Tales Of 3 Lads And A Lady

2010-07-12T13:20:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we spent our time at a cottage with the kids and Brenda and Brian. It was loads of fun for the kids, and us too, as they jumped and splashed, canoed and paddled the paddleboats around the lake. It was nice to just get away from home for a couple of days and feel no guilt about lounging around and spending time just letting the kids explore the fun nature can bring. We brought Chloe with us this year and I think I enjoyed watching her 10 year old, overweight, under exercised black lab body trying to swim like a young pup again almost more than anything else this weekend. Let's just say she was pretty tired on the trip home! Now we're back to the daily grind of life with 4 kids and responsibilities and I guess that's alright too! There's nothing too out of the ordinary happening this week and I like that just fine. The weather has cooled down a bit which is nice. Makes it a bit more comfortable for everyone. I am thoroughly enjoying life right now. Nick's birthday is the next big day coming up for our family. He will be 7 this August and his big wish was to have a friend party for the first time. We have booked a party room at a party place nearby that has tunnels, slides, ball pits, laser tag, and pizza and cake! He is definitely excited about it. I am too. I love seeing them happy and getting a sneak peek into how they interact with their friends from school! So far we have only had one friend respond out of 6 so it may be a small party. That's the worst part about having a summer birthday! Holidays tend to take up peoples weekends! I am sure Nick will have fun no matter how many are able to come with us. That is for sure one bonus of having 3 siblings. You can make a party even if no one else shows up!! :)

2010-07-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

The first full week of summer vacation is upon us. I have taken a break from my home daycare to spend this summer with just my own kids milling around the house. It's been WONDERFUL so far. Brody, Nick and Megan have spent hours in the pool the past few days as the temps have been in the high 30's - low 40's with the humidity factored in. This makes for some sweaty people in our un-airconditioned house!! Jack isn't a fan of swimming just yet. He only will swim if Dave or I are also in there to keep him company. This is fine with me, as it gives him some down time to just chill out in the house, usually watching tv or practicing his printing, which is a recent love of his. Dave has a new job now which requires him to work a variety of shifts. This means in the past 2 weeks he's been home in the morning with us as well. This has been working out superbly because it means we all sleep in! I have been letting the kids stay up late to facilitate this luxurious morning lifestyle. Megan has become slightly...ahem...ok, more than slightly, challenging these past few weeks and I am trying very hard to chalk it up to the change in routine, missing the daily grind of school and getting into the groove of being home everyday. She doesn't like to hear the word no these days, and unfortunately she can't understand why I need to say it more often than she would like! She's been a pretty easy child up until now so I am looking at this as a small bump in an otherwise smooth road!

Dave's youngest sister got married last month, so Megan, along with her cousin Jenna had the opportunity to be flower girls. This pleased the two of them to no end. When I can figure out how to post pictures I will get some on here of the two beauties. It was a perfect day and Lisa was a beautiful bride. Shawn looked alright too!

Life just seems to be chugging along quickly these days and the kids are growing too quickly for my liking. That being said, both Dave and I are enjoying watching them blossom into little people who have big minds of their own. There really is nothing quite like it! I find it so hard to believe Brody is starting grade 4 in the fall, Nick grade 2, Megan grade 1, and Jack in his final year of Kindergarten. They will all be in school 5 full days a week, so it will be a huge change for our family. I think I am ready for it though. I have some days that the thought of them being old enough for school full time makes me weepy and other times it makes me giddy with the anticipation of having some time to really be a Mom with some energy to focus on them and not just be functioning as a Mom who never has a minute to herself to regroup. I have to be honest. That first week is going to be a napping festival here. :) Well, I think this is enough for tonight. I'm hoping to make this a more regular thing.....I think I said that 6 months ago though....

2010-01-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been almost a year since I last posted an update. Not sure what happened. Just lost my bloggy groove. I think facebook made it too easy to update friends and family on our current situation. I am going to try to get back into the swing of things here, and keep on blogging away.

So, what's new since we last spoke. Hmm.

1. Brody turned 8 and went through an awful streak of anxiety attacks etc, he is medicated and doing well now. He is in love with computer games, and hanging out with his friends.

2. Nick turned 6, and lost most of his teeth, learned to skate, and read, and in general is just a happy guy.

3. Megan turned 5, learned to read, is still in love with fashion and shoes, and is enjoying being the girly girl that she is.

4. Jack turned 4, started JK, is a great big ol' momma's boy still, and has a stubborn streak that can rival any opponent. Thank goodness we all have a good sense of humor in this house!

5. I turned thi thi thirty. 31 is sneaking up quickly.

6. Dave turned 31, and this brings me joy that he will be 32 before I hit the three one.

7. We added a bedroom to the back of our house to allow the kids more room to spread out upstairs. Jack got his own room, and Megan got a bigger room. Nick and Brody are best buds and are enjoying the master bedroom all to them selves. No little brother allowed.

