CherryAppleArt

A Tear...

2010-09-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Say Goodbye to this blogspot place!!!!

I have slaved, laboured, growled and swore and now I have a new website AND blog!!!

Check 'er out and follow me there!

Life will be brighter with bigger pics, more loud mouth commentary and a whole lot more uploading ease!

www.cherryappleart.com

www.cherryappleart.com/blog

Why I Look Forward To Getting Old.

2010-09-08T17:25:00.000-07:00

I don't mean just older. No, not just turning 30 or 40 or 50.

I really look forward to 40 because I am determined to be the hottest 40 year old to walk the face of the earth. (No, not in the Heidi Montag/Pratt way either.) As in I have 14 years to getting around to working my a$$ off. I need that much of a head start. I suffer from slight-chronic-laziness.

I mean that I truly look forward to being vintage.

Where my hands are wrinkled and soft.

When I will laugh at people who want to be the hottest 40 year old on the face of the earth.

While I can still be entirely independent and inspire others with my overflowing well of wisdom and love.

I look forward to being like my Gran.

I spent the better part of the day with her. Better being because it was with her (and not screaming, tantruming, overtired children). No, I'm kidding, (not about the screaming, tantruming, overtired children part) spending time with her is by far the best time ever. Period.

It helps that she's the most wonderful woman ever.

And she bribed me with Smarties as a child. Totally worked.

I watched her today.

I watched the way she was always polite to others. Even when they were abrupt with her.

I watched her grin and bear it. Even when she was uncomfortable.

I watched her gingerly but stubbornly insist on being generous to a a fault. Even when I argued. (But she was the one I inherited my stubbornness from, so I lost. Thanks Gran...)

I watched her as she spoke so lovingly of my Mom and my Kiddos.

I watched as she walked, determined, for hours, at 91 years and 4 months of age, because she'll have time later to rest.

Most importantly though, I listened. I listened because I'd be damn stupid if I didn't.

Simply put, she's THE BRAVEST WOMAN WHO WALKS THE FACE OF THE EARTH.

I look forward to being 91 years and 4 months old. And I certainly hope by that time I have a granddaughter who adores me the way I adore her. (I plan on using Smarties.)

Shake It Off.

2010-09-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

I went to bed before 2am last night. (Woot.) Then I woke up with a headache.

I thought the day was off to a rotten start after a couple of glitches and figured that my bad-week-streak was continuing.

The Hubby was running around to get out the door for a 4 day tour (most of it driving) and I was growling about all the things not working the way I thought they should.

The Drummer (who had just arrived after a 2 hour drive) looks at me after a couple of minutes into my irritating whine/rant about not knowing what to do says, "So. Pray about it."

Yeah. I figure I've spent a long time praying. I've spent a long time waiting for life to become what I hope and dream it to be. (Insert whiny voice here.)

And then the small moments when other people bestow a little wisdom on you SHAKES THE JEEPERS OUT OF YOU while also KNOCKING SOME SENSE INTO YOU.

Sis was telling me the other night about one of her clients who's an author.

This woman believes that everyone should write.

It gives the third person perspective on their OWN lives. Lordy knows everyone could use some of that.

So to follow in line with the slapping and shaking I disappeared into my studio (once Kiddos were sleeping) and created. For the last five hours. I scalded my fingers 8 times. Sweet nectar of hot glue.

I am now heading to bed feeling quite filled up.

A little more talking with God.

A little more snuggles from a little girl who put her pudgy hand over my heart tonight because she liked the feel of it falling asleep.

A little more breathing.

A little more late night apple snacks with a cuddly Prince who starts school in only three days.

A little more wine.

A little more creating and dreaming.

And now a little more sleep.

My life is a Decadent Double Milk Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries on the side.

SLAPPED, SHAKEN and seeing things clearly. I am rich.

I Hate Emily.

2010-09-01T19:15:00.001-07:00

Do you ever just have one of those days?

You know.

The ones where you seem to have a handle on things until the spark plugs come loose and you know that someone is going to unfairly (or fairly) suffer the consequences of your poor electrical wiring?

Today was it for me.

Not the first and surely not the last, but definitely on my list of ugh-ers.

It began simply enough.

The Prince getting a much needed and wonderful haircut from Sis.

Breakfast with The Hubby sans small hyper beings.

Then came the fuse box explosion...

Hours and hours on the phone with all major Life-Effecting/Insanity-Instigating Companies. The Phone Company. The Hydro Company. The Bank. The Credit Card Company.

Then to top off all the joy and chirping birds they brought to my afternoon, then came the Passport Application.

Or should I say the "Government forms that loath to be filled out so they randomly delete themselves FOUR TIMES IN A ROW."

I finally filled it in by hand. Like in the Dark Ages.

I foolishly decided that I was ready to trot off and get my passport photo taken after YELLING at the automated voice on the other end of the line all day.

(Emily, from Bell?... I hate you and your monotone questions. "CUSTOMER SERVICE" means get me a real person!)

