Lots to catch up on

Yes it is December 31/08 and we have passed yet another milestone. We celebrated Christmas and it was fabulous with only 1 minor hiccup, and then next came our 13Th Anniversary.
Christmas morning came and once again we had to wake the kids up. It was finally just after 9:00am and the kids started rolling out of bed. Oakly was the first too grace us with his crazy hair, then came Avery with no stocking, she forgot to even look at the end of her bed for it. She was so excited she ran back in to her room grabbed the stocking, it was filtered through in about 2Min's and she made her way down to wake up Aspen. Aspen had already been awake early that morning to go through her stocking and fallen back to sleep, so she was ready to get in to the gifts under the tree.
We called G & G over to watch the kids open gifts, that's when Grandma told us that Grandpa had been gone since 6:30am, their was a water break in town somewhere and they had to find it. The other end of town ended up getting the water turned off for the whole day and they located the pipe late that afternoon. Grandpa missed presents at each of the grand kids houses and also at their house, but the strange thing was not having him around for Turkey Supper. It was a very quite day. Grandpa didn't get home until after 7 that night and was exhausted. The pipes were still not fixed, and they couldn't get a whole crew to come out and help dig until the next day and then it was going to be iffy.
The kids had a great Christmas and were very excited to see the Ipods and DS that Santa left. The girls got clothes and games for the Wii, and Okaly got an XBox 360, not sure if it was really for Oakly or Tod they played it for 2 days straight, while the girls and I sang our hearts out on the Wii. It was so much FUN!! ;)
The rest of the week went off with out a hitch, with the exception of a few friends getting together to watch the UFC, we had a relaxing weekend. Monday came and Tod was off to work for 2 days, it was also our Anniversary. We were going to go out to Dinner and a Movie, but I had finished some painting and was not wanting to get ready to go out so Tod brought dinner and movies home. It was a great night. We had Shrimp, Escargot, Salmon, Baked French Onion soup. and for dessert Apple Pie with Ice Cream all compliments of M &M meat shop. YUM YUM YUM!!! I ate a little to much and was feeling it later. We watched MAMMA MIA, Tod and Oakly sat and watched the whole thing not their kind of movie, but the girls and I loved it. We then watched Step Brothers, not my kind of movie but I suffered through it.
Tuesday was a day to clean up the basement and the garage. We were all but done when Grandma phoned and told us to fill up the tub, sinks and as many buckets that we could find. Their was another water main break and Grandpa was sure it was somewhere on our road. Aspen and Oakly jumped in showers quickly and just made it out in time. Sure enough in less than a half hour we had no water. Later grandma came over to tell us that it could be up to 4 days until they get the water fixed. Not sure what we were going to do I said well at least we had heat and that was great. Later that night we decided to go to the movie, it was cheap night and we all needed to get out of the house so off we went to "Bedtime Stories", WOW it was great we all laughed even Avery and it had you form the beginning. One of the best family Movies I have seen in a long time. We arrived home just after 9 and G & G's garage was open so we phoned over to checkup and well their heater was on the fritz. Tod went over to help and I started to prep Aspen that she may have to sleep with Avery if G & G's furnace wouldn't work. They did get it working. Then the other shoe dropped, grandpa told us that we have a 15 minute window tomorrow morning to fill up the water buckets that we had used up and to shower. The crappy thing was that it was between 7 & 7:15am. Well that brings us to today right now. Tod and I woke to refill the tub and flush all the toilets and fill the containers in the kitchen and especially the jug for drinking. WOW what we take for granted daily. Tod was able to shower, shave and go back to sleep, but with the joys of my curly hair, their is no showering and sleeping on this mop of hair so it gives me some time to catch up on the blog. When we are all ready to go this morning we have a few returns to do at Walmart and then we are off to the Mall! We try to stay away from West Edmonton Mall, but the kids are getting to the stage that Walmart is just not cutting it any more. Aspen is to skinny to fit in to the Walmart pants and Oakly really hats Skulls so we are venturing out to exchange at one place and look for some new stomping grounds.
It is the 31st and if the weather stays okay we are going to the Barn for New Years Eve. Our friends have a party in their barn and they get 2-3 girls to watch the kids in the house, a few family's go together and supply fireworks for midnight and then we are all off. It is perfect and everybody has fun.
Happy New Year!!!
Tod, Mel, Oakly, Aspen, & Avery :)

Christmas is in the Air

Well it is Sunday & the girls are counting down the hours until we go to the Hospital to sing Carols, 2 hrs to go and we will be on our way. I am looking forward ton it also.
Oakly & Tod have already been to Hockey early this morning and had an upsetting loss 14-11, not like yesterdays game with a win of 11-5. Oak is pretty tired & Tod is sleeping on the couch, listening to Football.
Happy Night Everybody ;)
5 more days. . . .

New Ornament

We had a "new ornament" in our tree this morning!!

We new it was bound to happen, but it took a while.

Fluffy found her way into the tree and wasn't coming out without assistance.

She is such a FUNNY cat!! :)

Today Tod & Oakly are in Caroline (2 hrs away) for hockey. The girls & I stayed home, did some cleaning, scrubbing, laundry, and hanging out.

