Mon petit shoo: by Amanda Wray

A healing City

2011-06-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

I, like many other, watched in horror last Wednesday night as a bunch of drunk idiots destroyed our beautiful city. I chose not to blog about the incident because I felt like the news and social networking sites were doing enough of that. I was glued to my computer for days after looking at photos and reading blogs and watching videos. I am still very confused and saddened by the whole incident.

Today I had an appointment downtown, very close to the Hudsons Bay. I drove past it and felt compelled to stop and take it in.

I found this sad, I dont think this was the renovation they had in mind.

Handmade flags with messages were strung from the awning.

Iconic couple depicted on the plywood

Signed the cast on the broken Bay

I like it too

Happy fathers day to a few of my favorite dads....

2011-06-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers day to my Dad. I was so lucky to have such an amazing supportive loving caring father like you for 26 years I wish it wasnt cut so short, but I cherish every moment I was with you. I think of you ever day. I love you.

To my loving husband who became a father at the tender age of 18. You are an amazing daddy to all 3 kids. Growing up dad hasnt been easy but you have been there every step of the way. Thank you for showing the children and I what a real man is like. Happy Fathers day.

John my Father in law. You are a really amazing guy I am so lucky to have you as my f.i.l and my children are even luckier to have you as a Grandpa. Now that my dad is gone, you are my only daddy, Thank you for all your love and support through out the years.

Happy Fathers day to all the dads.

You guys rock

xox

Thank you Canucks

2011-06-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was nervous. I bit all my nails off in anticipation of Game 7 between the Canucks and the Bruins. The game went off to a good start, they canucks were strong, but ultimately lost 4-0. It was a devastating loss for Vancouver Fans. I watched the entire game (unlike husband) I watched as Tim Thomas received the Conn Smythe award and as Chara raised the stanley cup 8 to 12 feet into the air. I cried alone as I watched.

Tears of sadness for the team we all love, and tears of joy for the men who won. What an amazing moment in those mens lives. Especially Milan Lucic who is a Local boy and played for the Vancouver Giants!

The game was disappointing, but the Canucks gave it their all. They gave us an amazing season and I have never had so much fun during a playoff run. Big thanks to the Canucks for giving us a great season! Congrats to the Bruins.

Let normal life resume.

NO dogs allowed

2011-06-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

When I got home today I had a message from the general manager Bruce from the Main Street Canadian Tire.

I recently blogged about my experiences there and having a customer's dog bite my 2 year old. The Staff at this particular canadian tire stood behind the 'slack' rule of dogs are allowed, but only on leash. When I contacted the Manager Monday morning, he was apologetic, but I felt, not very phased by the whole situation. He didn't ask for my name, or my phone number, or even seemed to care that I would never shop there again. The next day, Tuesday, I called the corporate customer service number to see if CT had an official policy on dogs in stores, the lady on the phone said it was based upon each store, as they are individually owned. She was very helpful and genuinely apologetic, she took my name and number and said she would forward my concerns to the owner, Todd McRae, herself. I was very pleased with my conversation with this employee.Today, Wednesday, had a message on my answering machine from Bruce. He said that he and Mr. McRae talked for a while about the situation that happened and both are very sorry and now understand that their staff did not handle the situation as best as they could. They also came to the decision that it would be in everyone's best interest if the store becomes dog free and they will be implementing the new policy very soon. Which means, if true, then I will happily shop there again. However, if I do see a dog there, you better believe I will be talking to the manager as soon as possible.

I was extremely pleased with the results of my persistence. I could have merely let this one slide, but I could not let something like this happen to another child or anyone else for that matter. H was not hurt that day, thank god. But a child or another customer or employee should not have to be hurt before store owners take responsibilities and imply the rules of no dogs in stores.

I looked into this subject a little further and saw why Home depot has made their stores across Canada dog-free. Read the article here. How horrible for that employee to have something like that happen. I cringe at the thought of that being either my or someone elses child.

Nose biting dog's owner fights fine - Canada - Canoe.ca

Owner charged after dog bites woman's nose off - Crime - Canoe.ca

http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110421/OTT_Home_Depot_Pets_110421/20110421/?hub=OttawaHome

I hope to, one day, see all stores, besides pet related stores, become pet free.

