. We started off great, but as the day progressed we all got a bit snappy. A lot of the problem is that you cannot take your stroller into the exhibits. Outside the exhibits is stroller parking, so you park, take the kid out, take your bags out and hoof it into the Penguin exhibit for example. Inside the kids are lose and running around and our dear Iris would like to have done the same, but I am not a complete moron and foresee that letting your kid run around in the dimly light exhibit is just asking for trouble. She was less than impressed with the in and out stroller activity. We did manage to see the turtles, feed the sting rays, watch the dolphin show, go through the shark tunnel, see the manatees, visit the penguins and grab the Shamu show.

The Shamu show was interesting. To start in had begun to rain and baby girl was an hour over her scheduled (her agenda, not ours) naptime. We are running over to the whale stadium for the Shamu show that starts in 5 minutes. Of course we get there and are required to park our stroller and empty out our lives before heading up the giant ramp into the stadium. There are park employees shouting out, no seats to the show...soak zone only! I of course don't care as we are leaving the park right after the show, and the car rides is 3.5 minutes. Mark on the other hand is having a full on freak out about getting wet. So we are shouting back and forth to each other I at the top and him at the bottom of this ramp.

me: We are here and we are doing it com'n

him: I don't want to get wet. Wait until the next show.

me: the next show is in two and a half hours, that's 3:30 seriously do you think screaming mimi can make it until 3:30...GODDD!

him: we'll just go home, forget Shamu

me: FORGET SHAMU....We have been telling her all week she is going to see Shamu. We are not doing Disney or anything else...We are seeing the fucking whale now. So put on you hap hap happy face and get a poncho (pussy)

So we sat in the very front row. So close that we could not see anything above, but the underwater view was amazing, such beautiful creatures. The whole time Mark and Sarah are panicking about the impending soak. We got it at the end twice, but it was fine and Mark surprisingly did not melt.



We were so sad to leave, but are inspired to save for our retirement.

Here are some pics, sorry to my facebook friends who have already seen these.

Poolside I was made for retirement.

It's hard being a pirate.

I love this picture...good times with Daddy.

Sweet belly, more Daddy time.

Little something to get ya going.

















Iris's Valentines day breakfast.






















Sister Sarah poolside.

















Ahh so lush...damn winter.

















Cheers.





















Lounging poolside.

Doesn't everyone wear their biniki bottoms on their head. She must be baking!

Seven Odd Things

I have been tagged by MP in an attempt to keep my blogging...lol

I love the fresh fruit, but hate anything fruit flavoured, such as strawberry flavoured milk. Barf!!!!

I am not a fan of the ice cream. I occasionally get in a mood for it (3 times a year), but never by it to have at home.

I drink vinegar and pickle juice from the bottle...yummmy!!!!!

I have a strange relationship with dead people...spirits. They follow me and recently have started talking to me. It's irritating and freaky to say the least.

I hate to have my photo taken.

I hate to fly sooo much that if I see a plane landing or I am watching a show where they are inside I plane, I get nausea and could barf right there.

I can't poop anywhere but at home...inconvenient I know.

There you go peeps!

Kick in the ass from MP

MP has kindly made comment that I have not made a post in a few months. She is interested in an update, Christmas holiday events, pictures...

So the guilt has got to me and here I am.

My business was crazy over the December months and I was basically baking up until Christmas eve if you can imagine. I did however make some decent money which came in handy when I had to replace all four tires, get a brake job and an oil change :O(

One of my orders.

Our Christmas was quiet but busy. We did a lot of visiting and dinners with family and friends which I love and it helped that I started my 3 week vacation on the 19th! Our friends Linda and Rob opened up their home to us for a joyful night of emotional eating and drinking, which I was in desperate need of. We had a great time as always and so did baby girl...she loves Linda's girls.

We were to have Christmas eve with Mark's parents, but Mark's grand father took a turn for the worst and in turn his parents went out to Quebec to be with them. So there we were Christmas eve all by ourselves. It was delightful and our first Christmas Eve together as a family in 12 years. We started off in the late afternoon making pumpkin pies together for Christmas Day dinner. Then we put on the always classy, yet traditional Christmas log DVD and opened our gifts to each other in front of the tree. Baby girl had an absolute blast as she handed out each gift with a little, "Merry Quismas Mama/Daddy. After Iris was up in bed with sugar plums dancing in her head, we order the most delicious Chinese food and had a nice dinner together while we watched the Christmas Vacation. I piss my pants at that movie every time!

