Groovin' with Harry

Have a listen.
I've been a fan of Harry Connick Jr for years and am so glad to know a new CD has been released.
Lovin' this today!

Groovin' with Harry

Have a listen.
I've been a fan of Harry Connick Jr for years and am so glad to know a new CD has been released.
Lovin' this today!

A Week in Review

Monday - W & I found ourselves at Dr. Cribb's office for a routine pregnancy checkup. All is well....baby is growing, heart beat 160 bpm, BP perfect, & only a 3lb weight gain so far. The Dr. doesn't seem concerned with this so I'll just keep going as is. We're already at 24 weeks. Only 16 to go.
Tuesday - Just a regular day. Choir practice...me and my hearing impaired senior ladies, Wilma & Helen, rocked out to a Beatles tune or three.
Wed - Our regular "time-out"....me in the Knitting group (yes, it's true...I am knitting), W with the other toddlers. The toddler caregivers say he's happy and good but when I go to retrieve him at first sight of me he hits himself in the head! Somehow I need to find a way to end that little routine. No need to be angry at me, just enjoy the other kids! ~ Off to the chiropractor in the afternoon and finally home for supper.
Thursday - Playdate!! Yay! Except Wed night W was up between 2am-5am (teething I think) therefore we were both super tired and W was at his worst. Bonking one boy in the head with a truck, wanting to take the toys away from anyone who touched them & not happy about this sharing concept at all! Of course, through all this he was crawling on the couch & displaying regular hooligan antics. The other 4 little boys will probably think twice before coming to our house to play again.
Friday - Finally found more goat milk! Every regular grocer in our area seems to be out. I know goats are little, but aren't they good producers? What about sheep? Has anyone heard of sheep milk? Me either...come to think of it I've never noticed an udder either. Hmmm...must quiz my Australian sheep farmer friend. So Community Natural Foods came through for us with flying colors. Yay! Not only milk, but cheddar cheese too. ~ B & I went on a date to Stage West where Victor Victoria is playing. Great performance! Laugh out loud great. If you're able, check it out.
Sat & Sun - Nice, quiet home days. With my favorite husband home I was able to complete some errands "sans enfant". How lovely. It's just easier without a little fella to haul about & he was happy to be home with his dad too.
So, a regular week....unexciting to others....but some blogging had to be done....here's to more interesting future entries.

A Week in Review

Monday - W & I found ourselves at Dr. Cribb's office for a routine pregnancy checkup. All is well....baby is growing, heart beat 160 bpm, BP perfect, & only a 3lb weight gain so far. The Dr. doesn't seem concerned with this so I'll just keep going as is. We're already at 24 weeks. Only 16 to go.
Tuesday - Just a regular day. Choir practice...me and my hearing impaired senior ladies, Wilma & Helen, rocked out to a Beatles tune or three.
Wed - Our regular "time-out"....me in the Knitting group (yes, it's true...I am knitting), W with the other toddlers. The toddler caregivers say he's happy and good but when I go to retrieve him at first sight of me he hits himself in the head! Somehow I need to find a way to end that little routine. No need to be angry at me, just enjoy the other kids! ~ Off to the chiropractor in the afternoon and finally home for supper.
Thursday - Playdate!! Yay! Except Wed night W was up between 2am-5am (teething I think) therefore we were both super tired and W was at his worst. Bonking one boy in the head with a truck, wanting to take the toys away from anyone who touched them & not happy about this sharing concept at all! Of course, through all this he was crawling on the couch & displaying regular hooligan antics. The other 4 little boys will probably think twice before coming to our house to play again.
Friday - Finally found more goat milk! Every regular grocer in our area seems to be out. I know goats are little, but aren't they good producers? What about sheep? Has anyone heard of sheep milk? Me either...come to think of it I've never noticed an udder either. Hmmm...must quiz my Australian sheep farmer friend. So Community Natural Foods came through for us with flying colors. Yay! Not only milk, but cheddar cheese too. ~ B & I went on a date to Stage West where Victor Victoria is playing. Great performance! Laugh out loud great. If you're able, check it out.
Sat & Sun - Nice, quiet home days. With my favorite husband home I was able to complete some errands "sans enfant". How lovely. It's just easier without a little fella to haul about & he was happy to be home with his dad too.
So, a regular week....unexciting to others....but some blogging had to be done....here's to more interesting future entries.