Please comment below would love to know if you are for or against

Our Day out with Thomas: King of the Rail tour 2011

2011-06-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

We spent a day out with thomas. What a day. I have wanted to take D to this event for a couple of years. I almost bought tickets a couple of years ago but just couldnt justify the cost. This year my lovely mother bought us all tickets so we could go to this event as a family. Tickets do not come cheap, they are 25$ per person (2 yrs and up) plus fees and having the tickets couriered to her house cost 145$, thanks so much mom!!!!

We were set to get on the train for 9:30 am. Which meant we had to leave our North vancouver house at 7 30 to arrive in Squamish at 9 am. We managed to get everyone awake at 6 30 or so and were on the road in no time. Having an early ride was a blessing in disguise! We walked right up to Thomas and got on the train right away, the weather was still cool and the sun wasnt right overhead yet.

This was our first ever train ride as a family. The train was old and smelled like damp socks. The kids didn't seem to mind. The train ride was set to last 25 mins. I think we drove 3 blocks the whole time. we slowly chugged up a stretch or rails and then went back, all while "Thomas" music blared on the speakers. (Thomas music: high pitched English boys singing about trains) So the train chugged back and forth and the children got really bored, Mr. train himself, D, asked when we were getting off! I laughed and told him this is the reason we were here!


The front of the train all dressed up like Thomas!

It was fun to be on a train, it was also fun to see the faces on the passersby and the other train as they passed by. I had to get the kids to get a picture with this real conductor, he just looks so dapper and authentic!

A day out with Thomas is so much for than a 25 minute ride in a smelly old train! We wrote letters to our favorite trains and they will actually write back. Below is D going into the Train that housed the mail accessories.

E looking for her favorite train to mail to, I think she picked Emily. D picked Percy.

They had a bouncy Castle, a room with Thomas movies that my children couldn't be less interested in, coloring, tattoos, train tables, bean bag toss, golf, and even a mini train. The mini train was part of the heritage park and was separate so there was an additional cost. That was 15$ for our family. But the children enjoyed it so much, even us as parents had a blast! That train took us all around the perimeters of the park.

D waiting for the mini train to take us for a ride!

This is the Roundhouse where they had this humungous train we had to get a picture in front of it. They also had the INSANELY large gift shop behind this.

Cant forget about the pictures with Sir Topum Hat and Thomas himself below!

We had to buy shirts, and because we didnt have to pay for the tickets, we didnt mind too much, although I dont usually spend 55$ on 3 Tshirts, ahhhh.

Below is what a day out with Thomas looked like from the mini train, this is when I realized that I was so happy that we got there 3 hours prior! We stayed from 9 am to 1 pm. By the time we left we were all exhausted. It was getting really warm so it was a good thing it was time to leave. Some people were just arriving as the train was departing ever 30 minutes until 4 I believe!

There he is the real deal Thomas!

9 am passengers just walked right on the train!

My tips are to arrive early, Bring a lunch and lots to drink, bring cash and Tylenol.(you will thank me after 4 hours of children music blares through the entire park and into your soul)

Parents if you are taking your children to this, be prepared to spend a whack of money that day.

All and all a day out with Thomas was fun. If you have a train fan in the family there is no way they wouldn't have fun. We took an almost 8 year old girl, a 4 year old boy and a 2 year old girl and each one found something that they really liked. Even us as mom and dad had fun moments. Its not something I would do again and again, but its definitely one of those once in a life time things to do. Been there, done that, have the 55$ worth of T shirts to prove it!

Why dogs shouldn't be allowed in retail stores.

