I Don't Really Care...

- about the Tom Brady nonsense that has been flooding my Twitter these days...I really could careless

- about this whole Minnesota dentist killing the lion - I get that it's bad, but I am sick of hearing about it (and it's been what, two days).  

- about the rumours of Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert...they were a couple that I thought would stick through it all...obviously, I was wrong.  I am hurt by this but sick of hearing all the rumours

- that toaster strudels aren't good for you...they are yummy!

- that I watched a man steal some stuff from my Korean cart yesterday.  I left the office around 2 to run to the bank and the Korean cart people always put their coolers and stuff at the curb waiting for their drive.  I saw this younger man, probably more like a teenager looking around and finally he opened both coolers which appeared to be empty then he opened the third and walked away with a container of bibimap.  I didn't tell!  LOL - I hope he enjoyed it at least (I am pretty sure he was homeless).

- about all the politics that is going around...I never understood them and I don't think I ever will

- that we got "Christmas in July" as the politicians are calling it....our Universal Child Tax went up and we got a back pay in July since January...this would be free money in parent's pockets BUT we will be getting taxed at the end of the year.  I don't care cuz I always owe...even before they jacked it up, so what's an extra couple hundred?

- that I watch Netflix at work...this will change I am sure come Tuesday when I start my new job

- that I still haven't gotten my tattoo...this takes time apparently and now that I am switching jobs and getting paid only once a month, I need to budget accordingly...and my tattoo is not on the top of the list!

- that I don't have many plans for the long weekend.  I think Ricky is going fishing/boating on Saturday and we have a pool party on Sunday - that's good enough for me!

- that soccer was cancelled last night due to extreme heat...I also don't care that it was the last game.  We haven't been to the last three anyways!

Happy Weekend!

Throwback Thursday

My throwback today is back to the Ice Storm of 98.  With the heat advisories surrounding us lately and breaking records, I thought I would "cool" it down a bit and talk about this.

I only remember bits and pieces...so I will short form it!

- the town had no water, or most of it anyways

- I'm sure for some people, the whole town was falling apart

- power was out for most 

- my uncle, aunt and their 4 kids stayed with us for days because they had no heat, we somehow had heat and power

- it was complete chaos in the house but we loved it

- my dad and uncle I think were still working, plowing or something

- after 3 days of being cooped up inside, the parents sent us outside to get some fresh air...we walked to the sliding hill....took us about 30 mins to climb up the iced hill and about 30 seconds to fly down

- my cousin hit a tree or a branch (wasn't hurt thank god) and my other cousin ripped her bright pink snowpants

- I think our parents were trying to kill us

- eventually high school was open but we didn't go because after having no water and no showers for like 4 days, we weren't about to go to school

- when we did go back to school I vaguely remember going skiing...I hated skiing, well I hated all gym activities, but I remember being on the top of the hill at the ball field and the first couple going down and flipping, then our friend Erin went down, then I went, toppled on top of her and it was a domino affect after that...like where the hell was the teacher to realize that enough was enough, no one had made it down and now there were about 10 students in a pile with skiis going every other way.

Here are some images from the Great Ice Storm of 98:

Do you remember the Ice Storm?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

It's been a relaxing week...sorta!  I have been away from the blog world for the last couple of days because I was taking a mini vacation with the family.  I am back today and instead of doing a recap, I figured I would stay on schedule.  

I am loving...

- vacation days with the family!  We took the kids to Parc Omega on Monday and it never disappoints.  The kids love the experience.

- this little dude at Parc Omega.  Yes, I know, it's just a groundhog, we see them all the time, but this one was the cutest sitting there eating the big carrot.

- movies at the theatre.  We took the kids to see The Minions, although not a big fan of the movie itself (I hate the minions), the experience was painful.  I was worried about how Tanner would react but he was okay, sat on my knee for the most part but was relatively good.