Yesterday the 2 older kids tried to get out of going to school for the last day, Tod & I both said NO!! Tod told them that if they wanted to go to the hospital with him to sing to the seniors, they could come to work with him, well that was the wrong thing to say to Aspen. She thought that, that was a great idea. She didn't go, so today I talked to another Manager at the hospital & we are going to meat her and her daughter at the hospital to do some carolling & then go to Tim Horton's for Hot Chocolate and donuts. So now that I have told Aspen, she has been singing Carols for an hour and not all on tune but she is trying & loves to do it. We are going to spread the Christmas cheer & I am hoping the girls will feel the spirit & learn the quite softness that Christmas has, without all the hustle & bustle.

This year for Teachers Gifts we did home made things & are doing the same for our Family Friends. We need to concentrate on the meaning of Christmas not on how many presents are under the tree.

Baby It's Cold Outside!! :)

6 days & counting. . . .

Aspen performed twice in the Christmas Concert tonight. She was part of her 5/6 class and also the Senior Choir.She practiced her CHoir song all the time.She was very good at both and loves to perform in front of people. Way to go Appy, you are really good!! :)

Avery is in the front row. She is the first girl on the left side. Avery was great & she even let me put her hair in "Rag Rollers" last night to get curly hair. She sang her heart out and loved every minute of it. Way to go my girl!!

I forgot the camera & the video camera so thank heavens for the new "blackberry storm" Tod got this week. YAY!!

Aspen Floor Hockey 12/2008

Aspen Gymanstics 12/2008

Avery Gymnastics 12/2008

buisy weekend

Well it is Sunday night and we have survived the weekend and all that was involved.
Aspen's floor hockey was great. They won the first 2 games and lost the third so they ended up 2nd in their tier. That meant trouble in the 4th game they were against the grade 6 girls from Thorsby. It was a great game!! They lost by 1, Aspen was the goalie for the 1st and last game and did Awesome! :)
Later that night Okaly had hockey and they tied 8-8.
While I was away with Aspen for the day Tod was shopping with Okaly and Avery to find Boots for Avery and a Snow suit for Okaly. He was amazed at the stores and the options that were out their and of course the prices of everything. ;) We are trying to break him in slowly to the world of "mom's".
Today Oakly had hockey in Sylvan Lake, they won 10-8. It was a long day for them to travel and I opted to stay home and do some "Christmas Baking:, 8 dozen Butter Tarts, & 3 dozen Peanut Butter Blossoms & I am done for the day. I started at 1pm and finally sat at 7:15. I was checking my email when Dad & Mom signed on and then Am & Dallin came on also. It was great, I chatted with Dallin & Am, & Web cam with Dad & Mom. WOW!! the power of the Internet is great.
The kids are watching "Polar Express" and then it is off to bed!!
I will add pictures of Aspen's Floor Hockey later.
HAPPY NIGHT ALL!! ;)

love family

I just got off the phone with Tom and realized that family is so super cool:0 My big brother that I hardly new growing up because I was little and he was older, always makes me feel like I am closer to him than I remember growing up. He loves my family for who we are and doesn't judge us on anything. Heidi is amazing and the kids are great. O A & A love their cousins and always want to go visit them. Thanks for phoning, even if it was only to pick my brain, love to hear from you. Wish we could be with you!!! :)

It is snowing out again and the weather is about to get ugly so the "Weather People" say. It is about 0 and by tomorrow night it is supposed to get to -20/-30. Oh help us know! This weekend we are going to go find some "Winter Gear" for the kids.
Avery has a Birthday Party tomorrow, she will be bowling and playing games at the Rec. Center. She is so excited to go. ;)
Aspen has a Floor Hockey tourney on Saturday in Beaumont. We have never watched her play before, this should be fun!!
Oakly has a hockey game on Sunday, in Sylvan Lake. That is going to be a long day.
HAPPY NIGHT!!!!

family favorites

Okay these are only 2 of many family favorite Christmas Treats.
Poppycock
1 1/3c. Brown Sugar
1/2c. corn syrup
1c. butter (1/2 #)

Mix together in a pot, simmer & stir for 12 min's
Add 1tsp vanilla
stir together
Add
6c. popped popcorn
2c. mixed nuts

Mix all together and put on a serving platter


Turtles
2c. whipping cream
1/2c. milk
2c. sugar
1 1/4c. corn syrup
1/4tsp. salt
1tsp. vanilla

mix cream & milk together
take out 1/3c. of mixture set aside
mix in sugar, corn syrup, & salt cook for 15 min's or until boils
add the rest of the milk cream mixture and cook until at medium soft ball stage, remove from heat & add vanilla stir well

Place enough pecans on a cookie sheet
Pour the candy mixture over pecans, cover with melted dipping chocolates.

