Greased Lightning

Nap time follies.

Vaseline takes DAYS to wash out of hair! And the change table is now out of the bedroom.

Greased Lightning

Nap time follies.

Vaseline takes DAYS to wash out of hair! And the change table is now out of the bedroom.

Festive Blustery Fun

Today we started a new family tradition by taking in a Santa Claus Parade. This one was held in Fort McLeod and despite the wicked winds it was worth the effort. W loved it. He was mesmerized by the marching bands, floats and all. His first parade! Our little R was tucked out of the wind, safely lying down in the stroller, probably wondering what the heck was going through our minds to drag him out, almost roll the stroller onto it's side due to a wind gust, and sit on the street for 30 minutes. Crazy adults. But it was fun and I can't wait to do it again next year.

Parade attendance is exhausting! As noted in the boys below.

Festive Blustery Fun

Today we started a new family tradition by taking in a Santa Claus Parade. This one was held in Fort McLeod and despite the wicked winds it was worth the effort. W loved it. He was mesmerized by the marching bands, floats and all. His first parade! Our little R was tucked out of the wind, safely lying down in the stroller, probably wondering what the heck was going through our minds to drag him out, almost roll the stroller onto it's side due to a wind gust, and sit on the street for 30 minutes. Crazy adults. But it was fun and I can't wait to do it again next year.

Parade attendance is exhausting! As noted in the boys below.

The Boys

W hit the 27 month mark earlier this month and R is now 6 months. Amazing. It's all happening so quickly!

W continues to surprise us with the busyness of his character. He is always on the go! Recently he saw part of a football game on TV so now he plays football. Which includes running around the house and then dropping to the floor as he is "tackle!". He also plays hockey which is a "shoots scores! oh no tripping!" scenario. He drops to the ground in a hurry immediately after shooting the puck. Then there's his figure skating moves which are too cute. I think we may have the beginnings of an athlete on our hands. ~ Hopefully the illnesses of this fall are far behind us so that W will have good health. What a trooper! He never complained once...but then again he is only 2yrs. ~ The art of communication continues to explode. Yesterday he walked by the baby who was adorned in a winter hat, jester style, to which W stated, "Nice hat. Funny hat!" He also will tell me "One time" with his little index finger held up beside his face when he is trying to convince me that it's okay for him to do this, whatever this may be at that moment. "Whoopies" for Ooopsy. He calls me "Hunny Bunny...Good night Hunny Bunny" and talks out loud about his thoughts, which are too cute & funny, ie "Anum pick nose" about his little friend.~ The latest and greatest though is the refusal to remain in bed. This is the current bane of my existence. Gone are the toys & furniture from his room, the gro-bag is now extinct and so is my patience at times. I long for the days of easy-to-bed. I was so spoiled! So, this Sunday W graduates to a toddler bed. Another stage, more proof that my little man is growing up.

R continues to be the sweetest, most content little fella. He's just a happy, easy doll. Which scares me as I think he's pointedly conserving energy until he's a toddler! R's face lights up when he smiles and it's quite easy to obtain a smile. He loves being talked to, smiled at and held high above your head...that even brings a giggle. R is on the move as he rolls about and grabs anything of interest. Now that he's 6 mths we'll be attempting solid food which he seems quite interested in. He's a fairly good sleeper. There are nights that he sleeps through and then others when he's up once for a feed or decides that 4am is the start of the day. Ugh! ~ At the 6mth immunization appt he was such a trooper as he didn't cry for the first needle, and quickly stopped crying after #2 & #3 ...just as soon as I held him against my shoulder for a snuggle. My little toughie. The growth spurts continue....just 22.5 lbs & 29 inches tall. I look at the size 18 month clothes that he's wearing and think, "These CAN'T fit, they're so big". They do though as he's quickly growing and changing which makes me wish that I could place a pause in time so that my littlest man doesn't move onwards so quickly. *Sigh* The perils of motherhood. Don't blink.

The Boys

W hit the 27 month mark earlier this month and R is now 6 months. Amazing. It's all happening so quickly!

