Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Halloween 2005



Too cute...change takes place all too fast.Our little dalmation has grown into a lion!

Halloween 2005



Too cute...change takes place all too fast.Our little dalmation has grown into a lion!

Happy Halloween!



A Hallowed "Grrrr!" from our little lion!

Happy Halloween!



A Hallowed "Grrrr!" from our little lion!

Sunday, October 29, 2006

A Chapman Halloween


Is it true that blondes have more fun?
Well, we did have fun in our attempt to resemble Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife Beth. (Although, I was mistaken for Dolly Parton once...) My favorite husband and I attended the 7th Annual Halloween Soiree of an old Viking kindergarten friend this past weekend. This couple goes all out for Halloween. Their decorations rival what most people undertake for the Christmas season. It's an amazing job!
Plus the games they organized were enjoyable and everyone participated. That says a lot for a group of ghoulish adults! One of the highlights was guessing what product the commercial is trying to promote. Check these out. Most are laugh out loud funny. Enjoy!
Boo!

A Chapman Halloween


Is it true that blondes have more fun?
Well, we did have fun in our attempt to resemble Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife Beth. (Although, I was mistaken for Dolly Parton once...) My favorite husband and I attended the 7th Annual Halloween Soiree of an old Viking kindergarten friend this past weekend. This couple goes all out for Halloween. Their decorations rival what most people undertake for the Christmas season. It's an amazing job!
Plus the games they organized were enjoyable and everyone participated. That says a lot for a group of ghoulish adults! One of the highlights was guessing what product the commercial is trying to promote. Check these out. Most are laugh out loud funny. Enjoy!
Boo!

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Photo Madness












No more pictures!!
Give me that camera...
all right, I'll sit for just this one!

Photo Madness












No more pictures!!
Give me that camera...
all right, I'll sit for just this one!

Pictorial




Pictorial




Island Time Two

What a wonderful get-away! Family, ocean, flowers still in bloom, and leaves still on the trees! So much prettier than Alberta's dead, brown, landscape.
Our trip included walking along the Galloping Goose, driving up island to Chemanius, and west to Jordan River to watch the surfers. Surfing at the end of October just blows my mind....especially in Canada! And of course, we spent a day at Butchart Gardens....so lovely. I could spend some time there every day if geography permitted.
W did quite will in the adult world. He is such a good traveller. Sat on my knee through the whole flight. Did not try to get down and was even asleep when we laned in Victoria. We only had one casualty at the house....broke the bone in a pottery dog's mouth. Oops! Considering that there was antique china from family in Kentucky at arm's reach & eye level...he did very very well. Yet, I'm so happy to be home in a toddler friendly environment. And even happier to see my favorite husband and sleep in our cozy bed without a little person in the same room.
It's lovely to travel and just as lovely to return.

Island Time Two

What a wonderful get-away! Family, ocean, flowers still in bloom, and leaves still on the trees! So much prettier than Alberta's dead, brown, landscape.
Our trip included walking along the Galloping Goose, driving up island to Chemanius, and west to Jordan River to watch the surfers. Surfing at the end of October just blows my mind....especially in Canada! And of course, we spent a day at Butchart Gardens....so lovely. I could spend some time there every day if geography permitted.
W did quite will in the adult world. He is such a good traveller. Sat on my knee through the whole flight. Did not try to get down and was even asleep when we laned in Victoria. We only had one casualty at the house....broke the bone in a pottery dog's mouth. Oops! Considering that there was antique china from family in Kentucky at arm's reach & eye level...he did very very well. Yet, I'm so happy to be home in a toddler friendly environment. And even happier to see my favorite husband and sleep in our cozy bed without a little person in the same room.
It's lovely to travel and just as lovely to return.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Fever Nights

Oh, how the family is weary. Our little guy seems to be plagued with a fever these last two nights which means very little sleep plus fear and sadness for him. Don't you just wish you could take your child's sickness (however minor or major) and go through it for them? Poor little fella. Whatever is causing this strange, unexpected fever I pray that it passes soon and that we all get a solid 11 hrs sleep (ha!). Meanwhile I am so grateful for Infants Tylenol and recliner couches. They're not too terribly bad to doze on while you have a sleeping toddler in your arms.

