The Witching Hour & therefore I Should be...

...feeding my children

....shutting off that ridiculous "Night Garden" freaky show.

....cleaning.

....entertaining my children with educational yet fun & loving games/projects or letting them entertain me with child-led play.

....dumping the Diet Coke down the kitchen- sink drain instead of gulping it down hoping it will make me a better parent.

....bright eyed and pleasant.

....applying cosmetics and fresh clothing to esthetically please my husband upon his return from a stressful day at work.

....doing 100 sit ups in under a minute to tone my deeply secret, hidden 6 pack.

....booking an All Inclusive vacation at the Alberta Health Care funded Ponoka Resort.

....sleeping through the night, meditating, and praying intensely for the mental capacity to refrain from being such a nut-bar.

.....repeating the last bullet over and over and over and over again....after all it is ...

The Witching Hour!

What would should you be doing?

The Witching Hour & therefore I Should be...

...feeding my children

....shutting off that ridiculous "Night Garden" freaky show.

....cleaning.

....entertaining my children with educational yet fun & loving games/projects or letting them entertain me with child-led play.

....dumping the Diet Coke down the kitchen- sink drain instead of gulping it down hoping it will make me a better parent.

....bright eyed and pleasant.

....applying cosmetics and fresh clothing to esthetically please my husband upon his return from a stressful day at work.

....doing 100 sit ups in under a minute to tone my deeply secret, hidden 6 pack.

....booking an All Inclusive vacation at the Alberta Health Care funded Ponoka Resort.

....sleeping through the night, meditating, and praying intensely for the mental capacity to refrain from being such a nut-bar.

.....repeating the last bullet over and over and over and over again....after all it is ...

The Witching Hour!

What would should you be doing?

Baby Bup - Mr. Almost 2yrs!

Our sweet little babe has grown and changed and left us in the dust. Almost 2?! No! Stop the bus.

He's still my baby.

The "baby" who at 530am calls "Mommy, Mommy," and when Favorite Husband opens the bedroom door, Bup continues with "Wanna cookie."
Our 530am Cookie Monster who growls "Cookie" like he is the Cookie Monster and is obsessed with all things Elmo and Sesame Street. If you tell him "Elmos" is all finished, all gone, he starts naming all the other characters."Ernie? Bert? Bird?" One of them has to be available!
Guess what theme Bup's birthday will be?

Mr. Almost 2yrs is learning and changing everyday. I love this stage. I love watching him learn. I love witnessing him attempt to copy all that his big brother does (although it freaks me out too!). Love that he's still a little uncoordinated and his jumps are leaps with feet barely leaving the ground....love his drooly kissy face, love watching him clap, giggle, laugh & run.

I do not love his little temper tantrums, his hitting or throwing toys or the odd bite when frustrated but it's too cute when he quietly says, "Mommy" and comes to lay his head on me as he knows he's in trouble.

This one is going to be the child that rules the roost I think. Rules it with his cuteness and sweetness and ability to pull at your heart strings.

Baby Bup - Mr. Almost 2yrs!

Our sweet little babe has grown and changed and left us in the dust. Almost 2?! No! Stop the bus.

He's still my baby.

The "baby" who at 530am calls "Mommy, Mommy," and when Favorite Husband opens the bedroom door, Bup continues with "Wanna cookie."
Our 530am Cookie Monster who growls "Cookie" like he is the Cookie Monster and is obsessed with all things Elmo and Sesame Street. If you tell him "Elmos" is all finished, all gone, he starts naming all the other characters."Ernie? Bert? Bird?" One of them has to be available!
Guess what theme Bup's birthday will be?

Mr. Almost 2yrs is learning and changing everyday. I love this stage. I love watching him learn. I love witnessing him attempt to copy all that his big brother does (although it freaks me out too!). Love that he's still a little uncoordinated and his jumps are leaps with feet barely leaving the ground....love his drooly kissy face, love watching him clap, giggle, laugh & run.