Anyway, as I stood there, hair undone, makeup worn off, lip gloss forgotten, I thought, "This sucks. Now whenever I pull out my passport I will remember this lovely day."

But no. That wasn't the end. The Lady says "Cheese!" (NOT) snaps the photo, looks at it and announces in front of the looonnnggg line up behind me that I need to powder my forehead. When I mention that I don't have any with me she pulls out a large roll of paper towel and asks me to wipe down the shine. And while I'm at it can I wipe my nose and chin? Because it's not 500 degrees outside lady?! Sheepishly I dab. She's says dab harder. I glare. She snaps the photo again.

Hello Passport.

You'd better take me somewhere F^@%!#$ awesome in the world!

Have a nice night!

A Short Road Trip.

2010-08-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Sis and I headed off on a short road trip to see our Hubby's play in Lindsay.

It was the most perfect road trip weather.

Sunny, slight breeze and a hint that summer will stick around for a little while.

We had the bestest day. I kinda didn't want it to end.

Save for the part where I was putting oil in our car in a short denim skirt at 11pm outside a ghetto gas station while a drunk guy screamed at someone across the street.

Mechanic under pressure.

There is a whole lot more girlie fun that included a photo shoot with a vintage barber chair and a lake but I simply don't have the time to share that fun with you yet. Sibling rivalry refereeing is taking up most of my day. Tomorrow.

Today, the rock show!

A Date With A Prince.

2010-08-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a shorter version of The Hubby (only with my dimple) and I headed downtown on the GO to visit Sick Kids Hospital.

Nothing special, just a redo of some blood work.

Let me tell you, it is a blessing to say that it's nothing special, because almost three years ago it was a BIG deal to be rushed down there.

The incredible, fantabulous doctors and nurses there made sure our Princess came home healthy and happy to us. Them and a small miracle and a whole lot of prayers.

There are many precious children there who are battling far more crisis's than we have, those kids are amazing.

So we were gonna have fun!

He was as charming as you'd expect a Prince to be.

He held my hand so I wouldn't get lost.

He made sure I laughed and got my funny picture taken too.

He asked me to tell a little boy crying in the waiting room, that all was just fine because after the needle they give you a toy. (Only now they don't. You get a sticker. Rip Off.)

He had lunch with me, though the random Beer Pong game on my iPhone was more interesting.

He got me to buy him a car because it would make me smile......

He said please and thank you when a family friend surprised us with lunch and treats for the ride home (Thanks Chris, BEST pretzels ever and Cherry inhaled the cookies!)

He yelled "CHOO CHOO" on the platform at Union Station in case any other passengers didn't know what the train sounded like as it approached.

He told me his back hurt and his hip hurt, because he wants to be JUST LIKE Noe and Popops. I told him he's got another 55 years to go before he can start using that excuse.

He pointed out the lake as we passed by so I wouldn't miss seeing the blue water.

He had me carry him up the stairs (only once) because I needed a hug.

He lead me on the foot print path through the hospital so I wouldn't miss the Blood Clinic.

And he lavished me in smiles and hand squeezes all day, because didn't you know, it's not COOL to kiss too much in public.

I love having a Prince for a son. Call me one blessed Momma.

Then I got the pleasure of coming home to finger lickin' cuteness, a trampoline treat, and a Daddy who rocked bedtime so this tired Momma got a night out.

My sweet life...

Just trying to work on The Princess not being such a Diva.

I have NO IDEA where she gets it.

Do Not Say One Word.

And The Winner Is....

2010-08-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

Did you really think I'd give it away so quickly...?

Am I really such an All Out There Kinda Girl that I won't make you wait...?

Well first I wanted to share my Thursday.

A simple kind of a Thursday.

Back to school shopping.

For The Prince. Not me. Though I do think that Mommy's deserve new outfits for the first day of school too... The Hubby disagreed. I bought a plain white shirt as a compromise. He doesn't know he compromised. I could've bought the faux fur vest that I've had my eye on...

There was usual play outside at Noe and Popops while Daddy had rehearsal at the house.

It wasn't so much the noise that forced us to leave as it was the Eau de Man that was wafting up from the basement.

The Princess ran while The Prince rode his scooter. She was asleep before 7pm. He wasn't.

I think it was running in shoes a size to small that tired her out. But they're sparkly ballerina slippers so YOU try telling her not to wear them!

And then my iPhone was high jacked and I found a lovely array of photos inspired by the artistic nature of an almost five year old.

Cute eh?

I finished up some work and shared a delectable Belgium chocolate sour cream cake with Sis before we both bailed to do the remaining day's business at home...

Okay.

Now that I have forced my somewhat simple Thursday upon you I will announce the winner!

Or Not.

No really. Here it is.

DORIAN!!! You won Chicka! Shoot me off a message!!!

CONGRATS!

Now as for CherryApple Art Accessories, I'm holding a BACK TO SCHOOL SALE....

Check out CherryApple Art Products on Facebook and check it out but otherwise I'll get around to it in a couple of days on here...

And off to bed with me. Tomorrow I take The Prince on a little adventure downtown Toronto. You know I'll be happy!

