Happy Thursday

Today is my Friday!  Yay!

Tomorrow is my first vacation day of 2017 - there will be no getting up early to logon to the laptop and see how what the UK has for me to do. 

Tomorrow though, we will not be sleeping in...we will be heading to the hospital to take both kids to get blood work.  Wish us luck!  I think the hardest part will be them not being able to eat...haha, my kids like to eat!

I will leave today with a funny...

I wouldn't say I am a klutz...maybe sometimes but not all the time.  I do know people that are way more klutzy than me (*cough Linds *cough)...this happened to me yesterday

I woke up feeling pretty rough so I knew the day was going to suck despite the fact that we beat traffic and I got to work in good time.

At lunch time, I needed to get out to get some air (and some Booster Juice).  When I was walking back into my building (which I might add is totally under construction), I was taking my time, sipping my booster juice when for some odd reason I lost my balance and went crashing into an aisle-like sign that was in the lobby (where every single table is full with people eating, so yep, right in the middle of everything) which fell and crashed and made lots of noise.  I panicked and tried to pick the poster board that was on the aisle-like thingy and dropped the stupid poster board three times...THREE FRICKIN TIMES.  Some guy came over, helped me and I walked away embarrassed. 

I got in the elevator and realized that I didn't even thank the guy...oops.

Yep - that happened yesterday (I am that person that would knock a whole display of oranges over...actually I think my mom did something similar with Maddy once).

Have a good weekend.

Wednesday Rambles

- I started out by doing What I'm Loving Wednesday, but couldn't really think of anything

- Our headlight on the drivers side burnt out AGAIN...when we had our Matrix, we had that for 7 years and I don't think we ever changed a light...our Soul is 3 years old and we have changed two headlights (the same one) and a fog light already.

- I gave my car a little cleaning the other day and noticed that one of our lug nuts has fallen off...it's probably the horrible, bumpy road we drive on all day.  Ricky is going to make sure they are all on tight this weekend!

- the milder temps are here

- last Friday's snow might have been caused by me - I had put away most of the winter stuff (extras) and started to bring our the spring/summer outdoor gear

- Sunday night I started to have a sore throat, by Monday it was really sore and my body ached to touch it - by today, I am feeling somewhat better...glad it was short lived.

- we took Friday off to take the kids to get their blood work...other plans for the day: perhaps going to see Boss Baby and get groceries

- I am still waiting for my income tax....

- this week has been a change of pace at work...still busy but not crazy-busy which is a nice break.

- I finished This Is Us and I see how everyone likes it and I agree, I like Jack too...but I wasn't crying every episode like others...I guess it's the "no heart thing".

- I am almost caught up on Grey's then I am going to get caught up on Heartland

- Almost finished All the Missing Girls, then I need a new book - any suggestions?

- Last week when we went to the doctor and discussed Maddy's anxiety issues, our wonderful family doctor wouldn't prescribe anything for her but he totally agreed with me in using the essential oils, he even said to quote him that it's the best method.  He told Maddy to look up and read about Clara Hughes and to get involved in sports like her to help with the anxiety...I really do love Dr Mac!

Happy Hump Day y'all!

{Weekend Rewind}

Another weekend has come and gone...

Friday we had snow...snow that was supposed to be rain but was snow all freaking day and night.  After work and supper, we headed up to visit Nanny and Papa then the kids and I were home around 8 and tucked into bed not too long after.

Saturday I woke up with a really sore back.  I sat and relaxed with the heating pad and took some Robaxacet then started some laundry and cleaning around the house.  Ricky left around 1 for a dart tournament and once Josee arrived at my place, I dropped the kids off next door and we headed to Renfew.  We met at Escaping Renfrew and had a great time.  Escaping Renfrew is one of those places where you get locked into a room for 45 minutes and you have to escape.  We did not succeed.  Actually, we did horrible at the beginning and when we finally got the hang of it, our time was up.  We all agreed that the 45 minutes flew by.  After that, we went across the street to the Rocky Mountain House for supper.  I had been there before but never tried what they are known for...Schnitzel.  So I followed Lindsay and got pork schnitzel with gravy and crispy onions with mashed potatoes and veggies....mmmm it was a great choice!  We were home early because we started early.  Josee headed home and Hollie and the girls ended up stopping in. 