Frozen Assets

Finally after being waitlisted I was accepted into a Community Kitchen group. The purpose is to meet once a month to meal plan based on the current grocery sale flyers, then two days later meet again and complete the mass cook and of course take home your prepared meals to freeze. Mealtime takes less decision making, less convenience meals and it's economical. Brilliant concept!
So, having explained the brilliance of this idea...next picture the event I recently experienced. There are 5 members of the kitchen I was placed in . Two of us are new members and three belong to the DDRC. Apparently the DDRC felt this would be a good opportunity to "socialize". One gal brought her two case workers along, both of whom looked like they walked off the runways of Paris. Imagine "The Devil Wears Prada" in a low budget cooking show. Really, are stilleto, tall boots safe in a cooking atmosphere? ~ One spent the day seated beside the coffee urn, consuming copious amounts of the bean beverage. She must have had heart palpitations! Every so often she would call out a request for "Coke", "Chips" or "Treat". Anytime someone in the kitchen would speak she would adamantly exclaim, "No!"....except when she got up to dance in the middle of the room to the radio tunes.~ Then the last lady watched, called me dear ALOT, and eventually told me "No" when for the fourth time that day I asked her if she needed a job to do. One batch of Veggie Chili was enough for her. ~ What an event! After the meal plan meeting, I was expecting the absolute worst, but the day turned out quite well regardless. By the time 3pm came around I was ready for a nap and a big lunch....did someone say McDonalds?!
I still think the concept is brilliant....but I may request a different kitchen location/group....or just join the DDRC myself....as by the end of the day I felt like an honorary member.

Oh! This cookbook has also come my way, "Frozen Assests" by Deborah Taylor-Hough and tonight the Pork Rice Skillet Bake was tried and a sucessful attempt according to my little family.

Frozen Assets

Finally after being waitlisted I was accepted into a Community Kitchen group. The purpose is to meet once a month to meal plan based on the current grocery sale flyers, then two days later meet again and complete the mass cook and of course take home your prepared meals to freeze. Mealtime takes less decision making, less convenience meals and it's economical. Brilliant concept!
So, having explained the brilliance of this idea...next picture the event I recently experienced. There are 5 members of the kitchen I was placed in . Two of us are new members and three belong to the DDRC. Apparently the DDRC felt this would be a good opportunity to "socialize". One gal brought her two case workers along, both of whom looked like they walked off the runways of Paris. Imagine "The Devil Wears Prada" in a low budget cooking show. Really, are stilleto, tall boots safe in a cooking atmosphere? ~ One spent the day seated beside the coffee urn, consuming copious amounts of the bean beverage. She must have had heart palpitations! Every so often she would call out a request for "Coke", "Chips" or "Treat". Anytime someone in the kitchen would speak she would adamantly exclaim, "No!"....except when she got up to dance in the middle of the room to the radio tunes.~ Then the last lady watched, called me dear ALOT, and eventually told me "No" when for the fourth time that day I asked her if she needed a job to do. One batch of Veggie Chili was enough for her. ~ What an event! After the meal plan meeting, I was expecting the absolute worst, but the day turned out quite well regardless. By the time 3pm came around I was ready for a nap and a big lunch....did someone say McDonalds?!
I still think the concept is brilliant....but I may request a different kitchen location/group....or just join the DDRC myself....as by the end of the day I felt like an honorary member.

Oh! This cookbook has also come my way, "Frozen Assests" by Deborah Taylor-Hough and tonight the Pork Rice Skillet Bake was tried and a sucessful attempt according to my little family.

