welcome to the badlands

Miss Kiki Anne

2013-11-22T10:19:00.000-08:00

I think it's only fair to write a post all about Miss Kiki since I wrote one about Sonia.

This summer I think she ate fertilizer because she has GROWN.

Her feet have grown 3 sizes and she has gone from a size 18m-24m to a size 3T

She is a beautiful little lady.

She loves to draw

She is HILARIOUS

She was a bee for halloween... until she wanted a costume change RIGHT before we left. She wanted to be a princess like her hero (Sonia)

She is almost always happy. Even when she's freezing her buns off.

Sonia Faye is Growing Up

2013-11-22T10:03:00.003-08:00

Oh. My. Goodness.

Sonia on her way to her first day of school

My little baby has started school ... kind of.

Even though she's only there a few hours a week, she has learned how to write her name, gone on a field trip, learned about Diwali (and Indian breads and spices), made halloween/remembrance day crafts, had a Halloween party and made a few friends.

Sonia's Halloween costume

There are 15 kids in her class and they are ALL SO ADORABLE. Teeny little 4 year olds (including one little girl who is the same size as my Kiki!!) running around and learning how to socialize. Sonia already has a crush AND had her first kiss.. hahaha

(The boys mum told me that he said "a girl at school kissed me...ON THE LIPS" and she asked who in the photo it was - it was Sonia. HAHAHA)

Sonia's school photos... sigh

I can't believe how OLD my baby is now. She is growing into a beautiful, strong, funny and sweet little leader. I can't wait to see what's ahead for her and what is in store for her life.

Happy Movember everyone

Big things I'm sure.

Wedding Overview

2013-11-22T09:34:00.003-08:00

Hello

I think I have finally gotten my brain back to a normal operational level...

I think I can finally take the time to sit down and share my days... however boring.

This summer was a whirlwind. The defining events of the summer were Sheridan's wedding and Jackie's wedding.

I'm sure you remember me counting down to these two beautiful days. I had to take a bit of time off from the blog as I traveled around BC for the weddings and visits. I didn't realize I would need two more months afterwards for recovery.

The weddings were wonderful. WONDERFUL. I had a BLAST. There were parties, family, friends, good food, good music and great times.

Both weddings were held in the most beautiful and best the BC has to offer - the forests of Squamish, BC and the magnificent oceanscape of Ucuelet, BC.

Both brides were stunning and both grooms were beaming.

Jason and Sheridan - photo by SNAP Photography

Jackie and Kyle - photo by Georgia Johnston Photography

Thank you Sher and Jaka for asking me to be a part of such beautiful days. I love you both.

Also...

2013-08-30T21:00:00.002-07:00

Also...

This happened..

Sonia.. you're basically Tom Sellick

2013-08-30T20:55:00.003-07:00

- How am I going to fit everything in the car? -

That is my question. How? HOWWW?

In a few days the girls and I are going to smoosh ourselves (and all our crap) into the the jeep and take an estimated 15 hour drive across Western Canada.

Our Route!

I'm actually excited. The kids are surprisingly good in the car and at least I won't have to do dishes....

We make our first stop in Vancouver where we get to catch up with my cousins and friends until we make our way up to Squamish for Sher and Jason's wedding! WOO!

I'm getting really excited. I'm beginning to pack...I should have started earlier..and I should be packing now.

(Instead I've been hanging out and watching old seasons of Big Brother...)

This is the first leg of a long wedding-journey. Lots of friends to see and family to catch up with!

I'm sure I'll have more interesting and fun blog posts soon... once I begin adventuring... but.... just keepin' y'all updated on ma life.... because you were probably wondering... or somethin....

Just remember to pray for me. Two young kids, me...bags.... in this:

My home away from home.

the man... err... girl cave

2013-08-23T20:05:00.001-07:00

I am now the proud owner of a man-cave. Girl-cave? Whatever.