W continues to surprise us with the busyness of his character. He is always on the go! Recently he saw part of a football game on TV so now he plays football. Which includes running around the house and then dropping to the floor as he is "tackle!". He also plays hockey which is a "shoots scores! oh no tripping!" scenario. He drops to the ground in a hurry immediately after shooting the puck. Then there's his figure skating moves which are too cute. I think we may have the beginnings of an athlete on our hands. ~ Hopefully the illnesses of this fall are far behind us so that W will have good health. What a trooper! He never complained once...but then again he is only 2yrs. ~ The art of communication continues to explode. Yesterday he walked by the baby who was adorned in a winter hat, jester style, to which W stated, "Nice hat. Funny hat!" He also will tell me "One time" with his little index finger held up beside his face when he is trying to convince me that it's okay for him to do this, whatever this may be at that moment. "Whoopies" for Ooopsy. He calls me "Hunny Bunny...Good night Hunny Bunny" and talks out loud about his thoughts, which are too cute & funny, ie "Anum pick nose" about his little friend.~ The latest and greatest though is the refusal to remain in bed. This is the current bane of my existence. Gone are the toys & furniture from his room, the gro-bag is now extinct and so is my patience at times. I long for the days of easy-to-bed. I was so spoiled! So, this Sunday W graduates to a toddler bed. Another stage, more proof that my little man is growing up.

R continues to be the sweetest, most content little fella. He's just a happy, easy doll. Which scares me as I think he's pointedly conserving energy until he's a toddler! R's face lights up when he smiles and it's quite easy to obtain a smile. He loves being talked to, smiled at and held high above your head...that even brings a giggle. R is on the move as he rolls about and grabs anything of interest. Now that he's 6 mths we'll be attempting solid food which he seems quite interested in. He's a fairly good sleeper. There are nights that he sleeps through and then others when he's up once for a feed or decides that 4am is the start of the day. Ugh! ~ At the 6mth immunization appt he was such a trooper as he didn't cry for the first needle, and quickly stopped crying after #2 & #3 ...just as soon as I held him against my shoulder for a snuggle. My little toughie. The growth spurts continue....just 22.5 lbs & 29 inches tall. I look at the size 18 month clothes that he's wearing and think, "These CAN'T fit, they're so big". They do though as he's quickly growing and changing which makes me wish that I could place a pause in time so that my littlest man doesn't move onwards so quickly. *Sigh* The perils of motherhood. Don't blink.

Rambling

Often throughout my day or when I'm lying in bed trying to return to sleep after a 4am feed, interesting blog entries come to mind. Then of course they disappear and I sit in this chair wishing I was wittier and more interesting than I am these days.
New Model. I need a new model of me. This one I have is kind of in disrepair and it's going to take ALOT of effort to get it back to good condition. Do I have the energy? The STAMINA. That's what I need...Stamina. And then there's the problem of ADD when it comes to taking care of myself. I lose my focus. Get distracted. Like, okay, let's eat healthy, cut out the bread products and oh I feel like baking. Mmmm...Pea Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Mmmmm...they taste even better the following day. Oh I ate the whole container? Oops! Have you seen my behind? EeeGads! Again, with the need to focus. I'm like all dementia bound when it comes to staying on track.
Then there's my hair....I need hairapy. Something a little funky, a little edgey, yet I'm wanting to grow it out. How does THAT work? This is cute, a little Kirsten Criminal Minds "Do" in brunette? Plus, she's not hollywood thin and I like her & her hair even more for that reason. Okay, shall I now confess that I cut my own bangs last night? Is there a 12 step program for that? Now, I have an appt here for some much needed help.
What I would really like is an all expenses paid appointment here for a true makeover. Again, due to the lack of motivation and focus. Not REALLY, but wouldn't it be great to just pick your part and voila! all is well and perfect and smooth and not being tucked into your waistband?
This ramble must end. There are only a few fine minutes left for me to catch a quick nap before the boys are awake.
Happy Thursday my friends.

Rambling

Often throughout my day or when I'm lying in bed trying to return to sleep after a 4am feed, interesting blog entries come to mind. Then of course they disappear and I sit in this chair wishing I was wittier and more interesting than I am these days.
New Model. I need a new model of me. This one I have is kind of in disrepair and it's going to take ALOT of effort to get it back to good condition. Do I have the energy? The STAMINA. That's what I need...Stamina. And then there's the problem of ADD when it comes to taking care of myself. I lose my focus. Get distracted. Like, okay, let's eat healthy, cut out the bread products and oh I feel like baking. Mmmm...Pea Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Mmmmm...they taste even better the following day. Oh I ate the whole container? Oops! Have you seen my behind? EeeGads! Again, with the need to focus. I'm like all dementia bound when it comes to staying on track.
Then there's my hair....I need hairapy. Something a little funky, a little edgey, yet I'm wanting to grow it out. How does THAT work? This is cute, a little Kirsten Criminal Minds "Do" in brunette? Plus, she's not hollywood thin and I like her & her hair even more for that reason. Okay, shall I now confess that I cut my own bangs last night? Is there a 12 step program for that? Now, I have an appt here for some much needed help.
What I would really like is an all expenses paid appointment here for a true makeover. Again, due to the lack of motivation and focus. Not REALLY, but wouldn't it be great to just pick your part and voila! all is well and perfect and smooth and not being tucked into your waistband?
This ramble must end. There are only a few fine minutes left for me to catch a quick nap before the boys are awake.
Happy Thursday my friends.

