Cherish The Chaos

summertime.... 2011

2011-07-25T00:31:00.000-06:00

back in raytown for the month. Kids are busy on their bikes, or on the tramp, or playing with cousins. Just as it should be. We are always so busy when we get down here. The time flies. Even a bit of a break for me. We must have had too much sun as Elle was sick and threw up, all sunburnt from the pool this week. Forrest doodled across his body with non-washable dollar-rama markers, so it took an hour to scrub him clean for church. Just found a design he drew on the comforter, on Grandmas bed... OOPS! Seems like things never slow down. Found out our renters are moving out. Plus the place we are renting may go up for sale in the spring. Scott is trying to buy a new big rig and get back in the trucking game right away. I have 2 great little businesses.... & so much on my plate right now I feel like I could be sick myself. But that stuff will have to wait till fall... this week is my birthday and we are heading to Granny's Camp with our other cousins. Reality?? I need a break!

Already Fall??

2010-10-04T00:11:00.000-06:00

I can't believe the leaves are falling off the trees and we are heading into the long winter battle. ugg. The thought of dressing and undressing 4 kids to go to school 3X/day in the cold winter...makes me want to pack up and skip the border. Come and get us you border patrol you!

We have been blessed to enjoy a few nice days. I need to take advantage of them and get outside toys and such organized sooooon. Before it is cold out and I am doing it all in the snow! I am loving that the skies are getting dark again early. In the summer it is difficult to get kiddies to bed, because it stays light till too late, but now it is dark by 8P (and even earlier) so the kids are off to dreamland, and momma can get a few things done.... OK that is the plus for winter time here, but only one!

Scentsy Wickless Candles

2010-06-07T16:18:00.000-06:00

Scentsy Wickless Candles

HERE WE ARE.....

2010-05-24T02:09:00.000-06:00

I am always on my computer. Late at night after kiddies are in bed this is my place. But alas not really into the blogging world. At least not since the "Crazies" from my previous post. A Credit Card company. eeks. Long story short....it was a stinking ridiculous time in our lives. Scott had to close his company and this meant we were in great financial woes. We were both depressed about the whole situation and not sure what to do. I came home one afternoon to hear a message on my answering machine from a gentleman that said "Maurita, I know what you are doing, I've been on your blog, cherishthechaos.blogspot.com....." That's when it really hit me--what I was posting wasn't just going to family and friends, but anyone with an internet connection (and a lot of free time). So instead of making it a private blog, I just stopped blogging. hmmmmm. I'm bummed that I did as so much has gone on over the past year and this is my one place to journal it. Plus I quit scrapbooking, got rid of all my supplies (donated to a worthy cause in Costa Rica); thought I'd just do digital books, but haven't gotten that done yet either--so I really haven't kept track of the stuff that has gone on in our lives over the past months.... my memory sucks so I won't remember it now. Poor Forrest, his whole first 2 years is a blurrrrrrr.

Spring 2010

2010-05-24T01:07:00.000-06:00

hello again. hello.

2010-04-27T13:54:00.000-06:00

once upon a time..... I started to blog. Then our lives went crazy. Then crazy people started checking my blog. Then the crazy people left messages for me that they were following my blog. Then I stopped blogging....

I think the craziness is behind me and I can get back to my online journal. so stay tuned... more to come!!

Finally a Nice Day....

2009-05-23T16:39:00.002-06:00

After too many cold days it is finally nice enough to play outside. We've been busy around here. Scott has cut down 4/5 pine trees towering over our house. I barely got the kids off the porch before one of them came expectantly down. Right where we were standing. Kids loved it.
They've been living in their swimsuits since Friday (oh yeah, there was 6" of snow in our yard on Tues.)

Everyone played so hard yesterday that Forrest and Berke were fast asleep by 7pm. Amazing. It stays lighter later so it is virtually impossible to get kids to sleep early. Nice treat to have them asleep. Today it is only 4pm and everyone is down for quiet time /naps. yipee. Time for a little nap for mama??? Though it might be a late night for everyone tonight. eeks :)

Berkeley turns 4!!!!

2009-05-23T16:27:00.004-06:00

AHHHH our little girl turned 4. I hope it is a year of happier voices (no more crying, major breakdowns & shyness beyond belief.). A year for her to remember..... For her birthday party we had fun painting treasure boxes, playing a few games, presents and a little cake. Nothing spectacular but she had a fun day and loved playing with her friends.

Moms Day Fun

2009-05-23T16:16:00.003-06:00

Just a few photos of a fun celebration Tagg's Kindergarten Class held for all their moms. We were treated with some veggies and pretzels (you can see how he put my plate together for me.) They sang songs about their mom, then each took turns telling why they loved their mom. Such a sweet idea. Also happened to be PJ day at school--- thus the clothing for all the kids and teachers.

Tagg's GR. K teacher Mrs Thiessen- "Mrs. T"

The table all decked out and decorated for us with a photo heart card, homemade napkin holders, a paper flower vase and a little book about loving his momma......

Chocolate Cake anyone??

2009-04-29T00:25:00.002-06:00

OK, After years I made my favorite recipe for a chocolate cake yesterday & have been nibbling on it since..... yummy. When I was a kid my mom would make my sis Sonia and I take turns on Saturdays to make dessert for family dinner on Sunday afternoon. One time I found a recipe from a magazine for Hershey's 5 Minute Chocolate Cake. Ripped it out of the magazine & brought it home. Anything that could be made in 5 minutes so I could go play I was all over. It is super moist & yummy!!

So give it a try---then top it off with Sonia Super FUDGEY chocolate icing. Delicious. Even Forrest sat down with a couple plates of it. Chocolate disaster all over his face and my floor :) Guess he comes by the chocolate craving honestly....

ENJOY!!

HERSHEY'S 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE CAKE
Mix together:
1 1/4 cups four
2 cups sugar
3/4 cups cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder

then add:
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cups milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla

1 cup boiling water---ADD LAST
Pour into pans. Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes for layers, or 40 minutes for 9x13 pan.

SONIA'S QUICK COCOA FROSTING (tastes like fudge!)
1/2 cup margaine
1/4 cup cocoa
1/3 cup milk
mix together in saucepan. bring to boil. Simmer 3 min.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 1/2 cups icing sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.
Beat until smooth.

If it is too runny add a little extra icing sugar (powdered sugar) or I add a tablespoon or 2 of flour to thicken it without adding sweetness--cuz it is Fudgey!

Spring time?? Any takers---

2009-04-24T13:08:00.005-06:00

Forrest dressed up as his favorite puppy!

Tagg designed his own shirt, even included a rip in it so we could see his big muscles like the "HULK"
Berkeley posing....

After months of sitting under 3ft of snow, and cold and ice.... finally the sun has peeked out on GP. Just in time for us. This weather has been so strange, warm and sunny-- the next a storm of snow back on the lawn again.... We spent easter with family which was such a nice change after being tied down here for months. We had a great time and miss everyone so much. xoxoxox

Here are photos Tagg took of his fun at Grandma's with his family... He was on a visual journey to take pictures of his favorites things so he wouldn't forget them. Thanks to Grandma Linda & Lois for baking daddy's favorite raisin cookies, Auntie Joanie for the books/cds and fun visit!

this post probably just for me.... A Glimpse of Today

2009-03-06T13:27:00.009-07:00

Forrest fell asleep as I am writing this--
right in the middle of eating his ice cream.

Bathtime....
Forrest eating a little snow with dirt on top---yummmmy!
Tagg, Raul and Berkeley playing in the snow
All the kiddies hanging on the bed!!

I haven't been on for a while, and I am so sad. This is actually more like my journal-- it's here I share my photos and stories..... I've been away for so long that I think I've forgotten many of the good things in my life, and hopefully a few of the bad ones. Its been a very difficult year, but some how we are still here and kicking.

We are still in Grande Prairie. It's been a good home for us. Tagg is busy with Kindergarten, Loves school, his teacher and the kids. He is always drawing or "inventing" something. It actually amazes me as he thinks up new things to create (and amazes me the way one simple box can last weeks of playtime!!) Berkeley loves the alphabet and is spelling her name, drawing, coloring. She always want to be on the computer and lets her little brother Forrest sit beside her as she plays his favorite games (hello blues clues.... gag!). Forrest is pretty husky little guy. Weighs about the same as Berkeley; and is into about everything the big kids are. Today I found him on the cupboard with the blender. He had actually opened and emptied a container of yogurt in it... making our ritual smoothie--without me??! eeks.

We have all the routines that work for us. mornings are chocolate milk and cartoons, everyone laying on their own special couch. cuddletime in mom and dad's bed. after school = popcorn and Ben 10 cartoon. Tues and Fridays are play-all-day-with-Raul days. Where my kids are so happy to have their friend over all day. {When I pick up Tagg from school that is always his first question "is Raul still here??"; they actually see him everyday-- they wait by the window for him to arrive in the morning,(& wait for his mom @lunchtimes}. early suppers and bathtime--getting in all the play they can to completely wipe them out. Apples and water before bed. Days seem to drift into one another, weeks merge into weeks, suddenly the month has passed and I am still trying to get caught up on my laundry, all the other things on my list I put off till tomorrow. {THUS MY TARDINESS WITH BLOGGING, you know the laundry and dishes and bathrooms are waiting for me yet}. I seem to do the same things everyday--dishes, laundry, pick up, cleanup, organize, re-organize. Then the next day, we do it all again....oh-joy!!! I appreciate my mom , dad & family even more for keeping a clean house (many hands make light work). I've been trying to teach the kids to make beds, clean up dishes, fold clothes.... but truthfully the many little hands at my house make it all twice the work.

Luckily we are all healthy and well. Waiting anxiously for spring. I've got to get some energy to get our house tidied and organized and ready for our new arrival, due end of August. I feel relieved to think that this is probably the last time I will feel kinda out of control with my hormones, lack of energy, and wild eating habits.... But we are grateful for the blessing of a new baby--the kids are so excited and always want to talk to it, hug it, tell it stories. We were a little unprepared for another one, but what's one more bum to change???

Well thats a glimpse of today. Many more things to say, but better save them for another day. I don't want to run out of things to say :)

PS. Stay strong Tam. I'm behind you all the way!!

Got the hint!!

2008-11-10T23:06:00.003-07:00

ahhhh :) Had to laugh as my dear friend Leslie offered her daughter to babysit for me so I could get caught up on a few things--like this blog. Thanks Leslie & Marin

So What do we do in the wintertime when all the world is white??? we bake, we cook, we eat. yikes.... I need to add we work out too-- does a dozen batches of laundry up and down the stairs count??Tonight for Family Night (every Monday) we made cookies. Tagg ate half the dough before we cooked them and then while I was bathing his siblings he ate the other half, fresh from the oven. YUMMY!! We love choco-chip so here is our fave recipe:

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup butter
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or milk choco--depends what I have)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In medium bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir so all ingredients are mixed.
In large bowl, combine sugars, and butter. Mix until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth and fluffy.
Add 1 cup of dry ingredients at a time to mixture until all is incorporated. Drop cookies onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Scott is upstairs watching "I AM LEGEND". I've seen it once, but even after 15 min I am freaking out; don't even dare come downstairs for fear of a bald, shiny, thrashing pokey-teeth terror will dart out from one of these rooms.... If you haven't seen it, you should; but don't watch it alone, don't watch it at night--this is a daytime movie; but should you doubt me & you decide to venture into the night time to watch this movie, make sure every light in the house is on (& you have some to hold on toooooo).

Speaking of cooking... my girlie Carey has a great blog with great photos and easy recipes. Check out Carey's Cooking. Her recipe for Potato Soup is FAB!! I've made it a couple times for people and have had great reviews!!

I need to finish up some Christmas Cards so better get crackin'.... {besides I can't go upstairs as Scott is still watching the adorable Will Smith on LEGEND....too freaky for this chicky!!}

To Everything There is a Season

2008-10-09T14:45:00.003-06:00

Ever feel like you are just drifting thru life?? Lately I feel like I am just barely getting thru it. Everyday swirls into the next and I still have the same 5, er 10 things on my To Do list {like this blog}. I am constantly playing "catch-up". Picking the MUST DOs, ignoring the SHOULD DOs & just doing the minimal to get by. Just enough laundry so everyone can wear clean sox and undies (though in Berkes case we are treading a thin line---3yrs and semi-potty-trained... ughh); just enough cleaning that I don't feel completely frustrated by the whirlwind that transforms my house back to chaos (case in point-- 4 glasses of dumped strawberry lemonade hit the floor between 3 kids within 10 minutes---hmmmm remind me why I love lids??); just enough time with each kid to know they are loved, before I shoo them away so I can finish up the dishes, or refold the laundry I didn't put away, which now scatters the floors--but not enough time to read Forrest the storybook he has been carrying around the house. I know this is a typical mom/wife/woman/human thing. Finding balance. Finding time. Doing it all or Making people think you do it all. The reality is we can't do everything perfect all the time. There is a time and season for everything.

I recently read a talk by E. Ballard, in it he shares a quote by Author Anna Quindlen in her book, Loud and Clear. She reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She says:

“The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less” (Loud and Clear[2004], 10–11).

Something to think about as my nights and days are all scrambled together. Yes I am a night owl, but only 4nights/week. The other days I crash early with Forrest. Yet here it is nearly 3am & I still need to tidy the house. Get things a bit organized before tomorrow.... or wait--I think that will go on my "TO DO" list too....

Thoughts on TLC... miss you gals!!

2008-08-17T11:29:00.004-06:00

old post I never posted--why post now?? more for me than anyone else????....

written back in Aug.Where shall we start..... BEEE-U-Tee-ful weather we are enjoying here. plus 30C. which is ridiculous for GP. But we are happy-- our garden perhaps not that much. We hit the pool yesterday and all my kids were fish. yeah!! still have some need for a lifejacket, but Berke and Tagg were in the shallow pool (where he can touch) both without lifejackets-- jumping in. Berke was a little under water most of the time but thought she was too cool without a jacket like Tagg. She was daddy's #1 waterslide partner-- hit it with him a few times. For me going back to the pool is 2-fold. I love the place. & it makes me sad....WHY??? I spent much time organizing and planning, prepping and luving that place. I worked there for several years with Fab Folks (some of whom are still there) that I adore and cherish their friendships. But instead of being the working gal I thought I was, baby #2 came & I decided to recede my working plan for our kids. I did it gladly---- but on days when I go to The Leisure Centre.... I miss it; sometimes so much I shed a few tears. Miss the friends, the challenges (though my 3 challenges here keep me busy), miss that stage of my life. The City was a Great employer. They helped me develop into who I am with additional learning & hands-on training. But it's been a couple yrs since I resigned, I don't recognize many of the lifeguards, they've painted and developed and done some wonderful things there. Just so proud to have had a little part of it......

So on to my next great adventure..........

NIGHT OWL on the PROWL!!

2008-08-14T22:33:00.009-06:00

We are in the down stretch of summer. Finally when it was gorgeous outside for the weekend-- I was a hermit indoors trying to get all my project done. Now it is rainy and I'm kicking myself that I didn't enjoy the sunshine while it was here. Isn't that the way life always it. Plus in GP you never know if it will be as hot again for another year.

Those who know me, know I am a night owl. Its not that I don't love to sleep (I DO), but I'd rather stay up late without kid interruptions getting my stuff done. MY STUFF: no household tasks those dishes can wait till morning; just other stuff. & yes the mornings kill me. Since Scott has been up at 6am getting ready for work. I also have 2-3 other kids who hear him & they get up too... aghhhh. I should buy a share in the DrPepper Corporation as that is what keeps me going. I've been to bed every night between 2-4am; just cuz it is finally my "quiet" time. Just like tonight {it is 12:30AM and I am just beginning phase 2 of my to do list. #1 was update my blog. (YIPEE)}.

