Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Monday, November 28, 2011

Really ... This is MY Kid?

One thing that would stress me out when Mark was away for work was grocery shopping - with Karter. Before he knew he could actually get out of the cart - it was fine. Just feed him lots of treats and motor on through the aisles. But, after we made the mistake of letting him out of the cart all hell broke loose. Yes, that was my child running down the aisles full force screaming, maybe knocking items off the shelf or trying to open them. I was mortified. To the point that he never came shopping with me.

When he started at his new daycare in July, he would comment daily on where they went that day. A frequent response was "the Co-op". This baffled me. I can barely handle my son there, and she is going there was 4 kids!!! Well Bonnie, I thank you for having the courage to do what I did not.

Mark, Karter and I went grocery shopping on the weekend. We went early, my thought process was that there would be less shopping carts strolling up and down the aisles to run over my crazy son. But, It was a Christmas miracle. We entered the store and he held on to the side of the cart as we walked around. He did not touch items unless we asked him to get us something. At the till he played with this toy thing, and when we were done asked the cashier politely if he could have a sucker. I - could - not - believe - it. I was very proud of my well mannered son.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Baby Got Back

Sometimes I think people are clueless to pregnant womens' emotions. Or is it being prego and the wacked hormones make us super sensitive - I don't know. Probably a bit of both.

Anyway, I do find that people can say the stupidest things to pregnant women. For example, last week a co-worker called me into her office and said she thought I was having a girl. She said "don't take offense to this, but this time you have a big butt". Really, really was that necessary to share that with me?!?

I did end up laughing the comment off, I didn't start crying or anything.

I am just thankful to be able to be pregnant, and am not going to let silly comments ruin my pregnancy.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Run for the Cure 2011

Today I participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer run for a cure. It was the first time I had done something like this and when I was approached by my co-worker to join I jumped on the opportunity. We walked the 5 kms and it was a beautiful day. Our team was called the Cameco YellowCUPcakes and we raised $4500.00.

I am fortunate that I have not lost someone close to me due to breast cancer, but this cause does have a special connection to me as Mark's aunt was diagnosed this year. She has completed her last treatment, and even though it was an aggressive cancer and had spread to her liver, her diagosis is very good. I am sure if this was 5 or 10 years ago, she may not have been so lucky. But due to extensive research I believe she has been given a second chance.

It was overwhelming all the people who came out to this event. I even got teary eyed when we started. Surprise surprise - Mrs. Emotional.

It was awesome, close to the finish line I was greeted by Mark, Karter and Juice who walked the last bit with us.

Thanks to everyone who supported me in participating in this very important cause.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

The Lake





Our area is surrounded by the most beautiful walking paths and we are one block away from the lake. Our family loves going there. Especially at this time of year when the geese and ducks are swimming around before their journey down south. Here are some pics of our walk today to feed the birds.













Sunday, August 7, 2011

If a Tree falls in the Forest ... Does anybody Hear

We just got back from holidays and had an awesome time. The first two nights we headed out to Turtle Lake to Mark's brothers cabin. It was awesome. The weather was perfect, days filled with family, Karter was happy and Juice was very well behaved. We went tubing all day, made bushpies over the camp fire, and Karter got to go for a couple quad rides.



On the last night we were woken up by hail. We looked outside and the lightning and thunder was insane. It honestly looked like a strobe light. Then the power shut off. The winds were intense and the hail was extremely loud as we were staying in the loft. All I could think of was pictures I had seen on facebook of previous storms this summer and the damage caused by fallen down trees. I kept praying "please don't let a tree fall on the cabin". I hate storms to begin with and to be staying in the loft and all the kids on the top floor as well did not help my anxiety.


Well, trees did fall, all around us. Funny thing is that we did not even hear them fall. I think the intense hail and thunder had something to do with it.


Pictures are of what we woke up to the next day. The neighbor had a tree fall on his truck and cabin. Behind Blain's cabin there were numerous trees on the ground.


Just thankful no one was hurt. We drove by one cabin and their car had a tree right down the middle of it. We talked to a lady that said the cabin owner told their son to get out of bed and move to the front of the cabin and as soon as he did a tree fell on their bedroom.















