yipee!

I got tagged for real by Melissa, and it's a multi tag at that! How exciting is this!?

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the question about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 other people and posts their names and leaves a message on their blog letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog to get the directions.

Tag #1/2

1. What was I doing 10 years ago:
I feel like it was just yesterday. 16 years old. High school. Just about to take my first trip to Mexico and get the sunburn of my life. Spending time with and learning from my older brother Ryan who lived at home at the time before he passed away 3 months later.

2. 5 things on my to-do list today:
* I need to Get Ripped with Jari Love I am so in love with these dvd's (thank you for intoducing me michelle)
* Get the kids to nap at the same time (it is a daily goal, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't)
* Do my visiting teaching (that's right I even have 2 days to spare!)
* Make food?!?
* Actually fold put away the 3 loads of laundry I am in the middle of. (again, this may or may not happen)

3. What snacks do I enjoy:
chocolate, chocolate, and ummm oh yeah chocolate

4. What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire:
Ok, I really don't have any fun or ridiculous ideas because, my head just doesn't go there. 1st pay off loans. They aren't that bad for Derek's 7 years of school, but they are there ready to start gaining interest in less than a year. Then I would buy a house and pay someone to decorate it like a magazine. A new wardwobe for all is a must. Travel the world of course with my friends and family. And I would soooooo be a donater. Those kids in Africa tear at my heart strings. I want to go and help people.

5. 3 bad habits:
1. so many, where to start...i just won't.
2.
3.

6. 5 places I've lived:
I hate this one because I'm so boring here. To top off that I have only lived in 2 places, I have lived in a total of 2 houses and 2 apartments...can we BORING!
SO here is 5 places i would like to live.
1. Paris (i'm so jealous of you melissa)
2. New York. Who doesn't want to live the crazy fast paced high life for a moment?
3 A cute little cabin on a lake somewhere. I could live in a place like that for the rest of my life!
4. In a house on a beach
5. Raymond! Since I'm going to end up back there again someday, I might as well want to live there right!

7. 5 jobs I've had:
1. Soccer referee
2. Figure skating coach
3. a MOMMY!
That's it I think since I just put some others on this tag

8. 5 things people don't know about me:

* I've witnessed 2 people be hit by cars. One of the times I was RIGHT beside the guy who got hit, and I was first in line to get hit, but I somehow didn't, phew. He broke his leg. The other was a small child. I guess he didn't get hit, more of a run over. The kids was really scratched and bruised up, but ok. Both times I had to tell my story to the police.

* My house is clean and tidy for the most part, but open any drawer or closet and you amy or may not be in for a surprise mess. I'm trying on work on that though.

* I am a trusting person. I meet someone and totally think the best of them, not sure if this is good or bad.

* My brain does not work like it used to. Mom brain maybe? I don't think I could participate in an intellectual conversation at this point.

* I get super annoyed with cheesy people and their humor. Then I see them pass it on to their kids, errrrr! It won't ever end!


Tag #3

8 Things about myself that you may not know...

I decided to do this as my fears/phobias scares me and I just don't like kinda thing.

1. No bare feet can ever touch me, and the thought is a million times worse if they are wet.

2. In our last apartment we had a mouse. I acted in a way I did not know I was capable of when I first saw it. I'm talking bawling hysterically, hyperventilating, dry heaving, then being paralysed. I had for real nightmares at least once a week for over a year, A YEAR!

3. I don't like country music. There are a few mainstream songs I like but for the most part, it makes me a little sick to my stomach. A while ago I programmed a country station into the radio in the car and tried to like it every once and a while, no good.

4. bleh, sushi

5. I didn't like the movie Hairspray. I really built it up from all the comotion about it, and it didn't not meet my expectations. The girl wasn't even a good dancer!

6. EVERY time we go waterskiing I have to gear myself up to get in the water. I have this slimmy fish touching me thing in my head that I have to fight. EVERY time. I grew up with a boat, I'm pretty sure my family loves me for it.