My basement used to be a place of storage and laundry...and spiders.

Things have changed (obviously right after I had all my summer visitors. Sorry guys!).

A friend of mine started working up north and needed a place to store some boxes, a queen size bed and (hallelujah) a TV. A big TV. A nice TV.

All I can really say, is that I might be doing a whole lot more laundry now.

...

2013-08-21T20:07:00.001-07:00

I was going to write about my new (wo)man cave in the basement..

Instead I would like to say that I just won a contest.
I nevvvver win anything.

The question on the station was "what was the strangest way you have ever woken up".

When Jackie and I were little, and visiting our dad, he would wake us up by BLASTING "Man of Constant Sorrow" (from the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack) as loud as he could.

It would shake the house.

Oh, and when THAT wouldn't work, he would throw toilet paper rolls at us.

Thank you dad for the story, and thank you Amp Radio for the Gabriel Iglesias tickets!!!

(for Gabriel Iglesias clips, click here)

I'm. SO, Excited

2013-08-15T23:31:00.003-07:00

I really don't have a lot to write.

I'm just really, REALLY excited about September and the two beautiful ladies who are the main event(s).

My amazing month starts of with, my dear friend, Sheridan's wedding.
Sher and I met a long time ago in a mystical land called Qwanoes. We had rigid routine (which were bent), strict bed times (that were broken) and a certain rule called the '6 inch rule' that was completely ignored.

We went on to a life of aquatics and propane 'sales'. (Hank Hill would be proud).

I can't imagine a life without her. We have had SO many laughs and ridiculous adventures.. nothing of which should be documented on the internet..

Basically, I love this girl. And I love the guy she is marrying.

Sher, I love you and I wish nothing but the squarest, best and scratch-and-winniest life together.

Sher and I /w fishbowls; en route to Lethbridge; my wedding; BBJ's; my bachelorette party

The second wedding of the season is for my little sister Jackie.

I have clearly known her for a little while.

She has been my best friend for 24 years. We have laughed together, cried together, lived together, traveled together and even shared a car...together..

(it was a firefly. it was badass)

As I was looking through photos of the two of us, I realized just how many memories I have with her. Every photo reminded me of the moment, which reminded me of another moment.

Bystead's Hill, sea-doo ing in Winnipeg, countless ferry rides, snow sculptures on mum's car, bed jumping, dark tag... we literally have a lifetime of memories together.

You and I together will have more memories than our two marriages combined. Insane.

I couldn't have asked for a better little sister... except for when you stole and sold my diary... or when you told my middle school peers that I was a lesbian...that was less fun.

I love you so much Jackie Bear and I can't wait to see you walk down that aisle and marry one of the most awesome guys ever.

Kyle, I am so excited to have you as a brother. You made my sister's world brighter and so so SO much more fun. I have never seen her so happy. I love you!

Jackie and I at Vancouver Children's Festival; as really cute toddlers; wearing ridiculous 90's clothes

Losing in Vegas; my engagement photos with jackie; photo op day with Sarah Upton; wine in Italy; my wedding; Jackie's university graduation

A Non-Chronological Account of Summer 2013

2013-08-06T00:25:00.002-07:00

We rocked out at G&G Blenkin's house

We ate ice cream on Government Street in Victoria

We had Sonia's 4th birthday party

Calgary entered party mode

Jackie bought her wedding dress!

Kiki pushed Auntie Bear and Sonia on the new RadioFlyer

We had LOTS of cotton candy

Ciaran and I cuddled and made faces

There were Baba cuddles...

...and Baba dances

More fair food

and some of the WORST face painting known to man

We had a nice family date at an old family hangout

we rocked the fashion world

and we rocked Canada Day in Chestermere

I SERIOUSLY lucked out.

and Kiki lucked out that I had a scarf she could wear after a dip in the ocean at Dallas Road!

There was tragedy - and the amazing city-wide reaction to it.

