{Weekend Rewind}

This is going to be quick - I am being all important at work with a recent proposal win and I am part of the delivery team, so this week we are in meetings and workshops!

Friday we left work a wee bit early to get home before the freezing rain, and well it didn't even freeze rain but I heard that we got a big thunderstorm that night.  The kids and I headed to my parents and had supper then we all went up to Nanny and Papa's for a little visit.

Saturday we were up early and headed up to Shawville to watch Ricky curl.  We weren't expecting to stay up there all day, but the kids were behaving and playing with other friends so we stayed and watched the 1:30 game and was home around 4:30.  My sister, BIL and Rylie came over and had supper with us and hung out for a while.  Ricky headed to the Legion then I got a call around 8 pm to drive some people home. 

Sunday I had intentions of going to church but I woke up with a bad headache so just stayed around home.  I made some carrot muffins for Ricky's lunch and got some suppers ready seeing how it was going to be a mixed up week with my work schedule.  I spent some time in bed watching Prison Break and catching up with Criminal minds.  Maddy packed her bags and headed to Momma's and we were all in the bed early.

How was your weekend?

This Week...

- we celebrated Tanner's 5th birthday

- we had gorgeous weather (but sloppy weather)

- our snow melted a lot

- I was extremely busy at work

- was a short week due to Family Day on Monday

- I put make up on

- took part in a security course for the new changes to the Criminal Record Check

- I ate a lot of Flake bars (because the store in my building had them buy 1, get 1 free)

- had a turkey dinner at my parents

- I didn't get any laundry done (I hate waiting to do it all on the weekend)

- we play Ultimate Banking monopoly

- I got baby snuggles with Ellis

- I did not use my bank card

- our truck slid down our driveway and when we came home Thursday night, it was in the middle of the road

Happy Weekend

What I'm Loving...Thursday

My week is so messed up this week...

- the weather, I feel it, Spring is in the Air

- smelling a skunk on the way to work on Tuesday, Spring is in the Air

- meeting with the Principal at our school and getting on the same wavelengths and discussing some probable communication issues

- short weeks

- being important at work (part of a bid team)

- cuddles with Mr Ellis on Tuesday night at Girl Guides - he's the only baby love I really get at the moment, can't wait for the next batch of babies!

- birthday are done for now

- getting to see Rylie this weekend

- watching Ricky curl on Saturday, it's been years since he has been curling (he's hoping his knee is okay)

- being able to score three dress shirts at Giant Tiger on liquidation which was more than I accomplished in the city (and only 15 mins from home)

- Ricky mentioning the purchase of a BBQ this summer

- thinking of our niece Abby who turns 18 today.  Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have not seen Abby is over two years but we still think of her and wish her the best of this birthday!

What are you loving today (or yesterday)?

FIVE

My baby turns 5 today! 

It's so funny cuz every year on the 21st, a girl I know will post her son's birthday on Facebook and I remember that day more than I remember Tanner's birthday because I was soooo mad at her five years ago.  I went into the hospital on the 20th to have Tanner.  Savannah came in on the 21st and before I knew it, I could hear baby screams next door.  I was so upset.  I was more upset when her mother in law strolled in and asked if we had our baby yet...pretty sure I wanted to throw something at her.  I waited and endured pain for an additional x number of hours and finally had Tanner on the 22nd.  I walked out of those doors 4 days later saying that I would never be back...and this is true!

Tanner, I can't believe you are five.  I can't believe you are starting school in September.  I am so proud of the little boy you have become (minus the whining).  You are a very sensitive, loving boy and I love that about you.  You love everyone and loves hugs and kisses.  We are working on your speech and getting you prepped for school. 
You LOVE anything chocolate and you hate eggs.  Those that know about my year 2000 video that we made in kindergarten may remember those exact words cuz I was the same...I said I loved chocolate ice cream and hates eggs!  Haha.  You love anything Paw Patrol and PJ Masks.  You hate doing crafts.  You hate trying to sit down and write your name.  You love looking up to Daddy and doing what he does (especially sleeping with him in just underwear). 
You love your sister most days except for when you play her games on HER tablet. 
We love you and can't wait to see what holds for you this year.

Brand new Tanner

Maddy meeting her baby bro

All smiles

1 year old photoshoot

2nd birthday

His gift on his 3rd birthday from Sophie

Handsome ring bearer in Uncle Adam's wedding

Fishing with Dad

His buddy Landyn visiting from Calgary...can't wait to have him back for good soon

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday ended up being a very chaotic day at work when we won our first big contract and because of that, Friday flew by.  When I got home, Ricky had decided against cards so we had a nice steak supper then got stuff ready for Tanner's birthday party on Saturday.