Enjoy and eat a little for me!! I am trying to be good.
It has snowed a huge amount & know to top it off we are supposed to hit above zero for tomorrow and then drop off on Thursday-Friday to -20. OUCH!!
Talked to & saw Dad & Mom on the web cam again tonight and it was great. The kids actually look forward to Tuesday nights to see Grandma & Grandpa!!
Love ya
Happy Night!!

winter is here

it has hit and i am not sure that we are ready.
avery tried on her boots, nope to small, the winter jacket and snow pants still fit, that's fabulous.:)
oakly is trudging around with a hoodie and his light hockey jacket, he has 2 ski trips next week and if he doesn't become less picky with his clothing he will freeze his butt off.:(
aspen is just great she has everything for winter love hand me downs, although we need some dress shoes for her for her Christmas concert, she has long skinny toes.;)

Tonight we had our kindergarten concert, because I work with these kids I was participating tonight. They, all 35 of them, did very good. It was a lot of fun. We sold almost all our cards for "Dollars for Desks". Our school has a fundraiser going on right know to purchase desks for children in Mozambique. one of our teachers has friends that went their and started an orphanage and school, so we are trying to help out and get a few desks for them, well the initial thought was 2-3 desks, but our community has come together and we have raised enough money to get 7 desks. Any ways for the kindergarten kids we made "Kards by Kindergarten" and sold them tonight. Tomorrow staff will by the remaining and we will have raised enough money to buy 3 desks, wow!! we are good and the cards are great. All kid made and just what Christmas is all about.
Dad and mom I know you will read this before we talk tomorrow so thank you!! You do know what I am talking about and I am thinking that right know it will help everybody out. Love you lots can't wait to chat with you tomorrow :0 we have a lot of snow to show you :(
the rest of the family haven't got a hold of me yet to hook them up to gmail, guess they will just do it themselves. :0
Hey Gail that fmaily pic is beautiful love it!! Want one, need one, have to have one.
Happy monday night everybody :0

What a great weekend! ;0

What a GREAT WEEKEND!!

We had a busy, fun, great weekend! On Friday, I took the afternoon off and went to do some much needed shopping and met Tod to find some clothes for his Christmas party. Arrived home with pizza and Cinnamon sticks to very hungry kids. Okaly was all talk during supper as it was his first Jr./Sr. School Dance. Of course I was chaperoning, much to his dismay, but it turned out great. He had fun, danced with a lot of girls and even his mom. I am thinking I could be a regular chaperon and not complain about it, at least I can see what is going on. I am very proud of the way Okaly was conducting himself. :)

Saturday was a day of trying to get odds and ends done, before T & I left for the Christmas Party. Okaly had a hockey game during the afternoon and unfortunately was not able to play due to a hit from behind in the previous game. He still had to attend. Tod was coaching with the intention of leaving after the 2nd period but due to a call that he didn't like, he voiced his opinion and got booted. The babysitter showed up at 4 and the girls were listing all the great things they had planned to do with her, from painting to baking cupcakes. They had a few movies to watch and lots of treats to eat. . . They were set for the night. T & I left at 5, looking really ready for a party. WOW!! WE are HOT;0 We shut the party down and had fun doing it, the 3:30 bedtime was not nearly long enough to encounter the Football Banquet we had to attend today but we managed to do it.

The Football Banquet was great. Okaly was named the "Rookie of the Year". Coach Joe said it very well "This kid was a pain in my ass all year. He was always in the back field breaking up my plays." Oakly was surprised to get called up for this award as well as T & I. We are very proud of him and what dedication he puts into any sport that he plays.

Avery stayed with G & G for the day. G phoned over the other grand kids to play and the 4 of them ran wild.

Aspen stayed the night at her friends house, for her family Birthday Party. She had a blast and came home looking at least 13teen. They had fun playing with hair and makeup. I am not so sure that T & I know what we are getting ourselves into. She is maturing more and more everyday, the beautiful young tween is starting to spread her wings. Although she figures she should get to wear make up T & I are trying to hold off for at least another year, cross your fingers for us!

nov 25 - dec 25

Is it really November 25 and Christmas is December 25? I am not prepared this year, as I usually am by now, this whole working full time has really put a cramp in my style of preparedness. I am not sure half the time if I am coming or going and at this point nobody around me asks. I am just where I am at, and if it is wrong well I'll get it right next week and we move on.
T & I have done a bit of Christmas shopping, but not everything and for some reason I can't wrap my brain around the thought of putting up Christmas decorations or a Tree. It is usually my favorite thing to do, but I am also thinking about the dismantling part of it, and thinking that I just put my house back together from painting, that was crazy enough. It will get done all in do time and I am sure I will be ready for the day when it arrives. Have lots of baking to do and it's a good thing the kids like to help in that department because I am thinking that they may just get their own recipes to do and it would help me a lot. I will stick to the Butter Tarts (I am a little more picky with these tasty treats than some others, since they are made from scratch from tart to filling I need to have the control) The girls can do Sugar Cookies from baking to decorating and Okaly would be great at making Turtles. Well I think that settles it the plan has been done and know to just put the plan in to motion when we are all together to get it done.
I'll be dreaming of Butter Tarts, Sugar Cookies, & Turtles all night Yum!!

bathtub keeper

well tonight was great. . .

we had a web cam chat with g & g Thomson and I am telling you I am not sure who was more excited the kids or g & g. We were on for an hour and we loved it. We saw a tour of most of the house & yard and moms gorgeous quilt. I have dibs mom. . . Before we got off the web cam we made another time for next Tuesday(Wednesday for them) and I even put it on the calendar so we won't forget, not that Avery will let us do that. We will be doing the great count down until Tuesday night to see and chat with g & g again. We love you and know that we can see & hear you, the missing is a little less. This technology is a great thing. . .