Sonia got to see A LOT of horses

We bonded with the ocean

Kiki danced at her first concert (front row!)

Sonia and Rowan had their first kiss

Sonia was really excited about turning 4...

we stampeded

and ate lemons at Auntie Carrie's

Sonia met a moose

and Kiki gazed over the ocean

we bought a backyard park

and we celebrated Sher's bachelorette!

We visited the petting zoo at Beacon Hill

and we visited Sitka for some juice/beer

we partied for Amy's bachelorette

and had a few naps...

Sonia DANCED HER HEART OUT to live rock music

and had the biggest lollipop of her life.

Kalyn had her first head wound at Heritage Park

Sonia touched her first snake at Uncle Daron's with her cousins!!

Auntie Shauna and I had a very traumatizing grocery shop

Sonia found a starfish

and Kiki was SO HAPPY TO BE IN THE OCEAN

AND lastly... there was LOTS AND LOTS of thumb rehab.

Welcome to the Badlands

2013-08-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

New province. New home. New routines. New friends. New phone number. New...everything.

All these new things make me feel the need for a new look, new feel, new direction...

As I was driving from Calgary to Lethbridge one weekend I realized that I live surprisingly close to 'Canada's Badlands'. I couldn't believe it. Since I spent most of my life living on the West Coast I found this really crazy. And fitting. So far it has not been super easy living out here. I don't know a lot of people and I don't have nearly the same size of support net that I had in Victoria.

The French called the badlands "les mauvaises terres a traverser" meaning "the bad lands to cross" but what they didn't know was that as they walked across these 'badlands' there were treasures underfoot. The badlands are littered with dinosaur fossils. These fossils have changed our impression of the world and it is still possible today to find evidence that could rewrite history.

I will find the fossils beneath my feet eventually.

Calgary Zoo

2013-04-30T08:15:00.004-07:00

We haven't really done a lot in Calgary yet.

We did have some family get-togethers.. lot's of playtime with cousins and friends.. shopping..

But mostly it's been a bit too cold and crappy out to do a whole lot.

Except the one time we went to the zoo.

I don't think I have ever seen Sonia so excited. She jumped from the car to the gates. She was RUNNING from enclosure to enclosure.

Speed-viewing.

Us at the zoo. Kiki missed most of it.

Sonia was pretty pumped to get to see her favourite animals. Especially the giraffe. She shrieked and ran over to them jumping and yelling, "It's real mommy! It's a real giraffe!".

Pretty cute.

Some of the fan favourites.

All in all it was a great day. I hadn't been there since Sonia was a tiny baby. It was really cool seeing her get so excited over all the animals and I can't wait to take the girls back there once it warms up.

Sonia and I: 2009 / 2013

I'm Back Baby!

2013-04-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

So... this took longer than I thought.

I figured I would have gotten back to this earlier... but the day before I moved to Alberta I spent a whole day at hospitals getting x-rays and all that, because I broke my thumb while doing the worm (facepalm).

Turns out that I broke the piece of bone that is connected to the ligament right off. And broke a bunch of cartilage.

So, because of all that, I needed surgery as soon as I got to Alberta. I had two pins put in... but not all the way in.. they stuck out of my skin. It was disgusting. (I have pictures if anyone wants to see them...but I was not going to post them since they are not for the faint of heart...).

A few weeks later I had to go back to Lethbridge to have them removed. The crazy part is that the doctor just yanked them out with pliers. I demanded the freezing needle...he wasn't going to give it to me.

After all that, I now have to go to rehab for my hand about twice a week...for a few more months. Ugh.

BESIDES all that... move went well. We are settled into our house in the northeast of Calgary. The house has a great layout but a lot of wallpaper. So a lot of that is coming down and there is a lot of painting to do... but that's ok! Something to do!

Now to get 100% unpacked and ready for life and our upcoming 5th anniversary party!

Sorry..

2013-02-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry.

