{Weekend Rewind}

I am sleepy this morning, so I am doing my recap in point form:

Friday

- left work and paid for my license (which only means one thing, my birthday is coming up haha)

- attended the graduation at daycare (Tanner, not the graduate...this year we goodbye to Zachary and Daymien)

- ran to Shawville to get a few groceries

-  stopped in to see Nanny and Papa (both of them actually)

- was woken up at 1 am to my idiot neighbour banging on the door

Saturday

- cleaned the house

- did laundry

- had a nap (or tried to...)

- took the kids to Bonnie and Toby's for a BBQ

- stepped in dog poo in my driveway (I don't have a dog)

- went on my sister in law's bachelorette party

- watched comedy at Absolute Comedy

- went bar hopping (okay, two bars)

- ate at the Prescott

- was home way too late

- had the house to myself (Mom ended up keeping the kids for the night)

Sunday

- laid in bed and relaxed until 9 am

- went to Church and the kids had their backpacks blessed by Nancy

- ran to Shawville again...to get a few things (went for sugar)

- made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip cookies, energy balls and blueberry muffins for the week

- welcomed Ricky home around 2:30 pm

- watched Dad filet 7 pickerel

- made chicken for supper and chipwagon fries/poutine

- ran to Nanny's to bring her a snack of fish

- watched Big Brother

- everyone was in bed by 8 pm

How was your weekend??

I Have a 3rd Grader

I know I just did my Throwback about Maddy starting school...but this is a big thing in our house....so...

Maddy starts school on Monday and she is super excited.  My little girl, my first born is going into Grade 3 this year.  Crazy how quick time flies.  Feels like yesterday we were packing her first ever school bag and dropping her off at Kindergarten.  I will admit, I was close with the teacher and emailed her daily to check up on her.  That was only the first year.

This year I would like to say that she can expect things to get harder, no more coloring and counting business but last year was pretty tough for Grade 2.  Things sure have changed since we were in school.  The stuff she brought home last year for homework, I am pretty sure I was just learning it in Grade 6.  There were times that Ricky and I didn't even know what to do...and had to google things.  Serious, true story.

This year she will be with the same group of kids which is nice.  Our school is a close knit community.  We have 66 kids enrolled this year and I like it that way.  This past weekend I got a compliment from a fellow parent who's kids go to another school.  She said that when she invited our school to her place to plant pumpkins, her own kids couldn't believe the kindness and love that our students had...and not just the students, but the staff too.  Her son who is in high school has actually decided to transfer this year because in that one day, he made friends with some of our Grade 6 students and wanted to go to school with them.  Being on the Home and School Committee and being very active in the school, this made me proud and smile!

This year I want Maddy to be more involved at home.  She knows that homework is done right after school while I am getting supper ready.  Ricky will usually read with her and then she will continue with whatever else needs to be done.  I also want her to start making or helping with the process of lunch making/packing.  I think she is old enough.  This is the year that she is going to have chores and an actual allowance.  I want her to start being more responsible and helping out more. 

This year I wanted her in an activity and I contemplated step dancing but after some thought, I think we may back out of that.  As much as I would love for her to follow in my footsteps, I realize that it's quite costly.  It's $15 a lesson, 4 times a month and it's only a half hour class.  We have talked and I think she is going to join Brownies...there are three classmates that do this and I think in the long run, this will be good for her.  This is a group where she will learn life skills and I think that's important...and well, we want to sell cookies! HAHA!

I want nothing more than Maddy to succeed this year and I know she will.  She loves school and she loves learning.  I hope the teacher transition will go smoothly as this year will be a new teacher.  I hope that she still strives and enjoys it while she can.  She will likely take on the big kid role and help the younger ones with their boots and coats like previous years.  She will help other kids get their breakfast in the mornings because she is a great kid like that, always helping others!

Have a good weekend!

Throwback Thursday

 

Throwing it back this week to Maddy's first couple of years in school.

