Family Photos

So, we finally decided to go professional. Actually, the school had a fundraiser with one of the local photo shops so we decided to take advantage of it!

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas....

Okay, so the snow just keeps coming and coming and coming (what more could one ask for on Christmas eve?) take a look.....

These were taken from my bedroom window....can you see my blue flower pot? Wonder if my chives will survive (probably should have put them in the garage - oops)?

I better get back out there and shovel some more in between finishing up with house cleaning, making sugar cookies for the kids to decorate, preparing for tonights traditional events and tracking Santa's progress .

Merry Christmas

from our house to yours!!

Adrianna-ism

If you whip a cow and then get milk from it and whip that some more you get whipped cream?!?!???!!!

OR maybe.....

If you pick a cow up and shake it really good and then get the milk from it you have whipped cream?!??!!?!!!

Not sure where this conversation came from but it was very interesting......it makes you go hmmmmmm?

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Today is the first day of winter and boy has mother nature ever reminded us of what exactly that means snow, snow and more snow. For us westcoasters that's not generally our winter experience so one can only imagine the panic around here - what??? SNOW??!?!?!!! They really only need to move just a little ways inland to understand what winter is all about BUT isn't that why a westcoaster lives on the westcoast? To get AWAY from the cold, snowy winter weather? Well....not this winter EVERY Canadian gets to experience it this year whether they want to or not!


When we got home from Church today Adrianna and I headed out. She to play and me to shovel. What child doesn't like this weather? Where's Eli you might wonder? Inside watching a movie. Mmmmm maybe the novelty has already worn off for him? All those hours in the snow the other day must have given him just the right dosage........yeah right he'll be in it tomorrow like a dirty shirt or I mean like every other child!

Odd Maybe But Oh So Good

Primo's Roasted Vegetable Soup has got to be the BEST canned soup out there! Mmmm mmmmm good!

I was sooooo excited to find this in a random store today. Grocery stores don't carry it anymore, which was very upsetting so when I come across it it's like hitting the JACKPOT!!

I Love, Love, LOVE My Car

When we lived in Central BC we had a Subaru Outback and I loved that car. FANTASTIC in all conditions of weather mostly thanks to the incredible all-wheel drive system it had. When we moved to the Westcoast we felt it was overkill for the weather conditions we face here and also felt it was now or never to trade it in.

That was 2 1/2 years ago that we traded the Subaru in for a VW Jetta (I would highly recommend either vehicles). Our first winter was EXTREMELY mild (a skiff of snow). Last year we actually got a pretty good dump (for the Westcoast) but I was recovering and never drove in it. Yesterday was our first snowfall (a pretty decent one for the Westcoast) and I HAD to go out in it.

After venturing out on the side streets, major roads, bridges, farm roads, etc. I can say I LOVE my Jetta! Do I want to be driving out in it daily NO, especially with the crazy Westcoast drivers that have no clue how to drive in it BUT I wouldn't hesitate to jump into the Jetta and go for a spin!

Snow pictures coming.......maybe.......

Remembering The Meaning of Christmas

November was such a crazy busy month for me and at one point I really felt like I didn't know whether I was coming or going. Now it's December. The kids are out of school and we're unscheduled relaxing, visiting, playing, working, baking, etc. but most of all we're ENJOYING!!

Today the kids and I attend our Ward Christmas Brunch and the Primary children (pictured above) put on the nativity for the adults (Adrianna & Eli are to the left). It reminds us all of why we have Christmas and who we celebrate and why. It's also such an easy time of the year to serve one another and for me to teach my children that it's not all about me, me, me but also about those around us.

I love this time of year. I love that I have been taught about the Savior and what He did for us. I love that I now teach this to my children. I love that I try to serve others - family, friends and strangers a like. I love that my children are beginning to recognize how they can serve others too.

365 Days = Congratulations!!

For some reason I've had a VERY difficult time deciding when exactly my anniversary date would be........diagnostic date? Surgery date? End of treatment date? I even asked around!