7. I don't like to try new things that I don't think I will be good at.

8. Before I was a mom I always got scared thinking of labor and potty training. I didn't even get a taste of labor with Alli. Sooooo, it's time for potty training and I so don't know what I am doing. I think my child is growing up and I am not grown up yet. She still goes to bed with her soother. (AHHHHH!) And in goes to bed I mean to her crib while still wearing pyjamams with the feet in them. I got the full labor experience with James, minus the worst part. (long story short, after a couple hours apparently I was not capable of actually pushing him out...) So I ducked out of labor, can I duck out of potty training? FYI, I would do labor again any day if I didn't have to potty train.

Fun, Fun. Now I tag....hummm...Jade, Caylee, cousin Jessica, my newest blog frined Jaime aaannnnddd Susie. Do whatever you want! Put stuff in take stuff out, I don't care! But you better do it..

the plague

Ok so I just spent 20 minutes writing a long post complaining through the whole thing about how "the plague" is visiting us right now in all sorts of forms. From sickness and a clean, but not CLEAN house to the terrible 2's.

Then I decided I am an optimistic person. I have done my fair share of complaining to derek, and my mom and sister's lately, (because if you can't complain to family, who do you complain to?) but I won't subject anyone else to my "woes." Your welcome.

Instead I will tell you how amazing my life is. Because really, I know I don't have it bad at all. In fact, I sure wouldn't have to look very far to find people who have it worse than I do.

I'm sure I have done my fair share of complaining on here and will most likely complain in the future. I think a blog is a perfect place for an entertain rant. But not today.

So now I count my blessings.

1. I have a gift certificate burning a hole in my wallet for a massage. Can't wait to use it!

2. Old Navy is having their baby sale right now. SCORE!

3. I bought new shoes! For my day to day shoes, I have been wearing the same ones for over 3 YEARS! Which is just crazy because I used to have quite the variety of shoes and never had a a pair that I wore 90% of the time because I had so many to choose from. I'm actually kinda sad to see those ratty old shoes go.

4. I felt like a "lady" the other day in the store. (Not lady as in nice and mannerly and all grown up, as in "Who does that lady think she is shopping in this happnen store?") You know, where everyone who works there "is like, you know, umm 18" (to be read while snapping gum) So, I'm getting out of this winter rut and not giving in to being a "lady with 2 kids" I'm not sure how I'm going to accomplish this. Maybe I'll start by showering, makeup, AND hair everyday. Oh, this was a blessing to feel like an old lady so that I don't completly give in before it is too late. So thank you teeny boppin la senza workers. Now I'm going to be a cool happnen momma with a couple a kids!

5. I went to bed at 8:30pm last night. That's right, 8:30. I have been sick for over a week (but I'm not complaining) My fantastic husband got me some chicken noodle soup and put the children to bed and I got to rest my aching body.

6. Mmmmm, I have cookies in my house right now. I screwed up the homemade oreos (homemade as in used a cake mix) last week and was craving some non screwed up ones. So I made them the other day and the are delish! And I even gave some away. You know they are good when you can actually give some away.

7. I found a new love for my primary class that I teach. I've been teaching the 4-5 year olds for about a year and a half and I'm actually putting in some effort again lately and it's helping. I set some rules and they actually kind of follow them. At least they are normal rules, not like my old class...no burping during the prayer, no climbing out the window, and no playing swords with your ties or belts.

8. We got our vitiamin D this week! The sun actually came out and the temperature was above zero!

9. My mom is planning a trip up soon! YAY! We love when Granny Bea comes!

10. Alli has not had one single nap for a whole week. It's so great. We get to spend so much time together and I really cherish these moments as a mother of a 2 year old...

Ahhhh, I feel so much better about life now. A happy list beats a complaining list any day! Maybe I need to do a weekly thankful post like a few people do to keep me away from my evil pessimistic side. The only plague is the happy plauge around here. Ok, am I getting gross happy?

Of course some photos...




also, i just saw the picture form the last post right below this one of alli. they look SLIGHTLY the same, oh well.

love...no TREATS DAY!

