What I'm Loving Wednesday

- the first week back to school when everything is organized (because we all know, those perfect Pinterest-worthy lunches last only a week)

- that the kids had a great first day!

- being able to take whatever way we want to and from work (pretty hard however to avoid construction right now)

- Tanner being the sensitive kid he is.  Monday we did another farewell to our daycare and Tanner hadn't ate that day and on the way home he just wasn't himself.  When I asked him what was wrong, his reply was...I am going to miss Sophie!  Awww....

- all the First Day of School pics on Facebook

- our first fundraiser (once approved) will be these awesome shirts

- my massage yesterday

- my tailbone injury seems to be getting better which is good...I could hardly sit to pee for the last two days but it's not as painful now

- when you get paid early

- being off on Friday...Shawville Fair is this weekend and looking forward to taking the kids on Friday after the school part (then that is enough for us)

- speaking of Friday, it's my birthday apparently (I honestly keep forgetting) so we are thinking maybe supper and casino

What are you loving today?

A New School Year

Can you believe that the kids are back to school?  It officially means that summer is disappearing...BUT as long as the weather continues warm and sunny, it will be forever summer! Haha!

Maddy - 2017

Maddy couldn't wait to get back to school.  They got out of school on June 23rd and by...June 26th, she was ready to be back.
We were on the ball early this year and had all supplies, lunch bags and everything bought. 
She is going into Grade 5 which just blows my mind.  There are only 4 students in her class but our school is small and they do combined classes and this year Maddy will be with the Grades 4-5-6's again like last year.
They have a new teacher this year - Mr Smith and I hear good things about him.
I hope that Maddy still enjoys school and I hope that she gets better in the reading department and starts to actually enjoy it.
Grade 5, here we come!

Kindergarten 2012

Grade 5 - 2017

 

Tanner - 2017

This is Tanner's first year of school and it's safe to say that I am not looking forward to it.

Tanner is a good kid, but a sensitive boy.  I fear that the minute someone tells him no, he is going to break down and cry...all.the.time.
He also hates doing anything that will be taught and done in school, like crafts, writing his name, drawing - he hates it all.  He just wants to play.
I am hoping that once he seems a routine and other kids doing it, he will want to.  Let's hope.
Another issue I fear for Tanner will be nap time - he is the first kid that falls asleep at daycare and when it's time to wake them up, Tanner always has a hard time waking up.  School, they have a rest period after lunch but I fear that my child will actually fall asleep and snore.  That should be okay though.
When I asked him if he was excited, he doesn't seem to be.  He doesn't really answer me.  Last night he just wanted to make sure that Maddy shows him the "Prince's" office (aka Principal). Oh boy, is this a sign of things to come?

Overall, my kids could be far worse and I feel that they will both excel and do well in school.  I am looking forward to a lot of Tanner's firsts in school, the stories to tell and the friends that he will make that follow him the next six years (if not more).

Happy First Day back kids!

{Weekend Rewind}

This weekend was a busy one...


Friday we left work early to head to Sophie's for Tanner's daycare graduation.  We have been with Sophie for 10 years and she has been dreading this day but there were only minimal tears at the end.  The parents were all invited and we were treated to quite the spread.  There were sandwiches, wings, salads, veggies, fruit, cakes, desserts, chips.  Eventually the other parents took their kids and headed home and we stuck around to visit. 

 I had a tough time deciding what to get her.  We usually go all out for Christmas and her birthday so this had to be special too.  Finally, after tossing around some ideas about spa packages and stuff, we decided on jewellery.  She only wears gold so I got her a 14 K gold chain with a small infinity sign (she doesn't like anything big).  With that, I got her a Christmas ornament that said Remembering Always with our names on the back and it had a little charm attached that had 2017.  In exchange, she got Tanner a remote helicopter drone like thing.  He loved it.

Saturday morning I could have slept in but of course, I had to be up.  I picked Hollie up at 9 and we were headed to a Home and School meeting in Aylmer.  We got home around 1:30 and Maddy had Olivia over and Ricky had gone boating with his cousins.  I got home, got the kids and we headed to Shawville to visit my Nanny and see Uncle Craig and Aunt Donna who were visiting.  We ran to the grocery store to pick up a few things, grabbed chipstand and ice cream before heading home.