I did celebrate on the anniversary date of my bilateral mastectomy thinking that was IT but it just DIDN'T really feel like it was 'the date'. I had only finished treatments 5 months prior and still didn't feel myself.

DECEMBER 11th

This marks the day I had my very last radiation appointment AND marked the last day of treatments......this IS my ANNIVERSARY date without a doubt. I can just feel how right that date is to continually celebrate my years of survival!!!

So on that note........

I'm a 1 Year Breast Cancer Survivor!!!

Music's In The Air

Ahhhh.....a Friday evening at home together as a family listening to the rain down pour outside.

Well....we couldn't actually HEAR the rain fall because of the music blaring from our top floor. Not just one song but 4 different songs at one time!! It became a bit of a game. A rather loud but fun game I might add! Within 10 feet of each other we had the soundtrack Music & Lyrics, music from some Australian band that I can't remember the name of at this exact moment, a mixed Christmas CD and a children's CD playing!

I LOVE goofy family moments that do nothing but give one a happy lifetime memory!!

Peanutville?!?!!

The other day we were driving to a restaurant to meet up with my sister (aka Auntie) and as I drove through the intersection that we would normally turn to go to her home I pointed it out to the kids.

Adrianna excitedly explained, "that's because we're in Peanutville!!"

I smiled and chuckling stated, "you mean Walnut Grove."

Adrianna, "Oh, that's right!"

Close....just not the right nut!!!

He Made Her Day

I have THE sweetest SON in THE world!!

Last night I was at a PAC meeting and a mom came up to me with a story to tell. On Friday the school had an assembly about Remembrance Day. The grades 1's and 2's were performing and were asked to dress nicely, her daughter nervously and very self conscious (she's a bit of a tom boy) came to school that day in a very nice dress.

After the assembly her class and Eli's class were assigned to put all the chairs away. Eli walked up to her and said, "___ you look very pretty in your dress." and walked away. Her mom was close by (Les & I had gone home by this time) and thought she heard him correctly but wasn't sure so she asked her daughter who was bright red but wouldn't repeat what he said so she turned to Eli and asked what he said and he replied, "___ is very pretty today!" Well she could have given him a million kisses she told me. A little later she and her daughter were in the washroom and her daughter looked at herself in the mirror and stood tall and said "I AM pretty!!"

She continued to tell me that Eli's compliment couldn't have come at any better of a time nor has she ever seen her daughter turn red like that!!

YES, I DO have the SWEETEST boy!!!

Dinner Conversation

As we were eating supper tonight I commented to Les that the grill didn't seem as hot as it usually is and from that this is how our dinner conversation went......

Adrianna: How long have you had it for?
Me: Since we got married.
Adrianna: So what anniversary was that?
Les: It was a wedding gift so it was given to us when we got married.
Adrianna: Oh....so its really really old then!
Me: Not really. Just about 11 years.
Eli: So what year are you getting separated?
Me: Pardon?
Eli: So what year are you getting separated?
Me: I don't plan to. I plan to be married forever!
Eli: What about you dad?
Me: Yep, him too!
Les: Yes, whether I want to be or not (thanks buddy)!
Me: Do you realize how much all our lives would change if that was to happen?
Les: Yeah, we wouldn't live in this house - we'd live in different homes and you'd have to live with one of us......
Adrianna: I'll live with Auntie!
Me: What?!?!?!!

This is why families should have family dinners together......if we didn't we wouldn't have cool conversations like these!!!

PS: Yes, Les and are are getting along! It has to do with all the grandparents....Eli likes to know how all the relationships fit together and after visiting one set of them this weekend it must have been on his mind.

A Visit To The Farm

This past weekend we loaded up the truck and head up to my mom's place. It's been a couple years since we've been to the farm (Les's first time) so the kids were pretty excited.

We had a relaxing time. The kids played with Kelsey & Ashley, Les and Don jammed while my mom and I visited.

