{Recipe} - Balsamic Chicken

The other night I took chicken tenders out of the freezer for supper and couldn't think of what to have.  Normally, I would just slice and dice and make a stir fry, but I wanted something different...so off to Pinterest I went.

This was a yummy recipe and the whole family loved it.  

As you can tell, I am not a food photographer!

Balsamic Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs of chicken tenders or breasts cut up (you can leave the breasts whole too, totally up to you)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp Italian Dressing
• 3 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 tbsp honey
• 1/8 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes
• Frozen brussel sprouts, or fresh asparagus, or any vegetable you want (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare chicken and set aside (meaning, cut if cutting)
2. Mix the sauce/marinade in a bowl, whisk until combined
3. Throw chicken into the sauce and let is soak in all the flavours
4. Add some olive oil to a pan and add the chicken and cook until no longer pink (do not add the rest of the sauce mixture at this point)
5. I added in some brussels sprouts at the end and the rest of the sauce/marinade

I then served it with mashed potatoes!

Ricky and kid-approved!

Enjoy!

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday we took Maddy to see Inside Out - very cute movie.  I left the theatre with a pounding headache though for some reason.  I did some running around, picked Tanner up and headed home.  Once supper was done, I basically had a bath and fell asleep.

Saturday we all went out on the boat for a bit.  A lot shorter of a ride than expected because it was quite wavy.  We brought Mom and Dad out for a rip too!  Maddy was extremely nervous but Tanner loved it.  The rest of the day was just spent around home, relaxing, watching Big Brother then took an evening drive after supper.

Sunday we headed up to my sister in law's place to pick up a wagon.  They ended up coming back to our place.  Ricky bought a new fan and a new microwave stand so the afternoon was setting those up then we finished the night off with supper at my parents.

Nice quiet weekend!

How was your weekend?

{Cover Up}

I saw a headline pop up on Facebook the other day about a girl that was told to "cover up" while at a public wading pool in Guelph. (Since then, I have heard it a lot on the radio and TV). Immediately, I thought, okay, give me a break.  I thought this was going to be a debate over girls and body image. I then read this article and had some different opinions.

Originally I thought the story was because the girl was wearing a bikini or something too revealing and that is why she was asked to cover up.  The first story I read, it said she was 10, some 10 year olds are pretty "endowed" so maybe there was an issue.  Upon reading the second article, it turns out the girl basically took her shirt off and went in with her shorts on.  She had no bathing suit.  They kicked her out and told her to cover up in which she did because she was embarrassed.  She was 8 years old.  Of course, it's not her making a big deal out of this, it's the parents.

I am sure this can cause lots of controversy, I mean, I get the parents view that why should she have to cover up if her sons can just go in with no shirt, but maybe that is okay with a 2 year old, not an 8 year old.  The City is saying that in the rules, it's stated that a girl over the age of 4 must wear proper bathing suit attire, which includes a top.  The parents are basically putting a stink up that if one should have to wear clothes from the neck down, all kids should, including boys.  I agree with their rule, but come on, boys don't always wear shirts.  Tanner does, he has a rashguard shirt because I care about his fair skin and sun exposures.  

I have issues about this.  The parents are going on to say this is sexualizing their child and stuff, but to me, an 8 year old going into a public splash pad half naked is more sexualizing.  Do they not read the stories of the pedophiles out there, creeping and lurking around public places - all the people caught with "kiddie porn"?  It's an open invitation basically for them.  This would be their dream.  

I would never let my daughter go to a public place without a complete bathing suit.  Originally when I thought this was due to the fact that the girl may have been wearing something a little too revealing, I agree that they shouldn't have had any business telling her to cover up, she was dressed after all.  If that was the case, then yes, this would be a body image issue. It would be a totally different point of view.  Do I have an issue with young children wearing bikinis...not at all.  Maddy chooses not to wear a bikini, but that is her decision. Maddy is 8 and I do not want her being ashamed of her body.

What are your thoughts on these parents?  Are they going to the extreme? Would you, as a parent, even bring this to the media?  I sure wouldn't because I feel that it is something wrong.  Girls should be dressed appropriately only because of the people around.  You are not alone at a public wading pool. If you are alone in your pool at home, by all means, go naked, I don't care, but not in public.  

Happy Weekend!

Throwback Thursday

I am going to throw it back a couple years back when my friend Josee and I decided to take Maddy on a field trip to the Agriculture Museum in Ottawa. Looking back on the pictures, it was clearly a colder day cuz we were in winter coats and boots.  I don't really remember the temperature.  Must have been a colder Spring day.