Making pies with mom and dad

One of the pies and the Log DVD

The next morning to our surprise Santa had come and left Iris an abundant of toys. Her favourite being the little tykes kitchen...big hit. We spent some time exploring the new winfall and then later headed over to my parents for more gift opening and eating! All in all a great Christmas.

The new kitchen and a little thumb suck.

On December 29th we went out with Mark's aunt, uncle, cousin and Bob (lol) for a dinner and "show" at Mysteriously Yours. It is basically a murder mystery night with dinner. We had a great time.

Iris and her best friend Molly the Dolly

Cold snowy day.

New Years we spent at my brothers home along with my parents and sister. We had a great time and I found out that I am going to be an aunt again! Baby #3 is baking as we speak.

Baby #2 and Iris

Unfortunately Mark's grand father passed away on Jan. 9th from renal failure. Although a great sadness and loss for our family, he did have a great long life and is no longer confined to a hospital bed. Mark's Memere has come down to stay for a few months. It is a nice treat to have her here. She is enjoying the time she is able to spend with Iris and is getting some much needed rest.

Other wise all is good and I will try not to leave my blog abandoned.

Little full lota sap...back by popular demand!

Back by popular demand! I am re-posting from last Christmas...enjoy!

When the holidays are upon us we share stories of family traditions, touching memories and more quirks that set us apart from the rest of the normal people.

My mom had just gone out and purchased an artificial Christmas tree. It has all the latest bells and whistles, pre-lit with 6 billion "warm" white LED lights which is this year’s model and to boot the tree is a slim fit. About the only thing that will be slim this holiday.
Anyway, she was telling me that my dad and she had to put up the tree immediately as she wanted to be sure the lights were all working and that it was indeed a "slim" tree. She was told that the store policy was 14 days for a return and being that this was only the second week of November it left her no choice but to perform an early test launch. She said that the tree was beautiful and a snap to put up only 20 minutes start to finish. This made me laugh as I started to have random flashback images of Christmas past.

Some families made the picking out of a tree a real family event, a joyful celebration, a cherished tradition. I picture them with their clothes laid out the night before...little Johnny may have even slept in his. The family would awake that crisp and sunny Saturday and hop in the station wagon for a drive into the country where they would come upon their beloved tree farm. Oh the children would shout for joy, "we're here, we're here" and mom and dad would join hands and embrace the glory. They would hop out of the wagon and make there way up to a barn that had been transformed into Christmas in 1920's. Inside would be an old wood burning fire, the smell of fresh pine and cider in the air. Around would be little hand made decorations and bake goods for sale.

That wee family would stroll arm in arm out back to a field where the most perfect trees grew. Just then a flurry of snow and a warm light in the distance...hark our tree. The family running up to the tree, "this is it kids", dad would proclaim and the good sir would cut it down and wrap it up. Everyone pilling back into the wagon, with cider in hand and a glow in there hearts.

Beautiful isn't it....cut to real life and I don't mean to insult anyone who for them this story is reality. You are just getting better drugs and counselling then my family got. Kudos’ to you!

The story "Christmas Vacation", with Chevy Chase was more my style. The houses that we grew up in typically had a space that would accommodate a fairly large tree. I say houses because we moved like we were in witness protection, but that is another blog.

As fair as most of the memories go, dad brought home a large real tree, it was lit and decorated to the tits and not much out of the ordinary. That is until silver shadow. That was the name of a street we lived on. I will remember that tree trimming for the rest of my life.

Please note the following is based on a true story, the content may seem truer than life, but rest assured it is strictly fact.

It was a week before Christmas I think I was 15. We had been talking about when and where we were going to get a tree. We were living in a multi levelled town home where the dining room looked over the living room in an open concept style. All thought the ceilings were 29 feet in the living room the actual footage was small. My dad who had been into the festive egg nog states that he will go get a tree. Three hours later he returns with the mother of all trees. It would have been excessive for a shopping mall let alone our living room. Although he has never admitted it, I am convinced that my dad when to a tree lot and being from the great white north was disgusted by what they considered to be a tree and I am sure he was shocked that he was expected to "buy" one of God's trees, so he went for a little stroll and cut down his own tree.