8. We went through a rough patch financially this year, with Dave being laid off for a short period. When you live paycheck to paycheck this can be devastating. He got a new job and we made it through with a bigger appreciation for savings and a MUCH bigger Visa. :)

9. I started taking anxiety meds for my own anxiety issues, and gained 50 pounds. I would rather be fat and happy, then skinny and not able to leave my house to show off my hot body.

10. I can't think of anything else that's new, so until next time......

2009-04-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Nick. :) What can I say about Nick. He was the happiest kite flyer I have ever seen in my life. The smile never left his face the entire time the kite was in the air. He was so proud, and having so much fun. Most of the pictures of Nick from this day are all far away shots of him flying his kite. My favorite is the one of him flying it with one hand. :)

2009-04-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Brody was pretty happy to get some outdoor family time this past weekend. I think hunting for water creatures and other boyish things with Uncle Jake was one of the highlights.....although I don't have pictures of that. I don't enjoy looking at icky, stinky, possible pinchy water creatures....:)

These pictures really were surprising for me when I took a peek at them Sunday night. Where have the years gone? He is growing up right under my nose, and time just keeps slipping away from me. He's almost 8, and yet it feels like yesterday he was brand new.....

2009-04-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

Jack :)

What would we do with out this kid. We wouldn't yell as much maybe, but we wouldn't laugh nearly as much either. He can really turn on the charm when needed. Here is a sneak peek at him on Easter Sunday! The picture of his crash landing at the bottom of the slide is my favorite picture of him that day. He was so exhilirated from the quick slide down, even a crash couldn't wipe that surprised, joy filled smile off his face. And the way his eyes are sparkling melt my heart. Love this kid!

2009-04-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we spent some time flying kites and visiting a park with Dave's family. It was a really nice day for a number of reasons....time spent with family and lots of outdoor time for the kids. For me the highlight was lots of grownups to watch out for the little ones, so I had opportunity to stand back and take pictures with no worries of anyone running off. I spent a bit of time focusing on each child, and as a result managed to get some pictures that I really enjoy. Here are a few of Megan...

2009-03-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday Afternoon!

We had a nice walk/wagon/bike ride to the park today, and spent some time playing, came home for a family wrestling match, and spent the evening eating BBQ'd roast beef, and watching cartoons! Couldn't ask for a nicer ending for a weekend, although it would be nice if we had a maid to clean up the house after the kids are in bed......I offered Dave the job, but he didn't seem to think it was something he would be interested in. :)

2009-03-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

2009-03-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

2009-03-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

This picture pretty much sums up how excited the kids were about heading out for a vacation to Montreal.

2009-02-02T04:43:00.000-08:00

Is it possible for life to get any better than it is right now? These little people are just amazing!

2009-01-30T13:52:00.000-08:00

The littlest man throwing snowballs.

The proud moment of showing off the "ball".
The wind up.

Getting ready to release the fury on all the other kids.The proud snowball maker.

2009-01-25T17:55:00.000-08:00

It got a little too quiet this evening after the little people were all tucked in for the night. I guess Jack wanted to pretty himself up before bedtime. At least he needed a haircut! Buzz cut time again. :)

2009-01-25T13:05:00.000-08:00

Brothers in Action!

Taking down the big guy! They have learned it takes team work to get the old man down. Although it looks like Brody is caught in the spanking machine despite Nick's efforts to help. This is the scene from our living room at least 3 nights a week!

For some reason both boys chose the same shirt on this particular day, and it caught my eye when I saw them side by side. I love seeing them enjoy being right beside each other and not pushing and shoving each other. We are really blessed to have kids that truly love and enjoy each others company. I hear of major sibling rivalry, and feel thrilled that our boys manage to get along so well. For now.....
This last picture is Nick and Brody on Christmas morning playing Star Wars and shooting everything, and every one in sight. How loving. :)

We've been really enjoying these kids lately. I always thought I would be sad to see them growing and changing, but it turns out that this "kid" stage is WAY more fun then the baby stage. I love that they are so independant, but still want to cuddle and spend time with us. I am going to soak it all in while it lasts. I have a feeling the next stage of teenagers won't be nearly as sweet!! Here's to hoping I am wrong!!

2009-01-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

I am one very lucky lady! After the kids were sound asleep in their beds, Dave cooked me a fabulous supper to enjoy while we watched some tv and relaxed. I love those nights. It's just as nice as going out for dinner for me and a whole lot easier on the budget. He is an amazing cook, and I love to taste test his creations. That's what I call team work!

