New book.

Today I bought a new book, "My sisters keeper". It was a toss up between that one criminal (lullabies) ugh, I can't remember it. But everyone said that it was SO good. But this kind lady at the store said that the 1st one is unreal and just sooooo good. So I bought that one. I will let ya know. I can't wait to start reading it.

Elk Island.

My handsome husband...isn't he a hottie ;)

Fabe and Mack on the floating thingy..trying to make it move...

Yeah, we seen one!

Then a few more :)

Its been years since we have been to Elk Island. Actually a funny thing was Fabe and I were young and didn't know how to get to Fort Mac, we knew that it was 'north' so we followed every highway that said North. and low and behold we ended up having to go through Elk Island...that was the LONGEST trip ever!!!!

The kids loved going though. We were happy to see some bison too. It was a good little drive through there. The park is reallly very beautiful. Something like this is *so* close to Edm. its a shame that we didn't do it more often.

Anyhow, the kids enjoyed it. There were tons of mosquitos though. But other then that, it was great.

not much blogging...

Our little Hobo and the lake in the cabin, last weekend. We let him sleep in there again.

Fabe preparing breakfast for us..

Hobo, relaxing in the cabin.

Kennedy FINALLY gets to drive her quad...tire is all fixed.

Hobo and Badit eating. Hobo is very protective of his food, but Bandit knows to back off, so thats good.

Awwwwwww....and when we left Sunday I left his a big bowl of food and a sleeping back in the new part of the cabin being built (it has a roof and everything) so I felt better knowing he had food and shelter and a cozy sleeping bag. My mom is out there this weekend...and the food bowl was empty...

So sorry. This week was hectic. I sold my uncles truck. And now, Fabian bought another one for us...a new(er) one. So, we put ours up for sale. And, I sold it too. That was good. Both went to people that I know. Work was really good this week. But I didn't get much done as much as I should have. The next 2 weeks will be a little stressful as I have a new staff starting on Monday, plus another staff on holidays. I have a job interview with Alberta Children's Service on Friday...

Monday I have an appt with a school in the area about setting up an out of school care program. Phew, so much. I bought the kids a small trampoline on Thursday, which they absolutely love! Its only a 8x8 one but soooo perfect for my tiny backyard. It came with an enclosure but they didnt' want it on...its NOT high off the ground like our big one at the lake. They were happy with it. Friday, I took them down to my moms house. Then I had to drive my aunt to the airport. I had an eye appt and got my prescription for my new glasses, my other ones are SO so very old. I only use/need them for far distances. So today I went and picked out my new ones. They are Point Zero and they are *nice* glasses, I can't wait to get them. They look pretty good on me too. Also, I went to Walmart today got some new garden things. Some stuff to pretty up the front porch. Then I went to Superstore and picked up my 100 cards pictures. I got them made to announce our wedding to friends and family Even though they already know, these cards are something at least. It has a nice pic of Fabe and I and it says "we finally did it! Married Aprial 4, 2007 in Las Vegas Tara and Fabian". So now I have the fun job of getting addresses of ALL of our family and mailing them out (fun!).

I am still sitting in a house, that I feel needs to be totally cleaned..but I just can't. Maybe tomorrow. I bought floor wax and everything in all intentions to make my house so pretty...but I can't.

Last night, Fabe and I went out for supper and a couple drinks together. Its been forever...I didn't feel much like it, but I am very happy that he 'made' me.

Anyhow.

Truck

Okay here it is. 1200 and it can be yours. A GREAT running truck...my dh wanted a truck for full time use, thats newer. Can't beat this price for a FULL size truck...it is a '93 Chev Silvarado. Runs awesome...we have put some minor work into it, but it runs great. We take it to the lake all of the time...very dependable. Its a great truck. Seats 6. 350L engine. 1500 series. Good shape interior. The only thing that doesn't work on it, is the air conditioning. But it wasn't bad without it. We never have had it looked at so I have no clue whats wrong with it. We bought it off a friend and so we know it has been well maintained.

It has command start, an alarm and a really awesome stereo with removable face plate. It was used by a Shaw tech before, thats why the KMS are high (380) but for the price and the condition it still has LOTS of life left..these trucks last forever...my dh just bought a newer one today of this kind.

This week.

So this week has been good. The kids are going to the lake with mom this weekend, which is REALLY good as I am going to clean clean clean this house! Its horrible (for me) so yeah. Other then that, registered the kids in daycamps and what not. And thats about it...

Tara

So today was sad.