Sunday I had intentions of going to Church but then I didn't.  I started on some meal prep and made some muffins for the week.  After that, we basically caught up on shows, napped and finished laundry.  After supper, we caught up on more shows, bathed the kids and then we were in bed early.  After my nap, I had started a sore throat, so I took some Buckleys and headed to bed.

How was your weekend?

This Week...

- has been super busy and crazy at work

- I worked late on Wednesday night

- we were finally back to Girl Guides after a few weather related cancellations

- I got some chocolate covered macadamia nut chocolates from Hawaii

- we went from spring like weather to winter weather overnight

- I got an android box

- I had a school meeting

- I got to work from home (and actually worked)

- I took the kids to the doctors for appointments

- I had a craving for cinnamon and sugar on raisin toast (and I had it all week)

- I finished This Is Us and liked it a lot better the second time around

- I have been thinking of our girls day out on Saturday...so looking forward to it

- I packed a bunch of clothes away for Sam because Tanner has gone through a growth spurt apparently

- is done and the weekend is almost here!!

Happy Friday!

{Weekend Rewind}

Pretty low key weekend and that is okay!

Friday after work we went and did some groceries and when we got home, Mom and Rylie came over for a visit. She made me this card for St Patricks Day:

Sorry, can't get it to turn

Ricky skipped cards and it was an early night for us all. 

Saturday morning we slept in a bit but I woke up feeling really lazy.  I started laundry and basically just lazed around watching This Is Us and when I got some energy, I would clean something.  I ended up making a batch of meatballs for the week and a meatloaf for Sunday.  Ricky headed to the Legion (again) and the kids and I had an early supper.  I called my neighbour over for a visit or I would have been in bed at 7 pm.  Her and Madi came over after supper for a coffee and Madi ended up staying the night. Ricky got home around 8:30 and made a poor decision to grab a snack at the local chip truck that had just opened.  He ended up being up most of the night sick to his stomach because of what he ate.  The first time his celiac has actually made him sick.  Lesson learned!

Sunday morning we slept in a bit again and then got up and got ready for Sunday school.  I picked Rylie up and she joined us.  We had a nice little group.  I talked about the "Woman at the Well" and we made our own wells.  The little kids aka as Rylie and Tanner (who hates crafts) actually participated.

After church we had cereal for lunch.  Maddy and I made a banana cake for Ricky's lunch this week and some peanut butter cookies for her lunch.  It was such a beautiful day out so we headed outside with the neighbours and the kids played road hockey while Ricky headed back to the camp for a bit.  I got supper ready and then Josee, Evan and Landyn stopped in for a visit.  We hadn't seen them since September so it was so nice to catch up and see them.  It is going to be so exciting with them living so close to us - Landyn kept asking if they were going to be close to Maddy and Tanner...so cute!  After they left it was bath time and then bed.

How was your weekend?

Thoughts on Thursday - Oops

This was scheduled for yesterday but apparently I didn't set it correctly!

Dropping a knife on your toe first thing in the morning really hurts.

Finally getting Kodi to work on the tablet so I can finally start This is Us makes me happy.

I never heard the snow plow pass my house at 3 am all winter and Tuesday night when we were getting a March storm, the snow plow (grater) passes by my house at 3 am, rattling everything and waking me up.

There is a brave lady in our town who has started a war in our local newspaper and the only thing I can say is "GOOD FOR HER - she voiced what over half of our town thinks".

Giving pop up for Lent gives me the shakes (I nearly dropped china tea cups and saucers at our Irish tea)

Giving pop up for Lent means I drink water and it means that I pee a lot...and I have to go all the way up to the 10th floor to use the washroom at work.

Being an adult sucks sometimes, especially when it's pay day and all you can think about is blowing it all on groceries.

Hooray, I am finally done paying my 2015 income tax...only to be starting back up very soon.

I am actually excited to see the damage this year on income tax (taking advise from our financial advisor last year may have me owing less...we'll see)

Buying a goat for Maddy as therapy pet for her anxiety is what I am thinking about...bahaha - can I have a goat in town?

This is real, right in Ottawa (source)

Listening to Irish tunes at work (mainly reels and jigs) means my feet were tapping all day...I must have burnt a lot of calories yesterday!

