Welcome to Cfmommy's Personal Blog!

In Class...

2012-01-10T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well, tonight my students have the whole 3 hour class to work on assignments and their research papers...so this leaves me a whole lotta nothing to do! I'm wishing I had my next course materials so that I could at least work on that...but I could jump ahead and read the chapter in the text book that I need to know about. My next class is "Health Safety and Nutrition"...I'm not sure how it will be as its a new class for me. I'm loving the class that I'm teaching right now, Children with Challenges...my passion!

Not too much is new, today I had a very relaxed day at home. I did my housework nice and early on in the day therefore it made for a good afternoon. I was really hoping to hop onto the treadmill but I didn't...crap!

Today was "Taco Tuesday" the kids were happy to hear that! Every so often we have a taco Tuesday...they love it! Since I'm on south beach (still) I scooped some meat aside (for lunch tomorrow) and will enjoy a lettuce wrap taco tomorrow! Tonight I brought spaghetti squash and steak, that was for supper last night but I went with friends to a pedicure so I missed out!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow, when I can stay at home tomorrow night...I teach again on Thursday.

Today I started my "Body Restoration" course through Bravegirlsclub.com and I'm SO excited to do it. I'm going to go tomorrow to purchase the supplies I need and get started...its a 6 week online course. And, I AM going to finish it :)

Well, I should 'hit the book'..

Back to School Day.

2012-01-09T08:47:00.001-08:00

Well, its offical-the kids are back to school today from their Christmas holidays. They were off on December 23rd-Januray 9th. It was a great holiday, but did feel a little bit longer. I'm happy to get back into routine and get back to regular life. I haven't been sleeping in last week, as Miss E was coming everyday still so it didn't really benefit me much. But, we were able to take in some activities around Edmonton (Telus World of Science, Chuckie Cheese, etc). Today Miss E and I have been hanging out in the basement for a little bit. I slept really really bad last night. I have been having sleep issues since I started back on South Beach diet last Monday (todays a week, -8 pds!) Which I looked it up today, and its common...due to the lack of carbs so your body is in ketosis. I have been sleep deprived for a week so far, so I need to add in milk or some kind of healthy carb. I"ve never had sleeping issues so this is killing me!!!! I have been taking Melatonin even, and its not helping either!

Today, I'm meeting up with a friend and her son for a playdate with Miss E. I don't even feel like doing that, even though I am doing it...I'm just exhausted! Thankfully, I don't work tonight...tomorrow I do.

Fabe and I cleaned the house yesturday, so at least thats done. One less thing to worry about...but this week is bedding week so I will start with Kennedy's this week.

I will add photos...my tablet is charging so I will add photos later :)

Whats New.

2012-01-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

1) My new job (see below)

2) Kids are doing great. Mack turned 15 in November and has only a year until he can drive a car...without us. Yikes. So, we have alot of practice to cram in this next year.

3) Christmas was wonderful! Kids return to school on Monday, I'm ready as they are too.

4) Kennedys been doing great. She was in the hospital for 2 weeks in October, it was hard with working as well.

5) I still watch Miss E everyday, but mommy is pregnant so I'm thinking we will agree that July 1st will be the end of that...I will miss her alot...2 years that I have been watching her.

6) We are thinking of giving up fostering as we have NOT had good luck in it...BUT we have applied for an ADOPTION (Shhhh, if your on my facebook-its a special blog secret!) We *hope* we will get the little one we applied for! SHE is going to be 1 year old in February...and we love the idea of not having to deal with the loss of her leaving...she is in a foster home right now but we had her for a 2 week respite and loved her! So we certainly hope we get her. They figure 2-3 months until we know. We have submitted all of the work necessary but now need to go to our first meeting with our adoptions worker on the 16th!!!!

7) We spent a day at the lake a few weeks ago, it was lovely with this BEAUTIFUL Dec-Jan weather it makes me wish that we had gone winter camping!

8) I'm on the diet wagon (again...siiigh). South beaching it, day 6 so far and -7 pds down!

9) My car is a horrible mess...as is my house...been so busy with working and stuff.

10) Happy New year...I have a feeling 2012 will be a wonderful year and we will all still be around in 2012 :)

New Job!

2012-01-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

So, back in August I took a part time position. I was SO thrilled to be offered a wonderful position when I was really looking. I had applied way back year, and then I saw the same job posting..I emailed to ask to reapply and it turned out to be someone who I had known many years ago through the child care field, she did workshops for my daycare when I owned it so I was thrilled when she showed so much interest in me! I went for an interview and it went so good-its easy when you are so passionate about the work you do!

I am now an instructor at a local college that offers Early Childhood Development training. I have been doing classes now since the end of August and its been AWESOME! I challenged myself taking a 2 year course, as I have been teaching only the 1st year students...I am currently teaching "Children with Challenges" which again is very easy and natural for me as I have experience both personally and professionally. Its amazing to actually have a job that I absolutely love...I don't know that I have ever had that before! I'm loving it...not feeling that dread of going to work, and each class is expanding on my skills as well. Its been alot of work as its all new content to me and when I took my education many of the research and trends have changed so with each new class that I teach I have to be a student first (do all of the readings, prep, etc) then also be an instructor (marking, lectures, etc). Its very neat. From not wanting to speaking in front of people to speaking and teaching for 3-8 hours at a time is sure new to me...but again, I really do LOVE it :)

New Year...good time to start again...?

2012-01-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

I know, I admit it I have been saying forever 'I am going to blog again' and its getting old...well I really AM going to start again...so Happy New Year...you will be seeing me around again!!!

Well hello...(anyone out there?)

2011-08-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

I know, your tired of me coming in and out of your blogging life. But, I'm really hoping to stay. I know, I have said it before (more than once!) so I will let actions speak louder then words (thats the saying, right??) Anyhow, I'm back. And here is a short update:

1) Our baby boy went home to his birth family on August 11th. It was a very, very teary day...was it ever. But he's doing well and we just have to deal with it. It was a little shocking. We miss him dearly...

2) The summer has been fairly wet. But we have been camping every weekend still. Its been a very strange last few weekends since baby went home...I have been doing alot of relaxing out there. Our lakelot is really coming along...I must upload photos soon.

3) The kids return back to school very soon...I'm looking forward to routine again but not sure that I'm looking forward to waking up super early and suffering through the morning-maddness. But ohhhh well...such is life.

4) I have accepted a part time position. I even 'just about' took a full time job as well, but can't do it yet. I really missed working but don't want to do it full time (yet!). So, I will be instructing at a local college 2 evenings a week in the Early Childhood Program...I'm pretty excited!

5) We will be taking another placement but not a baby-I have LOVED having a baby again buuuuut it really was quite hard for us as we have had freedom for years but we forsure still want to foster. So we will hear this week about what we might be considered for...

Thats 5 things that really stands out.

Oh yeah, I have been LOVING Pinterest sooooo much since I discovered it. So many wonderful ideas!!!! I have been loving the exra time, and have been doing alot of refinishing of furniture...

Spice rack no more!

2011-08-19T17:30:00.001-07:00

<-----It didn't always look THIS pretty!

So I saw this idea on Pinterest.com and absolutely knew that I needed to make it for Kennedy's room! I searched for a few weeks for the 'perfect' spice rack and finally scored it last night for 9.99 at Value Village yesturday! I prepped it and painted it last night. It dried over night and today I purchased a crystal knob for the drawer (Home Depot) and its turned out awesome! I can't lie; when Kennedy first spotted it at the thrift store she complained "I'm NOT putting that into my room!" and sure enough today she is loving it!

Sun, the sign of summer!

2011-05-09T06:15:00.000-07:00

My shadow of my bamboo arrangement!

I love waking up at 6am (okay not really!) but I do love waking up to the sun shining in. Its trying to burst through my blinds. It just makes your whole self feel better. I have been snapping some photos of when the sun is lighting up rooms in the house, but you can't really tell in some of these photos. I snapped the shadow of my bambo arrangement on the wall this morning, it was a great sight to see! I love that this house is full of windows and I never have to turn on a light in the house during the day. It makes waking up at 6am alot easier when the sun is there to greet you!

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

Flowers from Fabian, I mean from the kids!

I really love homemade gifts the best of all! Kennedy made this pen holder at school, its SO cute! I love it! It was a good day, I cleaned ! Haha, Fabian said "you shouldn't be doing this today!" I said "Oh, should I do it tomorrow then?" It doesn't bother me, because the house has been so neglected (see below post!) and so having the time to clean makes me feel better. I feel refreshed and happy when the house is clean. Its not 'spotless' but its certainly a step up from where it was :o)

Bittersweet!

2011-05-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

Well the sun is out and I LOVE it! I planted a chair in the backyard and sat and was happy! It feels SO good to be in my yard. My whole yard was replaced when we reuilt this house, except for a flowerbed that I made. I'm happy its still there, its a reminder of our house. Anyhow, the bittersweet part is that with being outside SO much my poor poor house is being neglected. When I complain about it to friends, they don't believe me. Well here's the proof:

My children have been wrting in the dust!

6 ounces!