Avery was bathing tonight and just in case something happened she had her "ANGEL" watching over her. . . really! This is her cat Angel and he was loving just sitting on the tub watching her play and splash. What dedication! She was even petting him with a wet hand and he didn't move or try to swing at her, in fact he got up and went over to the other ledge down in the tub further too get a better perch and eye on what she was up to. CRAZY CAT, most of the time he thinks he is a dog or a human. If he could figure out how to open the door to let himself in and out of the house he would. He can stretch so tall on the door that he has about 6 more inches to reach the handle and then we would be in trouble. He is constantly in the pantry trying to open the container of cat treats and if the door isn't shut all the way he will paw at it until he opens it. Then we have no choice but to give in and give out the treats. Between the dog and the kids they have all taught him very well!

a new week and we are counting down till December

A lot of things have happened in the last week. . .
We had another day off of school on Friday.
Dad and Mom phoned on Saturday night and caught us at home by chance, Okaly's hockey was cancelled. Dad looked up prices for us to come to Australia. I am thinking that they really need some family time. . .
The girls went to school today and have come home willing to do extra chores. . . yes there is a reason behind there madness. The school is raising money for Mozambique. They are trying to buy desks for an orphanage. I know the girls will do their part. . .
Oakly has Basketball tryouts on Thursday night and is ready to try his hand in that game. He has a lot of different sports under his belt this year.
Have to go make supper :0

we win!!

Okaly played fantastic!! His team won the Tourney and they were great. They went out for a win and played the same way the whole game. I guess getting cocky wasn't the way the Calgary Team should have shown up in our rink. Aspen was a penalty door girl and got to scope out the boys on the opposite team. Avery was just hanging out playing bouncy balls with some other girls.
This is going to be a short week for school and work, we have Friday off for midterm break. Between last week & this week we have put in 7 days of school instead of 10. the kids are okay with that.
Have a snuggly night;)

lost a tooth

It has been a long day but I can not miss the opportunity to put this picture up. Avery lost her first official tooth today. She has had 2 teeth pulled by the dentist, but this one came willingly. We were at the Rink for Oakly's tourney and Auntie Pam Fouillard(everybody calls her auntie Pam) asked Avery if she could pull out her tooth and she refused. Then she showed up with a Kleenex and just smiled at Pam. Pam took one pull and it was out. Avery had a smile for one ear to another. Pam gave her a Tonnie. She was walking around showing everybody she had lost her 1st tooth and ended up gathering $6, and know the Tooth Fairy is supposed to come, how is the Tooth Fairy supposed to beat that!

We are playing in the final tomorrow for Oakly's hockey tourney. The team we are up against already have it figured out that they are walking away with first place. Well getting cocky isn't always very good, so we'll see who goes home with the gold..

LONG TIME NO BLOG

The Ugly Step Sisters and the over worked Cinderella

The Cute Scarecrow!! Aspen made the outfit for her art project. Way to go Aspen!

One of the teachers I work with at school. She is a hoot!!

My little Super Hero!!

Long Time No Blog. . . as Robbie would say!! It has been forever and so to make it up to all of my fans I thought that a few pictures would do the job. We have a few that should catch you up.

I know that this is a typical look at our house on any given weekend, but one of these things doesn't belong? We aren't sure if you can find it she trys to fit in very well. Loves the stink!!

Just for you dad our first snow of the winter gotta love it. November 12 and still mild out with a hoodie and vest and the snow amount is enough to be melted by 11am.

I hope you are all doing well and mom we love you!! yes you to dad, but I think mom is a little home sick. I promise I will try to get back into my blogging habit. I do miss it!

Good Night all!

It is THURSDAY!!

Today was a long day and coming to an end. Tod changed jobs officially, got a new office and another new phone number just when I was getting used to the other one. My only hope is that he doesn't get another cell #, it took me about 6 months to remember the # he has. I just had mental block every time I would call it. GOOD LUCK on your new adventure Honey!
My work has been crazy and a few roller coasters have been travelled along this week and I can't wait until Saturday to start.
Oakly doesn't have Hockey on Saturday so we have a Family Date Day planned. A movie lunch, supper, and some shopping. Mom and Dad are excited and the kids are not showing much emotion of whether they want to go or not.
Just to end the night on a Happy note it is Snowing! ;0 That means it is time to get the Hot Chocolate ready for the next 5-7 months. If we are lucky it will be very short. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

Weekend of FUN!!