Monday, July 11, 2011

New Sandbox

















After a lot of work by Daddy and a lot of sand the new sandbox is now complete. Karter is so smitten with it and I think Mark is enjoying it just as much.

Now Karter just needs some friends to come over and play.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Where's Karter

I consider myself to be a protective parent. Karter is 2.5 years old and I find when he is in my care I am pretty much by his side. I will leave his side only for a short second and just prefer to have him in visual distance from me.

This weekend we had a 60th birthday party for one of Marks uncles and there was a lot of relatives in town. Today we went over to Marks parents house for brunch and I was exhausted and decided a rest on the couch was necessary. Not sleeping but just relaxing. Karter was downstairs playing with his cousins and would pop up occationally to say hi. He even asked me to come down and play but I was just too tired.

I was sitting there for awhile and decided I should go check on him. I started upstairs but no Karter. Went downstairs and the kids said he was not down there. I started calling his name louder and louder. I could feel panic setting in. I rushed upstairs and informed Mark that Karter was missing. We checked the house again and nothing. I ran outside and was shouting his name. I was scared. Others started helping us look. Marks parents house is four houses in from a busy street. He does not know how to cross the street by himself.

Thankfully - our search ended soon. Karter was in their backyard by himself picking dandilions. He must have just walked out the front door all by himself and no one noticed. Daddy gave him a stern talking to.

I found it to be a wake up call that he has no problems leaving the house by himself and am just thankful he did not go far.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Daycare Week 1 a Success

Ok - I promise this is my last post about daycare for awhile. I am just so thrilled about Bonnie I have to share my excitement.

Karter loves to pick dandilions and give them to me. More often then not when he was at his old daycare he would pick dandilions and hold them in his hand until I got home from work and then he would be so excited to give them to me. I Love getting flowers from Karter - even if they are squished and shrivelled from being in his palm for who knows how long. He has continued his flower picking at Bonnie's house. BUT - today when he gave them to me they were in a ziploc bag. When Mark picked him up she handed the bag to him. She said that she felt bad for him bc he would be holding the flowers for a long time and would only have one hand to play with. Point being - she pays attention to Karter.

Today she took the kids to the school by her house. I am not really sure what the program is but the kids do crafts once a week and he also played soccer in the school. Again - I just love how she takes the kids places.

On another note - I am truly enjoying the 2.5 year stage. Karter impresses me daily with his vocabulary. He is in the "what is this for" stage. I really like explaining things to my inquisitive son. The other day he picked up my bra and asked "Mommy - what this for"? My reply - "It is to help Mommy's fight against gravity".

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Daycare Day 2

Karter had another successful day at daycare. His day included a walk to McDonalds for lunch and a play in their indoor playground, then they went to Extra Foods and got an ice cream sandwich for dessert, then they walked to the library where they read some books and checked some out to take home to read. I LOVE how she takes the kids out and about. I think it will really help Karter open up and become more familiar with socializing in public and the proper way to act.

One thing Karter will have to get use to is the walking though. We always take him in a stroller or wagon. Bonnie said he decided he was done with walking yesterday and she turned around and he was sitting on the sidewalk. So he got to ride in the stroller the rest of the way home.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Daycare Day 1

I was so excited to get home from work yesterday to ask Karter how his first day at daycare went. One of the first things he said to me was "Mommy - kids no push there". That brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad we switched daycares.

Mark made the comment that at our first daycare provider when we picked Karter up he would come running and yelling and just be so excited to see us - he was comfortable there. At the last daycare he would quietly walk up to Mark and grab his hand almost like "lets get out of here". When Mark picked him up yesterday he said the old Karter was back. Super excited to see Daddy and he even turned around and yelled "Bye bye Bonnie".