2011-05-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

My little baby boy is now eating SIX ounces every 3 hours. Thankfully at night, he sleeps 10 hours straight (has been since 6 weeks!) but during the day, this little guy knows 3 hours like clockwork! He was weighed on Thursday, at 8 weeks old=he was 13 pds 3.5 ounces! Crazzzzzy, he is SO chubby but SO cute!!!!

A little of Spring Cleaning!

2011-05-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yesturday the living room dust was killing me. I had both kids content and happy so I pulled the chairs our from the wall and (didn't have time to do the couch) but the main thing was to sweep the dust bunnies out and wash the floor behind there. Today it feels refreshing. I will pull the couch out today so it will be done. I am struggling a bit with the state of my house. Its not horrible, but just maintained. I'm use to pretty much spotless, so its been a struggle BUT its also been nice that its no longer my main focus. The best thing I can do is little bits at a time.

Todays to do list:

Clean upstairs completely (both bathrooms) wash the floors in baby's room, laundry room and bathrooms up there...vaccuum.

Dust the mainfloor (built ins by fire place and dining room) Do a quick tidy of the mainfloor (its pretty much clean)

Vaccuum the basement (I cleaned it yesturday)

Grocery shopping, I joined Weight Watchers last night so I need to fill my cupboards with healthy food choices.

In between the every 3 hour of feeds and cuddles I have until 4pm to get this done (its 9am) then tonight is busy! I have to buy Kennedy her soccer cleats for her first game tonight...then we have to go to the trailer dealership and sign our papers for our new trailer...then rush to Kennedy's soccer game...busy night!!!!!

Soul Restoration.

2011-05-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a course through The Brave Girls. Its a series of 6 weeks, and so far its been So good for me! I am behind a week but I'm going to try to catch up on it today since its just baby and I! This class has really opened up a new way of seeing things and people in my life. I have made some changes in my life because of it and have decided to question alot of 'friendships' and other type of things in my life. Its a great class!

A yucky morning!

2011-05-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

Today was a yucky start to the day. Thankfully as I type this, I see the sun attempting to peek out from behind the clouds! Today was one of those days that you could have stayed in bed for a long time. Even Kennedy was hard to wake up! From out the back window, the neighbors tree was hardly visible as it was so rainy and windy! The wind was howling last night like crazy!

Even Bandit was sleepy, on his pillow.

Even baby was still sleepy in the morning!

What our life has come too...

2011-05-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

swings

carseats...

My 'use to be scrapbook room' is now baby central.

Poor Bandit...life has sure changed!

But this little guy is SO worth it!!!!

These days our house is SURE looking differently! I use to pride myself on my 'near-spotless' house and felt it was decorated beautifully. WELL, thats really changed! Now, our house is crying to be cleaned and this little baby has invaded our house! There is baby stuff everywhere!!!!! And poor Bandit, is no longer 'our baby'...lmao!

But you know? It hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be. When the asked us to take baby, I was really worried and stressed about it. I needed a few hours (and was secretly hoping by then someone else would have taken him) but when I called back, they said he was still needing a home. The first night, I was SICK to my stomach "what the hell am I doing?" and "Who am I kidding, I can't do this!" but guess what? Its been sooooo easy. The lack of sleep at the start, when he was a few weeks old was really hard (its been 11 years!!!!) but now, he sleeps 10 hrs a night, and I'm no longer sleep deprived...Its going good! And life just seems to include him. Its not awkward. Its SO strange how easily (after 11 years!!!) he just fits.

We 'sent' him for respite care this weekend, not because we felt we needed it...but because we wanted to connect with our kids, make sure they were doing okay. It was a tough weekend, we missed him alot. Kennedy had her party (11!!!) and sleepover-it went really well. Mack, was so sick with a flu. He had a high fever, body aches, pains, sinus issues and cough. He is back to school today, since Thursday he has been knocked out.

I can't show photos of babies face, but parts of him or photos of him without his face showing are allowed, just in case you are wondering...I would LOVE to show him off...

Spring has Sprung!

2011-05-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

Yesturday was summer like weather +21! It was beautiful out! I spent the day with Miss E (yes, I still watch her) and baby outside. We enjoyed a nice walk, park and backyard fun! Naptime was smooth after so much outside time, it was great! I just LOVE the sun. Its NEVER too hot for me, I can live in heat no problem. I'm so happy that the sun has decided to come out, no more snow (longest winter EVER!) and no more cold~

Last night, we enjoyed BBQ'd chicken breasts, baby potatoes and salad for supper. I also love that in the summer, you can BBQ and there is WAY less clean up from supper. Lifes good :o)

Going to try to return...

2011-04-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

I miss blogging. I'm hoping that THIS time I will be back. I enjoy reading blogs alot...and have taken time to read my favorite blogs...but I have been missing blogging myself. I love looking back on my old blog posts and reading 'what was I doing this day, last year? 2 years ago?, etc?"...so I'm hoping to be back! And we have news...a NEW baby boy! So, I will be blogging about him (because he is in the foster care system, I won't post photos...but I can share glimpses of him). Other then that...you will catch up soon enough :o))) Hope I still have blogger friends!!!

Christmas

2010-12-15T14:04:00.000-08:00

Entrance Way from 2nd storey...

Well I am *almost* done. It seems the more I get done: the more I have to do.

I have a few small things left to purchase then I will offically done. Its mainly running around to get gift cards for my Uncle and a friend. Some scratch tickets to finish off my dads gift...things like that. I have an order at Sears to pick up. And, thats about it. The trees are done...1 in the kitchen (pictures to come) and the other in the basement (you can see it in the playroom)...

I'm still not feeling "the mood" yet...hopefully soon.

I have yet to arrange the teachers gifts with their cards.

We have Kennedys party on Sunday.

So thats pretty much our Christmas update!

Snow Day!

2010-12-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

Today I had big plans to do some deep cleaning around here...

1) Clean/dust the bannisters

2) Wipe down baseboards

3) Spot wipe windows in each room

BUT, I didn't do any of it. I super cleaned the house yesturday and planned to do the deeper cleaning but, I didn't. I did wrap the rest of the gifts, checked my Christmas lists (compiled a new 'to do' list for Christmas)...and I'm still in my jammies. The kids will be home right away (its 3pm)

Oh well, its nice sometimes to do pretty much nothing.

Fun!

2010-12-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

Cafe O Play (above)

Our playroom (below)...

We checked out a new place http://www.cafeoplay.ca/ its the BEST place EVER!

Its a coffee shop...with an indoor playarea! Its so nice to sit and enjoy the kids playing while being able to sip on a latte (which they make the BEST ones ever!)...its so clean! We will be going there often!

Amazing!

2010-12-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

pattycakes22@shaw.ca

I LOVE my friend, Patti's cakes. Its amazing her work...

She is on facebook...at PattyCakes

You should look at her Xbox cake, its awesome!

Back at it again...

2010-12-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

I know...bad bad blogger. But I figure I have come 'this' far and now I need to continue blogging. For many reasons, but the one that always strikes me is when I'm out somewhere or something happens in a day I think how much it would be neat to blog about it. My goal for 2011 is to blog on a regular basis again. I enjoy it. And, I LOVE reading other peoples blogs.

As for an update. We are busy around here. We are back on the bed list for another foster daughter. This time, we are interested in a longer term placement. The short lived placement, was too hard on all of us. So we have decided a longer term placement is better for us. We have been on the bedlist for 2 weeks now. Should be anytime now...exciting! We have asked for a little girl (1 this time)...between the ages of 6-9. A little girl because, the room is directly across from Kennedys room and she isn't comfortable with a boy being 'right' there. Plus, Kennedy is the youngest child and her and I hang out more often (since Mack is 14 year old, and well...that explains it all) I vision a girl that we can hang out with too. I pray and cross all crossables that we will find a match. We told them, we are not in a rush...at all, so try to match as best as they can! I'm excited! The room needs MAJOR work for a little girl (being the room is BLUE as it was suppose to be Macks room then he decided to move to the basement last minute) but I'm not going to go crazy or anything...as I want HER to pick out HER bedding. We need a bedroom suite for in there forsure though...

I have added in some extra kids to my daytime...Baby E's mom was quite concerned about her being the only one, she put her into care for the reason of having her socialized and while I did do playgroups,etc..so another young mom has a Baby A (both same names, just spelled differently...SO weird!)...anyhow...she needed care the EXACT same hours but rather then 3 days a week like Baby E its 5 days. Which is fine by me, I was actually spending money all day anyhow. BUT, Baby A has a sister who needs care 1 week one, 1 week at dads (off). Just 2 weeks a month. I figured 'why not'. So I have taken them on. And thats ALL (lol). Its soooo enjoyable the 2 little ones...so cute! The sister, Big Girl C is almost 4. She is at a nice age, plays and watches TV on quiet time. I was worried about naptime as thats 'my' time to clean the kitchen from lunch, throw laundry in, etc,etc..but as it turns out=she still naps :o) Perfect so far.

So, this week is without C. Today was both babies, it was busy but fun! We got a few crafts in, a big walk and lots of play! I love not having to leave the house...not sure I will watch peoples kids forever but right now, its really working for me. I love being able to have supper going, snacks ready for the kids afterschool and having the option to stay home. While Kennedy is 10 years old, she isn't comfortable with staying home alone. So, with a job out of the house...I have to worry about before/afterschool care. I think maybe by September she will be ready to come home alone. And, thats just a good time to go back to work. Mind you, if a position came up and I was really interested in it: I would apply.

