Toooo Busy

Okay, so here’s the deal. We can get pretty slow in our office. My boss asked me if I’d mind helping out in other departments. No problem. Well, since he’s offered my services, I’m busy as snot…and I’m still supposed to help out the others. As it is, I’m barely getting this blog done before 5. I have a few things still sitting on my desk to take care of and I haven’t finished up this week’s bulletin…guess I’ll be busy tonight. I really don’t mean to complain because I like being busy…just not too busy.

Had a quick choir practice last night. Got home to two sooky girls. E knocked L down by accident outside and L got a big goose egg. Not 5 mins later, she caught her thumb in my night stand door. Poor child. E was just overtired. Today both were in good spirits though L did wake for a bottle at 2:30am. I’ve been trying to let her cry it out to see if she’ll fall back asleep. But last night it was over 10 mins. She was sitting up in her crib when I got her. I’m just hoping that this is all temporary and I’m not setting myself up for misery.

Anyway, got the bulletin and Grey’s tonight. TTFN!
~B

P.S. Sorry Mari, I haven't even had a chance to read your blogs. Hope you're doing alright!

Flyin' by!

I can't get over how work picked up this week. I helped out in Traffic yesterday...long story I don't have time for. Put it this way, it was stuffing envelopes and have a ton of papercuts. Yuck!

Today was so busy, I stayed at my desk. Not much new. Got L's RESP straightened out. Had to get her SIN number (yes, I'm being redundant) this a.m. Tonight, choir practice. Tomorrow, I'll write long.

Peace out!
~B

Oooouuuccchhhh!!

I had an awesome wknd. I’m definitely paying for it today though. My body is totally not impressed with me. Friday night we went to Shay & Mark’s. We mostly chatted which was great to catch up. The girls are getting so big and M especially is growing up so fast! So mature, it’s scary!!! We left really late and I had to keep poor hubby awake for the drive home. I’m driving every time from now on! Though that means he gets to drink…or we’ll have to stay the night. Saturday night I went out with Megan and her friend. We went for supper at Bubbles Mansion (good food but nothing to rave about) then for coffee and more chatting at Second Cup and finally Boomers for dancing. We got there at 9 and were the only souls in the place. But it was good for chatting (and no cover charge) and the crowd came in around 10 for dancing. It was a blast but my legs and knees are reminding me I’m not 21!

Sunday was another fab day. We went to hubby’s work for a BBQ and got a tour of the little cruise ship they built. They even had pics of us taken by the ship (free!!). It was really cool to see. Afterwards we went to the KOOL FM Skating party fundraiser for Relay for Life. E was SO excited to skate. She got out on the ice and was crying in minutes! She said she wasn’t having fun at all. I can understand for a new skater. It was tough too b/c DH & I haven’t skated it so long. We could barely hold ourselves up let alone hold her. Though I must say DH was way braver than I. I convinced E to do one lap. Her and I got off the ice and were done. DH kept going but “stopped” himself into the boards and hurt his knee. Hopefully he made out okay at work today.

To add insult to injury, I decided to walk during lunchtime (Megan inspired me). I was only going to do a ½ hour but I wanted to go to Staples. So, I went down and back in just an hour. My body is PISSED at me. Tonight, I’ll be on the couch. Hehehe Well, I must get going. Soak up all the sunshine you can!!!
~B

Friends ROCK!

First I want to make a shout out to Mari. Thanks so much for your suggestion. Got 2 shrugs...one for E, $12ish and one for L, $3.99!!!! So happy!!!! The search is over and I'm thrilled.