2008-12-31T18:30:00.000-08:00

2009. Wow. It will be a year of interesting moments for me. My youngest child will start school! I will turn 30! Dave and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary! Yikes. Where has the time gone?

30?? Can you believe that? Sigh. And to think I still feel 16. Maybe act it once in a while too!

Hope you all have a bright start to the new year. I know mine will be fabulous. It couldn't be anything but wonderful surrounded by the love of my life, and the little minature people in our house!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T14:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a pretty descriptive picture of how Megan is feeling after having her tonsils and adenoids removed yesterday. She was a really brave girl, and did so well with everything that went on that day. She barely complained at all. We spent 2 nights in a hotel with her and I think that helped quite a bit to allow her to have some quiet resting time and us all to herself. She is all drugged up now with codiene and tylenol and is trying to drink as much as she can. The only concern we have now is that she is fevered, which hopefully isn't a sign of a bad infection coming. I think it might be a long night spent cuddling and medicating!! We're hoping she'll be up and feeling better soon!

2008-12-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

We didn't take many pictures of the kids this Christmas, instead opting for the video camera. Dave and I decided standing to the side taking pictures doesn't always allow us to be as involved as we would like, so it took a backseat and we will have to rely on memory for the special moments we shared. The kids loved all their gifts which was nice. My favorite part of Christmas this year was laying in bed and hearing Nick and Brody in the hallway outside our door. Brody started the conversation off with "Merry Christmas best friend", and Nick's response was "Merry Christmas buddy". I love that my kids are so good to each other. If they take nothing else away from their childhood, I hope it's strong relationships with their siblings. I hope you all had a family filled holiday, and felt the same joy in your heart as we did here.

2008-12-21T17:12:00.000-08:00

It's a little after 8 and the kids are jumping off the walls upstairs, or so it sounds from the thuds. Laundry from the last 2 weeks is in heaps, clean, on my bedroom floor. The bedrooms that were just cleaned are covered in junk and toys and dirty laundry again. Yet no one else seems to notice. All I do is clean up after people. I don't mind for the most part, but I am starting to think some delegating is in order. By all rights, the amount of cleaning I do, our house should be eat off the floor clean, but it isn't. It's barely tidy at the best of times. I am coming to the conclusion that we just have too much stuff, and it's time for a clean sweep. No matter how much we clean up and put away, STUFF, is everywhere. I am feeling guilty because even with all this STUFF, there is more stuff sitting under the Christmas tree, waiting to be ripped open and soon forgotten about. I think it's time to simplify. I am convinced no one would notice if I sent them all away and started boxing up things to donate.....I think I might have found my holiday project.:) I am on holidays for 2 weeks now from my daycare, and couldn't be happier about it. The kids are good and all, but it's nice to just have some family time with my own kids. Dave is off work starting Tuesday and it will be nice to just have nothing to do but hang out together and enjoy the chaos that is life with 4 kids. So that's what we're up to here. :)

2008-12-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread House Day 2008!!

The house they decorated and ate in about 20 minutes flat. :) I got my pictures and they had some fun, so I figured no point in making them wait to enjoy their tasty creation! I think next year I might buy 4 houses and let them all have their own fun!

2008-12-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

Well, the silver lining is that we figured out Meg was allergic to penicillin before her surgery as opposed to after.....but the poor babe is itchy itchy, and is having a hard time seeing said silver lining!!

2008-12-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

Megan has been taking skating lessons for a couple of months now, and we finally got some pictures of her on the ice! At the end of her lesson tonight she was very excited to receive her first badge signifying that she passed her level. We're so proud of how hard she works every time she gets out on the ice. She has such drive to do better and better, and never gives up.

2008-12-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

Here's how our holiday season is going so far;

A little bit of crazy,

A little bit of candy,

A little bit of resting,
And a whole lot of warm, fuzzy family time!

2008-12-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

All of Oma's Grandbabies after the Santa Claus Parade!

2008-12-04T04:38:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe it's already December, and the holidays are fast approaching. I am really looking forward to some time off from my work, and instead spending that time cherishing my family. I feel great that we have set a low key plan for us, instead of trying to do everything, which always results in my crying and yelling at everyone, we are just going to celebrate with both sides of family, one on the Saturday before, and one on Christmas Day. The rest of the week is all about the kids. We're hoping to see movies, and maybe go sledding, or just do nothing!! The following week, on December 29th, Megan is having surgery. It's time to take those pesky tonsils and adenoids out, as they caused her nothing but pain last winter. Dave and I are both on holidays that week, and are anticipating taking turns sitting with her on the couch and cuddling. I am really nervous about her going, and just want it to go smoothly and have her be as comfortable as possible! Right now her tonsils are huge, and blocking a lot of her throat. She feels them when she breathes, so I think it will be a treat for her to have them gone! We are planning a trip to Build a Bear to make a 'hospital bear' for her to take with her for moral support and post op snuggles. So, that's what we're up to!! :)
The Santa Claus parade is coming up soon, so I will be sure to post some pictures after!!