My mother's face when he arrived home with this wild tree, I will never forget. It hung 6 feet off each end of the minivan! The fight started then. My mother wanted to know, where he got a tree that size, where the hell he thought he was going to put a tree that size and what the hell was he thinking. There were 14 steps up from the foyer to the living room and I remember watching my father pull this damn tree up the stairs and it just kept on coming. When he reached the living room the top of the tree was still in the foyer. He dropped that tree in the middle of the living room/stairwell and I know I did a lot of drugs, but that was the biggest fucking Christmas tree I'd seen outside of Nathan Phillips Square. I just stood there Gob smacked as my father enlisted my help in standing up this tree. For the size of it, it was not terribly heavy and as we stood it up I understood why. Clearly my father had picked this sucker out in the pitch of night. There were holes in the tree that would house small families, not to mention the odd nest that my father proclaimed to be old and abandoned. I remember my mother standing there with her mouth wide open, it seemed like forever before she said something. Maybe she was looking for the right words, or reasoning for marrying the festive little man that stood before her then it happened. "For fuck sakes Tom, Jesus Christ. It has holes; there are holes in the tree. And how the fuck does anyone get the angle on top of that fucking situation"? My mom is the cutest little thing ever, all 4 feet 10 inches of her! I knew then it would be a Christmas to remember.

My father had asked me to hold the truck of the tree as we were standing it up and I was still holding it when he let go and walked over to see it from my mom's perspective. "Well it's a little tall but I will trim it and the holes will fill in once I untie it and let her settle".Yep, this thing was still tied up and the fresh sap was adhering my arm to it. My dad walking down the stairs on the way to the garage asks where we keep the tree stand. My mother is following him assuring him that we do not own a tree stand that will house a tree of that size. I can hear them bickering all the way down the stairs and out the house! I waited a few minutes and then began to get the impression that they were not returning.

After an hour my brother appears, let’s not get into the look on his 9 year old face. I ask him where mom and dad are. He says, "They had a fight. Dad is tearing the garage apart and mom is at the neighbour’s house having "egg nog".So I am stuck to the fucking tree, which is getting heavy. I send my brother out for help and soon my dad returns. He lifts the tree into a 20 litre paint bucket and fills it with water and rocks. Of course when he starts to untie the tree it turns out to be too wide and tree starts to tip. So there was some trimming and then the tree was secured to the wall at two points using heavy gauge wire. After a few more festive egg nogs, my dad decided to tackle my mother’s issue with the tree being too tall for her angel and to shut her up, lopped off the top of the tree!

Yep, it took about 1000 large lights, decorations the size of grapefruit and a Christmas table cloth for a tree skirt, and so what if we could only sit on one section of an L couch, in the end she really sparkled on Christmas morning! I believe we have had an artificial tree and dad has given up the egg nog since then so now we can all sit back and have a good laugh at our Griswald's family Christmas.

Happy tree shopping!

Ah, What the figgy pudding!

If Mrs. Clause married the Grinch himself.

I am not exactly sure what went wrong with his childhood, but somewhere along the way my husband has developed a serious disgust for the holidays. Every single one of them, but Christmas is the worst.

He hates the tree trimming.

Despises holiday shopping.

Rejects the comfort in having friends and family near.

The caroling makes him want to vomit....blah blah humbug.

I have my theories being a social worker what the issues at hand may be, but that is another post. The fact that he hates Christmas and I simply adore the holiday to it's fullness, is a true test of our marriage. I have been given strict instructions since the day we were married, that under no circumstances is a Christmas decoration allowed to be displayed in our home before December first! I sit anxiously and patiently every year pleading that November is a perfectly acceptable time to put up a tree. I parade him up and down the isles at Costco where the Christmas decorations fight for positioning among the Halloween decor in October. He's reply is always a glare and an abrupt NO!

This year he made a grave error. He took me to Fankenmuth, Bronners to be exact....the happiest place on earth. Bronners is a massive Christmas store open 361 days of the year. My trip to this Christmas wonderland sparked my Christmas spirit early this year. My return in November did not help, in fact my second visit catapulted my glee for the season into overdrive.

Hubby left for sunny California last Friday and returns this Saturday morning. I have never really been one for respecting or adhering to the regulations of glorified authority figures...you know security guards that carry a Maglite, the green smock ladies at the hospital, librarians, my husband.

