{Weekend Rewind}

Friday I worked from home...I knew I was going to be away most of the weekend, so I wanted to work at home so that in between work stuff, I could do laundry and stuff.  We eventually made a quick trip to Costco and then Ricky headed to Nanny's for cards and we played outside, the kids went in the hot tub next door and called it a night around 9 pm.

Saturday morning Maddy and I were up to do final packing and then we were on the 9 am ferry to head over to Camp Woolsey to go camping with the Girl Guides - more on that tomorrow.

The weather was calling for rain the whole weekend but luckily it cleared up by the time we arrived and settled in and we were able to spend the most part outside.

Sunday morning after cleaning camp, we headed home and although I just wanted to go to sleep, I put some laundry on and headed down to do more soccer registrations.  After that, my plan was to come home, BUT Ricky was back at the camp and texted us to come back because Elena wanted her boyfriend there...haha! 

We ended up going back and having a nice visit with everyone.  The plan for supper was to have wings but I wasn't feeling up to it - next best thing - support a local group in town and head to their fundraiser Spaghetti supper.  Maddy, my dad and I went there and grabbed Ricky and Tanner's to go.  Despite the fact that we did eat, I didn't feel like cooking the wings tonight after work, so I made the wings and everyone had another supper/snack.  It was an early night of baths and bed!

How was your weekend?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- the sunshine and warmth this week (obviously not today, it's cloudy and rainy)

- tonight is soccer registration and it looks like I have "hired" some teenagers to look after the coaching/reffing of the older group

- tomorrow night is a talent show at the school and Maddy and her friends are performing a dance that they made up

- Tanner has his last speech therapy session next week and he is doing so good...apparently this week he was getting held with the letter L which I didn't think he had a problem with

- we have a venue for the wedding...it's not in our town but whatever, people can find drivers or don't come!

- we also have rings...I bought mine and Ricky ordered his

- this weekend will be my first camping experience with the Girl Guides...that should be fun

- hearing that my uncle was not involved in that tragic Toronto ordeal this week...he lives on Yonge street where a van crashed into a bunch of people killing 10 people and injuring many others

- my Korean food cart opened this week and of course I had to go...a little disappointed though.  Instead of it going up $1, it went up $2 - it is now $11 and they got rid of their stamp program (so no more every 8th one free or whatever)...not sure I will be treating myself to it as often as in the past!

Happy Wednesday

{Weekend Rewind}

Oh what a nice weekend!

Friday night I had a quick meeting and all the parents that were coming with me left their kids with Ricky haha.  When we got home, Ricky left for a party at his cousins and the kids and I watched shows and went to bed.

Saturday morning I woke up with a really sore back.  I had promised my Nanny a visit, so the kids and I went up there for a little visit.  When we got back, Ricky was up and ready and soon enough we were heading to the city.  Our first stop was David's Bridal again for a dress for Maddy...but no such luck.  However, once I got home, I found one dress in her size, the color Quartz which is a wee bit darker than the girls, online so I snatched that up. 
After that, we headed to Tracy and Butter's for the first BBQ of the season.  The sun was shining but it was still cool with the wind.

Sunday morning we didn't up and out of bed till almost 9.  I threw in a load of laundry, put away winter snow suits and brought out the bins of summer things before heading to Church cuz I knew we were going to be outside all day.  Ricky had dart playoffs so he took off after Church.
For our Sunday school lesson this week, seeing how it was Earth Day, we all went out and picked up garbage around town.

The rest of the day was spent biking, shooting hoops, eating ice cream and chatting with folks that passed by!

How was your weekend?

National Volunteer Week

Did you know that this week is National Volunteer Week? 

I think it's safe to say that I am a pretty good volunteer.  In the past, I have been told that I know nothing about volunteering but I would beg to differ.

Why do I volunteer?
A lot of people around me may wonder why I am always volunteering to do things?  Honestly, it's just something I like to do.  I want to be able to help others and participate in my kids lives as much as possible.

I don't expect anything in return because I see it in the kids and parents faces most of the time. 

Currently, my volunteer status is full. 


I am the President of the kid's Home and School Committee at school which I could possibly be backing down from.  Because of bunting heads with the school principal and him putting me down, I really feel that all my years of volunteering was not appreciated by him.  Therefore, I resigned for next year with two exceptions that would make me stay.  Honestly, I would be lost without that role (as would others) and I would be sad to see it go!

I am a teacher at Sunday school.  Us parents all take turns every Sunday teaching.  I think I started this mainly to keep an eye out for my wild children.  I couldn't leave them downstairs with another mommy (or Grandpa Rolly), they wouldn't listen etc, so it was easier for me to go down with them.  Since they have grown up a little, I just love moulding their little minds.

I am a Spark Leader with Girl Guides.  Maddy started Guides three years ago and last year I was filling in for people when they were away and I enjoyed it.  I could bring Maddy and just stick around rather than go all the way home, then to come back out with them.  When the Sparks position was vacant and my friend Sara decided to join, I told her I would help her out - thankfully I did, because we have 11 girls now.