Rough day...well week really...without sleep. It just seemed like it got worse as the days went on. Last night I finished us "my chores" by 9:15. Somehow I thought I might have time for a nap in the evening before Grey's. No such luck. While watching the show, E woke up screaming/crying. It took near an hour to calm her. I sent DH in with her but I went in during commercials (how terrible does that sound...hehehehe). Oh, and while E was having a fit, L woke crying. DH gave her a bottle. This has been her routine to get one between 9 and midnight. Then the passed 2 mornings, waking at 5/5:30. Yesterday I gave her a bottle. Today I just got her up. I definitely want to break this habit! Not sure how though. She has Motrin before bed to help her sleep but I'm thinking of moving to Valim (sp?) next...for me...or her...or both. :)

Tonight we're off to Shay & Mark's for Rockband. All I know is I'm not driving...for fear of falling asleep at the wheel. I have a busy wknd too so I need the rest. Hopefully I can sleep in and get a nap but I'm doubtful that I'll get both. We'll see. Sunday is our busy day this wknd. Shipyard Open House (BBQ and cruise ship tour) around lunch and KOOL FM Skating Party in the afternoon (BTW, if anyone's interested, it's from 1-3pm at Centenial Arena. $5/person, $10/family. Proceeds go toward Team KOOL's fundraising efforts for the Relay For Life/Cdn Cancer Society.) Then Monday again and back to work. If it's going to be busy, I'm just glad it'll be nice out.

Well, gotta run. Enjoy the sunshiny wknd!!!
~B

Ugh!

Man, I feel like I’m just draggin’ my ass through this week. So tired. A bit annoyed. But determined not to let it get the better of me. Just cause I feel exhausted doesn’t mean I’m going to give up! I may give myself a break though. I was going to work out tomorrow and ditch Friday…cause of Grey’s. But I’m thinking I’ll give myself a break and skip tomorrow too. That why I’ll make it through Grey’s without falling asleep and Friday won’t be another snorefest like the rest of the week has been.

I’ve been making little sticky note lists for myself daily. Stuff I need to do when I get home but usually forget to do. It’s working really well. I found splash paints in the garage (size 2) and my skates. DH tried them on and they definitely don’t fit him. He’s going out after work tomorrow to see about buying used ones and sharpening my and E’s skates. (Yeah, one less errand for me.)

I went out today and picked up some M-day cards then stopped into the Sally Anne and found shoes for each of the girls. I must tell you this funny story: while Mom & Dad were us in January, they took E out for the day. I gave them her allowance and told them she could get whatever (mistake). She came home with a pair of “hooker shoes” from Value Village. I wouldn’t even wear them, not in my 20s either! Anyway, they “disappeared” and E didn’t notice. Today I found a pair of little girl heels, her size, which I think will be a better substitute.

Tomorrow I’m going to stop into Winners. I need a shrug for E’s princess dress. I checked at SA and they had nothing. And I shopped around the dept. stores and Winners had the best price at $15…which burns me since I paid $25 for the dress. Anyway, whatever. In my opinion, she needs it. I thought about making one myself with organza or some sheer material but I don’t have the time or patience to do it in 3 weeks, especially since I’ve only done straight stuff, no sleeves. Hey, pick your battles right? I may check with Shay to see if she has something from Phaedra to borrow.

Well, I better run. Wish I brought an umbrella today, or had a hood. Good golly the rain! And there’s more coming overnight. Talk about feeling blessed to have a roof over my head.
~B

How long can I keep this up?

Day 2 of my 5am wake up. The getting up isn't too hard, believe it or not. The staying awake for the rest of the day, however, is a challenge. To think that when I arrive at work, I've been up for 3 hours is a little horrifing. And I'm feeling more stupid than usual in doing my work. I'm trying to convince myself that this will soon be a routine and a non-issue. Today isn't the day for that. Especially since my thighs are KILLING me from doing too many lunges yesterday. I think tomorrow will be all arm work. Step boxing, oh yeah, but I'll mix in some yoga so I don't have killer thighs and killer arms.