So I decided, what the figgy pudding, it will be December first by the time he opens our front door...lol I have DECORATED and I am bursting with holiday cheer.

In case he is lurking, "SUCKER, Merry frick'n HO HO"!

P.s. The kid is on my side!

Santa Baby!

Happy Holidays from the 3 midgets!

Too Cute...my niece, nephew and baby girl....gogo

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9574765708

Oh Shit My Sides Hurt from Laughing!

I was recently forwarded this email and I laughed so hard I was compelled to share it with everyone I know via blog.

Take a moment to visit this guys blog...

http://15minutelunch.blogspot.com/2007/10/strap-in-shut-up-and-hold-on-were-going.html

Enjoy folks!

Hating this week.

I am currently sitting at my desk listening to Christmas carols over the net as it makes me happy. Christmas is my most favourite season ever and carols help soothe the anxiety attacks and rage I have during my work hours.

Yesterday was the closest I have ever come to picking up my purse and walking out...just one of those horrific days that kept getting worse. I am actually surprised that I left last night still employed, as I was convinced that I would quit or be fired...either way leaving without a job.

On my drive home I thought of my day and others work ethics of lack there of, an came up with a new reality show...urban survivor. You take 16 not-for-profit employees and place them into the corporate world, (lets say where Linda and I use to work together) and leave these poor people there to work for one month. Now that's quality viewing! Linda would be Jeff in this spin of survivor.....ahhh lol good times!

Adding insult to injury, the drive was ridiculous at one hour and 45 minutes. Tim Hortons was as disappointing as ever and I drove away with my diaper bag on the top of my car last night. I was only five minutes away when I realized what had happened. I called the in laws and asked them to take a quick look for me. I turned around and made my way back to their place keeping my eyes peeled for the bag. I met my FIL at the end of his street carrying my bag. I discovered that it had been opened and gone through...all the little zippers and pockets violated. Seriously, what the fuck did you think you'd find other that diapers and wipes. It is clearly a diaper bag and if you had found money, would you have really stolen it from a mom you filthy pig. I breathe deeply and hope for Karma!

Today...not that much better, but short of winning the lottery there is not much I can do.

Jingle all the way!

As the snowy weather approaches I am reminded of a tale that I will never live down. To this day my dear friend Linda chuckles as she tells the punch line.

I had just graduated from college, I was purchasing my first home and about to be married in less than a years time. The company in which I currently work for was not hiring, but could foresee an opening with in the year. They told me to find a job for the time being and they would let me know when they had an opening. After a few weeks of realizing that I am about to take on the world unemployed and panicking about what I was going to do...my friend Linda came through.

Linda approached me one night at pool. She stated that her company was looking for temp help and would I like a job. Linda worked for an industry that I knew nothing about. It was corporate and I was a certified tree hugger, I did not think I could do it. However in the always encouraging manner Linda proclaimed, "You can do it. You just need common sense stupid". I took the job.

To be honest, it was the first "real" job I had ever had. My first corporate experience in an unforgiving industry. I needed a mentor and their was Linda. I her grasshopper, she my mentor. Linda is one of the kindest, loyal, generous, loving, intelligent, shoot from the hip, don't talk to me today if you want to live, bitches I have ever met. She's great, but will take you out in a moments notice if you fuck with her or her family. I love her!

So I am the temp which equals new girl bring coffee. Everything is going well and my contract continues to be extended and I am making my mentor proud until one fatal error.

At the time I was living with my parents in Mississauga and had woke at my normal time to find a shit load of snow had and continued to be falling. I proceeded with my shower and getting dress all along with the looming drive hanging over me. I hate driving in snow and at that time was ridiculously paranoid about it. I grabbed my purse and headed out to the highway listening to the traffic report which only fuelled my anxiety. It was still dark and snowing as I entered the on ramp of the 403. I managed 2 exits when I witnessed a car skid off the road and end up in the ditch. I lost what little nerve I had and proclaimed that no job was worth my life...drama queen. I exited at the next ramp and went back home. I was freaked out, but I realize now that cars don't just fly off the road...that perhaps he was driving at an unsafe speed and in a dangerous manner causing him to leave the road way that day.

I returned back home 30 minutes later, slightly shakened. I proceeded upstairs to my bedroom, changed into my p.j's and robed, went back down to the kitchen and made a half coffee half hot coco, flicked on the fireplace and joined my mom in the living room.