Today was the memorial for the children who were killed at that horrible car accident by Drumheller...Kyle and Sara attended the school that my daycare is in. We seen Kyle daily as our daycare kinders went to school with him. Anyhow, he was a cutie as was his sister. The memorial was heart-wrenching...I cried the whole time. Seeing 'my' kids sooooo upset, it was heartbreaking. Seeing the teachers, ugh. Horrible. The fathers of the children attended, and that was horrible to watch them break down. As a mother, feeling those feeling...I just can not imagine. It was so sad...anyhow the ceremony was lovely though. The grade 2's (Saras class) did a lovely poem with actions about Sara being like a butterfly...once she was a caccoon on this earth then one day she left and had wings and flew away to a better place and 'we will miss Sara here with us, but one day we will see her again" and yeah, SAD. The kinders, they were upset too. They spelled out LOVE and the kinder-teacher was a wreck! Its her first year of teaching. And she said that she had to tell Kyle all of the time, "Don't go anywhere without asking me first" she said that Friday he spoke of them going 'as a family' to see their baby brothers daddy in Drumheller. Sara told her later that day, "Kyle thinks you are the best teacher" she laughed "I was his only teacher!" she said that Kyle always needed to be reminded to let a teacher know that he was going somewhere, and she cried "and he didn't tell us this time that he was going anywhere..." she said how he always had the most sparkly eyes... :( Anyhow...yeah. Afterwards, so many children had to go to the office for greif councelling...some to call parents to pick them up, others went home with their parents. I just wanted to go home and hugs my kids and tell them that I love them so much...I went to the kinders after (they spotted me and another staff) crying and wiping our tears and they were so concerned...after we went up to them and they said "today was sad teacher Tara, I saw you" and I just hugged them all...I just wanted to tell them (each and everyone of them) that they are so special to me. I honestly don't know how I would deal with loosing one of my daycare kids...anyhow. It was a hard hard day.

After that, I went and picked up Kenendy from my MIL's house and then brought her back to work with me for a few hours. Then we headed home, and I got her ready for dance. It was a busy, straining day and I am looking really forward to tomorrow to get out of the city and head to the lake for a weekend. My friend and her kids are coming out with us too. Fabe is off, so thats nice.

Tara

dance.

Kennedys dance, in her jazz set. She danced to "Boogie Shoes"...

With her most favorite thing ever, BOOST :) After hard work like, whats better then a nice warm boost (yuck!) Yes, warm...

Kennedy with flowers from my mom...Fabe bought her some too but I didn't give them to her until AFTER the show...This is her tap outfit to "Zipidee-do-da"

My pretty little girl :)

Being silly!

Kennedy had her year end show today...meaning dance class is NOW over !!! Yeah!!!! Next year, I think that I am going to put her into jazz and hip hop. They have to be 7 to be in hip hop, so she

can do it. I know she will LOVE it...there is SUCH a difference between her tap show and her jazz one. The jazz one so much more her! She had a huge smile on the stage and was just so good. She loves the up beat things. Thats like me, watching the ballet part...ugh, makes me tired. But as soon as the up beat stuff comes on, I looooove watching it. The hip hop was really good this year too. But yeah, I am going to put her in to that too. Anyhow, dance is over! I just have to go this week and register her for next year and thats done.

Frrrrrrriday!!!

Thank GOD!!!!!!!!!

There IS a light!!!

Well aside from being offered another job (with 6 weeks vacation to start) (which I turned down). Anyhow, I told my boss...I need a day off a week. Yeah!!!!! So I will be back to my day off a week :) I am so happy...

Tara

Oh what a day :(

Today was not a good day at work. A dad freaked out on me, trying to make me fearful of him or something. I dunno. The staff complaining about kids, the staff complaining about everything...my boss on my back. I can't handle this today. EVERYone is complaining to me. Is this what it means to be the 'manager' is????oh my God, and where do I QUIT?

Anyhow, not a good day by far.

There are *so* many jobs out there, but I hate switching...but I hate staying somewhere where I am unhappy. There is *so* much pressure for me these days that I can't hardly take it...seriously.