The kids playing the Wii with Kelsey & Ashley. Thanks Uncle Devan!!!

Les and Don jamming at the kitchen table!

On our way home we stopped at Les's aunt and uncle's place for a quick visit.

Of course this is exciting for the kids too because Uncle Larry has the coolest train TO RIDE!!!

Happy Hallowe'en!!

What a busy Hallowe'en! The kids have never been dressed up so many times and attended so many activities but they had a blast!!

Les and I even dressed up for a Hallowe'en party, which made us almost not go (we're not fans of dressing up) BUT sometimes we just have to do things we don't want to do and the kids would have been so disappointed.

Haddad Family Hallowe'en 2008

We would have carved more pumpkins but apparently we weren't very successful on our pumpkin picking because two of them turned to mush before we could carve them.

My Heart Aches

I have been wanting to post about this ever since I first read about it but just haven't been able to bring myself to do it, mostly because I become so emotional and every time I think I'll just sit and do it I read more and my heart just swells and I have to wait a little longer.

Just over a month ago I was introduced to The Nie Nie Dialogues via a friends blog. It is a blog that belongs to a young mother and wife by the name of Stephanie Nielson. In August she and her husband were involved in a plane crash. The flight instructor Doug Kinneard passed away, Christian, her husband sustained burns to 30% of his body while Stephanie sustained burns to over 80% of her body. Over the past two months Stephanie has been in a chemical coma and this past Saturday the doctors started to slowly wake her. Christian was released with physical therapy to continue but most importantly he was able to be reunited with his children for the first since the accident.

Go to the Arizona Republic to read more about this amazing journey and family. As well Stephanie's sister Courtenay has kept the blogging world up to date on how the recovery and family are doing on her own blog C Jane Run.

I think what has touched my heart the most is watching how her sisters have stepped in without any hesitation. She has three sisters.....the sister named above took the 3 oldest children, another sister took the youngest and another has been by her side in the hospital. Both Stephanie and Christian come from large families and they've all stepped up to the plate and done amazing things over the last couple of months but there is something to be said about sisters (sister-in-laws are included in this sisterhood). I have had similar experiences with my own sisters and this has reminded me of them and how lucky I am to have them in my life.

Coming from a religious background this family does not fear but has faith and prayer. Like them I know that none of us are alone and that He does answer prayers and showers us with little miracles daily.

It Was A Good Day Because......

1. Eli told me I am very very very very very smart!!!

2. Hearing and seeing the shock on Eli's face when he learned that in grade 4 there is no special helper or show and tell was priceless!!

3. Out of nowhere Adrianna and Eli voiced that they know they are very smart because they know its very very very important to listen to their parents and that's not good at all that some children don't!!!

4. I was able sit in a Scholastic Book Fair meeting this morning, which reminded me of how blessed I am to be able to be so involved in my children's school!!

5. The work for my client is now completed and mailed off!!!

6. I realized just how much I've gotten to know my sister-in-law over the past year and how much I enjoy our conversations!!

7. Watching my husband reminded me that he comes home from work everyday always willing to help in anyway that he can!!!

Welcoming Two New Pets

Innocently I asked the kids if they'd like to check out the pet store after I was done picking up some items at Michael's (maybe not so innocently - really my thank you for being so patient in a craft store!). REALLY I never knew it bring the outcome that it did!!

I LOVE going into a pet store with Eli (he wants to be a veterinarian). It's so fun to watch him with the animals he is so tender and loving to them! As always as soon as he sees the chinchillas he looks at me with those big brown eyes almost pleading to let him have one as a pet. He knows the answer but MUST try to persuade me EVERY time. Then he moves onto the guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, cats, dogs and fish. I'm sure you've figured it out - pretty much every living animal in the store!

Particularly he decided that he MUST have a pet TODAY. Just a few of our conversations:

1. Eli you don't have enough money to buy a fish tank and if we get one you'd have to use all your money and then owe dad and I. Answer: uuhhh you can't have ALL my money because that means you'd be richer than me!