I do not love his little temper tantrums, his hitting or throwing toys or the odd bite when frustrated but it's too cute when he quietly says, "Mommy" and comes to lay his head on me as he knows he's in trouble.

This one is going to be the child that rules the roost I think. Rules it with his cuteness and sweetness and ability to pull at your heart strings.

MRI Today

We're exhuasted so more later however...
W did phenomenally well. Better than I expected.
Yes, there were tears. From both of us. But it still went well.
We're both happy to be home. Happy to go to bed.
G'nite to you too.

MRI Today

We're exhuasted so more later however...
W did phenomenally well. Better than I expected.
Yes, there were tears. From both of us. But it still went well.
We're both happy to be home. Happy to go to bed.
G'nite to you too.

In the Mood...

For Comfort Food.

With no interest in making a huge effort for dinner.

So, what's in the fridge...left over mashed potatoes, broccoli, etc. and I came up with this. Hope it's tasty!

Layer buttered casserole dish with mashed potatoes, onion, & broccoli florets.

At top of casserole dish place 1 cup (VE) ranch dressing and 3 handfuls of grated cheese.

Bake for 30 min at 400.

Come, gather at our table.

What's gracing yours?

In the Mood...

For Comfort Food.

With no interest in making a huge effort for dinner.

So, what's in the fridge...left over mashed potatoes, broccoli, etc. and I came up with this. Hope it's tasty!

Layer buttered casserole dish with mashed potatoes, onion, & broccoli florets.

At top of casserole dish place 1 cup (VE) ranch dressing and 3 handfuls of grated cheese.

Bake for 30 min at 400.

Come, gather at our table.

What's gracing yours?

A Week in the Life

Whew! It's Monday and I'm tired already. Tired enough that I even took an hr nap while my neice was here to play with the boys. Shame!
Maybe it's the anticipation of this week's schedule that has me whooped.
Here we go....
Monday - quiet day -morning walk, outdoor play, outdoor picnic - Preschool - Neice after school
Tuesday - AM Occupational Therapy Consult
PM M Dr. Appt
Wednesday-AM Respite 4hrs
Speech Therapy
Heritage Time Out Ladies Group
PM Preschool
Gymnastics
Thursday - AM M Dr. Appt
PM MRI for W
Friday - AM Families Matter Appt
PM Preschool

Somewhere in there the house needs to be cleaned, laundry washed, boys played with, bathed, fed, and whatever else I can think of at the time.
And my brother says this is the "gravy life"...you know, "every day is a Saturday" and phones me at 10am to see if I'm out of bed yet! Uh...been up for 4.5 hrs already Mister.
How do you get through busy weeks? Days? Moments?

A Week in the Life

Whew! It's Monday and I'm tired already. Tired enough that I even took an hr nap while my neice was here to play with the boys. Shame!
Maybe it's the anticipation of this week's schedule that has me whooped.
Here we go....
Monday - quiet day -morning walk, outdoor play, outdoor picnic - Preschool - Neice after school
Tuesday - AM Occupational Therapy Consult
PM M Dr. Appt
Wednesday-AM Respite 4hrs
Speech Therapy
Heritage Time Out Ladies Group
PM Preschool
Gymnastics
Thursday - AM M Dr. Appt
PM MRI for W
Friday - AM Families Matter Appt
PM Preschool

Somewhere in there the house needs to be cleaned, laundry washed, boys played with, bathed, fed, and whatever else I can think of at the time.
And my brother says this is the "gravy life"...you know, "every day is a Saturday" and phones me at 10am to see if I'm out of bed yet! Uh...been up for 4.5 hrs already Mister.
How do you get through busy weeks? Days? Moments?

TSC Update

Last week found us at Children's Hospital for tests.

Abdominal Ultrasounds.