So here are a few pix of my projects, mainly scrap stuff; few faves from my digi-biz (currently in the process of revamping it so it is more cost-effective for both myself and the client... created a new name & new website (still linked to the old one) www.bitsofyou.com. Like the idea that through these designs we can share "bits of you" with family and friends. Starting in Sept I have a booth at the Farmers Market here to display my stuff. LOTS of new stuff. I thought it is only a couple hours a week, but perfect for Christmas cards, place to meet with clients, etc....

Now for the paper scrapping. Thankfully I am still on the design team for Keepsakes Inc. here in GP. It keeps me on my toes as I am always late handing in my pages. But so much fun to keep my hands busy with something I love. {& new products to try out is always fun too). But as I look at my crafty/storage room-- I can hardly get to my scrap stuff because of all the clutter--SOOOOO I've slowly been organizing it for a garage sale. Amazing all the once-useful junk that lines the shelves; not having been touched for years. Once I get it all cleaned up we'll move the 2 older kids downstairs to the playroom, make the suite the playroom for fun and crafts (it has cupboards and a sink in there--perfect) then get Forrest into his own room. The poor kid has been sleeping on a foam in the corner of our room --- The joys of small space living.

Anyhow have a look. I have dozen more paper layouts to scan and get online but it takes too long--I am not that energetic yet. As for digi I am getting better and better as I learn more about Photoshop {self-taught photoshopper thanks to internet tutorials... thank you!!!} Most of these cards are proofs that the client didn't use. A couple I've edited names and stuff....

now these next couple pages are suppose to be side by side--
but tonight I'm just too tired to take the time to do that so you get the idea.

Berkeley

Wynder kids
Uncle Ry and Aunt Emily
(sorry for the poor scan--much better in real Life)

A Good Way to Start a Sunday

2008-08-10T07:52:00.005-06:00

Scott is gone to work....kids are quietly watching a show (Spiderwick Chronicles...they love the fantasy!) I'm sitting here at the computer when Tagg leans over to me as says:

"Let me tell you how much I love you mom...
I love you more than the biggest jumpy castle I ever saw,
I love you more than the biggest t-rex who ever lived,
I love you more than the brightest star you ever saw,
I love you more than the brightest, brightest smile you ever saw,
I love you more than the biggest, tall monster that ever jumped on a castle.

Guess what mom, I LOVE YOU."

Then Berkeley chimes in,
" know what mom…
I love you more than the biggest kiss!
I love you more than all the pillows and blankets."

Today will be a good day :)

Summertime pix

2008-08-10T07:48:00.003-06:00

Just a few happy moments from the past month. What would a July 1st be without tbhe Raymond parade. Thanks to Aunts Amelia and Lyndsi for making Berke so cute! Thanks to Mom and Dad for hosting us at Echo, so fun to see everyone there and the Zobells for taking in a few extra stragglers. Erynn & Shaun we hope to hit "Rocky-Mt.-Hi" again with you (I'll be waitig for pre-breakfast vistors kids!!) & Laini (bestest girlfriend who moved to Kalispell from Cali the day we left) we'll be hanging next time (I'll bring my own camp chair if your furniture hasn't arrived by then). For our next "Dar & Chay" moment we really hope the Harkers are with us by the lake. & Scott would love some company to go fly-fishing (any takers--get out your waders)!

enjoying the sun........

2008-07-12T22:23:00.002-06:00

We have lacked a full 9 mos of sunshine. Now we are packing it in. The weather is beautiful and warm. I'll have to get some photos on here of our day-to-day. Scott did a little wakeboarding tonight; did good, seeing that he hasn't done it in about 10 years. It's been about that long since he's been down here. But he is claiming to have "cracked a rib" after a great wipeout. Hopefully he's feeling better because we got another week at the lake.

OK... catching up on the past events. I had my own worse nightmare happen in front of me. We were at McDs. Just got there enjoying a little A/C. Tagg had just gone up the playplace. I never take my kids there because I assume it is just dirty and we don't need any extra bugs. Well my kid climbs up the stairs crawls around this netted circle thing and is standing at the top. When I hear it, a drip, drip, dribble. I look up and he is standing there peeing his pants. AGGGHHHHHH I rush up to help him--pinch it off, rip him out of there and I can't. We are seperated by mesh. The only way I can get him is to crawl thru the netted area around to the landing. (I don't know if that makes sense but....) I could do nothing. So we ended up leaving. (rushing out of there in shame--I still feel bad having the older lady to clean it up). So with the pee incident and the poop incident (read on) I am so tired of changing wet pants, diapers, shorts, skirts....etc. All 3 kids. So anyways what I always thought of other moms and dirty playplaces, has become my own humbling reality.

It is beautiful here. Gorgeous and green. Huge beautiful lakeside homes. Across from Gibb Cabin (where my family is staying-- our lovely 1 bedroom cabin) there is a HUGE $10 million mansion being built. I am so curious as to whom will move in. Can't wait to meet those neighbors.

Living the Gypsy Life

2008-07-12T01:11:00.003-06:00

It's been months since I've last posted. AHHH I'm agast!! So much has gone on over the last 90-120 days where to begin. Lets start with today....

We are currently living in our trailer down in Montana, enjoying a little RV time at a local RV park. Super great place with internet access (yipee), cable TV (double happiness and joy), and sunshine. We have been lucky to spend time with family who are also vacationing down here. My Dad and fam are at the cabin on Echo Lake. It is one of my most favorite spots, but this year the lake has a case of Swimmers Itch. So the kids get little itchy bumps if they are not careful from the water. Scott's sis Erynn and fam came down to camp out with us for the week-- We are missing them like CRAZY!! So fun to just have the cousins over every morning for a "pre-breakfast" bowl of cereal. Fun friends to play with, take them on bike rides (Teegan's hauling 1, 2 or 3 kids in the bike trailer); hang-out with. Another set of hands to help mom and dad with their wee ones. Always grateful for help. Today my brother is down here doing some shopping with my Mom and Dad; next week Scotts cousins all come for a week at the lake. So hopefully his parents come too.... Lots of love down here with us.

OK now on to the EEEEKy part. I am so sick of diapers and poo. Yes POO. We fed the kids a little McD's the other day and all the kids got diarreha. Now today---ahhhh. We had met my family at the local Sizzler (I know a buffet highly contaminated foods) but Tagg was laying on the floor for half the meal; As we leave he is laying on the sidewalk by our cars while we are talking. I asked if he was OK and he said he had to go to the bathroom. So we started to run back. Me telling him, "hold it, hold it..." Just up outside the entrance doors I hear him say, "mommy I can't hold it". I look down and there is brown runny stuff (OK too much info but you just have to get my point!) all down his legs, in his shoes, on the sidewalk. I get him off the sidewalk and here is my boy with his arms up against the building, nose to the wall, poo all over him saying "I'm so sorry mom, I'm so sorry. Oh not my new shoes, I'm so sorry mom". I felt horrible for him, but I seriously didn't know what to do. Scott was around the corner, across the parking lot. I was directing eager eaters around our "diversion" as they made their way to the restaurant. {ohhh you know the salad bar wasn't sounding too good anymore}. So long story short, we cleaned it up. Thanks to my brothers and sisters for helping me. OMG that reminds me I was so anxious to bath the kid and get some Immodium in him that I think I left the bag of stinky stuff out in Scott's truck. oops.

Tagg seems to be doing better now, but we'll see about tomorrow....

Happy 3rd Birthday Berkeley!!

2008-05-18T23:06:00.007-06:00

I am the worse blogger---I am always playing catch up. Since we've been back in GP our internet is on the fritzzzzzzzzzzz. I've had our wonderful computer guy come by 2-3Xs but it still isn't working. Luckily we can get somebody elses unsecured internet-- a very weak signal so I can't upload photos, only check email and hopefully a little blogging...

Today is Berkeleys 3rd Birthday. We didn't do much yet-- such slacker parents.... will do something this weekend. Actually to blow out her "birthday candle" Scott lit a big pumpkin scented candle and everyone took turns blowing it out. :) No cake, only ice cream--yummmm. She got to pick out a little present at the store. She took one of every princess barbie and put them in our cart. Slowly I pulled them out one by one; she came home with one Sleeping Beauty, but keeps asking for Cinderella, & Belle, & Pink Fairy (oops).

But the poor girl she needs some love..... on Friday we met friends at the park. She and her best friend were twirling on a little spinner thing; Berke got scared and lept off before I could grab her; She jumped backwards, but fell forwards and ended up BONKING her chin on the bottom of the spinner. Instant screams and blood fest. So I grabbed her and Forrest and took her to ER. (left Tagg with my friend--don't even think he noticed we were gone.) Berke didn't cry too much until the needles came out. She ended up needing 5 stitches in her chin. She was pretty brave but the nurses were still surprised by the HUGE SCREAMS coming out of his little girl. She was back laughing soon after.

Leaving Town

2008-04-23T22:50:00.002-06:00

I am such the procrastinator. I've been meaning to pack up for a family trip to visit the grandparents in Red Deer and Raymond; but can't seem to get it together.
It's now about 11pm and I have to:

pack
do a couple batches of laundry
tidy the house
finish up some scrap pages for Keepsakes
finish up some wedding and thank you cards (this may occur while driving south--thank goodness for my laptop)
dye my hair (wouldn't want anyone to see all those pesky greys starting to show up with every part!)
pack treats and kids stuff
get present for Tagg's Speech Therapist (tomorrow his last day, he'll be so sad; loves going to his lessons!)
pay some bills
organize the mother's day stuff for moms we'll at long last be seeing
gather up birthday stuff for Berkeley so we can have a party with family (3yrs in 3weeks!)
finish up my ebay watching, and bidding and searching (this is so addicting....I love a GREAT deal--till they throw in that shipping to canada. How can shipping really be over half the price of the items??)
stop blogging....... starting to feel OVERWHELMED... better get me some Red Bull!!

Bits and Pieces....

2008-04-11T15:15:00.004-06:00

I have been on my computer daily, but never get to blog. Seems like I have a million other project that need to get done. Sadly isn't everyone a bit like this?? Here are a couple of my latest birth announcement designs. Photo by her aunt-Sarah Shaw, fantastic job girl!!

I'll post a few others I've done later

and a few of the kids....
Mom left the other 2 alone a few minutes and guess what I found. Berkeley and Forrest unloading a couple cans of Dad's shaving cream all over the floor. I know it is a blurry photo but I had to share. Peek-a-Boo

We have started to enjoy some sunshine here. The ground is still brown with some snow covered parts, but good enough for my "hardy" kids to be out running around with out shoes &/or coats. We went on a "park adventure" today. Really mom's way of getting kids easily into the truck. We start at one park, play there for a while (until boredom hits) then goto another park... & continue until our time (patience) is up. When I say "Let's go" they run to the car, rather than me dragging them; because they never know where we are going next--another park, slurpees, and eventually home. Seems to work for me. Today was windy and slightly cloudy, but after Taggs school we went to a park with a few snacks, played-ate and then went to the grocery store to drop off our movies....

AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! One of my kids (OK the oldest one) decided that he needed bubble gum & mom wasn't buying, so he started crying. He fell down on the floor (oh the drama) crying out "my legs are dead because I need pink gum". Next I see him go arond the corner & catch him zipping up his coat. THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THERE. Nope, not gum (as I was keeping an eye on that) but a tummy full of Chocolate bars!~ ..Long story short. I left carrying movies in one hand, Forrest on my other hip, Berkelely trailing behind me, and one little boy crawling out of the grocery store crying because his legs were dead. No gum or candy. I'm sure the people around me wondered what was going on as they were pushing their carts around this howling little 4yr old. Finally home, I'm done with "adventures" for a while.

End of Easter Break

2008-03-29T13:50:00.002-06:00

I have enjoyed this week with kids off school for Easter Break. Not that it effects us much with a household of preschoolers, but I've been able to hire our best sitter to come watch my kids this week so I can tackle some big projects. UGGH. Happy to say most of them are accomplished (prepped and painted an apartment with help of a friend (thanx Tara); errands; cleaning for friends moving....) seems like I haven't been at home much this week. Forrest has been a BEAR; grumpy and crying all the time---must be teeth. Berkeley is no longer my quiet child, but has decided that if I don't understand her (which is difficult sometimes) that she will throw a temper-tantrum and just cry/scream. She didn't make a noise her first 2yrs, but is making up for it now. I can't believe it is April. Busy month with my sis-in-laws wedding (ALLIE are ya ready?). hopefully we'll do a little travelling down south to visit family (fingers are crossed); I have a load of digital stuff to finish for my little biz (thank you everyone!!!); Register Tagg for kindergarten (eeks not sure if my baby is ready for School??); re-organize my house, my life...etc. Soon the weather will be nice so I'll want to outside with the kids, not wanting to be in clutter--better tackle it.

I finished up my photography course at the college. It was very interesting; I gained a whole lot of info, but now it is a fact of putting it to use. I went on a little walk and took pix of my world. I'll have to post them soon. They aren't fabulous photos but it will show you some of the thrilling sites (not) on our journey from our house to the park.

I've just made a batch of banana bread-- doubled it and threw it in a cake pan with a few extra crushed up chocolate easter bunnies. The kids love it. Got a crockpot full of turkey soup going, since I had no room for the frozen bones in my freezer had to get it gone. My house smells lovely. Tonight we're taking the kids to a friends birthday party at the bowling alley. Should be fun, I'll try and capture a few photos.

Forrest just woke up; better see if he is in better spirits (don't know how much more I can handle of sick, crying, needing to be held baby....) Thank goodness for Tylenol!!

New Faves...

2008-03-19T21:54:00.002-06:00

Okay its been a while. Thought I'd just share a few of my new faves.

Cookbook.... This one is called The Big Cook. Great idea of pre-made frozen meals; they've done all the work for you. You gather a couple friends and make enough meals to last the month or more....

Fave DVD Movie.... August Rush. I've watched this 2-3 times this past weekend. Sadly I've missed the first 15 min every time but it is a feel-gooder; great for all ages.

Fave Show (s).... The Big Give. I am an Oprah fan. Big Time. Love the idea of seeing good things happen to good people. Big Brother 9 OK this maybe kinda trashy... but I love it. I blame it all on my family--every summer at the cabin that is what everyone watches, even when I wasn't there I watched it cuz I knew my family was watching it at the same time.... now I am completely addicted.

Love this idea..... Create-a-Cookbook. You could totally do this as a digital design, but this is easy and all ready to create.

Love this place....Humpty's Restaurant in GP.... Why? Because today they let 22 little preschoolers, who have been playing "restaurant" at preschool, enjoy a field trip to their restaurant. They met at the restaurant to make their own pancakes and juice. Sit at the tables , do coloring and have Humpty Dumpty tattoos on their arms. Taggart had the best time

Love my 2 angels....2 gals from church stopped by today with a wonderful surprise & agreed to SAVE me---{ I am in charge of the meal for our missionary's Zone Conference. I had it all covered, a pasta bar similar to what I had done last week for Relief Society. But got an unexpected call that a special guest--General Authority would be coming and they wanted the meal extra special.....} So we're planning a turkey dinner for Easter, including decorations...which I need to get organized tonight.

Scott had the kids most of the day so mom could have a little break. They played in the wet soggy grass and got nice and wet at the park; did a little shopping for milk and bread (& a dinosaur transformer reward for Tagg); then they got home and mom went to her photography class; so Dad got everyone asleep. Scott was taking sleeping Tagg to bed, when he knocked his head against the rail of this bed and Tagg woke up. He's been up with me ever since. He's been making crafts; a new bed for his dino; drawing pictures of stong men, and " strong big guys who have the biggest muscles". It is now 11pm and time for him to goto bed.

