Our walk!

Our walk! I love the walking trails, water ways and ravines that we live by!

Pretty night sky!


This house doesn't look as big as it is in real life. But you should see this thing! And, last year when it was getting built Fabe and I HAD to go into it. It was ONLY a 1 bedroom house! Can you believe that!!!!!!!!!




Some little ducks!


The 'pond' by our house...yet more alge. Seems like everywhere has tons of it this year!

We have been going for walks for the past few nights...so I will share some pics of that!

Ikea plants!

Ikea had an awesome selection of plants there yesturday! Some were very exotic looking! I have been wanting to buy some more plants. I never was really into plants. However since my mom gave me a few of them, I have actually maintained them and enjoyed having them. They do make your home feel so much comfy! Do you see the stem of the one tall one that I bought? Its braided! Cool! I also bought some flower ones. I have had a green thumb kick lately since
Fabe bought me the roses a few weeks ago I have been buying flowers for the kitchen every week! I looooove flowers!

TGIF!!!!!!

I love Fridays :) And, even better its Fabes weekend off..yeah!

We WERE going to go to the lake however the kids don't want too. Mack wants to go to Elk Island Park and Kenendys never been so we might go there. Its suppose to be beautiful tomorrow...so we'll see. I kinda wanna go to the lake tho.

Oh yeah, I went to Ikea yesturday and bought some cool plants and pots.

Work, was busy. Lisencing was there today for our yearly renewal. So that was work. Then I got into an arguement with a staff..(we often have conflicts!!!!) and then, the day went better. Anyhow, it was a good day tho. Good report from the gov't. And, picked up the kids. Came home...had some carrots and dip for snack. Have NO clue what I am going to do for supper...(sigh) and looking VERY forward to sleeping in!!!

Anyhow,

Later

Tara

Thursday...

My day off was great! I didn't do much (just tidied) then went to the bank, Good Will (bought some stuff for the daycare!) and then Sobeys. I picked the kids up from early day. Came home, made spaghetti for supper...then cleaned up from supper. Went and took the kids/dogs for a walk. Mack seen some friends and stayed with them instead...Kennedy and I went for a walk (pics to come) and then home, showers..and bed. Fast day.

~tara~

Happy Hump Day :)

Today was a productive work day! Gotta love those! Even though I have a 'to do' list totally long I was able to scratch of 3 items!!! Yeah for me! I got the newsletter done as parents begin to ask me for them (opps!) and a few other things. The other things aren't AS important however still need to get done. Other then that, I love that back to school is here for ONE reason...that I get off work early now :) I am able to drop the kids off at school, go to work, pick them up from school and enoy time when they get home. I wouldn't have it ANY other way! I love that I get to be the first ones to see them when school is done (opposed to a sitter, etc). They have been doing well. Kennedy has eaten at least half of her lunch everyday :)

I came home and my mom came over and asked me to take our truck and pick up a patio set that was at Wal Mart for 50.00!!!!! Thats right, 50.00! A glass top, 4 nice chairs...regular price is 140.00! So, I got it for her. The kids weren't happy to have to go anywhere. Came home, had bbq'd chicken, rice and homemade fresh outta the oven buns..the kids played outside for a while. Still are. But I am going to call them in for a bath, reading time and bed...

~tara~

yummy!

a girl and her best friend!

Kennedy very much so LOVES Bandit and Bandit prefers her...she walks him and makes beds for him and everything. Every morning she gives him his Ceasar food and lets him out of his kennel when she wakes up.

love the flowers!

Pics!

Phew...

I am TiReD!

Stressful day today!

First day of school, then 1st day of school for the kinder kids at my daycare...new kids, whoa!

Anyhow, here's a pic of what my kids looked like today!!!

Beautiful as ever :) Its so funny as Kennedy's kindergarten teacher last year LOVED how Kennedy was dressed all of the time...she would look at her labels and just everyday just comment on what she was wearing. Anyhow, today we seen her and Kennedys outfit was Super cute (and ONLY 5.99 a piece for the top, sweater and skirts...so under 20.00) and the shoes 3.99! So like the WHOLE set oh and the socks for 1.00! *lol* and I seen her and she was like "OMGOsh, *THAT* is the cutest outfit ever!!!!" she said she will have to run over to the grade 1 class to see what she is wearing everyday! Too funny!

Anyhow..Macks outfit and shoes were FORSURE not under 30.00! (did I mention that I got sucked into buying him some Circa shoes for 80.00!!!!!!) 2 pairs !!!! Well he only knows about the 1 pair the other ones will be for his birthday! But he loves Roca Wear clothes so he got the RW on the side of his head (without our permission, of course!) but I don't care...its ONLY hair!