The kids are doing good. They had their report cards, they are both doing well. Mack got his learners license for driving (scary!)...so I have been taking him out a few times a week. Kennedy is hosting her first Christmas party on Sunday here for 13 of her closest friends...she is hoping to make it an annual event!

I was done my Christmas shopping early this year: Thank God! It still feels like its a long ways away, but I know its under 2 weeks. I'm looking forward to 10 days off :o) 10 days of sleeping in and spending LOTS of time with my children :o)

Other then that, things are good. I will get some photos going right away!

Well Hello...

2010-10-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, its been a long time. Things have been busy-like everyone else. But I failed and neglected my blog. But I'm back!

So the 2 little girls have come and left. They required someone to take in the infant brother but there was no way that we could-with staying sane at the same time...so they found a home for all of them faster then they thought. It was an interested few weeks with them around, but they will be happy with their baby brother.

We are all packed up from camping, for another year=how depressing.

We went to Vegas at the end of Sept. just Fabe and I (along with 2 other couples). We had an EXCELLENT time..the weather was perfect!

I'm still keenly doing my meal planning, what a life saver it has been for me. So helpful!

The kids are good and healthy.

I'm still at home, watching Baby E 3x's a week...we keep busy on her days here.

My friend had her baby Drayden, I was with her when he was born. Absolutely beautiful baby, our newest Godson...

As for fostering, we will plunge back into it in the new year we are hoping/thinking.

Nothing much else to report, really.

Randoms...

2010-10-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

YES, it IS snow...

And lots of it.

Uuuuugggh....

So I stayed in HERE alllllll day long today :o)

Kennedy was happy with the snowfall. Mack, not so much...

The Lake...

2010-10-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

So, my favorite place to hang is put to rest until the spring! We moved lots this September after an incident with the campground...they 'accidently' rented out our lot but all is good. We got a HUGE lot with WAY more privacy and 900.00 cheaper a year (score) so we happily moved. While we aren't overlooking the lake anymore (and 5 other people) we have an older mature lot with TONS of huge trees...I can't wait to set it all up next year! This really is my favorite place to be. The first photo is of the crest that we take off the highway and 'bam' we are offically 'there'. Its so beautiful in the summer..the boats in the way. Its instantly relaxing when you arrive here...

Our road...

Our new lot

looks bare now, but in the summer its full of trees

The back of the lot

Cattle Drive...

2010-10-25T16:27:00.001-07:00

It was really neat seeing this going down the highway. Things like this is what makes me appreicate being in the middle of nowhere...it was quite cool!

Wow..

2010-09-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry no blog updates..life is busy busy busy then EVER.

We have 2 new littles ones in our home.

Yes, 2!

Wow-

A 2 year old and a 5 year (girls!).

They are a delight but wow, I`m adjusting to it, well-lets just say I`m really struggling with my new life.

Wow!

Welcome Home, Neighbors...Welcome Home!

2010-09-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Since our devastating fire (see Nov. 2008) our neighbors have been out of them home as well. Like us, their home was completely destroyed too. Well today, like hours away they get the keys to their brand new beautiful home! I'm so happy for them...the workers have been out doing the last minute things like power washing their house, etc and they are ready. I'm so thrilled to have our neighbors back...afterall they were our neighbors for 4 years before the fire. Their daughter is so excited to be home too. I just remember the day (See March 2010) when we got our keys to this house...it was amazing. We are blessed to live in an amazing neighborhood with amazing neighbors and being back here has been the best feeling. I am happy that they will be feeling that way too...they deserve this after a very long road of rebuilding their lives after a major loss...

My Thursday.

2010-09-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, clean house :o)

Today and yesturday I have been cleaning like a madwoman. Its done now, and its noon! Plus I hung photos (see below) have supper thawing, bread baking and Kennedys bedding washed. Todays a good day! This allows me to go to the grocery store and get what I need and *maybe* enjoy a movie all alone while the kids are in school-oh wait, its early day (scratch that!). Tomorrow, I have a busy day. Baby E is here bright and early at 8am until 4pm. I will have a quick tidy in the morning then at 10am an offical from Children's Services will be coming to hopefully approve my house for fostering. Then, we will head out as its suppose to be a beautiful day...all the while while trying to prepare for heading to the lake for the long weekend! I hope the weather holds up for us, or it might be the last weekend of camping for us!

The kids are settling back to school great!

Nothing much new...meal planning is still awesome and making my life easier!

Hanging artwork!

2010-09-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Today I took the plunge (and marked it off my 'to do' list) and hung some artwork in the basement. We have had a pile of photos sitting for the past 6 months in the basement and since Fabian FINALLY dealt with the 'pile' of stuff in the basement (marked that off the list too!) I decided to do it today. I'm so happy with the pictures so far. We need a few more for down there (living area, Macks room and his bathroom) but so far=so good! It sure makes a house feeling lived in when the walls have stuff on it. Fabian will be impressed that I did it too...I *tried* to hang up the mirror for the front entrance with no such luck though, I will have to wait for Fabian for that one...otherwise, the house is really coming together!!!!

Bread!

2010-09-02T10:46:00.001-07:00

I have been LOVING my bread machine lately. Maybe because its been fall-ish outside or something but I have been loving it. I bake a loaf a day, I try to have it so its done when the supper is done so my family can enjoy it with their dinner. Today, my mom and uncle are stopping by therefore I'm baking 2 loafs today-one for each of them. I really do love the smell of the homemade bread in the house, sure makes a home feel homey :o)

Lists lists lists...

2010-09-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

I have tried to figure out ways to keep track of the groceries we need; but its been a great challenge for me. I bought the Smart Shopper, which is awesome you record what you need and the items comes up...its itemizes into categories of a grocery store (Dairy, dry goods, produce, meats, etc) and you press print and it prints off a list for you to take to the store. Its good because you can add things and record new things. But I still to my old ways; good ole paper and pen...and a dry erase board...we have 3 lists going at a time...crazy!

What do YOU do?

some photos of the pantry...

2010-09-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Pantry...This is the MOST favorite part of the house for me still! I absolutley LOVE my panrty...its so huge and perfect for us. I worried when we built this house that I would regret taking space from my scrapbooking room to make the pantry bigger-but I have not wished for my scrapbooking room to be bigger or my pantry smaller...its just right for us!

Sights of My Mornings...

2010-09-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Tv on, country music

My calendar and 'organization' station-but not very organized at all!

Chicken thawing for tonights (meal planning) supper...

Kennedys lunch kit, all packed up ...

My coffee maker...ready to go!

Bandit enjoying the sun peering through the windows...

Sun sun sun...oh how I love thee!

Bandit still enjoying the morning...

My scrapbooking room, cleaned and cheery to look at!

Canadian Family!

2010-09-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

This magazine is a great one-I love that its Canadian and the resources and ads actually pertain to us :o)

Tonights supper...

2010-09-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Yummy meatloaf!

I took a slice of it, considering its not 'that' bad-the 'worst' part of it is the tomato soup for me and the bread crumbs. But 1 slice isn't going to kill me-I had it with cauliflower. It was a great supper! Kennedy took the photos for me today..it was a nice recipe and very very simple!

Beautiful moon!

2010-09-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

The moon was just beautiful on our way back from Calgary! I had to shoot it, even though the car was moving (My friend was driving!)...

Calgary Trip!

2010-09-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

can you spot Kennedy? Her friend is wearing a red shirt near the front of the rollercoaster-

The trip was so much fun! I posted about it on my general 'update'...I'm so happy that I was able to make it there this year. Mack opted to stay home with Fabian plus he had football but he didn't want to go anyhow. Which I do understand as my friend's children are young.

Magazine day :o)

2010-09-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Love when I get magazines in the mail :o) Makes me day!

Yummy!

2010-09-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

This was a big hit in our house! The kids loved it as did Fabian. I love when they enjoy what I have prepared for them. We had this with some corn and salad. It was seriously a good meal :o)

Sorry for the blogging break!

2010-09-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

I'm back! I have still been meal planning and in fact did another week of it since its been going SO good! This have been pretty busy around here.

Our trip- Our trip was GREAT! Kennedy brought Darius, her friend since she was 2 weeks old. They are 2 weeks apart (his mom and I were best friends since high school-pregnant together!) anyhow-it was wonderful. The first day we checked into the hotel nice and early. Then we went to Walmart and bought some drinks, food and snacks for the hotel. They both begged me for a Hungry Man meal (??) and so I told them 'thats supper then!" and they were super happy (at 5.00 each plus my Smart One=13.00 for supper for the 3 of us-can't go wrong with that!) so then we went back to the hotel, ate our frozen meals and relaxed for a bit then hit the pool for a few hours! We went to Calaway Park the next day (Tuesday) for 7 hours, they absolutely LOVED it. 50.00 for the 3 of us, unlimited rides-can't complain! Got back to the hotel (ate frozen meals again, their choice!) and swam for several hours. Then final day, we packed up and headed to the zoo for the day then drove home. It was a cheap little break. It was perfect having a room with a fridge and microwave. The rooms were only 99.00/night. We had coupons for the zoo and Calaway. Bought a case of water, juice boxes and Gatoraide at Walmart to bring with us to the attractions. We did eat lunches at the zoo and Calaway Park but it was pretty good. They had tons of fun, without breaking the bank.