Her first year was Kindergarten and it worked out perfectly because I was able to help out a lot and be around because I was on maternity leave with Tanner.  Her teacher was Ms. Ferreira with helper Jill.  Her class was small - herself, Starla, Raedyn, Olivia and the only boy, James.  She did great her first year and was very proud to be in school.



Kindergarten 2012/2013
Look at her chubby face!!

Her second year was Grade 1 with Mrs. Nugent.  However, due to a sports related accident with her son she took a leave of absence and in her place, she had Ms. Maguire who I really liked.  It turned out that Ms. Maguire was someone I knew from my past.  My Uncle Ray actually dated her Mom eons ago so I knew her and her family.  This was the year that Maddy started excelling in Math...her love for Math started with Ms. Maguire. This was the year that she started having some anxiety issues but we dealt with them (and continue to do so).  She had the same 5 classmates and shared her class with the Grade 2's which were only 4 students.

Grade 2 Picture Day 2013/2014

Her third year was Grade 2 with Mrs. Nugent who did return last year.  She had the same 5 friends in her class then towards the end of the year, another Madi joined the group.  Their Grade 2 class was split with 14 Grade 1's as well.  Once again, every term she did great, never had any issues.  The anxiety came back towards the end of the year but we have figured out how to sorta manage it.  This was the year that she became more grown up I find.  She called her girl friends BFF and bought them cool "split" necklaces that said Best Buds and BFF's.  She talked about friends having "boyfriends" and one little boy wanting to marry her - haha!

Grade 3 Picture Day 2014/2015

The other night we actually talked about what she wanted to be when she grows up.  She told us that she wanted to be a baker like her mom...aww thanks...BUT a baker is not going to make the big bucks...move on.  Her next choice was an artist.  As much as I want her to explore her options and if she's artsy, so be it, but an artist is more of a hobby...you need a career.  We talked a bit about school and how long she's going to be in school and she was excited to hear that there was more school beyond elementary.  I told her that she should be a doctor because she loves school so much, she would be in school forever to become a doctor...haha! 

I don't really care what she becomes (okay, maybe I do) but I mean, she is going into Grade 3, I'll start worrying once we hit high school.  For now, it's interesting to hear the logic behind the picked careers.  Next week she may want to be a hunter like her dad...haha, who knows!

Happy Thursday

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- it's Wednesday, that's always something I am loving, the week is almost done

- Ricky is away on another fishing trip this weekend, so it's just the kids and I

- Saturday night we are celebrating Sue's Bachelorette, can't wait for time away from the kids haha!

- meeting one of the big bosses today or tomorrow...he flew in yesterday from London and will be coming into the office at some point to say "HI"

- Maddy had her end of year soccer BBQ last night and got a nice cinch sac

- school is starting soon - I don't know who is more excited, me or Maddy?

- my birthday is coming up, I could love that

- taking my first vacation day next Friday to take Tanner to an appointment then I'll take the kids to the Shawville Fair (the only time we'll likely go - may have to take Maddy on Saturday night to see Brea Lawrenson)

- my tire that was fixed a couple weeks ago has been doing great...I was worried that it would still slowly leak or something but thanks to my mechanics (Dad and his assistant Ricky), we are good to go!

- we are finally going to Church on Sunday...seems like we've been there once all summer...busy, busy!  This week, Nancy is blessing the kids school bags!

- that I am getting my first pay hopefully on Friday...then we'll see how this once a month payroll thing is going to work...time for some major budgeting!

- that tonight I am going to be millions richer...that is of course if I remember to buy a 649 ticket!

What are you loving today?

The 20 Question Game

1. Favorite food:

I would have to say that anything pasta related.  I seriously could live off of pasta...nothing even fancy, just pasta and sauce is good for me.  I also am loving for bibimap too!

 

 

 

2. Flip flops or high heels:

Oh I am neither really - I am too tall for heels and I am not a fan of flip flops, normal sandals are good.

3. Favorite places to shop for yourself:

I HATE shopping for myself but I tend to like Old Navy, Suzy Shier and Reitmans.