The teachers both seem very nice. Today we had to pick up our neighbors kids as sadly his father (our neighbor, James) his dad died last night... *sad* so we picked them up as well. Got home from work, talked to Lisa who is needing some hugs :( And, Fabe is cooking supper right now...kids are going to HAVE to go to bed earlier tonight and

hopefully me too!

Kennedys rooms...

As I said below, not too much difference however with the dark wood I feel it contrast nicely with the light colors in her room. I love the look of it with her white furniture! Its so nice for her allergies and what not tho. She is allergic to dust, and things like that so we have to ensure that we can sweep. Its REALLY nice that her
furniture is on pads and we can just push everything and its as light as a feather!!!So, it makes cleaning it very simple. Mack opted to keep carpet...as he has a loft bed and when friends sleep over he wants them to beable to sleep on the floor. But
I have really taken a love to this floor so we will see about that :)

finally some house reno pics!!!!

Isn't it prrrrretty!!!

We USE to have berber carpet up in the hallway, stairs, mainfloor livingroom and the bonus room. Kennedys room use to have some fake hardwood lino...to cut down on dust...but now its all flowy...our bedroom and Macks room is still berber...but
we'll see for how much longer :) The stair case is the main feature. And now, I looove the look of the bonus room. I use to HATE the bonus room. The carpet wore terribly and it just looked so blah up there NOW we are going to paint the wall where the window is and then it will totally grab the human eye!!! We need to get some things on the wall but once we paint we will see. Kennedys rooms isn't much difference however it looks so much more classier in her room now...These guys did SUCH an awesome job!
(if anyone wants their number...let me know..they are doing our basement now too!)

Monday...

Well my day has been spent CLEANING and cleaning. And wow, the house looks so pretty thus far. The only thing that I have left to do is our bedroom which isn't that hard and our bathroom. But the floors up here feel so nice!!!!

Last night, we went to Lisa and Vics house for a fire. It was so nice getting out. I didn't leave all weekend. So it was nice. But then we seen gas from where we were parked and I JUST filled up the van earlier that day so we discovered we have a leak in the gastank...grrrr... Anyhow, we got home after midnight and feel fast alseep. We woke up today, both cleaned. And, my mom called and she is just about here. So, we are going to get the groceries for the week and Fabe will get the chidlren from my moms house and take ds for a haircut.

Tara

Monday...

Well my day has been spent CLEANING and cleaning. And wow, the house looks so pretty thus far. The only thing that I have left to do is our bedroom which isn't that hard and our bathroom. But the floors up here feel so nice!!!!

Last night, we went to Lisa and Vics house for a fire. It was so nice getting out. I didn't leave all weekend. So it was nice. But then we seen gas from where we were parked and I JUST filled up the van earlier that day so we discovered we have a leak in the gastank...grrrr... Anyhow, we got home after midnight and feel fast alseep. We woke up today, both cleaned. And, my mom called and she is just about here. So, we are going to get the groceries for the week and Fabe will get the chidlren from my moms house and take ds for a haircut.

Tara

Hey, hello there...

Just happy to report that I am completely done my daughters room, pic coming up once I sweep it..and cleaned the bathroom totally...and am working on putting ALL of the laundry that has gathered in my room since the kids rooms were out of commission...I should have started a LONG time ago as I have to have a shower as we are going to Lisa and Vicks house for a BBQ/fire tonight..but tomorrow I MUST get it done, plus my running around, ds a hair cut and grocery shopping (Ugh, WHY do I always leave everything until the last minute???)

Tara

Calgary trip...

Here are some pics of the Calgary trip last week. We go every year, since Mack was 18 months old we have been going. Its been so great...this was the FIRST year that Kennedy was big enough to go on the upside down roller coaster..it was so fun! They are thr 4th seat from the back, Kennedy on the inside wearing a white shirt with green capris and Mack wearing a navy blue short set..

Kids LOVE the lake!

We are very lucky! When we first bought the lot a few years ago. Both sides of us were empty. Last summer, a young family
moved their cabin to the lot next to us! They love out there all summer long. Their parents have an acutal house at the resort. So they have showers and all that there. But oterwise they have a wonderful set up. They have done so much to their lot, its just beautiful. Anyhow, the best thing about them is that they have 2 children! A boy who is 10 (mack is 9) and a girl who is 8 (kennedy is 6) so they ALWAYS hang out. Its just perfect! They kids have quads too. So, the kids actually go quadding together, have sleepovers, just on the trampoline for endless hours and just hang out at each others cabins. I see the future for them...sleeping in tents together..its so neat. Anyhow. The kids absolutely love the lake as well...
As you can see them all in the pic above. There are lots of chileren ....

The dogs LOVE the lake.