Meal Planning- As I mentioned its going super good. I have loved all of the simple recipes so far. And its even more important now considering its back to school today plus football is still 4 times a week...I need to be very prepared to ensure the family is eating a good meal.

Weight Loss- I have been back on South Beach and doing really good. In addition to this, I have been walking 45-60 mins a few times a week. I feel great and since January have lost 25 pds so far. We are heading to Vegas this month (Sept 30th) so I really would be thrilled to loose 5 more pds to bring it to 30 pds. I can really tell from my tummy, which is where I wanted to loose the weight the most.

Baby E- well since having her another friend has asked me to watch her daughter (who is in kindergarten) and her son (grade 4). I figured 'why not'...so that may or may not actually start next week. Plus, Kennedys best friend is needing a place to go afterschool and I had offered to her parents that I would take her if they stick her on the bus with Kennedy..and now they want too. What am I thinking??? Mack, Kennedy, C, M, K all at 4pm!!!! What the heck Tara? Oh well, at least Baby E is only Mon, Wed and Friday's 8-3:45 pm. As well, don't forget soon we will be having a new one of our own (okay, not really!) but Friday the licensing officer comes to (hopefully) approve us for fostering...wow!!! Thats alot of kids...

Back to School- Mack, grade 9 and Kennedy, grade 5!

House- huuuuge 'to do' list...but whats new with that? You scratch off 2 items only to get 5 more...you can't get ahead.

Well thats a bit of an update...I will add some photos of the trip and meals...

On a mini-vacation...

2010-08-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

I might try to blog, we'll see!

I'm heading on a minivacation with Kennedy and her friend until Wednesday evening.

It will be to an outdoor amuzement park and a wonderful Zoo!

We are looking forward to a hotel, no cleaning and swimming time!

Have a great few days.

I will be back to blogging my Meal planning...so ensure to come back :o)

Thursday.

2010-08-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

Today I'm very tired. I have been taking Melatonin to help with 'back to school' and getting back into a 'normal' sleep cycle. But I think its cutting into my next day so I'm done taking it now I think. I have been dragging my feet like crazy today, so not like me. Plus not being able to get outside to walk or anything, I'm not use to being stuck in my house all day (the smoke-see below!) So today Baby E and I just hung out in the house, in the basement really. We did lunch and a snack...there was no way she was going down for a nap today as she came late (noon) and left at 3:45pm. Tomorrow she will be here all day (8-4pm) that will be different for me as we don't have long days usually but thats okay. Not too sure what we will do...probably indoor stuff again.

I wish I can say I was productive today. I made beds, put away the clean dishes, prepared for tonights supper, made a loaf of bread and did 2 loads of laundry...but I really wasn't as productive as usual. I'm planning on going to bed early tonight and tomorrow I will have more energy!

Not too much this weekend for plans...

Friday night-not sure yet.
Saturday- 1st Aide (Fabe and I)
evening- BBQ at a friends house
Sunday-Not much...Kennedy comes home :o)
Monday-Kennedy and I are planning a road trip with a friend and her boys...for 2 nights...

I can't believe back to (hell) school is in less then 2 weeks already! I'm so sad...life is so simple with the kids being at home all day no rushing around, no hussle and bussle of activity just calm and simple...

Oh well, such is life.

Smoke in the City!

2010-08-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Sadly, fires in B.C are out of control

(wildfires)...and today the smoke in Alberta is horrible. I can't imagine it in BC...this scares me for Kennedy with her CF. Not a good thing, forsure for her. The worst thing is, she is with my mom up north and outside pretty much all day...thankfully she has her puffers and I have been calling to ensure she takes them. I worry about her lungs...

The sky is just a bright yellow color. No clouds-no nothing. Sun is a big yellow/orange hazey ball in the sky. Its pretty bad. There are air quality warnings issued now...

The photo I posted is in front of our street and usually I can see clearly behind the houses in the end there, there is a road and more houses...I can't see anything past those houses...

Day 2 of Meal Planning: Chicken Hurry!

2010-08-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

Chicken Hurry...

My plate of supper...no rice for moi.

I found this recipe online I believe and it turned out excellent. I used brown sugar splenda and it turned out wonderful still...I chose to swap it for 'real' sugar just as a better choice for the family. Fabe was a little hesitant as he isn't a fan of 'sweet' stuff but with the package of Onion Soup mix it turned out soooo yummy! We had it with mixed medley vegetable rice and green salad. Forsure a keeper for a recipe in our house..and sooooo fast and easy!

Good Mail Day!

2010-08-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE Better Homes and Gardens magazine! I was thrilled today when I checked the mail and it was in there :o) I look forward tonight to relaxing with a cup of tea and indulging myself in it.

MmmmMMmMMMmm...

2010-08-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have been using my bread machine for the past few days, and I'm loving it. Before the fire, we used ours alot. Then, we replaced ours with a new one and we didn't open the box as I didn't feel like doing it in the rental house. Now, I love it again! I plan to make my bread as much as possible now...I did a loaf yesturday and another one today. My little baking section (on my counter top) is filling up quickly with homemade bread and muffins. Too bad I'm eating healthy (this week) and choose not to eat it. Oh well, I love to see the family enjoy it anyhow...and at least I get to enjoy the yummy fresh bread smell :o)))

Wednesday!

2010-08-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

Today I had Miss E for a whole whopping 2 hours. Still, we managed to meet a friend at McD's for some play time (and a pop/apple juice), changed a poopy diaper and walked out front of the house for a while...yes-all in 2 hours!

I grocery shopped this morning (after my meal planning-see below!)

Fabe got home at 4pm...Mack was at the skate park with friends BMX'ing for the afternoon. We had supper, I washed up and the my boys (Mack and Fabe) headed out for football.

Bandit and I are laying here on the bed...I'm going to take him for a walk...charge my Ipod first!

Tomorrow, Baby E is coming at noon. We will hit the park and do our walk in the afternoon. Friday she is here all day...again, not sure what we will be doing but something to 'kill' the whole day together...we still have to do the library so it might be a good day to go then.

We aren't heading to the lake this weekend...Fabe and I both need to take First Aid for our foster care preparation. Our 'checks' (Criminal record and Child Welfare) have expired so we had to get new ones, so we are awaiting that and our 1st Aide then we will get licensed. We have too really start thinking of an age...just not sure still.

I spoke with Kennedy a few times so far, she is doing good.

Thats about it :o)

My BIG project..

2010-08-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

So, many months ago I did meal planning. It made my life WAY easier when I had it actively going. Then I stopped. Why. I don't know...but since then its the SAME battle 'what to make for supper'...its very annoying and just adds additional worry to all of the things that needs to be accomplished. Today I did it. I took a pile of my favorite books (traditional cooking with oven and slowcooker recipes) and I headed up to the loft by the printer/copier and I picked out family friendly recipes and photo copied them...

This is how I did it:

1) Gather your favorite recipe books.

2) Find a comfy spot, by a printer/copier

3) Find recipes that you know your family will enjoy (and you know its an recipe you will actually do!)

4) Copy them out of the recipe book

5) Write out a week of recipes (Meat, side dish and a veggie) (day 1, 2, 3,etc up to day 7-or more!)

6) Write down the groceries you will need (forsure pantry stuff, frozen items, etc)

7) Go shopping.

8) Be prepared to look at whats for supper VS. WORRY about whats for supper...

I left the parishables (fresh buns, fresh veggies, etc) for a shop before the recipe...since we have to do the usual grocery shop for bread, milks, etc.

I look forward to being able to LOOK at my sheet each day/night and preparing what I can the night before (slowcooker stuff) so that come supper times, its a smooth transition rather then how its been: stressful.

So I have Week 1 complete. My groceries are bought, pantry is stocked and my recipes are posted in the pantry on the bulletion boards. I'm ready...

Today, since feeling so inspired I made a new recipe. It turned out really good. It was a perfect day since Mack has football tonight so it was a simple yet filling supper. I made corn for the side dish along with a fresh salad.

I have taken a photo of the recipe just in case anyone out there wants it...it got great reviews from Fabe and Mack. We added a blob of Sour Cream on the top to finish it off.

Cute Bubbles!

2010-08-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

I found these bubbles at Winners

for Kennedys room. They dont't really 'match' her room colors but they definetely work in her room. Above her desk is where I decided to stick them...hopefully they last longer then her butterflies from Avon that I bought for her walls. I have stuck those silly butterflies on her walls numerous times now, its been pretty annoying...even double sided tape a few times...I hope these last. I also stuck some to her white full length mirror for an extra touch...as it was pretty 'boring' before...

Kitchen Happenings...

2010-08-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

I made some yummy carrot muffins for Fabe and Mack. Fabe is able to eat these as they don't contain any nut products. He likes to take them to work in his lunches. I like that Mack enjoys them as he is not a 'veggie' lover at all. Its perfect for him...