- antibiotics.  I got that wisdom tooth pulled out last week and I have been in pain ever since.  I finally caved and called the dentist on Monday and she sent a prescription for amoxicillan to the drug store.  Let's hope it clears up soon.

- summer.  People have been complaining about the high temperatures lately but not this girl.  I love the heat.  I WILL not be that person that is thinking of winter...I hate winter, I hate the cold.  Pipe down folks, let's soak in as much as we can.

- pool parties.  We are having a pool party this weekend and I can't wait.

- having no plans.  On Sunday we didn't have any plans but decided at the last minute to head to the city.  We had a quick breakfast at MacDonalds, dropped the kids off at my sister in law's then headed to Sail and Bed, Bath and Beyond!

- my new hat from Old Navy

I think it's similar to this but lighter....

- I finally got my passport done, paid for and waiting...I should expect it around August 11th - woo hoo!  Bring on England!

- new job that is starting on Tuesday...I am still nervous but I went to the office last week and I am excited for the new beginnings

What have I missed this week?  What are you loving today?

Storytime

Last month I arranged a "Storytime" at our local library because Maddy came home one day saying that some kids in her school didn't even know we had a library.  We don't have much in our community, but the library is one of the newer buildings.  I wanted to do something about this...so I arranged for a storytime - the first one though, I invited a former teacher of mine who published her own book - she came and read to the kids.  I had like 45 kids attend and it was so nice to see.  I agreed that I would do this on a monthly basis.

Last night I did July's story.  I read "If You Happen To Have a Dinosaur" by Linda Bailey and Colin Jack.  If you happen to have a dinosaur, lying around your living room, and you don't know what to do with it...why don't you use it as a can opener?  It will make a terrific nutcracker too!  There are oodles of uses for a dinosaur.  This book is a simple read with great pictures.

Following the story, I had a quick little craft for the kids to do or bring home with them.  This all comes from my pocket, so I try to use things from around my house and keeping it simple.  I wanted a craft that was dinosaur related but nothing too intense.  I don't really know how many kids will show up or the age levels so I found these homemade masks that I printed on cardstock.  The kids could color, cut out the eyes, add some yarn and they have a mask!  I also printed some of these book tags for the kids to take home and put in some of their books - sticking to the dinosaur theme.

Next month's book will be a good one for the kids starting school or going back to school.  I picked it up on sale at Chapters.  I have a simple craft all ready to go for this one as well.  I am hoping that we continue to have a good turn out - I really like doing this.

Happy Weekend

Throwback Thursday

Next Friday is my last day at my job before I move on to bigger and hopefully better!  Today's throwback is when I first came to this job!

I remember the interview very well actually.  It was a big snowstorm, March 2008, and I was working at my former workplace, BAE Systems but having a miserable time being back as a "contractor".  We had decided to leave earlier because of the storm so I re-arranged my interview for earlier so I could still get there and get home before it got too bad out there.  I remember my friend Caryl was carpooling with us, so she came with me to the building and just waited in the lobby.

I was overwhelmed because this was in fact my first interview.  I had went to BAE Systems right from school as part of an internship and just stayed there.  I got there and walked into a full boardroom.  I remember thinking, holy moly, there are a lot of people.  There were I think 6 people in there interviewing me. No pressure huh?

It was your basic interview, asking me questions about my former employment, my strengths and weaknesses (which I never know how to answer) and of course my expectations.  The one thing that I did learn from that interview was to do your homework.  Check the Internet and memorize what the company does.  It matters...it will be asked!

I thought the interview went well (and it did because I got the job, right?) and left expecting a call at some point.  

When I did get the phone call saying that the position was mine if I wanted it, I was told that I wasn't really properly dressed for an interview.  I remember what I wore that day - I had pinstripe dress pants and a sweater.  To me, that was business clothes.  The problem was...I went in there with big winter boots because of the snow storm and when I went in for the interview, I took them off...maybe that was why?  I don't know...I thought I looked better in my socks (which were either holey or mismatched no doubt) than going in clunking with big, wet snow boots.