We strolled through the barns first and frankly, a kid that comes from the country who sees cows in every field, this doesn't excite them very much.  City kids, sure, country folk, not so much.  Maddy's attention span was minimal.  I think we spent the time looking around to see the names of the cows. 

Cow in the "maternity ward"

Posing on the pig 

Driving the tractor

When we were done the barns, we walked around...this is where it turned into an adventure!  We came to a gate that was open, so we opened it and went out and when it closed behind us, it clicked.  We were locked out.  We walked around, scared of getting in trouble but there was no way to even get back to our car, unless we wanted to walk along a major busy road...with a 3 year old. We thought this was going to take us to a different barn.  We kept walking around and then Josee found an opening in the fence.  We tried to figure out how we were going to get under this fence without the possibility of someone seeing us.  Thankfully, it was pretty quiet that day.  We found an opening in the fencing. Josee rolled under first, then I rolled Maddy under, and finally, myself. We were laughing so hard, I thought I was going to pee my pants.  I literally felt like we were breaking in or something (even though we did pay admission).  Once we were finally under, we ran!  Not sure why, but we ran to the other barn to see what else we could do.  We looked around for about an hour and then headed home.  

Rolling Maddy under the fence

Safe and sound on the "right" side of the fence

Our adventure wasn't over then...when we got to the car, I started it and it wouldn't start.  Great!  Just effin' great.  Oh and there was a storm a brewing too - it had just started to rain and the thunder was rolling.  Luckily, the car ended up started and we took off.  I was scared of the car possibly stalling on us or something but I am pretty sure we made it home safe and sound!

Happy Thursday!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- stat holidays.  Today is a stat holiday in Quebec, I am not off but it makes the drive in smoother.

- stat holidays again.  I got to drive in solo this morning which meant, no one to wait on and I could actually bank some extra hours.

- great report cards.  Maddy finished Grade 2 and will be moving on to Grade 3 in September.  She got all great marks.  I have no doubt that she will always do well in school.

- movie dates.  Even though I will not be in attendance, we agreed that because Maddy did so well, her and Daddy will go see a movie on Friday while I am at work and Tanner is at daycare.

- private daycares.  Tomorrow we are meeting the daycare where Maddy will be going all summer.  We didn't really have many options.  This daycare provider has a 9 year old daughter at home all summer, so it worked out well.  Maddy will get to meet a new friend.

- no more lunches.  Since Maddy has started school, in the summer, I have always had to still prepare lunches for her with the exception of the odd day.  This year, the daycare said that she doesn't need to bring her own lunch cuz summer is about bbq's and picnics!

- tattoos.  I am getting my tattoo next Friday evening.  I have been second guessing it though.  It is costing more than I had anticipated because of the size he says...I just wanted something small so now I am worried that it's going to be too big.  I have to give 48 hours notice to cancel and not lose my deposit but I will only see the design the day of...eek!

- weekends.  I am looking forward to this weekend because we actually have nothing planned.  There is no church on Sunday so I am thinking of maybe finally checking out the farmer's market at Lansdowne Park...we'll see.

- Canada Day.  Our town celebrates Canada Day, the day before.  We start off with a BBQ in the park, a parade, dancing and a great fireworks show.  Can't wait!  This year I am walking in the parade holding a banner for our school, walking with the Bus Safety mascot and handing out treats.  

Showing our Canadianism (haha)

- DIY projects.  I am not crafty but I like to think I am.  When I was asked to make a banner for the school for the parade, I immediately just assumed paper then I got thinking, hey, maybe I can make one from fabric.  A friend donated some white canvas that will work perfectly.  Just have to get artsy fartsy now and make it purtty!

What are you loving today?

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

It has to be a good month now since I had that impromptu job interview.  I thought it had gone really well.  The gentleman that I met with was really nice, very laid back, and seemed overly impressed with my "qualifications".  I left the interview feeling really optimistic that I had in the bag, that I basically had the job, if I wanted it.

I thought a lot about the possibilities the rest of that week.  I thought this was a great opportunity but then I started to feel overwhelmed.  This position wasn't just new to the company, this whole office was new to Canada.  They are currently in the UK and this is the first Canadian office.  When I went to the interview, they have an office, but nothing in it.  I started thinking, this part I would like, organizing an office, buying stuff - right up my alley.  I was also very excited about the idea of still being alone, but having work...lots of work to do. The location is basically across the street from where I am now and I even talked about the possibility of having parking.  The parts that got me "scared" was all the other tasks that I would have to do.  I was basically the one person in the office to handle everything.  I would be in charge of marketing, organizing security events, handling government bids, plus the normal office duties. Another thing that scared me was the trip to London, England.  He told me that it may be requested for a week to learn more about the company.  I know this is an awesome opportunity, but man, I have never been on a plane before, now I was going to have to embark on this adventure all by myself...eek!