2008-11-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

Well. It's a sign he's growing up. Brody put up his first real fight over his looks. He wanted a mohawk. I tried to talk him out of it, but then we decided it IS just hair, and I always consider myself to be the type of Mom who won't argue with her kids over things that really don't matter. Sooo, here it is. Brody with a mohawk. I have to admit, he looks pretty cool!!

2008-11-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

Anyone want to buy a slightly used child?? This is the only part I can find of my Camera dock, and photo printer. It used to look like an actual printer.......I have never seen this part of it before. I am assuming it was the bowels of said printer. LOL. Here's hoping he can make himself a nice career out of "fixing" other peoples things. It might make these errors in judgement seem worthwhile. :) Now I am off to find the rest of it. I assume he thinks he might be in trouble and is hiding what's left of it. My guess is this piece didn't catch his eye when he was cleaning up. Good thing Jacker is a cutie, and that I don't believe in child abuse!!!

2008-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 7th Birthday Brody!

He was so generous with his gifts this morning. Letting the little siblings help out.
So far, it's been a great morning. We have requests for hot dogs, and cake for the birthday lunch. Better go get started on that cake!

2008-10-13T05:54:00.000-07:00

Blessings.

Nick: This food is so good. Thanks for making it for us Mom.

Mom: Why Thank You Nick. How nice of you to say.

Nick: Thank you for the pies Grandma. You're the best pie maker.

When your 5 year old stops to thank the chef unprompted, it makes you really feel like maybe....just maybe you're on the right track to raising gentlemen. Regardless of one of the other ones hanging off his chair like a baboon. :)

2008-10-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful, family day today. The kids had a blast, and we all enjoyed the outdoors and some turkey. Thank you again Lisa and Shawn!!
The family!

Oma and Grandpa with the kiddos
Tom Cruise in Top Gun
Aunt Lisa with Megan.

2008-10-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Look who's 3 today!! Jack really enjoyed coming down to a room full of birthday presents to open, and some put together for his immediate enjoyment. That decision was based on our desire to stay sane this morning. I can only handle so many twisty wires, and mini screwdrivers while trying to get kids out the door for school on time!! So far, the little man is happy with his day. I am off to make his cake this afternoon! Nothing fancy of course, just something with loads of icing on top. :)

2008-10-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

We had a mini vacation this weekend. We took the kids to a hotel with a wonderful kiddie pool area, and then after a good night of rest, headed off to the zoo for some more fun! The picture above is the kids touching sting rays.
This is our only attempt at a family photo! I look a little manish, wearing the hubs coat, but I guess better then freezing myself!
Here is the proof we were indeed at the zoo. I love how armour like these guys looked!
Here are the kids at the hotel before we ran down for a fun dip in the pool!
It was a nice weekend of family fun for sure. I think we will make a habit of taking the kids away like this more often.

2008-10-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

Doesn't he look sweet in his Daddy's glasses?? Guess how sweet he looked after he rested the glasses on the hinge of our bedroom door between the frame and the door, instead of on the nightstand like he was told? He still looked sweet, because I didn't notice until I pulled the door closed and heard a little popping noise, and looked down to see the lenses shattered all over the floor in a large amount of pieces. He once again looked sweet, but not until my blood pressure reached normal levels. Sigh. An honest mistake on his part....but man, what an expensive one. Reminds me of someone who lost her glasses swimming in a lake once......

2008-09-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

These skates are the reason I signed my daughter up for skating lessons. :)
We looked for a matching pink helmet, but no such luck. These are gonna look great on Jack next year!! I kid, I would never make my little man wear pink skates. Although knowing him, he would wear them proudly and head butt anyone who giggled in his direction.

2008-09-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the birthday girl! So happy to be 4! She got up this morning and clasped her hands together in the kitchen, and went up on her tiptoes. She blurted out, "OH, I couldn't WAIT to be 4"! Congratulations baby! Your dream came true! Mine already did 4 years ago, so I know how she feels.

2008-09-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Brody had a couple caterpillars held captive this past weekend. He left their habitat unsecured on the kitchen counter Sunday night. They escaped. I went to put utensils away Wednesday morning. Look who I found alive and well. Shudder.

2008-09-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Go Big or Go Home.

2008-09-03T04:15:00.000-07:00

The sweetness of this little girl is almost to much for my heart this morning. She is flitting around, super excited to go out for bus. I just want to wrap her in my arms and hold on tight before I let her go.....OK, and now the tears have started. Mine not hers.....