Anyways, that was in 2008 and here I am in 2015 leaving the job.  When I first joined the company, we had a busy office, lots of people and I had work to do. Within the last...five years, we have been hit with lay offs and our office is down to three full time people in Ottawa...and me with not much workload which makes the days go by really slowly!

As much as I love it here, and I have a great relationship with the people, I just think I need to look forward.  I need something that gives me paid vacation, sick time, benefits and pension benefits.  I need a place that I will be busier so that I don't drive myself crazy.

Farewell to Unisys and I can't wait to start my new adventure with QinetiQ.

What Maddy is Loving Wednesday

I decided to change it up today because I can't think of anything other than the fact that at 2:30 I have to go to the dentist and have a tooth pulled, so I am not really loving anything today!

Maddy is loving...

- summer daycare and meeting new friends

- summer holiday plans that we made...still not etched in stone but we are doing Parc Omega and going to see Minions movie...perhaps a hotel stay too

- math...this kid is done school and pretty much every night, she does math books

- Big Brother...she loves it

- giving foot massages, but she's a smart one, she pretends to be excited to get the cream and give you a foot massage BUT there is a catch, there is ALWAYS a catch...I have to give her one the next night!

- her drives into daycare with Sam

- her time in her room lately...okay, she probably doesn't love it but we're hoping all this time out time and no tv/electronics will smarten her up and stop being rude to us

- fresh fruit, especially pineapple and watermelon

- sleepovers with Momma, or anyone really

- swimming and learning how

- beach dates 

What are you loving today?

Things That Make Me Go...HUH?

- the price of trucks in a parking lot compared to a car...some trucks are the same size as a car and yet instead of $18 daily rate, they have to pay $25...uum, they still fit between the two yellow lines

- the guy that sits on Bank Street - he's always sitting there with his head down doing Soduku puzzles with pigeons sitting on his legs and head...are they helping him solve the Soduku?

- the fact that I have to get a wisdom tooth pulled tomorrow but never even knew I had one...here I thought it was a back molar.  The dentist cleared that up and said that is why all my teeth on that side have broke and have fallen out or had to be pulled, because the wisdom tooth needed room...don't they usually pull them for that reason and BEFORE it wrecked one whole side of my mouth?

- people who rant and rave and cause fights on Facebook then deletes them

- this man I saw yesterday wearing baby blue wide leg pants with a white dress shirt, with the chest all exposed...

- the cost of a toddler dress suit for a wedding being the same cost as the groomsmen...haha, I'll find a cheaper solution

- being so upset that your 6 week old baby girl is crying that you shake her to death...this happened in Thurso and it breaks my heart but at the same time, if she did survive, she wouldn't have had a life because she probably would have been brain dead.  The father's charge has been upgraded to manslaughter.

- my phone not letting me know when I have a new text message or email...and my ringers are on...so frustrating (probably time for a new one but I hate change)

What makes you go HUH?

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday I took the day off to take the kids to Mont Cascades...unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side and it was cold and cloudy.  The kids however, still had a blast.  The "big kids", not so much.  I pretty much wore my sweater the whole time with the exception of Josee, myself and the two boys going down one slide together.  Maddy brought her friend Rapha with us and they had a blast.  I think they enjoyed their independence and me letting them go wander to slide themselves so we could keep an eye on the younger boys but for the most part, one took Tanner and one took Landyn and they played on the kiddie slides!

Saturday was spent cleaning bathrooms, cutting cheese and pickles and packing the kids stuff for their sleepover with Auntie Butch.  After a nap, we all headed to the local watering hole to decorate and set up for my brother's stag.  When we were done, we headed up the line to bring the kids.  We stopped for a quick bite to eat, went home, showered and changed, packed our cooler and headed to my parents for a few drinks then to Jill's to meet the rest of the wedding party.  We headed down to the bar and I spent the evening sitting at the door selling tickets, preparing the lunch and visiting with lots of friends and family.  It was a great night BUT way past my bedtime!  Haha!