Sunday morning I got up and was hit with a major pain in my tailbone.  I was fine as long as I was standing but sitting was very uncomfortable.  I dreaded peeing, coughing or sneezing.  I got the kids school stuff ready in the morning and cleaned up around the house and caught up on laundry.  I made some banana blueberry bread and prepped wings for supper.  Ricky and Tanner headed out to the soccer field to give the helicopter a whirl and then we brought Olivia home. The rest of the day was trying to stay comfortable, supper with my dad and catching up on Big Brother.


Today the kids are back at Sophie's and tomorrow they start school!  Hang in there Jill, you will get thru the first day of school!! Haha!

TGIF

- well folks, still coughing up whatever lungs I have left

- Maddy has also picked up the cough but doesn't seem as bad

- Tanner had a sleepover at Sophie's on Wednesday night

- today is Graduation Day

- I worked on a lot of Home and School stuff this week

- I didn't accomplish much this week around the house because I just had no energy

- got to see my cousin Jared and his wife Elaine who came for a quick visit from Ireland (they are visiting their family in NY so it was a quick trip to Canada lets say).

- 5 weeks to go and I will be boarding a plane for the first time and taking what I expect to be a memorable trip to Nova Scotia where it will be just 8 mommas, so looking forward to it.

- when Lindsay posted in our FB group she mentioned some family history that I have never gotten to see so it was nice to see...below is the article of my maternal grandmother who died in a plane crash and a picture of her...she looks a lot like my mom here.

This weekend...

- I have a meeting for Home and School tomorrow morning

- plans to visit some relatives that are visiting

- Tanner is having another sleepover at Sophie's Saturday night

- Maddy is having Olivia over for a sleepover (with summer being so busy, we managed to squeeze it in the weekend before school starts)

- getting the kids stuff all labelled and ready

- getting groceries and preparing Tanner for school

Have a great weekend!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- Maddy's first year in baseball and they not only made it to the playoffs (ignore the fact that there are only three teams lol) but they were CHAMPIONS on Monday night.  Way to Go!!

- back to school next Tuesday

- for the first time in forever, I am not scrambling to get everything ready for school...we finished everything WEEKS ago...this weekend, we will just organize everything.

- I took next Friday off to "chaperone" the school trip to the Shawville Fair and then that will be our Fair Day...as the kids get older, I don't feel like being around the crowds anymore...it was much easier when they were in strollers and had no interest in rides.

- our daycare provider Sophie.  I talk about her all the time and this is our last week with her...after 10 years.  This is sad.  She makes me sad because she literally cries about it every.day haha!  This is not the end, we built a great friendship and her grandson is "best buds" with Tanner, so I hope our friendship continues (easier and cheaper than having another baby)

- this week for Tanner's last week at daycare, Maddy is there helping.  Yesterday they did a craft for his graduation, tonight he is having a sleepover, tomorrow they are having a party with an inflatable and then Friday is the graduation party.

- hearing that a family friend of ours, who is battling MS has come to terms with it and is in the process of moving into town and has voluntarily given up his license...this is a BIG step for him and we can't be more happy!

What are you loving today?

Things I Could Care Less About...

- the solar eclipse, while social media lit up yesterday and everyone in their protective sunglasses catching a glimpse, I'm like "what is an eclipse"?  I would prefer to just belt out "Total Eclipse of the Heart" because that's all I could think of all day when I heard about the eclipse!

- when co workers come in and say that I sound horrible, and I look horrible, and I am STILL sick and then the next day I get an email saying that he is working from home in quarantine because I GOT HIM SICK...yep, it was me...you don't take a gross city bus twice a day, dude!

- how much gas is...bottom line, we need it to get to point A to point B every day, so I don't really care how much it is (doesn't mean I agree with high prices)

- politics, mostly because I don't get them

- anything car related...I go with what looks good haha!

