Na Na Na Na
Hey, hey, hey
Goodbye
That’s my farewell song to NaBloPoMo. Can you tell I grew up in a hockey family?
It’s been a good month. I haven’t had too many filler posts, and I even got a reference from sweet Kristin at Blogging Baby.
I also got a bunch of you lurkers to come on out and say “Hi!” That was fun – I like making new friends. Those of you still lurking, I understand. I always snoop around for a little while before I introduce myself. I’m shy like that. Really.
You’re probably all wondering why I’m posting so late (for me). Well, I left all three kids in the care of Daddy for a few hours and went and did some more Christmas shopping with a friend. Before today, I had gotten Honey…nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Now, he’s got some goodies coming his way.
I got back in time to load up the monkeys and take Graham to swimming class. Since Honey was so gracious and watched the kids all day (while working…and there were fires to be put out), I opted to skip working out and take all three kids to the pool.
It’s not an excuse to quit the working out; he had a crazy day and still had a bunch of work phone calls to make. He told me I could leave Nathan and Emily, but we’re a team, remember? And this team member had just spent 6 hours without kids and got to have uninterrupted adult conversation. It was my turn to parent. That, and my boobs were about to explode with milk, so I wasn’t letting Emily out of my sight. On that note, I checked my stat counter yesterday, and had another “boobs spraying milk” search that wound up at my site. Who ARE these people?
So here I am. I have posted for 30 days straight. Will I continue to post every. single. day. ? Nope. But probably most days. Because I like to, and I love you guys. I also pretty much can’t help myself; there’s content everywhere. Such is my life. Thanks for coming along for the ride. Gotta go now; I have some milk to download.
Does anyone remember those Participaction commercials? With…Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod? Maybe not. Maybe it was just a BC thing…or maybe I’m just showing my age again.
I am one of those really odd people who likes to work out. I enjoy it, honestly and truly. When we lived in Vancouver, I would go to the gym 5 days a week, either before work or on my lunch hour. I was a stepping machine.
When we moved here, there was nary a fitness class to be seen. I decided to take up running. My sweet hubby bought be a book on running for women, and ran with me as I got up to speed. You know, run a few minutes, walk a few minutes, with the run times gradually lengthening. As soon as I could run the whole time, he quit. The truth then came out – he hates running, but did it to encourage me. He’s a keeper.
I love running. Unfortunately, my knees can no longer take it. I had knee surgery 12 years ago, and I don’t want to have it again unless necessary. Plus, I don’t know if surgery is the answer. What to do, what to do?
I am a cardio lover, with weights thrown in for good measure. I know that Pilates and such are a good workout, but I need to move. Quickly, and maybe a little violently. Hence I took up Tae Bo. Yes, Tae Bo, with Billy and his unitard. It’s a great workout, if you can stop laughing long enough to actually do it.
I had taken a hiatus from working out after the fire when we were out of our house. I bought a few other workout videos when we returned, but got pregnant with Miss Emily shortly thereafter. Situps and pregnancy don’t mix well. Walking was an option, but pushing my two boys in a double stroller whilst pregnant was more workout than anyone should have to participate in. I resigned myself to starting up again after baby arrived…or maybe after Christmas.
Graham has swimming class two afternoons a week. Usually I spend my time sitting on a chair, and chatting with my friend Shelley. Her son is in the same class. Nathan usually runs around asking for treats from the vending machine, and Emily sleeps in her carseat. Behind another set of windows is the fitness facility, and Shelley made a comment that we should workout while the boys are swimming. Matthew thought it was a great idea, and I left Nathan and Emily here yesterday so Shelley and I could workout.
We decided to try the elliptical machines. I had borrowed Amanda’s to try it here at home, but I didn’t enjoy it. The ones at the gym are a bit different, and it seemed to go well. We started out and it seemed to easy. Let’s start at Level 5, I thought. We did, and that got hard. Hmmm…maybe we should bump down to Level 4…this went on. We ended up back at Level 1. Gotta start somewhere.
It was good. It’s good, It’s goood, it’s gooooood (anyone catch Bruce Almighty on TV last week?). I felt fantastic, and am already looking forward to Thursday. I’m trying to figure out when I’m going to blow the dust off of my workout DVD’s as well…I miss Billy. Maybe once I get a little more caught up on my sleep. Which will likely be after Christmas. I can start the New Year with a workout goal, just like everyone else. Here’s hoping I can stick with it.
I want to fly away….yeah.
It never fails. Once this time of year hits (read: cold and grey), I get the itch to go somewhere warm. Really warm. As in hot. The itch gets almost unbearable once Christmas is over and the boredom of January kicks in.
The sun is out today. Sunshine reflecting on the snow is a beautiful, beautiful site. The skies are clear and blue. Which also means that it’s even colder than yesterday. I don’t like cold. While I know how to ski, and would like to ski again, I think I would be happier sitting next to a fire and reading a good book.
Or maybe even laying on a beach in Mexico. That’s even more appealing. We had our honeymoon south of Cancun on the Mayan Riviera and would go back there in a heartbeat. Problem is, it gets more complicated (and expensive) when you have kids.