Latest Creation

2008-03-05T01:25:00.011-07:00

For something I didn't enjoy making I sure put on alot of pix. Perhaps because this little project almost got the better of me. But after many hours undoing, washing, scrubbing, recutting...it is done.

I had to finish it for my LSS-- only a month late (oops-sorry), I had to have some extra help on Friday night, because after attempting this acrylic clear album for 3-4Xs, I finally gave up. So Friday, after Tagg's soccer & ice cream I went to the scrap store with a few other ladies who were super encouraging. I got the majority of the work done there, then brought it home to add embellishments and other stuff. I just couldn't get my mind around the fact that whatever I put on the one side you could see on the other side. I love the scalloped edge of the album, but it also meant that I had to keep the papers/photo in the middle of the book; or cut around all those scalloped edges (no thanks! too much work).

I call this my "Musings"-- I added a few little quotes & picts of the kids-- since they are where the majority of my comtemplation and reflection comes from. I am also just finishing a sample album for my sis Robin. She and her huband own the canadian rights to the Photobooth Co.

; one of their options for clients is to have them put together an album filled with photos from the photo booth, and handwritten comments from their guests. So she asked me to design something. Now I am not Talia, but I've kept it pretty basic, using some digi-stuff to fill up the pages. But in surfing the web, I found this most beautiful quote. My new Favorite:

"I will always love her.

She will always know."

you could even switch it for your kids ("I will always love them. They will always know.")

I've been reminded how precious my babies are, even if they've become SASSY. whew... lately I am so frustrated by what little unkind people they have become-- where do they get it all??? Scott & I have been trying hard to curb their words (I hate you, you are a bad mommy) and their hitting, scratching....(Berke has 5nail scratches down her back right now from her big brother, he even drew blood! After it was funny to hear her lecture him "You don't touch my body!"). We feel like we are slowly losing the battle.... I truly hope this is all a stage & soon I'll recognize my little ones again.

Photography...

2008-02-28T00:42:00.009-07:00

I am currently taking a photography course at the local college. It all seems so easy with a little point and shoot camera; but here I am with a new-to-me-dSLR... no clue how to even turn it on until last week. The possibilities to take gorgeous photos are there, but it isn't the camera that takes them, it's me....I've been studying up on it a bit (at least reading my manual).

I got the camera on ebay, didn't really expect to buy it {I think I bid on 20 different ones--thankfully I didn't get more than one}. It is a few years old--but has all the basic features I need to get started. Scott has been really supportive so I can get out of the house, meet some new faces, and develop my skills.

Today was interesting-- I had "working-lunch" meeting with a fellow I'll be working for. It was our first meeting. I suppose I looked pretty silly asking all these seemingly single fellows if they were "AL"-- some sort of come-on's... After saying "no" one guy intriquingly asked why I was meeting a guy I didn't know for lunch {& if I wanted him to be, he could be "AL" }.

I got the referal from a friend, only 2 days a month (or my choice of 4 afternoons/month) checking/doing analysis on people's interlock. The guy said most are courtordered after 3-4 DUIs and they really aren't too happy that once a month they have to $$$$$ to have their car tested-- Be great for me. We'll see how it goes, I'm not in a rush; but will be trained in the next couple months.

I feel crazy busy...why do I plan for so much stuff. I have a lesson to prep and teach for Sunday; scrapbook pages to finish for the store and robin (sorry sis), an acrylic album to do {never done one before I tore it apart tonight because I thought it looked HORRIBLE--I washed off all the painting I had done... Big project to do tomorrow}; Photography assignments & studying (so I understand a bit & ask intelligent questions next week); helping Scottie with work stuff--a few afternoons; plus taking care of these 3 babies, making sure we have food to eat, clean clothes to wear, and a semi-orderly house (for mom's sanity). Actually right now my house feels a bit like my life--chaotic: little piles of stuff all over that need to be organized; things I want to give away, but don't know who would want them----which brings me to my next fave website http://www.freecycle.ca/ people list all sorts of stuff and it is gone. I'm actually watching both GP & Lethbridge sites, so if I see something good I may send you on a mission to find it for me Mimi--OK. It goes a bit with the Freegan lifestyle, as seen on Oprah today. Just reminding you how much stuff you $$BUY$$, Throw out, never use, and keep $$$BUYING$$$. All just stuff. I am looking forward to the warmer weather so we can have ourselves one BIG garage sale and clear out a load of baby stuff, books, toys, garage stuff.... lots of junk that is just cluttering up my house--- making my butt look fat... (if you don't get the big butt thing click HERE)

I will post a page tomorrow I am working on of Scott, with his dad and brother. It turned out relatively cute for not having a plan (I love working with a plan--usually change it but at least I have a starting point). I just have to finish a couple more things-- I'll share tomorrow....

just checking in....

2008-02-24T00:15:00.002-07:00

Seems like the week just flies. Today was another ordinary day. Forrest has been ill, but is getting back to his regular self. Berkeley is semi-potty-trained... oh- the joys. Tagg is busy drawing pictures of our family and telling us stories-- everynight he wants me to tell him another adventure of "Super Taggart & Super Berkeley" and their Super Friends (dragon, pony, horsie, Buzz Lightyear...). Most of the time he ends up telling me the story.

The weather is warming up. Not quite nice enough to be out for too long, but warm enough I don't complete hate going outdoors. {The last few weeks/months I dread getting 3 kids ready to go out in the FREEZING cold}.

Tomorrow--Need to get my groove on so I can get the kids up and ready for church...Berke & Tagg have missed seeing their teachers & friends. Hopefully by tomorrow everyone is healthy and sick-free....

Sneak Peek...

2008-02-20T02:42:00.004-07:00

I won't put all these on my other website-- as some are the actual invites people have bought; some just proofs I've done, but here are a couple fun things I've been up to. Keeps me busy (& up late-- along with 3 sick kids + sick husband).
I've been lucky to meet some incredible people---and get to do something I love.

So if you've got something special coming up--- let me know, I have a special rate for my Family & Friends (as long as you tell people all about me--best advertising is word of mouth!!). The great thing it doesn't matter where you live with the internet I can be anywhere and work with anyone. YEAH!!

Forrest turned 1yr!!

2008-02-16T23:51:00.004-07:00

How fast time flies. Our little baby is up and walking, nodding yes, tackling sister & brothers, he easily gets his feeling hurt when we tell him "No" (putting his head down & crying), he is silly and loves to laugh, he will pick up things & give them to us (WOW!!!). Everyday it is something new. My happiest moments come when I see him eat, (unlike his siblings he will eat about everything. Such a nice change).

We had a little family party. A cake, Berke helped me make, Dad bought a couple fun games for the family and some elephant blocks for Forrest. We broke into everything and scattered it around the house, along with flying balloons, can of spray streamers (spider webs--- quite a mess!!), and remnants of left over cake and chocolate. gooey fun!!

Counting till Valentines Day

2008-02-13T02:22:00.004-07:00

I love the HEART day. So sweet and yummy. People being kind & doing kind things, I love holidays like that. Tonight I made a few quick Valentines for Tagg's class tomorrow. I didn't have time to buy his "Spiderman" ones, hope he's not too disappointed. But after school he is gonna LOVE coming home and seeing all the heart cards in his little box.

Remember the elementary days when you'd look in that special envelope or box?? (My 3rd grade one we made old wagon card holders out of milk cartons... still remember the sour smell) & how excited you felt as it got filled?? I'd take mine home and re-read them over and over, holding onto them for months--ahhhh such a feel good day. Tagg isn't gonna know what to do with himself when he gets all that luvin' from his little preschool friends. & me, I have a box of leftover chocolates (still in the package), that have been on my cupboard since Christmas -- a gift for the neighbors. Hope it isn't too late, but tomorrow I resolve to make a little card & actually drop them off. Get rid of the guilt I feel everytime I pass it. OK that's tomorrow, tonight I still need to cut these out so I can get to bed....

tonites itinerary

2008-02-09T04:19:00.001-07:00

I fell asleep telling Tagg a story-- poor boy last thing I remember was "mommy that's not how it goes." oops. I slept for a while with him (9P) until Forrest woke up (10:30P), got him back to sleep; Heard Scott come to bed (10:45P); awoke to Tagg screaming about a bloody nose--blood everywhere (12:30A); Berkeley crying with a leg ache (12:35A); by 1A everyone in bed and sleeping. Me WIDE AWAKE!! So I've been on the computer doing a few designs for my little biz {YOU-niquely YOURs}. I have a few clients--either from the wedding show or referrals (THX). But I am reminded I need to make a little investment for a faster computer (or take over Scott's laptop permanently--he just doesn't want me to slow it down with my hundreds of files, hmmmmm). This one is so slow it takes forever to do one thing & it freezes up constantly. Forrest has been up 1 or 2X since 1A {that kid will not sleep!!! driving me crazy}

So now it is 4:32AM & with everyone else asleep I better get to bed. Kids will be up in a couple hours & Mama is gonna be a little growly. I am the Night Owl & Scott the Early Riser, so usually it is him wandering the house at 4am.... The weather is still a little cold. -30. I think you just get used to it but I am always looking for somewhere else warm to live. I've been thinking about New Zealand. :) If only we could get a working visa. In a couple more months it will be warm-- we'll have nice long days. The payoff for living up here. Somewhere warm....the closest place I'm gonna get is my nice warm bed. TTFN

getting back to paper

2008-02-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

Those who know me know I love to scrap. I love to get my thoughts onto paper. I always loved picture books as a kid, for me these are my adult picture books....pictures and their stories ... or sometimes the stories with pictures to go with it. I have been so busy with digital stuff, doing pages, cards, learning new techniques for Photoshop, blogs, etc. I haven't scrapped in weeks. Perhaps it is the huge mess in my room that keeps me from opening the door. Or it could be the monsterous pile of laundry I must pass to get to the room, thus the guilt to stop -- do a load, only to find myself on to the next task--putting the scrap time off till later.

Thank goodness for KEEPSAKES! my scrap store-- being on their design team means I am responsible to have pages done for display there every month. We get kits of the newest items, & also a small credit to purchase stuff. Such a blessing for me as it is the only scrapping I do every month. I intend to do more... but time just moves to quickly & again it is the last day & I am still trying to finish up. aghhhh

But I do think about the pages for the full 30ish days. I sketch and draw out designs, think about photos, write snippets of journalling.... So here are a few of my latest creations:

Taggart & Berkeley playing out in the first snowfall. Funny how I couldn't keep them inside, but now as we are bombarded with the cold and snow, they hate to go out. Who blames them, I hate getting cold too. hurry up spring!!

I took this photo a few years ago when Tagg was 2yrs. The scan is a little off. You can barely see the white stitching at the top, the edges inked black all around the page and the dandilion overlay is actually more green than yellow. Love this page.

Forrest is nearly 1yr and I am 1yr minus -1month, behind in doing pages of him. {Each of my kids have a 1yr scrapbook of what they looked like and things they accomplished their first year. For Berkeley these are the only photos I have of her 1st year. So I know it is important.} Must be the THIRD child thing, cuz I just haven't been on my game. So that is what I chose for the store. I always keep these very simple, want to just focus on the picture.

IRL these pages look better than my scan shows. It has been years since I looked at these photos. After seeing 27 Dresses I resolved to find my photos and showcase them. I dug them up and just had a moment of joy. This was an amazing-way-too-quick trip to NYC. We had the best time together--made some super friends who showed us the sights (they were actual Japanese Tour Guides so we snuck around with them pretending to be their sisters, seeing the sights, though we didn't really understand a word they said). After being (lost, then...) found at JFK airport, we went to the World Trade Centre. I was in such amazement of such a beautiful city & so overwhelmed with everything that I didn't really pay too much attention to any of it. It seems like such a blur. But I am so grateful Jeremie took us there, (as it wouldn't of been something I would of thought to visit myself) --- from one of the the World Trade Center Towers we had our first view of NYC. Thank You Jer!

TOO COLD.

2008-01-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

OK the inside of my house is turning into a frozen popsicle. We have a older home and on the inside of the windows there is a layer of ice; the door has a frozen hinge; the towel behind the door (too stop the cold air) is frozen in a L-shape; the plastic weather barrier on the basement windows are covered with ice...... WHY ARE WE HERE?? We are in the middle of a nasty plummeting cold spell. I think it is about the same throughout the province. In my books anything after -20 is just cold. That means 60% of my year is just COLD. I've been dreaming of selling everything and moving to a tropical island {some of you know I am half serious about this}. If we could work somewhere warm-- we are there. Even if we could work in the USA, we'd load up the kids and the trailer and live an an RV park for the year-- anywhere that is sunny.

I don't think my kiddies really care, they don't want to go out, but are happy eating popsicles with every meal *{in fact in lieu of lunch today-- we had a chocolate picnic on the floor--chocolate milk, chocolate pudding, chocolate popsicles & chocolate cookies......not a great score on the "healthy" eating, but a great score with the kids---& today thats what matters}

Luckily we are happy inside, not going too far. We've sent dad out for groceries so the rest of us can just stay bundled up warm. Forrest is a little sick, feverish --- just wants to be held; I'm sure it is teething again.; the other 2 are covered in chocolate & have been playing so great together (which is how I've been able to get something posted here). Thank goodness for their playroom, they've been busy putting on "shows", building stuff, the works. Now they are getting a little bored, better make some playdough or find something new to do before they wake baby....

yup it's 2:30am

2008-01-27T02:30:00.000-07:00

Lately that is about the time I am heading to bed; only to be up a couple hours later (& I am a BEAR!). Right now everyone, except Berkeley is awake. Scott up watching a movie-{We Are Marshall} he isn't feeling too well; Tagg awake laying on Dad's tummy; Forrest has been awake & crying, just got him back to sleep.... Me--I think it's my turn to get some shut-eye.

I've been updating my blog for the wedding show. I had a lot of great ideas I wanted to do, but have just ran out of time. So I've just got my blog up again. Check it out and give me feedback. PLEASE. I need it to be easy, simple to understand, fun, creative & unique......then I need clients :)

{YOU-niquely YOURs}

Tomorrow and over the next week it is suppose to be a high of -29 not good when they say "it feels like... -36". BTW to give my USA friends a reminder of what that cold is, at that temp both Celsius and Farenheit are about the same... YIKEs.

Yeah Sonia, don't tell me about life in Vegas until the spring.... remind me why we live in Northern Alberta????

27 Dresses

2008-01-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

Last night I went out with some girls to the new 27 Dresses movie. First time I've been out in a LONG time. So needed it. Most of us dressed up--wore silly dresses.

Mine was a shimmery green mermaid--the fun thing was (& such a surprise) Cineplex gave us all free passes, & free drinks and popcorn; they had all the gals in their dresses stand up at the front (there were a few others also dressed up--they were really done-up with tiaras and flowers....) and say where we wore them.

The show was a great chick show. A great chick flick needs a hot leading man, James Marsden...yummy. I loved him in Alli McBeal "Glenn".

The show was filmed in NYC- reminded me of my trip with my girlfriend Angie back in the day. I've been thinking about it all day. Wishing I could go back & wander the streets, Central Park (what were we thinking rollerblading through there, we were insane!!), Times Square, the shows, the shops, the crazy driving, the great friends we met.....just step back in time for a while...........hmmmmmmmm. I am planning to do my scrap page about our trip. I'll post it when I'm done. (eeks almost the end of the month again.....I have a million projects to get done.... where does the time go??)

& This week is crazy. So much on the go, next couple weeks will be busy. No days to just lounge in my pjs. OH well.... c'est la vie. I just keep dreaming I'm back in NYC instead of freezing GP.

