What I'm Loving Wednesday

- this new bread that I picked up...it's so new, I couldn't even find a picture, but it's Country Harvest - Fruit and Cereals...it has raisins, cranberries, blueberries and sunflower seeds - toasted with butter...nom nom!

- the kids Halloween costumes are done

- that I finally went to Tanger Outlets and was pretty happy with the location, the ease of parking and getting around

- the sales I got at Gap

- that Tanner actually has some pants now for the Fall

- that I finally got my Fall decorations out...although, it seems I have downsized quite a bit...may have to pick up a few more things

This is not even close to what I have LOL but I like it!

- the darker mornings but only for sleeping in, so during the week, it sucks

- getting recognized by the school community and received a plaque for Most Outstanding Volunteer, I was totally shocked

- finally watched the finale of Big Brother

- Criminal Minds starts tonight

What are you loving Wednesday?

If I had 60 Million...

So, Friday night the Lotto Max was won...someone in Ottawa...who has yet to claim the 60 million dollar prize.  I actually had bought two tickets in Ottawa, so it very well could be me.  Haha!  I feel that maybe I am the winner (haha), yet, I am scared to go to a store and get it checked.  If those bells started ringing WINNER, WINNER, WINNER...my life could change drastically overnight!

Update: I checked my ticket and I won $10 and a free ticket...bring on this week's 22 million, I'm not picky!

What I would do...

- I would quit work, as much as I love my time away from the kids and actually doing something, I would at least take a leave of absence.  I would not however be able to sit at home...but I would like to volunteer at Maddy's school

- We would be building our dream home...with all the bells and whistles and new furniture and appliances, everything brand spanking new!

- We would obviously pay off all debt we had...

- We would get rid of Ricky's truck and get him a brand new one...and maybe give my car to someone, my brother or sister perhaps, and buy an SUV for me

- Ricky would likely buy a brand new boat and a side by side

- We would pay off family's debt (I think haha)

- We would buy my parents a new vehicle (maybe)

This is all of course if we were to win the 60 million...if we only won like $100,000, we wouldn't be able to do all this...

- We would take a vacation and bring people with us

- I would disconnect my home phone service...we have known people that have won lotteries, and the phones start ringing as soon as their name is out in public, groups wanting this and churches wanting this...no thanks!

- I would like to think that we would donate some...but to things that matter to us - like our Church, School, CHEO, Hospital

- I would also obviously save the remainder...we would eventually go back to work, I think, I don't know...again, maybe just something part time...

What would you do if you won the lottery?

{Weekend Rewind}

This weekend ended up being jammed packed with fun!

Friday night we went to visit my grandparents but didn't stay long, I wasn't feeling well actually and thought I was coming down with something...Maddy went to the International Plowing Match with my parents so we were all pooped out!

Saturday we got up, packed our things and met Josee and Landyn and took the kids to the Experimental Farm.  There was a Bug Day event going on and admission was free.  Josee's husband has gone out west to work and they are both having a harder time this time around, so spending some time with them, was good for them.  After lunch, we parted ways and I ran to Carter's to see if I could get Tanner some clothes for Fall / Winter.  I got some good deals.  We picked up a few groceries and headed home.  Once the groceries were put away, I did a couple loads of laundry, got our the Fall decorations and decorated and had a pot of beef barley soup simmering.  That evening, Ricky ended up going to play cards so the kids and I just relaxed. I watched a movie and we were all in bed at 8:30.

Sunday I had all intentions of going to Church but I got up and asked Mom if she wanted to check out the Tanger Outlets in Kanata. We have never been and I wanted to see if I could get the kids some deals.  We found some good sales at the Gap...I got 6 pieces for $38.  We ran to Value Village to get some "daycare clothes" and to pick up the kids costumes.  A quick stop at Farm Boy, and we were back on the ferry going home.  After a quick supper and baths, we caught up on Big Brother and Survivor and I was in bed before 8 pm. 

How was your weekend?

Finally Friday

I am putting pen to paper...err not really but I am just letting my thoughts run this morning...

- Tomorrow, I am joining Josee and Landyn and we're taking the kids to the Experimental Farm...they have an insect event going on and it's free admission

About 4 years ago when we visited the Experimental Farm

- Today is a PD Day for Maddy and she's spending the day with Momma.  Originally she was going to attend the daycamp that the school was putting on for the first time to help working parents, but of course, people don't support, and therefore it was cancelled - I didn't need it, but I was supporting it!