I like this muffin tin that is square along with the square liners-kinda makes them a little more fun to eat :o)

We had spaghetti (before my meal planning) as I was struggling 'what to make' it was a simple and quick fixing but it worked...but I look forward to my meal planning again..

My Tuesday.

2010-08-17T14:16:00.001-07:00

Today was a busy day so far. Yesturday was *very* busy spending 8 hours cleaning. I didn't have Miss E and Kennedy is away with my mom for the week so I have been taking the opportunity to clean and just do the things we normally don't get to do. It was crazy spending that amount of time cleaning, but it had to be done. And now, I can enjoy the benefit of a clean house this week. Plus, we had brought back all of our trailer bedding this weekend so I had all of that to wash on top of all of our camping laundry PLUS the regular laundry so it was a complete laundry day...it was all done and now it feels so good. I did all of the bathrooms (4) and even managed to vacuum the whole house. Anyhow, you got the point; it was busy.

Rikki has been with us for a few days while my mom is at the cabin so I have to drive her to her camp, about 45 mins from here. Mack has an ortho appt this evening so Fabe will go one way and I will go another...

Tomorrow, I have Baby E for a few hours. We will go to the library and take back our books and get some new ones. We have been doing some good crafts and neat things together.

Last night, I took Mack out for supper. We rarely get any 'mom and son' time as he is so much older now and its not too cool to hang with your mom at his age-so I made him come. And we had a really good time. It was so nice for us...I missed him-as funny as that sounds. We will have to do it way more often...him and I.

The kids are getting ready for back to school. Kennedy has her supplies all ready to go, her clothes purchased and her supplies labelled. Mack has his supplies, runners, some clothing but he still needs some new clothes. We are hoping to get them this week.

I'm thinking of taking the kids to Calgary next week for a few days to do the Zoo and Calaway Park...not sure yet. I don't have Baby E Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday so we will see.

Around the house...

2010-08-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

< Loft area...

(below) Kennedys room...

< Laundry room...

our bath-

room...

Around our house...trying to include more photos of the house. I'm still very much in love with our house.

Thursday...

2010-08-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well my sister and her family got in last night fairly late. We chatted for a while then went off to bed. Well, Kennedy slept with us..and it was a horrible horrible sleep. Today, I got Kennedy off to daycamp...tidied up the kitchen and mainfloor. My sister and the kids left for their journey home. I tried to work in my craft room a but to organize it...its scary in there. Today was a really dreary day. Raining, cloudy and dark. It really does affect your mood because I felt like doing nothing. But I knew the bedding had to be washed from our guests. Plus, we are heading to the lake tomrorrow for the weekend so that requires someone (aka-me!) packing everyone up. On top of that, Kennedy is leaving for a week so I really had to pack her up as well. Miss E was here today until almost 4 from noon, so she kept me busy. Then she left, I grabbed Kennedy from daycamp and came home to my mom visiting. We visited. My friend stopped by with her 4 children..(her new 4 month old foster baby girl!) so we all visited then everyone left. We ate. Cleaned up. Fabe and Kennedy ran out. Mack and his friend came home. House is pretty tidy...

Tomorrow should look like this:

*Get Kennedy off to camp
*make beds, clean upstairs
*wipe down bathrooms
*make sure Kennedy is completely packed (bags ready to go)
*pack our bags for camping, put in van/truck/whatever

Miss E arrives at noon:

*run to groceries
*play in basement with E for the rest of the afternoon...do our craft for the week.

She leaves. Fabe's home. We leave.

Hopefully it all goes as planned :o)

Some things from around the house...

2010-08-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

My craft room...this is a 'before' shot...and the 'after' one will come soon...I hope (**Sigh**)

Laundry room, top shelf!
<>

Old lovely dresser from Goodwil

The blue room is our spare room..but soon it will be a new member of our family's room. It was Macks room originally but then he changed his mind last minute and went to the spare room downstairs and left us with this lovely BLUE room. We aren't sure what age/sex of a child we will 'get' so once we know...it will be made accordingly so. For now its Miss E's sleeping area...spare room...Kennedys extra closet space...etc...

Time for a rug!

2010-08-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

The dark floors in the house are super beautiful (when clean!) however I have been struggling with that. To be honest, had I know how HORRIBLE they would be to keep looking even half-decent I would have NOT gone so dark. Between the dust and footprints (pawprints too!) they are next to impossible to keep looking nice. When they are clean: WOW. But thats not too often.

So while at Costco last night, I picked up a nice shag off white rug. Its actually the same carpet as the house but our carpet is beige and not off white. I'm hoping it will help to keep it looking better...and less spaces to clean :o)

Plus, in the winter it will feel cozier...

Wednesday...

2010-08-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

Today I don't have little E until 2:30-3:45pm so I have taken up the opportunity to get everything done that I needed to get done...today I did:

*Got Kennedy off to camp
*Went to childrens services to drop off our CWIS checks
*Went to police station to get a Crim-check form
*Went to the bank to get a 50.00 draft for the Crim-Check
*Went to Dollarama to buy stuff (off my list)...including Kennedys activity bags (post about it tomorrow)
*Went home, unpacked everything...did a quick clean of the house...turned dishwasher on, etc...
*Met my old business partner at the bank to close our daycare account and close the visas..
*Carwash-outside wash
*Home-totally cleaned inside of van and (finally) vacuumed it.
*Cleaned the garage up a bit, organized it out there...
*Put away the contents in the house from the van and garage (eye roll) Some items including (DS games, sweaters, socks, dog bone, books, numerous coins, etc)
*Updated facebook and blog (hehe!)

In 15 mins little E will arrive, we will pack up and head to a walk, feed the ducks at the ravine and play at the park...she will leave 1.5 hours later and I will begin supper and Mack has football. My sister and her family will stop over on their way back up north...for a night.

Busy but I really do love being at home and able to get the stuff done...

Flowers!

2010-08-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

I use to buy myself flowers all of the time, but haven't since we have been so busy with moving and what not. I spotted these beautiful sunflowers at the grocery store-and HAD to buy them. They were a great steal at 5 stems for 3.99! Love them..they brighten up the whole kitchen...feels so lovely with flowers in the home!

Some house shots!

2010-08-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Living Room...

Kitchen

dining room...

Some updated shots of the house...I haven't posted any for so long as...well, I haven't blogged forever. I will post more but don't want to do it all now...have to keep something to blog about :o)

New things/Old things...

2010-08-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

< Rose balls brand new in package (originally from Linens and Things) 1.99 from Goodwill. Placed in this cute little red bowl (Goodwill 0.99!)

(Below) the red children's wicker chair from Goodwill-3.99

The chair at my front entrance...cute little black crow pillow from eBay!

I bought this cute little wicker chair for children...it was 3.99 (a great steal!) so I grabbed it. I didn't like the reddish color it came in so I visioned it at the front entrance in off white. I'm really loving the crispness of off white in contrast with my dark floors/accents. I do have to switch to another color...just have to find it!

Tuesday.

2010-08-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

Well today was a longer then usual day as Miss E (Baby E) arrived earlier then normal (at 8:30am) but that didn't stop us! We hit Goodwill at 9am and bought some things (the CUTEST little wicker chair that I will be refinishing!)...then we were going to meet a friend at Let's Play for a playdate but busses with children (and lots of them!) arrived so we decided to do a park instead. I grabbed us coffees and we were there for a a few hours...came home, did lunch put her to nap for 2 hours and cleaned. She woke up, we painted sun, birds and just a piece of paper-cleaned up and headed downstairs to play until dad came at 3:30pm. Pretty easy day. Kennedy is in daycamp this week. Mack was at his friends house but Fabe took him to his dentist appt. He got a procedure today where they laser off the skin between his 2 front teeth. That tissue stopped his teeth from growing together, and should have been snipped as a young(er) child...needless to say (and thousands later) he has braces on and coming off soon..so they wanted it snipped first. He's fine though..a little sore.

Mack has football tonight. Kennedys packing up for her field trip tomorrow. I have baby E at noon tomorrow. Not sure what we will do, maybe a different park but something outside forsure.

Tomorrow my sister and her family are having a stop over at my house as they make their way up to Fort Mac from Calgary.

Fabe is starting a new contract (not new job, same place but new job) and its pretty neat as I never even knew Edmonton was building a new one!!!!! Its a 3 year project!

And thats about it...

Stormy skies!

2010-08-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

This year has had its fair share of storms, but it doesn't feel like its been 'really' bad or anything...these photos were taken a while back. Now with the balcony over the garage (off our room) I LOVE watching the skies out there now...on my sitting chair. I just noticed the lightening in the photo, neat!

This is what your TV could look like!

2010-08-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

Not even a year old-our living room tv is already going...wow!

We are NOT a tv-watching-kind-of-family-at-all and its rarely even on..and its going going going...almost gone. Thankfully Samsung will fix it but its quite the hassle...

Some things from around the house...

2010-08-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

The desk getting ready for delivery...check out the before shots of it...

Before...ugh!

Well this summer I have taken a very keen liking to altering some 'things'. Now when I go second-hand shopping I see things that are filled of potential. But I knew that I had things hanging around this house that have potential as well. And really, why buy more things when I already have stuff around here?