Fa La La La La, La La La La

T'is the busy season for choir again.
Our first public performance of the season is this Friday the 16th at the Red Deer Lake United Church for the Red Deer Lake Community Variety Concert. Chili supper ($5) at 6pm and Entertainment ($10) at 7pm. We're first on the roster...wuhoo! Our repetoire will include: Lullaby of Broadway, Twinkling of an Eye, Cole Porter Medley, Winter Sleighride and Winter Fantasy.
This season we're entertaining at a variety of senior's centres and then on January 6th is "the 12th Night" in which we, as well as several other choirs, perform a last chance of Christmas music event. This too is held at RDLUC.
If you're looking for a little chorale entertainment, come check us out. I don't promise professionals, just spirited.

Fa La La La La, La La La La

T'is the busy season for choir again.
Our first public performance of the season is this Friday the 16th at the Red Deer Lake United Church for the Red Deer Lake Community Variety Concert. Chili supper ($5) at 6pm and Entertainment ($10) at 7pm. We're first on the roster...wuhoo! Our repetoire will include: Lullaby of Broadway, Twinkling of an Eye, Cole Porter Medley, Winter Sleighride and Winter Fantasy.
This season we're entertaining at a variety of senior's centres and then on January 6th is "the 12th Night" in which we, as well as several other choirs, perform a last chance of Christmas music event. This too is held at RDLUC.
If you're looking for a little chorale entertainment, come check us out. I don't promise professionals, just spirited.

Silent Auction

The Ladies Time Out to which I belong to is fundraising with a Silent Auction. The ONLY item on auction is 4 tickets to the New Year's Eve Calgary Flames game against the Vancouver Canucks (at the Dome) and two Flames Sweatshirts, Hoodies and Touques. This package is valued at $700. Bidding starts at $200 if anyone is interested just let me know.
The monies raised will go towards our ladies group: space rental, childcare, etc.

Silent Auction

The Ladies Time Out to which I belong to is fundraising with a Silent Auction. The ONLY item on auction is 4 tickets to the New Year's Eve Calgary Flames game against the Vancouver Canucks (at the Dome) and two Flames Sweatshirts, Hoodies and Touques. This package is valued at $700. Bidding starts at $200 if anyone is interested just let me know.
The monies raised will go towards our ladies group: space rental, childcare, etc.

Remembering

I remember. I remember a friend from days gone by who served over seas as a MP with the UN on a "peacekeeping" mission. The term peacekeeping should be used ever so lightly as usually these missions are filled with fire and fear and death and destruction. Anyway, I remember his memories, his stories, reading his letters from that time and the things he went through but hadn't spoken about since returning home years previously. I remember the sadness this brought to my heart. And on days like this I remember this long lost friend and wish him well....hoping the demons from those days overseas are gone, buried, and resting.

I remember another friend who served our country for years, went to Vietnam twice and on countless other missions. I remember his stories and memories that he has freely shared with me. I am grateful to him for his lessons & ability to share.

I remember growing up near one of our large military bases and being extremely negative and rude in regards to the personnel that lived on that base. We called them hurtful nicknames behind their backs, "worms". I remember being slightly afraid of the soldiers and being utterly ignorant to what they were training for and why they were enlisted. I remember this with shame.

I remember attending Remembrance Day services at the Jubilee with a friend and having tears in my eyes throughout the whole service and in recent years having the same response to the service in my small home town, close to that base I belittled as a kid, the same small town that now has young men enlisted, the same small town that as a teen I played in the band during Remembrance Day services but at that time only thought about how great it was to have a day off school.

Today I remember all of this and hope to someday pass on the deserved respect for this day and all it's people to my sons.

What do you remember?

Remembering

I remember. I remember a friend from days gone by who served over seas as a MP with the UN on a "peacekeeping" mission. The term peacekeeping should be used ever so lightly as usually these missions are filled with fire and fear and death and destruction. Anyway, I remember his memories, his stories, reading his letters from that time and the things he went through but hadn't spoken about since returning home years previously. I remember the sadness this brought to my heart. And on days like this I remember this long lost friend and wish him well....hoping the demons from those days overseas are gone, buried, and resting.