Anyways, that was a month ago.  I hadn't heard back from anyone and just thought, oh well, it was a try.  They must have gotten someone else.  Actually that's not true, I knew that they hadn't even interviewed anyone else cuz he was leaving the next day.  

Yesterday folks, I received the phone call from the gentleman I met.  He wanted to just explain that after he left Ottawa, he then travelled to Paris and now he's back in England and ready to finally sit down and organize this.  He called to just let me know that they have not forgotten about me and that I would be getting an email from someone else with the details. He apologized for the time and just wanted to reassure me that "something was happening" and to make sure that I was okay with the timing. Does this mean I got the job?  I have no idea.  I will wait for the email and see if it's my offer.  See if I like what they are offering me!

Fingers crossed folks!

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday we had a buffet-style supper.  I had brought home leftover ribs from the Ribfest in Ottawa for Ricky, I picked up Korean for me and I picked up chipstand for the kids (and Ricky).  After supper we headed up to my grandparents for a visit.  Wanna hear a good one?  I get a call beforehand to see if I was going up cuz Papa wanted me to do something.  So when I get up there, he writes down what he wants me to do (he has no voicebox).  It turns out, they were in the next town over for an appointment today and my Papa knocked his glasses off. He didn't know where they went, beside the seat or in between, but he knew he couldn't get it.  So, he drove home with no glasses and from my Nanny, she said he's blind without them.  She was worried - thankfully they made it home...and I found the glasses. Win win!

Saturday, Ricky had plans to go fishing and to get some things set up on his boat.  Maddy and I attended a brunch bridal shower for my friend Sarah who is getting married in August.  It was a nice morning, everything was perfect and she got lots of nice gifts.  Tanner had stayed at my mom's, so after the shower, I went and swapped kids - she kept Maddy while Tanner and I ran to get a few groceries and stopped for some fresh picked strawberries!  When we got back, I prepped some stuff to make a spaghetti sauce, made another sugar cookie pizza and cut the strawberries.  We had supper at my parents, Maddy slept over, Tanner and I chilled!

Sunday, we wished Ricky a Happy Father`s Day and gave him his present - a We-Go (which is a wee bit cheaper than the Fit Bit Flex, but I just didn't have the time or patience to wait for someone to unlock the counter for the Fit Bit). Also gave him a $50 gift card to Canadian Tire to get some things for the boat.    Tanner and I went to Church, met Maddy and mom there.  It was Aboriginal Day and this was important to our minister, Nancy, so she had asked that we make dream catchers with the kids...it was a hit!  We had tons of kids and a baptism.  It was a very nice service.  After Church, we had lunch, napped and then my brother, his fiancee Sue, Mom and Dad came over for supper.  The evening was quiet and everyone was in bed early.

Happy Father's Day to my Dad!

Happy Aboriginals Day

Happy Father's Day to Ricky!

How was your weekend?  This is what I woke up to this morning:

Dr. B at 5:30 this morning!

End of Year Teacher Gifts

A month or so back, my friend Hollie asked me if I normally get the teachers an end of year gift.  I sorta looked at her and was like no?  But did I?  It got me thinking.  I honestly can't remember.  I know I get them something for Christmas.

I decided that I would get the teachers and helpers that work directly with Maddy something. I mean, they do a lot. Her main teacher and the daycare provider I got them each a Scentsy plug in and one scent.  This was only because a friend was having a party and I jumped on a deal.  She is at school longer than any other kid in the school so the daycare provider is basically with her all day.

The custodian got a $25 gift card to Canadian Tire.  You may wonder why I get him something?  He does a lot for and with Maddy.  He does a lot more than he has to for our school.  He manages the Breakfast Club program at our school, so he gets Maddy fed every morning.  He helps me with events that I hold at the school without even charging us.  He is a great help to many so I always get him something for Christmas and felt that it was needed for the end of year too.

The secretary, the Friday daycare provider, helper and French teacher all got a Pinterest-worthy gift.  The idea was focused around this label that I made and printed:

I then went to Shoppers and bought some "orange" things.  I got each of them some pump foam soap in tangerine (on sale, 2 for $5), then I got a pack of orange tic tacs that had 4 in the package (on sale for $2.99), I got them each a flashy orange nail polish (Sally Hanson Hard as Nail on sale for $2.49), a pack of Fuzzy Peach candies and a pack of Tropical Orange Trident gum. My plan was to package it all in nice clear bags and attach the label.  