Irish Car Bombs And Bucket List Accomplishments.

2010-08-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

My Sis and her Hubby had a house warming last weekend.

Almost a year ago now they bought their first home in a different town.

Six months later they were sick of spending their free time driving to and from work so they moved back to Pickering.

I helped them move the first time. And the second time.

My Sis was a beautiful bride. She's a supportive sister. She's a talented hair stylist but she's a MOVE-ZILLA. And if she moves again in the next few years I will make sure I am out of the country.

It was an awesome party.

We had (Cousin) Philip from Ireland "pop" in for the weekend on his way to visit alligators in South Carolina (hope you haven't been eaten Phil). We love it when he visits. A party seems inevitable. So there were Irish Car Bombs in his honour and more than enough watermelon with vodka to knock out a daycare.

We laughed, we celebrated Mike and Steph's awesome new pad and we fell into bed by 2am only to be up and out the door for a church fun fair the next morning.

I was glad at 6:30am that I passed on the alcoholic fruit. It would've been a nasty morning otherwise.

--------------------------------------

Then The Hubby and I got a couple of days off parenting duty to enjoy this precious family.

And Daphne the Dog. The Dog that I am tempted to steal whenever I see her.

I've known Cory and Heidi since I was small enough to still get horsey back rides without causing severe spinal damage.

I rocked the dance floor harder than anyone the night of their wedding 16 years ago.

They are friends who bring an enormous amount of joy to the people around them.

They radiate fun and exemplify what a happy family should be.

And I try to soak up a little bit of parental wisdom whenever we're there, because they really have learned the ropes and they're just far enough ahead of us to teach us a heck of a lot.

They also like to play...

The first/only time I was on an ATV was at their place one year ago.

This time it seemed only fitting to beat that by taking a ride on the new Harley Special Edition.

To know me is to know that I am a walking chicken.

I dislike lakes due to the blackness that could be hiding a rare breed of fresh water shark that will bite my legs off.

I dislike rollercoasters because I'm lame and have a terets style panic attack when I get that drop in my stomach. (It's also a reoccuring nightmare to be in a falling elevator.)

I dislike plane rides for the the previous reason and my ears plug up.

I dislike fast cars because, well, some drivers are idiots.

So to get me on a bike is a huge accomplishment. And I wouldn't get on with just anyone, so believe me when I say I'd trust Cory with my life.

Five minutes into the ride and I was hooked.

I thought I would find it thrilling in a fast breathing, stressed out kind of way, but NO. It's soothing. Seriously soothing.

Ten minutes into it and I wondered why people drive in cars.

Fifteen minutes into it and I was contemplating how long I can wait before I'll want my own bike.

Fourty minutes later I was one relaxed and slap happy Biker Chick.

Bucket List:

(Add) Ride on a Harley Davidson. CHECK.

Next?

Go on the kiddie DROP ZONE without crying (or swearing at small children).

We ate chinese food and bacon and eggs. We lounged in a hot tub and had great conversation. We ate fresh cherry tomatoes out of the massive vegetable garden and we came home feeling like the two day reprieve was more like a week long holiday at a resort.

Thanks guys. You're the best.

P.S. Congrats Paul and Brandy on your adorable munchkin... Snuggles were wonderful!

100th Post Showing Life Is Beautiful & A Giveaway!

2010-08-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have a long list of things to be grateful for.

I have a long list of daily whining that go along with it.

I'm trying to change that.

I have had the most wonderful August ever.

The Hubby home, The Kiddos happy, cottages, BBQs, girlie time... It just keeps getting better.

And today I woke up to a crisp Fall morning.

And it made me happy. Because while I have loved sweltering in the weather that makes summer actually feel like summer, Fall is the most INCREDIBLE time of year.

The smell of leaves piling up on the lawn, the choice of tank top OR sweater. Scarves! Oh I've already pulled out one for today even though it's hitting the summer highs again. Jeans. Jean envy as I window shop, since I seriously need to stop buying jeans. I love it all.

So I am grateful for Fall arriving soon. But I should really slow down and just be grateful for the last few days...

Like The Prince who spent an entire afternoon weeding and sweeping with Noe (who's hands were worked quite literally to the bone.) I am grateful that I have a Mother who makes my home look stunning from the outside, cuz if it was up to me, we might be living in a Fairy's Dreamland of large weeds and daffodils. Tinkerbell would be in Tinker heaven.

I am grateful for many, many beautiful and scenic parks to choose from only minutes from our home. Do we want Beach, or Bay? Do we want Rolling Fields or Forest? These kids have no idea how good they've got it. But I will make sure they learn.

I am grateful for music. I am grateful that it is a massive part of our lives and livelihood. How amazing is it that my basement can be transformed into a studio in a matter of hours and super talented people are our closest friends? I am grateful that I get to see rock shows on a regular basis. It simply makes me happy.