2011-06-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

On Sunday June 12th around noon I took my 3 children to the Canadian Tire on Main Street. I went alone as my husband was working on this day (taking three kids anywhere is a huge challenge, never mind a large store) We were buying foam flooring and play sand for their new Sandbox. After herding them around the store for a while we went to check out. I chose the Self check outs for the convenience and speed. I noticed the man beside me had a large dog with him and I advised all my children to stand behind me as they love dogs and would most likely want to pet it. My youngest was sitting in the ‘novelty’ shopping cart shaped like a firetruck while I tried to cash out two particularly odd shaped and heavy items. While I struggled, alone, with the 40 lb bag of sand the baby stepped out of the cart and went straight for the dog, just as I saw her approaching the dog the large breed animal snapped or nipped her hand as she went to pet it. The owner didn’t seem phased by it, but brought his dog closer to him by stepping on the leash to keep him near. He looked at me and asked what happened, I was stunned and grabbed my 2 year old and said that his dog has nipped my baby. He shook it off and said that didn’t happen. I said, I saw it he went to bite her. He then asked me why I didn’t have better control of my child and why my child was near his dog. I said this is a human child, a baby, a 2 year old, have some sympathy take some responsibility for your dog. He then proclaimed I was out of my mind and needed help. I was quite upset at this time, I was raising my voice so everyone knew what had happened but no one seemed to care. I had 2 to 3 employees surround me and ask if I needed help, I said yes this dog big my child do something, the woman who was working the key cutting stall said dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed. To which I said, if you care more about dogs than humans, then I will take my business elsewhere. I then had other customers yelling at me about my choice of language…not the owner or the dog, but to me using the F word. I left my purchases, took my children and left the store crying my eyes out. Not one person asked me if I was okay, asked if my child was okay, or even seemed to care.

Thankfully she was okay, the dog left no marks or puncture wounds, but is that what needs to happen before stores ban dogs from being indoors? I took my Business to the Home Depot in Vancouver because I know that as of May 16th 2011 that store no longer allows dogs. I knew that I would not have to worry about my children being hurt by an animal while I shop. If a store is willing to put dogs before my or my children safety or well being, they will never get my business.

The whole situation left me quite shooken up. I stood by my car sobbing alone while my children waited in the car. I had probably 100 people pass me in the parking lot not one even asked if I was ok (but that's neither here nor there...)

It wasn't until the morning when I was finally able to call the store manager to talk about what happened. I spoke with general manager Bruce. He seemed apologetic about the situation. He mentioned that he would be bringing it up with the Store owner Todd MacRame. He said the store does not have an official policy on allowing or not allowing dogs, but this Canadian tire has happily welcomed dogs for 10 years and have never had an issue arise. When I asked who would be held responsible in an event of a child actually being hurt he was wishy washy on that saying it would become a civil matter and everyone in the situation would get the finger pointed at them. What I would like to know is, as a responsible store owner, how can you stand behind each and every dog and value their owners business more than the safety of everyone else. He said he would definitely be addressing the issue and have the store owner review the stores' official policy on dogs allowed.

Until then, my business will be taken elsewhere. It sounds as if they will just wait and see if a child or someone else gets harmed until they really look at the rules. I don’t want that to be one of my children. Until the store is dog free I will be going to the Home Depot where I know for sure there will be no chances of dog bites.

Editors note:
Since Writing this blog I have spoken with the corporate customer service and have heard back from Bruce at Canadian Tire. Wednesday, June 15th I received a message on my answering machine letting me know that this particular Canadian Tire will be Dog free and will have signs posted alerting customers. Now no one will have to get seriously injured before they look at their policy. Thank you Bruce and Todd McRae for addressing this issue. Please read more in this blog: No Dogs Allowed.

Technical difficulties please stay tuned!

2011-06-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Due to circumstances beyond our control the wray family is currently living with out Internet or cable. We realize how much those two services were a part of our lives. I can only get Internet connection from my bed on my iPod. Which is making the blog post hard to type. It's not the end of the world we are just adjusting. The kids watch movies in the morning and play outside more in the evening. Hockey games are broadcasted in our coop courtyard so we watch with our neighbours and friends.
I hope to be back posting regular blogs soon first one: our day out with Thomas the train!

Thank you for your support stay tuned

Dear Sun,

2011-06-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

My family, along with most of my friends and neighbours, would appreciate if you would come out. You tease us with your beautiful warm rays once every 2-3 weeks and you know what? Its just not enough.

MAY 17th 2009

Today I had to wear a toque. My children are still wearing rain boots and winter Jackets. My garden is flooded and my lawn is a muddy mess. My children are getting cabin fever and I want to go for a picnic. I know I live in Vancouver but this is ridulous. Summer is 20 days away and I feel like we havent spent any time together this year.

APRIL 2009

So sun, Mr. Golden Sun, please shine down on me. These little children are asking you, to please come out so they can play with you, so Mr. Sun, sun, Mr Golden Sun please, please please shine down on us!