Again - so glad we switched daycares.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Friday, June 17, 2011

New Daycare

Karter has been going to his new daycare for two and a half months and we have decided to pull him out. It really was a disappointment as I had high hopes for this daycare. They look good in writing and run a good business out of her home, but it is just not a good fit. Some of the deciding factors included:
- I was told the kid to parent ratio was 3:1. In fact, this was one of the selling points and I did not mind paying an extra $200 per month above the average daycare rates to get this service. However, when Mark drops and picks Karter up there is on average between 8 to 13 kids there and only one adult. Sometimes the only "adult" looking after the kids in the backyard is their 12 year old daughter.
- Karter has been mentioning for awhile that the kids push him and tell him to go away. I understand kids will be kids but he is ONLY 2 and if there is not proper supervision it is unacceptable and not being handled correctly. I did address this with our daycare provider and she mentioned that none of the kids are agressive and that Karter is clumsy so that is maybe where he is getting that from.
This one is hard bc how much do you look into what your two year old is saying. In this case we went with our gut. Also - Karter NEVER came home from Kathy's saying he is getting pushed down and showing us how the kids are pushing him down.
- Every time Mark picks Karter up he is playing by himself in the sandbox. I remember when he would come home from Kathy's house he was counting and saying his colors - learning. Here - not so much.
- The final straw was this week. When Mark was dropping Karter off their daughter seen them coming and yelled - no - not Karter. I do not like him. All the dad did was laugh and say "yes you do". How horrible - I think I would have started crying right on the spot.


But - at the end of this we have a silver lining and her name is Bonnie. She is super daycare lady - licensed - very small numbers (for real this time) - experienced daycare provider of approx. 15 years - and Mark's neice Jordyn use to go to Bonnie. Mark's family raves about her and we were so fortunate that she has an opening. We met with her and she is fantastic. When she opened the door she said "oh Mark - you are all grown up". I felt comfortable instantly.

And bc her numbers are so small - she is often going on field trips with them. When we met with her they were off to the Forestry Farm which I thought was cool. She says they also frequent the library or at Christmas time she takes them down to the mall to see Santa. Oh this is going to be heaven!!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Extreme Couponing

I have watched a couple episodes of that extreme couponing show on TLC. At first I thought they were crazy and that they are borderline hoarders. But - the show also sparked my interest. Not sure if it is because I am an accountant and my new position is in budgeting, or the fact that our income is cut in half since Mark is going to school.


I am aware of what we spend on groceries, but have not really compared prices at say Co-op to Extra Foods. Or when flyers come out paid attention to sale items before. I have definitely never used a coupon.


So ... I have decided that I am going to become a couponer!! Not to the extreme of the show - I know Mark is concerned our home is going to turn into an episode of hoarders. My plan is as follows:


I have signed up to some Canadian coupon websites and have requested coupons be mailed to me for products I USE. I am looking at weekly flyers for sales items and clipping out coupons from the paper for items we USE. I do not intend on buying multiple items and three grocery carts full of stuff (besides in Canada I am not sure if this is even possible).


Today was the first day I used coupons. I needed deodorant, razors and make up powder. By chance a drugstore I frequent often had all these items on sale. Here were my savings:

Deodorant - regular $4.99 on sale for $3.49 + I had a $2 off coupon = $1.49
Make up powder - regular $15.99 on sale for $11.99 + I had a $1 off coupon = $10.99
Razors - regular $9.99 on sale for $6.99 + I had a $3 off coupon = $3.99

Total regular cost was $30.97 and I paid $16.47 - close to 50% off!!

For the next month I plan on tracking what I am saving finding deals and using coupons. I may then save the savings and use it for something fun for our family to do. Or I may be bored of this by next week and forget all about it :0

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Happy Birthday to Me



I had a good day. It feels good to have so many people reach out to you on your birthday. My facebook wall is full, received some nice text messages through out the day, and chatted on the phone with family and friends - some of which I had not spoken to in awhile. It really makes your day when you know people are thinking of you and taking time out of their day to express that.




Karter has been wishing me "happy birthday mommy" all weekend so he was pretty excited that today was the day he got birthday cake. Even after we put him to bed he was talking to himself saying "happy birthday to mommy". Tres cute.