I am grateful for cheap waffle makers that work. How sweet to have waffles with strawberries and whipped cream at my own kitchen table. If we go out for breakfast the only thing I want to know is DO THEY HAVE WAFFLES? Now, my craving is permanently satisfied, and so is my wallet. YUM. Though if I eat this every morning my gym membership may crumple up and die from the horror of it all.

And I am grateful for this... This little blog has been my outlet that I have truly enjoyed. It's brought lovely perspective to the normal frustrations of the everyday. I love the people I have had the chance to hear from or chat to and because of how grateful I am I am doing a giveaway!!! It is the 100th Post People. About time.

I want to hear the #1 thing YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR.

This is Fabulous Green Rose on a clip and pin (from the 20s Collection) is just a little

Thanks For Stopping By.

Next Thursday I will randomly pick a winner from the comments and announce it!

Good Luck...

Sundaes On Sunday.

2010-08-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

The weekend was darling, as far as weekends go.

A beach bum day on Saturday and a somewhat impromptu BBQ on Sunday.

Some of our favourite friends piled into the kitchen and on the back deck to eat delicious burgers and stuff their faces with homemade loaded potatoes (my specialty).

Funny, the ratio of vegetarians to meatitarians was almost 2:1. Wow.

The sky looked ominous so we stayed inside until we realized that as we were slowly cooking in our non-air conditioned house, the lightning rumbling in the distance had yet to bring the rain with it.

Sitting under a split sky is wonderful. Knowing that it's gonna pour but NOT YET is one of my favourite things.

Growing up you'd find my Sis buried under the covers crying into Mom's arms while my Dad and I were at the front window (and occasionally on the porch) waiting to see a strike overhead.

We made ice cream sundaes for the first time in this house.

It's not a common occurrence.

Usually red food colouring/sugar filled candies are avoided but hey, it was a perfect ending to a lovely weekend so all rules needed to be broken.

We finished off with a water fight love the children and man-children and then we watched hilarious YouTube videos, why? Because. They Rock.

The Loveliest Of Saturdays Needs No Words...

2010-08-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Check out The WHOSOEVERS... It's brilliant.

Jinx.

2010-08-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

After writing about boobies and little boys who kick nice Mommies in the face I got a good dose of "HAHA". (Think The Simpsons...)

At 1am a 45lb kid jumped into our bed. From that point on I saw every hour on the clock.

I quite possibly could have moved him back into his bed somewhere around 4am but you know when you're just THAT deliriously tired? All rational thinking ceases to exist.

I face planted on the floor twice and at one point thought that my newly fixed front tooth had been chipped yet again. I may or may not have sworn at that point.

This morning. I am slightly irritable. And slightly dazed.

So today Land of Internet Abyss:

"The Prince is a lovely, charming, perfectly well behaved boy WHO SLEEPS THROUGH THE NIGHT IN HIS OWN BED!!!"

Got it? Good. Now to make it through the next 15 hours left of my day.

Potty Humour.

2010-08-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Daddy needed us out of the house for a few hours so he could make the dozens of phone calls that had been put off that morning due to EXTREMELY LOUD children.

So I called up Auntie Anna.

The day was perfect for sprinkler running and we nibbled on cheese and crackers while the monsters ran every bit of energy out of their jumpy little bodies.

It was great.

And it was filled with comparisons of raising kindergartners.

I shared my embarrassing story and Anna shared hers.

Since mine is mine to tell I can tell you... Hers is for her telling alone...

The other night I was mid PJ - story time - stop killing each other bedtime routine.

Now Mr. Prince had decided that getting up multiple times a night and waking early to listen to music on the Mac is what all the cool kids are doing.

I say otherwise. Gently I informed him that he would not be crawling into our bed in the wee awful hours of the morning only to spontaneously kick (mostly me) in the face.

He replied...

"Is it because Daddy wants to touch your boobies?"

I died.

Laughing.

I called for The Hubby to come up from downstairs insisting that it was a PARENTAL EMERGENCY of EPIC PROPORTIONS.

He came, and I told him the conversation that had just ensued.

He died.

Laughing.

Hysterically.

For.

Ten.

Minutes.

Straight.

The Prince has been a boob man since infancy. Not a Mommy's boob kind of kid... No no, mine are far too small... More of a Well-Endowed Boob Lover. All of my Well-Endowed friends have been mauled. He doesn't discriminate. So long as their sufficiently plump.

But this almost five year olds statement? It seems to be the running trend.

And it became apparent over their snack time after sprinkler running, that potty humour is a hot topic. The giggles that emerged over comments like "Poo Poo Head" and "Pee Pee Brain" were comparable to the giggles that we have over Boobies comments from our children.

Apparently though, this is JUST THE BEGINNING.

Oh and we corrected him by telling him, that in fact our bed is just not big enough for a terrorizing pit bull of a boy to share it with us. I'm completely unprepared for this parenting thing.

Ice Cream Fix.

2010-08-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

On a last minute whim I headed into The City to see Emma.

It has been a looonnnggg few days around here, and since life has decided to make living a little more frustrating I am deciding to tell life to "SUCK IT" and making my own fun.