2008-09-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

The boys went off on their first day of school this morning. Both happy enough to go. No sniffles from anyone this year. Until tomorrow when Megan hops on the bus. Then their will be big ugly Mommy sniffles. Maybe even a sob or two!

2008-08-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Jack got himself up and dressed this morning. He came down all ready to paint the house. I especially love the way he perched his painters cap on the very top of his head. He looked the part. :)

2008-08-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

So what would you do if a child your babysitting gets their foot seriously stuck in the rungs of your dining room chair, and after 10 min of struggling, lathering them in margerine and oil, and it still won't come out?
You head out to the shed, praying he doesn't tip the chair over and break his leg, and you get the saw.
You hack the top joint of the rungs off so you can pull them apart enough to release his foot, and leave saw marks all over the chair. :) Yes, people really DO leave me in charge of their children. :) No legs were harmed(too badly) in the making of this blog post!

2008-08-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

Our Beautiful Fairy-Ogre.

There isn't a tu-tu in the world that can make this boy dainty looking. Oh what the influence of a sister can do to a rough and tumble boy. :)

2008-08-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

There was much screaming at our house after this fall. It's amazing how much blood can come out of a tiny tongue. It turned black and just kept pouring out. Thank goodness he made it off of the new carpet before the drips started!! :)

2008-08-14T04:46:00.000-07:00

Nick wanted Megan to come and play with him, so he very gently took her hand to try and persuade her to come along. Then they paused to watch a little TV. It was just so sweet!!

2008-08-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

The best part of making treats with my girl, is watching her enjoy the end result of her hard work. :)

2008-08-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

It's okay to laugh. Charlie feels humiliated. He went for a hair cut looking like a Cairn Terrier as seen in the lower picture, and came back looking like a fat Jack Russell. It looks cruel, but he doesn't stink, and is not covered in dried poo on his hind end. This means he gets more loving, so it's either no hair and petting, or hair, and lots of foot shoving from all members of the family. :)
We tell the kids it's a new dog when we bring him home. :) Charlie is the bottom, and Billy is on top. :oP They don't fall for it anymore.

2008-08-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

I am posting this picture as my before picture to my weightloss mission. I am ridiculously sick of having 3 tummies. My chest and stomach are like conjoined twins these days, and it's time for it to go. For some reason my stomach seems to be just growing and growing. Not sure if it's my age, and my metabolism is slowing down. It is not okay with me though. Wish me luck. Enjoy staring at my 'spare tire'. It's the last time you'll get the chance. :) I hope.

2008-08-07T03:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Nick's 5th birthday. He was super excited to get the Lego MTT. It was the highlight of his day. There were other gifts, but this was THE gift. :)
Dave loved it too I think. Brings out the kid in him. The kid who stayed up until the wee hours of the morning putting this toy together. Nick got up at 5:30 to wake us, to ask if it was done. Thank goodness it was.

2008-07-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

We have new neighbours. They have a pet snake. It creeps me out. It creeps me out more that my children adore it. Especially my daughter, who was caressing it with more love in her eyes then the boys. When they come inside from petting it, I will be giving them the 'never while they live under my roof will we ever have a snake' conversation. :)
He was kind of interesting though to look at up close!

2008-07-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

Megan was having a wonderful time tonight just being a little girl, twirling away in the evening sun.
The wind up..
The take off..

The joy of the spin..

In mid twirl..
The end of the joy ride, still smiling...

2008-07-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

Today we took the family to Marineland and to see the Falls. The picture above is Nick feeding a silly deer, who enjoyed taking his whole cone and practically swallowing it whole. Nick was laughing hysterically. It was one of the highlights of my day.

This one is of Megan smelling a beautiful flower.

We found a phone booth. We had some fun. Can you tell Nick doesn't use the phone often. :)

Megan and I watching the falls.
The kids posing for a picture.
Watching a killer whale swim by inches from the kids.
Brody's turn on the phone.
Kids watching the falls.
Jack made a new friend.

We had a lovely first family vacation. It was all we hoped it would be. :)

2008-07-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this quote today and thought it was cute....

"A woman is like a teabag - you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." - Eleanor Roosevelt

2008-07-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

A day in the sun, ended up with a nap in a basket.
Works for me. :)

2008-07-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

Meet Nick's new friend. Snaily. :)
I love the one of them gazing into each others eyes.
Nick was in love with him, until he got covered in slime. Then back to the lawn he went.

2008-07-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Tried to get a nice summer shot of the kids on Father's day. Instead I took these two, and walked away when I knew it was a lost cause. There was no interest on their part to have a nice picture taken. It was an exercise in frustration! I love them anyway. Even though they aren't looking where I wanted them too!