Saturday we were up early and started to get ready to head back to the camp where we were celebrating Tanner's birthday with friends and family.  We couldn't have asked for a nicer day out.  The sun was shining and it was about 8 degrees, great day for snowmobiling and sliding.  We had hot dogs and hamburgers and snacks followed by Paw Patrol cake and gluten free brownies.  Everyone headed home by 4 pm and all that fresh air made us all really sleepy. 
Our niece Brooke stayed the night so once everyone was showered and bathed, her and the kids watched Trolls before falling to sleep.

Sunday morning I had plans to head to the city for two reasons...I needed to get some more business like clothes (since winning this contract, I am on the delivery team and I have to attend the meetings and workshops as the Bilingual support person) and Maddy wanted to spend her gift cards and money that she got for her birthday.  We ran to my work first because I had to reset my password so that I could get emails on my phone and while we were there, Maddy lost a tooth.  Next stop was Toys R Us where Maddy bought a Journey doll and outfit with her money.  We headed over to the mall, had a quick bite to eat and walked out of there with two shirts, that's all.  We ran to Walmart for a quick oil change and grab some groceries then headed home.  My sister in law Connie and her partner Ronnie were coming for supper, so I got that ready.  My brother stopped to give the kids their gifts.  After supper and a nice visit with Connie and Ronnie, we were all ready for bed.

Monday was supposed to be MY DAY.  In Ontario, we get Family Day - in Quebec where Ricky works, he does not.  The problem though is I have the parking so when I am not at work, he normally would have to pay for parking...Sunday night he texted his boss telling him that he wanted to spend Family Day with his family...so all 4 of us stayed home with the intentions of heading back to the camp.  That didn't happen.  After a meeting I had at the school, Maddy and I headed to Shawville to check out GT.  The rest of the day was spent catching up on shows and laundry. 

How was your weekend??

What I'm Looking Forward To...

- the weather on Saturday...it says PLUS 8

- celebrating the kid's birthday back at the camp with sliding, snowmobiling and hotdogs, hamburgers and Paw Patrol cake

- finishing up Prison Break

- starting the book All The Missing Girls that Jill lent me and raved about

- not having an alarm go off in the morning

- teaching the kids about Loving Thy Neighbour at Sunday School

- being in my pajamas

- making cauliflower chowder

- having a functional truck again (something wonky happened to it and well $610 later, it is fixed and picked up yesterday)

- FAMILY DAY on Monday (I guess it will be a Tanner and Me day)

Have a good weekend!

Overcoming Fear

GUYS...I DID IT...I REALLY REALLY DID IT!

I drove to work in a snowstorm and bad driving conditions.

Okay, I get that most people do this on a daily basis but if you know me, you know that the minute Ricky starts a sniffle and hints of staying home and I HAVE to be at work, panic mode sets in trying to find an alternate way to get myself to work and Tanner to daycare (given that he is really too sick to keep him home of course).

Well this week he did it to me and I had no choice to drive in because I had visitors in from the UK and a day of training yesterday.  Was I pissed at Ricky?  Yep I was because I knew he would just be bugging me telling me that I just over reacting.

Monday he came into work to do a job at his work but felt miserable.  I knew he was going to stay home on Tuesday but the panic didn't really set in because I checked the weather and even though there was a special weather statement that we were getting 20 cm of snow, it should fall between Tuesday evening and Wednesday evening.

Tuesday I drove to work and the roads were clear - easy peasy lemon squeezy.  I kept an eye on the outside world all day waiting for the snow to accumulate, but it didn't so the drive home was rather good EXCEPT for a little fender bender on my route that delayed me getting to daycare which made me cross.

That evening I brought Maddy to girl guides and by the time we left there, the snow had started again and was accumulating pretty quickly.  The 10 minute drive home in the dark was extra hard because of visibility.

I knew I was going in alone yesterday because Ricky was still feeling like crap.  I was okay with it.  I didn't lay awake checking the Road Condition website and weather apps (like I would have in the past).  I got up, got dressed, got the kids ready, went outside and cleaned off the car and left a bit early knowing I was going to be taking my time.

Not gonna lie...when I got on the highway, I was a little iffy.  About 5 kms in, it started to get sloppy and the snow was coming down hard so it was hard to see again.  Eventually the highway because tolerable again and I safely drove between 80 and 90 and got to daycare at our regular time.  I thought I was actually going to be early, but folks, once I left daycare, city folks don't know how to drive in snow (heehee) and my normal 10 minute drive turned into 40 minutes. 