I bought an awesome painted photo from Goodwill a year ago with a yucky colored frame. I simply sprayed it down to another color more suitable and its perfect now. You will see the green crib. Well that was mine from when I was a little girl, actually it started off as my sisters play crib when I was a baby but I have actually slept in it when I was a baby...it was in the garage when our fire happened and luckily it wasn't too badly burnt, it was covered it smoke and showed signs of being in a housefire but didn't actually 'burn'. Anyhow, I sanded it and painted it with this LOVELY green of Martha Stewart paint and it looks brand new, it now is in my basement for Baby E to play with with her dollies. It will be passed along to Kennedy next...

Then the pine table I bought, which has a matching sofa table (not done it yet)..I LOVE love love the look of the off white-so shabby chic! Sadly, I have NO place for these in my house so I will have to get rid of them but I simply LOVE them...

But by far, my most time consuming task has been a desk that I got off Kijiji for 20.00. It was a white old (yucky) desk. It had shelf liner on the top of it so when I peeled it off I was greeted with a horrible top...it required ALOT of sanding..finally I finished it off with the same Martha paint as the green crib and sprayed the hardware with purple glitter spray...check out the photos! I was very proud of this desk. I didn't have anything to do with it, so I gifted my friend's daughter with it for her new room along with new bedding and decals for the wall to match...

I'm looking forward to doing some chairs (again, not sure where they will go) but I bought myself a purple Debbie Travis staple gun and I look forward to doing some chairs with funky materials. I may even get brave enough and do my own dining chairs as the WHITE (who puts WHILE material on chairs anyhow!?) is very worn...we'll see!

Zoo Day!

2010-08-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today I took Kennedy, her friend Kaylie and Miss E to the Zoo today! I haven't been there for years, because quite frankly I went to the Calgary Zoo and it ruined the Edmonton one for me. I find it run down and 'sad' actually. But anyhow-it was a good day! We got there at 10am and left at 3:15pm. It sure filled up our day. When we got home, supper was ready (I was prepared and threw it in the slowcooker!) so we ate. Mackou w had football, so he left. Then Kennedy's friend's mom came and we chatted for a bit. Between the phone ringing and door bell going, it was hectic for a few minutes. I cleaned the mainfloor (aaahhhh) washed the floors, etc then cleaned out my purse (wow-waaaaay overdue!) and changed to a more 'summery' one! Now, Kennedy is laying in our bed watching the "New" Hannah Montana show she had PVR'd the other day. I am doing some laundry and packing up to head to the lake tomorrow. Miss E will come at 12-3:4pm so I will get as much done in the morning as possible and as soon as she leaves; I'm outie! Fabe will take his car out as well tomorrow night after work. I can't wait to get out there again to enjoy the lake. Its such a joy to go there.

I will take some new updated photos of around the house. Hopefully you will like what has been done thus far.

Other then that, I will get some photos up.

Such a funny blog!

2010-08-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

This blog is soooo funny. You know how blogs portray a 'perfect' life-its sooo funny! This blog takes photos from catalogs and and pretends its a real blog..you just have to read it-so funny!

http://catalogliving.net/page/1

Need to organize?

2010-08-04T16:23:00.001-07:00

This blog is seriously packed full of awesome ideas :o)

http://creativeorganizing.typepad.com/

My favorite house blog...

2010-08-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

I sincerely LOVE this blog...this little family is so cute and what they have done to their house is amazing! Check out their "House Tour" and "Our wedding"...to get to know them a little more...

http://www.younghouselove.com/

Crafty Steals!

2010-08-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

Everyday there is some new items posted on here:

http://www.craftysteals.com/

I love it...

My Wednesday so far...

2010-08-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

Today has been a good day Miss E arrived at 11am. We packed up and headed straight to the mall to get some summery books, a Baby Signing Time DVD and Kennedy wanted some books too! Then we played at the indoor park for a while...hit Dollarama for some crafty things and a container for our library books and finally, we went to Zellers for Kennedy to get some shoes for school. Came home, had lunch (Yummy chicken breast-leftovers, cheese sandwiches, cucumbers and strawberries). I put her down for a nap and tidied up the house a bit, threw some laundry in and on here now. Mom is heading over with her friend to show her our house-I have the Dollarama stuff left to unpack still. Kennedy is tidying her room. Mack, is finally awake...that boy can sleep in now-WoW! Speaking of sleeping, never ever ever drink Pepsi Max before bedtime (double caffine and Ginsing!) I was awake until 3am!!!!!

Tonight- gonna make supper (not sure what yet, I really need to go grocery shopping!) and Fabe and Mack will head out to football.

I'm thinking about Jane today...her dog Amber is so very ill. I'm heartbroken for her and her family. It has been amazing watching her dogs grow since puppies...she isn't a very old dog at all...but she has become so ill now. She is at the vets office, doing an ultrasound but it really didn't sound good. Please keep Amber, the beautiful golden retreiver in your thoughts and prayers...I hope she will recover...

Update and I'm back :o)

2010-08-03T22:56:00.001-07:00

I'm hoping that I will stick to it. I have been missing it, and I do love doing it.

Here's a mini-catch up:

* I still love being back in my old neighborhood in my new house. I feel so safe being back in my old hood-I feel for the neighbors who still have not been able to move back. Their house is pretty much done, just the cleaning and what not. I can't wait for them to have the same feeling of being back home after such a horrible experience. Fires still pull heart-strings for me when I hear about them on the news...it breaks my heart to hear when a family looses a house to a fire (or worse, a family member)...I do realize that we were SO lucky to have gotten out of our house when we did (thank God!)

* The kids are loving summer break, although it doesn't feel like we are doing 'much' because we are camping every weekend. We are planning on heading to Calgary for a night to do the Zoo and Calaway. But other then that, the last few remaining weeks we will spend as much time at the lake as possible and just soak up the sun. Kennedy has done 1 daycamp and she will be there next week for "Camp Rock!" it should be fun. Helps to break up her summer a little bit.

* I am watching a little girl (Miss E, I will call her) only part time. Her mom was stuck for child care and I'm home so I offered and its just what I needed. She keeps me busy but not 'stressful' busy-just 'enjoyable' busy. We do crafts and fun things. I really am enjoying it actually. She is 15 months old and already has my heart in her hand.

* Fabe is working Monday-Friday which has been great! Lots of weekends at the lake!

* Mack's braces will be getting off soon. In Sept. they will be removing his wisdom teeth (*ouch*) they haven't even began to come up yet...my poor boy. They are taking them out already because they want to remove his braces (9 months of having them on only!) but they don't want too until his wisdom teeth are out as they will come up and cause his teeth to shift. His gap closed up so nicely...he has beautiful teeth now. So happy we did it!

* Mack has began his 1st year of Football. Fabe is volunteering as the 'trainer' which is sitting on the bench and attending to 1st Aide issues...

* Kennedy finished her outdoor season of soccer and now will be doing indoor this year...

* Kennedy was very sick 2 weeks ago with another bowel obstruction, it was very horrible pain for her. Thankfully they were able to fix it without surgery-its the damn scar tissue from her previous bowel surgery!

*Mack will be heading into grade 9 and Kennedy grade 5 in Sept! Wow!!!!

* We have applied for foster parents again. We are ready to jump back into it, we are just awaiting out license appointment and we are good to go-we are already all approved. We aren't sure what age yet-we will see. It will be a surprise!

*The house has come along so nicely. I'm pretty much all settled in and set up. I absolutely love it. Can't wait for the landscaping (to have grass!) and we will be completley 'back to normal'.

For September the plans are to continue to watch Miss E and she and I will register for some literacy based programs. I plan to make it a ritual to blog very often again. Comments make it more appealing though ;o)

I hope your all well. Check back often (and comment!)...enjoy August!

The Smallest Summer Home...

2010-08-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

Where we have been spending our time this summer: Our trailer. We bought this trailer in 2008. It is a 28 foot regular trailer, nothing special. It has everything we 'need' and even a little more. What we LOVE about our trailer is the layout. It has a queen master bedroom with a TV area, 2 closets on each side of the bed. In the main area, there is a 'super slide' which has a couch that folds out to a a double bed. Also a dinette that is a double bed. The kitchen has the basics (stove, fridge, oven and microwave) another tv area with surround sound (lol) lots of cupboard space. Then at the back is 2 bunk beds and the bathroom (with a tub!). Its amazing how we only need 28 feet to make us fall in love with the place.

Our trailer we bought months before our house was destroyed by the fire (summer 2008 we bought it) and had our fire happened in the summer we would have lived in our trailer forsure...we love it THAT much. We couldn't wait until summer (after the fire) because the trailer is really our 'second home'. We have grown to love it so very much. I am so happy to provide our children with happy memories of camping every weekend, again another way we are so very blessed!

Lake Lot!

2010-08-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

< The kids having 'downtime'...even they need it!

(below) The beautiful pool!

<>

(below) Matthew and Braeden getting ready to hit the pool..

< Poor Bandit, so hot! Taking refuge under a chair for some shade!