Happy Thursday Weekend!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Oh with the stupid snow storm we are currently getting - I am not loving too much but here are a few things:

- Josee and Landyn will be on their way home tomorrow.  They are leaving Cochrane and driving over three days and should be here Saturday/Sunday

- that we were able to find Josee a place to live right in town, right up the road from us...Tanner and Landyn will be starting school together in the fall

- having a tight group of girl friends during sad times (and happy times too)

- Mac and Cheese day at STREAT Gourmet food truck at my work (mac and cheese with bacon and broccoli and drizzled with crispy onions and siracha sauce)

- today is pay day

- a planned girls day out on the 25th - we are going to one of those escape room thingys where we have to figure out how to get out before the time is up then a nice supper

- our shows have started up again including Big Brother Canada!

What are you loving today?

{Weekend Rewind}

It's a crabby Monday - I am tired because of the time change and I am freezing cuz of the stupid minus 100 weather...boo me!

This weekend...

- Maddy made brownies for the Irish Tea at church and I made egg sandwiches (with real gluten filled bread lol)

- I continued to watch How To Get Away With Murder

- spent most of Saturday morning at the church at our annual Irish Tea - we didn't have as many local folks out but we'll blame it on the stupid, cold weather...regardless, a great day.

- Iyla and friends had her birthday party at our Irish tea and it was so cute...5 little girls all dressed up for tea and sandwiches

- babysat Rylie

- Tanner was pukey on Saturday

- Maddy learned how to play poker

- we visited both grandparents

- the time changed and it felt good getting up at 8:30 new time on Sunday

- we skipped Church cuz it was too cold

- our town was painted green as there were St Patty's day celebrations both Saturday and Sunday (and I participated in NONE, but Ricky did)

- Maddy made a "worry jar" to try to remedy the anxiety

- I gave Maddy a trim and Tanner a haircut

How was your weekend?

Friday Funnies

It's Friday and we need some laughter...

Tanner cracks me up.

One morning as we were driving into work there was deer on the side of the road and really close to us (not unusual in our neck of the woods).  There were no cars behind us and Ricky stopped and told Tanner to look.  Tanner looks out and the deer just stood there staring at us and chewing away on whatever he/she was eating.  Tanner starts saying Hi to the deer.  I start to laugh and was like "are you saying hi to the deer" and he replies "no, the deer is saying Hi Tanner" because his/her mouth was moving haha!

I think it was the same morning, after our freezing rain, we dropped Maddy off at Mom and Dad's like we do every morning and as she got out of the car we told her to be careful because it was icy.  Tanner jumps right in and says "and if you fall I will laugh" - little bugger!

The other day Tanner was doing what he does best - whining - and I told him that he is going to be starting school soon and that he can't be crying and whining just because he didn't get his own way.  He looked at me and said "it's okay, I will go to the bathroom and cry".

Last week when I was working late one night - Ricky was on his own to get Tanner supper (Maddy was at Momma's).  I had prepared rice and chicken and had it all ready to go for them, he just had to fry it up.  I got home and was washing my coffee cup and noticed there were no dishes.  I asked where their dishes were.  Tanner immediately cracks.  He looks at Ricky and then tells me that they had chicken and rice.  I start to laugh because the look on his face was priceless.  He was keeping something between him and his father.  This went back and forth for a bit. Finally, I look on the table and realize there is a McDonald's cup. I asked what that was.  He starts giggling and gives Ricky these eyes and says, I don't know, we had chicken and rice.  I said at McDonalds - you had chicken and rice and his reply was yep - then glared over at Ricky and winked. Ricky had told him to tell me that they ate at home and he was not backing down from that lie.  Even after I told him I knew, he was like I don't know what you are talking about - we had chicken and rice. 

Have a great weekend!

Random Thoughts on Thursday

- I missed yesterday's What I'm Loving Wednesday because frankly, I had one thing I was loving HAHA

- Due to freezing rain on Tuesday, it was a work from home kinda day

- Our buses were even cancelled which is like twice I think since Maddy started school 5 years ago!

- Yesterday however, we think it was more treacherous driving in than it would have been on Tuesday...the roads were really slippy and for the first time all winter, saw cars flipped over!

- This is what my house looks like - Belland originals she calls them, all over my walls!

- I am excited to have Rylie over for a sleepover on Saturday

- We have to change our clocks this weekend...is this the one I like or hate (it's opposite of everyone else)

- My company is based in the UK so we always bring back each other chocolate...I got this nice surprise to figure out which is better...UK Cadbury Mini Eggs or the Canada Cadbury Mini Eggs...I pick Canada but either way, they are delish!