MAY 14 2010

Sincery

Amanda Wray
Concerned Citizen

This is how the west was won

2011-06-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's kind of hard to not catch the Canucks fever when you live in Vancouver. It's on almost everyone's mind. Every store has some sort of flag or logo on the window, cars are draped in Canucks flags and everyone you see is wearing a jersey! Im not the biggest hockey fan, I dont watch regular season games, I can miss a game here and there and I base my favorite player on who looks best in his under wear (RYAN KESSLER BTW)

Even I have jumped on the bandwagon and made a few "canucks inspired" beanies for some little fans. (15$ for newborn to child email mon.petit.shoo@hotmail.com )

The city is alive with buzz and excitement. It is reminiscent of the Olympics, only I feel like people are a lot more patriotic to the Canucks than they ever were for Team Canada. Vancouver has waited too long to get here. I grew up on watching the Canucks and had a family who was very passionate for their team. The Canucks getting this far is kind of bittersweet though. My dad was a HUGE canucks fan, never missed a game, pre season, regular season or playoffs, he never lost faith in his team, he was a true loyal fan through thick and thin...But he passed last year and never got to see them get this far. I guess that is why this year I am watching more that usual, my dad would have been watching and talking about each goal, each shot, each penalty, he would have called me after an epic win and gave me the play by play so I would have know what had gone one had I missed it. Watching this year with out my dad around is kind of like watching it for him. I hope the Canucks go all the way, even though my dad isnt here to see it, I hope he knows.

Tonight is the first game of the finals. I know my family will be excitedly watching along with most of our city and province. How about your family? Are you a house full of die hards? Do you kids watch the game with the parents?

Vintage Video

2011-05-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

Found this on my Photobucket.com account, so glad I took random videos and saved them somewhere or else I would have missed this gem!

This is E at 3 and a half and D at maybe a month or two.

They are now, almost 8 years old and 4 years old, Time really flies!!!

Etsy Love: Bouton rouge designs

2011-05-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

This Etsy love is for a local Mom. Chrystal Shaw makes Jewlery from her North vancouver Home. She has two boys and I had the pleasure of meeting her and her family when I picked up the necklace she customly made for me.

I had this necklace made for momma J for her Birthday at the beginning of the month. I knew she wanted a piece of jewellery of her boys' names on it and was so glad that I thought of it long before her birthday. I had kept the whole thing a secret, which was hard because J and I talk everyday. I managed to keep it a surprise and couldn't wait to give it to her on her birthday.

The process of working with Chrystal at Bouton Rouge designs was a dream. She and I emailed back and forth with design ideas and I knew what was going on every step of the way. When it came down to picking the piece up she was kind enough to invite me in her North Vancouver home and into her studio. I saw some of her other pieces she has made. She even let me melt a small piece of silver! We drooled over vintage buttons and talked all things crafts. I felt like I was visiting with an old friend!

I think that's what is so great about Etsy, the personal attention you (can) receive. I walked away from that purchase with an experience, not just a gift. I will definitely be purchasing from Bouton rouge again in the future and if you are looking for personalized silver stamped jewelry I suggest you check out Chystals work as well!

Etsy Love: finny & zook

2011-05-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

Couple weeks ago I was hanging pictures up in D's room and I noticed I was kind of low on art work. The theme is space and robots. I have bought a couple pictures of Robots, but we definitely needed more! So I hopped on Etsy and found a shop that I have had favored for a while now. KZukowski featuring finny&zook. They are located out of New York and offer super original adorable art work for children.

These guys were a 2 for 1 deal. I got them in a 5 by 7 size. They look rad in the white frames from Ikea.

Got the spaceship picture in a 8 by 10 This was D's favorite so we made it the biggest.

Last but not least the Mr. Roboto picture, (My favorite, but that doesnt matter because its not my room!) I got it in the 5 by7 size and the shop owner was so gracious to make me a custom listing for that size.

I bought the frames at Ikea. they are relativly low in price and do not have glass in them, that way I dont have to worry about it breaking if a certain little boy gets the pictures off the wall.....Check out the frames here!