So, the girls are painting t-shirts at daycare on Thursday. I stopped into Walmart on the way to work and found 2 cute tees...matching of course. :) Both white so their colour creativity can shine. Just 9 bucks for 2, amazing! While there I went on a mad search for splash pants for L. Nothing bigger than 12 mths, unless I bought a track suit, which I prefer not too. At lunchtime I continued my search at Superstore but found nothing. Then out to Walmart in Bayers Lake, even smaller sizes there. Zellers turned up nothing too. So, I'm going to search through the bags in the garage and find the smallest size. I think there could possibly be a size 2...which would be big since L can still fit in some 12 mth pants. And yes, could have bought the 12 mth ones at Walmart on Mumford but wanted them to get her through the fall too. Man, this is a long paragraph about splash pants. Shows the level of excitement in my life. ;)

Tonight I have the splash pants search, and my skates too. I need to do some laundry and maybe take the girls in the big tubby with me (E asks to go in daily). Other than that, a free night. Whoo hoo! Oh, didn't get out last night with S&M. Mark had to work. We've rescheduled for Friday. Well, that's all for me. Have a great night. Wet week but sunshine forecast for the wknd!!!!
~B

Good Golly...I must be crazy...-ier!

I decided to do it...get back on track. Got up at 5 a.m. for my workout. I nearly finished it solo till E came out at 5:45. I told her this was mama's time and got her to crawl in with Daddy. I kept it light...yoga & strength training. I haven't been in the Wii since before Easter and felt really tired all the time, no matter how much rest I got. And the 4.4 pounds I lost 2 weeks after reading Paul McKenna's book is back on. I'm not getting stressed out about it, but I'm tired of feeling gross. I'm clearly not paying attention and am slipping back into the old patterns. Besides, I know it will make me feel better. Sometimes taking care of yourself feels like a chore, especially when you're time is filled with caring for your family. But this book made me feel like it was effortless.

I got some great motivation last night. Hil came over for supper and told me all about Hayley. When I met Hayley 10 years ago, I was so thrilled because I finally had a girl friend I could share clothes with. :) Hayley's been in Korea teaching English since last fall and she's lost 65 pounds! All by eating what they eat over there. She looks terrific! I'm so thrilled for her. Sometimes other people's success reminds you of your own failings. For me, I was able to look at it as something achieveable. She did it. Heck, I did it before...several times. I can do it again. The trick is to keep it off. And I think with this Paul's thinking, I can. Nothing's restricted, nothing's forbidden. It's just common sense and paying attention. Listening to what your body wants. And mine's telling me to quit yapping and get some lunch. So, I'm off. Get outside today. The sun's an amazing battery charger.

~B

Head in the clouds...or in today's case, the blue sky

It's so beautiful out! Clear as a bell. Guess that's why I'm more in daydream land than work mode. Only natural since it's Friday, and the boss is off. Had another late start this morning. Two days in a row I left the house without bkft. Irving bkst sammies yesterday...blah! Today I went to Tim's for bagel w/cc and L DD. Much better! The day's been going great. I got all my work done for the wknd. I have some stuff I could work on though for next week. I'll see how ambitious I feel. FINALLY got my hair cut at lunch and scheduled my next appt in 6 wks time for cut and colour. Yeah! Just in time for my b-day in June.

So, got MIL's cake made last night and icing-ed it this morning (hense no breky). Gifts are in the van, and the diaper bag. Clean shirt at daycare for L (she's always messy). hehe So DH & MIL will come home, DH will shower and dress, then they'll pick up the girls and we'll all meet at Montana's for supper. Cake at home afterwards. Tomorrow I gotta get groceries in the morning, choir/church in the afternoon, and b-day dinner for MIL with choir after mass. Sunday morning Rhonda and her 3 kids are getting baptised with a reception at their place, scrapping at 1 and Hil over for dinner. Busy wknd. Oh, and Monday night we're getting together with Shay & Mark for Mark's b-day. Man, it just keeps going and going. Next wknd is busy too. Spring time and spring fun.