2008-07-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

Pantry cupboards have been installed in the great kitchen reno of 2008!! We are getting closer to a finished kitchen. :)
Yes, I know the fridge isn't level in the picture. That has since been done, so there has been no more constant nagging of the hubs to get to it! Still waiting on the pot rack completion and some shelving, but at least we aren't piling dishes up in bins on the floor anymore. Thank goodness!

2008-06-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

We spent Father's Day fishing as a family. We caught nothing other then some family time together. That's better than a stinky ol' fish any day. Well, maybe not for Dave!!

Brody
Nick
Nick
Brody

2008-06-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

Megan really wanted to go shopping for Father's Day instead of fishing. This picture pretty much sums up her fishing career. :)

She warmed up to the idea when she realized fishing meant spending time with Daddy on the dock...

2008-06-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Jack makes the cutest little fisherman.....

2008-06-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

I am not sure when this happened, but I think we are officially at the age for interesting conversations. Not all so friendly. The boys are at each other today for some reason. This sums up the morning.

Here is a quote from Brody.

Brody goes to college to get more knowledge. Nick goes to Jupiter to get more stupider.

Wow.

Sibling rivalry, and teasing has arrived. 6 must be the magic number. :)
How long is summer vacation???

2008-06-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Megan has really taken to loving her stuffed animals lately. Here she is with 'Buns'. She had fun letting me snap some pictures of my Lovey, with her lovey!!

2008-05-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

Just in the mood for black and white pictures today. I always think they seem so timeless. No colour interferes with the beauty of my childrens features.

Here is Jack watching the construction going on across the street. He was so content to just sit and enjoy the action.

Megan got her first bubble wand of the season. It was cute watching her little eyes cross as she saw the bubbles emerging from the wand.

She had no idea this little bubble was lingering on her lips, from being a little too close to the wand!

These are the golden years. They really are. I can't imagine my life ever being more full of joy then it is today.

2008-05-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

It's so nice to catch the kids doing something quiet, all alone. Gives me the opportunity to snap on my zoom lens, and take photos undetected, and really focus on that ONE child. To try to capture the true essence of their personality, and their enjoyment.
Nicholas....

2008-05-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

My Grandma passed away last Sunday Evening. Her funeral was today. My Grandpa found this poem in the laundry room of his apartment building, and it spoke to him. He had it read at the funeral today. It touched everyone, and made us really think.

The Dash Poem

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came her date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

2008-05-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

I am going to buy her daughter a big box of markers when she turns 3.

2008-05-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

I love this bunch of kids.

2008-05-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

We decided to have some appetizers and a movie night, for family time tonight. A good ol' 3D movie complete with glasses. Too bad for the hubs, there was only a pair of girl glasses left for him. I made sure to get him in a few pictures for the kids to giggle at later.

2008-05-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

I noticed this morning how much Nick and Jack are really looking like brothers lately.
Jack always looked a bit different from the other two boys, but I think that has changed. It's really cool to see them starting to bond as brothers, and Jack not being left out, being considered the baby. I am really enjoying them more and more as they grow. So blessed. And busy. :)

They really are all good friends. Fighting is pretty minimal in our house, considering there is less then 4 years between them from oldest to youngest. I didn't realize how crazy that must have seemed, until I look back at pictures like this. They all look SO young.

2008-05-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Last week, Brody decided to punch his sister.
This was his punishment.
It worked.

From now on, if you hurt someone intentionally in our house, you have to spend the time after doing something nice for them, or playing something they love to do. No matter how much you hate it. Pushing his sister on the swing for 10 minutes was pure torture. He hasn't punched her since!

2008-05-08T20:01:00.001-07:00

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2008-05-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

Classic Nicholas.

I bought a dress today. It is black and white in colour, and kind of swirly. Very cute, if I do say so myself.
I tried it on for the Hubs to critique it, and I was spied by Nick. Here's how it went.

Nick: Oh, are you going to a wedding?
Me: Nope
Nick: Oh, are you going to the jungle. (snickering)
Me: Umm, no. Why do you ask??

Nick: His small sideways grin starts coming out, "well, cause you look like a zebra"

Giggles all around.