LO
VE



Happy Valentine's

The day is almost over, so I better hurry and get a few pics up. I like Valentine's. What's not to like? A crafts for the kids, some chocolate for me, and COOKIES all around! Sure it's such a commercial holiday, but I don't get flowers or diamonds so it's not commercial for me. It just gave us something to do today.

We went to Susie's to make sugar cookies of course. Jaime and her baby Brody were there too. I'd put up a link to her blog, but oh, she doesn't have one! You better get on it Jaime. And I didn't take any pictures of the cutest little Brody and sweet little Sadie, so sad. I bet Susie will put some up.





But first we did a little craft,



and painted some pink nails!




...wait



...WAIT...




Now Eat!




Oh, and if you are wondering about James in all the pictures, do not worry, he was not neglected. He was sound asleep through the whole fun afternoon. He slept forever. Getting over his not 24 hour fever like I thought, try 4 days! Poor little furnace. The nap was great for us until he woke with a disaster exploding out of his pants. So he got a very necessary and special bath with hearts. What a stinker!...pun intended.



So love to all your loves today! (even to one of my loves in Saskatchewan right now, i'm so lonely...)

nope, not a tag

I never take pictures before church and that's when the kids are usually lookin pretty cute. We are usually rushing out the door. Yesterday I had a few minutes and got Alli to cooperate with a little snack bribe. James is always ready for the camera. So I'll spread them out through the post, because i couldn't decide...they are all so CUTE!



I've been tagging myself for quite sometime now, only so that I won't complain about the weather. Now that we finally had a nice day -2 (woohoo, heat wave!), I don't have to complain about the 2 (or was it 3, such a blur) weeks of -40. When we were outside today I thought the kids don't even need their coats and hats! (but they do)



So to pass the last few weeks I did break down and bake, what else is there to do? I'm not saying I liked doing it. But I had to do something. Nothing fancy just various buns and cookies to bulk up for this weather, hehe. Alli is loving to help in the kitchen, it doesn't make a bigger mess or drag it out at all.



Through the cold I've also been subjected to way to many shrek viewings, had some entertaining dance parties with the kids, still got to the gym 3 days a week, lots of coloring and stories, spent a day in our jammies, did puzzles, went to a couple basketball games (with the kids while derek was coaching, ahhhh!) and played pretend in the toy kitchen almost every day (like I said, alli loves anything kitchen and mixing.) Don't forget cleaned and cooked and wiped noses and kissed owies and bruises, dried tears and tended to James' 24 hour 39.5 fever (and maybe a tooth tomorrow for his troubles?) And my personal fav, braved the cold to the mall for the winter sales here and there. (all the winter clothes go so cheap in january, but there is still a good 3-4 months of sweater wearing left around here so $6, well worth it!) But no walking for James yet, he prefers to play in the toilet lately. The kids are LOVING their swimming classes. James is crazy in love with the water, he cracks me up, and I know this sounds weird for a 9 month old, but he is GOOD!





Derek starts his practicum next week at Harry Ainley. He's helping coach basketball there and is leaving us for 4 days to a tournament in Saskatchewan. I keep thinking something is going to happen and Derek won't really be done school yet. But it's finally happening so soon! We have no idea what we are doing or where we are going, but we'll figure it out soon enough. That's about it. Not too exciting. I've only worked one shift since Christmas. I guess i should get back there to get outta this house for a while!

a mama tag

Susie made this up and it is going around. I guess you could say I tagged myself again, hehe.

Typical time of wake-up: usually 8-8:30. i know, i'm spoiled. i'm going to soak it up for as long as i can.

On a good night when you/kids go to sleep: alli 8:00. james we're still workin on that. me right after james, jks not anymore, now its like 12ish. i should really go to bed earlier. it's all derek's fault he stays up late and can function on less sleep than me, and i just love getting things done with no kids around.





How long you have been a momma: 2 years, 3 months and 25 daysish?

How many times have you been a new mom: TWO!

as if i am putting these pictures up! they are pretty scary. the first one is james, alli second.









How old were you when you became a mom (is this to personal?): 24, not too personal, i'm such a child.