So much on the go....

2008-01-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

I am just so excited -- I've partnered with my Local Scrap Store, Keepsakes Inc. to offer basic digital classes. The first digi 101 is just about what to do with your photos once you've taken them; things like photo editing, organizing, sharing, web albums, blogs....there is so much info out there to share I'll only be touching on the basics, but hopefully I'll be able to answer some questions and get people moving towards confidence with digi stuff. The 102 class gets more into software, resizing, resolutions, bit more on blogs...

Truthfully I am pretty new at all this myself, but I sure would of loved to have someone help me thru some things. Just simple things. Thank goodness for the internet; I am up learning something new every night. [truthfully I am up till about 2am-- kids up at 6am, with Forrest up a couple times between that.... I think my body has just gotten used to no sleeping--until about 3PM when I need a nap---I've always been such a nightowl----though sadly Scott is just the opposite. He is usually asleep by 8pm (tonight even earlier) then wandering the house by 4am] My SIL Talia is always great to give advice...Speaking of which-- if you haven't signed up and you want to her "Goodie Box Girls Night Out" is nearly sold out (YEAHHHH!) I am so sad I can't go, but it will be fabulous {if you know Tal, anything she touches is amazing}. So if you are interested check it out.

With the digi stuff I am tagging along with Keepsakes to promote some digi options. Invites, Thank Yous, anything really. If you have any suggestions of stuff that might be fun. I was thinking about Blog Headers too, so a couple could have a blog about how they met, what they are up to, wedding pix, fun stuff.... not sure how to present that at the show??? I might just make up a fake blog site, then with my promo stuff tell them to check it out. Blog would be free for them, just charge for the header, add my links for cards, Robin's PhotoBooth, Keepsakes Inc............ooooh think I am onto something. ....Anyone with more ideas? What would you have liked pre-wedding & post. Things for me to think about. The show is only a week away so I'd better do something sooooon!!

Here are a few samples I did for the show. As I am just growing my portfolio I haven't much to show, I have purchased a few commercial licenses for digi products so I can use their products to make $$$$. One is my favorite designer--- So happy! The great thing about digi is once you purchase the supplies, they are always there for you, no running out.--my only problem is that I can purchase them 24.7 online; eeks this could really get me into trouble since there are so many things I love.

What do you think of the few samples for the wedding show? I'd sure appreciate any feedback or comments .....

Ya Wouldn't Know...

2008-01-07T00:43:00.000-07:00

I am so pathetic at writing on this blog. I aim for at least 1/week, but as you can see that rarely happens, and what is even more pathetic is that I am on the computer every evening...guess sometimes I am waiting for the most exciting things to happen; not the everyday journal.

Tonight is the everyday.

I am a week late in scrapping a couple pages for the store. The theme giving was journal a day of your life. Mine is so boring. Starts with changing diapers, crying babies, laundry, etc... wish it was leaving on a trip to South America & a hundred other "FUN" things. Today in church the lesson was about just appreciating what we can do, not comparing ourselves to others we deem as "perfect". How each of us are able to do a multitude of things, but only as the stages of our lives permit. I so needed this lesson to remind me to "keep it real". My house is far from perfect, anyone who comes over has to excuse the clutter, toys, unclean floors (somedays you could find a full meal under my table), laundry half-folded.... But for now, most importantly my kids are happy and played with.

Forrest is teething... oh yes we are in TEETHING HELL!! He only had 2 little bottom teeth , but over the past week and probably into next week he'll have a mouthful, 3-4 on top & 2 more on the bottom. I guess we'd better just get this overwith ASAP, but he is hot and feverish, will not sleep (he has kept me up ALL NIGHT FOR A WEEK). truthfully the kid is screaming every couple hours. & he HATEs his bed so if he notices he's in it (after I've snuck and put him down), even if he is exhausted he'll stand up and WAIL. This wouldn't be too bad except his bed is at the foot of our bed so I can't just sleep thru it. Looking back Berkeley was such a great baby for sleeping. She loved to be in her bed, I could lay her in it awake and she'd play till she fell asleep; then play more when she woke up-- I could have left her in there content all day. Forrest completely different story.

I've been on the net trying to locate old friends. I think I am appreciating and regretting some of my choices. Appreciating the amazing people they are, the relationships we had, the joy they shared with me & just regretting that I've let 10yr lag by. WHY?? I heard from an old friend who lives in Australia--tracked his wife down on Facebook (love that site); have called a few friends to just say thanks, I luv ya. & If any of you are in Provo area and want photos done check out my friend Rich. Not only is he a fabulous photographer, he is super sweet and married a Canadian (so he is smart too :)) I just love his site. Great Job Richie!!!

I am still keeping my resolutions. Mine this year is simple. I just want to have "the BEST life". It's mine and I need to do whatever, change whatever I can so I am happy. I know in my mind the life I want-- I picture it everyday and it makes the journey there so much easier (think The Secret).

oops I can hear a SCREAMING. baby............ahhhhh better run. TTFN

Another Christmas Here & Gone

2007-12-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Merry, Merry Christmas. Thanks to everyone who thought of us over the holidays. So fun to find something in my mail box that isn't a bill. I love such organized and thoughtful friends; ahhhh wish I was one, perhaps I'll get my thoughts together soon and send out one of those mass email of the 2007 Tollestrup Family update. Betcha' can't wait.... ohh-la-la.

Well here we are the tail end of the holidays, at least New Years to enjoy; today I took down the tree. Can't believe another year has past. I love the lead up to Christmas, the smiles, the cheer, the joy.... I feel friendly and happy and anxious.... but then so sad when the anticipation and excitement is over. Another 364 days!

I love gift shopping--who doesn't love shopping:). Finding a cute little something I think will bring happiness to the intended. I thought I had done just that, I had picked the perfect gifts for my kiddies, but you know what -- they played with their McD toys just as much as they did their big gifts, so either they didn't like their gifts or they have a short attention span (especially with so many things to choose from) -- I'll go with the later.

Berkeley with her new dolly from Cousin Carter.... later on that day after Tagg had his turn. (luckily it washable markers...boys!)

Kids with a couple of gifts; Berke loves her pop-up princess castle, Tagg loves is pirate pop-up and dragon robot; Forrest just loved the paper and scattering the plastic food around the house.

Our best gift this Christmas-- Forrest standing by himself. yipee. {few more weeks and that kid will be walking.}

Next year I'm going to spread out the surprises. Why make the kiddies wait till Christmas morning? Why not play with a little car or dolly that the "elves" dropped off? Keep them busy and appreciating all their gifts. {or perhaps this is for me, so I can prolong the happiness I get in giving-- watching their eyes sparkle with excitement...) Yesterday I got them all ready and we went to the bus depot to pick up some gifts from Grandma & Pa (thanks!!). They were so excited and really have been playing with those toys for the past 2 days. Guess I need to regift some of their others so they become exciting again. I was super happy that Tagg has talked about saying thank you to Santa and Grandparents, cousins.... that is our Sunday activity. Showing Gratitude.

Oh the Weather Outside.....

2007-12-16T09:34:00.001-07:00

is frightful..... It is a tad bit cold outside, but lucky me I am inside. After talking with my dear SIL in Sunny CA-- who is cold at 70F (about 20C)-- I realize us northerns are a HEarTY crew, (sorry Rach), I guess we have to be when it is cold enough out side to freeze ya in a minute.

Here are a few picts taken by my friend Rachelle at our ward Christmas Party. She did a great job. Berkeley wouldn't come near Santa (no surprise she was crying), while Tagg had a whole list to go thru with him. Typical.

And here we are last week after going for a walk to the mailbox-- sending off our letters to Santa. The snow was dry and no good for snowmen, but great for snow angels. Yesterday my dear little ones were driving me BONkeRS!! so We put on their snow clothes and sent them out to play. It was 15min of quiet for me. {though it took about 15 to get them both dressed and 5min to clean them up...still worth it}

Front Cover

2007-12-13T15:35:00.001-07:00

Who are these 2 darlings on the cover of Jan/Feb 2008 edition of Simple Scrapbooks??
My sweet brother Grah and his ultra talented (& darling) wife Talia. Check out her story

I love Thursdays. They are our "stay at home" days, AKA. PJ days. Still in mine!!:)

Need to have a shower and get moving, as it is almost 4p. Hope everyone is happy and warm. The weather here in GP is beautiful only about -3C. Such a treat for us Northerners. The kids and I all got bundled up and went for a walk, played in the snow....so fun.

Tonight I am making a warm soup for supper (ham/corn chowder from the ham we baked last night....) hopefully it will taste as good as I hope it will. My brother Grah is working an hour or so from us, might drive down for a visit....we'll see. We LOVE company. Can never get enough family time--especially when we are hours away.

Speaking of family. Check out my sister Robin's new business--The PHOTOBOOTH CO.

Can't you just see everyone loving this for a work party, family reunion, wedding???? the great thing is everyone gets their own pictures, but it is all digital so you can actually get a copy of all the guest's photos (I'm thinking blackmail). What a great way to get pictures of everyone.

Finally.... My 2 New Lil' Sum'thins

2007-12-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a copy of the email I've sent out about my plans for a couple new design businesses. I have had such great responses so far. Much more to learn, and figure out, but thanks to all of you for your support.

Family & Friends....

As many of you know I love scrapbooking. I have been doing it for nearly 4 years and am on the Design Team for my local Scrapbook Store here in Grande Prairie-- Keepsakes. I love creating and seeing my ideas come out on paper. I have also ventured into the world of digital scrapbooking. Again I love it! {Using the computer to design pages, cards, etc.--more like graphic design. Then all you do is send the design to a photo centre (Costco, Walmart) or an online print shop (like Shutterfly) and they develop the cards, pages, albums, calendars...whatever for you}. I am rather new at digital designs, I have done a few birth announcements, invitations, and thank yous for family and friends-- they've all turned out great. Because of the positive feedback I've received I am thrilled to introduce you to my new businesses.

1. {YOU-niquely YOURs}--digital designed cards, announcements, pages, calendars, albums, blog banners--whatever you want.

2. i scrap 4u -handmade scrapbook pages and card making service. All of us have a pile of photos we want something done with. Let us take care of them for you.

If you or someone you know is interested have a look at my websites for more details.

As I am still working out details for these businesses, updating my websites, growing my skills, building a team... any feedback, questions, suggestions, etc. would be so appreciated. I am rushing to get it all organized (because of Christmas) but need your ideas to make this work for me. I see this as the ideal job--enabling me to stay at home with my 3 kids, while allowing me to pursue something I am passionate about.

All the Best, Maurita

Lil' Sum'thin

2007-12-01T00:57:00.001-07:00

I gotta "lil' sum'thin" I've been working on. A new business that combines my love of scrapbooking, creativity, and ability to work from home. I've got a few kinks to work out this weekend. So get ready...... I'm so excited--it's all I've been thinking about for DAYS!!

I'll be sending out an email when I'm ready, just a few more details to work out.... can't wait!!!
(hint-hint...new look for the blog header---could make you one too!!)

Santa and the Pirates play

2007-11-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we got bundled up after church and headed downtown for the annual Santa Parade. We met my good friend Tania and her family there. The kids were FREEZING. it was -7C (19F), but with the wind it was at least -17C (1F). Both were wearing mittens and could barely pick up the candy from the icy road. We stood next to a nice grandpa who made sure the kids got lots of treats. It was a really fun day-- the kids loved it; especially when Santa showed up at the end.

Tonight we went to the cutest little play. All put on by Telus. It was Santa and the Pirates of the Caribean. OUr friend Sylvia got us tickets (thanks girlie). Tagg was totally engaged. Didn't move from his seat the entire time. Eyes glued. Berkeley danced around a bit, but was good; as was Forrest he didn't make a noise the entire performance. Got us all in the Christmas spirit....only 28 days until Santa comes to our house. Hope the kiddies are nice.....

Thoughts on American Thanksgiving weekend....

2007-11-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American (and American-wanna-bees) Family and Friends. Hope you had a wonderful weekend and caught some great deals on Black Friday.

This American Thanksgiving I've been thinking a lot about how blessed we are. Our life is so simple, full of such ordinary, mundane things. That is what brings me joy. Simple things like the craft Tagg "surprises" me with each day from preschool; Berkeley's funny little laugh (& the fact that she is finally talking); Forrest, so sweet and innocent,-- the feeling I have when I hold him as his protector, teacher & nurturer.

So here are a few pictures of those who bring us the most joy. Our kids.

Don't think that we are this cute little family full of sunshine and kisses. Not us, not with 3 kids, 4yrs and under. Our house is crazy--lots of messes and luvs, crazy, noisey, laughter and crying, hitting and toys thrown across the house (our house is very small so this is quite literal). But under all this CHAOS is a quiet melody that plays everyday. One of love. One of trust. One of happiness. One of joy.

Tagg on one of his first days of Preschool.

Berkeley helping make supper.

(We made homemade biscuits, flattened them into muffin tins. Then added BBQ hamburger to each cup, and topped it with grated cheese. Easy to make. Fun little project together, even if neither of my kids would try it)

Tagg helping me make an apple pie.

Berkeley's laugh!

Forrest's favorite playtime.

Unloading all the playdough toys, cereal, and everything else from the cupboard.

Playing outside.

Berkeley and Forrest wearing their Halloween shirts from Grandma Helen (thx). {can't believe how similar these 2 look}

Forrest standing up.

Holds on to laundry baskets, chairs....whatever to push as he walks around the house.
Puzzles with Grandma Helen a couple weeks ago

Time to update this blog

2007-11-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

For all the good intentions I have, I must be on a paved path to HELL.... I have "update blog" on my daily to do list, but never seem to take the time to get on here. So much has happened over the last few days. Lets see, I'll post a couple pix of Halloween, spent the evening at our annual "Trunk or Treat" with the kids and our good friends, Sylvia, her son Raul, and aunt Meylin. We loaded up in about 15 min then were back home and let them just go wild. They were Higher than a kite!!! AHHHH the joys of sugar. Luckily Tagg had a few days off of school.

Last weekend we had Grandpa Jim and Grandma Helen here for the weekend. The kids were so excited to have company, Berkeley warmed right up to Grandpa & cried when it was time for them to go. Thanks for all your help mom and dad, though next time you'll have to come to GP when it is warm so we can take you out quading or camping or something besides looking at the 4 walls of our little home, and doing laundry and dishes.

Tagg is busy with soccer. He loves it, and is getting better with the other kids. He loves that Scott is out there helping the Coach, gives him a little boast of confidence.

Sadly my Grandpa Rex passed away Sunday morning. It was expected, his body was shutting down, now he is reuntied with his family on the other side. I hadn't seen him for a long time, so I didn't see him frail and weak; in my mind I still see him healthy and strong.

"Goodbye seems forever

Farewell, the end

But in my hearts a memory

And there you'll always be."

-- Author: Disney's The Fox and the Hound

Love you Grandpa XOXOXOXO

To Do Lists

2007-10-26T23:41:00.000-06:00

I am a list girl. love lists. love to check things off. Once I put it all on a list I can stop thinking about things and relax. Sometimes I finish my list, other times it gets put on hold. I always work on a weekly plan. a list of priories for my week.. Monday I do my favorite/easy things--- Sat I am struggling to finish them--or just put them on the list for next week. Why do I mention a list?? because right now I shouldn't be at the computer I should be making a list so I can stop thinking about all the stuff I need to accomplish over the next week....

4 scrap pages for store
12 Christmas cards for store
organize/set up for Super Saturday
prep my class for Super Saturday-- here is an example. It is an Altered Canvas. This one is for my sweet SIL. Merry Christmas!! {& everyone else feign your surprise when you see your Christmas gift!}
Finish some birth announcements for friends
tidy my house (this list is super long!!!)
tidy outside (I started clearing out our shed after 5 years, got halfway done, realized it was a bigger project than I thought and left it all out for Scott to finish--he's not too happy!)