Karen emailed me a picture of the place that she and Travis are going to over Christmas.
It’s on for a screaming deal, and not only that, it’s family friendly. So very tempting. Except that we would be paying for four of us…and that adds up pretty fast. Never mind the thought of being trapped in an airplane with two very active and loud preschoolers. Definitely not my idea of a relaxing vacation.
We could leave the boys here, except we can’t. While they are pretty self-sufficient at entertaining themselves, I don’t think it would be wise to leave them alone for a week. Call me crazy.
So, we’ll do what we do every winter. Dream of a warm sunny place that we aren’t going to. We have promised ourselves that we will go away without the kids when we celebrate our 10 year anniversary. That’s in 2010, and only 3 1/2 years away. It seems like a long time, but look at how fast life moves by. It will be here before we know it. Right?
Unless anyone wants to take in the boys for a week. They’re cute, sweet, and a good kind of kooky. Any takers?
I got a call yesterday afternoon from my contract “employer”. Another facilitator was in a bind; could I help? And review 19 assignments by Monday (today) at 6pm?
I said yes, because my family is a great team. Matthew is already one of the most hands-on Dads I know. When I get calls like that one, he pretty much takes over 100% of the parenting. Except for nursing; he hasn’t figured out how to lactate yet.
I can review tasks one-handed if my right hand is free, but as my left hand is the one free right now, I thought I’d drop in here to say hello…and tell you I’ll surf on by later. Or tomorrow.
I stayed up a little later last night to get a good start on reviewing these assignments. Emily showed her team spirit by only waking up ONCE last night. Woot! Now that I’ve typed that I’m sure she’ll mix it up tonight. That’s just fine; I will have handed all of the assignments back by then.
I should get back to it…Emily’s almost done. I’ll leave you with a picture of the crazy snow we’ve been having.
It’s supposed to get to a high of minus 11 today. A HIGH of MINUS 11. Balmy, hey? All of that snow is the reason we’ve been holed up here since Saturday. I’m not driving anywhere in that. So I guess I might as well be working…and getting paid. See you soon…hopefully.
Yesterday was one of those days that I really enjoyed and appreciated my family. Even on the rougher days, I am always thankful for them, but yesterday was one of those GREAT days…for no particular reason. We just had a bunch of fun together.
When you envision a family getting a Christmas tree, the scenario is something like this: they bundle up, get in the truck, drive out into the boonies and cut down the perfect tree. Our morning started out the same: we bundled up and loaded everyone into the 4Runner. Then we drove to Canadian Tire and picked out the perfect artificial tree. We had contemplated a pre-lit tree, but we are way too cheap, er, frugal to buy one of those. We opted to purchase the tree sans lights and string them ourselves. I chose red and silver balls to decorate. They’re purty.
Why an artificial tree? For a host of reasons. One being that I like to put the tree up now, and to have a real tree for over a month is a bit of a fire hazard. I’m a little leery of fire hazards. I’d like to say we get an artificial tree because we are “tree-huggers”, but our house is floor to ceiling wood, including furniture. And Matthew’s a lumber broker. I don’t think we qualify as “tree-huggers”.
The kids and I also decorated a gingerbread house. It was one of the kits you get at Costco. Here’s the before shot (note the kids are more interested in the candy):
Here is the final product:
Not only was it the first time the kids had decorated a gingerbread house, it was the first time I had done so. I KNOW. What a tragic childhood I must have had. Hardly. We had enough fake snow and cheesy Christmas ornaments to make up for the lack of gingerbread. Plus, if I really felt I was missing out on the experience I would have bought myself a kit a long time ago.
We started decorating the house yesterday. Before we had kids, all it would take was one afternoon and everything would be up. We got started yesterday, but will complete our mission today. The snow is still falling, and that along with the Christmas music is making for a festive spirit around here.
Speaking of Christmas music, I want to get some more but have no idea where to start. I bought Sarah McLachlan’s Wintersong album last week, and I lurve it. Especially number 9 “Song For A Winter’s Night”; it’s been a favourite of mine for years.
I also have:
Amy Grant (Classic. Reminds me of Briercrest and every Christmas after that one.)
Bony M (Yes. Bony M. I love it; Matthew mocks me.)
The Carpenters (Matthew grew up with it and loves it. I mock him.)
BNL (I love anything those guys do.)
City On A Hill (Bought it last year and it’s awesome)
I made a mixed CD a few years ago with Jewel (!), Jars of Clay (Drummer Boy is fantastic) and Celine Dion.
Matthew suggested Jessica Simpson “because she’s hot”. I need better suggestions than that one. Any good recommendations out there?
As I mentioned yesterday, last night was the annual Festival of Lights. Us locals just refer to it as Light Up; I’m guessing that maybe “Festival of Lights” just has too many syllables?
Not only is it cold outside, but it snowed ALL DAY LONG. Talk about perfect timing to get everyone in the mood for Light Up…and Christmas.