The fans are blowing 24/7 along with the dehumidifier so I bailed on any more house work and trotted off for some delicious spring rolls and Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream. (I am using up all Daddy Duty IOU's for the short time that's left before the NEXT tour.) Did I mention that my mouth was thrilled with my decision. It was like "YOU DA BOMB!" And I was like "Yeah, sometimes I rock."

It was another lovely August night so we walked down the Danforth and popped in and out of dream housewares boutiques. I almost bought a turquoise wooden 1.5ft tall duck. For my kitchen table of course. It even had a name, Abigail I think? It was charming and unusual and completely unnecessary so my wise brain trumped my whimsy and I left Abigail remaining with her other duck friends.

Never before have I had ice cream mixed on a slab with gummie bears thrown in.

I learned two things.

First, I love mushed chocolate ice cream with red, white and yellow gummies to chew.

Second, I hate mushed chocolate ice cream with green gummies to chew.

And it just so happened that the night before at Milestones I painted my nails SEAFOAM. Yes, in the restaurant. The nail polish was too sublime to pass up. Then I woke up yesterday and randomly picked a pair of earrings I hadn't worn in weeks. Halfway through the day I realized that I subconsciously matched the two. The cashier at Shoppers Drug Mart thought I was just that coordinated. Ha.

Thanks Emma for the blistered feet, well worth it... Thanks Amanda for the nail polish... And Jules you'd better be impressed you coordinating queen you...

Random Joys...

2010-08-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

Before her first ever flower girl appearance I thought I would take The Princess for her first ever Pedi-Mani.

She was a doll.

She ooo-ed and awww-ed and asked every nail technician "What's your name???"

She got little lilies painted on her toes and thumbs.

It was the perfect little outing and she was perfect (for 90% of the time).

Then we got home and within two minutes she peeled off every perfect little bit of polish that existed. I learned My lesson. Don't take a 2.75 yr old for a Mani... just a Pedi.

And can you spot my new piece of skin bling???

Yep that's it!

A small silhouette of a bird behind my left ear.

I only get tattoos on the middle to left side of my body.

I'm right handed.

It just makes sense.

It hurt like a B!%@$ but I am glad I did it.

It's now my fav. Next to my Cherry name and my baby footprints, oh and my Jesus/Canada fish Tramp Stamp (Not really a Tramp Stamp, just the location. I will call it my Holy Stamp)...

The Hubby loves his gear. I mean like really, truly, passionately, deeply, and faithfully loves his gear. So much so that I have had to ban gear from all upstairs rooms or there will be no where for the rest of the family to live. But every now and then I find him sneaking things up that staircase. Needless to say he was caught. A PRS is SO not comfy to snuggle up to, despite WHAT he says.

Then last night we ladies enjoyed Girls Night Out at Milestones.

4 Bellini's and 4 Appetizers.

Awesome.

I am officially, and mildly addicted to Bellini's though I promise it will be a smaller addiction than tattooing or fashion magazines. One can only keep up with so many addictions at one time.

The conversation was a riot, we celebrated Christy and Liz's birthdays and we watched as very adult appropriate gifts were given. Oh what fun we had!

And I almost forgot. I know that there are digital cameras and I post pictures ALL THE TIME but there are moments that can't compare to an old school (and now completely updated, so not so old school) photo booth. The Prince is a whole heck of a lot bigger than the four month old I dragged into a photo booth and smooched for the flash. And he keeps getting cuter. Is that even possible?

Happy Random Tuesday All.

P.S. The mould has been defeated by good old elbow grease and a righteous dehumidifier. EAT THAT SPORES OF SATAN!

Mr. & Mrs. O.

2010-08-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

I am going to take a break from tackling the EVIL, MONSTROUS MOULD that is eating our basement and my patience, to tell you about something wonderfully happy...

Paul and Robin are MARRIED!

It was glorious.

I think that God set aside the date Paul and Robin picked and said "It shall be good." Well kudos God cuz it was awesome.

Sunshine with a slight cool breeze and a whole lot of partying.

I love this couple so much, and they dote on my Munchkins, who might I add were PERFECT through the entire ceremony. During the rehearsal we had all the kids shake their wiggles and giggles out so on the day of they were chill as could be. Success.

We cried, we laughed, we posed, we ate, we drank, we danced and I will never forget it.

Do you remember how I mentioned the superb food at the Tiffany's shower? Well imagine that with more food more people and really loud, fab music. Italians know how to party.

Now RaRa said she would check this when she was in Rome so two things:

A.) Robin I hate you. (Solely because you will be in ROME checking this.)

and

B.) I love you bunches. You were a vision of lovliness and Paul ain't so bad himself! You are cherished, adored and I cannot wait to have tea in your new mugs at your new place when you return from your incredible honeymoon in Europe.

Oh, I almost forgot. Use my gift or I'll kill you.

XOXOXO

A Belated Birthday Post On Robin's Wedding Day.

2010-08-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

Baby birds that we "checked on" MANY times a day...

Damaged toe from a clam shell under the sand...

How I started my birthday morning...