There are more but I am way to tired to thing about them right now and should just get to bed. Forrest has never slept through the night, and lately he is up every 45-60 min. AGHHHHH I think it is a teething/growing phase. But should this go on another month I will lose it. later.

"wanna put on a play?"

2007-10-24T15:10:00.000-06:00

Last night we went to a performance of "Max & Ruby". One of the kids fave TV show. Thanks to a friend we had great seats 2 rows, center from the stage. The first 25-30 min were great, then I don't know what happened the audience of little kids got bored, or tired, needed a sugar fix because the place was suddenly filled with crazy, crying, running around kids. Surprisingly mine were really good, sat still most of the night--probably because we were so close to the stage and their weren't many distractions. (except of course for the song times when they would jump out of their seats and be-bop with the narrator or one of the bunnies--Berkes loved the dancing) It was a fun night.

The thing is, now instead of Tagg always wanting us to put on "puppet shows", he wants us to act out plays. He has characters, and sings the opening songs, and has the story all ready. All we have to do is hide behind the curtains and entertain an empty couch. so fun??

Our Prayers Are With You....

2007-10-23T22:26:00.000-06:00

The last few days I haven't been able to think about anything but the California fires. My SIL Rachel was home in San Diego with her 5 kids, include her month old new baby--Scott's brother Travis away on a business trip, when she got the call that they needed to evacuate their home. Luckily her family is close by to help her and they were able to get a hotel room. So many others are living in shelters.... I only talked to her briefly but she said the kids grabbed some clothes and toys, she packed up some pictures, her scrapbooks and off they went. I have this picture in my mind of a busy mom loading everything important to her in her SUV. Driving safely away-not sure if there would be a home to return to, but peaceful knowing that she had with her their most precious possessions. Their children.

Funny how it takes a tragedy to appreciate the blessings in our lives. I look at my little home and wish it was bigger, cleaner, more storage---but really I am just so grateful to have it. It keeps us safe, it is our shelter, every memory we have as a family is here.... (and truthfully I can barely keep the place clean, what would I do with a few extra feet??) On Oprah yesterday Dr. Oz was on and the topic was living with death. They had 2 people on, one had a rare form of stage 4 cancer in her lungs and liver which was stable. She made the movie "Crazy, Sexy Cancer" about her experience/life. The other had pancreatic cancer which after many procedures had defeated his body, leaving him only a short time to live. He gave the most uplifting, emotional and courageous lecture about living. If you haven't seen it, you must--his name is: Randy Pausch.

The show had me think about my life. Am I waiting for something tragic for me to start living? How many times do I really focus on the NOW.

I hear Tagg's little voice begging me to play transformers, or Berkeley bringing me a doll, or my guilt in leaving Forrest trapped in his exersaucer so I can "get a few things done", the nudging in my gut to call that old friend, or to just stop that person I've been wanting to get to know better but am too shy or don't want to look stupid. All those moments that I've missed. I make up excuses "mommy is busy right now" "look at this mess I need to clean up first" "She probably is too busy to talk or visit with me".

I can't believe how quickly the past 4 years have flown by. Last night Tagg fell asleep in my arms, I remember when he was brand new, and someone told me to just hold him when he was sleeping and stare at his eyelashes because it will be the only baby you'll have time to do it with. I did and am so glad. Last night I looked at my boy, whos now outgrown in my lap, and I stared at his eyelashes. Still my wonderful sleeping baby. I recognized that I need to make more time to really live. To appreciate the little things. To find happiness in my blessings. To stare at eyelashes a little more. One thing Randy Pausch said was that there is 10% good in life, 10% bad in life, the other 80% is grey. The choice is ours to decide what that grey is really like. Is is closer to white? or black? Sometimes I feel like it could be black-- but luckily (thankfully) I see mainly white and thats good.

So keep faith. Life is good. Even in the darkest of moments. You choose. We love you Travis, Rachel, and the Davies family. Our prayers are with you and the many other evacuees.

Milk for a "CAT"??!?!

2007-10-23T12:07:00.001-06:00

Came up from downstairs to find my darling daughter in the middle of the table surrounded by milk. She had poured over 1/2 a gallon of milk all over the table. When I asked her, "what happened?" The only thing I could understand was the word "CAT". Then she motioned to the little bowl she had on the table. ahhhhh.

She was the Cat??? See for yourself. Milk was running off the table, down to the chair & overflowing to the floor--oh Joy!

Quick Pix

2007-10-21T09:12:00.001-06:00

Here are a couple of pages I did of my girlfriends. These gals have been my friends for years. It was so fun this summer to get together (thanks Darla).

The journaling says: We've been BFFs for over 20 years. We each married blond, blue-eyed hotties, we've been married a combined 47 years. We have a totoal of 18 3/4 children (one due in Jan). We've spend an accumulation of 12+yr cheering for the Comets (& countless hours getting ready). We've lived the span of North America, as well as in South America & Europe. We still love The Cult, Salt n' Pepper, coke slurpees and cruisn' main.

The other day we woke up to snow. Tagg and Berkeley were up and ready to go out, so Scott went with them and took some pix.

Our babysitter Marin. She is such a sweetie & the kids love it when she comes over. Berkeley talks more to her than anyone else.

A favorite play spot. We have puppet shows, storytime, sometimes even snack literally in the toy box. The best $20 garage sale find.

Bed time with the kiddies. Forrest and Tagg wearing matching Spiderman PJS.

Here are a few...

2007-10-18T01:10:00.000-06:00

It has taken me all night to edit and upload a few of my recent scraps (I love the above page of precious baby, but can't get the 2pages to go together--agggh). I sure need a little more gusto in this machine. Oh well. Here are a few--to see more visit my stuff I'll be trying to upload a bunch more so keep watching (though at this rate it will probably happen next week!)

Getting Out

2007-10-17T09:40:00.001-06:00

Scott and some friends got out of GP for the day. They loaded up their quads (I think there were about 8 on the one trailer) and headed to the bush. They hit some water, rode up a couple hills, did some fishing, fried the fish over an open fire; both of which II think he said there were a couple wrecks & he came home with a black toenail. But I know it was one of those great outings that won't be too soon forgotten or matched.

Family Thanksgiving

2007-10-16T22:43:00.000-06:00

We just got back from Red Deer this weekend enjoying the best time with my family. I haven't seen everyone for months, Scott hadn't met 2 of his nephews (JACK, OSH) and niece (GABBY). No one had seen him in over a year. It was so nice to relax and enjoy and yummy turkey dinner (thx dad) I didn't help at all, chased my kids around, chatted with everyone and ate. Thanks for such a great time.

Talia did the girls hair in cute piggie tails, they were all wearing shirts and jeans, but did we get a picture??? nope, I didn't. did you Tal?? (& we call ourselves scrapbookers?) The kids had so much fun with their cousins. Just reminds me how important it is to make the drive south, only a few hours--- and well worth the memories.

After the weekend we stayed the next day in Edmonton. Took the kids to West Edmonton and saw the Sea Lion Show, Cavern of pets, ice rink, waterfalls, etc... they were really so good walking around the mall. Only a couple little melt downs-- and Tagg disappeared in the aracade where mom couldn't find him....

They were so played out they fell right asleep. We got home last night and just relaxed today.... maybe tomorrow I'll unpack??

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2007-10-16T22:00:00.000-06:00

Daddy had a birthday. Tagg and Berkeley couldn't wait to celebrate. A pinata full of chocolates, birthday cake, presents.....

Okay so it sounds so great, but let me tell you how it all went down:

The pinata was a little green frog. We let the kids try and hit it down they were using a baseball bat but it was kinda heavy and the frog super-tuff. So Scott went ahead and smashed it with a bat until it fell open-- and the chocolate bars inside beaten to little pieces (inedible). YEaH. Then just as we were putting it aside, Tagg took a swing and the end of his stick poked his sister Berkeley in the eye. EEKS! luckily it really only left a scratch on her nose and the inside of her eye, nothing too serious.

The Cake. OH Pathetic. Some people love making and icing cakes. That is not me. Tagg wanted dad to have an "Optimus Prime" Semi-truck cake. 2 cake mixes later, an urgent call for Scott to pick up some food coloring, and a few toothpicks (to hold up the cab) we ended up with my Sudo-Masterpiece ;). The more food coloring I added to make it red, the pinker it grew, same with the turquoise blue. I also added too many cookies for tires. It tasted good, even though it looked bad. Even Tagg thought it was awful. oh well.... Happy Birthday Scott

GOALS!!

2007-09-19T09:18:00.000-06:00

Well I am just so happy I've accomplished 2 of my goals for 2007.

Yesterday I noticed only a part of my Student Loan came out of our account. I called the Bank and found out.....IT IS PAID OFF. SURPRISE!! What a great feeling after paying it for 10yrs. So glad I had the money back then, and so glad I am finished paying off some of my shopping trips and Vegas get-aways (just kidding!)

Also over the past few days I've been tackling some digital scrapbooking. Still lots to learn but here is my first digital scrapbook page. Tal has a challenge on her Goodie Box site to do a 6x12pg. I've decided to an album about me & our family that size all digital (so I can print it off at Costco). Here are my 1st two pages of Scott & I.

Luv ya Uncle Doug!!!

2007-09-17T22:19:00.000-06:00

OK, So I have a fabulously funny extended family. I have to share these pictures from my cousin Angie of her dad "Uncle Doug" . I haven't stopped laughing and so need to share my joy!! Thanks for the giggles!!

Start of September.

2007-09-14T16:16:00.000-06:00

Forrest my human broom- crawling all over our floors, & sweeping them as he goes.

Berkeley enjoying cherries with daddy

Tagg playing with his fix-it kit (thanks Ivy & Zach)

Came to find the kids having a "snack"! Tagg just learned how to open the tops off. Oh Joy!

Forrest playing outside on an unusually sunny day!

Tagg wearing Kwades helmet....(it about pulls him over it's so heavy for him)

Tagg and his new bike, just learning how to ride it

Berkeley and her piggies

Tagg has now made it one week with Preschool and is luving it. No crying at the door or panics he loves to go in and find his new friends and toys. We have great teachers who have made the transition so easy. I find myself with only 2 to take with me to the gym. Forrest is still allowed to stay near me in his car seat and Berkeley is off to childcare. so great. I feel better just seeing old friends and meeting new ones. It does cost a bit, but so worth it.{just means I can no longer afford the fast food joints we were going to (eeks the cost of 2 happy meals--is ridiculous, especially when all my kids eat are a few fries and a drink of pop)}.

We went camping for a final week, last week, before we winterize the trailer. It was freezing and windy nearly all day so I'd come into town for the gym, shopping, home, etc. then we'd go back for afternoon-evening. Luckily it usually cleared up in the evenings so we had our bombfire, ate our smokies and marshmallows (a week of eating smokies--uggg --I am so done until next year!) The kids love it. It is so simple and definitely their favorite place to be. Where we were was only 20min from GP so easy to go back and forth. They have a few playgrounds, beach front (yucky water!), pathways. I'd load up the 2 older ones in the stroller and throw Forrest in his snugglie and off we'd go "adventuring". The last night we had a bunch of friends out and their kids so that made it even better for them --someone new to play with.

Sometime near the end of the week I banged up my big toe, lost a portion of my toenail and have been in excruciating pain all week. such a small area to inflict so much pain. I can't really walk on it, so we've been playing close to home this week. Any suggestions how to get infection out? I'm soaking with epson salt, and peroxide but still super sore.

Let me know if you have a wacky-but really working remedy.

ADDICTED TO FACEBOOK

2007-08-22T14:30:00.000-06:00

Where have I been?? on Facebook; man that site is addicting. It is sure fun finding old friends, getting reacquainted. & you feel so loved when you are alerted that someone wants to be your friend (mind you it is a technological illusion).

The weather here has been BLAH. daily rain showers. grey skies. BLAH. In the a.m. I've been trying to get myself (& the kids) into the routine of going to the gym, so come fall when we need to get Tagg to Preschool we'll all be used to getting out of the house by 9am. So for the last weeks we've been out of the house early with summer camp, the gym, parks, and shopping. Really my kids have been great. Especially Tagg. He and Berkeley are getting on better and have so much fun together. {but always a love/hate relationship--sadly when Tagg picks on Berke, she turns around and hits Forrest.... ohh-la-la! the joys of kiddies!}

But on the sunny days we have been park-players. We call it our "Park Adventures". We try and go to several parks in an afternoon. Who knew there were so many abandoned parks in the city? We stay for 20-40min, then off to another one. It is so fun because within that time frame I am bored and so are the kids, so happily they get back in the vehicle looking for another adventure (little do they know we are homeward bound).

Gotta send a shout out to my new little niece--Brooklyn Rae Coppieters She has a mess of hair already and is going to be so girly (look at the bow in her mess of hair for photos @the hospital, her mom was ready for a little lady) so congrats Brent and Amber on #2!!

On the scrap front I have been busy---doing other things (ie.FACEBOOK, reading, playing, raising 3 kids (does that count?)) instead of finishing up my projects, right now I just have to tidy up that space so I can find my scrap stuff, then I'll be showing off some cool stuff I have to complete. Lots of fun projects all on the go, just so little time.

Speaking of which-- I only have a few minutes before I need to be ready to my visit to the Dentist....eeeekks!!

I'll post so pix of my newly finished dishwasher (new as in finished about 3weeks ago)

My Brother the Handy-Man

2007-08-09T15:56:00.000-06:00

About 6 months ago we purchased a new dishwasher to match the rest of our stainless steel appliances, with the thought that our little portable would one day blow... soon afterward it did. But we didn't get around to installing this new dishwasher because it looked like a huge project. Plumbing and electrical. Our previous one was plumbed in but it was a portable dishwasher, and as you can see in the photos the previous owners had done a make-shift job. So instead of using our new dishwasher it has been sitting in the corner of our house, useful for holding our recycling--- but not dishes.
old dishwasher, with stacks of papers on top--it's only use--note the space between it and the fridge.
New dishwasher hiding loads of clutter & recycling
Plumbing for a clothes washer----no pipes, just hoses--which were close to exploding (eeks)!!!

UNTIL my brother Chad came up to SAVE THE DAY!! He drove from Raymond for the weekend (in remarkable time). Changed out pipes, moved electrical (including new breaker box, etc....), built us a cupboard, installed new countertop,.....and plumbed/wired in our dishwasher. ...and yup she works like a charm. But after watching how much work it took him at our old house (things not quite up to 2007 code here), I know that we'd never have ever gotten it done as well ourselves.

Now we have a bit more space, new countertop (for more stacks of stuff), and I have a new quest to tackle some of the easy projects I'd like to have done. We'll see.

Thanks Chad for freeing up HOURS of my time from washing dishes. IOU (& your wife & kids!!)

Summertime

2007-07-29T15:20:00.000-06:00

We have had such a great summer thus far. We started off in Raymond seeing family. We spent time with Brent, Amber and Carter saw the July 1st parade and met up with old friends. An old roommate and mission friend flew from Tacoma for her first trip to Canada.

After a cancelled flight finally Scott (who had stayed at home to work) flew in from GP to Lethbridge, all was well after his luggage was finally found. We drove right away to Utah, meeting up with Scotts family at Aspen Grove, up Provo Canyon from Sundance. Click here to see the the photos of our week--(choose the July 7-13 option). See if you can see the kids in the slideshow. it is fantastic. a million things for us to do. The kids had "camp counsellors" who looked after them every day so we could go do things we wanted to. It was relaxing and fun for all.