Gosh, we love that kid so much. He is always good for a laugh. His sense of humour is adorable for a 4 year old. Those of you who know him, know his grin. It was huge, and lit up his whole face after telling Mom she was comparable to a Zebra. :)

2008-04-22T14:35:00.001-07:00

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2008-04-21T08:24:00.001-07:00

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2008-04-20T15:27:00.001-07:00

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2008-04-20T08:21:00.001-07:00

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2008-04-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

Today is a day off of school for the kids. It's a beautiful one outside, the kids are actually in shorts. I am loving this nice spring weather. Just seeing them outside jumping on the trampoline, digging in the sandbox, is awesome. They are happy being kids. The way it should be.
We have plans to put on a front porch this weekend. Out of necessity not desire. It's completely crumbled away over the cold winter, and is a pretty big hazard at this point. Step in the wrong place, and your doomed.
The kitchen is 3/4 of the way done. Needs some flooring repairs from moving cupboards, and paint, and a few shelves. Then it should be time for pot rack hanging and FINALLY, it will be complete. I can't wait. I am hoping at that point we can get some of the loose ends of past renovations tied up, and move on to just enjoying our summer weekends relaxing with the kids.
Hope you all enjoy the sunshine this weekend.

2008-04-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

I got a taste of my own bad medicine tonight.

After dancing in the kitchen with Jack who is 2 and a half now, I was given a kiss.
I asked for a hug as well. It did not happen.
Here's how it went.

Mom: Can I have a hug?

Jack: You need wait.

Mom: WAIT?? Oh. Pleeeeeeeease, just one hug.

Jack: Wait me done.

Mom: (chasing him outside) Is it time yet? (laughing from both of us)

Jack: I said WAIT 2 MINUTES.

It was cute and all, but then it made me think. How many times a day do I say this to him, and not follow through. I am going to make more effort to say, ok here I come to play, or help.

They really are growing up, right before my eyes.

It's bittersweet.

By the way, he did come back and give me the hug unprompted, so maybe I am teaching him to follow through with his word. Or it was just a nice fluke!! Either way I was happy.

2008-04-10T11:54:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this, once I realized what a funny oxymoron it was.

We totally bought this exercise machine so that the kids would have somewhere to sit while they eat the same cookies that made ME buy the machine in the first place. :) Isn't that why everyone buys them? I guess that, or a coat rack!

2008-04-09T12:20:00.001-07:00

Nothing says Spring like the first concrete face plant into the steps. Jack was the big winner this year!! He shook it off pretty quick after a brief snuggle. He is becoming a big boy...no more baby cuddles for this guy. Just wipe off the dirt and let him keep going. :)

2008-04-03T12:03:00.001-07:00

Two nice spring days and the girl child is ready to swim. We compromised!! The suit could be worn....but only as an accessory. :) Sorry it's sideways, the camera was being naughty!

2008-03-24T08:17:00.001-07:00

How we spent our Easter Morning.

Searching for eggs
Checking out our baskets of goodies
Building Lego creations together
Pushing jelly beans around in a lego loader

And of course, gobbling up chocolate!
Loving every minute of our sweet kids. Amazing times, that are going WAY to fast for me.

2008-03-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Breakfast of Champions

1 punch bowl of leftover trifle + 1 two year old boy = 1 Mommy who was happy to not have to make breakfast, and one REALLY happy chocolate filled child.

2008-03-23T05:57:00.001-07:00

If only we could stay young at heart, and enjoy life's simple joys so easily. I love the little smiles that I saw this morning. So sweet, so uninhibited. So pure. Happy Easter.....more pics to follow!!

2008-03-18T09:11:00.001-07:00

This little man has had pneumonia and an ear infection, plus a good ol' head cold this week, so we've been loving him from the top of this...

All the way down to the bottom of these...

2008-03-16T17:12:00.001-07:00

One more step completed in the kitchen reno of '08!!

We have a partial sink installation, to be continued....
Also the high corner piece to block in the stove arrived today. Next steps are, the enormous pot rack that will hang over the island, and then plumbing, shelves in the metal frame under the sink, and finally a copper range hood cover...that will look like a chimney style. Can we say EXCITED!!

2008-03-10T18:08:00.001-07:00

Having fun with pretzels. We were making pretzel pieces into teeth, and trying to smooch around them. I realize it's not the most flattering picture, what with my lack of hair brushing, make up, and well...shirt!! But, this is the way we roll here. We had some giggles, and that's the main thing. :)

2008-03-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, so the napping from the last post pretty much turned into this post, within about....oh, I would say 2.5 minutes!! Still fun, just not the quiet fun I had anticipated.

Jumping Jack (yes pun intended)

I love my boys. Even when they turn my couch into a launching pad. :)

2008-03-07T07:12:00.001-08:00

For a Mama that wants to clean and enjoy her last day of 2 kids at school before the whirlwind that is spring break comes. This is bliss....except for the fevers, and strep throat:) But for the silence....bliss.

2008-03-02T13:30:00.001-08:00

Straws and Connector Creations.

2008-02-29T11:16:00.001-08:00

Remember that brand new, custom built island. 2 days old. Hmmm. Yeah. Not good. It was one of those wait til your father gets home moments.