- owning a house...we talked and discussed this issue for years. We have had some great opportunities but then discover that we prefer to buy cruises than to save for a down payment, and that is okay with me because owning a house scares me! 

Happy Tuesday!

{Weekend Rewind}

Dudes, I am still sick...ugh!

Friday we got home a little bit earlier, so we had supper then I just parked myself in bed and watched TV until my mom texted me to head over to my Aunt's visit some relatives from Nova Scotia.  Ricky had cards so the kids and I headed over but only stayed about 20 mins because I just wanted to get to bed!

Saturday morning Ricky was up early and headed out for the day to a friends camp to play horseshoes and cards and the kids and I were going to Rylie's birthday.

The day turned out way better.  Our first stop was to get the kids new shoes for schools.  The store we went to just so happened to be having some sort of Superhero day, so we were welcomed by Captain America who made them balloon animals and then Wonder Woman and Supergirl did facepainting. 

 

It was still early, so after a few more errands, we went for lunch at St Huberts before heading to Orleans.

We met everyone at a big park in Orleans and even though it was overcast, the kids still enjoyed the splash pad and park.  Once the kids were done playing, we headed to my sister's place for presents, supper and cake.

We left there around 5:30 and I decided to stop and get our daycare provider a gift...and I scored!  We stopped at Carlingwood and I got her a gorgeous 14K gold necklace with a small infinity pendant attached.  I think she will love it.

On the way home, we did another pit stop in Aylmer where there were tons of inflatables on the main drag, so we parked and walked and got some pics.

We got home around 7:30, did baths and we were all in bed and asleep by 9 pm.

Sunday I did absolutely nothing...literally.  I put a chicken in the crockpot and napped most of the day - the cold really knocked me down.

Today is Monday and Maddy plays her last ball game tonight.  My cousin Jared and his wife Elaine are also visiting from Ireland so I hope to catch a quick visit with them and then more relatives arriving on the other side of the family on Wednesday!

TGIF, I'm dying

Okay not literally, but I feel like I am!

Yesterday I took the day to stay at home and "work" and well I actually did have to drag my ass out of bed to do some time sensitive stuff, but by 10 am, I was back in bed and that is where I stayed until I got up to get supper ready!

Tanner wasn't feeling his 100% either so he stayed home with me and Maddy spent the day at home too so she could keep her lil bro entertained and out of my hair!

This week, aside from Monday was not good in the workout area but that's because I am feeling like a big pile of poop...I cough so much that I nearly vomit and just walking to the bathroom makes me winded.

Aside from the cold situation, nothing else is new!

This weekend...

- we are celebrating Rylie's birthday (if we make it and don't get lost)

- buy the kids some new shoes for school (if I am up to it)

- lots of resting

Happy Weekend

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- that despite feeling like SHIT, after sitting in emerg for 5 hours yesterday, everything is clear and to come back if I develop a fever (so I continue to annoy everyone with my crouping cough...sorry)

- Maddy's last playoff game was rescheduled from last night to next Monday...I just wasn't in the mood for ball last night

- next week Maddy is going to Sophie's which means I get a break from lunches until school starts

- that all their school stuff is bought (except for shoes)

- Rylie's birthday tomorrow and celebrating this weekend

- some relatives from Nova Scotia are coming down this weekend, I'm hoping to catch a quick visit with them at some point...if not, no worries, I plan on seeing them when I visit there at the end of Sept

- a friend sent us a message yesterday that she had a baby boy on Monday night - Baby Oliver and everyone is doing great. 

- pay day was yesterday

Happy Wednesday

{Weekend Rewind}

That cold that started last week really took it's toll on me this weekend...but when I wasn't laying in bed sleeping, resting or watching Chicago PD, I...

- ran to Costco with the whole family (which is never a good thing)

- bought another part to Rylie's birthday gift

- ended up upgrading to the exec member at Costco because I have spent a lot in the 3 months since I joined

- checked out the Cabela's store finally with Ricky and the kids

- made club sandwiches for dinner Saturday (Maddy's new fave)

- managed to do two loads of laundry

- celebrated Kaylee and Jessica's 7th birthday

That's about all that happened!