4. Standard Coffee order:

I don't drink coffee...so I seldomly even go to a coffee place.  I will go to Tim's and order a bagel or donuts and depending on the mood, it will be a normal juice, hot chocolate or a frozen lemonade.

5. Road trip must have snack:

I like snacks!  I like to have candy, licorice and chips.  I also like to have some fresh fruit and veggies in a cooler.
 

6. DIY or hire it out?

I like to think that I like to DIY but when the time comes, I am usually cursing it and should have hired it out.
 

7. Top 5 TV shows:

Right now...Big Brother, The Fosters, Chasing Life, Guy's Grocery Games and...Two and a Half Men reruns (with Charlie, not Ashton)

8. Favorite Book: 

I don't know...I really liked Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

9. Favorite Form of Exercising:

Hahaha, I don't exercise.  I would love to but I don't have the room. Someday when we have a house, I would like to have a basement where I have the space to do some Zumba and Yoga dvd's but for the time being, walking is my form of exercise.

 

10. How tall are you?

5'11 ish?

11. Do you try something new at restaurants or stick to your favorites?

I like to stick to ones that I am used to but I have gone out and tried new ones too.  Most of the time they are all the same style, but usually work lunches tend to be out of my ordinary and that is when I get to try new things.  Ricky doesn't like change!
 

12. One make up item you can't live without:

I don't wear make up....like at all!
 

13. What's on your nightstand?

Well I don't have a nightstand when I sleep in Tanner's bed but my former room, my nightstand has a lamp, a thirty one tote filled with creams and stuff for the kids after bath regime and a box of Kleenex.
 

14. What's one thing motherhood has taught you?

Uuum....to stop at 2 hahaha!  I have learned to stop and just enjoy the moments cuz they pass way too quickly.

 

15. Music that reminds you of high school:

I am thinking Whigfield and Salt n Pepa but I don't know why, I don't think it was during high school but I remember hearing those songs at dances...or maybe our younger days.  Spice girls maybe?  No clue, remember, I hated high school. 
 

16. If you could live anywhere in the world besides your current city where would you live?

I don't know...I like where I live for the most part.  I would move to the city I think in a heart beat, just having access to so much more but I like my parents being close to us, Ricky likes having the hunt camp only 5 mins from home and I like Maddy's little school community.  I think I would stay in Canada though.
 

17. Tell us something about you we might not know:

I don't know how to swim.  I can get by but I was never properly taught. 

18. Websites you read/browse (besides blogs):

Work related ones...right now doing a lot of research but other than that, I check Young and the Restless Spoilers and Updates, Real Estate, Banking, School website etc...
 

19. Morning person or Night owl?

I like going to bed early and I am always up early so what does that make me?  I can't sleep in for the life of me but I am not cranky being up early!  I tend to get cranky when I stay up late!  Haha!

20. Favorite Breakfast meal:

I like traditional eggs, bacon, homefries and toast but I like out of the ordinary breakfasts once and a while with big omelettes, homemade waffles and fruit and I especially love a home cooked breakfast that is not cooked by me!

Join the fun!!

{Weekend Rewind}

This weekend may have been busy but it was a pretty low key weekend as well.

Friday night we had supper at my parents then Maddy had her friend Olivia over for a sleepover.  The girls were both pooped out and were in bed watching a movie at like 9 pm, I think they were asleep by 10.  I made some chocolate chip cream cheese muffins, chocolate haystacks and some sugar cookies.

Saturday morning I made a banana blueberry loaf and after the kids and I had breakfast, we headed to the farm where the kids planted pumpkins for school.  We went and saw our pumpkins then the kids just played in the yard while I chatted with Joanne.  It was a nice little visit and what would be a visit without some of her homemade chocolate chip cookies!

After lunch and a quick nap for some of us (hehe), we brought Olivia home and packed our stuff to head to Tracy and Butter's.  The adults were going out for supper then the casino and Kaitie was babysitting.  We went downtown to the market where we enjoyed Lonestar then over to the Casino.  It was a nice night out, we weren't late and we didn't win either!  Oh well!