When I got home from work today I had a sweet home made card from Karter and a some beautiful flowers in a vase. I thought Mark and Karter bought the flowers but they actually went around our yard and picked them. So special. I also loved the i phone Mark bought me yesterday!!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Do the ... Potty Dance

For months and months we have been casually bring up going to the bathroom on the potty. Karter avoided the toilet like the plague. He wouldn't even sit on it and would lose it if we attempted to sit him down. But ... lately he has been getting pretty interested in the toilet and does his business in private and will let you know after that he has pooped. If you even look at him he yells "go away mommy". Lol.

So last night we could tell he had to go poop. We suggested do you want to go poo on the potty? And he said YES!! I have not seen Mark and I move so fast in all my life. He ran with K to the toilet and I ran downstairs to stock up on gummy bears. By the time I got upstairs I heard a loud "plunk". OMG ... there were high fives, a few tears, lots of gummy bears and of course a little potty dance.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Introducing Juice



I think we are half ass crazy ~ but we bought a dog. His name is Juice and he is a Staffy, which is part English Bull Dog and part terrier. We brought him home about a month ago and he turned five months old yesterday.

So far things are going great ~ and not so great. First off the great. This dog is so very smart. Mark taught him to “sit” one night, “stay” the next, and “shake a paw” the following night. Karter LOVES having a dog, and I really like it also. It has gotten myself and Mark off our butts and walking. Heck – I even jogged on the weekend with Juice. I was quite proud of myself. Juice is also kennel trained which makes things so easy. I can count on my fingers the amount of times he has barked in his kennel. Juice is also house trained ~ not going to lie we have had a few accidents. I think it is more so myself and Mark figuring out his cues that he needs to go to the bathroom. The dog is also leash trained. Yes – we lucked out. The breeder is also an obedience trainer. However, I must be doing something not quite right bc the dog is starting to pull on his leash. It is mainly when we turn around to go home. Luckily we start obedience classes next week.

Now ~ the not so great. He is a puppy and what do puppies love to do – JUMP. Not the worst for myself and Mark, but when he jumps on K they are eye to eye and it scares him. It is very hard trying to teach a two year old how to “be the pack leader”. I think it makes it especially hard on Mark because he is constantly having to monitor the dog and Karter when I am not home. So poor Dad does not have a lot of down time these days. Luckily – Juice loves to be outside and Mark can put him out there or in his kennel if it gets to be too much. I am hoping this obedience class will give us the kick start to ending this jumping habit.

The other issue – the CAT. It has improved greatly since we first brought him home. Ryder actually full blown attacked him the first night. We have baby gates up in our house and the cat is mainly upstairs when Juice is on the main level. Poor dog justs wants to play with the cat. On occation when they do meet – it is a gong show of the cat running around the house with Juice hot on her tail. Karter thinks this is the most entertaining thing ever. I just want a cohesive home. My dream about cat and dog becoming BFF’s is gone – so I hope they can lounge in the same room one day. That is my new dream.

The last issue - Tail Chasing. OMG - this dog has found his tail and is OCD about catching it. It sounds cute but honestly if we let him this dog would tail chase all frickn' day. Like Karter - we redirect this bad behaviour.

All in all – Juice is doing great. I just have to keep remembering that he is a puppy and like Karter – will grow out of it. One of the reasons we decided on this breed is for their temperament with children. This breed is nicknamed the “nanny dog”. I am sure once he grows out of this puppy stage he will be K’s sidekick.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Motherhood

With Mothers Day fast approaching I find myself reflecting on motherhood.

I look back at my early childhood and truthfully I do not remember a lot. Not sure if it is because it was a long time ago or maybe my mind has chosen to block out a lot of it.

You see - my mom is a great mom. Loving, compassionate, funny, would help out in any way she could – when she is sober.

I love my mom – but I HATE her disease. The following stories are not to bash or disrespect my mother – this is her disease that has caused these memories – not her. But these are some moments that have helped shape the type of mother I have become and the core values I think are very important.