However, I made it!  I got to work all proud, won't lie.  I put on my big girl pants and I made it to work on my own.  Small steps people!  I am conquering the world...one snowstorm at a time!

Happy Thursday

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- snow...and no, let me be clear, I do not LOVE the snow but I would rather snow than freezing rain (especially when it was calling for more snow yesterday and I had to drive in solo)

- dad's who come and plow driveways when there is just too much snow

- helping wives of co workers plan a special anniversary / Valentine's Day and getting this as a surprise thank you:

Sorry, I have no idea why these are flipped around

- quick suppers that consist of pancakes and cereal

- early bedtimes

- family birthday celebrations this weekend

- my flourless peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies I made on the weekend,  so simple...and GF: 1 cup of PB, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of white sugar (the second batch I made I forgot this and it made no difference so you don't really need the added sugar), 1 egg, splash of vanilla, 1/2 tsp of baking soda then I throw in some mini chocolate chips.  I then spray my pan with Pam, put my mounds of dough and then put the pans in the fridge for about 30 mins.  I take them out, put them in a 350 oven and take them out around 9 mins and let them finish baking on the pan then remove.  The hardest part is waiting for them to cool to dive in.  Oh, and I would recommend doubling the recipe cuz it only makes like 14 cookies.

- Tanner's new obsession is Trolls and he loves singing Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling"...him and Rylie could do a duet!

- Josee and Landyn are coming home soon...and it would be really great if we could find them a place in town to live so that Tanner and Landyn can go to school together

- I booked a Paint Nite at our school as a fundraiser in May...the hard part is picking a freaking painting from their gallery of choices

- having my parents around to watch the kids when needed...I think we would all be lost if we lived away from them (and they would be lost too)

- I took Friday of March break off to spend the day with Maddy...she has an early morning orthodontist appointment and then we'll do something.

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just popping in to say HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all of my readers!

It's not really a day we celebrate. 

The kids do their valentines and we send treats to daycare and school and I normally get some sort of chocolate for the kids and Ricky (and myself) but nothing more. 

Ricky and I typically try for a date night which would include dinner and casino, but February is a busy month for us (and since being diagnosed with celiac, we haven't ate out) so we don't mind saving the money and staying home. 

Today however, Ricky is sick again with a head cold so Valentine's Day is going to be spent staying away from him and his stupid germs!

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday I was still feeling pretty down with the cold so it was baths, bed and Prison Break for me!

Saturday morning we cleaned up around the house, did some laundry and I did my first chalk painting revamp with some free sample paint I received...I am quite pleased with the outcome:

Ricky took off to a dart tournament for the afternoon and Maddy had Madi and Liv over for her birthday sleepover.  I basically went about the day making cookies and doing Tanner's daycare Valentines.  My parents came over after supper to have some ice cream sundaes and then Butch, Dan and Ricky joined us after darts.  It was an early night for me again.

Sunday I had no plans to do anything because we were getting a dumping of snow (actually 29 cm of it) so the day was spent watching shows, movies and eating a lot.  I don't know what it was, but usually Sunday's I am pretty productive but I didn't feel like doing anything but snacking and that is what we did.  Eventually I made something for supper, Tanner and I had our baths and I think I was back laying in bed at like 6:30 watching Prison Break.  Maddy headed to my parents for a sleepover because she is off for the next two days.

Now we're Monday and back to work and it's a busy week at work with visitors from the UK. 

How was your weekend?

5 Things Friday

1. I came down with a cold on Wednesday and as the day went on, I felt like I was hit by a truck, not a big one but I definitely wasn't feeling in the best shape.  When I got home, supper was 90% ready, I whipped up a cake and put it in oven, helped Maddy do homework then took a nice hot bath and headed to bed with 2 Buckley Nighttimes, Prison Break and my Do Terra.

2. We celebrated Maddy's 10th birthday with family on Sunday.

3. Girl Guides Skating party was cancelled because Mother Nature was playing her Tuesday night tricks.  It seems like every Tuesday we have Guides is when there is going to be bad weather.  Regardless, I was okay with staying at home because the winds had picked up quickly and freezing rain started early.  We were glad to be home from work and parked for the night.  The skating party is re-scheduled for Valentine's day.