Working the door with Jill and Lindsay - photo courtesy of Cheryl Dolan

Sunday, we slept in until about....8:00 am!  Ricky wasn't feeling the best but I have seen him worse.  After a quick "power puke" and popping of some Tylenol, we headed to get the kids.  It was his birthday so we stopped for breakfast first. When we picked up the cranky kids, we ran to visit my father in law and ended up staying there for lunch and a longer than anticipated visit.  We stopped at the grocery store to pick up something for supper and the fixings for a Sundae Bar we were going to have in lieu of birthday cake.  When we got home, my sister, brother in law and Rylie came for a visit and my parents stayed for supper.  It was an early night.  Baths were done early and we had popcorn and watched some TV before lights were out at 8:00 pm.

Sunday night foot massage by Maddy!

How was your weekend?

Vacation Day

Today I am not at work...instead, I am soaking up the sun with my kids!

With the new job starting soon, I still have some banked hours that my company owes me so I have taken a few days here and there to enjoy with the kids and family before I start into my new adventure.

Today...we are hitting the waterslides and going to the waterpark 40 mins from home.  Mont Cascades.  

It's been YEARS since I have been to Mont Cascades and since then, they have added on some new features, including the kids Splash Forest.  My mom is coming with us, Maddy is bringing her friend Raphaela, myself and Tanner and we are meeting with Josee and Landyn, Hollie and the girls and Sheena and Bryce.  

The plan is to hang out at the Splash Forest and then go to the Kiddie Slides (which aren't beside each other) and then we'll have our picnic lunch and before we leave, we will go on the bigger tubes slides, all 5 of us.

Of course, plans change and the girls could go on the bigger slides with my mom or something...we'll see.

I am just loving soaking in the sun, warm weather, and seeing the kids enjoy their day with me.

Happy Weekend!

Throwback Thursday

Today's throwback is when we took a trip to Niagara Falls.  I was on maternity leave with Maddy and she was easy cargo, so it was an easy trip, sorta.

We packed up and brought along my sister in law and nieces and my other sister in law and brother in law and niece also came with us.  The girls were much younger obviously.  The drive was long, and I was squished in the back between Brooke, Maddy's infant car seat and coolers at my feet.  I was done nursing by then so I had to pack bottles, milk and she was eating purees.

Our first stop was the Toronto Zoo along the way...and man oh man, we picked the hottest day EVER.  It was so easy for us to snap Maddy into her car seat and basically just walk around.  What I did not enjoy was Ricky insisting we go DOWN to the Canadian area...he wanted to see the moose.  It was a very steep hill, going down was okay obviously, but going up, with the stroller was pure hell.  I am sure that took an hour alone and the stupid moose didn't even have horns, which Ricky was pissed about.

Once we got to Niagara Falls, we found our hotel and got settled.  It was a nice, new hotel.  I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to get a playpen/crib so we packed ours.  We had coolers and used the fridges and they were nice enough to let me heat her bottles up downstairs in the kitchen.

We were right in the heart of all the activities.  We walked and walked.  We ate at the Rainforest Café, we strolled through the Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, I visited the Hershey shoppe, we looked at the Falls, we played in the arcade and the guys even went to a Haunted House.  It was very busy but we really enjoyed the trip. We didn't really have any plans but to walk and look around.  When we weren't out strolling around, we were in our room or using the hotel pool.

Obviously, Maddy would never remember this trip and I would like to go back sometime but do the Great Wolf Lodge.  It is pricey, but I have heard good things.  I will look for deals and we will go visit there someday.  Right now, the hardest thing is the travel time...it takes way too long for kids who get restless with our hour commute into daycare in the morning!