Favorite Kids show: i rather enjoy the backyardigans and their sweet dance moves. i also tried to make alli like the wonderpets because of their songs.

Least Favorite Kids show: toopy and binoo, what is he?, among many many others

Favorite chore: vacuuming. i don't mind kitchen and bathroom since i've done them so much and i really like the results.

Least favorite chore: ironing and folding and putting away clothes.

Meal you cook most often: spaghetti, tacos, fajitas

Kids favorite meal: spaghetti! i love it, derek loves it, alli loves it, and we started putting it in the magic bullet for james and he loves it too! once a week i am SET!

5 things that make you smile when you are being a mom:

what i have to think of 5? jk.jk.

1. james' camera smile.









2. alli's and james' squeals when they are chasing eachother.


(not exactly chasing eachother here, and alli doesn't squeal quite the same way when they are chasing as when james pulls her hair, but here they are interacting, close enough right?)



3. when alli is getting into something she knows she shouldn't and gets caught and drops it or throws it and thinks i don't know. her guilty face cracks me up.

4. CUDDLES!!!!













5. when james tackles alli trying to get her food out of her hand. (he really tackles her, it's kinda slow motion.)

Favorite thing your husband does with your kids: puts the kids to bed whenever he is home at bedtime. derek sings songs to alli when he tucks her in, so cute. but of course i REALLY love how he has his playtime different than i do and makes them laugh and laugh.

Last time you went out with no kids: on saturday we went to watch a high school bball game of one of derek's young men, LAME-O

If you could take your kids anywhere where would it be: DISNEYLAND!!! when they are older that is.

Favorite pastime/activity with kids: anything outside. pleeeease get here early spring!



1 thing you said you would never do when you were a mom: this is gross, but i have done it, and don't pretend you haven't...wiped a snotty nose with no kleenex. i know i'm disgusting. i just don't know what is worse, wiping it with my bare hand or leaving it for them to lick or something! i saw a mom do this when i was younger and was like, GROSS, i'll never do that...

If you had an afternoon to yourself what would you do? go to the mall and TAKE MY TIME!

1 thing you do that your mom did & now you do: well, the other day i was on the phone talking to susie and i said "my kids are being real pills." that is so my mom, and it just came out. that could go in the i said i'd never do that line...talk like my mom, but i guess i do!

Favorite quality of your own mom: BEST MOM EVER! i have learned so so much from her.


















i also have a pretty amazing mother inlaw who raised an awesome boy to be an awesome dad.










Favorite kids book: "What Could be Better Than This?" my mom got us this book last christmas, it is THE BEST!

Best advice for a new mom: i better not be giving out any advice, i barely know what i am doing. maybe, whatever the problem is, they'll grow out of it, so don't stress the small stuff.

Scariest or most heartbreaking moment as a mom: it was really heartbreaking watching my 2 year old stand over the toilet and barf last week. it was also really scary when i got an ultrasound a week before my due date with james and the tech said he was 9 pounds 10 ounces. (he wasn't by the way, 8 pounds)

Most joyful moment as a mom: oh the little everyday joys are the best. this is us on a regular day. the kids are cute and nicely dressed and i look like a wreck!













Last time your child told you they love you: james said it with his smiley dimple. and alli said it right before bed, but also today she saw i had a scratch on my elbow and kissed it better and told me she loved me, awwwwww.

Last time you said I love you to your kid: right before bedtime kisses, and after too!

baby alli


baby james




This took me FOREVER to go through and find all these pictures, but it was fun to look back. all the mommies reading this must do it, it's a good one. thanks for being so creative susie. now it's after 12 and i NEEEEED to sleep.

where's james?

i was wondering where he was! james climbed right into the cupboards. he loves the pots and pans cupboard. i have the rest of the cupboards locked and he gets so mad that he can't open them. he is such a terror. by the way, this terror has taken a random step here and there this week. if he figures out this walking stuff he'll be able to terrorize the house at double time! i'm sooooo excited for that...





brooke and brady came up for a visit earlier this week. we got to play with little nash. he is SUCH a cute boy. we made them wrestle, but we had to put nash on top or james might have crushed him.