My mom was so supportive through out my pregnancy. I was so excited to share our new baby with her. As a new mom, I was scared – the person I wanted there the most after Mark was . my . mom. There is just something about a mothers presence at that point in your life to just put you at ease. The day Karter was born obviously I could not wait for my mom to come down from PA. I was surprised when she said that she was not coming immediately but would be there the next day. I remember praying “please – let her be strong and sober. I need her”. The next day we did not hear from her, but then on Monday she said she was coming in on the bus and for Mark to pick her up at 6pm. I was thrilled!! I kept looking at the clock – 6:05, 6:15, 6:30 … finally Mark was back and opened the door to our hospital room – but - there was no one with him. My mom was so induced in her disease that she had neglected to call and let us know that she did not get on the bus. My heart sank and my eyes filled with tears. I looked at Karter and just remember promising him “I will always be there for you – you will always be able to rely on me”.

I remember in high school money was tight for my mom. Her and my dad had divorced and she had lost her job as a nurse due to her addiction and struggled to maintain any job there after. I lost track of how many times the utilities were cut off and having to dodge landlords as they were wanting their rent money. I remember working to help pay these bills or the numerous ambulance bills that were necessary to get my mom to the hospital because she was too weak to even stand after many days of binge drinking. One instance that is still so vivid is I was staying at the farm with my dad and had not been able to get ahold of my mom for three days. On the fourth day I went to check up on her. I remember opening the door to her apartment and boom – a strong rotting smell instantly started making me gag. The first thought that came to my mind was – this is it. I am going to find my mother dead in her bedroom. I opened the bedroom door and luckily she was alive. The rotting smell was actually from the meat in the deep freeze – the power had been shut off and the meat was rotting. Once again my mom was so induced in her disease she did not even notice. As a mother – It is so important for me to provide a healthy, solid living environment for my son. To most parents – this is just a given to have a roof over your child’s head. It may seem like such a small accomplishment being able to provide the basic living needs for your child. But – I take pride in this. The fact that my son will never have to worry about losing our house or how we are going to pay the utilities is so important. I am so proud that my son will never have to worry about my health and wellbeing due to alcohol abuse. I want Karter to see me as a confident mom, not a poor, struggling woman whose addiction has robbed her of all her self worth.

I think one of the greatest gifts that I have given my son is that I stopped this disease from passing down another generation. My grandmother was an alcoholic, and then my mother. If it is in our genes I have no control. But the fact that my son will not be exposed to this addictive addiction on a daily basis is so empowering. He will observe that Mark and I deal with our problems not through downing a 66. I promised myself a long time ago I would never let that disease affect me and in turn my family.

I would like to finish this post by reflecting on a recent experience I shared with my mom – not her disease. Mark and I were married last August. It was a magical day and part of that magic was the fact that my mom was sober. She was such a strength for me the days leading up. It felt so good to be able to rely on my mom. Finally – she was there – for me!! I was so proud of her on our wedding day - she was happy and proud and so helpful. Everything a mom should be. A little girls dream of their mother helping them into their wedding dress came true. On that special day – My mom won - I won - and the disease lost.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Dear Deena

It was my turn this past weekend to be featured on Deena's tribute to mothers. I have very much enjoyed reading each moms take on motherhood. I also enjoy how Deena has described each mom and her relationship with them. Of course – after I read what she had wrote about me it brought me to tears. And then I realized - what a great opportunity this is to tell Deena how I feel about her as a friend and a mother. So - here it goes Dee:

Deena is a compassionate, loving, caring friend. Her love and thoughtfulness is inspirational. No matter how many projects Deena has on the go, she is always willing to lend a hand or a shoulder to cry on.

Deena is a creative person - her talents are endless and continue to touch so many people.

Deena has one of the most amazing families. I love being in their presence and consider it home.

Deena motivates me ... motivates me to be a better mother, better wife, better friend.

I look up to Deena as a mother and in my eyes she is “Super Mom”. The love and adoration she has for her children is inspirational and I believe her children will be better people because of this. Willis and Lucia are wonderful little munchkins and a joy to be around – a true reflection of Deena.

I am truly proud to call Deena my friend :)

Monday, April 25, 2011

Hoppy Easter



Easter was super fun this year. K woke up to a trail of chocolate eggs that led downstairs to the closet where his new bubble lawnmower was. He thought is was so much fun to follow the chocolate eggs. He would screach with pure joy every - single - time he found an egg.