Sunday morning we all slept in until about 8 then while eating Timbits and orange juice, we sat and caught up on last week's Big Brother episodes then got ready to head to Butch's for a BBQ.  The point of the BBQ was Ricky's cousin and her husband were up visiting from Cold Lake and we always seem to miss them when they are visiting, so we had to make it work this time.  I have been around for 10 years and never had the chance to meet them.  It was great seeing them and just chatting.  The kids swam and were pooped out by the end of the night.  We had baths and everyone was in by 8.

Pretty uneventful but still full of lots of happiness!

How was your weekend?

If We Met For Drinks

Last week I did my instalment of If We Met for Coffee and I said to stay tuned for If We Met For Drinks - well what a better way to kick off a Friday!

If We Met For Drinks...

I would order a nice, slushy girly drink.  Something pink, raspberry with vodka and some sugar on the rim.  I would probably complain that it is costing $10 for it but oh so yummy.  We will chat about things...work, weather, kids.  I will order a second one after feeling really full (I get like that when I have drinks like that) and half way through it, I want to get up and dance.  That is right, 1 1/2 hurricanes later and I am probably feeling it - hey what can I say, I'm a cheap drunk.

We go to the dance floor where we totally feel our age as all these younger girls are dancing with their a$$es hanging out of their short shorts (because honestly, if I am drinking a slushy drink, it's summer) and on the sidelines, boys with cowboy hats are drooling, there is loud hollering and whistling and to be honest, we pretend they are doing it for us.  Haha!  We continue to shake our thing as the rest of the dance floor are grinding with each other and taking hundreds of selfies.  O-M-G.  We continue to dance at our pace to the likes of Kick the Dust Up by Luke Bryan before heading back to our booth.  Hey, one song and I am likely pooped out already.

I check my phone, everything at home is under control - there are no panicked texts from Ricky and I realize it's only 10:00 pm and frankly, I am ready for bed.  YAWN.  Time to wake up!  We order an appetizer to snack on - probably an assortment of nachos, deep fried dill pickles and French fries and order just ONE more drink.  After three of these big drinks, I say, call it a night (not to mention my shrunken bladder is going to pay and by the time I get home, I am going to be up all night peeing, great!)

We sit in our booth just scoping out the place.  The DJ is interacting with the dancing girls, there are sleazy men hanging from their bar stools looking like they have been here since work and some younger guys in tight Aeropostale shirts playing pool.  There are girls filling up the dance floor - squealing and jumping around and probably somewhere amongst that crowd is a 50 something, trying to be 20.  Yep...there she is, dancing with her 80's permed hair, short cut off jean shorts, a bra that is not doing a thing for her and her blue eye liner smeared under her eyes. She is trying to get a young lad roped in.  We laugh.  What else are we suppose to do.  We are about to leave when we are surprised with another drink.  Puzzled, we ask who it's from.  The waitress smiles and points to the bar. There sits a gentleman in a business suit, he probably has a wife and three kids at home, and he's BUYING us drinks...or maybe he is on a "client event" and going to expense it.  Whatever.  The mother in me is saying we cannot drink this, who knows what's in it - you respond by saying, oh come on, it's free and the waitress brought it to us.  We thank the fella at the bar and giggle.  This made our night.  We still have it we think!

After that fourth drink, we call the cab to come and pick us up. My bed is calling me. 

So...it may not be any more exciting than meeting for coffee, but hey, I wasn't miserable this time around.  A few drinks and you let loose a bit more!

Until next time...

Happy Weekend

Throwback Thursday

OMG, crazy how quick the summer has gone by.  Today's throwback is throwing it back to some of my memories of school!

Pre-K was the first time I ever stepped in school.  I was 4 years old and I had to travel by bus to the next town over with my best friend Jill by my side.  Who knew that I would be a shoulder to cry on every day.  Jill had some separation anxiety from her mom and to say that she cried every.single.day was no lie.  I have one vivid memory of actually falling asleep during our "quiet time!, I remember where I was in the classroom and waking up to Jill crying because I was still sleeping.  The one day she didn't cry...the day of our graduation because she knew her mom was coming!  What a kid (she did get better over time) - LOL!