Self-diapering

W has been shirking his naps now and then. So today while waiting for him to fall asleep during his morning nap time, I thought nothing of letting him complain for awhile. After 20 min I entered his darkened room with the intentions of repeating the sleep routine. But what did my nostrils find?
Yuck!
Obviously there was a reason for W's complaints. So,the light is turned on and dialogue begins to explain that his diaper will be changed and then it's back to bed.
Wait a minute! Upon looking into his crib I find there at the end is a little boy crying with his sleeping bag 3/4 undone, bare legs sticking out and....at the other end of the crib the "yuck" dirty diaper. How did it get off & there?! Oh, I was dreading picking him up...what kind of mess would there be?
After cleanup it was back to bed, only to come in AGAIN and find a little boy with a bare bottom and a DRY diaper at the opposite end of the crib. Ugh!

Self-diapering

W has been shirking his naps now and then. So today while waiting for him to fall asleep during his morning nap time, I thought nothing of letting him complain for awhile. After 20 min I entered his darkened room with the intentions of repeating the sleep routine. But what did my nostrils find?
Yuck!
Obviously there was a reason for W's complaints. So,the light is turned on and dialogue begins to explain that his diaper will be changed and then it's back to bed.
Wait a minute! Upon looking into his crib I find there at the end is a little boy crying with his sleeping bag 3/4 undone, bare legs sticking out and....at the other end of the crib the "yuck" dirty diaper. How did it get off & there?! Oh, I was dreading picking him up...what kind of mess would there be?
After cleanup it was back to bed, only to come in AGAIN and find a little boy with a bare bottom and a DRY diaper at the opposite end of the crib. Ugh!

Blessings of Babies

Dear friends of ours were blessed with lovely little babies on Saturday. These tiny ones arrived a few months early....I guess they couldn't wait to come out, join the world, and meet their family face to face! Although an early arrival, they are of fairly good size & health for their age. So, any loving prayers of "keep growing and stay healthy" sent their way would be most appreciated.

Blessings of Babies

Dear friends of ours were blessed with lovely little babies on Saturday. These tiny ones arrived a few months early....I guess they couldn't wait to come out, join the world, and meet their family face to face! Although an early arrival, they are of fairly good size & health for their age. So, any loving prayers of "keep growing and stay healthy" sent their way would be most appreciated.

Buffalo Swiss Steak is Shipwrecked

Steak is not my favorite food. In all truth, I could happily leave it rather than take it. However, we had this modest bison steak to consume as my little mom blessed us with 50 lbs of Bison. So, I decided to "Swiss Steak" it, in the crock pot....not the best decision ever. It was OK....very similiar to an over-done roast (reminiscent of my mother's era when it comes to cooking roast), so after perusing cookbooks the left-overs became a "Shipwreck" Casserole, thanks to the down home recipes found in a 4H Favorites Cookbook.

Hmmm...4H was an organization that as a rural Albertan I did not belong too, although many of my school friends did, including my favorite husband (Grand Champion winner!), yet somehow I have managed to collect ALL their cookbooks. Thanks Mom!

Oh, please, let this be the last bison steak in our deep freeze! Acutally, I think there's one remaining....hopefully there will not be a future entry detailing how I "butchered" the bison.

Buffalo Swiss Steak is Shipwrecked

Steak is not my favorite food. In all truth, I could happily leave it rather than take it. However, we had this modest bison steak to consume as my little mom blessed us with 50 lbs of Bison. So, I decided to "Swiss Steak" it, in the crock pot....not the best decision ever. It was OK....very similiar to an over-done roast (reminiscent of my mother's era when it comes to cooking roast), so after perusing cookbooks the left-overs became a "Shipwreck" Casserole, thanks to the down home recipes found in a 4H Favorites Cookbook.

Hmmm...4H was an organization that as a rural Albertan I did not belong too, although many of my school friends did, including my favorite husband (Grand Champion winner!), yet somehow I have managed to collect ALL their cookbooks. Thanks Mom!

Oh, please, let this be the last bison steak in our deep freeze! Acutally, I think there's one remaining....hopefully there will not be a future entry detailing how I "butchered" the bison.