Here is the error. I picked up the phone and called Linda, whom of course was already at work (she's a keener) and foolishly began telling my story. You tell me where I may have gone wrong.

Lin: Good morning
me: Hey Lin
Lin: where are you
Me: I am sitting in on the couch, in my pjs, in front of the fire sipping a hot coco! giggle giggle
Lin: WHY!
Me: It's snowing
Lin: No Why are you not here?
Me: (gulp...and in a louder voice) It's snowing
Lin:.................................
Me: Lin? (the silence was the key that we were no longer on the same page)
Lin: yep
Me: it's snowing too bad here. I started out and then a car....(I was abruptly cut off)
Lin: So I will see you when?
Me: (cute peppy voice) Tomorrow...I'll bring coffee :O)
Lin: yeah so you are sitting on the couch curled up with a coco in front of the fire and you won't be in today, am I right.
Me: Yeah sorta sorry...I feel bad, but it's...(cut off again)
Lin: Insert scary laughter...ooooo-kay. So not at all today. Not even later when it's not snowing, like when they have cleared the roads? Not then, not today eh?
Me: oh you're mad at me
Lin: still laughing....you have a good day with mommy now....click
Me: dial tone...okay you too.

The rest of my time there (which looking back is a surprise that I had anytime left) was spent trying to live down that day. Why I didn't just call in sick...period was beyond me. Why I thought that because it was Linda a friend, that she'd go easy on me, is a mystery. I plead young and stupid and seriouly lacking common sense afterall.

The out come of this little story has been interesting though. Firstly I feel guilty beyond belief when I rest in bed for a while, nap or call in sick for anything. Secondly, I subconsciously inherit ted Linda's above standard work ethic, and my team thanks you Linda. I am the biggest bitch when it comes to people calling in. It drives me to hear about their sniffles and such. One ex-coworker called and said she wasn't coming in because they were calling for snow! It hadn't even snowed yet like in my case. I didn't take it lightly...Linda you'd be proud.

Grasshopper

Thanks MP

So All that is Highlited is something I have done.

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink (not)
2. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain (does Diamond Head count...that ended well)
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive (Ick no)
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula (touched one)
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone (no thanks, they'd just ruin it by wanting sex)
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree (I'm a tree hugger)
10. Bungee jumped (not on your life...or mine for that matter)
11. Visited Paris (would like to)
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea (no, but it would be a sight I am sure...I have seen a lighting ball)
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise (oh to be young again)
14. Seen the Northern Lights (yep...beautiful)
15. Gone to a huge sports game (unfortunately)
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables (every year)
18. Touched an iceberg (not sure I want to get that close)
19. Slept under the stars (yep not as romantic as it sound...dew it's a bitch
20. Changed a baby’s diaper (shit yes)
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon (sounds nice but not a fan of a basket being the only thing between me and the ground)
22. Watched a meteor shower (on the beach...perfect make out)
23. Gotten drunk on champagne (so good and I will do it again)
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (I bad for it)
27. Had a food fight (wouldn't be a thanks giving without one)
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb (Royal winter fair...get on it)
33. Seen a total eclipse (In every sense...Yep looked right at it...grade 5...prayed every night for a year later that I would not wake up blind)
34. Ridden a roller coaster (yep and hate it every time)
35. Hit a home run
36.Danced like a fool and didn’t care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day (although I am accused of it often...aunt and pants....soft a people)
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer (I probably do...ask the geek I married)
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe (nah)
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing (yeah no)
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving...Lucky if you can get me in a plane let alone to jump out
51. Visited Ireland (would love to)
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them (not by choice)
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs (OCD baby)
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke (hated it)
59. Lounged around in bed all day (yeah but felt really guilty about it)
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving.
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater (way better then sharing my personal space)
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business (Just did...small and young)
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites (Mexico)
70. Taken a martial arts class (Judo)
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight (oh lord)
72. Gotten married (yep!)
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced (shit I hope not...invested way too much time already)
76. Gone without food for 5 days (IV Count...make it 10 then)
77. Made cookies from scratch (of course...how else do you make cookies)
78. Won first prize in a costume contest ( when I was a kid and a company picnic)
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo (yep, would like more)
81. Rafted the Snake River (not)
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert” (nope, just as a person trapped in a car)
83. Gotten flowers for no reason (my geek loves me)
84. Performed on stage (taa daaa...another blog perhaps)
85. Been to Las Vegas (hate that flight)
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark (no we have a respect thing for each other)
88. Kissed on the first date (kiss...interesting approach)
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house (twice...scares the shit out of me everytime)
91. Been in a combat zone (other than my place of employment...no)
92. Buried one/both of your parents (shit no...that makes me sad)
93. Been on a cruise ship (Oh lord I throw up on the ferry ride to Toronto Island...I am a real treat)
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children (in the process)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour (no too close to stalking for me)
98. Passed out cold (yep)
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country (My ass is not pretty on a bike seat)
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery (reconstructive)
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't’t have survived (hoooya)
105. Wrote articles for a large publication (my letter to the editor made it)
106. Lost over 100 pounds (probably should...I did give birth to a 10lb baby...it's a start)
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane (fuck no...and count your blessing that I haven't)
109. Touched a stingray (no....again with the mutal respect thing)
110. Broken someone’s heart (maybe...I would like to think that I have impact on those I tango with)
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show (nope, but it would be nice)
113. Broken a bone (Yep...5 in my back/neck, tailbone 3 time and 3 in my foot...and my skull)
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears (no but love the lip)
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol (yep whata rush)
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild (ahhh no)
118. Ridden a horse (for sure)
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet (ICK)
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours (Yep fell off a balcony once...another blog....concussion)
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents (lord these people have money)
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi (yum)
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed ( now that's a sight)
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes (soooo, good...pickle green tomatoes too)
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey (I don't have that type of attention span)
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (my dad hunts)
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you (could have)
145. Had a booth at a street fair (should have)
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life (child choking on a sour key ring)