4. Meals this week included:
            Monday: roast pork, rice, potatoes and creamed corn
            Tuesday: GF macaroni with spaghetti sauce and GF buns
            Wednesday: Honey garlic chicken thighs and rice
            Thursday: breakfast sausages and boiled potatoes
            Friday: homemade pizzas

5. We got Valentine's ready.  Maddy is actually off next Monday and Tuesday and today is her volleyball tournament, so she just handed hers out today (there was no word of a party or anything).  Tanner only has 4 kids at daycare so he got Paw Patrol chocolates for Sam, Kinder Surprise for Daymien and goldfish crackers for the two littler ones: Hallee and Victoria along with Ninja Turtle valentines.  It's the first year that I didn't get my craft on and make some Pinterest worthy Valentines or at least send cupcakes or cookies - no time for that anymore!

Happy Weekend Folks, mine will be spent fighting this cold bug.

Randomness

- hearing of a fire is always sad...I didn't know this family personally but I knew of them but of course, the community pulls through and within an hour of this devastating fire there were benefit parties arranged, places to live and donations given

- tomorrow is Sophie's birthday and I take pride in remembering and honouring her because none of the other daycare parents do...Tanner and I are going to make her a cake to bring tomorrow and we got her a gift card for supper.

- Marcel came home from the hospital and we got to see him up and about Tuesday evening, he looked like a different man cuz he has lost 25 lbs in the last two weeks but he looks good and is healing.

- Tuesday evening we were hit with freezing rain...and to be honest, laying in bed listening to it hit the windows is actually a pleasant sound...when you don't have to drive in it.  We made it home before it got bad.

- Because of the freezing rain, Girl Guides skating party was re-scheduled for next week (hope Mother Nature cooperates, she always dumps something on us on Tuesdays)

- Maddy has a volleyball tournament tomorrow at school

- this week is Teacher Appreciation Week and my committee is showing our appreciation with Tim Hortons coffee and Tim Bits tomorrow (because they just told us about it two days ago...grrrrr)

- Ricky is in a dart tournament this weekend and Maddy is having two friends overnight for her birthday...me, I'm hoping to watch Prison Break haha!

- yesterday was 31 years that Ricky and his family got a knock at the door telling them their mother had passed away.

Ricky's dad, Tracy, Cindy, Connie, Ricky and their mom

- yesterday I was walking around my floor at work and there was a water fountain that had suds coming out all over the floor

Happy Thursday!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- being at work alone this week and being able to watch Prison Break on downtime

- all the birthday love that Maddy received

- being able to pack up and head home when Ricky calls and says he's sick (Monday)

- being able to get things done while working from home then skipping out to take the kids for a skate

- Tanner's determination on skates...he is really trying, he just needs his dad to help him out, I'm no good at it

- plain rice cakes and peanut butter

- Betty Crocker gluten free cake mixes as opposed to making one from scratch (more $$$ but much easier and tastier)

- no plans this weekend other than Maddy having some friends overnight for her birthday

- homemade soup on chilly days

- Maddy's grades at school...she has gotten 100% on her math, English and French exams (proud mommy moment)

Happy Wednesday

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday

- had a splitting headache after work due to a stressful proposal deadline

- brought home Thai Express for supper

- went for a wee visit at my grandparents to wish Papa a Happy Birthday and to bring up some cupcakes

- went to bed early

Saturday

- headache was gone, thank God

- did a cupboard cleanse and brought a bag of food over to the neighbours that we can no longer eat (or had way too many of)

- defrosted the freezer

- did laundry and cleaned bathrooms

- made homemade fish and chips for lunch

- took the kids to Walmart so Maddy could pick out her birthday present (3 sets of Lego Friends)

- went to see my niece Kaitie perform in a cheerleading competition

- Ricky went to the legion for texas horseshoes

- did groceries

- set the kids up on KODI and watched Trolls

Sunday

- stayed in bed a little longer

- prepared Maddy's birthday supper request: stuffed shells

- made Ricky's equivalent with gluten free lasagna noodles

- went to Church

- watched the snow fall (which was more than a few flurries)

- supervised Maddy while she made her own birthday cake (chocolate gluten free)

- we all got our baths

- supervised Maddy decorating her cake

- Maddy went skating with the other Madi

- Ricky's friend Chris stopped in for a visit

- had my parents over for supper

- James, Nancy, Little James and Madi joined us for cake

- early night and in bed before 8

How was your weekend?