I have been neglecting my blog. I found that using my time getting ready for the big move was a better use of time...

So, that being said, I am basically just officially announcing that I will be taking a blog break until I get to Alberta.

The plan is that we'll be leaving Victoria around the 26th of February. So until then I'm going to be packing and doing as much visiting as I can fit in.

loooove!

WEDDING LOOOOOOVE

2013-01-10T14:30:00.002-08:00

I have no real reason for this blog... but then, do I ever have a reason?

I'm just really excited. A few of my favourite people are getting married and I kind of want to showcase them!!

The first wedding coming up is my older sister Beckie. I got to go dress shopping with her when Sonia was just a baby, and she has had the dress ready ever since. She lives in Lethbridge but is getting married in Vancouver. This wedding has been a long time coming and I'm just so pumped that it's getting closer (though I'm sure she is a little stressed about that fact...) We didn't really grow up together, but we grew really close when I lived in Lethbridge. I love her so much and I love having someone I can look up to as a wife and mother (of FOUR!!!). Beckie, you are so strong and I'm so proud of you.

Beckie and I in a family 'human' pyramid.. approx 1998

Next wedding will be Sheridan's. Sheridan and I go way back to the Camp Qwanoes days. We have had many adventures...most of which should not be broadcast on the internet. She is one of the funniest people I know and a true soul-mate. Soul-lover? Her and Jason have been together forever and I have been WAITING ANS WAITING for him to pop the question. Sher was one of my bridesmaids and I'm pumped to get to be her flowergirl... haha

Sher and I at my bachelorette party - the first day I met her fiancee Jason!

Next on the docket will be my baby sister Jackie. She is 21 months younger than me so we grew up very close. We also probably almost killed each other once or twice...I have too many stories about Jackie...and I'm sure I will tell more than one at her wedding. But the fun fact about Jack's wedding is that she is marrying a friend of mine from high school! I'm so happy that she has found a great guy who makes her laugh more than anyone. I'm so proud of you Jaka Bear. And I'm so honoured to get to stand up with you on the biggest day of your life so far!!! I love you!

Jackie and I at about 3 and 5

The beautiful card Jackie gave me yesterday after dress shopping!

And last but not least, my friend Meghan. Meg and I have been friends since middle school. We lost touch for a little while but found each other again when I moved back to Victoria. She has always been a great friend and was a great support for me through the roughness of middle/high school and through all of the harad times being pregnant with Kiki. She is such a loving person and I am so excited she has Dave in her life to love her as much as she deserves. I'm so excited to be a part of your life and your wedding party Meghz.

Meghan and I in grade 9

Again, I'm so proud of all you ladies and SO EXCITED for your weddings! All this being said, if any of you have some wedding services that you can cut them a deal on, I'm sure they would love it. I know they deserve it. They are amazing women and I love them very much.

Draw Results!

2013-01-10T13:57:00.001-08:00

Numbers were as follows...

Dave: 1

Chantel: 2

Christy: 3

Chris: 4

Amanda: 5

Thank you to Random Result the winner is.......

#4 - CHRIS!!!! WOO!!

( Although, Chantel, you win for comment that made me laugh out loud..haha )

I have decided though that I should do more draws. It's fun. And maybe I can make things for them too!

catch up

2013-01-08T12:28:00.001-08:00

I find myself lying in bed at night writing my blog in my head.. but rarely put it on the internet..

Blog Fail.

But this time, I think I can blame Christmas for the lack of internetting.

Before Christmas we had a Christmas Party at our house.. which was a sparkling success. We had like 30 people filtering through our tiny apartment.. mistletoe stories.. it was awesome.

Christmas was a gong show. Because of Sonia's obvious distaste for Santa, he didn't come to our house this Christmas. Instead the elves, reindeer and 'Christmas Elephants' (my kid is weird) came to bring gifts and stockings.

There was a MOUNTAIN of gifts....for the kids. It was crazy. Thank you to everyone who spoiled my kids and us!