Well, I better do something productive before the afternoon's out. Have a great wknd. Enjoy the sunshine!
~B

Hard Day's Night

The past 3 nights have been busy doing stuff...and tonight it continues. But it's more enjoyable stuff. Making a cake for MIL's b-day tomorrow. We're taking her to supper at Montana's...just DH, me and the girls. Should be really nice. Last night I got the income tax finished. I'll re-check over the wknd (make sure I entered everything right) and then send it off. We're all getting back this year...whoo hoo!! We're getting new all seasons for the van and putting the rest on the highest interest credit card (ironically the money will all be going to AMEX...tires are from Costco...AMEX/Costco card).

Today I spent some time going over our budget. We need to manage our money better than using the debit machine/card like it's limitless. And I wanted to start saving instead of being stuck and using credit. I sat down with our expenses and figured out how to pay all the bills and put money away in an entertainment fund, trip fund, rainy day fund and contribute to RRSPs and RESP. It feels good to have a plan. Let's hope it's a long term one. It all hinges on 2 incomes. Oh, DH's work is having an open house for family next wknd to view the cruise ship they've been working on. Should be nice. I have another event that day but we're doing both. Busy, busy.

Well, I gotta run. Have a great night. No new Grey's...boo hoo!
~B

Cruisin' online

It's been kind of a slow afternoon so I've been doing some online "window shopping." Mostly for trips...cruises. My MIL would LOVE to go on an Alaskan cruise. Thought I'd poke around to see how much it would actually cost. What a nice retirement present that would be...of course that may be for a year away...the retirement, that is. Her work is offering some packages...unfortunately only 75 are available and she's 300+ on the list. Bummer. Anyway, the trip is pricy, but not as bad as I thought. It was about $4000 for 2 people. Though that could change depending on the time of year she chose. Who knows, if/when we have a party for her, maybe we could have a money tree and it could pay for part/all of the trip. Hmmm...glad I checked.

A while back I looked into a trip to Hawaii for the family. I'd love to go but it was something like $4000 too. Kind of hard to afford especially when DH's work is unpredictable. You never know when there will be a layoff. Thankfully, he is still working and prospects look good for the next while. I'm starting to think about starting a travel fund. I know it's important to pay down the debt we collected...but it's also impt to save. I think if I keep waiting till everything is paid off, we'll never get anywhere. So, I'm going to start re-jigging the budget to include savings for different things...like putting money back into our RRSPs (we had to stop contributing ages ago), starting an RESP for L, and a trip fund, among other stuff.

Talking about budgets, I started doing our taxes last night. I got most of DH & mine done...missing some info for both of us. Found DH's and got mine today so I can easily wrap those up tonight. I have to do my MIL's too (she buys the computer program, I do her taxes and ours...good deal). Looks like DH & I will be getting back a $2-3K...depends on what the missing info reveals. We haven't discussed what to do with it but I'm pretty sure it's going to pay off 1 credit card. Maybe we'll spend a little bit on ourselves after the rough year we had...but it's hard to justify when the debt is mountainous. I guess I have to look at it the same as weight loss. Eating dessert shouldn't be seen as being counter-productive to losing weight. I should be able to enjoy the things I like, as long as I don't over eat. Same with spending. We should be able to enjoy some of the money, as long as we don't over spend. Wow...pretty profound. Sometimes I surprise myself. It's taken me a long time to accept/learn that deprivation doesn't help...nor does over indulging. You need to find the happy medium, right?