They (mainly the girl child, and a bit of Nick) are very lucky this was done on the inside where the dishwasher slides in, so it will be out of sight. Regardless, that part was sheer luck, they did it not realizing that fact. I am not too happy, but managed to not freak out. They however are not looking forward to showing Daddy their 'art work'.

2008-02-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

Conversations between Nick and Mom.

Mom: No Nick you may not go in the bath with Brody. End of story.

Nick: (throws his hands in the air in frustration) IT CAN NOT BE THE END OF THE STORY. YOU ARE NOT A BOOK.

Mom: Leaves the room to giggle!!

2008-02-28T04:48:00.001-08:00

Kitchen Reno of 2008.
All was going well, until the island had to come through the door, into the house. Minor detail!
So, off came the door, and out came the crow bar. It made it. The door frame unfortunately did not survive. Really though, who doesn't want to be able to see through the door when it's closed in mins 20 degree weather?? (sorry the pic is sideways. my camera was not cooperating).

This used to be part of the door. Now they are strategically made weapons of destruction for the boys.
Here is the beauty. Still needs to be trimmed, around the bottom and the dishwasher, but I had to share the progress so far. I am in love with Paul. He built this gorgeous piece. He will be my forever favourite guy. Well, I mean other than my husband, cause he did pay for it and all!!

2008-02-27T14:17:00.001-08:00

We did a little photo shoot tonight. VERY impromptu. Nick had his sweater tucked into his underwear, so you can tell how much thought was put into it! Just took a moment that they were all in the room, to try to get them all in one shot, again. I didn't get a picture perfect moment, but I got a lot of truth. This is our family. We don't conform to the rules...we make our own!! SO, here are the true family photos.

I really am not sure when this cute toddler, became such a beautiful girl, but it hurt my heart when I saw this picture of her. So mature, and lovely. Hard to believe she will be 4 in September.
This one is an honest shot of their personalities. Brody looks like he is trying to get everyone to do what they are supposed to. Jack looks annoyed by it all. Nick is off on his own direction, and Meg is just wanting to be in the shot! Little princess that she is.

This one I thought was sweet, no one looking, no one caring, and me trying to get them to show some love for each other...they couldn't care less.

DA BOYZ!
I am so blessed.

2008-02-25T14:45:00.001-08:00

Riding the Daddy Express.

I love how Megan is holding on to his hair for the reigns. Poor Jack was a tad bit upset by not getting a good seat on the train. Sorry for the fuzzy pictures. I was trying to be quick, and had my finger in the wrong place I think.

2008-02-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

So tonight I went out to do some shopping, and to hang out with a good friend. It was a fabulous night of giggles, and gossip, and then it all had to come to an end. After a quick run into starbucks, otherwise known as a place where you can pay for 4L worth of milk, and receive only one squirt of a teet, we headed back to the van. We got settled and I put my foot on the brake to pull it into drive. Low and behold my brake peddle would not move. Frustrated, I noticed the oil light was on. Since this vehicle is only a year old, and barely a dent made in the payments, I was none to pleased. I called my wonderful husband to try to get some insight into what the heck may be going on. After a few moments of him saying that was strange, he asked me one final question. This was it, "Did you start the van"? I started to give him trouble for even having the audacity to ask me that, when I tried the ignition. Boy was my face red. That little ol' oil light went right off, and the brake started working too. I said, "OH", and hung up before I could hear what comment would come out of his mouth next!! All he did when I got home was smile. Wait until he sees the low fuel light on when he leaves for work tomorrow!! :)

2008-02-22T14:44:00.001-08:00

Don't come to our house, unless you are willing to have a chance encounter with the sweater monster. He's pretty scary, and elicits screams from all who live here.

2008-02-20T05:22:00.001-08:00

We had an impromptu photo shoot this morning. It was to capture some lego creations, but ended up capturing some cuties instead.

Love this one. Brody was telling me that he didn't have a good smile, so Nick, being Nick said, "Look Brody, it's easy. You just be happy". Then he showed him his fake smile. That little guy melts my heart. I happened to catch the moment with my camera. You can't fake sweet moments like this.

2008-02-12T13:26:00.001-08:00

For the past two weeks I have been taking the youngest two with me to the arena to watch the oldest two boys skate with the school. They did well today. Tried really hard, and did some improving. It's so cute to watch all those little creatures on the ice. 99% of them could skate major circles around me, as I lie crying in a heap of oldness on the ice. Nick is in the top picture with his EA. Brody is in the bottom picture.

2008-02-10T07:51:00.001-08:00

Daddy and Jack discussing the latest tool magazine over toast with jam. It's the little things that make life enjoyable. It was cute to see Jack enjoying the time bonding with his Dad. I had to take a picture to treasure the memory with. Hope you have a lovely day with your family this chilly Sunday.