I was impressed with the shipping time and the care they took to ensure my pictures stayed safe in mailing. I love getting parcels in the mail and decorating the kids' room. This was an awesome purchase and I cant wait to put them up on the wall. Check out this shop if you like what you see.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Watching Hockey with Dad

31,536,000 seconds

2011-05-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

A lot can happen in one year

We all turned one year older

E went into grade 2

D learned how to ride a two wheeler

H got her first bike

Mom moved

Mom traveled to Europe

Friends came and went

seasons passed

Holidays passed

Dad passed

Its been one year since I last held your hand.

One year since I kissed you

One year since I looked at your face.

One year since I head the last word you ever said to me

I dont want this day to define you.

Yet it holds so much meaning

How can one year feel like forever and a day at the same time?

Some days I still cant believe that you are gone.

A lot has changed since you left us.

I have both grown and regressed many times over the last year.

One year

         12 months

                      52 weeks

                             365 days

                                             8,760 hours

                                                  525,600 minutes

                                                             31,536,000 seconds

But yet, ever night when I go to bed, I think about my daddy. How much I miss him. How much my kids miss him. How much they will remember about him. Things I wish I would have asked him. And all the other things I never did. If I knew on May 21st 2009 that I only had one year left with my daddy I would have told you how much you mean to me and the kids. How much I love you and how great you are. I would have hugged you more. I would have listened to all your stories. I would have asked you more. I would have just sat in the same room as you just to feel your presence.

I feel that with each day that goes by I am getting further and further away from you. 31, 536, 000 seconds with out seeing you is too long and sadly it will only get longer. One year ago today I said goodbye. I love you.

I still hate extreme couponing, but I found a love for couponing.

2011-05-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I wrote about my distaste for the TLC show Extreme Couponing. You can read why in the link. My good friend Momma J loves the show, she wanted to learn the ropes and see what we could do as Canadians. She learns fast. She learned things about couponing, I never knew, and I grew up on coupons! She took coupons to the next level for me and thus striking my new found love for saving money. (I still can stand the show and woman buying 77 yellow mustard's still seems ridiculous to me, but within moderation it is a lot of fun!) I have enjoyed learning from Momma J because then I dont have to do the research! And two heads are better than one! Shopping with a coupon pal is super fun! She catching things I wouldnt, and visa versa. Im still pretty new at all this, but there is a lot of sites out there for people to use to save lots of money.

Such as:

WEBSAVER: Printed out coupons that come right in your mail.

SAVE.CA: More printout coupons that come directly in your mail.

SMARTCANUCK: Online deals, coupon, and freebie community

FACEBOOK-Free Sample Page: Fan page with links to various coupons and giveaways

Twitter.com: There are so many twitter pages with deals and giveaways. They do the work of finding, you just need to click the link and fill out the rest!

@frugalfreebies
@chascouponmom
@motherofadeal
@gocoupons_ca
@allbuys

Those are just a few on my radar at the moment. If you like to save a few bucks, I suggest checking them out. I still think the extreme coupon ladies are a little wacky. No one needs that much MUSTARD! I remind myself when shopping with a coupon, if you dont like it, or wont use it, its not a deal! And think of how much your family goes through and the shelf life of an item. I think that with some planning and self control, couponing can work for lots of people. Specially stay at home moms, just trying to do what they can for their families!

DIY: Dressers Part 1

2011-05-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

E's Dresser

I dont know what it is, but when I look at an old piece of furniture, I get this overwhelming desire to re-paint it. Im not the best painter, and I am quite the procrastinator and sometime I dont finish what I start, but I still want to DIY everything I own.
A little while ago I completed the China cabinet that took a little longer than expected to finish. Finishing that piece showed me that no matter how long it takes, DIY is so worth it. Not only do I have a piece of original furniture, but I also have the satisfaction in knowing that my creation came to life. And in knowing that I (and my husband) can follow through and finish it, I now want to move on to my next project: Dressers.
E's dresser is fully functional, I just need new hardware and some paint. I like the look of the white, it goes with H's dresser and bed and it brightens up the room. But I do want to add some color. I like what the examples below did. They incorporated the color on the inside of the drawers. Its subtle yet bold! It really is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for an old chest of drawers!

Google examples:

I like how this tiffany blue dresser resembles E's dresser, I think the blue would go nicely in their room too. Or again if the outside is white, that color would look fab on the inside. Or just the front of the drawers. The possibilities are endless! I guess now I just have to narrow down my choices.