I remember another friend who served our country for years, went to Vietnam twice and on countless other missions. I remember his stories and memories that he has freely shared with me. I am grateful to him for his lessons & ability to share.

I remember growing up near one of our large military bases and being extremely negative and rude in regards to the personnel that lived on that base. We called them hurtful nicknames behind their backs, "worms". I remember being slightly afraid of the soldiers and being utterly ignorant to what they were training for and why they were enlisted. I remember this with shame.

I remember attending Remembrance Day services at the Jubilee with a friend and having tears in my eyes throughout the whole service and in recent years having the same response to the service in my small home town, close to that base I belittled as a kid, the same small town that now has young men enlisted, the same small town that as a teen I played in the band during Remembrance Day services but at that time only thought about how great it was to have a day off school.

Today I remember all of this and hope to someday pass on the deserved respect for this day and all it's people to my sons.

What do you remember?

Let there be health! Oh & sleep too!!

So after weeks of mucous and coughing and little sleep for all things seem to be settling down in the RWB household. Baby R is absolutely healthy except for the minor problem of blocked tear ducts. Today he had his 5 month appt (a little late) and our babe is slowing down on the growth charts; at 22.5 lbs & 28 in tall. It amazes me that at 5 months old he's the same size W was at a year old. And we're to start solids in a few weeks. Like really, does he need them? It just sounds like one more chore to me. Oh well. Now that he's approaching 6 months it's time to address sleep. R loves to be rocked to sleep, sleep in your arms awhile before hitting his own bed and he does not sleep through the night. Once in a while he treats me to an all-nighter but usually he's up once to feed. Given that he's the size of a 1yr old, I really think he can make it through without a top up...soooo...Sunday may be the day that I "train" him to sleep without rocking and to sleep through the night. Yes, this is all for my benefit and the thought of getting there gives me hives, but once we're there...WUHOO!
Our boy W is on the mend as well.No more green goopy nose, no more coughing, no more waking in the night for a "piece of toast", no more antibiotics....Yay!! He's funny these days...last night at dinner he called me a turkey. "Turkey Mommy!" ha ha ha.
And me...I am mending too. Thank goodness. It's amazing what this motherhood business will call you to ignore and just persevere through. After my second chest xray this week, it seems that I may have had pneumonia...which is what my right lung is telling the Doc. Pneumonia...must have been the Walking Pneumonia, the Caring for Children Cannot Rest Pneumonia. No wonder I felt like such crap, but did I take a day off? Did I lie down in my bed and die like I so wanted to on many occasions? Nope. Just mothered through it. Not sure how I feel about that. Kind of superheroish in a stupid and hopeful I'll listen to my body & that it'll never happen again kind of way.
It's onwards and upwards now. Onwards to good health and good sleep. My wishes for you all too....good health and good sleep.

Let there be health! Oh & sleep too!!

So after weeks of mucous and coughing and little sleep for all things seem to be settling down in the RWB household. Baby R is absolutely healthy except for the minor problem of blocked tear ducts. Today he had his 5 month appt (a little late) and our babe is slowing down on the growth charts; at 22.5 lbs & 28 in tall. It amazes me that at 5 months old he's the same size W was at a year old. And we're to start solids in a few weeks. Like really, does he need them? It just sounds like one more chore to me. Oh well. Now that he's approaching 6 months it's time to address sleep. R loves to be rocked to sleep, sleep in your arms awhile before hitting his own bed and he does not sleep through the night. Once in a while he treats me to an all-nighter but usually he's up once to feed. Given that he's the size of a 1yr old, I really think he can make it through without a top up...soooo...Sunday may be the day that I "train" him to sleep without rocking and to sleep through the night. Yes, this is all for my benefit and the thought of getting there gives me hives, but once we're there...WUHOO!
Our boy W is on the mend as well.No more green goopy nose, no more coughing, no more waking in the night for a "piece of toast", no more antibiotics....Yay!! He's funny these days...last night at dinner he called me a turkey. "Turkey Mommy!" ha ha ha.
And me...I am mending too. Thank goodness. It's amazing what this motherhood business will call you to ignore and just persevere through. After my second chest xray this week, it seems that I may have had pneumonia...which is what my right lung is telling the Doc. Pneumonia...must have been the Walking Pneumonia, the Caring for Children Cannot Rest Pneumonia. No wonder I felt like such crap, but did I take a day off? Did I lie down in my bed and die like I so wanted to on many occasions? Nope. Just mothered through it. Not sure how I feel about that. Kind of superheroish in a stupid and hopeful I'll listen to my body & that it'll never happen again kind of way.
It's onwards and upwards now. Onwards to good health and good sleep. My wishes for you all too....good health and good sleep.