I could say so much more about Aspen Grove. There was a little ice cream shop for treats, they have a swimming pool, badminton, tennis, basketball courts, playgrounds, little village, softball fields, fishing pond, ropes course, crafts, pottery classes, cooking classes, paintball, archery, rocket building, you could sign out every sort of game for the kids to play, great hikes, guest lectures, so much stuff. They had a "fiesta"night, like a mini carnival; a water themed mini olympics with teams of families competing; Every night they had something planned-- Family Talent Show, movies, etc. We ate ice cream and played cards together every night. LOVED EVERY MINUTE!! I know I am missing stuff, but even after the cost, and travel, and everything else we can't wait to go back. It was the highlight of our summer for our whole family. Tagg & Berke loved it, Kwade had fun, as well as mom and dad. (nothing like a week of not having to worry about meals, no clean up!!-- all was done for you!). All I did was send kids to their groups, go back and have a nap. First time I've done that in years!!

After the week, we spent a couple days in Salt Lake shopping and checking out the valley, Thanksgiving Point & BYU. The weather was beautiful and hot 40C. It was so fun to spend time together with all the family. Kids playing with everyone. we got back to Alberta, Scott flew home, I stayed a few more days in Raymond then drove back with the kiddies. Before we left we had our annual unplanned visit to see a DR. This time it was Emergency for Berkeley. She had an earache and cried for a whole day. Nothing like the ER Doc being a friend I went to High School with. Kinda fun to play catch up after not seeing him for a while.

We finally made it back to Grande Prairie; I am missing the HOT weather. Here it is Aug and I am freezing. where has the sunshine gone? It is rainy and cold, I've been putting off going to the park because I am A)lazy, B)not wanting to venture out with 3 hacky-snot-nosed kids.

Hopefully tomorrow????

HIATUS STATUS

2007-07-22T21:43:00.000-06:00

ok so I've been gone for far too long. We've been on the road visiting family and friends. Lots to tell, stories to share, but not now.... I am still in "transition" should be home tomorrow. Then I can post some photos, and get back on this blog.

Thanks to everyone for sharing and helping and making some fun memories (Bennie- the "Winger's" wings were yummzzz. wish I had some right now)
TTFN-MO

Red Deer Photo Shoot

2007-06-05T13:49:00.000-06:00

I have been slacking; but wanted to share photos from our trip to Red Deer via Talia. Here we are together. The first time we've met half of our little cousins--Osh 1yr, Gabby 10mos, & Jack 6mos. It was a fun time. Grandma's house was a disaster afterwards, but what great memories we shared. Thanks mom and dad for having us and letting our Chaos become yours (even for only a few hours) luv ya!!

the Cereal Disaster

2007-05-07T23:40:00.000-06:00

Couple pix of the kiddies the other morning. Little Forrest is LOVED. He can't keep his bro & sis away from him - wherever he is, they need to be. Tagg calls it "family sandwich time" with little Forrest as the filling.... But what a YUMMY sandwich they make. luv em!!!

OK, THE CEREAL STORY. I Left the kids watching TV & eating their cereal while I ran downstairs to change the laundry. Stayed down there a little too long. Came up and they had dumped a JUMBO box of Rice Crispies and Alphabets--both new and FULL, all over the table and floor. The minute Berkeley saw me she began to "swim" on the table, pushing cereal from the table to the floor. My house was covered in cold cereal. I had 2 options, 1) was scream, the other take a few photos of the moment. Looking back I am glad I went option #2, but it was a pain to clean up. I made both of them sit on the couch while I swifted, swept, vaccumed, mopped...& we are still finding breakfast cereal around our house. :)

Fun for Just $1.37

2007-05-07T23:16:00.000-06:00

What fun we had with a package of balloons. Scott spent the better part of an hour blowing up balloons, making animals with them, popping them. Tagg's favorite thing was to be an Octopus with all the balloons. The kids had the best time. Here is Tagg with a moustache like "grandpa's".

if you haven't had a chance check out Talia's blog. She made the cutest little book and had such a fun party. Totally inspires me to do something fun like that. Such an amazing girl.

Happy belated Birthday to Brynlee!! can't believe you are 5yrs!!

and SUPER happy word-out to my brother Ryan and his sweetie Emily who just got engaged. Can't wait to see you the long weekend!!xoxox

My Latest 5 Favorite Things

2007-05-03T18:30:00.000-06:00

Here is just a few of my Favorite things.

I am a list-person. I have several notebooks around my house full of To Do's, ideas, journal entries....etc. My friend Carey knows this and picked up this ulta-swell notebook for me at Target. Love it. especially with the pen included!

These little darlings are the cutest seafoam green Adidas sneakers. My sis Amelia gave them to Forrest. Everyday I try them on him, they don't fit yet, but I don't want to miss anytime that he could be wearing these "kicks".

How do I say "Thank you"?? This soother clip is one of my most favorite baby items. It came in the mail unexpectedly last week-- a sweet gift from my even sweeter bestest pal-Tiffany. She was my very best childhood friend. Now years later we live in opposite ends of the continent (she in Texas, me in northern Alberta) but somehow though time & distance seperate us she's still there for me. Thanks Tiff! It was not only a perfect boy gift--he wears it on every outfit, but completely thoughtful and LOVED!

These hairclips are killer. They combine my 2 loves: my girl and scrapbooking. Of course Berkeley's fabulous Aunt Talia made them and sent them up for her birthday (along with a shimmery hot pink tutu--love it!). They are simple flowers glammed up with a little bling for her hair. We wear one almost everyday. Gorgeous.

I have 2 little picky eaters. All we need in our food storage is Ichiban and Mac & Cheese and we'll be set. So for Easter Grandma Helen gave us this book of great kid treats and party ideas. I love recipe books, and ones with pictures are even better. I have read and re-read this book over and over. See the picture of the painted pancakes? So simple and fun. Tagg and I will look at this book and he'll tell me about who gets which birthday cake for their birthdays, as well as which pictures he wants to try for lunch.

to paint the pancakes, just take a tablespoon of batter & mix it with a couple drops of food coloring. Pour your pancakes on the griddle like normal, then paint your design on them. Flip. Ta-Da! (of course they don't ever look as good as in the book, but my kids love them. Yesterday we had fish ones, hearts, smileys, xoxo)

Bits of This & That

2007-04-25T00:39:00.000-06:00

Here is our BIG boy Tagg on his way to his first day of playschool. Really can't believe our boy is growing up. He complained that his bag was too heavy...as you can tell it was. Mom had loaded it full of snacks, new shoes, extra clothes. oops!! Well he loves his "school". When we first got there he started looking around & next thing I knew he was gone. He was so proud to find his cubby with his name on it. Right on the top. It is just an excellent program--we are both so happy with it. Today on our way home he was teaching me new songs from his class .

Just another fun day with Forrest taken last week @ 2mos. He is wearing 3-6mos clothes and filling them out. Must be a TOLLESTRUP boy. (makes daddy proud!)

Here is our Miss Mischief. Berkeley is a sneak. She is always into something or throwing things around, dumping water--just to see it splash, scattering anything that is nicely organized. Sadly she even pulled Forrest off the couch yesterday. AGHHHH. I had placed him on the couch while I helped Tagg build a Rocket. I turned my back on him for just a moment and THUMP!! He was on the ground--Berkeley had pulled his blanket and got both blanket and baby. Don't know if he was upside down or right side up. Just grabbed him and checked him over. Besides being completely inconsolable (who could blame him) he was OK. So here is Berke painting with her pudding. She is really getting into the 2year old stage. 2nd Birthday next month....not sure if I am ready for a TWO year old!!

This is a page I did tonight for the scrap store. I was suppose to do it about me as a mother or about my mother, but my sis Sonia had these incredible photos taken of her and Jurnee & I couldn't resist. Jurnee is about 4mos old in this photo?? is that right Sonnie?? let me know.

Finally finished a couple pages of Tagg's 3rd Birthday this summer. The scan isn't so good, but you get the idea. Journalling on the side says:

With family from Grande Prairie all the way to Las Vegas, when we were together in August we decided to celebrate all our summer birthdays with one big family party. Maddux & Tagg turned 3 years old, Braxton. 2 years old, & we still aren’t sure about Mommy and Grandpa Jim.

We had all the fun party must haves. Multi-colored helium balloons. dinosaur piñata. party hats. a caterpillar birthday cupcake. goodie bags. pin-the-tail-on-Spiderman. hot dogs. ice cream. family. friends. lots of laughs. great memories

Here is another recent page I did of Scott and Berke. Love how simple it is.

This weekend Scott & I took the kids puddle jumping. Here are some photos as we walked to the farmers market (only 2 blocks from our house).
The kids had so much fun playing in all the puddles that last night for FHE we went again. This time to the "Slurpee Store". On the way home we went thru a different alley, one that was partially paved. Berkeley cautiously walked thru its puddles, it was deep-- right to the top of her little gum boots. Tagg just barrelled thru it & SPLASH!!! down he went slurpee and all. We hurried home with our crying wet child in tow. Dad had to go back and get a new slurpee; but after a warm bath and all these tears I think he only took a couple sips before he was asleep.

Cheeese!

2007-04-18T00:39:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pix to share of our week

Firstly, FOOD. I said I would post a picture of my fave low point treat.

These little babies only have 1pt for 6 crackers. Growing up my girlfriend Tami would always have them in her lunch. Who knew they were actually good for you. I lather them with a little mustard, sliced meat, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce... whatever & there you have a great meal for low points.

Forrest giggling, he is already 14lbs and growing. Found his little voice and loves to coo and smile.
Last night the kids had the most fun in the bath. I took some liquid hand soap, added a few drops of food coloring, mixed it up with a sponge brush & voila, bath paints. (thanks Rachel Ray)

Here is our Family Home Evening activity. Some people have these elaborate plans, not us. What is it you ask?? Well we talked about families and being nice (always our theme). I had bought a box of Monster foam stickers at Michael's the other day-since Tagg is always telling stories of Monsters (think a mix of Sesame Street and Monsters Inc) so we stuck our monster family on our paper. Tagg had names for every monster, mom, dad, Forrest, Berke, etc in fact some of these may be of you!! Can you find yourself??
a random unusually quiet moment at the Tollestrup house.
Berkeleys favorite playtime lately--- Pulling out every bowl, pan, lid for her band. Today she and Tagg played a LOUD rendition of "twinkle twinkle" & "jingle bells" for Scott & I. Complete with symbols (pot lids), Maracas (baby rattle) & drums. I even got to be the lead singer. WE ROCKED!!!!
Tagg always asking me, "please mom can I hold my cute baby brother Forrest?" He only lasts about 15sec then Forrest is laying sideways or on his face. But for those15sec he is the kindest, gentlest big brother. Amazing- especially when you see him the rest of the day. not always so gentle(--hey Berkeley??) Here is our backyard. You've probably heard me ranting about the snow. I am so tired of it. Finally it is melting. The kids were playing in our puddles, notice how much more snow is still left to melt. I haven't seen the grass since middle of OCT. But the kids had so much fun outside in their sandbox, jumping in puddles {Berke fell -- was wet and freezing, and wouldn't come in. When I finally took off her boots they were FULL of water. No wonder she is snot-nosed now), running around the yard, climbing the hills of snow, throwing rocks in the puddles, banging the puddles with a plastic mallet. Amazing how a much fun kids can have in a cold, wet backyard.

Forrest Easter morning
Our Easter morning (actually monday morning, the day after, since I didn't want the kids to have chocolate before 9am church). This year they got a new outfit, a little toy & lots of chocolate. Notice their chocolate faces. I let them down the chocolate till they were either sick of it or it was gone. I think "sick of it" won because these 2 Chocolate-freaks, who always ask for chocolate kisses or cookies, or candy bars.... haven't asked for a chocolate treat in the past week.

(Notice how long Berkes hair is, we have to put it up everyday so she can see, somedays she even brings me the comb. Can't wait till it is long enough to go behind her ears)

Playing at the indoor playground

Berkeley had about 5 dolls litle plastic dolls she was rotating thru with her hugs & loves, to bed, and burps cycle. Too Cute!

My Life Layout

2007-04-16T22:32:00.000-06:00

I took on a challenge that is from my SIL Talia's new Website, The Goodie Box. I did up a page & journalling from a blog I posted of myself on here. It was fun to do and got me rolling again. I also finished a couple other "FAST" pages, need to do more but am way too tired tonight. Check it out, a great motivation to scrap & also to support a couple Canadian girls getting their name out.

already April???

2007-04-11T23:57:00.000-06:00

Time has just flown by, it is almost spring here, (in other places it is spring, but here the grass is just starting to show from under all the snow), Tagg starts playschool next week, Forrest is almost 2mos, Berkeley's hair is getting so long and curly (esp. compared to her butch-do last summer). It just seems like the days are flying by, as I look back over the week I can't another week has passed. It is starting to slow-down a bit for Scott, which is nice as we actually get to see him, but work = money so I'll never complain about his hours. We hope to get down south to see Kwade in May. He is involved with a dance recital and has been working really hard with all the routines. Hip hop, jive, etc. So we can't wait to see him perform.

I am doing the same old, same old. kids, cleaning, tv, laundry and a bit of scrapping when I can manage it. I've actually become kinda lazy with the scrapping stuff. I think I just need new photos to scrap. I really haven't taken too many of Forrest. Will have to plan a little photo shoot with the kiddies soon.

I am searching for the best play dough recipe. If anyone has a favorite let me know. I've tried many (& it may just be the cook) but most are too dry and make a huge mess.

I've also rejoined Weight Watchers and am looking for favorite easy low-point meals. Any suggestions let me know. My fave treat thus far is the Snackbread crackers with mustard and thinly sliced turkey. 6 crackers =only 1 pt, mustard=0, and 4 thin slices of meat=1pt. so a little snack that is only2pts. add some lettuce, tomatoes, S&P and you get quite full (0r as full as you can be for only 2pts.) plus add my favorite Diet Dr. Pepper (which I only drink once in a while so it really maintains it's "treat" status) & I am quite happy. We'll see how the WW goes. I really would like to lose a bit of this baby fat-pre-summer so I have more energy and can fit into my old clothes....we'll see

Buzzzzzz-Cut

2007-03-31T22:44:00.000-06:00

OK, our child has been doing the Shaggy-do for some time, but today we decided that the warmer weather will be here and we needed to see our child's eyes again. So Scott got out the clippers and after some tough talking, 2-person hold downs, bribery (in the form of chocolate kisses) I am so happy it is short. Seems like he grew up instantly too, a little taller, brighter eyes, whiter hair. Tagg went to a buddy's soccer party, wore his soccer clothes, and his touque. Wouldn't take it off, so the kids couldn't see his hair. Then tonight he was talking to Grandma Liz and when asked what happened to his hair, he replied, "daddy hurt it". hahahaha:) What a meanie. (actually Scott was a little teary-eyed afterwards seeing how big his boy has grown --couldn't stop giving him some tight loves.)

March Madness

2007-03-31T22:35:00.000-06:00

Here are a few picts of us the past week. I've tried to grab my camera more often. I was shocked to see this, it was taken by our little photographer, Taggart (can you see his little finger). I remember the moment, but didn't think he knew what he was doing Guess I was wrong.

This is me in my typical everyday mode: Sitting on the floor surrounded by toys & clutter, Dora is on TV, a diaper is close by (luckily in this shot it is a CLEAN one on the toy box), I am holding baby and reminding Tagg to be gentle, or put down the camera, or to listen to me, or stop, or say sorry, or lets try this again.....oh the joys. The only thing that is not typical is I am actually wearing makeup and regular clothes, most days around here you'll find me in my pj's or workout clothes (don't worry I don't really work out, but I am hoping they inspire me to work out soon.)

here are our photos...enjoy!