We then headed off to Grandma and Grandpas where the egg trail started on the street. The kids had clues left by the Easter bunny to help them to find their baskets. Karter and his cousins had such a great time. I was thrilled that Karter understood this year. The Easter bunny even ate some of the treats the kids left out for him and left them a note. So cute. The kids ended the morning with an Easter egg hunt outside. This was such a huge hit with Karter that we ended up hiding plastic eggs around the house all afternoon and him and Mark hid eggs all day today.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

New Job

Mixed feelings about this one ... but I know it is for the best. Thing is ... I truly like my job. I like my department, I like the other departments/subsidiaries I deal with, I find the work challenging and rewarding. The downfall is that I feel like I am married to my job. Every third month is quarter end. This means we have a lot of work to do in not a lot of time. Which also means no chance of time off and overtime can be quite extensive. This year has been especially challenging due to new accounting principles coming in, and we have really been working overtime since November. Needless to say that I am burnt out and stressed out.



We receive job postings daily for internal positions within the company. Late February there was a posting that interested me. After a lot of contemplating I decided to apply. This was a BIG step for me. The policy at work is when you apply for an internal positon, you have to inform your supervisor. It sucked because I consider my boss my friend. When I finally got the courage to tell her ... she screached. But ... after explaining that I just could not do the overtime anymore she totally understood. I am also not proud of the work that I am doing. I find that I am rushing to get through it due to time constraints... the time and detail needed is not up to par and that bothers me.



I ended up getting called for an interview and had it last Wednesday. I was nervous because it was with a department I do not deal with and my knowledge is quite limited as to what they do. It was not my best interview ... and afterwards I found myself not as interested as I first was in the position.



My boss called me into her office that same day and asked if I was interested in another job in the Finance department. She said that they did not want to lose me. I understood because I am super awesome and kind of a big deal. Lol. Just kidding.



After discussing the opportunity with Mark - we decided it was a no brainer and I happily accepted. Starting in May I will transition from g/l over to budget, forecast and strategic planning. I am very excited about this. The overtime will be drastically reduced, we are only overtime busy in late October and most of November. I really like the people in the budgeting group. I also love the fact that I can spend as much time as possible with my little man and hot husband.



So yeah for me. Now I just have to survive quarter end, but it is nice thinking this is the last quarter I will have to do!!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Phoenix Trip







We went to Phoenix for a week to visit my dad and his wife Dail. Highlights include a trip to the zoo and aquarium, daily visits to the lake, a baseball game and a bit of shopping. Karter did great on the plane. On the way home he had a big poop and thankfully daddy volunteered to change that diaper. I have no idea how he changed Karter in such a small airplane bathroom.


Things I was surprised about during our trip to Phoenix:

1. I was not expecting to see palm, orange and lemon trees.

2. I seen three pot holes the whole time we were there. Roads were amazing.

3. People were very friendly. However when I mention this people often say "yeah, but half of them are snowbirds"

4. Some people have chickens as pets - to keep scorpions our of their homes

5. Property tax is very cheap - as well as homes

6. The pride the city takes in maintaining the landscape is amazing. All brush was perfectly shaped and I rarely seen any garbage.

7. When we were hanging out at the lake (manmade about the same size as Arbor Creeks), a man was fishing and caught a turtle.


8. The first license plate that Mark noticed after we left the airport in Phoenix was a Sk Roughrider license plate.

Allergy Appointment

I must admit I have been nervous about Karter's appointment with the allergy specialist since the day I made the appointment. Karter HATES the doctor. As soon as they walk in the room he is pist off till we leave. He even tells the doctor to leave. Lol. Anyway - all I kept thinking of was how he was going to react to the doc poking him with needles. The night before his appointment we kept coaching him that he was going to the doctor and we pretended to poke him in the arm like the doctor was going to. To my surprise K was sooooo good at his appointment. I think it helped that the specialist has a good bed side manner. When it came to the point to do the needle poking - with a big smile I said "ok - time for the poking". Karter got a big smile on his face and just sat still for the doctor. We were so proud of him. In fact - the most Karter acted up was when we had to wait 15 minutes for the test results. But - Daddy acted quick and grabbed two tounge depressors and a cotton ball and the boys had a quick mini stick match. Good news is that K did not have any allergic reactions to what the doc tested him for. Bad news is that he has been diagnosed with asthma. Not a big deal - I also had asthma as a child and grew out of it. I am confident Karter will do the same.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Ego Boost