New Years, Dave and I hung out and watched a TV show (the 4400...good one. YOu should check it out)

Then Dave went back to Ft Mac.

And now we are back to the craziness that is everyday life.

Kalyn got her 1 year shots yesterday. Did you know they get FOUR shots PLUS the flu shot!? My poor baby! It was awful. PLUS I got a flu shot so I feel bad for myself too.. haha

Nothing really entertaining has happened.. but I have started keeping a quote journal so I won't forget the ridiculous things my kids do so I can tell you all.

Looking forward.. I have a wedding dress appointment for my sister, Dave's THIRTY FOURTH BIRTHDAY...my cousins 25th... lots of fun things to tell you about coming up!

**** UPDATE****
I JUST REALIZED THIS WAS MY 100TH POST!!! WHAT A WASTE!!! SO, FOR EVERYONE WHO COMMENTS ON THIS POST, YOU WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAW FOR $5 STARBUCKS CARD... NOTHING TOO AWESOME, BUT I NEED TO COMMEMORATE THIS SOMEHOW!!!

26 things I won't miss after the world implodes...(among others)

2012-12-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

Whining
Carrots
Two and a Half Men
Facebook Ads
Cleveland Show
Finding sour milk in a bottle somewhere
diapers
Cooking
The skin that forms on soup
Rancid wine
Reading kids books over and over
Wonder Pets
Oatmeal
When you eat a Jelly Belly and it's gross
Noisy toys
Dumb quotes on facebook statuses
When my cat pees on things
Changing kitty litter
Olives
Over salting things
Under salting things
When I find a hole in my sock
Being awake for sunrise
Finishing my food and still being hungry
Job interviews
Papercuts

It's too bad I'm sure we'll have carrots at Christmas dinner....

How many times can I say...

2012-12-18T11:38:00.002-08:00

How many times can I say, "Let go of the cat. You are hurting her!" ?

How many times can I say, "Don't hit your sister!" ?

How many times can I say, "Stop whining and talk nicely!" ?

How many times can I say, "Do you need a time out?" ?

How many times can I say, "STOP SCREAMING!" ?

How many times can I say, "Do you have to go pee?" ?

How many times can I say, "Gentle!" ?

sigh.

Moving Game

2012-12-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

Ok. So we are moving to Calgary.

Since Dave is up north all the time, the packing of everything is on me.

So here is the plan:

I'm going to set a date...a packing party. People are going to come (YOU WILL COME) and help me pack.

Here's where the fun starts.

When a person finishes packing a box they write their name on it.

Whoever packs the MOST boxes gets a prize.

And, whoever packs the BEST gets a prize.

Who's in?

Yes, my mug is a giraffe

2012-12-11T15:10:00.002-08:00

I have so much housework to do today. So, naturally I'm watching Simpson's, drinking coffee and blogging.

To be fair though, I did make some appointments that I have been meaning to make for months. Kalyn has like four specialists we need to see before we move. (Thank goodness that there were cancellations otherwise we wouldn't be moving until April....)

It took AN HOUR to make all these calls. Why? Because apparently my daughter does not want to see the doctors. She would not leave me alone...and the screaming!! (she is still screaming)

It's days like today that I think about how I can extract her teeth from her gums for her. Maybe there is a 'Dr.Nick' of dentistry here in Victoria that will help bring her teeth out with pliers...or something.

The poor kid though. She is basically a part of the dental version of Hiroshima. Four molars and her lower canines...

I feel worse for myself though. Much, much worse.

(she is still screaming)

(is there any baileys in the fridge for my coffee?)

(no there is not)

Now I have the big question.

What is a reasonable amount to pay for someone to take my baby until her teeth come in?

My kids met Santa.

2012-12-09T23:03:00.000-08:00

So... my grandma and I took my girls to meet Santa. Pleasant man.