2. We need talk to dad about this too. Answer: Okay, lets go home NOW.

Now dad is home and a part of the conversation too:

3. Why don't you wait until Christmas or your birthday? Answer: I REALLY want a pet NOW, I can't wait (he's so dramatic).

4. With the money you have you can buy the fish and we'll loan you the money for the fish tank. This means that you'll have to pay us back as you earn money. Answer: Okay. So can we go now?!

Needless to say we were off to the pet store 7:00 at night to get Eli a fish and fish tank. Don't worry Adrianna was involved too (just in case you were wondering). For her 8th birthday she asked for and got a fish and fish tank but her fish died a year later and she didn't want to get a new one but NOW with all the excitement of fish and new PETS she decided it was time to buy herself a new fish. BUT you know what the funniest thing was? He wouldn't carry the fish (in a cup)that is until it was placed in a bag! His words 'it freaks me out'. What a guy!!

So here they are! Top picture is of Eli's new fish tank (as you can see we're not talking a HUGE loan by any means) with his new PET fish named Optimus Prime. Below picture is of Adrianna's old fish tank with her new PET fish not yet named!

So I wonder if we should charge him interest?!!!

An Afternoon At The Pumpkin Patch

Today the kids had a professional development day (aka NO school) so we headed off to Laity Pumpkin Patch.

This is our third year in a row and I'm surprised the kids haven't gotten bored of seeing the same thing year after year after year BUT on the other hand how much more exciting can it get than picking out your VERY own pumpkin each year? How I would have LOVED to have done that as a child.

Having FUN!!!!

Chocolate Cake-In-A-Mug

Here's what you do:

1 coffee mug

4 Tbsp. flour (plain, not self-rising)

4 Tbsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. cocoa

1 egg

3 Tbsp. milk

3 Tbsp. oil

Small splash of vanilla

3 Tbsp. chocolate chips, optional

Add dry ingredients to mug, mix well with a fork. Add egg, mix thoroughly. Pour in milk and oil and vanilla, mix well. Add chips if using. Put mug in microwave, and cook for three minutes on 1000 watts. Cake will rise over top of mug - do not be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, tip onto a plate if desired. EAT!!

Win A Quilt!

Quilt design by Lizzy Anne entitled 'spring up' made by Elizabeth Cranmer.

I came across this giveaway on a friends blog and of course had to enter (who doesn't like giveaways?)!! Crazy as it may seem but I'm giving you the info so that you can have a chance at winning this stunning quilt too. Just follow these simple steps.........

1. Receive one entry when you leave a comment on the following post Pigtails and Snails: Quilt Giveaway (click the link).

2. Receive 5 more entries when you post about the entry on your own blog.

3. AND you can receive 5 more entries for posting the banner in your sidebar on your blog (again, click on the above link).

See nothing to it! Oh yeah, the draw will go until 7pm MST on Friday October 17th.

Wish me luck!!!!!!!

Reconstruction - Phase I

Two weeks ago yesterday I went in for bilateral breast reconstruction with tissue expanders (isn't that a mouth full) so I guess this means I can official say reconstruction is underway!! It's still hard to believe that this time has come. I remember my first visit with my plastic surgeon a couple months after having the bilateral mastectomy thinking it was so far away but what do you know 16 months have come and gone just like that!

Surgery went very well. There was some difficulty with the right side, which we knew was going to be an issue because that's the side that had radiation treatment (radiation turns the muscle into concrete and so it's very difficult to separate the layers of muscle). There was also some extra stitching needed on the left side to keep the expander from sliding around my rib cage.

I have to admit I hate being knocked out, that whole feeling of being nowhere during surgery is odd to me and uncomforting plus the grogginess afterwards - YUCK. I remember coming to and slowly as I became more alert I also became more aware that I REALLY needed to go the washroom! Did you know there is no washroom in the recovery room?! As soon as my bed was rolled into my ward I was off the bed using the washroom (definitely an incentive to get a patient up and moving right away after surgery)!