Our new campground this year is a beautiful one. While it doesn't have a beach it has a wonderful swimming pool. Quite frankly, my children would rather a pool then a beach anyhow as they are just that type of children (no bugs, seaweed, fish, rocks, etc,etc,etc). Kennedy spends hours upon hours at the pool. This campground is seasonal only-the children have made so many friends and its so neat to have the same children over and over. They come call on the kids now, its great. As well, we are meeting several families as well. I love taking Bandit for a walk and everyone greets you. Its just a great place to be. I wasn't sure at first as the price is above average for around here, but it has been well worth it afterall.

Lake Fun!

2010-08-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

My nephews stayed a weekend with my sister and us at the lake...it was so great having them there!

Faulkner Chair-the BEST thing ever!!!!!

Many hours spent around this fire...

Kennedy running around our lot.

As usual-every weekend is now being spent at our lake lot. We will never question if our trailer has been a smart purchase for us or not. Its simply our heaven=we love it there so very much. Its amazing how excited Bandit is when we are only a few minutes away, just the last turn until we are there...his tail is wagging and he cannot sit still in the car. Thats how we feel too, so very happy. Its a place where we can escape too. Its so peaceful and calm there. There isn't cell service at our spot, however if I go to the boat launch then I get service there. I love that, at first I really hated it-what would I do without my phone, emails coming in...facebook updates? Actually its nice. I don't even take my phone out of my car anymore.

I love the lake so much.

Its almost my favorite place to be...

2010-08-03T21:31:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors dog, Bowser was missing for a few days. They were heartbroken...they lost him on an acreage out of town...but happily he was found after a few days! They were so thrilled, as were we! We would be so lost without Bandit! I love happy endings :o))))

Camping Fun...

2010-07-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying camping so much and LOVING it!

Its been so much fun...

The kids love it too!

Wednesday...

2010-06-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it was a busy Wednesday! I had our Godson Braxton overnight again, so that kept me busy. Then, the guys for the driveway came and they poured it. Just in time for Braxtons mom to come and pick him up (with her 2 other kids!) so it was stressful ensuring they didn't step on it. Then, my friend Lisa came over. Ronda left (Braxtons mom) and sure enough...a foot print on the fresh new concrete...they had to fix it, they weren't happy! THEN, Lisa and I ran out for a few stores. Came back, the kids were heading home from school (called their cell phones to tell them DO NOT step on the concrete-but Fabe had beat me to it)Then mom came over, she had Kaiya. So we visited. They left...we ate supper and ran to soccer (Kennedy). THEN, soccer played only 1/2 as it was storming. So they called it. We came home. I did the supper dishes. Kennedy is having her treatments (vest and Tobi) and Mack is doing his nightly work out (weights and treadmill). We are hoping to be in bed at a decent time. Busy busy day. I hate those days.

Tomorrow, not really any better. Starts with an appt at my house at 9am. THEN, after that...do my normal stuff (take out supper stuff, laundry, etc) then dentist appt in the afternoon. Early day for school. Thankfully tomorrow night isn't anything major. Next week I have 2 more dentist appts (check up and replacing a filling) then Rikki's grade 9 grad, Macks ortho appt and soccer 2 nights...*sigh* Oh yeah, and a home assessment for fostering (again)...yuck.

Why do I feel SO much more busier then before when I was working????

Tuesday!

2010-06-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally updated my blog a bit. I am trying to stay on track with it, I hate to give it up now. So we'll see.

Today I have 3 little boys with me. My 2 nephews are in town so I offered to watch them while they furniture shopped. Plus, last night I ran out to my friends house to drop off her childrens birthday gifts and our Godson, Braxton begged to come home with me. He's too cute, so I couldn't say 'no' so he's here. I don't mind really though. His mom has an ob/gyn appt tomorrow so he is here for another night sleep.

Other then that, I'm gonna start supper. Rikki is staying with us for a few days so at the end of the day...I will have 6 kids. Wow, haha!

Tomorrow, I have a dentist appt. Not sure what time. I really need to do some house-stuff shopping to finish it off. The front foyer is REALLY bothering me (please check the photo below to help me!!!)

Have a great day!

Around the house...

2010-06-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

We finally got the basement unpacked. Need to put up artwork and do that last touches in it. Its crazy to have a basement in which we USE. We had a developed basement before but it was small and not good space. This one is so big now and the layout is nice and open. Its weird that Mack sleeps down there now too. But he loves it, and its a GREAT place for his friends.

I'm still stuck on what to do with the front entrance. When we built the house, they gave us a floor mat. We Still have it there. I need to make it cozy but nice. And the ledge that overlooks the front entrance-I don't know what to do with it at all. Suggestions are welcome!

My friend Ronda bought me this lovely purple lily when I moved in, Its still thriving really well. Its a beauty!!!!

And, I finally opened up the new Crockpot! Love it. I made chicken drumsticks (curried) with potatoes in it. Then we also had Singapore noodles (Rikki was over, its her favorite!) and green beans. It was a great supper!

Kennedys chalk board. So funny, she is SO my child. I'm ALL about 'to do lists!" Have to have them, always have one on the go and I do a list pretty much everynight. Of course, I have squares in which I check off (feeling very satisfied) when I have accomplished what I set out to do on my list. Then, I have been noticing Kennedys lists on her chalkboard-its so funny!

Scenes of Camping...

2010-06-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

I love camping! Because of the busy city, the sirens I hear, the traffic and the hussle of the city I LOVE to getaway. Its so nice in the evenings having a fire, just under the stars. During the day, the many walks I take; sometimes with or without people. In the morning, making the stovetop coffee (or electric if lazy), waking up in my trailer bed..the blankets are crisp. Its a perfect place for me. Life seems so simple when out there. Mack doesn't enjoy camping with us anymore...but we drag him here and there. Kennedy, well she still loves it. There are many children at the resort, which she has made alot of friends with.

Mud!

2010-06-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

So, May long weekend was full-of-mud! It was horrible! Our driveway at the lake it PURE mud. Thankfully they gravelled it this past weekend so it is much better! Mack had a friend out that weekend and it SNOWED on Saturday morning, so we ran into Barrhead and bought rubber boots for everyone. On Sunday the sun tried to come out and Monday it was much better-so we were left with LOTS of mud!!!! The boys (and Kennedy) had alot of fun in the mud!

Kaiyas 2 now!

2010-06-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

We had a small family/close friend party for Kaiya! Cannot believe she is 2 years old now! She is SO cute! I enjoy her so much...my mom has been taking her to the lake on the weekends and she just loves it! She is such a sweetie!!!!

Sunday and Weekend...

2010-04-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the NO photos for a while. I will get them, don't ya worry!

Well this weekend FLEW by. Friday Mack and Rikki didn't have school-but Kennedy did. So Mack had a friend sleepover Thursday night (who is still here) and Kennedy a sleepover Friday night at our house. Saturday, I dropped off a gift for Aevas 1st birthday then we headed to Shwerwood Park Costco. I was feeling a bit better (as I was sick All day Friday and Friday night with a very sore=sore throat. Saturday I felt a bit better...but then as the day went on it was coming back. I relaxed in the afternoon and then decided to suck it up and go to Tess's house for our last Stamp Up club. I was happy I went. I hung out there for a while then came home for bed. Today so far, so good but we will see as the day goes on. Today I woke up, made breakfast and tidied up a bit. We are heading to Leduc for a party today-so thats good. Then, I have some grocery shopping and the usual 'prepare for the week' stuff for a Sunday evening.

Tomorrow, nothing is planned so far. I guess it will be cleaning and what not. I have some last boxes and organizing to do from the move that I have been leaving and neglecting...

Nothing really much new...pretty borning actually!

Thursday..

2010-04-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

Well today was cleaning day around here. Early day, for Kennedy. I got the cleaning all done, and even managed to have a friend and her son over for a visit. She had an Ob/Gyn appt and her son (our Godson) had no desire to go and wanted to stay with me. I had no issues with that. We just finished building the Ikea train track together and now he is playing with it on my playroom floor. I'm down here on Macks computer...I saved vacuuming for the last job and just took advantage of it while down here too.

Today was a nice day. Fabe took the quads in for their annual servicing before we take them out to the lake to park them. He is off tomorrow as well, so we may run out there and check out the trailer (Fabe hasn't seen the wonderfully cracked floors yet). We'll see. Mack and Rikki have PD days tomorrow so we'll see what we do, if anything. I'm reading a really good book called "Little Earthquakes" and I just can't seem to find the time to actually READ it. So, maybe tomorrow I might have a relaxing day.

With this grey weather, it feels cold. I feel like baking. I don't know why! But I really shouldn't as it doesn't really help me, since I'm really trying to eat better. Maybe with the kids we will bake something and they can eat it up. Or maybe, start freezing some goodies for when we head to the trailer camping in the summer. We'll see.

Tonight Kennedy has 'meet the coach/give us your 100.00 jersey deposit check" night. Fabe will probably take her.

Fabian installed the tv in the bathroom today. Its a small little tv, but I wanted it for getting ready in the am's to watch the news. Its mounted onto the wall and in a perfect place for the bath to watch tv. I know, pathetic! I admit it.

Next week is pretty busy for us with dentist, dr's and ortho appts. Plus soccer I'm sure, soon. We'll see how it goes.

Kennedy's party is next Saturday (May 1st). She is going swimming and then having a group of girls back here for a sleepover party (lucky me!). We have parties for the next 3 weekends (ugh). But then, I plan to be at the lake every weekend thereafter.