The next 7 years were spent at Onslow Elementary. We were the lucky bunch that were going to graduate high school in the Year 2000.  We made a video in Grade 1 that we would watch later on in life...and LAUGH.  I was sick that day but I was made to go school regardless because of this video.  So many wrong things in that video...first, my mother letting me dress myself.  I was in a green and white dress and somehow thought that a fluorescent yellow headband matched...and I put it on so that my bangs were back in it which caused some hair sticking up.  Then there is the whole issue that you basically hear me hacking and sneezing the whole video.  What did I want to be when I grew up?  Well let me tell you - I stood up in front of the class and told everyone I wanted to be a banker, so I could give people cheques and money.  Then I was asked what I liked and disliked...I liked ice cream, when asked to elaborate, what kind, I came out with CHOCOLATE...then what did I dislike...EEEEGGGGSSS in a dragged tone that I still get teased about. 

This was the dress I wore for the video, too bad the flourescent yellow headband didn't make picture day

I loved my time at Onslow - I remember having Ms Curtain and having special planned days for all holidays, I remember counting cheerios with Mrs Meredith, I remember going on track and field meets, I remember the day that we were put in groups and had to come up with a new mascot, I remember working on a project with older kids about The Indian in the Cupboard Book, I remember faking sick cuz I forgot to do a project and was up all night working on some sort of invention: my invention, a tooth fairy pillow that would not get lost under the pillow.  Who can forget about the Micro Mobile? I loved my time there, I truly did.  I continue to love that school with Maddy attending it.  It's still a close knit school with great activities - the difference, in Grade 2 when we were counting blocks and Cheerios, they are doing multiplication and fractions now...no lie! 

The next 5 years were at Pontiac High School - the most miserable time of my life.  I hated it and I am not one of those ones that wish to go back to high school.  I remember the first day of school, my friends Hollie and Meagan and I climbed on the bus for the first time (we were always walkers) and all sat in the same seat with the same canvas backpacks on.  I remember seeing all the big kids and feeling sick to my stomach.  I remained with my same group of friends and didn't really venture out of our circle.  I didn't do that well in classes, I hated and sucked at Math.  I had one year that I basically had all optional classes which was okay.  I actually enjoyed home economics when everyone else hated it. I got lost finding the infamous ecology room.  I hated sports and anything related to it.  We were cool and joined the choir which we only sang and learned one song I think - a song from Lion King.  I did however enjoy drama.  Not sure why cuz I consider myself shy but I always enjoyed it.  We had cool video dances where we just stood against the wall, then one parent would pick us all up.  I remember going on an art trip to Montreal but never having the money to do the Europe trip. We were members of the 30 Hour Famine Club and enjoyed staying overnight at the school every year and starving ourselves for 30 hours...only allowed juice and sugar free gum. I had a horrible graduation which seemed fitting for the miserable 5 years in high school.  It wasn't all bad I suppose...the giant chocolate chip cookies were a hit!

Me - sitting in front row...with my trophy

After those 5 years of high school I needed a break.  I took a year off to finish my math at night school while babysitting a little boy to get money.  After that year, I started a two year program to take a secretarial course which I enjoyed. It was more adults. Hollie and I travelled every day to and from school.  Classes were simple enough and two years after we started, we graduated and hit the work world.

Hollie and I at our very last Graduation

Happy Thursday!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- that Ricky is home...as much as I like the space (and peace and quiet), I find myself bored while at home

- Tanner's screaming fit the other night complaining of a sore ear was nothing more than him wanting some medicine I think (woke up Monday morning fine and said Mommy, you made me ear all better)

- that we all have our outfits for Adam's wedding...or know what we're getting

- Tanner looking all proud when he tried his suit on....soooo cute!  Love his expression!!