Space Boy

The man in the moon

Looked out of the moon

And this is what he said,

"Tis time that,

now I'm getting up,

All babies went to bed." ~ Author Unknown, Nursery Rhyme

Space Boy

The man in the moon

Looked out of the moon

And this is what he said,

"Tis time that,

now I'm getting up,

All babies went to bed." ~ Author Unknown, Nursery Rhyme

Do you know the Muffin Man?

"Do you know the Muffin Man?"

"The Muffin Man? Yes, I know the Muffin Man. He lives on Drury Lane." ~ Shrek 2

Do you know the Muffin Man?

"Do you know the Muffin Man?"

"The Muffin Man? Yes, I know the Muffin Man. He lives on Drury Lane." ~ Shrek 2

17 Months

17 Months and oh so much accomplished! W has sprouted 5 more teeth (including 3 molars) over the past month...all the better to bite me with! Well, it doesn't happen often but he has been known to sample my arms. They must be tasty as right now they're bruised from a little chomp or two.

On Christmas Day W mastered climbing onto the kitchen chairs and the table. He's pretty good at sitting on the chairs now (rather than standing & dancing as was his first preference) and he mainly stays off the table yet has been known to help himself to a banana (skin & all!).

Communicating is big on W's list and I'm sure this skill will take off in the next few months. Dog, Oof-oof (that's what a dog says), UCK (yuck), oh-oh, oh no, Bra (Brad) and with MUCH prompting Mom-mom. He signs more, eat, bird, and is trying others as well.

Bellybuttons have slightly lost their intrigue...yet mine was thoroughly examined in IKEA last week.

Climbing up and down the stairs on his own are a regular routine and he has also started walking out to the truck while holding a parent's hand too. This is a nice progression for me, yet I couldn't help but feel nostalgic and missing my baby as I watched W & B walk out to the truck last Saturday morning as left for the Motorcycle Show. **Sigh** W is growing up so fast.

His funny, little sense of humor often takes me by surprise as he likes to tease and be teased. He loves to be chased around the kitchen island and living room and will persue you as well all the while laughing his great belly laugh. We're trying to encourage being a loving child....he tolerates our hugs & kisses, sometimes will give them in return and often hugs smaller children when we are out at play areas, etc. He even chased one boy down to hug him for the second time. That poor little fella didn't know what to think or how to get away!

So, our growth continues...ours as much as W's....hopefully all three of us will grow and change for the better.

17 Months

17 Months and oh so much accomplished! W has sprouted 5 more teeth (including 3 molars) over the past month...all the better to bite me with! Well, it doesn't happen often but he has been known to sample my arms. They must be tasty as right now they're bruised from a little chomp or two.

On Christmas Day W mastered climbing onto the kitchen chairs and the table. He's pretty good at sitting on the chairs now (rather than standing & dancing as was his first preference) and he mainly stays off the table yet has been known to help himself to a banana (skin & all!).

Communicating is big on W's list and I'm sure this skill will take off in the next few months. Dog, Oof-oof (that's what a dog says), UCK (yuck), oh-oh, oh no, Bra (Brad) and with MUCH prompting Mom-mom. He signs more, eat, bird, and is trying others as well.

Bellybuttons have slightly lost their intrigue...yet mine was thoroughly examined in IKEA last week.

Climbing up and down the stairs on his own are a regular routine and he has also started walking out to the truck while holding a parent's hand too. This is a nice progression for me, yet I couldn't help but feel nostalgic and missing my baby as I watched W & B walk out to the truck last Saturday morning as left for the Motorcycle Show. **Sigh** W is growing up so fast.

His funny, little sense of humor often takes me by surprise as he likes to tease and be teased. He loves to be chased around the kitchen island and living room and will persue you as well all the while laughing his great belly laugh. We're trying to encourage being a loving child....he tolerates our hugs & kisses, sometimes will give them in return and often hugs smaller children when we are out at play areas, etc. He even chased one boy down to hug him for the second time. That poor little fella didn't know what to think or how to get away!

So, our growth continues...ours as much as W's....hopefully all three of us will grow and change for the better.