- Josee found a house in Quyon and is moving in May 1st...woo hoo.  More exciting, her stuff is getting shipped out next Tuesday and this time next week the three of them will be in a car for the duration of 3 days (good luck and see you soon)

- I didn't like Bates Hotel so now I have moved on to How to Get Away with Murder (and actually got into it this time)

- Booked a Paint Nite fundraiser for our school - this is the painting we are doing:

 

- Looking forward to the Irish Tea this weekend

- Also looking forward to Girls Night Out at the end of month where we are going to one of those Escape Room deals and supper

- I made our daycare provider's husband some shortbread cookies now that he's on the mend (his favourite)

That's all for this Thursday!

Way with Words

I have a tendency of having a hard time expressing my thoughts via my mouth in certain circumstances and was wondering if others feel the same way...here are some examples:

Someone gets engaged / or announces they are pregnant

Regardless of who you are - family, close friend, distant friend or a complete stranger, I have a hard time saying Congratulations.  I am not sure if it's the word and I'm scared to screw it up or what...but I do have a hard time saying this face to face might I add.  I could write congrats on FB but a genuine, eye contact congrats, I sort of clam up.

Dealing with an anxiety child

We are dealing with anxiety issues with Maddy and I have a hard time confronting her about it.  I think it's because she doesn't want to hear what I have to say.  Basically she will see our family MD who will then refer her to the establishment in Hull where there are more professionals that could help her by talking and not medication.  Just yesterday morning, she started with "why am I cold and tired" - those two things she combines all the time and it's usually when something is bugging her.  When I ask her what is going on, she says nothing.  I have to keep my cool, I know, but I just want her to tell me what is going on!

Someone losing a baby

This is the hardest thing for me to deal with person to person.  A friend of mine, 6 years ago had a baby boy at around 23 weeks and he did not survive.  I was on the phone with her, her husband and her mother during the whole ordeal but when it came time for me to actually confront her, I couldn't.  I didn't know what to say.  I didn't know what to do.  I remember going over and just really used comic relief to hide my true feelings.  I don't like situations like that (I mean who does right?).  I feel like a horrible person and that the people affected will think that I don't care and wonder why I am not consoling them, but I clam up folks, I have no idea what to say or do.  I want be there though, keep that in mind please!

A marriage

Okay, this is a funny one.  Way back when, my friend's sister got married (Jill) - and I went to the wedding reception and I was sorta standing in a line that was greeting the wedding party and when I got to Kara and Chris, I shook their hands and was like....way to go!  I couldn't say congratulations even though I was practicing and practicing before I even got to them...but WAY  TO GO was what came out!  {slaps forehead}

A wake

I am sure I am not the only person in this boat.  I have been to very few wakes in my life and every time I go, I practice every time before I go in.  Do I shake hands?  Do I say who I know (if there is a really long line up to go through and you only know one person)?  Do you lean in for a hug?  What do you say?  I hear people in front of me saying the obvious thing "sorry for your loss" but I can't...I shake their hand, I put on my awkward face and quietly whisper sorry.

Anyone else have the same feelings or am I just weird?

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday I had the day off to spend the day with Maddy.  We spent the day in Ottawa touring around and had a lot of fun.

1st stop was the orthodontist for a consultation.  15 mins in the chair then we were given the treatment plan that is going to cost $7,000.  We are going to go to another one for a second opinion.

After the appointment, we were early, so we ran to the grocery store to get some GF items then parked at my work, bought bus tickets and waited for the bus.

We got off at Rideau and walked to the National Gallery of Canada and was it ever a cold day to be walking.  Regardless, we made it and Maddy had to have her pic with the iconic spider.  She always talks about it.

Thanks to our local library, we had the pass for this museum so entry was free.  We checked out coats in, quick bathroom run and began exploring.  Unfortunately some exhibitions were closed due to renovations but we still had enough to see.  I was shocked to see how interested Maddy was.  The showcase artist was Alex Janvier. 

After we had a look around everything - we headed to the Artissmo station where they have some crafts and activities to do.  We had to recreate a portrait using colored fabric and then went to the second level to see it from above.  It was a fun activity.  After that, we made Alex Janvier inspired spinning tops.