DOUBLE DIGITS

HOLY MOLY, my first born turns 10 today!  That is double digits DUDES!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADYSON

- you were a pretty easy first birth which made me want another (see how Tanner was the last...his birth, not so easy and almost 5 years later, still haunts me)

- we called you Birdie from an early age and you still get called that

- in the hospital you looked like a little boy - you had a green "kiki" (pacifier) and wearing Pittsburgh Penguins clothes

- your first year birthday you were almost burnt when your auntie held you too close to the candles haha!

- your second birthday you wore a dress that I wore when I was four

- your third / fourth / fifth birthdays were mostly family

- your sixth birthday was an actual school friends birthday

- your seventh birthday was a spa day

- your eighth birthday you were dealing with anxiety and didn't want anything

- your ninth birthday was your last birthday because my engagement ring got stolen

- you are loved by so many people

- you are blossoming into a pretty good young girl

- you love helping others

- you are a very picky eater (you could eat cereal every.single.meal if we let you)

- you are in great health

- you are friends with everyone

Even Brea Lawrenson

- you have been a flower girl in 4 weddings

First flower girl gig: Sara and Graham

- if you had to live with someone else (besides us of course), you would move in with Momma in a heart beat

- you love juicy fruit gum, leggings, Lego, Shopkins, school, cooking shows and caramel popcorn

- you don't love to read but you do love to do arts and crafts and write

- you hate puking

Myself, Daddy and Tanner love you to the moon and back and wouldn't have you any other way. 

Happy 10th birthday my baby girl!

This Week...

- my daycare providers husband, Marcel had his triple bypass on Tuesday morning and all went well and he is in recovery and doing as expected.

- therefore Tanner was with Momma and Grampa for two days this week

- this made Maddy jealous haha

- had really bad stomach pains on Wednesday evening, thought I was coming down with the flu but it may have just been the chili I had for lunch

- I added too much tapioca starch to my cream sauce on Wednesday night's supper and well Ricky couldn't even eat the leftovers cuz it was soooo thick, even after heating it in the microwave, it was still hard as rock!

- I went to the dentist and had my sensitive tooth repaired

- I did so much appointment booking at work

- we lost our washrooms on our floor at work, so now I get more exercise in a day because I have to go up a floor to use their washrooms

- got paid and within a day, was broke again - oh life

- it was freakin' cold

- I may have eaten a bag of Cadbury mini eggs

- finished watching Breaking Bad and started on Weeds

- I taught leadership to my group of girl guides and for a bunch of 9-10-11 year olds, they knew all the bullshit with Trump...Maddy perched up and said that she liked Justin Trudeau then another girl replied by saying that Justin only got in because of his looks and that she likes our Mayor...I'll leave it at that

Happy Weekend

Mommy Confessions

- when asked on the spot what time my kids were born at, I typically don't know off hand

- sometimes I need to get away and just scream

- sometimes I prefer to be at work than at home

- I have an obsession with picking my kid's noses

- ...and toenails

- sometimes when I am lazy, I let Maddy bath Tanner

- I don't send my kids to the doctors for regular check ups, just when something is going on

- I have let Maddy skip school to just hang out with me

- I don't read to my kids nearly enough

- they use electronics more than the average kid I'm sure

- I hate being outside in the winter, so they get their fresh air with other people, daycare and school

- I lie to my kids lol

- we let Tanner eat at the table with his tablet just so he eats (no worries, that is stopping haha)

- I don't let my kids get dirty

- I am constantly picking up after my kids because I hate messes

- Maddy doesn't do nearly enough chores for her age

- I do not separate clothes when doing laundry...I have 4 systems: kids, ours that can go in the dryer, ours that gets hung and towels

- I scream a lot

- I always tuck them in and kiss them goodnight

Happy Thursday

What I'm Loving / Not Loving Wednesday

Loving...

- it's pay day
- it's Feb 1st which means its that much closer to being Spring
- it's the middle of the week
- being alone in the office this week
- it seems the colds are getting better at our house
- our bathroom reno is finished
- Juice Fruit Strawberry chews
- that Jilly comes home today and can't wait to hear about Florida
- it's chili and mashed potatoes day
- getting surprises in the mail (like Maddy's Fairy Garden for her birthday and Usborne Books)


Not Loving...

- the cold
- that I have to get a cavity filled tomorrow
- all the hate and crime around us
- people's big mouths on Facebook
- people that are asking an arm and a leg for something like a broken window and then say "just want it gone"...well if you just want it gone, give it away!
- that we still have no plans for the kids birthdays this month
- that we haven't been able to take the kids out skating
- I burnt my finger TWICE yesterday

Happy Wednesday!