It's My Cottage Birthday Week... Well, The First Half.

2010-08-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Friday night was a joint birthday party for me and Talia. We dolled up all sexy and sweet and headed out for a night of eating, drinking and dancing at Alley Catz in T.O.

My gorgeous friends were show stoppers and the boys brought their charm to compliment. It was an evening filled with hysteria and bad, bad dancing and a large Mango Mai Tai.

That damn Mango Mai Tai wrecked my fun.

I brainlessly forgot to read the list of ingredients on the drink menu and didn't think about the fact that I am ALLERGIC to PINEAPPLE. I end up doubled over in horrible pain with what feels like blisters ravaging every part of my insides.

I was able to ignore the pain and dance but come 12:45am I was a write off...

So therein ended my ALL NIGHT DANCING plan...

But that damn MANGO MAI TAI will not ruin my memories!

Thank you friends!

After the agonizing pineapple torture we got up bright and early to drive up to the Kawartha Lakes to indulge in the Bewsch Cottage.

My family has been coming up here for over a decade.

Every year we pack up way too much food and way too many drinks and head up for the August long weekend.

I have been celebrating my birthday there since I was 15.

This year I turn 26.

It is a slice of heaven on earth (if you ignore the beautifully stenciled and carpeted outhouse) and this year only the siblings went up together.

There were no Munchkins running around to be worried for, there were no "adults" to make cleaning and cooking schedules and there was a whole lot of lounging.

We ate when we got hungry. We cleaned when we were too bored with laying in the sun. We read many, many magazines. We listened to the boys strum guitars and play Dub Step.

We had a filled glass of wine consistently. Everyone BUT me swam to the small island, responsibly, with an inner tube so no speed boats would hit them. We beer bobbed with life jackets, only instead of beer we had Smirnoff Ice. Beer Bobbing is AWESOME.

It was the most relaxed I have been in YEARS.

No word of a lie.

And I got to drive my sis nuts by being sentimental the entire time.

Like discussing the difference between CHOSEN responsibility and REQUIRED responsibility.

Or sharing FONDEST memories of the cottage.

Perhaps it was the mention of PURE BLISS that made her squeamish.

Whatever the case, she was gagging the whole time.

Because Stephie hates mush and emotional crap.

And since I am writing about this I am expecting a text in the next few minutes after she reads it saying: "geez Rebecca. Gag."

I love my best friend.

We ate beer chicken and had a deep debate over whether to drizzle or not to drizzle (ketchup on fries) and it was decided that while dipping meant consistency, drizzling was like a surprise in your mouth.

My younger (and very single) brother Jon told a story about when I was in labour with The Prince. He was 15 and my Mom had just called and told him the progress update. He was so excited about his nephew that he told his buddies that I was 2cm dilated. His friends then told him what that meant. In detail. He is still recovering from the trauma.

And we danced.

Sing "Single Ladies" as you look through these and you'll see I'm almost as good as Beyonce.

Seriously. I think I was her in another life.

My slice of heaven is wonderful.

And hard to leave.

But four days and three nights away from The Kiddos is more than enough. And the longest time yet.

I am refreshed and relaxed and ready to drive to the Muskokas now (the OTHER direction) to go for a visit with The Hubby's fam for a couple of days at the cottage they are at.

While Ontario winters (yes I mentioned winter. Cringe) may be brutal, the cottage life is worth it. Well at least this year it was!

We Saw Every Inch Of Marine Land.

2010-07-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

This past week was crazy!

Marine Land is one of those places where children were either laughing or screaming and parents are either smiling or growling.

The Kiddos had a blast and by midnight each night, they finally conked out.

Long days, long nights and many many memories.

We saw seals and whales and dolphins and walruses and deer and we ate delicious food and played in the hotel pool for hours.

And by the time we got to see the Falls on the last day there I was finished.

Seriously...

I thought I was sick of home but after three days away in busy packed crowds I was thrilled to see my own bed. Most especially to put the kids in THEIR OWN ROOM!

The weather cooperated and the sun shone for all but thirty minutes of the entire trip.

I am grateful for the fun we got to have... Thanks Mom and Dad Mac...

Seeing Daddy for the first time in weeks.

I hate amusement park rides... Really and truly...

So I kept watch over our stuff and lounged on the stroller...

I know, I'm lame.

Turns out The Prince got the ride junkie gene from Daddy while The Princess is a little more me. It's okay, she can chill with me. :)

We had dinner on the lovely patio behind the hotel the first night and the second night we ate at Cousin Vinny's Italian Restaurant. Most UNBELIEVABLE steak EVER.

It was so hot I was cooking like a soft boiled egg on a stove top in these jeans.

Note the grumpy face...

It was a blast, and tiring and we are ALL happy to be home again...

But not for long!

Tonight I go out with The Hubby and friends to dance all night and celebrate my/Talia's birthday and I plan on dancing to THIS. Tomorrow we say bye to The Munchkins and go off to our annual cottage destination for a couple of days of hammock rest and relaxation...

Cannot wait to post pics from THAT fun!