My chest was very tight feeling but I was grateful to have a lot more movement with my arms (unlike the bilateral). Really the worst of it was the surgical drains (but I only had 2 this time), it makes healing and moving around very uncomfortable. When I attended my preadmin clinic I was told the drains would be removed before going home so I was very excited but that quickly left me when the morning after surgery my surgeon informed me they'd be going home with me.



What a surgical drain looks like (kind of looks like a hand grenade).




We were very lucky and thankful to have Les's mom spend a week with us cooking, cleaning, shopping, walking the kids to school, etc. It wasn't the easiest thing for her to do but without asking she rearranged care for her own mother (who lives with them) and headed down to give us a helping hand. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU it definitely made recovery a lot easier for all of us and it was definitely a lot less worry for Les.

Of course there is always a worst before the better but once I hit that hurdle there has been no looking back! The drains were finally removed 5 and 7 days after surgery, the chest started loosening up and the incision is healing beautifully. I still haven't tried driving on my own because I know I don't quite have the fast reflexes I may need but over the next couple days I should be able to get behind the wheel. My only complaint (if there should even be one) is that I still can't sleep on my side but this too will soon change and I can't wait!!

Soon it'll be time to continue on with Phase I.......being inflated with saline on a weekly basis. It'll be interesting to watch and feel the expanders grow and maybe a reminder of puberty way back when (mind you at a faster pace)?!

Embarrassingly I do have to admit that I had a day where I felt sorry for myself. Why do we do that (or maybe it's just me)? I quickly reminded myself that there are many others in the world suffering far more and for far worse reasons. We NEED to be grateful. I NEED to remember that I have felt far worse pain BUT most importantly I NEED to remember and be grateful for all my many blessings and for the fact that I'm still here living every day with my beautiful family!

He's The BEST!!

Back in April I was introduced to and fell in love with the book Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I have a tendency to buy my books but for some reason this time I had gotten a copy from our public library and instantly knew it was a 'must have' for my bookshelf.

Five months later I finally rented the PBS version of Jane Eyre and again fell in love with the book all over again AND had a hard time wanting to return the movie. Shortly after that I went in for reconstructive surgery (this is for another post) Les surprised me by buying me my very own copy of Jane Eyre!!! I was so excited but because of the drugs, surgery, etc. I couldn't focus on reading so again he surprised me by searching all over the internet until he found a way that he could download a free audio book chapter by chapter by chapter. So with eyes closed and resting I had the ipod plugged into my ears for hours as I silently listened to this beautiful tale once again (22 hours worth).

I definitely know I'm loved, cared for and thought of often but he's officially out done himself.......a box was delivered today......my very own PBS version of Jane Eyre!!! WOW!!! I told you he's the BEST!!!!

It makes wanting to attend the PAC meeting tonight not so important but I'm going so I guess that means tomorrow while he's working and the kids are at school I'll sit back with my box of bonbons and watch my movie because that's what we women do all day isn't it?!?!!

Teacher/Parent Input Day

Today I was able to have 10 minute visits with each of the kids teachers and just had to share the following a story Mrs. Stewart told (Eli's teacher).

The other day the class was working on their printing and with book in hand Eli went up to her and their conversation went something like this:

Eli: I've decided I'm not doing any more printing.
Mrs. Stewart: You have to finish your printing.
Eli: No. I've decided I'm done so I'm not doing anymore.
Mrs. Stewart: You don't have a choice. In grade 2 you have to do your work and right now all your printing has to be done (or something like that).

Eli with his head down headed back to his desk to finish the task. She said she actually felt bad for making him do it but at the same time she can't just pick up and go home when she wants to and he needs to learn that sometimes we don't want to do things we have to do. I totally understand but man he cracks me up!!