All it takes is saying "do you wanna go to the lake?" and Bandit AND Tanner (sisters dog) are both wagging their tails and ready for the long drive there. The way there is hell. As ever
y stop they think that we are there. They LOVE it out here...This was Bandits first time swimming. Tanner always goes down for a swim and Bandit use to just lay in a couple inches of water however he shocked us when he went after Tanner. The kids were so stressed that he wouldn't know how to swim back, but he did it :) Good Puppy!

Cabin pics still...

View from the deck...so peaceful :) Over the years we have been cutting some trees down to make a better view. In the next few years we are excited to work on the lake front. We will get delivered sand and make the most beautiful little beachfront haven. As you can see, down by the lake it is very weedy and will need lots of work. But its work, but enjoyable work. Because in the end you will reap the rewards of a wonderful little resort.

Our Cabin Pics!!!!!

Quadding...
Mom cutting the grass

Our cabin...1 acre lakefront lot. Just this summer we actually built a cabin. Last few years we relied on our trailer. But This is so much better now...


Yeah!!!! Here are the cabin pictures from a few weekends ago. Enjoy looking a
t what we enjoy in the summer...its our families favorite place to be in the summer...

Thank You Troops :)

Troops that are being escorted back to Alberta grounds after serving unselfishly in Afghanastan...thank you for serving for our country! God Bless!

more pics

Then some more pics (lol) I love that broken down tree one. I was thinking in the fall (the dog park is UNREAL in the fall.) that maybe we will get some family shots there. We can just set up the tripod and give it a try...isnt' it neat!!!!There is another tree, I will find it amongst my pics...but it is soooo nice too. Last year, I took the kids fall pics there. Anyone in Mill Woods who wants AMAZING fall pics GO THERE!!! There are tons of old bridges and stuff. Lots of ppl go that don't have dogs..

There are so many wonderful things to photograph! The kids laugh at me, as we walk along I am like "oh wait, I have to get a pic of that" and they are like "mommy, its ONLY a pinecone!" *lol* they just don't see the beauty in THAT pinecone :) Yet...

Some pics!

Fianlly I downloaded all 140 pictures on here. So get ready for pictures! After all of this time I didn't have any to add. Well here they are. First off, this is the little Rotti that I talked about in one of my posts...Bandit and him totally hit it off at the dog park. They loooved each other...anyhow.

Isn't he adorable???

Then just some shots of things that I loved at the dog park...some flowers and what not...

pics

Playing with my new camera. This is our mail key and I absolutely love how this picture looks. In fact, I had this pics developed to add in to my photo-photo album which I started last week. I love taking some neat pictures and pictures of wild life

stuff and love how they look. I have a TON of pics from the dog park which turns out to be the best place to take pics. Anyhow, I totally love it. The other pic is kennedys hair accessory and I LOVE how vibrant the colors look, just so brilliant. Anyhow

siiiiigh

Well here I sit and my computer desk. Yet an another totally INeffective day. I have done nothing. So tomorrow is the day! I am tackling the kids rooms, our room,bonus room and the 2 bathrooms up here. No more doing nothing as I am TOTALLY going to regret it once school starts and dance and what not.

I hate the set up of the furniture up here. We REALLY need to figure something out with it. Feels so I dunno. Boring I guess. So I need to solve it. Usually I am pretty good at setting up rooms and decorating and what not. But this room has me very confused as to what to do with it.

Kennedys room is still all over. And *I* won award for LP's neat freak! Wow. LOL.

So, her bedding is all freshly washed. I need to buy a plastic sheet as she pees her bed waaay to often. (sleep apnea) She still sleeps with a pull up on because of this. But she doesn't want too. But I also don't want her bed all pee smelling. So, I will buy a sheet and if she pees then she pees. What can I do about it. She would rather not pee and is more upset then me when she pees. I don't 'get' how parents can be *mad* at their child when they pee the bed! I never did get that. Like they mean too do it when they are in their UNconscious state! Its like snorning, it just happens.

I am excited to set up the bonus room to make it all pretty. Everything is around the room, around the walls. Its so formal. I was it informal. Comfy. But pretty. It needs paint. Hmm, maybe I will tackle that one. I get sooooo nervous painting tho!!!!

Well anyhow.

~tara~

Today...

Well today I have done a whole lotta nothing! I was tempted to for-go my weekend without the kids and drive out to the lake. I am THAT bored. And, it truely isn't simple to stay here in my house as the guys are here working on the stairs and starting to mudd and tape the basement stairs...So, needless to say. I feel like I shouldn't be here in my house. And, the fact that the front door is kept open (which I do not mind, as its easier for them and I don't feel like hearing my chime from our alarm every second) but our puppy keep going outside. Which is rather annoying. I have called most of my friends, they are busy or (of course) can't call back when they say that they will. But, anyhow. So, instead I did what all girls do when they are bored. I went SHOOOOPPPPIIIINNNGGGG!!!!!!! Yeah!!!! *lol* I bought a whole bunch of cleaners (I am ADDICTED TO them, but don't worry I don't sniff them!) I bought some for the bathroom, floors, windows, etc..I love them! Then, I found the PERFECT area rug for the bonus room. Its a black shag rug, its awesome. Fabe was like "I wanted to look at Carpet Superstore" I said. "our decor is modern-contemporary we are NOT going to buy some flower-pattern rug!" so he told me to buy this one as *I* am the one with the style (awwww!!!) *lol*