It was a great weekend if you weren't the mom of the family.. .
Trick or Treating on Friday night was great. The weather was so warm we were down to warm hoodies, stretchy gloves and walking around the neighborhoods. YAY!!
But lets go back to Friday morning. . . Avery awoke with a frog in her throat and in about a 5 minute span of her coming into our room to say that she didn't feel good she had a cough and that was all that she wrote. Tod went and checked her throat and to our surprise she had a croup cough. Tod took her to work with him so she could get some medicine and then she had to hang out in his office while he had a meeting. He brought her home for lunch, at that time I came home to get dressed in my costume. I took her back to school with me, so she could enjoy her Halloween Party for the afternoon. I forgot my camera so I had to have Keri and Shawna take pic's of the girls. Aspen was a scarecrow that she had to make as an art project for school. Avery was Supergirl, oh the powers she has. They had fun at there school parties. Oakly even dressed up at Junior High as Cookie Monster. What a good sport, but he has taken on the roll of hating to have his picture done. That really sucks for him cuz I love my pictures. We went around town and then to the Complex to play games and go through the Haunted House that Grandpa Pharis organized and dad was a part of. Tod was the Butcher in the Haunted House and did a great job. He had a real pig head and parts to throw around and chop up, lots of blood and yuck. When we were in the Haunted House Avery looked under the Butcher table and back at the guy with the knife and said "Those are dads shoes, hi Daddy". She wasn't scared of him, but down the hall she got a fright. She really screamed. Aspen was brave and nothing scared her. We had a great night of candy collecting and lots of tricks.
Saturday was a day of partying for Aspen. She had a movie, sleepover birthday party. They went to High School Musical 3. Aspen was going to that, so I planned for Avery to go with some of her friends, well I was struck with a migraine, yes it sucked and knocked me out for the day. Tod arranged for Avery to be picked up by Jodie(THANK YOU!) so she could still enjoy her day with her friends. Deanna(THANK YOU!) brought her home and she said she had a great time. Maybe next time I can go!:) Okaly had a Hockey game and they lost, but they were short 3 players which makes it hard considering they only have 10 players to begin with.
Today I was still not feeling great and Aspen needed to go out to another Birthday Party for 2 friends that had a joint party. Avery hung out with me for the afternoon, while Tod and Oakly went to Hobbema for another hockey game and once again they lost, playing short handed again. I am still felling yucky and hope that tomorrow for work I am up to a full day:)

Halloween

Tomorrow I will be dressed for Halloween for the whole day. The Ugly Sister costume will be FUN! Ohh the pictures should be great.

What a day

Our day started out rather windy and cold, and ended with a snow storm.
We had Ansen and Keegan for the weekend and they were great.
Saturday was a crazy day of Football, and Hockey back to back. Football was in Spruce Grove and we had to leave the house by 1:00pm. We got to the road and I forgot the blankets, so we turned around to go get them. While I was in the house Avery noticed one of the trees by grandmas was swaying a little more than the rest. We drove over to find that it was uprooted about 3 feet. Grandpa phoned 911 and the Fire Station came and chopped the tree down.
Oakly's Football game was a win or your league is done we were winning 6 nothing going into the 3 quarter and then the other team got a touch down. The game went into a double over time and our boys played hard even though the wind was brutal, we lost 12-6, but before they could call the game 2 of our players were hurt, 1 was helped off the field and the other was taken off the field in an ambulance. During the game the kids were great. We made them a tent out of blankets and blocked the wind the best that we could. They lasted until the middle of the 3 quarter and then I took them to the vehicle to watch a movie.
The game was so long that we had to catch McDonald's on the way home in order to make the Hockey game. We go to the rink in time for Oakly to get dressed in double time and make it for the puck to drop. I took the kids home and Aspen baby sat while I went back and watched Oakly's game. On they way back to the rink a Snow, Wind storm hit and you couldn't wee 1/2 mile in front of you, it was gross and not what we wanted just before Halloween. They won!
Today was another day that we were on the road. Tod was up and at it at 7:30 for his course. Keegan was also awake and that meant I was up. The rest of the house woke up shortly after that and our day began. Shane and Shawna picked up the boys by 11:30 and then we packed up and left for Lacombe, just an hour down the road and we were in another rink ready to cheer on Oakly's Hockey team. They won again!! We stopped at Extra Food's in Lacombe for grocery's and then made our way home.
It has been a busy weekend and now that Football is over it will be a little quieter. :) Our experience with Football was great and Oakly had a lot of fun, I'm just not sure we can do this all over again next year. We will have to wait and see.

Thanks Keri

To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world.~Anon.
WOMEN IN MY CIRCLE When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,And then I started to become a woman.And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,God would show you the best in many friends. One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man. Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom. Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be. One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,'Another , 'Let's fight together,' Another , 'Let's walk away together.' One friend will meet your spiritual need,Another your shoe fetish,Another your love for movies, Another will be with you in your season of confusion,Another will be your clarifier, Another the wind beneath your wings. But whatever their assignment in your life,On whatever the occasion,On whatever the day, Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself . Those are your best friends. It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several.. One from 7th grade,One from high school, Several from the college years, a couple from old jobs,On some days your mother, On some days your neighbour,On others, your sisters,And on some days, your daughters.