When I got home that night, I started to take things out of my bag and noticed that one of the soaps had opened and leaked all over the place.  The fuzzy peach candy were in boxes (movie theatre style) so they were soaked - garbage (but we kept the candy cuz they were in plastic inside the box but couldn't just give them that) and the gums were all soaked too.  After cleaning up the mess (and what a mess it was....suds basically all over trying to clean up soap), I had to go out and buy more.  I ended up just getting more fuzzy peach candies and forgetting the gum cuz I couldn't find that flavour where I went.  I then looked high and low in my house for the clear bags and lo and behold, they were missing, so I had to use red ones...which were better than the Christmas or Valentine themed ones I had.

Regardless of the outcome, it all worked out and I think they were really cute.  I hope they all liked their treats!

Have a good weekend!

Throwback Thursday

This weekend, many young people are celebrating their graduations and proms. As much as I hate to even recall that day, I will.

I was the Class of Year 2000.  It should have been memorable, special and fun...to me, it was anything but.  First of all, I didn't have a date, but on the upside, neither did most of the girls in my little "group"...so we decided to use Hollie's boyfriend and everyone go with him! Bahaha!

{Insert picture here...but it was in storage and not even worth finding}

Leading up to grad there was a dispute of some sort and all my friends got this limo to take them around to everything that day, I was left out though because my friend's brother didn't like me.  I still, honestly resent him for that to this day.  Anyways...

I got my hair done, got into my dress, met the "group" at Hollie's neighbours for pictures then they all headed out in their limo while I basically bawled and cried. I didn't even wanna go at this point.  I wasn't getting any awards or saying any speeches, why did I have to go?  I was miserable.

Cocktails was the first stop and I had to get my parents to drive me...in their big ass Lincoln (that I would later call Abe).  I made them drop me off and leave, and I felt like an idiot.  We didn't really have any other friends than our own little group so mingling at the party was to a minimum. There were toasts and more pictures - lots of pictures.  I clearly don't remember much except for watching all the girls to see who had the same dresses.  Two girls in our "group" actually ended up having the same one.

Similar to Abe but more of a...bronzy car!

After cocktails, it was the dinner.  Again, boring!  My parents picked me up and I met everyone there.  The only thing I remember about that was my cousin and his now-wife singing "I Hope You Dance" by Leanne Womack and my grandpa choking on the chicken.  I remember sitting close to Hollie and actually giggling but probably feeling more embarrassed that this was going on. My grandpa was fine by the way.  Another bit of information, we had yellow napkins and I clearly remember dropping a chicken wing (who serves chicken wings when you are in gowns...or who's the idiot that eats one knowing you are dressed up - geez) and wiping myself with the napkin and the yellow napkin smudged all over my navy blue dress.

After dinner, we then were to go to our school for the dance portion.  Again, more pictures were taken and I don't think there was any dancing from us.  We were always the wallflowers at dances, so why would prom change anything.  

The most exciting part of grad is the after grad.  Well that wasn't exciting for us cuz we were not those partiers who drank.  This would probably be the first time I actually drank.  I think my cooler had like 4 Mike's Hard Lemonade.  Hardcore! We went to Jill's grandma's house and changed into jeans and headed to after grad.  No one actually told us that after grad starts LATE...we were there with like 5 people and by the time we were ready to leave, the party was just getting started.  We had decided to leave the outside after grad and head to our friend Chris's place where we partied in his garage.  All our parents felt this was much safer cuz we had a place to crash and everyone was safe (I am pretty sure I actually got hit with the garage door and passed out for like 60 seconds so how is that safer) and we were off the roads (not that any of us had our license anyways).

Anyways, that was the end of our grad.  I don't think we woke up with pounding heads...I was just glad to have it all behind me.  People always say they wish they could go back...NOT ME...not one single bit.  High school was the worse point in my life I think!

Happy Thursday

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- a new tattoo.  I have been really looking to see what I want and where...I have decided...I want the kids names, in an infinity sign with a colorful feather. Sounds complicated, but sorta these two mashed together on my inner arm.  I would like one on my leg, but I think this would be weird there.  I am going tomorrow night for a consultation!

- school is almost out.  I am so happy for this because Maddy works so hard all year, it's time for a break.  Also, this will be my first year that I don't have to pack a lunch for her still all summer!  Woo hoo!

- summer vacations.  Looking forward to little day trips with my family

- 2017.  This morning they were talking about Canada turning 150 in 2017 and it got me thinking...I am looking forward to 2017 because:

1. Canada is turning 150
2. Municipality Elections
3. Tanner will be starting school, no more daycare (other than before and after school)

- easy going brides!  My brother is getting married in September and I have volunteered to make cupcakes.  I have been reaching out to my future sister in law and she is so laid back - whatever goes really! Score.