We ate a light dinner here to save room for the treats ahead. Then it was time to bundle everyone up. Check out how absolutely adorable Emily looks in her bunting bag:
I have a question. This is a 0-3 month size bunting bag. Take a look at the size of the hood. I know that babies have big heads in proportion to their bodies, and my kids have big heads in general, but how big do they think a baby’s head can get in three months? That hood could fit a 6 year old! We put a fitted hat on her before we left.
And here is a picture of the boys clamouring to get out the door and get to the “street party.”
Yes, they are in matching jackets. Partly because they like to be the same, and partly because I get a kick out of dressing them the same. I have that power only for a short while, and I plan to use it while I can.
We got downtown a little after 6. We made a beeline for the Mini Donuts and some Hot Chocolate. Graham had to pee while we were in the ice cream shop getting the hot chocolate, and asked if he could have some ice cream. Dude, it’s FREEZING outside. At least he’s at the age where we can reason with him. It also helped that the nice ladies serving up the warm bevvies gave him and Nathan each a small candy cane.
We somehow managed to find Karen and Travis and their family in the crowd, but didn’t see anyone else. It could be due to the fact that it was wall-to-wall (or store-to-store) people, and it was dark. Remember, they don’t turn the lights on until 7.
Just before 7 the town crier (yes, we have a town crier) reads a speech and then the whole crowd counts down from 10. Someone flips a switch and the Christmas lights on all of the storefronts and trees light up. The crowd oohs and ahhs…and so did our boys. I don’t have any pictures of the event because, well, I only have two hands. I can tell you that the look on their faces was worth all of the hassle of going.
Speaking of hassle, have you ever tried manoeuvring a stroller through a crowd that thick? With one hand, as you hold onto your three year old with your other hand? Just another lesson in patience for yours truly.
It was a good night and the kids had fun. Now we’re off to buy a second Christmas tree for the new room, along with all of the decorations. It’s still snowing…
It’s Friday, November 24th. Day 24 of NaNaNaNaPooPoo. I’m not feeling witty (Am I ever really witty?). I can only say, “My kids are cute” a few different ways. I do have a few random things I can tell you. I can’t seem to wrap my head around an entertaining way to make them posts unto themselves, so I figure I can glom (is that a word?) them all together and try and pass the mish mash off as a complete entry. Here’s hoping it works out, both for your reading pleasure, and my inner need to do well.
***
The family room is coming together. The floors are done. The couches are in that room, but have not assumed their correct position as Matthew is working on getting the wainscoting up. But they are at least in their proper room, and the blue couch is out of my bedroom and back in the great room. Yesterday Honey got the one corner of the room done, so we got to move my massive IKEA workstation out of the hallway and into its proper home.
Do you like the Play-Doh table? Funny thing here. The room used to stop where the beam is at the right of the photo. When the room was that size, the corner unit looked like a monstrosity. Now it looks almost small. Weird. The pellet stove has been installed, and once the wainscoting is finished everywhere and items in their rightful place, I’ll post an update on the room.
***
Emily is getting more efficient at nursing. She is eating faster (yay!) and her feeding times are further apart (yay!). This makes me happy, because I can spend less time sitting on my hiney. There is a lot to do when you have three kids. Apart from Playschool, swimming and Tumble Time, there are other things to be done here. Like laundry for instance. At least a load a day. Usually two. And they have small clothes and don’t get dirty too often. There will only be more as they get older. And don’t get me started on how many times I do dishes in a day.
The downside to this freedom from the chair means that I am on here less than I have been in the past 6 weeks. You see, I’ve made Emily’s nursing time my “surfing” time, with the occasional dropping in throughout the day, but it’s not often. So many of you were kind enough to de-lurk last week, and I have set all of your sites in my “Favourites” so I don’t lose them, but I am in a bit of a quandary. You see, I like to leave comments. I usually leave a comment on every post I read; it’s part of my encouraging nature. This has not always been the case lately, because sometimes I am too tired to say anything witty (how many times can I say, “Great Post!!”?), and sometimes it’s just that with a limited time on here, I tend to read and not always comment. My Canadian guilt (I say sorry WAY too much) is getting to me, so I’ll just say “sorry” now, and just know that it’s not that I don’t love you guys if I don’t say anything. I could just be dealing with the craziness around here instead of commenting. I’ll keep trying…because I like getting the nice comments as much as the next blogger.
***
Tonight is the annual Festival of Lights. This is where Main Street is shut down, there are street vendors selling all sorts of yummy food (mmmm…Mini Donuts), and the stores are all open late. There are choirs singing Christmas carols, and at 7 pm they turn on all of the Christmas lights “downtown.” It used to be that Matthew and I would wander the streets and visit with friends. Now we wave hello to people we bump into (literally) while chasing our kids all over Creation. Good times, good times.
The best part about Light Up? Matthew will not let me put the tree up until it occurs. Which means after tonight, it will be Christmas at my house.
***
For someone who has nothing to say, I sure can ramble on. Verbal diarrhea, if you will. Hope at least something was worth reading. If not, let me make it up to you with a baby picture:
See how her hair swirls when wet? Graham’s did the same at that age, and he got the curls. Can’t you just picture her with curly hair and pigtails? Awesome.