Enjoy and thanks for the waste of time...lol

Odd little creature

Have you ever looked over at your significant other and thought, "you are an odd little creature".

I love my hubby, he's wonderful, but he comes with a ring of oddness. To be fair we all do and I am most likely the poster child for odd habits people have, but the other day I was looking at him and I was flooded with all the things odd about him.

When you first start dating you are looking for the red flags and any sign that you should run hard in the opposite direction. You notice all the nice and kind things he does and assess their pureness as the bottom line is that he is trying to bed you ultimately. You take note if he has good table manners, does he tip well, is he funny...I could go on, but you don't get the chance to meet those hidden quirks until you are sharing a life together.

I am sure many of you are all aware that my hubby is much like a stale Twinkie; Crusty exterior with a creamy delicious filling. But here are some other oddities that you might not know about him. Little things that I have collected along the journey of our marriage.

1. He proclaimed a few days ago that he hates chicken salad sandwiches as it, "fucks with his senses". He states that although he knows it's chicken he is confused by each bite as he was expecting tuna, which in turn saddens him.
2. He is obsessed with Gossip Girl, a new T.V. show that started this fall. It is basically a drama about these prep kids that are rich and pretty much able to do what they want. There all cliques and story lines behind each character that slowly unfolds and reveals a little insight each week. A 17 year old girl would love it. Over the course of the last few weeks I have been shushed over 4 times. Last week I was asking about a few of the characters and he was flipping out saying, "why don't you ask during commercial". Lord love us honestly!
3. He breaks everything, everything. My ladle, my spatula, my purse, etc.
4. He absolutely freaks out if his hand are sticky or dirty.
5. He folds his pizza in half to eat it.
6. He gets Jimmy legs and then whines that he has them and bed time is 2 hours away.
7. He has a bedtime!
8. He works 3km from home, but leaves at 7:30 to be there at 8:30. He has a little route that he takes to relax before work. How the hell you relax during morning traffic is beyond me.
9. Every six months or so he decides that he is going to quit smoking. He goes out and buys 3 months worth of the patch and sticks diligently to the program. He seems proud with his accomplishment of not smoking for almost 4 months, but what he really want is a smoke ...job well done. He is so weak.
10. He scopes the parking lot for pull-thru spots. I was 9 and half months pregnant and he parked so frick'n far away because he saw a pull-thru. Note: a pull-thur is when one pulls their car into a parking spot only to find that the spot in front of them is too empty and you then pull up into that spot. It is a cheaters reverse parking job.

Just an observation.