So, I am thinking that I don't have an excuse to not clean up here. They aren't up here doing work. And I will put the dog either outside or put the baby gate up so that he can't go down and bother them. And, have I said how LOVELY the stairs look! WOW! I am super impressed with 'these' guys! IF anyone is thinking about any renovations just ask me for their number..they are soooo good. I am so happy that we went with wood on the stairs too. It looks like a pain in the butt (to do it) but wow~ its beautiful. Don't worry, I will post pics soon you must wait until its ALL done (the stairs!)

I took Bandit to the dog park. Camera in tow. Got some shots of stuff. I love it. Ohhh, and I started a photo album of 'cool' pics or pics that I feel are pretty neat. So, as I was taking pics of things in the woods I was thinking that I can add them to my new album! Plus, at Superstore today I picked up my digital prints. They are so nice!

So, here I am. The dog is crashed from the big walk at the dog park. And, I should do SOMEthing. Fabe has asked for tomorrow off so if he gets it off then we are going to the lake for the night. Plus, we will be there next weekend too as our neighbors are coming out for quadding.

Well, later!
~tara~

The Family Manager Saves The Day!

I am reading this great book that I got from Bookcloseouts.com (VERY cheap books!) and this books has tons and tons of great ideas to 'rescue' your famiy from everyday stress. Its a great book! Anyhow, I have been glued to it. I love books like this. Self help books that allow me to really think about ways that I can be more effective with my home life. Anyhow, there are WONDERFUL quotes in there...so I will leave you with some. Keep in mind that they have to do with family/children and home life.

"Nothing is so fatiguing as the hanging on of an uncompleted task" ~William James~

*sooooooo true to me. I find it so tiring always thinking about what has to be done (as you see in my blogs)

"Every minute is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such" ~Henry Miller~

*soooooo true again. I always think that right here, right now...will never happen again in my childrens lives. Every chance that you take to make it the most with them is soo wonderful and important"

This one is my faaaaaavorite thus far:

"The best things in life aren't things" ~Art Buchwald"

*isn't that true???? Our children aren't 'things' and neither are our life time loves...*

"Tell me to what you pay attention, and I will tell you who you are" ~Jose Ortega Y Gasset

*do you pay attention to your children=you are a mother. So you pay attention to God=you are a believer...its all about priorities!*

"Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it" ~Harold S. Hulbert

*so true...its when you least can be bothered to show them love...but thats when they need it the most. I find this so true at my daycare....*

And a funny one:

"I always wondered about where 'Kingdom Come" might be, since my mother threatened so many times to knock me there" ~Bill Cosby~

Back to my good ole computer :)

Here I sit in my beautiful bonus room, the floors are just beautiful :)

Anyhow, my computer is back up. We bought a nice computer desk and looks so much better in here. That old computer desk was from when Mack was born...it wasn't even nice. But we stuck with it. But now I have my nice armoire (sp?) and it is so much better :) We just need to set up the furniture the right way and I need to buy an area rug for this room and also paint a feature wall. I am not sure on the color yet. I was thinking the same color as my couch as its a deep burgandy leather set but we'll see.

Today was a busy work day! We had a whole bunch of new kids start, and a whole bunch start at the Out of School care so I was busy transferring files, taking out old ones, making new ones, new emergency contact cards for thier homeroom and etc...I am going to be really running the centre alone as my boss (who also owns a Subway) is going to be spending more time there. So, I have LOTS to do. I am working on getting the centre accreddited as well. So lots of work.

Came home from work. Relaxed for a minute. The guys came to work on the stairs for the floors...it looks like really hard work. I went out with my dog. We went to Superstore to get some photos developed from my (new) camera! Love it. Then, went to Childrens Place. The jeans are on for $5.99 if anyone needs some for the kids :) But I walked around hoping to spend some money and walk away happy, instead I already own all of the stuff on sale. However, I did still manage to buy 12 pairs of socks for Kennedy, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of shorts and a shirt for Mack..$50.25! Pretty darn good. Then, I dropped of the books at the library that the kids had out, went to the bank to deposit my check from work!!!!! Then, went to the dog park...for a good hour! It was SOOOOO busy!!!!Then came home, the guys were getting ready to leave. And, here I am. Fabian will be home any time.

This weekend I have big plans to totally organize...so we'll see.

Until tomorrow,

Tara