Anyhow, I will be over it later...but until now....ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Hobo"

So here is our Hobo. We call him Hobo, because sadly...he is a Hobo. He is just SUCH a wonderful and loving dog. When we are out there, he is just so happy and stays at our lot the WHOLE time. He was here last summer too. So I mean, he is eating somewhere but still. He sleeps on

our deck at night and I feel horrible calling Bandit in and not letting him in. So guess what? This weekend, he slept in the cabin. And, he slept...like slept really really good. He didn't move the whole night. And his look, was so sad. He was just so happy. He stayed there the whole weekend

agian...and when we left, he chased our car to the end of the resort...and *I* had tears flowing down my cheeks. I decided that by winter I will either bring him to SPCA or take him home. Fabe said "he can stay in the back yard!" (he's a shedder) but yeah, no. So I feed him there and make sure he has water. He comes for walks with us, he swims with Bandit. He is just SUCH a good boy, its so nice having him around. He's quiet, doesn't bark...just is happy to be with people. I love him :( He's an older dog, I can tell. About 8 I would guess. Sleeping outside, must be hard on him now. Not knowing where he is eating all the time must be hard on him...Anyhow. I wanted to post pics so that he 'knows' someone out here loves him :(

Lake pics!

Ducks honking by us!
Kids eating lunch on the deck.

Kennedy...

Mack and his fruit...this boy LOOOOOVES fruit! Cherries!!!!

Cherries!!!!!

Kennedy and Mack enjoying some fruit....yummy!

We don't have bathroom out there yet, that will be a part of the new part of the cabin. We just built the cabin last year, the bigger one and we were going to use the trailer for a bathroom but decided just to built on more. So next year we will do that and we will bring our trailer back. We are thinking about parking the trailer close to Edm in a campground and that way we can work and sleep out at the trailer as it will be close to home. Plus, a place to go without Fabe while he works weekends, as I won't stay out at the cabin alone...

Kennedy using the oouthouse!

We love the lake. It gets better every year, with the more that we do with it. There is ALWAYS some kind of work out there, but its nice work. Even cutting the grass is enjoyable...with all the birds, water and friendly people its just so nice being out there. Its a long drive (2.5 hours) but oh my gosh, sooooooo worth every minute of it. The further you get from Edm. the better you feel.

The lake again!

Mack and his baby (quad!)

Fabe filling up Macks quad with gas...

Mack waiting for Kennedy...

What more can you ask for? Coffee, a big deck over looking a lake....ahhhhh...

The kids enjoying the new patio set, looks so nice on the deck now :)

Bandit finding shade, from the patio box..

So beautiful!

The new patio set...isn't it pretty!

Well my mom headed out to the lake Friday afternoon with the kids and the dog. I went to my clothing club party! It was fun and met some new people and got to know people who I already knew, a little better. Came home about 11:30pm Fabe was still up. We watched TV in bed. Saturday we woke up, and Fabe went to work. We left to the lake later on in the day. We got there later, but it was still light out and everything. It was nice. We didn't do too much that night. We went to bed pretty early. We slept until 9am. I woke up FREEZING from leaving the air conditioning on all night...brrrr! But neverless, it was a great sleep. It was BEAUTIFUL from the time we woke up. We let Hobo sleep in the cabin. I just wanna take him home :( The thought of him being out there, is so sad :( Anyhow, so then Sunday we put together the new patio set and the Ikea bed for the bedroom. Both turned out so nicely! So that was that. It was a simply beautiful day out, unreal. I got totally burnt again (2nd weekend in a row, despite sunscreen!) But I am happy to report its a nice dark tan now :) We drove the quads for a while, Bandit swan a few times...the kids were out on Macks' quad the WHOLE time...Kennedy's quad has had a flat tire so we finally brought the tire back to Edm. to get it fixed. She will be so happy to finally have it again. But she did drive Macks quad a few times...we just turn down the speed on it for her. She loves it. They both take off and are gone for a while...they check in every round around the block. Its very safe out there, well as for cars and traffic not too much. They aren't allowed to do trails without us. Actually speaking of quads and safety, this Saturday is Jimmy's 1 year anniversary of his death from quadding while completetly drunk. He is our neighbor out there, and leaves his wife and young daugher (she is Kennedys age). There is a cross that marks the spot of his death. We were thinking of bringing him flowers at his cross. He was the self-proclaimed mayor of our close-knit resort...he was a great guy :(

Selfish or Unselfish...

What do you consider yourself to be?