Have you ever been to Niagara Falls?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- this weekend we have my brother's stag and doe party

- I have taken some vacation days before I am done at my "old" job...Mont Cascades Waterpark on Friday with friends and kids...and then the week of the 27th, we have some things planned

- my dentist appointment is done and over with...except, I have to go back to get a wisdom tooth pulled then get a partial

- starting my new job soon - eek

- the bathing suit I ordered, I am just hoping that it fits

- friends and family

- fresh fruit and veggies

- increasing our Netflix screen watching to 2 screens at a time...Ricky has decided to watch it during work hours too

- iced water (who would have ever thought I would actually love that)

- busy summer weekends ahead

- watching my Nanny and Papa test out their "new to them" scooter that we brought them the other day.  My papa is starting Alzheimers and he had his license taken away...so we sold him my father in law's scooter.  My nanny has never drove a car so she was excited to give it a whirl.

What are you loving today?

Dentist Phobia

1. Dental fear (also called dental phobia, odontophobia, dentophobia, dentist phobia, and dental anxiety) is the fear of dentistry and of receiving dental care.

Yes!  There is such a thing!  I am so petrified of the dentist that I try everything in my power to avoid going.  My mom thinks its crazy, so does Ricky, because we are 90% covered.  

I am going for a cleaning today, seems simple enough, but my stomach has been in knots and I have had a hard time sleeping because I know I am going. Why?  It's just a cleaning.  Yea, but they will find something.  I know last time they mentioned getting a partial because I am missing teeth on one side.  Also, my back tooth recently broke off a bit, so that will need repair...and I am positive they will find a cavity..even a small one, don't they always?

Here are some of my fears:

1. The sounds and feels...even with tons of anesthetic, I feel that I can still feel things.  I know it's all in my head and it's just pressure, but I hate it.  I also have that whole phobia of rubbing hands together...so when they are grinding against my teeth, I am covered in goose bumps.

2. The rubber dams...these are new, or maybe they are just a "city thing" but they make me panic because I am mouth breather, so when this is put in place, I feel like I am going to die, that I am going to stop breathing.  It takes me quite a few deep breaths to calm myself down once this is in place.

3. The smell...I just hate the smell of the dentist

4. The lectures...I consider myself good at keeping my teeth clean, I even floss daily...but I am the one that has the bad teeth - so frustrating.  What I hate is when the dentist preaches to you about the care of your teeth.  I totally understand Dude, but can you appreciate the fact that it was just a hereditary thing and I got the bad teeth in the family?

5. The costs...even though we are covered 90%, the price I see on the invoice is outrageous.  I am sure it's even worse because we are covered.  Luckily, our dentist goes right through the benefit company, so we only ever have to pay the 10% up front, never the whole balance then wait to get re-imbursed.

All in all, I hate the dentist and that will never change I don't think.  Sometimes I just wish I could pull all my teeth and have beautiful fake ones!  Haha!  I am lucky enough that my new dentist office is very well aware of my fears and they are patient with me.  The dentist however, he/she changes every time which I am not a big fan of...just means I have someone different every time to judge me but my hygienist Rosa always remains!  

Wish me luck!

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday after work, Ricky went to help a friend hay and then ended up going for a late night fish so the kids and I were solo.  Maddy had spent the day with Hollie, so Tanner and I joined them at her sister's place for a swim and visit.  Around 7 we left, grabbed a fry at the chipstand and stopped in at Jill's to visit with her and Sara.  I feel that I don't get to see Sara much so it was a nice visit.  The kids are trekked home around 9:15 and everyone was pretty much in bed right away.

Saturday we got up, I cleaned up and bit and tried to decide what to do for the day.  It was a scorching 36 degrees out but we decided we would pack up and head to the beach.  We packed our cooler with lots of water, put on our swimsuits and picked my Mom up.  We made a pit stop at my grandparents to drop off a scooter that he bought from my father in law.  After showing them how to use it and then helping him boost his car (he has no license anymore but likes to take the car around the yard to keep the battery going) we were on our way.  We stopped for a quick bite to eat then headed to the beach.  The kids and Ricky were in the water most of the time while Mom and I just went in and out and watched from the shore!  A couple hours spent there, everyone was beat from the sun.  We went home, unpacked and laid in the air conditioning for a bit before heading to my parents for supper.  We ended up sticking around there until after 9 and Maddy spent the night.