Family

My Monday is coming to an end & with that I have completed what I had on schedule for the night plus some.
I have designated Monday night my baking night. To get all the kids snacks ready for the week or maybe the next 2 weeks if I am lucky! We had Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole for supper & in the mean time I made to batches of banana bread.
Keri came over @ 6:00 with the kids, I think the kids smelt the Banana bread, of course I shared with them, & then we went for a run/clean of the post office. She was so nice to help me clean, it was very fast & I appreciate all the help I can get.
Keri & I have the same thinking patterns sometimes we feel a little small in the big pool of fish that we run with, although we have lots and are not hurting for anything sometimes we feel like maybe we aren't quite up to snuff. I know it is crazy in this rat race that we live in, but that's the way it goes. Lately I have been getting emails from my mother & sister, in them we are told that we should not be waste full & use everything until it is worn out. I like to think that I am thrifty, at times I do like to spend money & have fun, but it does worry me that I am not doing my best. Maybe this is part of my stress & when I can figure this out I can be me again. I hope this happens soon.:)
Tod is doing class' until tomorrow night & then he will take off a day to rejuvenate. On Saturday he is in a course for 2 days. Busy guy for his new job, which officially starts on November 2. He will be the Hospital Educator & in order to Educate the hospital he has to take the class' himself. I am very proud of him & all the extra stuff he is trying to do to better himself & get more experience.
The kids are still running crazy all over the country side with us following as they lead. They keep us hopping & put in perspective that our parents did it for us & if I had to do it all over again I would start at the beginning & jump in with both feet with out hesitating.
I love my husband & the patience that he has for me, I do know that at times I am trying too get along with:0 Thanks Honey!! WOW the kids, they are really pulling their own weight cleaning bathrooms & just pitching in when they can see that they need to help. They are really my Miracles & Blessings;)
Too all my friends near & far you do keep me sane on most levels of my life thank you!

YAY!! It's the weekend!

Well it is Friday and I am so HAPPY about the whole thing that I decided to Blog.
We are set for our weekend to begin, but first and foremost we are all sleeping in tomorrow.
Tod has had workshops all week and hasen`t been off until 6pm. That makes for a long day and longer night for him. With chasing after Oakly for Football and Hockey it makes for a tiresome night.
I have been chasing after all 3 kids, cleaning the post office, and doing my volunteer positions. I have put in some long days this week and am not fond of the 17 hour days. Glad I don`t have to do them everyday. The kids are great at being carted around from place to place and are very understanding that we do it for all of them not just 1 of them.
Football is coming to an end. Saturday may be that last game of the season if they lose, and secretly I would be okay with that. Oakly is doing great and we love it, but I am not liking the cold weather. It`s not like when I was in the stands Cheerleading! BRR! I am trying to be a quiet mother in the stands and that dosen`t keep you very warm.
Hockey is also on Saturday and from the Football game the boys will go to Hockey. Oakly will probably miss a period, but his team really needs him. It is a tiring game and we need to win.
The girls have a Birthday party for Ciera tomorrow also and so while they are at that I am going to try and get my Disney book done and maybe start on some Christmas presents. I hope I can get it all together.
So although we are looking forward to the weekend it won`t be quit, but we will all be together at some point and we can sleep in.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

We had a great Thanksgiving. Lots of Turkey and more Turkey. A few games of Dimes, I won the first game. YAY!! I don't do that very often and so this is a great accomplishment for me.
Oakly kept busy on Saturday with a Football game and Hockey game back to back. The football game was a loss of 14-20, and the Hockey game was also a loss of 7-5. All in all he did have a good weekend.
I worked a Bingo for Football on Saturday and then off to the Football game. Went home right after the game and made supper. We cleaned up in a hurry and were off to the Hockey game.
The girls had their first day alone, Aspen babysat Avery. They did great. They crafted and Aspen even painted Avery's toe nails. When I got home Avery assured me that Aspen was very nice, not bossy.
Aspen went to Hannah's after the Hockey game on Saturday for Thanksgiving. She had Turkey and Stuffing at 2 family functions.
Tod and Grampa Pharis got the yard looking amazing for the winter, hopefully the pine needles will stay away that long!
We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Weekend!!

just to add to my night

I did some pictures tonight and love the location. I work with Gail and this is her back yard it its amazing and I have to thank her for the trees, leaves and beautiful colors. I want to go back for more, maybe some of my family pictures. Here are some of tonight's pictures. Dean, Keri, Kye, Journey, & Teig Waters. We also had a few on lookers.

still around and not sure how

We are crazy busy and not sure how we are functioning.
The house is coming along smoothly. I am ahead of schedule and loving my house. I still have to decorate and that is going to be the fun part.
Okaly had his first Volleyball games today and the Sabers won all 3 games.
Aspen had her first Jazz class today and loved it. She is good at Jazz and hopefully she will stick with it. Next week she will start Gymnastics, I hope she can keep with this this time, she is really good at tumbling and turning.
Avery had Hip Hop, Tap, and Ballet tonight. I dropped her off to pick her up later. I returned 2 hours later to find her out front of the dance hall waiting for me. My heart broke to see the look on her face as she watched me pull up. She got in the vehicle and started crying. I asked her why she wasn't in at dance. She had made the choice that she didn't want to do Tap and Ballet. We had a little talk in the car, and at that point I felt like the worst mom in the world. Our little talk and cuddle in the car was great and I spent my time with her wondering if all the running we are doing is really that fun. We figured out her wants. All she wants to do is Hip Hop and Gymnastics. We can handle this. Tuesday will be Hip Hop and right after school on Wednesday's we have Gymnastics. So doable and loving it!
I am on the count down for Thursday night, I am going to the musical "Cat's" can't wait, front row seats! It is going to be awesome! I am going with Keri Waters, Shawna Ofstie, Carol Rempel, and Krysta Miller. Krysta got the tickets and Chantell was going to go but lucky for me she is going to Las Vegas for the weekend, and that's where I come in and I am okay with that.
Life is crazy and every once in a while we need a set back into reality. Stop and breathe! I need to remind myself to do this more often.
Have a great night.