- This week has been a really hard week at the Belland household...not sure if there was a full moon but the kids were so misbehaved this week...wild!  We cracked down and put some strict discipline in place...we'll see how it works

- I wish I was boarding a plane yesterday with Lindsay and Jill and going for a long weekend getaway to Nova Scotia...I need a break from these kids

- This week we had a situation in the area...a man killed three women and then was on the loose...the situation was about an hour outside of the city but by late afternoon, there was a law firm on lockdown just down the street and they had heightened security at the court house and Parliament Hill as a precaution...after experiencing the lockdown and shooting last October, I thought I was going to be reliving that day...thankfully, they got him and he's getting charged with three counts of first degree murder

- News like this makes me sad...and it makes me sad when you hear it was domestic violence...these women apparently had pasts with this man...they were not in current relationships with him and they still ended up killed...they may have finally gotten away from the abuse but I guess it never ends well.  This happened with a couple in my town actually...after years of abuse, she leaves and he killed her!  Horrible!

- I am loving looking at all the pictures from the wedding...I especially love the photo booth ones bahaha

 

 

- I need to pick up a Wish Book, so that my kids can look through it and give us ideas cuz right now, I have no idea what to get them (it's 3 month to the day)

- October has so many things to look forward to: Thanksgiving / Car Rally / Play dates / Pumpkin decorating / Pumpkin Patch / Hopefully a school dance / Planning and preparing my Craft Sale / Church Harvest Supper / Halloween / Costume Shopping / Girls Supper for Lindsay's birthday

What are your plans this weekend?

Throwback Thursday

Yesterday was the first day of Fall, so I went through Facebook and chose some pictures from Fall Albums over the year...these are also some of my favourite things about Fall (in no particular order):

Playing at the Park

Leaves...glad that I don't have to rake them anymore though

Pumpkins

Halloween!!

Halloween!

1st Halloween

Fall Weddings

Pictures - love getting pictures done in the Fall

Pictures - love getting pictures done in the Fall

Car Rally

Pumpkin Decorating

What do you LOVE about Fall?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- the weather - it's still nice, not looking too fall-ish yet

- the price of gas (I may appreciate it more if I actually paid for gas bahaha)

- Maddy is starting dance, she loves it and it's just for fun

- a local group donating $250 to our Home and School Committee

- that my girls in the Committee all are in agreement making decisions

- I got Tanner's hearing test appointment

- I finally got my income tax re-assessment back (this shouldn't excite me, but when you go from owing $4,000 to $1,900, it's exciting)

- I set up my payment plan to get that paid off (just to start over again when it's done in April LOL)

- upcoming fall activities

- decorating for Fall (this weekend)

- that we no longer have a raccoon problem

- this picture that Cindy posted yesterday

Eloise and Tanner at the Wedding

- I'm almost caught up on Rookie Blue, I just need Season 5 now

- All our shows starting again - come on Criminal Minds

- Starbucks Iced Cool Lime Refresher (I am not a coffee or tea drinker and I went in the other day and this sounded okay, so I ordered the smallest one, a tall lol, and enjoyed it...that was until I got back to my desk and spilled the whole thing)

- PD day Day Camp at the school...not really on board with the prices for the full day but luckily, this is on a Friday and my Mom is home, so we can pay the $15 and have Mom drop her off at 8:30 and pick her up at 3:30, while still supporting the school

What are you loving today?

Wedding Expectations

With my brother's wedding this past weekend, I obviously got a lot of comments of "when are you doing it...when are you guys getting married?"...and things got worse I guess when I caught the bride's bouquet, but it makes me wonder. 

I have seen most of my friends walk down the aisle, but it has never really been something that I needed to do.  Maybe this is because Ricky has been married already once and so he sort of doesn't want to do it again...but if he were to do it, it would be small, intimate with family and close friends.  This is all easy to say but we all know, no matter how small your intentions are, things always escalate.

Reasons Why I Don't Want to Get Married?

- the costs, everything is outrageous, no matter the size
- the people in the background insisting you HAVE to invite this person
- having everyone staring at me all day (haha)
- pictures, I am not a photogenic person
- Ricky really doesn't want to do it (and hates being in a suit)
- People expect us to

Okay, so maybe those are not legit reasons, but those are my reasons.  Mostly though, it's the cost.