How was your weekend?

TGIF

- for a short week, it felt long

- Tanner lost a tooth on Wednesday...and that seems weird to me...he's 5 and it was a back molar...the tooth itself looked normal though

- he was sooooo excited to get a coin from the tooth fairy...but the tooth fairy left a 5 dollar bill...he was okay with it, but wanted coins for bubble gum (my treat loving child)

- my daycare provider Sophie's grandson was born this week...Wednesday in the early morning, a healthy baby boy was born, 7 lbs, 9 oz.  The name has been a debate the whole pregnancy...the mom wanted Lorenzo and Sophie said NO and wanted Xavier...in the end...it was Lorenzo Xavier Paris.

- I used Ubereats for the first time and I have to say, I was very impressed.  I literally decided last minute that I didn't want to cook supper, I searched for pizza, quickest time and it was here in like 15 mins.  The cool thing is the app itself...it tells you the approx. time and then I got a text from the driver and then the app shows his car driving and shows his license plate, make of car and picture of driver...I was impressed!

- we have lucked out in the construction zones this week...I can't wait for Tanner to be done daycare so we can take Mountain road, even with construction on that road too, we didn't have to wait on Wednesday (when we had no Tanner).

- On Wednesday when Sophie was closed, Tanner hung out with Momma and then played with Josee and Landyn...they had a great time.

- Yesterday my poor body ached...but it didn't stop me from walking on Thursday

- I stepped on the scale for the first time in forever yesterday morning and I was shocked to see the numbers....156.5

- found out yesterday that Kaylee and Jessica will be welcoming a baby BROTHER into their family December / January...congrats guys!

Have a great weekend!

Working Out

It's not something to hide that I clearly have a belly.  I blame it on Tanner.  After gaining 85 lbs with Maddy, I remember bouncing right back down to pre pregnancy weight, like immediately (so immediately, that the pants I brought to wear home were too big)...fast forward 5 years later and out comes Tanner...well fast forward another 5 years and I still have that belly, if not worse.

I know I shouldn't care and really, if I had just gotten "fat", I would be okay with it, but what gets me is, where I have gained weight, is just in my mid section and I actually get people asking me if I am pregnant, or when am I due?  It's embarrassing for them once I tell them, nope, I'm just fat, and it's embarrassing for me because...well it just is.

Last week I decided this is it...I am going to start working on some things.  I started to look around at some gyms around my workplace but they were quite costly, and frankly, I don't have a whole lot of time.  Next best thing, working out of course on my own, during lunch.

I bought a yoga mat and I packed a "gym bag" and I started last week.  Except...it was really only one day because after Day 1, I came down with a cold and just didn't feel like doing anything.

This week is a new week.  Tuesday,I put my sneakers on, set my timer, put my ear buds in and went for a nice walk at lunch.  The sidewalks are quite busy at lunch hour but it was a nice walk with a really nice breeze to keep me cool.

Some things on my mind, and if you could help with any, please comment away:

1) Any good "free" apps I should use or give a try?
2) What are some good songs to listen to while working out / out for a walk?
3) How do I stop those side stitches (I know it has something to do with breathing)?
4) At stop lights, I stand there and flex my legs up and down and some people stare...do I look stupid?

Until next week...

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- that it's Wednesday already.  I scheduled a post and went to set it for today (thinking it was Tuesday) and was like oh well, it will have to wait until Thursday cuz this is my WILW post.

- my new car...the more I drive it, the more I love the decision to trade in the Kia

- that school is almost here

- this weekend we are having a work BBQ get together and it will be nice to meet my boss's kids and wife.

- celebrating Kaylee and Jessica's birthdays this weekend

- playoffs for Maddy started last night

- having the BESTEST BROTHER IN LAW ever who will hook me up with new rims and winter tires for the Rav

- Ricky booking the cruise and paying for it (we have our separate money)

- my girls trip to Nova Scotia is quickly approaching (I need to buy luggage with all these trips)

- when you get Toffifee on sale for $3...and it's a big box of 30

- not having the willpower to put it back on the shelf (I may have bought it literally right after a workout) LOL

- finished Chicago Fire, Season 5 (but do not like the cliffhanger...when does Season 6 start?)