Fever Nights

Oh, how the family is weary. Our little guy seems to be plagued with a fever these last two nights which means very little sleep plus fear and sadness for him. Don't you just wish you could take your child's sickness (however minor or major) and go through it for them? Poor little fella. Whatever is causing this strange, unexpected fever I pray that it passes soon and that we all get a solid 11 hrs sleep (ha!). Meanwhile I am so grateful for Infants Tylenol and recliner couches. They're not too terribly bad to doze on while you have a sleeping toddler in your arms.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Island Time

M & W are jetting to Sooke tomorrow. We're a little nervous. Not about the flight but staying in a non-toddler household. How will I keep him and their treasures safe? Will people understand that he's 14mths old & only interested in exploring? Oh, I do hope we dazzle our Island G's with what a good boy & good parent we are! Here's hoping!

Island Time

M & W are jetting to Sooke tomorrow. We're a little nervous. Not about the flight but staying in a non-toddler household. How will I keep him and their treasures safe? Will people understand that he's 14mths old & only interested in exploring? Oh, I do hope we dazzle our Island G's with what a good boy & good parent we are! Here's hoping!

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Hockey Night In Canada - Saturday Night

I am a hockey widow.
My babe a
hockey orphan.
The perfect three is minus the B.

Hockey Night In Canada - Saturday Night

I am a hockey widow.
My babe a
hockey orphan.
The perfect three is minus the B.

Delicia

Have you ever been moved, really moved, by a song? From an artist that normally isn't in your repertoire? Well, that's how it is for me and "Patricia the Stripper". This song makes me want to dance like a Rockette and order in a pole! Here's a little clip...it doesn't quite do justice to the whole thing, but enjoy anyway.
"And with a swing of her hips..."

Delicia

Have you ever been moved, really moved, by a song? From an artist that normally isn't in your repertoire? Well, that's how it is for me and "Patricia the Stripper". This song makes me want to dance like a Rockette and order in a pole! Here's a little clip...it doesn't quite do justice to the whole thing, but enjoy anyway.
"And with a swing of her hips..."

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Deep Fried Everything!


Okay, so obviously the adults of our families do not care one ioda (word?) about their health because we consumed deep fried everything for Thanksgiving. I'm thankful my heart hasn't exploded yet!
Deep fried Turkey
Deep fried Potatoes
Deep Fried Mars Bars
Yum! Oops...I mean Ugh! You know you're a redneck when....

Deep Fried Everything!


Okay, so obviously the adults of our families do not care one ioda (word?) about their health because we consumed deep fried everything for Thanksgiving. I'm thankful my heart hasn't exploded yet!
Deep fried Turkey
Deep fried Potatoes
Deep Fried Mars Bars
Yum! Oops...I mean Ugh! You know you're a redneck when....

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Attitude of Gratitude




Thanksgiving weekend was a wonderful whirlwind of family and food. (Today I am thankful for quiet time and less glutony)
We have much to be grateful for...
- the obvious...health, family, home, prosperity, etc.
- the fun....laughter and such
- the frivolous...upcoming trip to Vancouver Island, Halloween weekend get-away in Edmonton, hockey games (who wrote that?!), etc
Our little guy enjoyed his first taste of turkey...a picture says a thousand words, doesn't it? What a remarkable difference between this Thanksgiving and the last.

Attitude of Gratitude




Thanksgiving weekend was a wonderful whirlwind of family and food. (Today I am thankful for quiet time and less glutony)
We have much to be grateful for...
- the obvious...health, family, home, prosperity, etc.
- the fun....laughter and such
- the frivolous...upcoming trip to Vancouver Island, Halloween weekend get-away in Edmonton, hockey games (who wrote that?!), etc
Our little guy enjoyed his first taste of turkey...a picture says a thousand words, doesn't it? What a remarkable difference between this Thanksgiving and the last.