Well kiddles, I best get going. Enjoy this amazingly beautiful sunshine. A welcome sight, isn't it? Makes +9 feel like summer. :)

TTFN!
~B

Quicky

No...not the good kind. :) I forgot all about blogging today and now I'm heading out the door. Nothing new. Tired...but did get a full night's sleep last night...thank goodness! Heading home for a relaxing night with girls. Maybe a bubbly tub and a R&C. :)

Cya tomorrow!
~B

Happy Blustering Easter

Well, I definitely am blessed after this wknd. Mass on Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun. All went well, including my solos...thank goodness the nerves don't get to me...much. We had a lovely Easter. Lots of nice treats and a delish turkey dinner yesterday. MIL got me a bunny shaped package of Ferraro Roche (my fave) which is still sealed. The bunny got me a Mr. Nutty (small one...which is gone) and a Russel Stouffers egg (also gone) and mini eggs (yeah, gone too). L & E got all kinds of goodies: books, Little People, toy cell phone & keys (L), workbooks (E) and a few chocolate treats.

If all that singing on the wknd wasn't enough we're meeting for choir practice tonight. Wed's our usual night but there's another meeting going on. So, home for a quick supper and off again. Can't wait to get to bed. L cried several times last night. I got up at 1 am, cuddled with her, got her a bottle and put her back down. She cried for a bit when she was done. Not sure what's going on. No fever. Maybe another tooth? Gas? Who knows. I just hope I get to sleep tonight. Maybe I'll kick DH out on the coach in case she wakes. I need a break!
~B

Raising a "Martha"

I discovered it's not hard to do, cause I'm not trying to do it. But I guess Mama is a little Martha herself...though the real McCoy wouldn't dare step foot in my messy house. hehehe Anyway, last night E helped me decorate the cookies. She kept squeeling that they were "absolutely PER-fect!" So hilarious hearing her high pitched voice, and those words coming out of her mouth. Good Lord, what have I done???? hehehehe So cookies got decked out and dropped off today. 3 broke en route so hopefully the kiddies won't care. I also sent the girls' bunny eye head bands, just for fun. I should have taken a pair to work. :)

Tonight's the beginning for the choir. I'm singing a small solo tonight, opted out of any for Good Friday (which I may or may not attend) and a full psalm solo for the Saturday Vigil. I may have to do one more mass on Sunday with E (& maybe L) since DH put in for overtime on Fri & Sun. And I'm not taking Monday off as planned. The daycare is closed by MIL has the day off and she'll watch them. Hurray!! I'll get to save my floater for the summer.

I'm gonna head since I'm starting to crash from my sugar high (mmm...chocolate eggs). Hope your wknd is sweet!
TTFN!
~B

Yeah, Easter

Funny thing when you have kids. It’s almost like they give you permission to really enjoy the holidays. I used to lump Easter in with Valentine’s…another chocolate celebration. But now with our girlies, it’s about bunnies, surprises, and yeah, still chocolate. Hehehe And of course, the true meaning of Easter…a week long church event. Don’t get me wrong. There’s something comforting and familiar about Easter week. All that time in church, wrapped up in memories of being a kid, and the reward at the end of it all…the beloved Easter basket.

Got my cookies made last night. E & I will decorate them tonight. Along with “drawing” and “going in the big tubby,” at her request. :) And I’m getting the groceries at lunch, after my noon meeting. I actually brought the cooler to put the cold stuff in. That way I don’t have to go after work and miss out on time with the girls. Whatever works, right? MIL is going to cook a turkey for Easter dinner. And I’m going to make a bunny cake with the girls (decorated with white icing and coconut). I think the girls will get a kick out of it.

So that’s all my news. Hope you have a happy hump day…well, more like a Thursday since we’re off Friday. Whoo hoo!!! TTFN!
~B

Soggy day

Ho-lee! I think I’m gonna have to build an arch to get home from work today. At least the snow is nearly gone. And hey, you don’t have to shovel rain. Although it is a bit dreary. I popped out at lunch to pick up a Timmie’s. Roll-up time is still on, but I haven’t won a darn thing. No coffee…no cookie…not even a biscuit (which shouldn’t be mistaken for a cookie en francais). Hehehe

Last night, DH, girls & I went to Della’s (DH’s aunt) to visit Bunny (DH’s step-grandma), aka Granny Dou-Dou (Doucette). She got to snuggle with the girls and they had fun chasing after Max (Della’s MAX-imum sized poodle). It was a really nice visit through everyone was pretty tired. We knew it the minute we strapped her in the van at home. I swear I could have put her to bed then (at 6:30). But they were troopers. We left at 8!!! Poor L was completely and utterly beat.