I feel that I am a very unselfish person. I truely want the best for people in my life. There are never times that I am jealous of people for what they have, or wish that it was me. I am always thinking about other people first. I always worry about people when they are going through a hard time. I call, call, call my friends because I am thinking about them. I sometimes wish that I wasn't this way. Sometimes I wish that I wasn't me though. I don't seem to 'fit' with other people because I just care too much about things. And, sometimes its a burden. Fabe always tells me he loves me so much, because of the person who I am. People blow my mind when they meet me, and they later say how much they loved my personality. At work, parents will tell my boss or the staff that they chose our daycare because of me. I don't get it. Honestly, I don't. I know that I am a good person. But being good doesn't always pay off. I have changed so much in the past couple of years. As I get older, the more compassionate I become about people. I feel sad for people, who I don't even know when they talk about something that they are going through. I'm told that "your so quiet" yet, I don't see it. I truely care for my friends, I really really do...but feel that it gets me no where fast. Fabe thinks that maybe I need to meet new people and find a better fit for me, as we all change. But sometimes I don't have interest in that, and really can't be bothered. I don't know.

No point to this post, but I was just thinking about some things while I was washing my floors (lol) and it got me thinking. And, sometimes I think that it doesn't pay off being a good person. I mean, I don't know what I am expecting (if anything) but I just wonder about this. Usually you surround yourself with people who are likeminded but I can only count a few people who I feel really care for me back. I dunno. I guess that I am just saddened by the fact that there are so few people whom I can relate too. I mean, don't get me wrong. I have friends, friends who I know care and would do anything to help me out if needed...but I also have 'friends' who I feel are 'friends' with me for their own reasons...not necessarily because they care.

Anyhow.

Gotta go have a shower and get ready to go out!

Tara

Couldn't resist.

Today I bought 2 tickets to Big Valley. I could NOT-NOT go...I HAD to go and see Carrie Underwood. So, I did it. If anyone wants to come with us, they are general tickets (Nikki) so just buy 1 and you can come with us...we can drive out together :)

I can't wait!!!!

June- Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

August- Big Valley

Sept- Kieth Urban

Oct- Brad Pasiley (bought them yesturday!)

I can't waitttttt :)

Tara

Thanks "N" for the wedding card and gift :)

You know, some of our friends and family are just unreal. We got a bg stash of money from my daddy for our wedding and the MOST beautiful card from father to daughter, it was So sweet. My mom gave us a even bigger chunk (which we do not want from her yet, as we are going away for New Years on a trip with her money...) but anyhow. Today I got a nice gift card from my friend (went to school with her) and a beautiful 'congrats' card for our wedding. As well, cards from family and friends. So many people are so happy for us :) I never expect gifts (never) but cards are what I love...thank you for the friends who are reading this who have given us the many cards...we appreciate it and simply love them :) Thank you.

My dad's side of the family wants us to come up there for a summer BBQ for a mini-reception. My dad said that they will all give us cash up there...I hate that. I really do, I really don't expect anything...a card is just great. But they figure that a wedding is a wedding and something to celebrate. But anyhow, we will do that in July. Also, Fabe's family (who has come around) who live in Flordia will want to celebrate down there when we are there...

I love that so many are so happy for us.

Thank you all :)

Tara

What to do.

So the kids left with my mom to the lake. She took Bandit too. I am kidless, dogless and husbandless (he's working!). So, what to do. The house NEEDS to be tidied up. And I would rather do that today then tomorrow. Tomorrow I am planning to just lay out on the deck and catch some rays. My sun burn has finally turned into a tan so yeah. This weekend, I will probably get re-sunburnt again. I will be getting totally tanned this year if this weather keeps up. Not that its good for you.

So I might as well do a quick tidy. I was going to run to Good Will and buy some magazines and books from there to enjoy in the sun at the lake. But we will see. I have to be out to Sherwood Park by 7pm for my clothing club party. I hope to not stay out late tonight. Its going to be So weird to wake up to no kids and NO dog. Kinda sad.

Well, its 3:10pm so I will start my cleaning. I have to allow time to have a shower and get somewhat normal looking for the party tonight.

Later,

Tara

hot, hot. hot!!!

I'm loving it!!!!

Worked until 3pm today, it was a nice easy day. And hey, it was payday :) Gotta love that!!!! So I stopped at the bank, came home...got the kids, went to Dollarama then Sobeys for groceries. We got fresh fruite, raspberries, watermelon, strawberries, cherries and pineapple. Love fruit :)
Then we came home, I unloaded it all. Started laundry. Cooked supper (yes, I cooked it then my husband walked in and was just shocked!). Then I sat on the deck for a while with my new magazine. Okay, confession here. I am a magazine=a-holic. This is the SECOND time in the last little while that I have bought the SAME magazine...I know have 2 issues of it. Grrrr. I was getting good and buying a stack of them at Good Will so that I wouldn't have to waste so much money on them. Anyhow, I have a TON of magazines now so if anyone ever needs some reading material...let me know.