Here is what the kids thought of him.

So... after meeting Santa, we go home and my mum asks Sonia how meeting Santa was.

She responds with:

"ALL the kids LOVE Santa....but not this kid."

sorry..again

2012-12-09T22:53:00.002-08:00

I really haven't had anything to write about.

Dave has been gone now for just over 4 weeks... so about 2 to go until he's home for Christmas!

It has really been a long haul, but the girls are being really good..

I have really just spent my time dealing with the house, Christmas shopping, decorating the house and playing with the girls.

The only thing about to change is that I have been put on a diet/exercise regime by my evil friend, Symone. I'm not allowed to have white flour, white sugar or beer... less cheese...exercise everyday (puke).

I will let you all know how this goes.

And, a reminder to everyone... my will is in the desk in my livingroom for when I die from this.

******6 minute update: I am drinking a beer and eating cheese.******

Back to Solitary Confinement

2012-11-16T00:32:00.005-08:00

After Dave went to work for 7 weeks straight.. we decided we would never EVER do that again.

So this time Dave is gone for 6 weeks.

*puke*

Technically it was a mutual agreement. Doing this means he can be home for 2 weeks at Christmas. I'm cool with that.

However......

This means another long stretch.

I'm not really looking forward to this.

My kids are good kids.

They are also hyper kids.

Hyper.

HYPER.

sigh.

this is going to be a long one.

However, I get to be here for ALL the funny moments.

And there are a lot.

The girls are really starting to become friends. They like to chase each other around the house...and the cat.

(the cat almost suffered a curb stomp the other day because the kids were so pumped to have found her.)

Sonia is a smart cookie. She can rock puzzles...trace letters...and sing her alphabet.

Kalyn is a fashion icon in training. She INSISTS on wearing her jacket and shoes around the house. She steals headbands to wear them (often many at a time). She also likes to copy me doing my makeup...already.

As much as this next 5 or whatever weeks are going to be long and hard (and I won't complain if people come and help me out) but I have to say...I'm glad I'm going to be around everyday to see these little beans and their funny little quirks. (Sorry Dave)

I have to dwell on that...

Being the only parent around is tough. It drains you, is lonely and really leads one to a box of wine..

But the amazing moments I get to see...hear...and be a part of...

These moments have to be my fuel.

Adventures In Jiffy Pop

2012-10-25T10:22:00.002-07:00

My mum came to visit and she brought Jiffy Pop.

We didn't eat it then. (we had air popped popcorn)

But I made it today.

I've never made Jiffy Pop before and the only thing I know about it was from watching the beginning of the first Scream movie.

I photographed the journey.

Anxiously awaiting the popping.

Shake shake shake

oOOOOoooOOo it's starting!

WAHOO!

So exciting

Popcorn!

I declare Jiffy Pop night a success.

The Cat. Part Two.

2012-10-21T14:20:00.002-07:00

Ok. Bird is gone.

Sigh of relief.

Hours go by. It's 2:30am.

I hear the cat. I hear the mouse.

#%^*&^*&$*

(censored for your reading pleasure)

I was thinking.. if Dave was here.. I wouldn't have to deal with it.

The thing is...that the mouse is alive and I need the cat to get it.. Try sleeping when you KNOW there is a mouse right outside your bedroom door waiting to run all over you. Great.

So the next day my mum comes from Duncan. I tell her about the mouse. I tell her it's still around there somewhere. So she says she'll look for it while I take out the garbage.

While I'm outside, Sonia and my mum find the mouse. In my slippers. Sob.

It's so scared that it stays in there and doesn't leave the slipper when my mum puts it outside.

I then have to take my slippers (with the mouse inside them) to the dumpster. Ugh. When I get to the dumpster, I need to KNOW it's still in there...and not in my house.

So as I'm throwing it in, I look and see beady little eyes staring at me as it flies through the air.

Needless to say, the cat is on lock down.

I hate rodents.