Tod pitched in

Tonight Tod pulled up his sleeves and got down with the dogs and painted trim. We got the majority of the kitchen done and the table moved back in and the light above the table lowered and it looks great. We are ready to entertain!!
It has been a long day, and I am very tired. I was up until 11:00pm last night, up at 6:00am for my morning run and off to work for the day. The time is showing 5 min's to 10:00pm and I am ready to go snuggle my guy that helped me get done what was on my agenda tonight. Is there a hidden meaning to his madness probably, bu that's okay I'll take any help I can get.
We definitely know that Fall has hit and the trees are getting naked and the air is very crisp. Happy Fall to you all!!

Even Nature is ready for Hockey season

Oh what a beautiful Sunday morning. When you get a call from the in laws to look out your window and there is a tiny whits tail in the yard you run for the camera. By the time I got the camera and came back to the window she had found her way into the hockey rink and was doing a few warm up laps. She posed rather nice for me and then ever so cautiously walked out the door of the rink and into Waters' yard and over to the Lions Park back home. We have seen her around the yard a lot in the last 2 weeks but this is the closest she has come to the houses. I was very cool and the kids think she would be a perfect addition to our Family Hockey Team.

Tod was on the go in Kimberly, BC for a guys golf weekend. They drove down on Thursday night, and arrived home early today do to rain. It was the consensus to not golf in the pouring rain so the made the trek home earlier during the day instead of arriving at midnight tonight. Avery really missed him and counted down the sleeps till dad got home.

Yesterday I went to West Edmonton Mall with Keri and 8 other girls for some shopping, food and a movie. Keri got her tattoo and it is actually very cute, in the perfect spot and suites her very well. While she was getting that done we started our shopping. I was very successful in the shoe department, I got 3 pairs and of course Aspen was trying them on asking when she could wear them. I am think that Tod probably only owes me 70-75 shoes from our bet 6 years ago. Let's just say he lost a bet and the prize was 100 pairs of shoes for me, and he would have gotten new golf clubs but I won and am still working on sealing the deal. I also got Oakly some jeans and Aspen a very warm hoodies from Aeropostale, so cute. I didn't know that we had this store in Canada, I love this store and am so excited to have it. It might just get me too the mall more than every 4 years. It just opened in July.YAY! I can get my perfume at the store and not on line.

All in all we had a very good weekend and are almost ready for the work week. :)

IN LOVE WITH MY HOUSE, ALL OVER AGAIN

I am in LOVE with my house again. The painting is coming along and I think I can be finished this project by October. I have pictures and they really don't do it justice, but it looks amazing. I still get to decorate and that will be fun.Shawna came and helped me for the day, and the kids were great. With out her I would still be in the kitchen on the top of the fridge trying to reach all the hard spots. I love having good FRIENDS.

Tod is gone for the weekend. Before he left, he surprised me at school with a beautiful vase of flowers. I was the envy of the staff room. :0 My husband rocks, and he loves me. YUP! He does. Aren't they gorgeous?

Tomorrow I am going with Keri to get her Tattoo, after that we are going shopping, dinner and a movie. We have a few friends meeting with us and all in all we will have a great time just hanging out. On Sunday morning we will be going to Spruce Grove for Oakly's Football game. The girls are hoping the playground is open, it looks awesome.

My first full week of work was very tiring . I am still trying to shake this cold that I caught a week ago. I come home exhausted and love to climb in to my bed at night and crash. . .

LIFE

I can't believe how fast life can change when you least expect it. Going to work on Friday I had walked in the doors and was called to the office to be asked if full time was okay. How do you say NO! to that offer. I will start full time on Monday, yikes!:0 Excited and nervous all at the same time. I do not have a set schedule for the afternoon as of yet. The morning will be with the Earl Entry Program, which I love those little guys. I will be floating for the afternoons until Thursday, and then I will get a schedule for the afternoons.
Well I am still in the process of painting the main floor of the house. I have the front entrance and bathroom done, and the first coat of paint on in the living room. Some of the trim has been painted black and with out the help of Grama Pharis(painting the trim), Shawna(watching the kids), Keri(for helping to paint the doors) I would still be trying to do everything by myself. It is so nice to have help. THANK YOU!!
Oakly had a football game on Friday night and they won 40-14, it was tied at one time 14-14. It was a blow out and a cold night, the first of many I am sure.
I got a crazy cold on Wednesday and by Friday I was feeling miserable. Tod caught the cold and is feeling miserable and admitting it. Hope he feels better soon.
Tomorrow we are all off to work and school full time. How fast your life change in a moment.
"Life should be savoured, love should be forever, and gifts should be from the heart."
-Sophia Loren
Hope you have a great week! :)

painting with Megan

Miss Megan, (kids music -french teacher) my friend, came over to help me paint my house. We got the front entrance 2 coats done and it needs another but it looks great. thanks Megs for all your help it was fun and nice to have help. My living room that has seen better days of cleanliness.