Happy Long Weekend Everyone!

Hello Vacation... Goodbye Daily Grind...

2010-07-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning we will pack two excited little Munchkins into our car and head off to Marine Land... For three days away.

The Prince cannot wait to see whales and dolphins and swimmers of all sorts.

The Princess insists she is going to see Tinkerbell there, and has told every friend and stranger this for over a week. At not yet three she doesn't get the difference between Marine Land and Disney Land. The smell of fish water may be a wakeup call...

Since The Hubby came home I have been icing and elevating a very strained quad, while I have been pampered with breakfast cooked for me and laundry done, and child rearing off my shoulders. I have even hobbled downstairs to find dishes finished. He cooks AND cleans. It's lovely and refreshing after such a long time without him... I'm relaxed.

Considering I will be disappearing from blog-land until late this week, maybe even until next week, I thought I would leave you with the STUPENDOUS photos taken by Melanie Greenwood and styled by Steph Crofts for my etsy site.

CherryApple Art is officially up and running...

Enjoy...

One. More. Sleep.

2010-07-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I pick up The Hubby from the airport late at night.

These last few weeks I have been stretched more than I want to talk about. But I will. It's what I do. Talk.

I have epically failed at mothering.

I have epically rocked at mothering.

I have cried. But that's not unusual.

I am proud of The Hubby, because he's awesome.

I have realized how much I need him and love him and feel the distance when we're apart.

I have also realized that distance can be good. There is more room for communication when we're not spinning circles around each other, one kid in each arm.

I have gone to see One Republic thanks to Sis who knew my strained "HELLo" enough to know that I needed a night out...

I have danced the night away at a wedding of a dear childhood friend to another childhood classmate. Crazy weird. Mr. and Mrs. HOLMES.

I have soaked up the company of other friends all dealing with the same joys and frustrations.

I have yelled at the Internet for not working properly and disconnecting my iChat calls.

I have had way, way too much coffee. And not enough wine...

I have texted more than I thought I ever would in my life and if I could kiss Steve Jobs for making the iPhone I would.

I have done boot camp in the pouring rain and boiling sun and was bitten multiple times by an evil, demonic red ant on my BOOB. Now I can't walk due to extreme muscle boycott. Damn those 200 squats.

I have been stung in the forehead by a bee.

I have eaten McDonald's in nasty quantities.

I have worked out daily to make up for eating McDonald's. Had I not eaten McDonald's you would notice that I worked out. But you can't tell.

Friggin Junior Chicken Combo.

I have redone two rooms, washed the floor four times and killed hundreds of earwigs.

I've lived enough crazy life without The Hubby.

I'm ready, more than ready for him to come home.

And I'm more than ready for bed.

Enjoy the pictures. They're my only proof that I kept my sanity this July... And the reasons why...

On Marriage...

2010-07-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had an old family friend ask me a question.

"How did you know Josh was the one for you?"

My answer was more like a history than a direct reply...

"Well at eleven I met him again for the first time since I was three. I decided I liked the name Josh (thanks to Clueless, the movie) and I thought his mushroom cut was cute.

When we reconnected again at sixteen and seventeen I just knew he was it. He was growing to become my best friend and I loved the way he was passionate about his faith."

This beautiful (and at the moment, but not forever) unmarried friend said thanks...

"But really what is this "knowing" that everyone mysteriously claims to feel?"

And while I could have left it, I wanted to understand what it was too.

Thinking about those years of waiting faithfully (and dramatically) for The Hubby to grow into knowing too were much more than me stubbornly knowing.

So my answer was this:

"Well the knowing felt more like a belonging than a mind-knowledge. Like a fit, something that just made me feel more me... over the years of dating on and off it remained a conviction more than a want, something I couldn't ignore... and strangely enough, it's usually the ladies that "know" it."

This friend thanked me for my thoughts and expressed that she would like to someday know that knowing as well... (and I'm positive she will), but that little back and forth blessed me more than she could have realized.

There are times in the haze and struggle and joy of life that the daily grind removes all treasured memory of why I am where I am. While I am adoringly, wonderfully and deeply in love with Hubby, remembering why I am in the first place makes me feel more me once again.

And these last few days I've needed to feel more me.

The Hubby is home in four days now... The four longest days ever, but in that time I will share the fun wedding I attended on the weekend, the massive picnic playdate yesterday, and I'm sure a lot more. Anything to make the time fly by...

DVP Love.

2010-07-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Don Valley Parkway is a highway that runs from the north to the south through Toronto.

I love it.

I love the beauty of it and I will often look at it and see a massive road plunked by a massive crane in the middle of a massive untamed jungle rather than a road with trees planted around it.

I am a little edgy today. Just one of those days where when the babysitter at the gym (quite nicely) scolded me for forgetting to cancel a time slot, I almost bawled.

Working out on the strider ain't as much fun when your about to cry.

So all I have is this. My love for the DVP. Because today I need to be simple.

And I am about to go make bow hairpieces with 17 nine year old girls for a birthday party.