I am the Soccer Coordinator.  This is a new role and I honestly don't know why I took this on my plate.  I didn't want to see the kids with no soccer and that was possibly the outcome if someone didn't take it over.  We'll see how it goes, like everything else, as long as I have some parental support, I will be okay!

I really think that in another life I wanted to be a teacher.  I love taking on these activities and creating plans and activities and making things all align.  Our Sparks get lessons on what we are doing followed by crafts and activities.

I have hosted library story nights to get kids out and together.  I would pick a book, read it aloud and then we would do a corresponding craft.  I love to plan things like that!

Anyways, that's my volunteer work

 (and tooting my own horn folks)

What I'm Loving Wednesday

- it looks like the April ice storm is going to be behind us and sunny skies ahead...??

- that our school board actually cancelled buses on Monday...sad that they don't just cancel school though (our teachers are mostly from out of town...then to come in for the whole, 6 students that did make it, not worth it)

- glad that we only sporadically lost power and was not out for hours and hours like some people

- happy that no one was injured in the house fire at the end of our road on Monday evening...the house, not so lucky.

- that I still have a job (my boss was terminated on Monday, a shock to us all)

- we may have our first BBQ of the season this year this weekend

- after much convincing from the community, I am going to take over the soccer program this year and hoping for some small changes and improvements

- I have another appointment for my carpal tunnel tomorrow

- that I completed all my objectives for last year and hoping for my annual bonus in June

Happy Wednesday!

{Weekend Rewind}

Today is April 16th and buses are cancelled, we stayed home because of a winter ice storm.  I hate mother nature.

Friday afternoon we left work early to get an oil change done on the car, only to realize on the way there that it wasn't time.  Oh well.  We still ran some errands and picked up pizza for supper.

Saturday morning we were up early.  Ricky was heading to another dart tournament, Tanner was going to Mommas and Maddy and I were heading to the city with the girls for a final dress shopping trip for the wedding.  We finally all decided on dresses and again, changed the color.  We are now going with Cameo (not Camo lol).

 



After dress shopping, we grabbed a bite to eat and then ran some errands, rushing to make it home for Maddy's Spelling Bee at the local library.  We made it home, unpacked the groceries and stuff then headed to the library.  Unfortunately it was only Maddy and the Madi from next door and within 7 minutes, it was done and our Maddy won.  It was quick and a good time but very sad that these volunteers go through the hard work of preparing things and no one supports and shows up.  I know the feeling though, so kudos to Suzanne and Glenda!

Once we were done there, realizing we had time, we ran to the Hall that we booked for Josee's shower and brought a load of stuff and set up the tables and stuff.  We grabbed chip stand for supper and then came home to make sandwiches and get everything ready for Sunday.

Sunday morning was calling for bad weather and I was hoping that the weather folks were wrong (like they were on Saturday)...however the freezing rain started shortly after 11.  Everyone still made their way out to the shower that was being held for Josee and Baby Girl so that was good.  We ate great food, played a few games and opened presents.  Clean up was done and the rest of the evening was putting our feet up and relaxing.

How was your weekend?

TGIF

I am thinking that I want it to stay Friday (except that it's Friday the 13th)...or at least stay TODAY because apparently tonight the weather is supposed to have a serious case of PMS and bring some pretty nasty weather...with snow, ice, rain - a little bit of everything!

This week...

- my RMT unofficially diagnosed me with Carpel Tunnel...I had a feeling and from some tests she did, she thinks so.  I go see Dr Mac in May, so he will send me then for the laser nerve test and we'll go from there.

- we think we have finally settled on dresses and color and I even found a nice flower scheme - just waiting on some quotes

- I had dill pickle potato soup from the Soup Guy downtown and it was pretty bland...I think when you cook down dill pickles, they just loose all their flavour

- I prepared things for a shower I am hosting this weekend

- Maddy decided to go on the Girl Guide camping trip and handed in her permission form - no turning back now, so her and I will join the guides camping in two weekends.

Happy Friday - bunker down folks, bad weather is coming!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

To be complete honest, I can't find too much to be loving right now...except for I have a massage appointment this morning. 

So why am I not feeling the love?

- it looks like my wedding venue is not going to be ready for our wedding.  I was really holding on to it being ready and didn't think of a back up option.  So, Monday night, I was contacting local venues and HOLY BATMAN, for someone going low key and trying to be cheap frugal, venues are freaking expensive!

- so with that, it's between two options right now and neither are in our hometown which I guess is okay.  One option is the closer of the two and the second is closer to Ricky's hometown but we may be able to get it for free.

- there was a car accident on our highway early Tuesday morning claiming the life of a young mother.  Don't know her but the passenger (her boyfriend) is one of Ricky's ex-nephews and the amount of grief that family has endured in the last....5-10 years is CRAZY.

- I have had headaches all week, even when I wake up in the morning

- we're going dress shopping again this weekend, hoping to pick THE dress for the girls and to nail down a colour...they tell me it's up to me, but I want their opinion too - I don't want them wearing a colour they don't like...it's not all about me ya know

- still grieving for the junior hockey team in Saskatchewan as I read articles about the guys that are deceased and the ones reeling through this nightmare.