If I Were To Get Married...

- it would be small, for real
- it may be unannounced, like telling a few people and just sending invites the week before
- simple dress, and comfy
- small wedding party, if any
- I would want a ceremony with Nancy (sometimes just taking off and coming back married sounds good too)
- it would be an evening thing, no dinner
- it wouldn't be all Pinterest crazed...okay, maybe it would be
- I would not be a Bridezilla
- I would not want a stag...maybe a small shower though lol

A couple years ago, we actually thought of getting married on New Year's Eve.  We decided that New Year's Eve is so boring now, no one does anything so this would be a reason to party.  We would rent a hall, the kids could be there and we would be ringing in the new year with friends and family.  There are so many up's and down's though: the weather and the fact that we don't have a decent looking hall.  We had decided that it would be an intimate ceremony at like 7:00 pm, followed by partying.  We would have a late lunch, DJ and spend our money on decorating the ugly hall.  That was the plan...then it wasn't. 

We have been together over 10 years, we have two kids, we file income taxes together and well things won't change after spending a couple thousand dollars.  We'll get a piece of paper and that will be it. 

We'll see what the future holds, maybe the Minister will be booked and it will be...next weekend, or Thanksgiving weekend...it would be nice for Tanner to wear his suit once more!  Haha!

Happy Tuesday!

{Weekend Rewind} - Wedding Edition

This weekend was my little brother's wedding day.  All week it had been nice and sunny and the weekend was suppose to be nice but switched a day before...but we weren't going to let Mother Nature stop us...and well, all in all, it really only rained during the ceremony which was okay cuz we were all tucked inside the little white church!

Friday, I took the day off so that I could do cupcakes.  I was up early, Ricky brought Maddy to school while I started making batches of icing.  3 hours later, the cupcakes were decorated and ready to go.  We got dressed and headed to Renfrew so that Ricky could get his suit (which wasn't the best service if you ask me - the shoes they ordered didn't fit and everything else was really "snug", but what could you do at that point).  We got home, relaxed and then I picked Maddy up at school, got my Mom and headed to my grandparents to visit some relatives that were down from Toronto.  I was beat so we were home around 7 pm. 

Saturday morning, we got up when we got up.  No alarm was set.  We watched a few episodes of Big Brother then I ran the cupcakes to the venue.  When I got back, I took Maddy for her hair appointment while Ricky fed Tanner lunch and got him down for a nap.  Maddy and I relaxed, watched some TV, did our nails and just watched the clock basically.  Finally, at 2:30 we all started to get dressed. 

I dropped Maddy off with my parents and Tanner and I headed to the golf course to get pictures done with the wedding party.  It was a cloudy day, with some wind, but there was no rain for the pictures which was perfect. 

The Groom and Ring Bearer

We hung out in the parking lot taking turns doing pictures, eating sandwiches out of the back of my car and the kids watched Duck Tales in the car.  The bride arrived in the Mustang and looked stunning (unfortunately, no pictures of her yet, I didn't want to step on any toes and wasn't sure if I was allowed, so I didn't).  The bride and groom had pictures, then the wedding party.  We all headed back to the Best Man's house for more sandwiches and just to wait until it was time to go to the Church.  The wedding was at 6:00 - so the groomsmen headed there around 5:30 and the people had already started to arrive...this was when the wind picked up and it was rainy.  Umbrellas to the rescue!

Tanner and Ellie walked down the aisle first and NAILED it...they were so cute. 

It was a nice (quick) service with our Minister Nancy leading the ceremony, followed by the signing of the registry and then it was time to head to the hall.
We got more pictures done at the hall and then welcomed the wedding party.  Sara's husband Graham was the MC and did a great job.  After the first dances, the kids were finally able to let loose and dance the night away.

- the food was yummy
- the photo booth was a hit

- the music was great
- the party favors were a good idea

- the kids...were busy but behaved
- the decorations were lovely...the flowers...oh and I caught the bouquet...

It was a perfect day and evening.  I am so proud to welcome Sue into our family, officially. 

Sunday, we slept in, I ran to get some groceries, drop Ricky's suit off and just relaxed all day.  My parents, sister, Casey and Rylie came for lunch and a visit and then Maddy, Mom and I went to a church supper.  We were all in bed by 8:00 pm.  It was a great weekend!