The suggestion I got from another mother yesterday of mixing Crystal Light and Vodka is sounding wonderful right now.

In the meantime enjoy the drive. It brings me joy.

(P.S. Ten days to go before The Hubby gets home... Feeling it.)

Wine And Cheese. Yum.

2010-07-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

It's ridiculously late again.

I can't seem to land on my pillow at a reasonable hour these days but fun has been had!

Yesterday we celebrated Jenna and Mike's engagement with a decadent array of cheeses and a wide variety of wine... Though I must say I stuck to the champagne punch for the evening...

The Kiddos went off the Grandma's in the afternoon and so I had the joy of helping get this beautiful evening set up and a little preview taste of all the treats. And taste I did... Vermont Aged Cheddar, Double Smoked Cheddar, French Brie, Bleu Cheese, Italian Cheeses...

The weather was stunning and the flies stayed away thanks to the stench of bug spray and citronella so we all crowded around the food and nibbled like we'd never nibbled before.

There was laughter and new faces. Debates over sexy bald vs. sexy hair... And while I find The Hubby to be a very attractive man... I do admit to hair lust.

Jenna and Mike gushed about The Munchkins like they were there own... "Cherry did this... And Seth did that..." It's in those moments that I soak up the richness that is my life. To be blessed in every way with the most loving people surrounding our little family.

My Sis makes this face above, right before she laughingly says "Ohhhh Stopppphhhh!!!" And then she giggles hysterically. I need to capture it on video because it's the most contagious giggle and this photo makes me smile because I can picture those words coming next...

The toasts were sweet and Jenna informed everyone that her grandmother always tells her that her tear ducts were too close to her eyes. When we all looked at her funny, she corrected herself saying that her bladder was too close to her eyes... When the funny looks continued she finally got it right... Her bladder is too close to her tear ducts.

Her Grandmother is right.

We pecked at brownies and crackers once all the guests left and then we bundled up and sat under the massive apple tree to lounge and enjoy the twinkle lights and flying bats.

It was a gorgeous evening for a gorgeous couple.

Today I was allowed to sleep in with the house empty of Monkeys and so I relaxed and spent the afternoon eating spring rolls and going to the movies with Emma.

I forgot that I used to do things like that before I was married and before I had children.

It just means that now I get to go home to snuggles and cuddles instead of an empty apartment with a mentally deranged neighbour across the hall who stalked my roommate.

Life has taken a BIG upturn since those days.

And while I stated that there would be only photos of adults, The Mini Dudes were so adorable tonight at the park with Grandma and Grandpa that I couldn't resist.

While the kite flying part was a bit of a bomb... The purpose was fulfilled. Two very exhausted children are tucked into their beds sleeping so deeply that their counting sheep could be having a Dance Dance Revolution party over their heads and they'd never know it.

Now if only my sheep would start jumping. Maybe I should start counting and catch some ZZZZZZs.

(P.S. Eleven days to go before The Hubby gets home. Maybe I should just stick to counting weekdays and get myself a cup of warm milk instead.)

Rocking A Heatwave.

2010-07-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Over the last week we have slowly been cooking. Literally.

Until I was at the gym this morning where the natural gas wasn't working and it was only bitterly cold showers, I hadn't shivered in five days.

Rare.

I am freezing almost permanently.

Again, I blame the Irish in me.

And rather than stay inside in our NON AIR CONDITIONED house, we have lived in the garden, more specifically in the kiddie pool on the back deck.

The Kiddos have had special time with my friends this week.

The Prince apparently is a pro when it comes to swinging a bat. All he needed was a few pointers and now he spends every second outside asking me to throw a ball at him. Sometimes this satisfies a wish I have to throw things at him. Like the sandwich when it isn't cut up just right and he refuses to eat it... Joking... Of course...

Jenna came over and cooked for me.

After a large bee flew up out of our recycling bins and stung me in the forehead that morning, I was a tad swollen, quite sore and a little sucky. Yeah I know. I said forehead. Friggin bees.

Icing the ouchie for almost two hours and taking an antihistamine made me slightly groggy so I was sent off to have a nice long nap while my beautiful friend put together a yummy meal.

I woke up to a delicious aroma feeling mildly drugged and now I only have a charming zit looking thing to prove I went through serious trauma.

Those suckers hurt. Like mini stabbing dagger hurt.

And to top it off my Mom went to spray the bins to protect us in the future and how has a hand swollen up like a boxing glove to prove her serious trauma. Friggin bees.

The housework has been abandoned in favour of ribbons and ribbons and ribbons and a few feathers with some sparkle.

When we aren't outside battling the heat (considering parts of our home feel like an oven on high, outside feels like a cooler) I have been up in my little office working until the wee hours of the night taking advantage of The Hubby's absence. (Oh, just over two weeks to go now...)

This weekend will be full of cinnamon buns from Ikea and a silent house while the Munchkins go visit with Grandma while I trott off to an engagement party for dear Jenna and Mike...

Photos of fun, consisting of mostly adults will follow...

Now I need a coffee...

Creativity flows best when the caffine is pumping.