In A Years Time I'll Know

Having decided to go ahead with the genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer (I'm one of those lucky people that qualify) I went in and had the blood work done today. I should know sometime next week right? WRONG. It'll take a year (give or take) to get the results. Wonder if I'll remember that I had it done when they call me with the results?

Happy 40th Les!

Happy 40th Birthday Les!

I thought of throwing a surprise party but if you know Les well enough you know how much he would have enjoyed that! Last month his parents were in town and had family come over for some celebrations and that was more than enough celebrating for him.

So I played it cool.....we stayed home. I made a nice dinner.......then I ran out to pick up a cake. I spent so much time running around trying to find his gift today (he didn't give me much notice on what he'd like) that I ran out of time to make a cake BUT it was well worth it just look..............

........WOW do you see that expression too?!!! Must have been good!!

Weekend To End Breast Cancer 2008

I don't even know where to begin. This was an absolutely incredible weekend, one that I would suggest YOU should experience at least once in your life! Definitely physically and emotionally exhausting like none other but WOW - incredible!

It all started out with the sign-in and the safety video presentation Friday night. With the high energy permeating all around me I found myself signing up for the 2009 Weekend to End Breast Cancer (I still need to update my 2009 webpage) as did my sister-in-law......all for the cool limited addition shirt we kept telling ourselves!!

7:30 am Saturday morning 1600 participants began the walk, a 35 km day. About 5 kms into the walk we befriended a solo walker - Jamie. Throughout the day we laughed with, were cheered at, and were encouraged by so many amazing people whether it was crew, fellow walkers, drivers, strangers, family and friends......

It was about the last 10 kms where I could feel myself struggling. Physically I was becoming tired and encouraged my team mates to walk ahead of me and this is when I became emotionally exhausted. Alone in the heat of the day but not truly alone. At a cheering point I recognized a mother and daughter from my children's school encouraging, cheering. At that moment recognizing someone on a more personal level made the tears swell up but it wasn't until I reached the last pit stop with just under 4 kms to go that the tears started. I saw my chemo oncologist. The first time I've seen her since my very last appointment with her back in November. Then with only 1/2 a block to go I passed a home with a little girl and her father cheering me, I could hear him say that I was a survivor......well what a flood of emotions and at this point totally physically exhausted I really was a mess, thank goodness for sunglasses!!

Finally, 11 hours after starting I walked into to camp completing the 35 km walk - I DID IT! After a shower, having a couple blisters looked at by the medical team and a quick bite to eat it was time for bed - exhausted. Not long after getting settled into bed sprinklers suddenly went off and all you could hear was the sure shock from screams and laughter but they went off almost as fast as they went on.

7:00 am Sunday morning and we were on the trails again. This time not so spry but still full of energy. I was still physically exhausted and quickly knew that I wouldn't be able to complete the day. My hip was giving me excruciating pain as I walked so after 5 kms I pulled the plug. A little disheartened that I couldn't complete the 60 kms but at the same time very proud of myself that only 9 months after completing treatments I was able to complete 40 of the 60 kms. WAHOO!! Hanging out with my sister and brother driving from pit stop to pit stop cheering on our team mates was still an exhilarating day. Finally....the 4 of us together crossed the finish line being cheered at and high fived.

Of course nothing can prepare oneself for the closing ceremony. Already on an emotional overload it became even more of one when I helped a fellow survivor walk into the closing ceremony. A cancer survivor for 5 years only to find out that it has come back in her spine, tailbone, liver and one lung - it was an honour to walk beside her, to see and feel her strength. First the walkers, then the crew, then the survivors followed by empty shoes representing those that have passed on. 1600 walkers with just over 4.1 million dollars raised and the 2008 Weekend to End Breast Cancer was completed. I am honoured to have been a part of such an amazing event and am PUMPED for 2009!!!

L to R: Jen, Diana, Tricia, Nikki - All For One Team

Thank you to Cooper's Foods, Harvest Meats and Weston Breads without your donations our hot dog sales wouldn't have been as much of a success as they were! Thanks to my Uncle Animal, Jack, Donna and their friend Gina for starting the 'Bald is Beautiful' campaign on the Island, the fundraising efforts were tremendous and made our success all that much more! And of course many many many thanks to all of you who made a donation, I couldn't have done it without you!