Lately ... when Karter sees a really pretty girl on tv or in a magazine - he points and says "Mommy". I have to smile and embrase the compliment that my son thinks I look like a supermodel.



Last night Mark and I were bathing Karter and he asked Daddy to come in the tub. Karter is getting really good at saying "please" is the sweetest voice - how can you not give in. And - we bath him in our jacuzzi tub so there is lots of room for Daddy. So Mark jumps in and Karter points - Daddy BIG. I will leave to your imagination what Karter was pointing too ... Lol.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Karters Fort

Mark took advantage of all the snow in our front yard and built a snow fort for Karter. This is one of the many reasons I love my husband. He had one day off work and instead of catching some zzz's when Karter went down for a nap he built him this fort.

Look at how high the snow is compared to Karter in the picture below!!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Daycare Update


I have contacted numerous daycares the last few days with NO luck. I received the same story over and over again, which was "Oh, another day care has closed. This is the third one I have heard closing in Arbor Creek in the last couple weeks. Sorry - we have just filled our last spot".


The only lead so far is the interview on Monday night where they are interviewing Karter to see if he will be a good fit. There is a spot open for a two year old and a three year old and apparently they are interviewing a lot of families. Of course it is at 7pm - right before bed so I am sure he will be super happy. I can see it now - first he will see some trucks and start calling out "F*ck, F*ck, F*ck", then he will proceed to tell the daycare lady how he bought condoms for his grandma for her birthday, and it will end with his drama queen attitude when we dress him to go outside.


But whatever, Karter will be Karter and if they find he will not fit in there then so be it. Eventually we will find someone great and they will see how great Karter is. In my eyes, anyone would be lucky to take care of my son.


Rumor Has It

SO wrong...

A couple months ago I had a message on my phone from our cleaning lady's boss stating that we were getting a new cleaning lady. Whatev ... but I must admit it was kind of awkward when I opened the door and it ended up being a cousin of Marks - it was even more awkward that I did not remember her. Lol. Sometimes I have my head stuck up my A*s. Anyway, it did not seem to bother her that she was cleaning our house and Mark was cool with it.

Fast forward to this Monday - cleaning day. I get home from work and Mark's cousin had left us a note - that read:

Just wanted to say Congratulations. I seen the picture on the fridge of the newest member of the family and that is so exciting Karter is going to be a big brother!!

Lol. The picture is of an ultrasound of Karter.

I did call Mark's mom to be prepared for potential phone calls congratulating the grandparents to be.

I guess it is time to take the picture off the fridge and put to rest any future rumors from occuring.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

More Change

When I picked up Karter from daycare yesterday our daycare provider informed me that she is closing. It felt like someone kicked me in the stomach.

My first reaction was that I totally understood why she is closing, but then the tears started coming as I thought about how much Karter loves her and all his little friends at daycare. Mark, Karter and myself have all grown close to her and her girls. I am truly sad.

Then when I got in the car panic mode kicked in - Oh crap - I only have ONE month to get Karter into another daycare.

I had a difficult time before finding a great dayhome for K. And - from the sounds of it another difficult time may be in store.

For some reason I held on to the Arbor Creek newsletter when it was delivered a couple months ago. The newsletter has a listing of daycare providers in our area. Anyway - I started calling a couple places today and they are booked for the next couple years. Lol. The one lady did say she could get K in until June. Not sure if I want a quick fix for him though - getting use to her and then boom he has to go somewhere else - not fair. We do have the option of my mom coming up to watch K during the week until we find someone. I also mentioned to Mark that he should not go to school and to open a daddy daycare - he didn't bite!!