What did you do this weekend?

Throwback Thursday

With my brother's wedding happening this weekend, I am throwing it back to Maddy's flower girl roles and wedding experiences.

2009 - Sara and Graham's Wedding
This was her first wedding and we weren't sure how it was going to work - she was only two.  Thank God, she loved "older boys" so walking down the aisle with Sara's little brother Matthew was going to make things easy.  What wasn't easy?  Getting pictures taken.  She was full of energy at this age and trying to get a picture was the hardest part - but she walked down the aisle and that is really all we wanted!

The only picture I think she stood still!

Holding onto Matthew for dear life

Walking down the aisle

2012 - Lindsay and Ryan's Wedding
This was her second wedding and I was sooo scared she wasn't even going to make it down the aisle.  She ended up getting really sick that week and even the day of, she was still not herself.  We filled her with Tylenol and Advil and wanted to proceed with this special day.  We had hair and makeup done at Lindsay's that day and it stressed me out that Maddy would freak out while getting her hair done (she hated the hairdresser at that point) but because she was so sick, she just sat there like an angel.  She walked down the aisle with Lindsay's niece Faith.  I wish I could re-do this wedding...we had to leave early because Maddy literally fell asleep at the table, so that was our call to leave...before the reception - boo!

Poor baby...but her hair is nice!

She made it down the aisle...woo hoo!

2012 - Shannon and Casey's Wedding
This was only a month from Lindsay's wedding and Maddy was in my sister's wedding too.  I was a wreck this day...I wish she had been sick like at Lindsay's because she freaked out at the hair dresser's and would not let anyone touch her hair which lead to me leaving in a hissy and basically crying all afternoon.  I was so mad.  Once she was dressed, I curled her hair a bit and off to the wedding we went.  Of course, she had a tantrum at that point too and didn't want to walk down the aisle, so my Mom had to walk down with her...again, a wedding I would love to do over.

After her tantrum...

Walking down the aisle with Momma, and her head down (in shame perhaps)

2013 - Cindy and Dan's Wedding
This was Ricky's sister's wedding and it was pretty low key.  It was just family, gathered in the back of my father in law's house.  All the nieces and one nephew (Tanner) were in the wedding.  This was Maddy's 4th, Tanner's 1st!  We ordered their outfits online and everyone had a great day.  There was no drama in this wedding except for the fact that Tanner walked down the aisle with that damn soother!

Maddy in her flower girl dress

Damn soother

Handsome Man

2015 - Adam and Sue's Wedding
Maddy has outgrown her flower girl role so she will not be in Uncle Adam's wedding but that is okay.  She got a really nice dress, fancy shoes and will look like a doll!  Tanner is in the wedding though, with Ricky.  Having four weddings under my belt you would think it would be easy, well buying a kid's suit is a lot harder than flower girl dresses.  We are all set and can't wait to see Tanner walk down the aisle with Ellie.  I have told him that he can't be shy and that he has to take Ellie's hand (she may be shy) and walk her down the aisle to where Daddy will be.  We'll see how well that works.  Their wedding is an evening wedding so a nap is going to be crucial...please NAP GOD'S, be on my side that day!

Happy Weekend - I am off tomorrow!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- I bit the bullet and talked to my boss about having Friday off and she said OF COURSE...take it, there is no need to stressed out!  Thanks to everyone for their input!

- tonight is wedding rehearsal night

- the choice to put Maddy in Brownies - I'm hoping she will learn some great life skills

- visiting some relatives that were down from New Brunswick

- close communities: a friend is letting us borrow their Sunday School curriculum, exciting times

- I gelled Tanner's hair to see how it would look for the wedding...cuteness alert!

- that I have good friends who will help you at the drop of a hat

- wedding day is quickly coming and I can't wait to see everyone dolled up

- the warm temperatures and the nice weather

- Winner's is opening across the street from me...I am not a fan of Winner's but I do miss having Zellers there...maybe I can find some booties that I have envisioned to wear with my dress to the wedding

via Payless Shoe Source

What are you loving today?

Is this acceptable?

HELP!  I just started this job, almost two months ago, ok, actually more like just a month and a bit...anyhoo...I want to ask for another day off but I feel so guilty.

My brothers wedding is this weekend, and I am doing the cupcakes.  The cupcakes are all froze but I need to make icing, frost and decorate 75 cupcakes.  My original plan was to take the day off, before the new job.  I have visions that I can still pull this off Saturday morning but now I am afraid that I am stressing myself out. 