- pedicures.  Last month was my first one ever...and it has lasted except it started looking crappy, so I took it off the other night.  My toes are bare and they look very weird now to me.  I went and bought some nail polish yesterday and tried to apply it, yep, that didn't work.  My actual toes were a coral reef color mess.  I need to get someone professionally to paint my toes.

- sangria.  The song that is...by Blake Shelton

- new bras.  And not just GT bras that after the first washing are all lumped...I actually splurged on a good La Senza bra...AND it was 50% off...so the bra was $50 bucks and I paid $25 - woo hoo

- rainy days.  I wish I could stay in bed on these days though!  Tuesday would have been a great day to do this - Tanner had been up most of the night telling Maddy to stop (in his sleep) and I was getting pushed and yelled at all night, so to say I was tired was an understatement then wake up to a gloomy day...screamed GO BACK TO BED

- this mess up - bahaha!  I bought this hat for Ricky and when I came home, he giggled:

Happy Hump Day - tomorrow I am off to Saunder's Farm with Maddy's school

Summer Plans - Unplanned is the best!

With weddings, showers, bachelorette/bachelor parties and stags this summer, we have decided that we aren't planning a big family vacation, not only because of time, but financially as well.  Summer brings an extra expense to pay for care for Maddy all summer which is costly!  With the layoffs at work, there is only me and one other girl so we are just playing it by ear.  We have decided that we will just do day trips here and there.  We will wake up in the morning, if it looks nice, we'll head out somewhere.

Maddy is attending a private daycare for the summer and she has already told us that she is taking the second and third week of August off then she will return for one more week then she starts back to school August 31st, and goes a full week (first time ever).  Tanner's daycare doesn't take holidays so we have decided that during those two weeks that Maddy is off, we will likely do our day trips those weeks.  

Some things I am thinking of:

(1) Papanack Zoo...not too far away, not too big and overwhelming and may be the perfect size for Tanner!  He will not go in a stroller, so small is better!

(2) Parc Omega...we went last year and Tanner really loved this.  It's a nice day trip although I find it expensive for what you do.  You drive around in YOUR vehicle feeding deer and other animals.  There is a rest stop where you can stop and picnic and hand feed deer which is nice, but like I said, I find it $$ for what you get.  The positive side, it's a lot quicker and simpler drive to get there now with the new highway finished.

(3) Mont Cascades...I say I want to go here for the last like 3 years.  I am hoping to go this year, but this would be an awesome trip to leave Tanner behind.  I don't like doing water things with him yet because he's too little to actually enjoy everything we can do as a family, so I would be stuck with him in the kiddie area.  We'll see though!

(4) Dunn D's Mini Golf...this is a gem that is close to home and we never got around to going last year.  Again, this would be a trip that we may leave Tanner behind.  Maddy enjoys trips with just us sometimes!

(5) Picnic and Beach Day...we have a beach that is just 10 mins away.  A simple and inexpensive trip is spending the day there enjoying the water, making sand castles and having a picnic.

(6) Pirate Adventures...this is a place in Ottawa where you get on a big ship, you dress the part and they have activities.  Maddy was suppose to go to it last year with her daycamp but due to a sinkhole in the road, we were unable to get her to the daycare - so she was unable to attend.  I think Tanner would really enjoy this.

(7) Boating...Ricky did buy a boat, maybe he could actually take us out one day!

(8) Movies...would like to take Maddy to see Vacation in July and/or take Maddy and Tanner to see Minions movie.  It would be Tanner's first trip.  This could be a rainy day activity though!

(9) Swimming...at Lindsays!  Haha!  It's nice and close and the temperature is just perfect for me!

(10) Overnight at a Hotel...the kids love this but I actually hate it.  I find it boring cuz I am not a swimmer then when we go back to the room, there is never good programming so I find it boring.

What are your plans for summer?

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday, we stayed in the city after work because we were having a date night. We went to Tracy and Butter's place, ordered St-Huberts (which took forever to get there) then we went to see Spy.  Butter decided to come with us, so I had a date night with both Ricky and Butter.  I let Butter have a popcorn to himself though AND hold it (apparently when he goes with Tracy, she hogs it bahaha).

Saturday we didn't really have any set plans.  Ricky wasn't sure what he wanted to do.  We ended up running to visit my grandparents, pick up a few things at the grocery store then came home and napped.  After naps, the kids got in their bathing suits and we went to my mom's for a little swim in the kiddie pool. Rylie joined them.  After supper, we went for a little walk to throw rocks in the river, then headed home for baths.  We settled in and watched Paddington then I put the kids to bed and went to Gavan's for a bit to meet Enjo and Tat.  It was nice to get out with them and catch up.  I was home by midnight (two weekends in a row...whoa).