- I made it to Orleans to my sister's...and it was super easy taking Rockcliffe Parkway

- I finally visited the Farmers Market at Lansdowne Park

- I finally ate breakfast at Tutti Frutti, been wanting to try for some time

- Tomorrow night is Story Time at the library

- Supper being cooked for me tonight - going to visit my sister in law (and Butter...and Kaitie too)

- this weekend, there are no plans...Maddy is thinking of having a sleepover that she has been trying to have all summer

- the new job still...its lonely now that I am completely alone, but that's okay.  The days are still flying by.

- I have started prepping my craft sale that my home and school committee hold every November as a fundraiser...and I am almost filled!

- Maddy is finally going to start step dancing lessons...starting in September

- the heat...I don't care that it's crazy humid...I freeze all day in my office (even with a heater on) and I know that Fall then eek...winter is just around the corner, so I am soaking up the heat and enjoying it while I can

What are you loving today?

{Recipe} - Spaghetti Sauce

I have never used a recipe for spaghetti sauce.  I basically throw everything in a pot and go to town. No two batches ever tasted the same.  One day while I was looking on Pinterest, I came across a spaghetti sauce recipe and opened it to see what would be different than what I do with mine and I was amazed.  I have used this recipe for the last like 4 batches and I love it.

My former recipe would be:
a big pack of lean ground beef (cooked ahead of time)
4 large cans of tomato sauce
1 large can of diced tomatoes
2 cans of tomato paste
garlic (lots)
cut up vegetables
red crushed chilies
a pinch of sugar
1 bay leaf
***Throw in a roaster and cook on 300 for a couple of hours*** (that's what I do)

My new and improved recipe:

a big pack of lean ground beef (cooked ahead of time)

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

assorted veggies

1 – 14 oz can tomato sauce (plain, no spices)

1 – 19 oz can diced tomatoes (plain, no spices)

1 – 5.5 oz can tomato paste

½ cup red wine (or beef broth if you don't want to use wine)

2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

red crushed chilies

salt & fresh ground pepper to taste 

***Throw in a roaster and cook on 300 for a couple of hours*** (that's what I do)

 

I omit the basil and oregano cuz I don't like my sauce to have those spices lol, just lots of garlic and red chilies for this family! 

 

This past weekend, I used the same amount of ground beef but I doubled everything else and it gave me way more sauce for the freezer.

 

Guess what was for supper last night?  Yum-o!!

{Weekend Rewind}

HAPPY ACTUAL 1st BIRTHDAY TO SWEET RYLIE-ROO!!!

This weekend was jam packed with fun...that I wish I had a day off to relax! The guys were gone on a fishing trip all weekend and only coming back today at some point...and my mom thinks we need to ramble the roads...haha!

Friday evening I ran and picked up a few groceries for the weekend then had supper at my mom's.  We came home, I threw a load of laundry in, cleaned up a bit, Facetime'd with Ricky and I think we were all in bed by 8 pm.

Saturday we were all up early and didn't have a really good sleep.  I finished cleaning in the morning, put a roaster of spaghetti sauce in the oven to cook and cleaned out the car.  After an early lunch, we picked up my Nanny and my mom and trekked out to Orleans to celebrate Rylie's FIRST birthday.  We visited, we ate, we opened presents, had cake and watched Rylie delicately eat her smash cake then we were out the door.  Another early night.  

Birthday Girl

Daddy singing and playing Happy Birthday for her

Cake anyone?

Sunday morning, up early again and on the road by 8:30.  First stop was breakfast at Tutti Fruttis where we are humungous bagels, three-egg omelettes, and mounds of fresh fruit.  We then found our way to Vasto's boutique where we were going to try on some suits for Tanner. Very friendly service.  We ended up leaving with an outfit and shoes for Maddy and a suit in mind for Tanner.  We packed in the car and found our way to Lansdowne Park for a quick tour of the Farmer's Market.  It was sooo hot but I was happy that I finally got there. 

Maddy and her Ariel balloon

Tanner with his balloon hat and sword

Our next stop was Carlingwood Mall where we were going to check out Sears for suits also.  In the end, I decided for the same price, I will order from Vasto as it's the better quality and free alterations.  We toured around the mall to complete Maddy's out (earrings and bracelet) and found myself a dress.  Check and Check.  We stopped for ice cream, smoothies and popcorn before heading home.  I was sooo tired.  Maddy went to Mom's as she is staying there for the night while Tanner and I just chilled the rest of the day.  