Tomorrow, I am working until noon. I will pick up the kids, and then my mom is picking the kids up from here and off to the lake they go. Then I have my clothing club party tomorrow night in Sherwood Park. Finally I can go. Then, Saturday I am SLEEPING in. I will either lay around on my deck or do some more yard work...then when Fabe gets off we will head to the lake for the night and Sunday-day.

Anyhow,

Tara

Tuesday

Today was a great day at work. I spent 2500.00 on stuff for the daycare today. Love that. I didnt get back to daycare until about 3pm. Left at 9:30am. So I stayed until 5:30 pm. Came home, Fabe had wonderful burgers made with all the dressings and trimmings. We had corn on the cob, fresh buns and potato salad. We ate out on the deck, the 4 of us and it was so nice. Then we hung out in the back yard for a while. Then a friend and her dog stopped by for a doggie playdate. We sat in the backyard talking for a while. Then, she left. And Fabe and my neighbor were outside talking so I chatted with them for a while too. 10pm came too fast and the kids needed showers so yeah, we got them in. Fabe is fast asleep on the couch and I am just on here, then going to bed. Wednesday already tomorrow. Yeah. Friday night my mom is taking the kids to the lake. I am going to my new clothing club party ( havent' been to my new group yet!) missed the other months! So maybe I will win :) Anyhow, I will sleep in Saturday. Then, Fabe and I will head out to the lake Sat for the night only and come back later Sunday (again!). The following weekend Kennedy has dance year end show. So thats good. I am sooooo super excited for Tim McGraw concert on the 19th of June :) Can't wait!!!!!! And, only 3 months until we leave for Disneyworld. Tonight, I paid for our Villa which we rented...I can't wait for that. A 4-bedroom house and our OWN swimming pool in the back yard. I can't wait!!!!!! Anyhow, I better go. I wanna get a drink and watch the news. I haven't watched it for a while now...

Tara

The lake!!!

Come and be my neighbor!!!! This lakefront lot is right next to ours :) Its for sale. But can I brag???? Its 159,000 and guess what? We didn't pay that for ours!!! And now we have 2 cabins and power so I think ours is worth about 200,000 which is simply AMAZING as we paid *only* 24,000 for ours 5 years ago!!! Pretty good deal :) :) :)
So pretty :) Who would think that a dandylion would be so pretty?

The living room of the cabin. We just put up sheets as we were waiting for the guy to mud and tape, but we aren't going to wait anymore. So our little living room. We bought sage green paint to paint it and have navy blue carpet that needs to be put down. We have the bamboo blinds but we won't worry about anything else until Sept when the guy isn't so busy. From the couch, we have a perfect view of the lake...its so peaceful and relaxing sitting out there watching the boaters and the sun setting. God country is right about the north...

Bandit and "Hobo" on our deck. Hobo is the community dog. We are so sure that he has a owner. He sleeps outside on our deck and waits for us in the mornings...we feel so bad for him. We feed him, give him treats, take him on our walks...he loves us. But the neighbors said he does have an owner but they can't keep him at home, he wanders. But I dunno. Anyhow, when we leave he goes to the year rounders...we don't mind him at all being there though. He's a very good dog, and LOVES to swim out and chase the birds.

The kids on the trampoline. Notice the shingles on the shed are all coming off and peeling...yeah thats from the kids jumping off the roof on to the trampoline.

Tanner and Bandit in the weeds of the lakefront.

Down at the lake/boat launch. The kids throwing stones into the lake. My little nephew...

The dogs going for a swim as well

Going back up the road, heading home...

So my mom came out with us. My sister and her husband were already there, my poor husband (still getting use to the word!!) had to work. He was going to call in sick to come out with us. But I would rather him come out when its just us. Anyhow, we left my house at 9:15 am stopped for breakfast at McD's. Headed out and stopped 2 times. Once at Grasslands for a pee, and then Plamondon for food at the Co-Op. We got to the lake nice and early. We were sad to see the guy didn't tape or mud at all. It was a mess in there. The stuff all piled up in the middle, ugh. So anyow we decided then and there, we are setting up the cabin and enough was enough. No more waitng for him. He told us by May long weekend. So forget it, we set it all up. And now its comfy. It was sooo nice having the couch there. We relaxed in the evening and watched a movie and the kids loved it.

We left Sunday fairly late, well later then what we had wanted to leave. We left about 4:30 got home about 7. It rained pretty much the whole time home. But it was nice. I didn't have to drive, normally I drive on the long highway trips as Fabe says "I drive all day, I don't feel like it" so then I do it. But my mom drove so it was super nice.