I do have an iterview on Monday night - and by interview I mean K and I are getting Interviewed to see if he is a good fit. Lol. The rate is a bit high - if he goes 5 days a week it is $800/month until he is potty trained - then it is $700/month. But - I am a firm believer that you pay for what you get. Her numbers are low and it seems like she has a really good program for the kids.

I am still looking and will call more daycares tonight.

If anyone knows of a daycare taking kids in the Arbor Creek/Erindale/Willowgrove area please let me know!!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Grandma's Birthday Present

Buying for parents is hard mainly bc they have everything. Saturday was Mark's mom Wendy's birthday. I was racking my brain trying to decide what to get her, then they booked their trip to Cuba. Perfect ~ money in a card specifying it to be used on her trip to get a fabulous massage.

Karter and I headed to Shoppers to pick up a card - and I thought I would get her a couple travel size items for their trip to go along with the theme. To keep Karter entertained I explained to him that we needed to pick out some stuff for Grandma for her birthday and how it should be used on their trip to Cuba. "Yeah" he screamed and was totally into it. Karter goes and picks out one thing and puts it in the basket. I wasn't really sure what it was and picked it up to have a closer look. Man - they package condoms nicely these days. FYI - I made Karter pick out something else.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Change

For quite some time now we have been trying to make a decision - we knew our family situation has not been working - but did not know what to do about it. Mark works away from home - 2 weeks away and 1 week off. I work 5 days a week and every third month is quarter end where I put in an additional 40-80 hours on top of my regular time. This is quite difficult when Mark is away due to Karter. Thank goodness for Marks parents who at a drop of a hat will pick up Karter from Daycare so I can tend to quarter ends. Besides our busy work schedules - it breaks our hearts everytime Mark leaves. I think there has been only a couple times where his goodbyes do not end in tears. I absolutely dread the first day Mark leaves and I pick up Karter from daycare. It breaks my heart bc I know when we open the door the first thing Karter will say is Daddy - and start looking around the house for him. On the way home I coach him that Daddy is gone to work and he will not be home when we get there. But - it never works, he still does his look around.

So what do you do - Mark really likes his job and gets paid quite well. We threw out us moving to Lloyd but we decided it is not the quality of life we could have if we stayed in Saskatoon. So - we have finally come up with a game plan and Mark will be going to school starting April/May this year for a Home Inspector certificate. It is scary for Mark - leaving a well paid job to making nothing for the next year. I of course worry about finances but we have saved and my wage covers all the bills with some extra - and there is other sources of income to fall back on like our stock and stock options. And it really will not hurt me to clip a coupon every now and then. But in the end - nothing can put a price tag on education and seeing the smile on our little boy waking up to both of his parents every morning.

My Special Valentine


My special Valentine this year as Mark was away working. Hopefully next year we can celebrate it together as a family.

Truck

Karter loves trucks. He loves going for rides in Daddy's truck, Papa's truck and just playing with trucks. The only problem is that he has a bit of an issue pronouncing truck, and innocently calls them "F*cks". I must admit we get our kicks out of this and it has become a running family joke. However, it was not so funny when we were in McDonalds a couple of weekends ago and Karter seen a truck and started yelling "F*ck - F*ck - F*ck".

Pets



Karter loves his pets - he has one cat or "cattie" as he calls her and 4 fish (depending on the day as Mark bought fish that like to each each other!!). I think having pets is so beneficial for kids - it teaches them love and responsibility. For example - Karter thinks the cattie is always thirsty - and will follow the cattie all around the house with her water dish - she will sit down and Karter puts the bowl in front of her - she gets up - and so on and so on till there is no more water in the dish bc Karter has spilt it everywhere. Here is a picture of the cattie in her new hang out - the railing. Maybe she chooses to hang out here bc this is one of the few places she will not get the water dish put in front of her.


We bought a bigger fish tank last weekend (bc the fish keep eating other fish they outgrew the old tank) and Karter is so proud of it. Whenever someone comes over he leads them to the fish tank and says "big". He also loves to feed the fish.