Conundrum

Recently a surprising and lovely little business proposition came my way...a half time, short term, HR position. How flattering to be wanted and that my skills haven't been forgotten and left a lasting positive impression!
So...now... what's my decision?
It was definately a difficult one and every possible scenario has been playing through my mind. To use my HR skills again would be fun, especially knowing it's only until mid April. Plus being around adults on a daily basis would be a treat and this would also serve to remind me why I choose to be a stay-at-home parent.
Next the question is how do I leave W on a daily basis, where would he go, how would I find quality care, what kind of impact would this have on him especially with a sibling to arrive within a month of ending the term position and where would I find the energy to work out of the home, work in the home with my toddler-boss and of course, adapt to all the changes of the last trimester.
Seaching for a day home in the area proved fruitless....most are full, the homes with vacancies are wanting older children (3 yrs & up)....so the decision is made for me. That's the easy way out because as enjoyable and fun as it would be to work elsewhere for the next couple of months, the thought of upsetting W's life (especially with a bigger change coming in the spring) really tore at my heart strings. It just didn't feel right.
Maybe I'm overreacting. Other parents take on much larger commitments. However, whether right or wrong, at this moment, remaining a full time stay at home parent feels like the best choice for us.

Conundrum

Recently a surprising and lovely little business proposition came my way...a half time, short term, HR position. How flattering to be wanted and that my skills haven't been forgotten and left a lasting positive impression!
So...now... what's my decision?
It was definately a difficult one and every possible scenario has been playing through my mind. To use my HR skills again would be fun, especially knowing it's only until mid April. Plus being around adults on a daily basis would be a treat and this would also serve to remind me why I choose to be a stay-at-home parent.
Next the question is how do I leave W on a daily basis, where would he go, how would I find quality care, what kind of impact would this have on him especially with a sibling to arrive within a month of ending the term position and where would I find the energy to work out of the home, work in the home with my toddler-boss and of course, adapt to all the changes of the last trimester.
Seaching for a day home in the area proved fruitless....most are full, the homes with vacancies are wanting older children (3 yrs & up)....so the decision is made for me. That's the easy way out because as enjoyable and fun as it would be to work elsewhere for the next couple of months, the thought of upsetting W's life (especially with a bigger change coming in the spring) really tore at my heart strings. It just didn't feel right.
Maybe I'm overreacting. Other parents take on much larger commitments. However, whether right or wrong, at this moment, remaining a full time stay at home parent feels like the best choice for us.

Cool in the Pool

The Men's Moment....
W & B are starting swim classes again. Lil' Tots 1 at the Southland Leisure Centre. This is their third session of swimming and should prove to be even more fun than the previous ones. Now that W can walk (and run and climb!), blow bubbles and still splash like crazy their class should be quite the event. I can just see W jumping off the side of the pool into B's arms....and B trying to chase W down at some point or alligator wrestle him in order to change out of his swimming costume. Too fun!

(As I write this there appears to be hammering sounds coming from W's room. Now, there are no renovations taking place there and he is to be napping. Upon investigating, I find a GroBag clad little boy standing in his crib, banging with all his might on the wall. Oh so fun! After pulling his bed away from the wall I attempted to rock/sing again (while he made snorting noises). He is now cooing/whining....and PUHLEEESE let him fall asleep soon!)

Cool in the Pool

The Men's Moment....
W & B are starting swim classes again. Lil' Tots 1 at the Southland Leisure Centre. This is their third session of swimming and should prove to be even more fun than the previous ones. Now that W can walk (and run and climb!), blow bubbles and still splash like crazy their class should be quite the event. I can just see W jumping off the side of the pool into B's arms....and B trying to chase W down at some point or alligator wrestle him in order to change out of his swimming costume. Too fun!

(As I write this there appears to be hammering sounds coming from W's room. Now, there are no renovations taking place there and he is to be napping. Upon investigating, I find a GroBag clad little boy standing in his crib, banging with all his might on the wall. Oh so fun! After pulling his bed away from the wall I attempted to rock/sing again (while he made snorting noises). He is now cooing/whining....and PUHLEEESE let him fall asleep soon!)