Slurpee Time! Daddy brought home a treat for us to share

Berkeley loving her little brother

(yes that baby is constantly being kissed and cuddled, lucky kid)

Forrest 1 month old

XOXOXOXOXOXOOXOX

ButtHeads!!

2007-03-27T23:13:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple pix of the kiddies playing a game called "Buttheads". I bought it YEARS ago when my bestest gal Angie and I went to NYC for the weekend. I found it this weekend and the kids love it. amazing what you can do with a little velcro hat and soft squishy balls.

http://www.stupid.com/stat/BTHD.html

Berkeley eating her favorite lunch, PB & Raspberry Jam--minus the crusts

I'm getting spring fever but no where to go. Scott has been super busy driving, managing, arranging, dispatching http://www.tollestruptransport.com....he may get 2-4 hrs of sleep/night. Haven't really seen much of him this month. But that just means work is going good-- Hallelujah!! It will soon slow down as the weather warms up and he will be home again.

It has been so great to chat with family & friends lately. Thanks to everyone for their emails, call, cards, gifts....I am sorry if I haven't called you back but appreciate you thinking of us and taking time to dial. That also goes for emails; yup got some broken fingers in that department too. This is about the best I can do so forgive me if I get too personal (it is my journal) or treat this like a mass email (it is that too).

So I am missing my friend Carey... (how is Boise??) you are missing a maddening melting mass of muck (AKA dirty gross snow)!! By the time you get back it will all be gone (hopefully). I am finishing up my new pages and always get advice from her; feeling a little lost without her honest opinions. I may put it on here, but I'm not sure whether I love it, or hate it.... just one of those.

THREE

2007-03-26T23:58:00.000-06:00

I found an old post from the summer I never published.... Let's pretend it is JULY!!

Some pix of Forrest and I on my Birthday. He is 6 mos in these pix. And here is a new layout I did about having THREE kids, how our lives have changed.

Journaling Says:

My career choice for the past 3 years is extremely busy, lots of over-time, no holidays, and a step down financially---but incredible benefits…

I get:
-to play with play dough on a daily basis

-cuddles hourly

-to hear echoes of "i love you" daily

I'VE DISCOVERED:

-I have magical kisses that can heal a sore thumb or a dropped dolly

-I am a master fort builder

-I can make a mean pot of "mac & cheese"

-A love for Robert Munch stories and can retell them on cue

Spring has Sprung??

2007-03-24T22:10:00.000-06:00

The snow is starting to melt. It is incredible that there is still so much here, while in other places (so.ab) they are enjoying tulips and the sweet smell of spring. Us, we are starting to defrost like stale old popcicles, I am actually afraid of what is under the snow in our back yard.... we sometimes throw our garbage in a dumpster behind out place, it belongs to a Senior Citizens Manor who maybe have a little grocery bag of garbage for the week. Well one of the occupants there, an older gent; feels it is his duty to ensure that only the Seniors who live there access their dumpster; which means he throws any garbage we've put in that dumpster back in our yard. Yup. A new meaning to dumpster diving. I wonder how sometimes as a garbage full of wet soggy diapers is awfully heavy. But we'll see a garbage bag in our yard, sometimes it is ours, sometimes not. I thought I saw one under the snow the other day.... bet it has been there since Oct. Yikes. good thing it is frozen.

We had a nice visit with my dad this weekend. Thanks Jim for your visit. The kids were so excited, Tagg called him "my best buddy grandpa". Berkeley played shy most of the time, with her arm & hands covering her face. But after a bit of coaxing and playing she finally warmed up. It was a great excuse to go out for supper, minus the kiddies. He was shocked by how much snow we have here. I kinda forget that it is spring (even summerlike) for most other people. Here we are still celebrating Christmas with all our snow.

So hopefully Spring in on it's way....sadly, we'll have to wait & wade through all this snow & puddles before we can play outside....but summers here make it all worth the cold long winters. Wonderful long days that stay light till midnight. I love the summers--you definitely appreciate them after a winter like this year.

I am babbling, tis late, all 3 kiddies are sleeping --& I should get to sleep. 9am church tomorrow and getting all 3 dressed, ready, and reverent for church is a task that takes all my energy.

Wassup in the World of MO

2007-03-17T22:18:00.000-06:00

At the Doctor's Office--agggghhhhh (Tagg is caught pulling out the tissues from the box!)

Here is the latest goings on in my world. Still upset about the photo situation; Thanks to those who have photos for me, or suggestions for future. I have downloaded a few to future shop in the past and was glad to find a handful of picts from the summer on there. Wish I would of uploaded a few more and made the 2005, 2006 photo books I had planned on. shucks.

All the kiddies and I are sick....getting better though, which is nice. Even Forrest caught the bug, which means he is hacking, can't breathe, barely eats.... OH JOY!! It was enought that I took all the kids to the drop-in clinic and happily we had a great Dr. He gave us a prescription for Berkeley who had an earache (has). and checked out the other 2; what a GONG show! Me hauling 3 kids, Tagg was crawling all over everything, playing with the lights, the stirrups, the medical tools, jumping here, crawling through there. insane. Each child cried as they had their check up. It was one after another crying. That poor Doctor. On our way out Berkeley fell and bonked her head on the door. I just picked her up & hauled her out. Got Forrest in the durango, went to grab Berke and realized she had one of those INSTANT HUGE, PURPLE, CONTUSIONS STICKING AN INCH OUT. AGHHHH . No wonder she was bawling and I was acting like nothing had happened. poor girlie. Can't wait to go back there next week for a follow-up

Then like a crazy woman I took them all to get the prescription. another hour of chasing & crying kids. You know the lady you look at in the store who has 3 kids shoved in a cart (little cart too) , the one that you take a 2nd glance at and wonder:

A) does she take some sort of mental prescription to do this daily??

B) does she know what birth control is??

C) how can I get around her and her wild children without making eye contact??

Hello that was me. I let them loose at the toy aisle-- Tagg took all the spiderman stuff off the shelf and organized in rows on the floor. Berkeley had to hold every stuffed bunny and cute easter thing, then callously threw them on the floor. Luckily Forrest was asleep most of the time, only a couple slight whimpers.

Besides that little adventure I have been quite a little hermit. just enjoying the fact that we dont need to go out and do anything. The weather hasn't been that nice & I do not lie when I say the snow drifts around my house are over 5ft. It is like a magical ice climbing haven for the kids, we have huge piles of snow in the front yard (as do most homes in GP, honestly you can't even see some of the houses in some residential areas). So my poor kids have been indoors for weeks, with only a few minutes of outside playtime till they are all covered with snow and begging to go back in (it takes longer to get everyone dressed to go outside, then they actually play outside). We have a little daily routine, but I am starting to feel spring fever and need to get out. Can't wait till we can venture down to the park...though little Forrest will be too big for my bjorn by then, I will need to figure out what to do as I loved to run around the park with the kids in the jogging stroller last year, now with 3..??..... hmmmmmm

Sorry this is boring, I am about to fall asleep---Church is at 9am, Scott is working so 3 kids and I----eeks. A whole 'nother world of craziness. Keeping my kids reverent for the 1st hour, hoping there are no diapers to change (as all 3 come out with me), Luckily Tagg enjoys primary & is only shy a moment, Berkeley on the other hand CRIES!!! when I leave her in nursery, plus I am now the 2nd Councilor in the Relief Society (called the week after having little Forrest) & feeling rather inadequate, lots to learn and grow from. We'll see how things go tomorrow.

Hopefully I'll be able to get a couple of the scrap pages I've done on here. Seems like I can only have ME time after 9pm and I am just so bagged by then, I'd rather lounge on the couch then venture downstairs. Whatever happened to my late night prowls??? I haven't done much lately... but I keep promising myself SOOON. (just like with exercising and eating healthly....)

MESSY??!!!@!

2007-03-12T20:06:00.000-06:00

Here we are finger painting with Dad's shaving cream.

Oh what fun...to be a kid again.

$1850.00??!!?!?@@#?**%%!!!!!!

2007-03-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

$1850.00 is the quote I got back to get our external hard drive fixed and all the pix off of it. I am so upset. I only have pix of Tagg from birth to 4 month plus a couple other CD's of picts. Nothing of Berkeley for the first 2yrs of her life. Haven't even been using the camcorder, because it needs a new batterey. So if anyone has any photos of my kids...... Please let me know. I will pay you for the negatives or CD. Can't cost more than$1850.00. I spoke with the guy out of Toronto where we sent it, I guess they have to replace a bunch of parts to the MAXTOR (do not buy!) hard drive, and even then there is no guarantee that they can get the data recovered. seems like a ridiculous amount of $$$ for something that cost me $200. AGHHHHHHHHHHH

I've been crying and crying. At least I do have my scrap pages...just haven't done enough of them. So back up your photos today!!! lesson learned.

Our 3 Kids..... eeks

2007-02-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

Forrest Tim, 4 days old

First bath at home

Loves from big sister Berkeley

Our 2 little guys "Big Boy & Baby Boy"

OUR NEW REALITY...
~3 CARSEATS in a row~3 sizes of diapers

Berkeley & Forrest (10 days old)

Being loved...

~Grandma Helen

~Grandma Linda

~Grandpa Tim

We've had great visits from family. Thanks for making the trek up to our snowy north to see & play with us!! We've had so much fun & the kids loved spending moments with their grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins

Sometimes I can't believe we have THREE kids. Our house is completely CRAZY-- as both my & Scott's moms can attest. Life potty training a 3 1/2yr, dealing with a 21mos who will not talk & who is feeling a little left out, and a new baby is teaching me many things...

A. PATIENCE
B. PATIENCE
C. PATIENCE

I don't have a beautifully clean nicely decorated home, at our place there are toys, clothes, blankets, food & stuff all over the floors. My couch doubles as a trampoline and sometimes (when I'm not paying very good attention) a coloring book. When it is potty time, everything else stops; same with a crying baby--when Forrest cries Tagg, Berke, Dad & Mom rush to take care of him (D&M hoping to get there before brother & sister--or who knows what disaster could happen). A toyroom is essential. Dora the Explorer is a blessing. We couldn't live without our TV (pathetic I know). My favorite thing is a meal brought to my house (thank you to everyone).

I just need to remember a little PATIENCE~~~ for in time my house may be clean & tidy; but I will look back longing for the messes, the toys, the crayons, these chaotic moments when our world revolves around the kids, and their world around our home. I'll wish I could sweep them back to the days when they were little & we just cuddled on the couch, told funny stories, made cookies, got horsie rides from daddy and played with playdough.

AHHHH just writing this reminds me to just enjoy tomorrow a little more.

Hope you enjoy your tomorrow too.

Introducing FORREST TIM TOLLESTRUP

2007-02-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Here is Forrest Tim, born Feb 15, 2007 @8:32PM, 9.13lbs, 21" long. He is a bit of a screamer, loves to be held and has a head full of dark wavy hair. Tagg & Berkeley both LOVE him, want to be all over him. EEKS. Little bit of chaos around here as "everybody loves their Forrest-Boy" (this is a little tune Tagg sings about his baby brother).

I was induced at 5:30PM --my labour was hard, swift and quick. Thankfully it was short. (AGGGGGGG!!!!!) My Dr. got there just in time.

Will fill in more details of our lives later, baby just woke up.

5PM HOSPITAL DATE

2007-02-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Not suppose to get in to the hospital for my induction until tomorrow, but my DR. just called and let me know that she can meet me at 5PM tonight, as tomorrow is already full with inductions. YIPEE. but boy am I scared. In just a few hours (hopefully) we will have our little sweet baby. Keep us in your prayers.......

Luckily my mom is here (THANK YOU!!) she flew in today & will be here with the kids. Plus our new fridge that they lost in transit will be delivered tomorrow, so she will have to rearrange our place & empty out the old one (so they can take it away).

Lastly here are a few photos of Scott's truck (luv it!!)

Better get moving, still a few things to pack and get ready.

Happy Hearts Day!!!! xoxox

2007-02-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Oh my, we are still waiting for this baby to come. This has to be the longest week--I recall feeling this way with both of my other kids, they just like to stick around a while longer. My Dr. told me on Monday that there are no beds available in the maternity ward, and they were moving them elsewhere in the hospital. So there was really no rush to be in there, but now after a few sleepless, uncomfy nights I am over my trauma of childbirth and decidedly want him out. Not to mention the last thing my Dr. said (whom I adore) to me was "now if you don't feel him moving go to the hospital immediately". That has had me feeling a little tense.

My other "oh swell" is.... we have (had) an external hard drive where I save all my photos, scrap stuff, the bigger files that would clog up my computer. I haven't made a back up of my photos in the past year & yesterday the hard drive conked out. I called out Techie to come help, he said "this doesn't sound good" as it was making a rattling sound. He's taking it to another place to have them look at it, at least try and get the files off of it. SOOOOO just a reminder to back up your stuff, get hard copies of photos and digi files you love..... I even had the baby announcement prepped so all I had to do was add a photo and info. All gone. tsk-tsk. Lesson learned.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines day. On the Treehouse channel (kids programming that is on at our house 24/7) they called it friendship and sharing day. Thought that was a great idea for my kids so today that is our focus. Scott is not only anxiously awaiting his new baby boy, but his new pickup (personal) should be here this AM. Charlie Holt from the Ford dealership in Raymond is driving it up for him, then flying back. Great Customer service. Especially when this is truck #2 Scott has purchased without even test driving it. So I'll send out a few pix of our 2 new arrivals (would be nice if baby was here first, but that may not be the case.)

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP AND SHARING DAY!!!

No Baby Yet!!

2007-02-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

Just holding down the fort, waiting for baby #3 to get here. I keep trying to tidy up and be all "prepped" just in case I have to leave in the middle of the day/night but nothing yet. I have my girlfriends cell # close by just in case (thanks Leslie)-- but still nothing. Oh well, just enjoying these days and times with the kiddies. I know that once I have this new baby, Berkeley will suddenly look and seem so much older, no longer my little one. So I have been cuddling and rocking her more the past few days then I probably should. She is already a little snuggle to me, and will have some sort of meltdown when suddenly a new baby comes home, needing a lot of attention.

Yesterday it was fun to see her with her little cousins. My dad and Brother Bryce/Lyndsi & Family came for a visit. Wish we could of planned it better--so we had more time together but it was nice to have family here for a couple hours. They drove the 6hrs from Red Deer, stayed for supper, switched vehicles, and headed home. Must of been a long day today. But so nice to feel a little love from home & family. It's been a while since we've had company. My kids were so excited (though Berkeley kept crying looking for momma) Tagg jumped on Grandpa Jim & Uncle Brycie. Loading them with loves and kisses. Gave me something more to think about than waiting for baby. They brought up some gifts and care packages from home. I was giggling about that, here we are in our mid-late 30s (WAIT ARE WE REALLY THAT OLD????~!!!!!??!?!?!? EEKS) and a care package from home is just as exciting as when we were 10yrs. Thanks to everyone for the little surprises. So wonderful.

Better get some sleep, won't be many more nights when I can try to catch a few peaceful hours....

2 days till baby is DUE!!!

2007-02-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of the photos my friend Carey took on Monday. She did such a fantastic job. Thanks a million. IOU!@! (& a HUGE thank you to photoshop too--amazing how you can make yourself look good, while carrying an X-tra 60lbs!!.)