D's dresser

D's dresser is all wood and under that awful coat of beige pain there is some sweet rich brown. I think I just want to strip the pain off and either stain it or glaze it. I dont know if I need to strip the paint or just peel the pain with a tool. The easiest way seems to be to use a tool. I cant wait to see how this will look without this awful paint! I have an hour while E is at Ballet today. I am going to go look at mistint paints at Home depot, that will really narrow down my decisions. They usually have a good selection of discounted paints. That is my next step. Buying some sand paper, and scoping out colors. If I see anything I like I will buy them and hopefully get started this week! Stay tuned!

Old sheet + Crochet hook+ 30 mins=

2011-05-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

I had a half a sheet lying around and wanted to make something with it. I started crocheting in a circle and came up with this placemat for the centre of the dining room table. Just imagine, with more sheets I could make a small rug for the kitchen or the kids' room!

For this project I used 1/4 of a flat twin sized sheet. I ripped a one inch continuous strip until I got to the end.

I started crocheting as if I would with yarn in a circular pattern increasing each round.

At the end I finished it with a slip stitch and this is what I ended up with!

This just opened up a whole new world for me! Talk about upcycling! My mind started buzzing with ideas of vintage sheets and blankets from thrift stores and old shirts and sweaters! The sky is the limit. This was just my first attempt and I loved it! This size took me so little time too, well under 30 mins.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

It was like they saw each other yesterday, when in reality it has been over 4 months.

Miles for Mental Health: Mission Accomplished

2011-05-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

GO TEAM WRAY!

We started early Saturday morning. It was wet and cold. But that didnt stop us. We ate steel cut oats for breakfast, something hearty and healthy to keep us going. We arrived at 9 am at Queens park. It was still raining, but not as hard as at home.

There were more people than I expected, even some I recognized from my run class on Wednesdays. The kids looked adorable in their over sized shirts and participant numbers pinned to their shirts. They were wearing Super hero capes I sewed the night before and also had super hero cuffs, they looked great.

My mom and father in law came out to support us. Father in law even walked with G and kids. The rain let up for the duration of the walk, well most of it. I was a head of the family because I was running. I did the course two times because I did the 5K run.

As I got to the end I saw my family, they were all cheering me on and excited to see me, it gave me the motivation to really give it for the last little bit. I would be lying if I said I didnt want to quit while I was going, but I kept going, the entire way. I kept going for my own mental health, for my family, for my friends, for those who believed in me and for those with mental health who couldnt be there today. I finished in 36 mins. I thought a lot in that time. I reflected on the past and its amazing to see just how far I have come.

The run ended with some prizes and draws. The kids were rewarded for best dressed and enjoyed going up on stage, as you can see baby H really enjoyed being up there!

The day was a lot of fun. I am super proud of my family not only for doing the course, but for raising over 350$ for mental health. I hope this is the first of many events like this.

Thank you to all who supported us because of you I found the motivation to go on when I wanted to stop.

Sears Stars on Ice

2011-05-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

I just entered to win 4 tickets for Stars on Ice. My mom and I were big into figure skating in the 90's. As in we watched the Olympics and other figure skating events on TV. We even went to a live performance and saw Elvis Sojko. A big deal in those days. Although, it has been a while since I sat down and watched a performance, I still hold a spot in my heart for figure skating.

This morning I saw a tweet about winning 4 tickets to stars on ice, I would love to win! It would be great to go once again with my mom and now with my own daughters, I know they will love it as much as we did/do.

If you would like to enter and win, Go to http://munchkinandme.ca/?p=195 follow her and the ways to enter and say that Amanda Wray sent you!

Tickets are for May 13th at Rogers Area in Vancouver BC.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Momma J

2011-05-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Miss J.

Thank you for being such a great friend this last year.

Because of you, this sucky year did not suck as bad as it could. (that's a compliment I swear)

You deserve nothing but the best today and every day. I hope this year brings lots of excitement and love and laughter. I hope you learn lots and grow in ways you never knew you would. I hope you dont have to do any chores today. I hope your birthday lasts all weekend. I hope someone makes you dinner and cleans up after it too. I hope you get a present that makes you cry (in the good way) I hope you always remember your 25th birthday for all the right reasons. I hope this day brings you lots of Joy.