Are you Blue?

Forget green, we're going blue!

Recycling is the bain of me & FH's existance. We do not have a good system in place and it seems to pile up (in the kitchen) before making it to the recycle box out doors, then it's up to FH to organize and deliver all the goods to the recycle bins at our local grocers. Of course, they don't accept nearly enough product, ie: plastics. I believe in recycling, but I hate doing it. Until now! We're joining Recycle Blue Inc. For as little as $11.48 per month they will come to our door weekly and pick up our recyclables, a much larger selection than we can deliver to the City's bins. I'm so excited! It'll be easier for FH as there is no delivery on his part and now it's a weekly pick up which means we shouldn't collect nearly as much. Wuhoo!

One little effort in reducing our footprint on the planet. Now if only there was a diaper duty besides cloth.....

Then there's the subject of composting. I know we should. But we don't. And I don't want to. It grosses me out, besides I don't have a garden where would I put it plus I have this idea that it will increase rodents in our yard. We already have a resident mouse on our deck who visits W and I during breakfast every morning. You know, I would much rather have a garburator than compost. There's my next project/wish list....install garburator.

Are you Blue?

Forget green, we're going blue!

Recycling is the bain of me & FH's existance. We do not have a good system in place and it seems to pile up (in the kitchen) before making it to the recycle box out doors, then it's up to FH to organize and deliver all the goods to the recycle bins at our local grocers. Of course, they don't accept nearly enough product, ie: plastics. I believe in recycling, but I hate doing it. Until now! We're joining Recycle Blue Inc. For as little as $11.48 per month they will come to our door weekly and pick up our recyclables, a much larger selection than we can deliver to the City's bins. I'm so excited! It'll be easier for FH as there is no delivery on his part and now it's a weekly pick up which means we shouldn't collect nearly as much. Wuhoo!

One little effort in reducing our footprint on the planet. Now if only there was a diaper duty besides cloth.....

Then there's the subject of composting. I know we should. But we don't. And I don't want to. It grosses me out, besides I don't have a garden where would I put it plus I have this idea that it will increase rodents in our yard. We already have a resident mouse on our deck who visits W and I during breakfast every morning. You know, I would much rather have a garburator than compost. There's my next project/wish list....install garburator.

Halloween

Earlier in the day W displayed a bit of a meltdown when it came time to wear his puppy costume and visit the neighbors. I wish the camera had been with me when he was lying near the curb, in the leaves, crying...as frustrating as it was for both of us it was kind of funny & cute to see this giant shaggy puppy having a tantrum on the side of the road. (Ah...Bad Mom Award will be delivered later this week.)

After answering the door for trick or treaters he decided it would be okay to dress up again. We only went to one house, the next door neighbors, as I think he's still to young to understand Halloween. But none the less we all had a fun Halloween. I wish it came more often!

Another funny point was when W's "chocolate chip" (mini coffee crisp bar) melted in his hand. He opened his little hand to see all the melted chocolate and immediately started requesting "Soap! Wash!" This little puppy does not like having his paws dirty. It's quite funny and must be genetic because there are rumours about a certain FH who had the same dislikes as a little boy.

Boo! to you all.

Halloween

Earlier in the day W displayed a bit of a meltdown when it came time to wear his puppy costume and visit the neighbors. I wish the camera had been with me when he was lying near the curb, in the leaves, crying...as frustrating as it was for both of us it was kind of funny & cute to see this giant shaggy puppy having a tantrum on the side of the road. (Ah...Bad Mom Award will be delivered later this week.)

After answering the door for trick or treaters he decided it would be okay to dress up again. We only went to one house, the next door neighbors, as I think he's still to young to understand Halloween. But none the less we all had a fun Halloween. I wish it came more often!

Another funny point was when W's "chocolate chip" (mini coffee crisp bar) melted in his hand. He opened his little hand to see all the melted chocolate and immediately started requesting "Soap! Wash!" This little puppy does not like having his paws dirty. It's quite funny and must be genetic because there are rumours about a certain FH who had the same dislikes as a little boy.

Boo! to you all.