Sunday we decided to head to Church cuz we hadn't been there in awhile and I knew we wouldn't be there next week.  It was a nice small crowd and the kids were well behaved considering we just stayed upstairs.  The rest of the day was just spent inside in the air conditioning...washing bathing suits and towels, watching Most Valuable Primate on Netflix, getting supper ready and making chocolate chip cookies.  

How to stay cool when you don't have a pool...a cool bubble bath!

How was your weekend?

8 Things I Have Never Done

I saw this on a blog the other day and thought, why not!

This is my own creation, ain't she PURTY...bahaha...www.canva.com

Never been on a plane
I don't think I am scared, just never had the opportunity.  That will be changing cuz my new job wants me to go for training in England...eek!  We're talking like a 7 hour flight.

Never drove alone without my license
This one may be an obvious BUT I had friends that did drive alone when they just had their learners.  One particular time, my friend Hollie and I took the car to go pick something up at her boyfriends house.  I remember being petrified of being caught, or running out of gas.

Never said "Wanna go exercise at 6 am"
I took this from a friends list...because it's true.  I have never even asked ANYONE to exercise, ever.  I may have said "wanna go for a walk", but never exercise.

Never owned a house
This is surely coming soon...

Never passed out
There were and still are times that sometimes I feel like I am going to, but I panic, fan myself, drink water and avoid it...haha

Never gotten a speeding ticket
Let's hope this doesn't jinx my luck.  There have been some close calls and there were a couple times I was actually stopped, but worked my charm and got off with a warning.  Consider myself warned!  I also lower my speed in known "speed trap" areas on our highway.  Ricky on the other hand...basically he gets one every three years!

Never pictured anyone in their underwear
In high school, I was in some plays...looking back now, not sure how I even did it, but I did.  I even won Best Supporting Actress once.  Anyways, during those times, I remember being nervous but I never pictured the audience in their underwear.  

Never drank coffee or tea
My immediate response when asked if I want a coffee is "I don't drink coffee...or tea".  I have never even had a sip of either.  I have often wanted to try peppermint tea and flavored teas but I am scared there will still be a "tea taste"...how do I know what a "tea taste" is, I'm not even sure.  Same as coffee, I hate the smell of coffee so I just associated the smell with the taste, no thanks!

Have a good weekend!

Throwback Thursday

We're going to throw it back when I used to babysit my cousin Lindsay...well it was one summer.  I would go to her place and watch her, with her parents working just across the street.

We had a great time all summer...we would go over to the office (do you remember the TINY office...I say tiny cuz it seems much bigger and spacious now haha) and we would play "work".  We would drive around in the Gator.  I would make macaroni and chicken bouillon (boing yoing as I pronounced it) and we would just hang out.  

Two significant things I remember about that summer...

We'll do the good first!

My aunt and uncle were celebrating an anniversary in August and the guys at the farm organized a wedding ceremony, sorta renewing the vows situation, re-enacting their wedding day perhaps? Lindsay and I were the bridesmaids.  I remember trying on all these old dresses...I remember going over to Grandpa Hillis's house (now Jared and Holly's) and looking through stuff there.  I don't remember the color but I remember them being big on us.  My uncle or maybe the "minister" was wearing a sailor get up, that I remember and I am sure that my aunt was wearing her wedding dress...or maybe not.  I am not too good at remembering some facts apparently.  Anyways, I remember it was in the front, through the driveway to the front porch and I remember it was fun - so that's all that matters!

The bad thing I remember?

We would take tours in the field behind the house in the Gator.  