Happy birthday Momma J
Love always the Wray family
xoxoxox

Fat mom Running

2011-05-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

Oh Hi there.
I dont look like your average runner. Im not, yet. But I am learning. I am eager. I have been running for 5 weeks now. It has always been a goal of mine to learn. I say learn how to run, because I have never actually ran before. My memories of running are being forced to do laps in Highschool gym class, and those I never could actually run, because I thought it meant running as fast as you could and I was the fat kid in my class so I never made it further than 20 feet. My other memory was younger and it was as the fat kid chasing the ice cream truck. Well I am a lot older now, I have left the horrible memories of gym class behind and can now buy my ice cream at Safeway, so I am just running for my own benefit.

I started with little jogs between my walks never really pushing myself. Then I joined a 12 week Run program at Kintec shoe store. The cost for the class INCLUDED shoes. I signed up all by my lonesome and happily went off to my first ever real running group. I was totally intimidated because it was full of those men and woman you would imagine as runners. All size 0 in spandex and run vests, stretching and jogging on spot. Me double their size and have never run before, I felt totally out of place, but I didnt let that get me down. We STARTED with a 3 k run which I was able to keep up with in a walking/running alternation. The next two weeks were 4.65 K a lot harder but also getting easier, because I am getting stronger. Three weeks in and I am seeing a huge improvement. The class is pretty fast pace, but it might just be what I needed to get me motivated!

It might be pretty ambitious, but a few weeks after I started running I signed up for a 5 K run for mental health. I just felt like it was for me. It was not too long, it was for a cause that I feel very strongly for and I was up for the challenge.

I wanted to run regardless of whether my family was going to or not, but Dear husband and older children are going to support me and do the 2.5 k walk. Me and baby H are going to run and roll the 5 k! This weekend!
I hope this is the first of many. We have ~~done pretty good~~ kicked ass at the fund raising efforts and have already raised 250$. If you look at the photo below, our team, Team Wray, is in 4th place for top fund raisers. I am in the top 10 for single person top fund raisers! Not too shabby for our first run and first family fund raising efforts!

For more information check out www.mentalhealthrun.ca

To check out the good things the Wray family is doing CLICK HERE

This weekend I am running for Mental health. I am running to show that even with a mental illness you can overcome the barriers and do good things for yourself and others. I am running to show the importance of exercise and hobbies while living with a mental illness. I am running to end some of the stigma attached to mental illnesses. I am running for those of you who believe in me and donated to this cause, thank you.

My illness will not stop me from living a full and rich life. I will do those things in-spite of my illness. I will show my family how strong I am and how exciting it is to challenge yourself and set goals and meet those goals.

I hope you will come out to queens park on Saturday and check out the event. It is a full day event with music and food and lot of family fun.

Date: May 7, 2011

Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Location: Queen's Park,
New Westminster

If you are unable to make it I hope you will consider donating any amount to me and my family. Every dollar counts.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

I call this wordless Wednesday, "Too cool for Naps" That magical point in life when your 2 year old refuses to take naps, yet cant make it to dinner time without passing out! Happy to say I have now convinced her to nap in bed.

Wednesday of few words

Wordless wednesday w/ link up,

Crochet is my therapy.

2011-05-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

I started Crocheting in December 2009. I usually picked it up while I was nesting at the end of my pregnancies, but that time was just for fun. I taught myself to make hats through a video on Youtube by threadbangers. That was the first time I made anything other than a square or a rectangle. After making 100 Hats4Haiti I continued making hats through a very difficult time in my life. My Dad was terminally ill. I took my crocheting with me to the hospital and while my dad was lying in the ICU, in what seemed like, a coma. I sat there crocheting. I found comfort being close to him, even if he had no idea I was there. The crocheting kept my mind focused and my hands busy. At night when it got lonely at home, I kept busy crocheting. After he died I found it hard to pick up my crocheting and lost focus. At the end of the summer I had put myself in the hospital due to my mental illness, I asked my husband to bring me my crocheting stuff. I hadnt touched it in about 3 months. For the most part the hospital was ok, but after a couple days it began to push my patience and being there was completely frustrating. I wanted to get out, I didnt feel like the nurses cared about me, I didnt feel I was as sick as the other people there, I started having a major panic attack and no one seemed to care. I grabbed my hook and a ball of yarn and headed outside. I began counting and making a simple hat.