Most of all a huge thank you to the All For One Team. I am so honoured to have been a part of this event with them - my sister-in-law Nikki, cousin Diana and sisters Tricia and Tamsen. Tamsen wasn't able to make it due to a sudden family move for school but she was so involved throughout the year with planning, training and fundraising that even though she couldn't make it she was certainly in my heart.

The Start Of A New School Year

I love watching and listening to parents as they mill around the school trying so intently to find out who the lucky teacher is that gets their darling child, who their classmates will be and ultimately WILL they be happy with their child's predicament for the school year? I have to admit at times I can and have been one of those parents but I'm certainly not a seasoned parent on getting all the right answers. Most of all to me its fun and very interesting to watch!

I still can't believe I have a daughter in grade 4 - an intermediate! No longer in a primary grade unlike her brother who even more unbelievably is in grade 2. Now that the kids have officially been placed into their new classes I can report that all seems to be well.

Adrianna has Mr. Macgregor for her teacher and I'm very excited for her, not because of the teacher because I really don't know him but because grade 4 was when I had my first male teacher - Mr. Moulton. He was fabulous! I hope she has a great time in his class this year.

Eli has Mrs. Stewart for his teacher. He seems well adjusted to the fact that some of his buddies are in different classes something he's handled much better then last year. He's still not with his 'girlfriend' or the 'one he's going to marry' - Emily but he'll still be able to see her at recess and lunch and he's okay with that.

What's just as exciting as new teachers (to me) is that their classrooms are right by each other again AND Eli's class still has morning reading so I can still participate in the mornings, something I knew very few grade 2 teachers do and in all honesty something I'm not quite ready to give up. So......on the eve of the 2nd day of school I can say I'm happy with how the new school year is turning out!

New Looks

Preparing for September always means appointments in our house or at least ever since the kids started school. Hair appointments, eye appointments, dentist appointments all in preparation for a new school year, maybe I should throw in some new goals and call it Happy New Years!

I had my eyes and teeth checked a couple months ago (mine get done while the kids are in school, I'm sure you can figure out why). However, I did have a small mishap with my porcelain tooth that had me in the dentist chair the same time the kids had their teeth cleaned. Needless to say I can smile again without feeling very very self conscious (phew)! So the only new change for me was a new hairdo....really nothing major I just learned a couple new styles to use when I straighten it (now to actually do it daily...mmmmmm...I really do plan to try). I LOVE my sister and her talent with my hair!

Miss Adrianna was given the thumbs up at the dentist and maybe 1/2 a thumb up at the optometrist. In other words her eyes are good but could be a bit better so we'll be back in a few months to get them checked again. Last but not least was hair and it took me by surprise when she announced that she wanted to go short, if that's what makes her happy then why not (I've never been one of those moms that refuses to allow their daughter to cut their hair - hello its only hair). There is a funny story to all this though. A few months back Adrianna went for a new style, which was to have straight bangs but to do this it meant that the flat iron would have to come out each day to straighten and curl her bangs. After a couple showers I noticed her bangs weren't curling and thought maybe she wasn't washing them very good BUT she was doing an excellent job they just weren't curling. It seems that her bangs are now permanently straight. How strange is THAT?!!

Mister Eli too was given the thumbs up at the dentist but wasn't quite so successful at the optometrists. Seems he's a bit far sighted but hopefully with glasses for the next couple years it will correct itself. It was evident he was pretty excited because he had me phone the optometrist to check to see if his glasses were ready, apparently he just really really wanted them but nope he had to wait one more sleep. When we did finally go in to get them I think he had 1/2 the office in stitches because he was so genuinely excited, I have to admit it was pretty cute we'll see how long the excitement of glasses lasts for! As for a haircut he hasn't gotten tired of his faux mohawk so he's all trimmed up for that again.