Friday, October 6, 2006

Pull Me Through

Mmmmm....for anyone else who is a Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo) fan....his new single is lovely...heartsy...nostalgic....There's nothing like one of their/his songs. Listen to the new single.
I only wish I could play the piano half as good....

Pull Me Through

Mmmmm....for anyone else who is a Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo) fan....his new single is lovely...heartsy...nostalgic....There's nothing like one of their/his songs. Listen to the new single.
I only wish I could play the piano half as good....

Thursday, October 5, 2006

A week in review...

Just an average relatively uneventful week. Which is something to be thankful for.
Mon - no motivation to be found here...super tired...met another mom-friend at Coffee & Scream...that place was nuts! NEVER go on a rainy day. W had a blast but kept trying to drink people's coffee that was left on the floor by the windows (re: nowhere to sit)
Tues - lunch with a previous We Care colleague. W charmed her & the restaurant staff with his good dining manners.
Wed - home day - battled with routine & naps. I pushed him past his regular nap time because I had one errand to complete and of course couldn't wait until he woke up (!!**!...bad idea...) which resulted in attempting for over two hours to convince him to sleep (who do you think was more tired?) Eventually he did travel with Wynken, Blynken & Nod but with a lot of effort, much joyful shrieking & crib bouncing, finally a few tears and then a lovely quiet slumber. Point taken...stick to regular routine.
Thurs - hair appointment at Beaners...or was that an alligator wrestling match? At previous appts he has done so very very well, but today W was not interested in sitting still. Maybe because he was in the pink & purple Barbie jeep? I really didn't think he would care. Anyway, we were in & out in a matter of minutes, but I'm sure the stylist felt it was hours. ~ Lovely visit & lunch with a friend at the house, regular nap with no jumping jacks or gleeful shrieking in the crib...and all is well.
Fri - Playdate with fun boys, a birthday present errand or two, and hockey game date for W's parents during which the infamous Uncle B will be minding W. He'll be sooo pleased, our little W will be!
Thanksgiving Weekend - spent dividing our time between both sides of the families. Here's hoping yours is calm, festive, fun, funny and full of much gratitude.

A week in review...

Just an average relatively uneventful week. Which is something to be thankful for.
Mon - no motivation to be found here...super tired...met another mom-friend at Coffee & Scream...that place was nuts! NEVER go on a rainy day. W had a blast but kept trying to drink people's coffee that was left on the floor by the windows (re: nowhere to sit)
Tues - lunch with a previous We Care colleague. W charmed her & the restaurant staff with his good dining manners.
Wed - home day - battled with routine & naps. I pushed him past his regular nap time because I had one errand to complete and of course couldn't wait until he woke up (!!**!...bad idea...) which resulted in attempting for over two hours to convince him to sleep (who do you think was more tired?) Eventually he did travel with Wynken, Blynken & Nod but with a lot of effort, much joyful shrieking & crib bouncing, finally a few tears and then a lovely quiet slumber. Point taken...stick to regular routine.
Thurs - hair appointment at Beaners...or was that an alligator wrestling match? At previous appts he has done so very very well, but today W was not interested in sitting still. Maybe because he was in the pink & purple Barbie jeep? I really didn't think he would care. Anyway, we were in & out in a matter of minutes, but I'm sure the stylist felt it was hours. ~ Lovely visit & lunch with a friend at the house, regular nap with no jumping jacks or gleeful shrieking in the crib...and all is well.
Fri - Playdate with fun boys, a birthday present errand or two, and hockey game date for W's parents during which the infamous Uncle B will be minding W. He'll be sooo pleased, our little W will be!
Thanksgiving Weekend - spent dividing our time between both sides of the families. Here's hoping yours is calm, festive, fun, funny and full of much gratitude.