New bathing suits!

Rylie Roo!

 Sunday morning we got up and got ready for the Sunday School picnic at Lindsay and Ryan's.  This is one of our favorite services cuz it's held in their garage and then we have yummy BBQ and potluck, followed by swimming.  The kids were actually WELL BEHAVED and had a great time swimming with all of their "church buddies".  After Church we headed home and just got ready for the week.  Ricky took his dad and sister out on the boat and he was home for supper.  The rest of the evening was uneventful.

Molly and Tanner

Maddy and Kaylee

How was your weekend?

Distracted Driving

This week I have seen a lot floating around Facebook regarding the new Ontario laws in regards to "distracted driving".  It's basically upwards of $1,000 fine and 3 demerit points.  The list of "distractions" is obviously texting, drinking coffee, arguing with your kids, changing the radio station, smoking etc...and some people are raising concerns, or some, think it's ridiculous.

Let me start by saying, I don't understand how people can text and drive.  I can barely text as a passenger.  I have blue tooth set up in our car and I can barely maneuver dialing a number or accepting a call while I am driving, so it's fair to say that I will NEVER be caught texting and driving.  I just don't have that multi-tasking coordination apparently.  The other things on the list I think are a little far fetched but I mean, they ARE distractions.  Driving to the city everyday, you see lots of different things.  Just the other day, we actually seen a man reading a newspaper while driving.  In our town last weekend, we saw a man driving up the street holding a large poutine container on his steering wheel while eating it.  How do people do this?

Wednesday night when we were coming home from work when we came to a stand still and traffic was backed up for miles.  We had to pull over to let two fire trucks and a police car through so that told us that there was an accident up ahead.  We basically were just creeping through traffic.  This car beside us actually wasn't moving at one point, there was enough space for about 4 cars between her and the next car - when I looked over, she was eating.  We were literally stopped in the line of traffic and almost in view of the accident when all of sudden we were hit from behind.  We got out of the car and there was the guy texting.  I was fuming.  I wanted to walk over to where the cops were, and get them to fine him.  We assessed the damage and didn't really find anything other than my license plate and cover being bent. I really wish there had been more damage so that he would pay for texting and driving.  The guy just looks at us, shrugs and says "okay, so everything's good".  Ummm no dude!  Ricky asked what he was doing (knowing that he was texting) and he says "oh, I slid, my tires suck".  Uum...it was calling for rain and thunderstorms and it had literally just started to sprinkle rain, the pavement was dry as can be.  I was wild.  I was mad because this guy was texting - lucky for him, our car was not overly damaged and we weren't hurt (although I was stiff the next morning and a sore neck), but I wanted him to pay for it.  I was so mad.

So yes, I think it's fair that people get fined $1,000 for texting and driving - you see the videos and posters everywhere, TEXTING KILLS.  This Mama Bear would have flipped out even more last night if I had my kids with me.  

Have a good weekend...and DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE!

Throwback Thursday

This week's throwback is back to two summers ago when we took the kids to the Grandby Zoo.  Tanner had just turned 1 that Feb, so I figured it would be a good time to go because he still enjoyed the stroller.  

We actually ended up going with two of our friends and their families which was nice.  The kids could all enjoy everything together, especially Maddy, not being stuck by herself essentially.

We started our journey early morning and after a quick Timmy's stop (and an extra pee stop), we were on our way.  The drive wasn't bad at all.  We had bought the portable DVD players so that the kids would be occupied.  When we finally arrived at the hotel, we went to pay and to get our packages.  We knew the rooms wouldn't be ready until later that afternoon but part of our package included tickets to the local water park.  We found the park, changed everyone into their swim stuff and spent the day at the water park.  That was a little more difficult with Tanner because he could only enjoy the little kiddie splash park...and it was hot!  I like the heat, I hate being cold, but I am not one to be out in the sun, it makes me sick and feel blah and when I am having to trail around with a one year old, I get cranky and just wanna go home!  Maddy however, put on her brave shoes and went on quite a few water slides. Some with Ricky, some with friends of ours and she even went down one alone on a slide thing on her stomach.  Way to go Maddy.

When the day was over, we packed our stuff and headed back to the hotel.  At this point, everyone was wiped out.  We ordered pizza, the guys went to get it while we relaxed.  It was an early night because we were planning on being at the zoo all day.