I am not in any rush for this 3rd child to arrive--still have so much I want to get finished while I only have 2 babies to look after. On my due date (Feb 8th) we have new appliances coming, the next day (or so) Grandpa Jim driving or flying up to pick up Scott's truck & take it back to Raymond to fix it (an employee had a little accident & dented up the box), today I barely found the boy baby clothes and need to wash/organize them. As well as the car seat, some blankets & bedding... {with my other babies I was ready to go, but this little guy will be surrounded with lots of love, maybe not have any sleepers or a crib, but a ton of love.} I also need to organize/tidy our house, do a little cleaning, perhaps some laundry--so the rest of us have clothes to wear. Luckily my mom is flying in the following Thursday, the 15th & if baby isn't here by then, I'll be induced on the 16th. Both my other 2 babies have been a week over, so I don't expect this one will be too much different....So things could work out just right. Of course I am a little freaking out. Been trying to relax, but knowing the pain involved and doubtful I'll get a hold of an epidural--I don't know if I can ever be ready. All that I really need is Scott to hold my hand. He is my salvation. Don't know if I could do this without him to lean on (LITERALLY) . Watching him with that new baby -- is priceless. I fall in love with him all over. I love to watch daddies and their babes. Nothing is sweeter.......

Dad's Newest Toy!

2007-01-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here is Scott and Tagg playing with his newest toy. They were busy together clearing out our driveway, front of our house, over the grass (so there is a little hill for the kids to play on & we can use our ft. door), the neighbors... Tagg had the best time with daddy. Laughing. Getting bumped around. He told me after that it was like a "bucking bronco".

It has been blowing all night. Lots of accidents on the roads last night and today. I couldn't even open the doors to our house or the gate because there was so much snow piled up. Might need to get that Cat out again soon.

PlayRoom-- Semi Finished

2007-01-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have been to my house know how tiny it is. The kids rarely enter the basement except for Tagg to play on the computer. So we moved the waterbed that was in the spare room and pulled all the toys downstairs.... can't believe how much stuff we've acquired that has been all over our house. So great to move it all in one space. The toys were all downstairs right after Christmas-- some of them even before that-- so yesterday when I got everything organized (with a little help from an extrememly excited Tagg who hadn't seen nor played with many of these toys in weeks) they spent all evening down there & today at 8:30am they wanted to come back. They actually played great together too!!!

So have a look.

Here is a photo as you come down the stairs, the stairs actually turn but there is a little half-door that I am keeping open to hear/see what is going on without having to go all the way downstairs. I think initially they had this made to move furniture, piano... downstairs, it is just right... hopefully it won't become a leaping post in the next few months.

I've got to get a few more things to better organize & finish it, but here you can see that the room is packed.

The kids had to dress up warm, sox, sweaters, long pants because it is cold outside (FREEZING--blowing snow) and thus so is the basement. I have been looking for an electric fireplace; but couldn't find what I wanted (AKA something on sale$$). Now I know how much space I have and I need to find a little one that will fit the room.

Memories Together

2007-01-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

With being so far away from home, away from family, especially grandparents, I love the fact that our children equate fun with grandpa & grandma's house(s). Grandpa Jim's is playing in the hot tub, Pinatas, and Parties. Grandpa Monty's is the rabbit we saw there in his backyard--till we scared it way (When we see rabbits Tagg always says "remember mom, just like at Grandpa's house".) & at Grandpa Tim's it is the horsies and kitties (watch out kitties, Tagg is on the loose). So here is a couple pages I finally caught up on from when we were at Tim and Linda's this summer. Love these special moments -- Thanks to all our parents for making our children feel so important. We love you all!!!!

The journaling at the bottom says:

Grandpa Tim's House = Riding Horses.
He will always saddle a couple for his crew of grandkids.
It's never an "inconvenience".
I am so grateful my boys (Dad included) have Tim in their lives.
I can not think of a better man to share the true meaning of Patience, Love & Service.
We love you grandpa!

X-tras to Share

2006-12-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a little X-tra I made for my sis-in-law & her family in Cali. A photo montage of them. I started with 3 different thumbnail sized photos and began slowing organizing them into carefully planned chaos. So glad that she loved it. Luckily they take lots of great photos all the time of fun stuff so I had lots of photos to use. The scan is kinda funny, as you can see the shadow of the frame. I laughed as my Mother-in-Law said she had to get a magnify glass out to really see all the photos. She was right, after a while your eyes get a little bit cross-eyed. This is for the scrap store-- the scan didn't really turn out, but it is actually one of my faves. Photos from the summer as Berkeley enjoyed her own ice cream at the Big Scoop in Waterton.
Heard this great quote this weekend that Scott & I love:

"yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift."

I want to put that up somewhere in our house to really remember not to stress about the messes & chaos, but to enjoy every moment while it is here. Just like Berkeley enjoying that sweet ice cream.

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

Christmas 2006

Outside playing in the deep snow Christmas Day-- notice all the snow in our yard!!

'Tis the season... hope yours was cheerful and warm, cuddled up to people you love. that is exactly how ours was. exerpt from an email I sent (some of you have read this):

Here are a few picts of our Christmas. It was pretty low-key. Kids got enough, not a lot, but by the time all the little pieces come out of the boxes our tiny house was covered with paper, toys, cardboard. It has taken me all week to get it cleaned up. Mistakenly (but my choice) I made a big turkey dinner for Scott & I on Christmas Day, partly because we were both a bit homesick for family & partly because I like to have the turkey leftovers for meals....All that work, and all I got was chaos between kids, toys & cooking, a sore tummy from nibbling all afternoon, then chowing down, and today I threw out most of it. I guess I made enough for a family of 8-10 instead of us 2 (nope my kids wouldn't even touch that food). It was fun to lounge in our PJ's -- have done that all week. Kids & I have played outside a bit, but with their colds and all the new toys/games we've stayed relatively close to home for the past week... eeeekkkss. Haven't even driven my Durango since before Christmas.

Thank you to all those who are so organized and thought of us--mailing us sweet christmas cards, pictures, letters and emails. I wish I was more on the ball--perhaps you'll get a family letter in the spring when babe shows his face. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends & family. Sadly most of you are miles away, but we still think of you and appreciate your friendships & love. It just means time together is more treasured.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season and a Fantastic 2007!!! Ring in the new year with style (we'll probably be at home, sipping hot cocoa, playing rummy, and remembering the days when we actually went out and celebrated....don't worry we'll bang a few pots for old time sakes, if we can stay awake that long..... {you'd think we were old or something!}

Pre-Christmas Excitement

2006-12-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

I am writing this post Christmas, but wanted to share a couple little things about our lives Pre-Christmas. The month has just raced by and I finally found the cord to my camera so I could download a few photos. Here are some of our highlights:)

Found Berkeley sitting in a sink of water in our bathroom. Oh joy. Now she pulls chairs, stools, whatever to get to where ever she wants. A whole new world has just opened up to her--a world where momma thought things were safe up on a cupboard. Nope. No longer true. Just this AM I heard a "PLUNK", raced into the bathroom to see a new roll of TP (that I thought was hidden so she doesn't unravel it in the toilet or on the floor) was discovered and thrown in the toilet.

Some cute little trees the kids did as a craft---I had bought a bunch of little things at Michaels and we did little Christmas projects in Dec leading up to Christmas.

Look at this kid. Got a hold of her brothers treat bag from Halloween. This girl loves candy (versus Tagg who only wants choco kisses) She had 5 suckers going at one time. Plus somehow had time to scribble all over her legs and feet. Pretty good, considering she wouldn't let go of any of her yummy suckers.

Our Anniversary Dec 20. Celebrating 9yrs. Scott brought home flowers and sushi for us to celebrate. Just what I have been craving. (on the weekend we had also gone out for sushi so this was a double treat!) As you can see, Berkeley was in on the action. Crawled up on daddy's lap and wouldn't move until that last bit of sushi was gone. She loved picking them up with her chopstick...though she wasn't interested in eating any of it. Still such fun for her. Happy Anniversary Honey!! xoxoxox still sooooo in love with you babe :)

Tagg's favorite nesting post. Anywhere close to, on top of, or in contact with daddy. Mainly he wants us to "hold my feet". That child loves his feet being held and massaged. He says a hundered times a day "I love you daddy", "I love you mommy"-- usually right before he gets in trouble for something {smart kid-- alot like his daddy}.

We waited until about last minute to get our tree. Bought a permit for $5, which is good for 3 trees. Scott went out on the 21st and cut one down. 4 days till Christmas. we didn't want to put it up too early, for fear that the kiddies would have it down and undecorated too many times. So after work, in the dark he drove out of town. Found one. Cut it down, flipped around and ended up stuck in the ditch (from what he says the snow was so deep you couldn't tell if it was road or a ditch... in his case it was the ditch). Called a couple friends to come rescue him, moments before they got there a good samaritan stopped and pulled him out. Took a bit of harrassment from friends (well-deserved). So he got home late after the kids were in bed. We see the tree in the light, it is kinda sparse, flat on the back and leans--therefore tied to our wall with some string (perhaps it is a good thing it was flat on the back). We got it up and lights on it-----thinking this is our sad little Charlie Brown tree...........
But the next morning the kids got up early (as usual) we turned the lights on the tree.... THEY LOVED IT!!. They didn't care that it was losing its needles, leans to the left, has a few dirty and empty branches on the bottom. All they saw was MAGIC. They got to put on the few mismatched ornaments & garland we've aquired. (& take them off, and on, and off again) I added some ribbons to add some color, but now looking at it perhaps not the best idea. We didn't have a "Christmas Star"-- Tagg had to have a "Christmas Star". So the 23rd we went shopping to find his perfect one. He had to have this one because it is yellow like the star on the stable of our Fisher-Price Nativity Set--(highly recommended!!). So our tree is still up and it is a few days past Christmas. I wanted to take it down a couple days ago because it is dropping needles and takes up so much space but Scott wants to keep it up a little while longer to get it's full value after all the razing he's taken for it.. Nothing beautiful about this little tree. Just ours. & we've loved it!

Nicest Gift....

2006-12-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

I just received the nicest gift. Simple. Sweet. Totally heartwarming. It was from my dear friend Carey. She is an amazing cook.....When we are together we are always sharing new/old recipe ideas and suggestions. I am always eating her food, and begging her to make this or that for me. Tonight she had saved me the most scrumptous rolls--her mothers recipe....I will have to get my hands on that one. DELISH!!

Well her gift to me was a simple scribbler, loaded with her family's favorite menu ideas, recipes, shopping lists, weekly planning pages...stuff tried, tested, and loved by her kids, & easily put together... no fancy ingredients. I love it. I can't wait to try the Spicy Polynesian Wrap, or wait, maybe the Asian Twist, or Farmer's Chicken (highly recommended).... Here I'll share that one (it is tooooo simple-- none of us can go wrong....)
Farmer's chicken Equal parts oil, soy sauce and coke (can use a little less oil). Marinate overnight BBQ or bake 1hr.

She and her kids also made me this incredible tree ornament. You should see them on her tree. They are beautiful set off with twinkly lights. This is a crafty idea that a 4yr old can do. And the messier the better.

You use thicker wire and follow the shape of a cookie cutter, looping the top. Could be any shape you want. Then using finer wire start on one side and start wrapping. until voila-- C'est Tres Beau!! Isn't it beautiful and so easy. Next year I'll attempt some. They are really kid-proof too, which is a must around our house.

As well my dear friend Carey Tuttle allowed me to be her "toy-taker". She had boxes of toys (little people stuff, books, costumes) that she was clearing out to make way for new Christmas gifts. So I've hauled them home. My kids will be so excited with their "new-to-them" toys care of the Tuttle Kids. Santa is very happy too as this saves him time and $$$. I'll probably wrap a few from them to our kids.

My goal is to have a little toy room for the kids Christmas morning, so they can venture downstairs and be so surprised to see all their toys accessible & in one room. I have to move them anyways to make room for a tree (Our family yearly FHE activity tomorrow-- don't want it too soon so the kids knock it down and we get pine needles all over). We'll see what happens this week. I may have to get some treats and beg some friends to help me get things set up. I've been feeling so FAT, uncomfy & tired lately. Most of the day I can barely keep my eyes open. Anyways all you mothers know what I mean. Still 7wks left-- the worse yet to come-- at this point even when you are asleep you are still uncomfy. AHHGGGG. On that note I'd better hit the hay. My kids are early risers--no matter what time they go to sleep -early or late @ about 5AM (today it was 4:48AM) they are awake. Oh Joy, Joy!!!

TTFN & Sweet Dreams!! (only 8 more sleeps till Santa comes...EEKS!!)

New Bra!!

2006-11-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

Was folding laundry the other day and my little 18mos old decided she wanted to wear a little "sum'thin". Just like she loves to wear underwear around her neck, boxers on her legs (or neck again). I don't know quite what to think sometimes. She just keeps us laughing.

Here are a few quick pages I did the other day of the kiddies. You can click on my twopeas to see the other pages.

Otherwise in our lives things are a little crazy and busy. Scott is working a bit more, looking after the office with dispatching, operations, etc. Really getting his hands in the middle of things. A great change for the company--he is anxious to see what happens in 2007 and beyond. The biggest change is that he is now attached to a phone 24/7. Oh Joy. Can't go anywhere without it.

The kids are taking swimming lessons right now. What were we thinking?? Every Tues/Thurs night for a couple weeks, outside in -30C. But it actually works good, because Scott has been able to come with us, hit lessons (Tagg in own class with Dad watching, Berkeley and I in her class or vice versa) afterwards we play in the kiddie pool and hottub, kids get a hot shower & jammies on. By the time we get home, have a bite to eat-- Tagg is asleep. joyous!

"Mom those are your babies??"

2006-11-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

OK, I just gotta tell you the story behind my title for this blog. Here I am importing these photos of our Halloween, and me and the kiddies.

Tagg is sharing my chair, he sees the pix and asks me, "Mom, those are your babies??" YES, I responded with a giggle and a kiss. ahh so cute....our 2 little babies getting so big. Scott and I just die laughing because of how grown up they are getting. In our house we talk about babies all the time as we prep for #3. Tagg always says he is my big boy, but the other day he asked me if he could still be my baby. I think he is feeling the need for a little more 1-on-1 attention. "You'll always be my baby", I responded. Tomorrow I think I'll pull that Robert Munch book "I'll Love You Forever" off the shelf and we'll read it while Berkeley has her nap. Load him up with XOXOXOXOX.

What else.... we took the durango in to have a 2nd set of keys made (lost the other set in May--who knows where) and also have them fix the command start. We were going to pick it up just after 5pm, but had our amazing computer tech over fixing a few things, so Scott called and was told they were open on Sat @ 8:30am. So early Sat AM we loaded up the kids to get our vehicle. Well they forgot about the stat holiday, Rememberance Day & when we showed up all the doors locked, we call the emergency # saying we needed our carseats from our vehicle-- outta luck. Scott actually called a couple times and there was nothing they could do for us, so we have enjoyed a weekend going no where and Luving it!! so nice to just stay at home in our PJs. Though I have been doing that a bit with the kids since we got a bucketload of snow. So hopefully we'll have it back safe in our driveway tomorrow working fabulously.

I'm hyped to meet up with some girlfriends and scrapbook this Friday. I have so much I need to do, but no desire at night to do it (like now). My first problem is cleaning up my cluttered room. I can't even sit in there I have pile of kids clothes I need to organize, papers, junk, blankets, books.... I want to have a toyroom next door so I've been moving everything from one room to the other. Hopefully next week I can get it all organized. I am so sick of tidying up lego every hour. At least with it all in one room, out of sight I won't have to see it.

Welcome to my new niece Bree Kathryn Coppieters, born on Friday Nov 10/06. Little early. But a nice surprise. Hopefully she'll get home soon, as their family was away from home in Red Deer when mom went into labor-- but I'm sure how excited the grandparents were to have her born down south, where they got to see her moments after the birth. I'll add some pix later.