Tuesday, October 3, 2006

More Photos




Happy boy reading "Mr. Brown Can Moo"....and reading the paper with dad.

More Photos




Happy boy reading "Mr. Brown Can Moo"....and reading the paper with dad.

One-der Years Photos



Here we have the Kleenex Frenzy, Grape Grab and Tomato Times....One-der Year Adventures.

One-der Years Photos



Here we have the Kleenex Frenzy, Grape Grab and Tomato Times....One-der Year Adventures.

One-der Years Weekend

The One-der Years continue....
It all started on Friday while we were attempting to leave the house for the weekend. First our little guy snagged a sunflower jar from my bathroom vanity and promptly broke it. (My friend painted this jar for me approximately 13 yrs ago) So in order to keep him safe & clean the broken glass, I deposited Destructor in another area of the house that is gated and toddler friendly. After a short stint of sobbing at the gate he found toys to amuse himself while I swept & such. A few minutes later I am down the stairs to find said little boy dirty and wet....with tomato stains from the neck down! Where the h**!! did he find a tomato! So, now it's off to the bedroom to change his clothes, then clean the kitchen floor as the demolished tomato has been located and is strewn from the island to the patio doors. All while we are trying to leave the house in order to pick up Mr. Right and drive 4.5 hrs to the farm.
Can't forget helping himself to grapes out of the fridge....that was pretty uneventful though.
Funnier....was the kleenex frenzy while at the farm. One-derful Destructor located a box of kleenexes and intently with fervor pulled each tissue out....like a mini-mad scientist. We couldn't help but laugh as airy, white tissues floated about the room as his little hands pulled them out as fast as possible.
Oh, the One-der Years are busy....but pretty cute too!


One-der Years Weekend

The One-der Years continue....
It all started on Friday while we were attempting to leave the house for the weekend. First our little guy snagged a sunflower jar from my bathroom vanity and promptly broke it. (My friend painted this jar for me approximately 13 yrs ago) So in order to keep him safe & clean the broken glass, I deposited Destructor in another area of the house that is gated and toddler friendly. After a short stint of sobbing at the gate he found toys to amuse himself while I swept & such. A few minutes later I am down the stairs to find said little boy dirty and wet....with tomato stains from the neck down! Where the h**!! did he find a tomato! So, now it's off to the bedroom to change his clothes, then clean the kitchen floor as the demolished tomato has been located and is strewn from the island to the patio doors. All while we are trying to leave the house in order to pick up Mr. Right and drive 4.5 hrs to the farm.
Can't forget helping himself to grapes out of the fridge....that was pretty uneventful though.
Funnier....was the kleenex frenzy while at the farm. One-derful Destructor located a box of kleenexes and intently with fervor pulled each tissue out....like a mini-mad scientist. We couldn't help but laugh as airy, white tissues floated about the room as his little hands pulled them out as fast as possible.
Oh, the One-der Years are busy....but pretty cute too!


Monday, October 2, 2006

Motivational Monday

Today there is no motivation left in this M. I need some myself. This lack of drive is due to travelling back to Calgary from "the farm" at a late (or early depending upon how you look at it...are you a half empty or half full glass kind of person) hour and a little guy who would NOT sleep earlier today. Poor fella! (Although he was rather happy about it....)
So today my motivation is to just keep my eyes open, a somewhat positive attitude and find the energy to put some semblance of organization back into the house.
If anyone out there in cyberland is reading this, send me a motivation vibe please!

Motivational Monday

Today there is no motivation left in this M. I need some myself. This lack of drive is due to travelling back to Calgary from "the farm" at a late (or early depending upon how you look at it...are you a half empty or half full glass kind of person) hour and a little guy who would NOT sleep earlier today. Poor fella! (Although he was rather happy about it....)
So today my motivation is to just keep my eyes open, a somewhat positive attitude and find the energy to put some semblance of organization back into the house.
If anyone out there in cyberland is reading this, send me a motivation vibe please!