So we're all ready for the new school year now!! Don't worry we haven't forgotten about Les, he's just not so excited about getting all geared up for September. Very soon he'll be getting his hair cut, getting his teeth cleaned and last but far from least getting his eyes checked to see if he has to yet again get new glasses.

Sweetness

One of the things I LOVE about Eli is his thoughtfulness. Today at Church he was given three cookies and was so excited, this is our conversation.

Mom: Those are my absolute favourite cookies!

Eli: You can have one.

Mom: Thanks but that's okay.

Eli: I gave one to dad. I have two left so you can have one and Adrianna and I will share the last one.

Mom: Thanks Eli but I don't want a whole one.

Eli: You don't!?

Mom: No.

Eli: Okay. You and I will share one and Adrianna can have the last one.

Mom: How about Adrianna and I share one and YOU have the last one?

Eli. Oh. Okay!

All Good Things Must Come To An End

Last but far from least was some shopping and then a visit to Sikome Lake , which as an adult who has spent the last 15 years in BC looks more like a pond. Nonetheless it was hot and the kids had fun playing in the water while the adults visited in the shade.

It's time to head back home.

Old Is New Again

Our next day trip was at Heritage Park. It was a fun full day touring around the Park, which included a horse and buggy ride, a ride on the SS Moyie, a steam engine train ride and carnival rides.

Adrianna and Eli helped make a sign at the Acme Lumber Co. building where they do have kids classes throughout the year and is still an active wood shop.

I think we have more train pictures then anything else...a passion of Les's!

Eli ended up in jail at the Northwest Mounted Police Station....actually he seemed more then willing to put himself there, for some reason Adrianna wasn't so keen!

The horses that pulled us on our horse and buggy ride. Named Splinter and Shredder after characters from TMNT's......I think that made Eli's day!

Of course the carnival rides couldn't be forgotten!

View from the balcony of the Hotel.

Not Everything in Alberta is Extinct

Our next adventures landed us in Calgary. We stayed in the neighbourhood that I grew up in with some family friends. I still can't believe how much my neighbourhood has changed but hasn't changed, it's still the quiet, well maintained neighbourhood it has always been just with HUGE trees WOW how they've grown. I was able to show Les and the kids the home I grew up in (although they've added to it, changed the color and added a whole lot of vegetation in the front yard), the school I went to, the parks I played in, etc. Kind of fun to take a walk down memory lane with them. Anyway, children only take so much reminiscing before its time to move on and that's just what we did! Our first day trip was to the Calgary Zoo.

Eli's absolute favourite animals. The sloth and tiger!

Above Eli and I hanging out with the elephant. Adrianna didn't want to have her picture taken with us nor did she have any absolute favourite animals BUT we all fell in love with the tiny little monkey pictured below (unfortunately we can't remember what kind of monkey it is).

There was definitely some noticeable changes from the last time I went to the zoo, which was probably about 15 years ago but the one thing that hasn't changed is the spider monkeys demeanor (NOT pictured above). If you've witnessed them yourself you know EXACTLY what I mean!!

The Bony Bits

It was hard to leave the fun adventures of Rocky Mountain House but we knew that the next destination was going to be just as adventurous so off we went to Drumheller and area for two days of exploring.

The kids height vs. the leg of a T-Rex!

I think the Royal Tyrell Museum more then met the kids expectations, especially Eli who was SO excited to see all the HUGE dinosaur bones but was even more ecstatic to stand where these creatures stood!

We drove for miles and miles through farmland to suddenly find ourselves in a whole other world or so it felt. The badlands! You can't go to Drumheller without seeing just how amazing this land is or how rich in history it is until your standing amongst it.

Of course as a holidayer we couldn't help but get sucked in by tourism! This HUGE T-Rex at the Info Center was a must. However, I still can't believe we spent money to willingly climb the hundreds of stairs from foot to mouth. Mind you the view was pretty cool!