Plan A - I would do it Friday night but because my aunt and uncle are coming in from Toronto, we have plans to go and visit with them. 

Plan B - was I would decorate Saturday morning.  I am up early, so that could be done before I have to run to the hairdresser's for the kids and have time to put Tanner down for a nap...oh and somehow deliver them to the site as well. 

Now I am debating whether or not to ask for Friday off.  Here is the thing, I am entitled to 20 days vacations...dudes, that's 4 weeks...the problem I am having is, technically I am on "probation" for 12 months so I don't want them thinking I am always asking for time off.  Insert problem number 2, I just took a Friday off, two weeks ago for Tanner's speech therapy appointment and now that he has to go for a hearing test, that will be another day.

AAHHHHHH!  What is a girl to do?

Last week I was given a list of things that need to be accomplished by the end of the year.  My manager has asked me to help her and it's sort of right up my alley.  I was so excited by the work that I have been going non stop on it for the last...4 days.  I even sent her a sample of what I did for one section yesterday.  I honestly don't think she cares, but I just can't feel like I am getting little "ticks" against my name or something. 

Is it acceptable to ask for the time off?  Should I just stick to my Plan B and possibly be really stressed out about it? 

HELP!!!

{Weekend Rewind}

This weekend was a quiet one...with LOTS of rain.  Blah!  It was cold and damp and really rainy...but that's okay because hopefully Mother Nature got it all out of her system.  We are supposed to get high 20's again this week and that could only mean it will be gorgeous weather for my brother's wedding this coming weekend!

Friday night, I joined some friend, crossed the ferry and had supper at Montana's where we were celebrating my belated birthday.  It was a nice time.

Thank God Jill had her camera because I had no pics from the weekend...this is me with my steak dinner at Montana's!

Saturday morning, Maddy and I ran to the city to pick up Tanner's suit and get some groceries.  Once groceries were unloaded, the rest of the day was spent hanging out and lazing around.  I got some cleaning done, some laundry done and some meal prep done.

Sunday, we headed to Church where I was teaching.  After Church, Ricky was gone to the Camp, so the kids and I just relaxed...again.  I had spaghetti sauce simmering, made an apple crisp, we all had early baths and I put away some summer clothes of mine (that I haven't wore all summer...safe to put away). My parents came over for supper and that was about all. 

Like I said, pretty low key weekend which is good because this week is NUTS...we have something on every night this week...at 6 pm, so that means quick suppers this week. 

How was your weekend?

Cool Mom, Yes?

Every year I have come up with something "cool" for Maddy regarding lunches. 

In Kindergarten, her first year, I bought this cool sandwich container with the matching snack containers that all stacked nicely in her lunch kit.  It even came with an ice pack that fit underneath.  This was mainly because our school prefers a "no garbage lunch".  Therefore, yogurt would be in the medium sized container and cut up fruit in the smaller ones for example.  This system worked great and still does.

In Grade 1, I bought her this cool owl lunch kit with matching ice pack from Thirty One gifts...she still has it!

In Grade 2, this was the year that we started having anxiety issues and she didn't want to eat lunch.  One lunch hour I walked over to Kiddy Town and bought some sandwich cutters.  I got her some Princess Themed ones.  They were cool, she thought so, but it wasted a lot of the sandwich.  I eventually just started cutting her sandwiches in different shapes, mostly little triangles.  She loved it.

This year, Grade 3 - she is growing older and probably doesn't need her sandwiches all cut up.  All I could think of was a friend of mine in school when we were younger.  I clearly remember his mom writing little notes in his lunch every day.  I'm sure this could seem childish but I was on that track.  I wasn't going to write notes in Maddy's lunch everyday but I found another solution. 

I found a bunch of these knock knock jokes and other little cute sayings on Pinterest.  I cut them all out, put them in a paper bag and each morning, I choose one and place it in her sandwich container.  The first day she came home and was like I liked the joke you put in today.  I asked her what her friends thought of it.  I wonder, do kids think it's cool or childish?  Either way, Maddy enjoys it and that is what we are doing this year.

Here are some links:

Lunch Notes

Lunch Note Printables

Why did the cookie go to the doctor?  He was feeling "crumby"....bahahah!

Happy Friday!