Time-Out

No, this entry isn't about disciplining our little W. Although there are times when it's required...when the tantrums take over and he loses his mind...thankfully those moments aren't daily or I would lose my mind too! The professional parenting specialists are at odds about "time-outs"...pro & con. Let me be the first to say...I need one!
So, this Wed I will be registering myself into a weekly Wed am Time-Out group where mom's meet to learn a craft, take painting classes, knit, etc and the Little's attend childcare where they can play, make noise, and make new friends. It sounds like a win-win situation to me!

Time-Out

No, this entry isn't about disciplining our little W. Although there are times when it's required...when the tantrums take over and he loses his mind...thankfully those moments aren't daily or I would lose my mind too! The professional parenting specialists are at odds about "time-outs"...pro & con. Let me be the first to say...I need one!
So, this Wed I will be registering myself into a weekly Wed am Time-Out group where mom's meet to learn a craft, take painting classes, knit, etc and the Little's attend childcare where they can play, make noise, and make new friends. It sounds like a win-win situation to me!

Perfect Piggies

...'cause they're just too cute!

Who said you can take the farm out of the girl?

Perfect Piggies

...'cause they're just too cute!

Who said you can take the farm out of the girl?

Family Gatherings

Over the holidays we were blessed to spend time with extended family. This included a large gathering of my side of the family for a Christmas celebration on Dec 30. Thank goodness we rented the Senior's Centre as there was 33 of us. With only a few kids in tears from time to time, two who were sick to their stomach, and lots of laughter...a great time was had by all.

The following day brought us together with a few members of B's extended family including a much overdue visit with Great Grampa A. It was a lovely luncheon with only a few glitches. W managed to manhandle a cactus and had a hand full of stickers as a war wound. This was before he bonked poor Great Grampa A in the noggin with the cane. Our little shepard was a bit over zealous! Regardless, Great Grampa A was quite pleased with W and happy to have his family visit. (We'll return once W has better stick handling control with a cane!)

Family Gatherings

Over the holidays we were blessed to spend time with extended family. This included a large gathering of my side of the family for a Christmas celebration on Dec 30. Thank goodness we rented the Senior's Centre as there was 33 of us. With only a few kids in tears from time to time, two who were sick to their stomach, and lots of laughter...a great time was had by all.

The following day brought us together with a few members of B's extended family including a much overdue visit with Great Grampa A. It was a lovely luncheon with only a few glitches. W managed to manhandle a cactus and had a hand full of stickers as a war wound. This was before he bonked poor Great Grampa A in the noggin with the cane. Our little shepard was a bit over zealous! Regardless, Great Grampa A was quite pleased with W and happy to have his family visit. (We'll return once W has better stick handling control with a cane!)

Full Moon Freak Out

As per the calendar tonight is a full moon. Have you heard the "wives tales" of how people and animals go a little wonky during a full moon? Oh, let me testify that these are not tales but oh so true. After working in health care there is nothing that can dispute my conviction about this. Once upon a time I worked in a long term care centre. During one particular full moon a Resident was wheeling in circles whining over and over..."I don't know who I am or where I'm at, I don't know who I am or where I'm at..." to which another equally confused Resident patted the lady burning doughnuts in her wheelchair on the arm and compassionately stated, "That's nice Dear!"
Now, there are more tales to be told, but I shall hold my tongue (or in this case my fingers).
My query tonight is this, if a full moon brings out the craziness in people, why is it that tonight I feel more normal and sane than I have in days?

Full Moon Freak Out

As per the calendar tonight is a full moon. Have you heard the "wives tales" of how people and animals go a little wonky during a full moon? Oh, let me testify that these are not tales but oh so true. After working in health care there is nothing that can dispute my conviction about this. Once upon a time I worked in a long term care centre. During one particular full moon a Resident was wheeling in circles whining over and over..."I don't know who I am or where I'm at, I don't know who I am or where I'm at..." to which another equally confused Resident patted the lady burning doughnuts in her wheelchair on the arm and compassionately stated, "That's nice Dear!"
Now, there are more tales to be told, but I shall hold my tongue (or in this case my fingers).
My query tonight is this, if a full moon brings out the craziness in people, why is it that tonight I feel more normal and sane than I have in days?