There was one particular time that we were out by the pond and Lindsay was out of the Gator (we used to play town or something) and I went to go forward but put it in reverse by mistake and ran over her foot/toe. I freaked out and she cried. I didn't want to get in trouble, so I told her to get in and we were going home. The problem with parents working close to home?  They came home for lunch.  I was panicked cuz I didn't want to get in trouble, so I did my darnest to calm Lindsay down, tell her it was just a bruise - basically shut up and suck it up.  I think there was ice involved and a movie afternoon in the basement.  I didn't get in trouble but then again, I don't remember the topic ever coming up!

Oh the days!

Happy Thursday!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- my new tattoo design...I didn't end up getting my tattoo last week, I postponed it because the original design was going to be too big...now it's going to be each of their names on each forearm with a little symbol (Maddy may have a little purple bow for her birthstone color and Tanner may have a prince crown)

Picture is homemade and not really nice, but you get the point

- I put my notice in at work and looking forward to the new challenges of a new job in August

- two weeks ago I won a photoshoot...can't wait to use it - the kids need updated pictures

- weekend fun

- clean garbage bins (it was really dirty, stinky and maggot infested...finally was able to clean and disinfect it all thoroughly...except it won't last with garbage pick up only every two weeks)

- warm days

- thunderstorms - there is just something about them that I love

- Tanner pooping on the toilet...it's not consistent, but we'll take what we can

- the "We-Go" that I bought Ricky for Fathers Day...he didn't like the bulkiness on his wrist, so I have taken it over and I love that it tracks my sleep.  I love waking up and seeing how I slept

- the beaded licorice candy...I bought a pack yesterday to satisfy a craving and I only got ONE beaded one....seriously ONE

What are you loving today?

When Is She Old Enough?

For the last year, Maddy's school friend has been coming and knocking on our door, usually when Maddy is already in bed (8 pm on a school night) and we haven't had to really address this issue.  The issue of an 8 year old wandering the streets alone at 8 pm at night is a whole different conversation though.

On Wednesday, we were off for Canada Day and this same friend came knocking.  There was no avoiding it - I was wearing my pajamas with no bra and Ricky was most likely on the couch in his underwear, so Maddy answered the door.  Luckily, I was getting lunch ready and that was the excuse this time. However, after lunch, she came back.  Maddy asked, politely might I add, if she could go and play with her basically across the street at the school yard.  I was staying out of this conversation.  

Ricky told her to go and get dressed and he would discuss this with her.  I could see she was tinkled pink, she was finally getting some freedom.  Ricky told her that she had to make sure and watch for cars, do not leave the school yard and to check in with us at 12:45.  We watched them leave our yard and they actually cut through the neighbours yard and went to the school yard via a hole in the fence so we could see them. 

Phew!  My little girl was out in the world alone.  Within 5 minutes though, she was back, alone and looking sad.  She finally had this freedom but her friend had to leave.  

Ricky talked to her and told her this was the first bit of trust.  He let her go with rules in place and if she hadn't come back at 12:45 to check in like promised...she wouldn't be able to go again.  This was all about her learning to respect the rules and allow us to trust her.  All of sudden, I felt like my little girl was so much older.  How did this happen?

I am sure when I was her age, I was out biking with friends and stuff, but the thing is - Maddy is not me.  I feel that she is not "old enough" yet because of her maturity level.  There are people that will say she's very mature for her age but when you see her in action at home, you may second guess.  She forgets things really easily.  I can tell her to put her book away - she'll get side tracked and go to the fridge to get a bottle of water and go downstairs to her room...uum Maddy, where is the book?  Oh ya...duh!  She is also very clumsy and doesn't pay attention to things around her.  She was at work with me the other day, she turned around and literally walked right into the wall.  She looked at me and laughed, because she knew she wasn't paying attention.

Will I let her stray further than across the street to the school yard....not anytime soon no.  I won't promote her going alone either, but if a friend does come over, then we will give her the freedom, until the trust is broken.  She has a school friend that is actually moving in right beside us next month so I am sure that Maddy Squared (they are both named Madyson/Madison) will want to do things together.  