The next morning, my gang was up nice and early, everyone was showered and ready to go.  We went downstairs to the restaurant where we were treated to a complimentary breakfast and it was not disappointing.  It was a lot of food and good!  We packed our bags and headed to the zoo which was only a 5 minute drive.  We wanted to be there when the doors opened...well so did everyone else.  We literally got around the corner and stopped - the line was really long to get into the parking lot.  When we finally got in there, we were lucky to skip through the line because we already had the passes because of the package we got through the hotel.  

Tanner was too young to actually enjoy the animals but he was quite content for the day.  I felt bad having him trapped in the stroller but he was very well behaved.  We didn't really see any shows or anything - just took our time walking around all the different areas.  There were some animals that were hiding because of the heat.

Tanner in his stroller

Later that afternoon, we thought we would go check out the water park within the zoo.  We embarked on a long walk there only to find it so overly crowded we could hardly even find a place to put down our stuff. We decided to go back to the hotel.  The rest of the gang stayed but we couldn't.  I was too scared to lose someone.  We bribed Maddy with a special Slush Puppy (which probably cost us $20) and a treat at the gift shop (which was another $50).  When we got back to the hotel, we just went outside and enjoyed the pool there.

The sun took a toll on us all.  We walked next door to a restaurant then came back to the hotel and just chilled by the pool and playground and eventually hit the sack.  We wanted to have breakfast, pack out things and head out early to get back home.

It's nice to be on vacation, but I am always happy to get home.  After this trip, we decided that we enjoy day trips better.  Maybe once Tanner is older, overnight trips will be easier!

Happy Thursday!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- I actually went and bought MYSELF something.  I got a $50 Amazon gift card for completing my surveys on Angus Reid Forum (up to date, $200) so I decided to splurge and get Seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Rookie Blue.  Ricky and I got into it the first season but never got around to watching the second one so we haven't watched it since (before the days of PVR).

- Tanner is still doing well in the potty training business.  He wants nothing to do with the potty though (unless it's an emergency like all toilets are in use), he uses the big toilet, no potty seat or anything.  He hasn't fallen in yet!

- Maddy's achievements.  Yesterday she came home saying she had a "yellow slip", I asked her if that was good or bad and she said "I don't know, but only some of us got it".  We get home and I immediately dig through her school bag to see what this "yellow slip" was...all good!  Maddy has been one of the chosen to represent our school at the Annual Track Meet at Philemon!  Woo hoo!

- Seeing nature at it's best.  The other night we were out for a little drive when Ricky suddenly stopped the car and backed up.  There in the long grass was a Mama Deer with two brand new fawns - like they were literally just born.  Ricky had his camera set up last year at the camp and witnessed the birthing process...it takes fawns about 30 mins before they can actually walk steadily...these little fawns were so wobbly.  We took some pictures, watched then the Mama laid down in the long grass.  We wondered if maybe she was having another one.  Ricky said not likely cuz they usually only have one or two. I told him to go, I didn't want to stress her out.  She was stressing me out though being so close to the road.

- A clean office space.  Yesterday I cleaned the whole office, spare cubicles and all.  It feels good to take everything off the desk every once and a while and give it a good thorough clean.  

- The Sunday School picnic this weekend!  Always a fun time.  I am hoping that I will actually be able to stick around for the swimming part.  

- I bought some Canada Day outfits for the kids, next up: supplies to decorate their bikes (and hoping to get a wagon for Tanner seeing how he's not really steady on the bike yet).

- Date night!  Friday, Ricky and I have decided to go out for supper and go see the new movie Spy.  He keeps getting emails from Scene saying that his points are going to expire, so we need to use up his free movies!

- Tomorrow night I am having my first Library Story Time at our local library. It is a great space in our community that is hardly used.  With some new volunteers on board, we are trying to make it more active.  My Pre-K teacher is coming to read her story Fang.  Afterwards, I am hoping to do a little cat-related craft with the kids.  I am going to scope out the library beforehand, pick a book from there and then next month, I will read a story myself and have a follow up craft to go with the book.  Baby steps...

- Old movies.  A friend at work brought me in 4 big bags of movies (VHS) that were at her parents house.  Some were even in their original packaging still.  There were lots of Disney ones - Maddy was excited for Little Mermaid, there were crappy Disney ones like Fantasia (whomp whomp whomp), there were oldies like The Full Monty, there were REALLY old ones like Gone with the Wind...then there were a lot of nature documentaries, some Agatha Christie movies and even two about the Ice Storm of 98.  Ricky was excited about that one.   I was excited for Babe, The Parent Trap (to watch with Maddy) and ET.

What are you loving today?