Tonight I’m considering making cookies for the girls’ daycare classes. Between tonight and tomorrow night, I figure I could get them done. I bought 2 new cutters (Easter basket and a lamb). I bought the stuff I need today and some Smarties yesterday to stick on them. I also picked up 2 ‘on sale’ gifts if E gets a party invite. They’re Princess bags with games inside. You can get Princess anything these days. It’s crazy.

Well, must shove off. Watch out for the hydroplaning on the way home.
~B

Vacation catch up

It was certainly a busy week in CB. Had lots of fun. Just enough to do me till the next visit. I figure 1 week is the perfect amount of time. After that, you get sick of where you are and want to get home pronto. The drive wasn’t too bad…though the Gravol did nothing for L. She only slept 2 hours on the way down and 1:20 on the way back. I hoped it knock her out for 4 hours. Wishful thinking. Hehehehehe

So, I’ll do a brief recap. Friday (27th) we arrived after supper and crashed. Saturday (28th) we went out to see Mike (brother, middle sibling) play with Tempted at a benefit at Steel City bar. It was a lot of fun. Lloydie (brother, oldest) and Ella (SIL) were there, and Andrea (SIL) and her brother Chris, and my aunt Goldie. We danced a lot, and DH drank a lot. A good night. Sunday (29th) we went to church with both girls…easier with 4 adults and 2 kids. That night Mom had cards at her place and we had a cake for Dad’s b-day. I lost all but $1.75…but had a good time.

Monday (30th) was dad’s actual b-day. We had a snow storm, big time. They went to a friend’s house up the street for their Rosary group. DH & I just vegged at home. Tuesday (31st) was M.J.’s b-day (nephew). In the a.m., Dad & DH shoveled while the kids & I played in the snow. Then we went down to emerge…DH got pink eye somehow. And no, I didn’t fart on his pillow. Hehehe Afterwards, we went to Mike’s. I helped Andrea shovel while DH minded the kids. The kids had a ball during the party. We stood back and watched them run and play for hours.

Wednesday (April 1st) I believe was the day Mom & I went in town for groceries. (My poor memory. All the days are running together.) Thursday (2nd) DH & I took the girls to visit DH’s aunt Debbie and g-aunt Betty. They were pretty good, though L got cranky close to lunch. That evening Andrea & I took the older kids to see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D. It was late for them so it was a quiet ride on the way home.

Friday (3rd) was a blast! Mom & Dad had all four kids overnight. DH & I went to Mike’s for Rock Band, Texas Holdem and NHL 94 on PS2. It was so awesome to have a night to ourselves. The gals stayed up till 2 a.m. and the guys till 6 a.m. What a riot! Saturday (4th) was very slow moving. We went back to Mom & Dad’s to relieve them from watching the kids. It was just in time for nap. Hehehe DH took both girls over to his aunt’s again to play with Anthony (aunt’s grandson) and Sara (cousin’s fiancé’s daughter). In the evening, DH & I got out again to see a movie. The theatre parking lot was packed so we decided to spend the 2 hours out at the mall, just hanging out and browsing. It was a real nice break. Then Sunday (5th) was the ride home, supper, bath and bed.

So, DH got called back to the Shipyard. We’ll see how long it lasts. At least it buys him some time to decide what he wants to do about school (which is still on the table). Hmm…whatelse…L’s talking more. She says “all done,” “bye-bye,” and “hi ­­­mama/dada/nana.” That’s about it. Well, Easter’s coming. Short week this week…whoo hoo! Hope you’ve got all your shopping done.

TTFN!
~B