- someone in our area that is running against the current mayor in the next electoral run in November...looking forward to see how this plays out!

What are you loving today?

{Long Weekend Recap}

It was a long weekend for us...

Friday night after work, we had a quick supper then the kids and I headed to a friends place to help them out.  They were without a babysitter but had dinner plans, so we went to babysit.  I felt like I was 16 again and the kids were great!  Maddy loved helping out and she really can't wait until she can babysit on her own.

Maddy and Jack

Tanner, Olivier, Maddy and Abby

Saturday we didn't any plans other than visiting Aunt Elaine and Uncle Dave who were up visiting and well, after that visit, my sister and Rylie joined us and we took a trip over to Renfrew and got the kids their school supplies. Check!
Rylie ended up spending the night with us and the rest of the evening was spent watching Trolls and bed time!

Sunday morning we were up around 8 am, and my parents came over for breakfast.  After breakfast, Rylie and I took a walk and then we headed to Tracy and Butter's for supper....and to book our cruise.  It's finalized and booked...apparently I am going on a 7 day Eastern Caribbean Cruise on the Norwegian Escape ship on Jan 6th.  I'm not overly excited about it yet because that's a long time without my kids...but it will be okay!  Shannon met us there and picked Rylie up and after a steak supper, we headed home.

Monday I did absolutely nothing.  Okay, that may be a lie.  In between naps and Chicago Fire, I managed to clean the downstairs, make Magic bars and prepped some meals for the week...but I didn't do anything else.

How was your weekend?

TGIF

This week...


- was a scorcher...but I was not complaining
- we had storm warnings
- I started working out in my bathroom
- we tried different alternate routes home due to construction
- I had zero patience with my kids
- I made the school supply list (it's slowly creeping up)
- was the last week for t-ball and soccer
- Maddy did sooooo well at ball
- Ricky and I decided that we are going to take over the soccer program next year
- the house I wanted...sold
- we decided to consider going on a cruise with Butter and Tracy
- I came down with a cold


This weekend...


- I feel like I need to clean my house
- is Kaylee and Jessica's birthdays
- I want to catch up on the Fosters
- visiting my Uncle Dave and Aunt Elaine who are coming up from Brampton
- a possible BBQ at Butter and Tracy's
- going to Mont Cascades (on Monday)


Looking ahead to next week...


- baseball finals for Maddy
- need to buy birthday gifts for Kaylee, Jessica and Rylie
- a work gathering at my boss's cottage
- decide whether we are going on the cruise

Have a great weekend!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- that I am alive (some background on this...Monday night as Tanner slept, he kept saying "don't go, I going to miss you"...I was awake and was like "I'm here  Bud" and he's like "you going to die, you told me"...uummm...ya, okay!)

- my new car...getting used to it, still a bit tricky in my parking garage but just taking it slow in there

- that sports are almost over...t-ball was done Monday and soccer is tonight.  Back to normal evenings.

- I started to work out...sort of.  My goal was to start Monday BUT...I couldn't find my ear phones, so that was my excuse, but yesterday, I did some exercises in my bathroom with my yoga mat!

- this weekend is a long weekend...I technically don't even know if I have it off (its one of those weird stat holidays) but I am thinking of working from home either way...and may call it a beach day (weather permitting).

- the way people reach out and help others no matter what the situation...last Saturday when we were at Mohr's island, when we were leaving, the boat was doing something weird and blowing smoke all over...thanks to Cory, Jason and Alain, they got us moving...but we still need the boat fixed...any one???

- up until now the construction all around us hasn't been too bad...we dodge it in the morning and in the afternoons, we take alternate routes!

- that the body of someone from our town was found after a boating/drowning incident on the weekend...I don't know how I would react in that situation but I think it would be somewhat closure to find the body.

- my aunt and uncle from Brampton are coming down this weekend

Happy Hump Day Everyone!