How was your weekend?

If We Met For Coffee

I saw this on another blog and thought it was neat!

If we met for coffee...I would have to order something else cuz I don't even drink coffee.  I would be okay with a hot chocolate, but sometimes they are too sweet or not sweet enough, so a juice may be better.

Depending on the time of day, let's say we're meeting around 10 am because well, let's face it, I am in bed any given night at 8 pm so I can't join ya for that bottle glass of wine. 

Don't ask me about my night because I would probably tell you that sleeping with my three year old has taken it's toll and I am sick of being woken up from little toes pushing into my ribs.  I wake up so exhausted because of all the tossing and turning I do all night.  I will proceed to tell you that this doesn't get any better because this morning, Ricky tells me that I'm not allowed back in "his" bed either and suggested that I sleep on the top bunk.  Like that's going to happen.

You can ask me about the weather...I will probably tell you it's cold cuz I'm always cold.  I will grumble about Fall coming and how I am looking forward to some Fall things BUT NOT THE WEATHER.  We will continue our conversation about fashion and what will come with Fall.  My wardrobe of choice....sweaters, leggings and boots.  I am not into fashion by any sense, so we will not be talking about top designers.  If I can snag a pair of leggings that actually fit at Ardene's for 2/$10 - that is a score for me.  My boots that I am wearing, yep they are probably 3 years old.  Other fashion sense...well I have none...and I hate shopping for myself.

You may ask me how the kids are.  That's a safe topic.  They are brats and I enjoy the peace and quiet I get at work...haha!  In reality, Maddy is getting super excited for school to start up.  She is packed (with the exception of a dictionary) and ready to go.  Tanner is fully potty trained (HALLELUJAH) and really enjoying this big boy role.  He has his pre-school evaluation coming up which we may not even attend.  I would have to take a day off work already and well I know what they are going to tell me.  Yes, the doctor has already told us he needs to see a speech therapist...my take on it, I can understand for the most part what he is saying AND I see kids that are need it more than him.  Give them my spot!

I realize that it's time to run and that I am a really bad coffee companion, maybe that is why I don't drink coffee.  I do the same with work meetings. I hate when people offer to meet for coffee to discuss something...uumm sorry, I can't, can we meet at 3:00 pm instead. 

I think I need to ditch the coffee dates...stay tuned for "If We Met For Drinks" instalment...that should be more fun and not so depressing!

Have a good weekend!

Throwback Thursday

I am throwing it back to the day my neice was born. I have three other neices but this was the first one that I got to experience from a newborn....and she's my blood.

It was this weekend a year ago and everyone was gone LOL.  The boys, including Ricky and my Dad were on a fishing trip and my mom was down East visiting family.  With my sister's due date quickly approaching, I secretly hoped it would happen when everyone was gone so I could see her first. Haha!  

It worked! I had a wedding cake delivery that day - so my friend Jill and I headed down to deliver a cake and two hundred cupcakes then we met Lindsay and Sam at Montana's.  That's when I got the call that she was in and things were happening. I wish it would have happened fast but things didn't and she ended up having to have a c-section.  I sat on my cell phone waiting for that text...finally I got this pic saying she arrived.

Rylie, aka Rylie Roo has been a special part of the family.  It's been three years since we had a baby-baby so I was stoked and honestly, after not having a girl for 8 years, a sweet baby girl in the family was great too.  I couldn't wait to see her.  I made my brother and Sue come and get me (had no idea where the hospital was), we dropped the kids off with Hollie and went to Ottawa for a quick peek. She was perfect!

She will be turning ONE on the 17th of August and we are celebrating this weekend. 

She is such a funny little girl, giving sloppy kisses and making quite the faces. I have had the pleasure of having her over a whole weekend and for sleepovers and even though having a baby around again is a lot of work, we love our time together.  Despite the fact that they live further away, we are lucky that her Daddy plays in a band in our town...that way we get to see her more often. 