Anyhow...Kennedy will be home so I better get cleaned up down here (toys) and head upstairs for preparation of supper. Chicken breast, but not sure how or with what...

Jess got lungs!

2010-04-22T07:42:00.001-07:00

Check her blog out for her journey! I'm so happy, if you find it in your heart to throw a package together...I know she would appreicate it. She was very thankful for the small one I sent her...

http://jesscfjourney.blogspot.com/

Park Day!

2010-04-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

Today some friends and I took the kids to the park. Its an awesome park and within walking distance to my house. I was happy to get some good shots of the 2 little girls...Aeva and Kaiya! Their moms have been friends since they were in grade 2...It was a beautiful day! I love days when the kids can all play together and adults get to hang out. It was super busy all day at the park...it always is though!

Kaiya...

2010-04-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

I picked up Kaiya from daycare on Tuesday. I am trying to really spend more time with her as we missed some time with her. But all is well now, and I'm really enjoying my days with her. She is so cute...Bandit loooves her coming too since she feeds him. Alot.

Last night, I took her to the Laurel toddler park for a walk and some play time before bedtime. Then when we got home Fabe was getting ready to take Bandit for a walk so we went with him around the block. She is so cute...

Tuesday night...supper!

2010-04-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

The kids LOVE Tatertot Casserole...and its such a simple recipe. I didn't feel like cooking anything all day long, with Kaiya around its hard to get much done (I forget what those 2 year olds do all day!)...so I made this and popped it into the oven and it was done. We enjoyed a crisp fresh salad and some crusty bread...I on the otherhand, didn't indulge in it since I'm trying to make 'healthier' choices...so I had leftover ham from Monday night and spaghetti squash.

TaterToT Casserole:

*ground beef
*1 can cream of mushroom soup
*Shredded cheese
*Package of tater toos

Pat ground beef on the bottom of a greased baking pan. Sread the can of mushroom soup over the meat. Sprinkle some cheese over it. Cover with tater tots, top with cheese. I add seasoning salt for a little extra flavor. Bake for 1 hour @ 325...So yummy!!!!!

Ideas please...

2010-04-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

For my front entance. A table is kinda hard as the one wall is a low-half wall open to the dining room. Where the bench is a good wall for it, but then what to do with the bench? I need some ideas...please..

My Tuesday Morning...

2010-04-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

I did do a few chores here and there...laundry, made beds and tidied up the kitchen from the morning rush...oh and washed the floors. But for a good part of it, I have been enjoying laying on my bed with the patio door open with the sheer-curtains blowing around...I love it. I got 2 magazines in the mail, both are my favorites (Marthas Living and Family Circle)...I have been writing down ideas in my notebook and doodling alot. The house is remarkably quiet with everyone gone...

Even Bandit is enjoying it with me. I had a coffee earlier, I even brought it upstairs. Boy, I'm enjoying my room today..and why not?

Laundry...

2010-04-20T11:35:00.001-07:00

I'm loving the laundry room being upstairs. Makes keeping on top of it, sooo much easier! We were told it would be noisey and what not-but its not at all. I have yet to add in some breezy sheers in here, but so far so good...

Scenes from the Scrapbooking Room...

2010-04-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

Well my room is done as much as it can be for now, until I get some shelves. But so far, its good. I'm happy with the buffet and hutch (BEST 40.00 from Value Village~!)and then the tall shelf and table are from Ikea. I'm looking forward to being able to go in there and easily get what I need. I do have to organize the stuff better as I kinda shoved stuff here and there, but its a good start!

I've purchased just some sheer panels for the windows...Fabe has to install them still.

Monday!

2010-04-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Well today was a good day. I managed to get alot of my errands done...yeah me!

My friend Lisa came along for the errands (always better with a friend!)...then we did lunch at Boston Pizza. I came home, popped the ham into the oven. It was a good mail day=2 magazines and Fabe's tax return..gotta love good mail days!

Tomorrow, I am planning to clean in the morning. I'm picking up Kaiya from daycare at 2pm and having her for the night. Not too sure what we will do tomorrow night...but it will most certainly involve outside...park, I'm thinking!

Wednesday, there is a group of us meeting at a south east park. It should be fun. We are having a lunch and play there for a few hours. I can't wait. The temps are suppose to be +25!

I'm SUPER jealous of yard workers...I loved caring for my grass and flowers.

Oh, and the trailer lino isn't covered under warranty...its 'cosmetic'...nice!!!!!! Grrrrrr!!!!! So we have to get that done now...

Other then that..not too much going on.

Sunday!

2010-04-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day!

Yesturday, Saturday I headed to the lake for the day with 2 good friends. I had my van full with friends and their children. We got to the lake, it was beautiful there. Sadly, my lino in my trailer cracked. They call is 'cold cracking'. It sucks. Thankfully we have warranty, however it might take a while to get it done. If worse comes to worse, we will tape it up. I really don't want to loose camping time because of it. So I will call tomorrow and see what the dealership say, basically if it can't be done by May-long then it will have to wait until the season is over to go in.

On the way home, we took a 'short cut' that turned out to be a looooong way. It took forever to get home. I was soooo tired by the time we reached our house. I was in bed early, and slept in late (10am).

Today, I'm just tidying up the house. I did my scrapbooking room. I have stuff to put up on the walls still but otherwise its tidy. It needs to be organized though, but otherwise its good enough.

I have a few errands to do:
* Return stuff to Sears
*Drop off our library books

I wanted to wash bedding today but won't be able to get around to it now as I'm still doing laundry. Maybe tomorrow.

I'm going grocery shopping today and going to make a good Sunday supper (not sure what yet!)

Finally, I plan to haul out the deck furniture so we can at least enjoy the deck. I hate that the yard is dirt...but thankfully we have a deck built so we can enjoy that. I hope we get a driveway soon as well...but for now I'm just happy to be back. So I will make the most of the deck for now :o)

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Garbage!

2010-04-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

Aside from packing and unpacking...garbage has been another huge stress! Today this was the scene in my front entrance!!!!

TGIF!

2010-04-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yeah, Friday!

I'm very (VERY) excited to sleep in tomorrow!

Today I did some major cleaning and unpacking. We feel the most settled so far (read below. Then I cleaned, as I hadn't vacuumed forever. Did the bathrooms, etc.

Tonight Fabe and I are heading out with another couple (good friends of ours!) to the casino and supper. It should be fun. I'm very excited to beable to wear capris tonight! I LOVE capri weather!

Supper is simple. Kids pick something and they eat it. Rikki is here for the weekend. Mom took Kaiya to Fort Mac for my nephews birthday party (Braeden is 7!). He actually had his birthday in Mexico but his party is tomorrow.

I'm thinking of heading to the trailer tomorrow to check up on it. Several people I know, their floors have cracked! I will be super pissed off if ours has! So might go run out there and check it out...super excited to camp! Plus I can plug the trailer in, and start going through the cupboard and maybe bring home the bedding to get it started...May long weekend will be the offical 'kick off to camping'. I can't believe Fabe is back to working weekends...we will have to have our weekend during the week and it looks like it will be the kids and I on the weekends...dang guy! He's been busy training new guys, and super busy with work! We should just be thankful he has a job...so many people have lost their jobs over the past year or two.

My scprabooking room is the room I want to tackle this weekend. I bought a new big shelf for in there so it will surely help with organization in there. So I need to set that up. Its all coming along, I'm thrilled. A HUGE project will be the garage...ugh!

Anyhow, Happy Friday!

Feels like Summer :o)

2010-04-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

The kids dropped their backpacks and instantly ran into the kitchen for an afterschool snack-fruit! Mack ate ALL of the watermelon..Kennedy was not happy! She ate the strawberries. I love summery wather and eating fruit is the best on days like this!

Kids Rooms.

2010-04-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well besides a few boxes in Macks room, we are done with their rooms. Mack needs to pick out some art for his walls. Everything I had bought-he hates...shocking! He tends to spend ALL of his time in the basement family room, Kennedy actually plays in her room. I'm happy with their rooms...but most of all I LOVE love love ours :o) I walk into it and I feel so cozy and warm :o) I will post a picture soon...forgot too today!

Settling in...

2010-04-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Blue room-Spare room (was suppose to be Macks but he changed his mind last minute)...

The other side of the basement...not nice looking at all but the OTHER side is coming along good.

The playroom, we added in the double fold down bed for extra space for guests to sleep (its a double)-it has Kennedys art table and double closet for extra storage...we bought Ikea shelving, cheap and simple.

The loft, it took us a while to really figure out what we were going to do with it, but we got it. We are happy with it and afterall-we are going to add a smaller tv in there for when we wanna use it. We find Mack 'hogs' the basement tv and every weekend at least 1 friend is over so we needed to have another space for Kennedy to watch tv..so we decided to get a tv for the loft, nothing great...just a smaller one.

Around the house...

2010-04-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Things are coming together. I feel like it IS possible, afterall...to just live in our house again. Its been a long, long few months of packing, unpacking, buying, setting up furniture, cleaning fire stuff, etc...its actually coming along. The house is really starting to come together, and I'm thrilled. I feel so at home, already!