THEN

NOW

How old is "old enough"?

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday

- had supper at Mom and Dad's
- got to visit with Rylie
- went to visit my Nanny and Papa (and Uncle Cal)

Saturday

- watched Big Brother
- brought Maddy to a birthday party (where she got to ride ponies)
- had a beach day with Mom, Casey, Shannon, Rylie and Tanner
- went on a bus tour around to some local watering holes to celebrate the upcoming marriage of my friend, Sarah
- danced and had a good time (and lots of laughs)
- went to bed WAYYYY past my bed time

The only pic of the night!  

Sunday

- didn't sleep in (whomp whomp whomp)
- was really tired
- skipped Church
- made grilled cheese and tomato soup
- said goodbye to Rylie
- took the kids swimming at Lindsay and Ryan's
- went out for supper with the fam
- had Dairy Queen for dessert
- stopped at Maddy's daycare to give Raphaela a little "get well" gift cuz she got chicken pox over the weekend (boo - poor thing was covered)
- in bed early (but up all night with Tanner who cries, whimpers and screams all night...I'm so sleepy today)

How was your weekend?

{Secret}

I have a secret...and no I am not pregnant!  That ship has sailed!

That interview I had like two months ago now...then the follow up phone call...well...

I GOT THE JOB!

but not the job you think....I am Bubusse the Bus Safety Mascot:

BAHAHAHA - no thanks!  I can check that off the bucket list: be a mascot.  It was really hot and heavy and I had a lot of walking to do.  I did it for our Canada Day parade and it will be the last time I do it.  It was exhausting.  The next day, my legs were so sore, I could hardly walk and my heart was still pounding fast.  

Back to the job though....

I received a letter of offer on a Friday and took the weekend to explore my options...I knew it was an easy decision but I wanted some time to think it over. Being comfortable in a workplace for seven years makes you do this.

Pros of new job:

• 4 weeks paid vacation
• More $$$
• 4 weeks sick leave
• 5 % pension match
• Paid underground parking in the building
• Working the hours I want
• Luxury of working from home
• More work

Cons of new job:

• I only get paid monthly...what??  seriously, who does that?
• I have to actually work till 4:00 so Tanner pick up may be 5 - 10 mins later
• I can't exactly take summer vacation now cuz I will be just starting
• Having to possibly go to England for training (I know this should be a pro)

I am excited to start this new journey, but I am also scared.  I am scared that the workload is going to be too overwhelming.  I am scared that I am not going to be able to keep up with Home and School duties because of lack of time.  I am just scared and nervous.

For the last seven years, I have basically done what I wanted...I could come and go as I pleased.  I could bring Maddy into work with me when need be.  I knew my co-workers and became close friends with them.  I felt safe and comfortable.  

Wish me luck on this new adventure.  I am going to have to do mass blog posts and schedule them according to my new busy work schedule.  I may not be around as much at the beginning, or maybe I will, we'll have to wait and see!

Have a good weekend!!

Throwback Thursday

Let's go back WAY BACK when I was a kid, like I was probably...7...and we took a trip to the Eastern Coast with my grandparents.

My dad had to stay home cuz he worked but Mom packed us kids up and we went to New Brunswick...I am not even sure how we got there or home because I am pretty sure my grandparents were living there...but I remember my grandpa driving.  Weird.  

Anyways, the only things I remember about that trip was:

- the apartment, and walking up the stairs to the door
- eating lots and lots of lobster and being really sick...like vomiting
- there was a field across from the apartment building
- we went to a shopping centre
- after being there for like 2 days, we spent the next week (and the rest of our vacation) retracing footsteps and looking for my mom's family ring, which we never did find.

I don't remember the long drive or anything, but those points are what I do remember from the trip.

Did you ever go on a trip that you just remember bits and pieces from?