Anyways, that's all today!

{Weekend Rewind}

Friday was a horrible day, unless you have no means of technology or listening to the news.  We woke up to the devastating news of the Butterfly Child, Jonathan Pitre passing away at the age of 17.  No, I didn't know him personally but I think it's safe to say that everyone in the Ottawa region knew him.  This poor kid endured more than he should have and I am glad that he is now at peace and hopefully pain-free.  RIP Jonathan.

I was feeling a cold coming on that day and had chills all day.  After I got some things done, I headed home to rest. 

Friday night, another tragedy hit - a junior hockey team in Saskatchewan was involved in a horrific bus crash killing 15 people including players, friends, coach and the bus driver.  It has been in the news all weekend.  Again, we don't know these people personally but it sure touches the whole country.  Thinking of the families and community of the Humboldt Broncos.

There were no plans this weekend except for watching Thomas.

Saturday morning I literally just lazed around and had no plans of doing much.  Well, I can't just sleep my weekend away, so there was some minor cleaning done and laundry but for the most part, I just relaxed all day.
Ricky headed to his cousin's place (to finally ask him to be in the wedding, which he accepted) and Maddy went to a birthday party so Tanner and I watched shows and played Go Fish.

Around 6 pm, Hollie brought Thomas and the girls over to be babysat.  The girls spent the night and Thomas was picked up around 10.  I just love that kid.  He is so easy to watch.  He slept beside me while I watched the reboot of Trading Spaces!

Sunday morning I slept in again.  I heard all the kids up so I eventually dragged myself out of bed but wasn't feeling 100%.  I was really dizzy and knew that I was going to have to go back and lay down.  I marinated some pork tenderloin for supper and started some homemade buns and then after the girls were picked up, I headed down for a nap. 

Thankfully when I woke up, the dizziness was gone, but my stomach was flopping.  Tanner and Ricky took a quick drive back to the camp while I finished the buns and made stuffed pork tenderloin for supper.  After supper, we watched shows and called it a night!

How was your weekend?

TGIF

Holy Moly, ONE post this week so far!

This week...

- we had an unexpected day off on Wednesday due to bad weather.  When we woke up it was pouring freezing rain so I declared it a "Work from home" day since I had my laptop with me...however, that only lasted about two hours because I forgot the power supply at work!  Oops...oh well, it was spent doing laundry, watching shows and napping.

- that evening Hollie and I had a late dinner meeting for Home and School stuff in Aylmer and it was the most windy, mixed precipitation night ever.  Ugh, Spring, where are you.  Thankfully, we made it there and home in one piece AND we had a great visit and chat with other H&S members.

- we received our income tax refunds and I paid my owing right away...first year in FOREVER that I am not going to be doing a payment plan all year round AND I gained $500 that I have tucked away in savings.

- Maddy played in a tennis event on Wednesday and seemed to enjoy herself

- we had new Sparks join our group this year and I think Sara and I felt a little overwhelmed...we have 12 girls aged 5 and 6 (with one 4 year old).

- I had a dentist appointment this week and well, I hate the dentist to begin with (but getting better) and she decided it was a good time to teach a hygienist what to do...I thought the freezing was going to come out by the time I got my little filling filled - it took so long

- Ricky got his divorce certificate in the mail this week (we need it to apply for the Quebec marriage license)

- I was lazy on Tuesday night and we needed groceries, so I did Click and Collect at Provigo. 

Happy Friday!

{Long Weekend Rewind}

Here is our long weekend recap:

Friday was Good Friday.  The kids and I were up early and heading out the door to pick up Josee and Landyn for a day at the Science and Tech museum.  The kids had a blast and we didn't even see the whole thing.  It was packed with people and we were all getting hungry.  We headed to McDonalds, ran to Walmart then had a quick Easter egg hunt at Josee's before heading home.
By Friday evening, Maddy wasn't feeling to well and she ended up falling asleep before supper.

Saturday morning I was up early again cuz the girls and I were going to find their bridesmaid dresses.  The store was a mad house, but thank god we had an appointment.  At the end of the hour, I ended up coming out with another dress for myself and the girls had their dresses in mind, but it literally took all weekend to decide on a color. 
When we were done that, we had Easter dinner at my parents place.  Maddy and I had to bunk out early because we were going to the Church to have an Easter Vigil with the minister.  The kids made bread for communion on Sunday, planted seeds and learned how to make palm crosses.  It was a great night and the kids really like Eric.

Sunday morning was the big Easter egg hunt.  As usual, Maddy and Tanner each had their own clues to get to their basket then they looked for the foil wrapped eggs.  Once they opened their treasures and had breakfast of chocolate, we headed off to Church where they had another egg hunt. 

When Church was over, we grabbed a bite to eat then headed up the line to my sister in law's for dinner number 2.  We were all pooped out and tired, so we were on our way home early enough. 

Monday was a nice sunny day but cool.  We lazed around home, did some cleaning and then by the afternoon we were outside getting some fresh air with the neighbours.  The kids biked and played basketball while I cleaned the car.  We had an easy supper and then just caught up on shows.

How was your long weekend?