When we were finished, we headed out.  We stopped at Chapters and had a look around and Maddy bought a learning book.  We ran across the street and headed to the Rideau centre for a quick bite to eat before jumping on another bus to head to Maddy's first manicure.

After the manicure, we ran to Aylmer, picked up Tanner at daycare and met Ricky back at work.

We had supper at my parents and went home for an early night cuz we were all pooped out.

Saturday we didn't do much during the day.  I did laundry, cleaned and napped and then we got ready and headed to Fort Colounge to a surprise supper for Ricky's cousin Tammie who was turning 40.  It was a nice night out with people we don't see too often.

Sunday morning we headed to Church cuz I was teaching and we were finally back in the Quyon church after some much needed renovations and the change was wonderful.  After Church we went home, had lunch and pretty much just relaxed all day.  Maddy and I snuggled on the couch and watched Anne of Green Gables while Ricky napped and Tanner played then it was time to get supper ready.

After supper, we caught up on some shows and I started Bates Hotel and then called it a night.

How was your weekend?

Ramblin'

I feel like I can finally take a breath...this week has been chaotic and it really sucked that I thought yesterday was Friday...however, the good news is, today is my Friday.  Bad news is that involves no sleeping in or anything cuz I am coming into work with Ricky and Maddy and I are spending the day together.

What do we have planned?  Well it's still up in the air.  We have her ortho appointment downtown at 8:30 am which may take an hour.  Afterwards I may take her to the National Gallery of Canada to check it out with the library pass cuz it will be free.  That will take up the morning then perhaps take a drive over to Westboro Village and possibly go to Gotta Paint and make something...or maybe pedicures somewhere.

There is a lot of issues floating around our school community, primarily between the parent volunteers and the senority of staff which is causing a lot of stress.  We are VOLUNTEERS therefore, this little role we play in the school community should not be this stressful.  I just need one more "snap" and I will throw in the towel.

This weekend we have no plans really which is fine.  I still haven't finished Prison Break...I must be close though...I am Season, episode 21 or something so if I don't finish that this week at night, I guess I will finish it on the weekend.

I watched the episode of Nashville that everyone was talking about, finally.  I can't say I was surprised.  I thought it was going to go both ways but I wasn't bawling like some people were, but maybe it's because of all the spoilers and rumours, it was just something I was expecting...regardless, I actually stayed up past my bedtime to get that episode in (8:30 pm that night).

Our shows are starting back up - Survivor and Big Brother Canada.  I love that Maddy loves these two shows and watches with us.  I also can't wait for the Anne series which is starting this weekend I believe.  Maddy wants to be introduced to her - sure thing!

Speaking of Maddy...we know she has some anxiety issues but we are finally caving and getting her put on something.  You can tell when something is boiling up inside.  I had parent teacher interviews the other night and she isn't doing as well in English as she should be (however, she is awesome in French and prefers to participate and read in French, but not in English, weird, but a good weird).  Anyhoo, the teacher is concerned that he doesn't know what she's feeling because she never participates in class.  I blame it on the anxiety.  Also, the other day she had a trip planned to the city with Momma, and my two grandmothers (her great grandmothers) and she was all worked up because, get this, she doesn't like watching old people eat.  Yep.  It almost made her sick the night before thinking of it.  Thankfully she didn't sit across from them and all was good. 

Josee and Landyn are coming home soon...like leaving Calgary in....19 days give or take.  Where are they living - still working on that but super excited to have them back and close by (even if they do have to end up in Aylmer).

Signing off now - have a good weekend!

What I'm Loving/Not Loving This Wednesday

LOVING that I am part of something important at work...NOT LOVING that I have been home late the last two nights...I feel exhausted

LOVING that I was solo this morning so I got to get up and do my thing and leave when I was ready...NOT LOVING that my drive in sucked due to poor visibility (fog) and rain

LOVING that the snow is melting and I feel that spring is in the air...NOT LOVING that I heard somewhere that we could expect another 100 cm of snow before actual spring...what??

LOVING that I have Friday off to spend at least one day with Maddy during her March Break...NOT LOVING that nothing I want to do is open because it's in Ontario and they don't factor in the Quebec break.

LOVING that today is the start of Lent...NOT LOVING that I have decided to give up pop of all kind...eek.  Two years ago I gave up Pepsi and I hardly ever drink the stuff anymore but then became hooked to 7up...we'll see how this fairs out.

That's all for today...I am all over the place today feeling like it's Friday!