On Monday most of the cool people of the staff wore purple and it just so happened that I had my camera. (Brian Stern, Tracey Zadderey, Raylene Jubinville, and me) I am so short.

Good Night :)

started to paint

Well i have taken the plung and started the crazy job of painting the entier main floor of the house. I have 4 colors and am excited to get it done. The mess in the mean time is going to drive me crazy and I am not sure how I will handle it. Lots of work to do!!

It will make you cry and love your babies so much more

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO PLAN TO BE GREAT MUMS,THOSE OF YOU, WHO ARE GREAT MUMS,THOSE WHO HAVE GREAT MUMS AND THOSE OF YOU WHO HAD GREAT MUMS...
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of shag carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade... It is marked by the progression of Mama to Mum to Mother...
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mummy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mum knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it.
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mum's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mum would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mum.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
My mom forwarded this to me and said that she cried, well so did I.
Today Oakly had another game and they lost for the first time this year. It was pretty close 14-8. The offense had 8 fumbles and the defense team pulled off a good game. Maybe next game they can get on the same game plan.
We filled up the hot tub last night and we have a date as a family for a hot tub night, should be fun, it is chilly out.
We have school pic's tomorrow so we all have to pick out our mother approved good clothes and make sure they are clean and ironed. Hopefully we can see Okaly's eyes in these pic's, and we all have our good smiles on. :)

I survived

I survived my first day back to work, although I am tired right now I still have a busy after school and evening coming up. We walked to school this morning and Oakly actually walked with us not in front of us, he still needs me. I came home at lunch, the end of my work day, out of the house, and got right in to the house work. I cleaned the carpet in the trailer and now that it is drying I will just have to give it a good vacuum roll it up and we are ready to go for May Long weekend 2009. Seems like it will be a for-ever time away, but if we think positive winter will be short and we will be back in to the camping mode in no time at all.
I will start prepping the main floor of the house this weekend for a much needed face lift, my goal is to have it painted by next weekend. It will be 6 years in October and we haven't touched the walls it is time!:0
Oakly has football pic's on Sunday and a game so we are going to be doing some Leduc and maybe Edmonton shopping on this day. Aspen has sprouted so much she has 2 pairs of pants that fit her in the length, the waist is okay, it could be a challenge. As for Oakly I am not even wanting to attempt to try to find him jeans. He has himself convinced that he will shorts unless it its -15. I'll let you know how that works for him. I give him until the end of September and the jeans will be pulled out. It just gets way to cold here for that.
Mom and Dad you will read this either before, after or on the day so Happy Anniversary!! :) We love you and miss you. Hope that you are both feeling much better. Are you new grandparents yet?

Camping on the Longweekend

Photobucket Album

Behind by a day

Well yesterday was the first day of school and I was not prepared to send the kids off to come home to an empty house. I told Keri that I would probably have a few tears. They have come and now I am over it because I got my call back this morning while I was at school dropping the kids off. YAY! I am back at it tomorrow. The goal for painting the house will have to wait for the afternoons when I am off.

I am very unsure of my parenting skills for a 12year old and a child that is in Junior High. Not sure I am ready for it. I looked at Oakly yesterday and wondered where did he go this summer. I have found a young pre-teen that has grown up so much. He still has his moments of young child syndrome that hits bu ton the most part he is a very good young pre-teen. I love the fact that we can talk and joke and he is treating his sisters way better. Slow down Oakly I don't want to lose you yet and all though I have a few more years with you they will go by so quickly and then just like the wind you will be moving on and not under my feet any more. I love you for the young man you are turning into and wish for you the world.

Okaly is not the only one that has changed this summer, Aspen and Avery have done a lot of growing as well. Aspen is so tall and has the same size of feet as me. I am going to try to us this to my advantage if I can just come up with a good game plan to explain it to Tod. Why we have to have this many shoes, if we are sharing it has to be worth it and saving us money. Tod are you getting all this it is worth it. ;)LOL! Aspen is being very responsible in her new room in the basement. She keeps it clean and loves to just hang out down there.

Avery is growing up and taking on the roll of the big 6 year old. Yesterday she had her first tooth filling awake, last time she had to get put under. She did great, the freezing in her mouth and jaw made her lip and nose look funny. We all had a good laugh about the funny faces she was making. She has a great class at school and although she said she didn't want to go today she was run walking all the way. She is the peace maker in the family and like to play with Okaly and Aspen and nows how to play them against each other as well. It is sad for me to see her independence coming on so strong, as a mom I need to know that my kids still need me and are not so independent. It makes me feel like I am an asset. I love that they are all individuals and they keep me on the top of my game, and sometimes it is a guessing game, it is still nice to be here with them.

Our game plan for transportation to school is walking or riding bike's. It will be a challenge on those days that I feel rushed. I hope to keep it up and persevere.:)