She loves having her big cousins around, whether it be Maddy playing with her (or pissing her off trying to pick her up all the time) or Tanner being her play toy who just sits there while she beats on him.  We love her and can't imagine our life without her.  Here I go with pics:

Meeting her for the first time

Maddy meeting her

Tanner super stoked with his new cousin

Uncle Ricky

Fancy like....ME

Happy 1st Birthday Rylie-Roo

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- Tanner is officially a BIG BOY now, it's safe to say we have no more diapers in this household.  I still put a pull up on at night but he goes to daycare in underwear

- little boys in briefs...however Ricky prefers the boxer briefs

- my new job

- that I am finally getting my Korean today, I have been trying for the last week but never found time or made other lunch plans

- celebrating Rylie's first birthday this weekend

- Ricky going on a fishing trip...the kids and I are FREEEEEEE

Some of the guys on the trip last year

- corn on the cob with butter...we had our first snack on Sunday and I could eat it again

- that Maddy met an incredible friend this summer and I hope they can still be in contact!  I love the whole family!  They are great people.

- cleaning...there is just something rewarding when you tackle a project...like cleaning out a junk closet

- Sue and Adam's upcoming wedding

What are you loving today?

Summer's End

This weekend was the first weekend that felt like "Shawville Fair Weekend". What is that you ask? Well it's our local fair that is held Labour Day weekend and when you notice that summer is behind us and fall is slowly creeping in.

The days are still nice, sunny and warm but I find the mornings and nights are cool.  I am a fan of summer, and I don't want to rush things, but here are some thoughts:

How I can tell summer is coming to an end...

- back to school shopping is done
- school is starting
- fresh corn on the cob
- Shawville Fair
- my birthday
- cooler nights

What will I miss about summer...

- obviously the warmth
- the less traffic on the roads
- quick "summer" suppers
- trips to the beach
- in and out of the car (no coats and stuff)

What am I looking forward to...come Fall...(certainly not rushing it though)

- homemade soups
- Car Rally
- leggings and sweaters
- leaves changing colors 
- not as much construction on the roads 

What am I NOT looking forward to...come Fall...

- cooler weather
- the thought of snow
- hunting season
- darker nights
- dressing Tanner in warmer outdoor clothes

Can you tell summer is coming to an end?

{Weekend Rewind}

This weekend was packed with fun!

Friday night we laid low - just did our typical Friday night thing - visit with my Nanny and Papa at cards.

Saturday morning, the girls (me, Maddy and my mom) got ready and headed to my soon to be sister in law's bridal shower.  It was a nice gathering of people with yummy breakfast food and got a little visit with Miss Rylie Roo.   Sue received many beautiful gifts for their home.  

The little girls all helping Sue open gifts

Rylie Roo

During the shower, the boys (Ricky, Tanner and my brother) loaded up the boat and went out for a little spin.  When we got home from the shower, I texted him to meet him the dock to pick Tanner up cuz we were heading off to celebrate Kaylee and Jessica's 5th birthday.  When I got to the dock, we couldn't see Tanner...poor dude fell asleep and was sleeping on the floor of the boat.

Uncle Adam and Tanner 

Poor Buddy

After a quick snack and packed our things, we went to Kaylee and Jessica's.  It was a beautiful day for a rented inflatable bouncy waterslide castle. The kids went non-stop from 1 pm - 6 pm with very few breaks in between.  After supper, we headed home to change into warm jammies and went for a visit at my parents.  Tanner ended up falling asleep and when he rolled off the couch and fell to the floor, he woke up screaming, that was our cue to head out.

Splash Fun!

Sunday morning we skipped Church AGAIN...eeek!  I feel bad but we have so many plans every single weekend.  I decided to head to the city with Maddy and pick up all her back to school stuff.  Mission accomplished!  When we got home, I went on a cleaning spree and cleaned up and re-organized Maddy's room.  The rest of the day was relaxing and peeling fresh corn for supper!

How was your weekend?