The counting and focusing calmed me right down. A Nurse even came and found me and checked on me and commended me on calming myself down so well. After that I didnt stop crocheting. Every where I went, I was crocheting. I made a baby hat for another mom who was in the hospital, I made a hat for a young man named Joe. I made a hat for a girl named Nicole. A head band for another girl named Nicole. I even made a hat for an elderly lady, he name has escaped me. All the nurses were enthralled and the patients would always sit there watching me. After staying there for 8 days I made quite a few items and left a crochet hook and ball of yarn there for another patient to use. Hopefully they too discovered the healing qualities in crocheting. I had re-discovered my love for crocheting. I had also learned how to use it in times of crisis. In times when my emotions were getting the best of me. Sitting quietly and counting in my head helped me focus and bring me back to a more neutral state. Since leaving the hospital in August I have been steadily crocheting. Even when I dont have an order, I will grab a ball and just make something.

It helps me when I am bored. It helps me when I am anxious. It helps me when I am feeling out of control. I helps me when I am sad. I am so thankful to have found crocheting and a love of making hats and other items.

Crocheting is ONE of my MANY therapies. I believe that along with my medication, actual therapy and support, Crocheting has played a big factor in my recovery and healing after being diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. It gives me a creative outlet to share with the world.

Thanks to all who love and support me. Anyone who has ordered a hat, thank you so much. If you are thinking of ordering a hat, I have nothing to make at the moment, email me any time mon.petit.shoo@hotmail.com.

And if you have not voted yet, I am in the running for ultimate mom blogger. Please cast your vote by clicking the picture below. Voting is simple, just look for Amanda Wray of Mon petit shoo. Voting ends May 6th,

Returning to Outdoor school as a mom

2011-05-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite childhood memories was visiting North Vancouver Outdoor school. As a child we moved a lot and I attended quite a few elementary schools before Grade 4, I probably got to go to Outdoor school 2 or 3 extra times!

Next year my oldest child will be attending with her Grade 3 class. I was super excited (and a tad jealous!) So when I heard about the Open house I was all for it. It was not only a introduction to E for next year, but for D to know where she would be for 3 days.

We checked out the Farm that had tonnes of goats chickens, turkeys and pigs:

Just me and a goat

1 week old goat

Look at the Size of Capital, the male pig

After the farm we went to the Fish Hatchery. We arrived right on time, because the children got to release Salmon Frye into the river. Even Baby H got to release one! This was a wonderful treat for us all. outdoor school releases 100's of thousands of Frye each year!

Below is a photo of the Cabin children stay in while at Outdoor school. Each group is assigned one Leader (Trained high school student) They sleep in these cabins that still smell exactly the same as I remember as a child!

Not too far away from Outdoor school is the Bighouse. The big house is similar to Outdoor school as you go in Elementary school, you only stay one night and it is a lot more rustic than living in heated cabins. I didnt like it so much as a child. The big house had many fires inside and no venitalion. I was quite allergic to smoke. But was happy to see now there is ONE central fire with a HUG ventillation system above it. I enjoyed revisited the Big house as an adult.

We made the First nation traditional bread, Bannock.

We wrapped it on a fire stick and roasted it over an open flame.

We learned a first nation dance that welcomed each tribe and learned to dance like a Wolf as D is demonstrating.

The big house was very quite and comforting. It was nice to sit and talk around the first with first nations people who have been coming here year after year. They were excited to hear that G and I were both here in the early 90's with our schools and now revisiting with our children. I hope all the children look forward to when their school come to the big house and I hope that either G or I get to help and volunteer when it comes time.

After the bighouse we went for a canoe ride. I however opted to stay on the dock and snap pics.

You must be in at least Grade 4 to try archery. G was the only one who got to try. One if his favorite parts as a boy at Outdoor school.

D trying out a big boy toy!

Returning to Outdoor school as a mom was just as exciting as I would have hoped it was. The kids had a lot of fun and I had fun telling them my stories about the times I came to Outdoor school.
Not much has changed there. Although I am pretty sure it all shrank since I was a kid! It really is a Gem for north vancouver children to experience. I would be super sad if that place wasnt around any more. I hope that all my children get to experience it as well as their children!

As for the open house, I think that just might be a new tradition for the whole family to have year after year!