Stars Hallow

I am on Season 7 of Gilmore Girls and I really wish I lived in Stars Hallow.  The show is set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show's creator, drew inspiration for Stars Hollow while she made a trip to Washington, Connecticut where she stayed in an inn, the Mayflower Inn, which she found beautiful. She was amazed at how the people of the town knew each other very well and by the next morning of her stay she had written the pilot's dialogue. She explained: "If I can make people feel this much of what I felt walking around this fairy town, I thought that would be wonderful.  At the time I was there, it was beautiful, it was magical, and it was feeling of warmth and small-town camaraderie. . . . There was a longing for that in my own life, and I thought — that's something that I would really love to put out there." She drove around for two days, visiting various towns and began conceiving the fictional Stars Hollow, a fairytale town grounded in real places. Washington, however, is just one source (a big source) of Stars Hollow inspiration. 

Why do I want to live there?

1. they have town meetings and everyone has a say on things and they actually listen to you!
2. they have a grocery store, a beauty product store, a diner, a school, a museum, an inn, a garage - yet, not many people
3. they have Miss Patty's dance school
4. they have cute boys like Dean and Jess
5. they have fun events in their town, parades, shows and dances
6. everyone knows everybody...but there are never fights (only the occasional spat between Luke and Taylor)
7. I envision they probably have a park where kids can enjoy the ice cream from Taylor's Soda Shoppe, you would probably have Kirk there supervising and making sure everyone is being safe, the mothers would be sitting on benches knitting and reading and then afterwards, you would go for coffee at Luke's and meet Lorelei and Rory

Aaahh...to dream of a community like that!

We have a community that has 2 churches, 2 schools, 1 Family Centre, 1 restaurant (that doesn't have convenient hours), 2 chip stands (open seasonally), 1 bar, 1 Post Office, 2 funeral homes, 1 body shop, a ferry, a corner store/gas station, a hairdresser, a ball field/skate park/soccer field and a park.

Our park was the latest place that was hit by tragedy most recently.  My aunt and uncle donated a wooden play ship to our park 17 years ago...last week they got told by our Municipality that they would have to remove the wooden structure or they would be demolishing it.  My uncle refused to let that happen, so they got the guys together and brought the ship back to my cousin's place for all the cousins to enjoy.  She will live on!!

What really gets me is, what makes this "unsafe"?  It survived the moving and transportation to it's new home, was lifted by a fork lift - to me, it is well built and solid to stand that after 17 years.

Another issue I have a hard time wrapping my head around...they aren't even going to replace it?  I would suggest they move the little structure that they put near the ball field.  It is in brand new condition I think because it was the stupidest spot EVER to put a play structure.  We have fast ball in our town, one ball over the fence and there is a possibility that a kid playing on that structure will get smoked in the head.

I remember when they "docked" that ship at our park.  It was such an improvement of what was there.  It was the BEST thing there.  Kids identify our park as the "Pirate Ship Park".  Through the years, it has been vandalized and spray painted, but it has always been taken care of.  In the last couple of years, it was really just a structure that the kids could climb on, hide underneath and slide.  There was no more hole that you could slide down the pole to the bottom portion, there was no more steering wheel for all the kids to pretend to be pirates and the flag has been long gone but this piece of equipment drew all the kids in.  Just the other day, Ricky was on the boat with Tanner...he didn't fall through or come close to it (and he's a big boy).

I personally do not go to the park very often because I am scared of my kids getting hurt on the equipment that is there.  It seems the stuff that I don't want them to go on, they try and it gives me a heart attack.  They have a steel slide that should be gone - in the summer, a kid could seriously get burned because it heats up so much with the sun.  The structure that used to have the tunnel through has since been removed and all that stands is two wooden structures with a plastic slide.  I do not let my kids go on this either because Tanner cut his leg open once because there are holes/burn holes in the slide and because it's melted plastic, it cut him.  This thankfully has since been boarded up as well and the slide has been removed...I guess with all this "safety business".

We also have these nice flower boxes along the main street, as well as two little "flower parks".  This year, apparently, there is no money, and thankfully we have great VOLUNTEERS in our community (believe it or not) and they planted flowers themselves and have appointed neighboring houses to do the watering. My mom, for example, has to water some in front of their house and take care of them.  This weekend, Sunday morning, her and the neighbor were up and had to go replant some flowers, water and sweep up dirt because some people decided to trash the one thing that beautifies our town and pull them out. Really nice!  

The horrible steel slide

We are glad to have two schools in our area so that I can my kids there to enjoy their structures.  They are deemed safe!

HMS Hamilton Memories

HMS Hamilton Memories

HMS Hamilton Memories

I wish our town could get along like Stars Hallow.  I wish our town cared about their citizens. I wish, I wish, I wish! 

When are elections again?? 

RIP HMS Hamilton