Bup did great. He cried a little but stayed pretty still and when I offered to sing, he sniffled a "Yup" and just lay there quietly while I crooned Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Hi -Lili Hi -Lo & You Are My Sunshine. Sweet little fella. Easy to please.

The Tech said it looks like the tumors on his kidneys haven't changed. Wuhoo! We'll get the official results from Dr. Genetics in a week or so. Honestly, I wasn't one bit worried about this...just felt in my core that they would be okay.

W had his first abdominal ultrasound to check for TSC that day too. The poor guy. We talked and talked about it but when the moment arrived he was scared....fighting scared. I felt so bad for him. He screamed and cried and tried to get away and begged for me to help him. It hurts your heart to witness that kind of emotion in your child. Unfortunately the Tech was slightly maimed in the process with a kick to the head. Yet, I still felt worse for W.

No results yet. And I'm not worried. He's not presenting any problems so it'll be fine.

However, I am dreading this Thursday as it's MRI time for W.

Yes, an anesthetic is used. But if his fear & reaction is this strong over an ultrasound can you only imagine how many of us it will take to hold him down for the anesthetic mask? Oh, my poor boy. I do hope he surprises us all. It'll be a relief to have this testing completed and behind us.

TSC Update

Last week found us at Children's Hospital for tests.

Abdominal Ultrasounds.

Bup did great. He cried a little but stayed pretty still and when I offered to sing, he sniffled a "Yup" and just lay there quietly while I crooned Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Hi -Lili Hi -Lo & You Are My Sunshine. Sweet little fella. Easy to please.

The Tech said it looks like the tumors on his kidneys haven't changed. Wuhoo! We'll get the official results from Dr. Genetics in a week or so. Honestly, I wasn't one bit worried about this...just felt in my core that they would be okay.

W had his first abdominal ultrasound to check for TSC that day too. The poor guy. We talked and talked about it but when the moment arrived he was scared....fighting scared. I felt so bad for him. He screamed and cried and tried to get away and begged for me to help him. It hurts your heart to witness that kind of emotion in your child. Unfortunately the Tech was slightly maimed in the process with a kick to the head. Yet, I still felt worse for W.

No results yet. And I'm not worried. He's not presenting any problems so it'll be fine.

However, I am dreading this Thursday as it's MRI time for W.

Yes, an anesthetic is used. But if his fear & reaction is this strong over an ultrasound can you only imagine how many of us it will take to hold him down for the anesthetic mask? Oh, my poor boy. I do hope he surprises us all. It'll be a relief to have this testing completed and behind us.

Easter 2009

We celebrated a jam packed Easter weekend in our home towns. The boys enjoyed all their rellies, the Easter Bunny's treats, dying eggs, three Easter egg hunts, snowball fights, quad rides, playing with cousins, feeding the blue jays, reading the Three Billy Goats Gruff and coming home to their cozy beds too.

Before heading east for the weekend, we painted eggs with big cousin D, and returned their fun eggs to the nest for the weekend. Love the nests!

Staying at Grandma G's brought the traditional method of dying eggs at which W did a fabulous job and R improved by just dunking his whole pudgy hand into the bowl. A hand especially jaundiced for Easter.

Hurray for Easter! To me, it's the kickoff for Spring.

We're ready to be sprung.

Easter 2009

We celebrated a jam packed Easter weekend in our home towns. The boys enjoyed all their rellies, the Easter Bunny's treats, dying eggs, three Easter egg hunts, snowball fights, quad rides, playing with cousins, feeding the blue jays, reading the Three Billy Goats Gruff and coming home to their cozy beds too.

Before heading east for the weekend, we painted eggs with big cousin D, and returned their fun eggs to the nest for the weekend. Love the nests!

Staying at Grandma G's brought the traditional method of dying eggs at which W did a fabulous job and R improved by just dunking his whole pudgy hand into the bowl. A hand especially jaundiced for Easter.

Hurray for Easter! To me, it's the kickoff for Spring.

We're ready to be sprung.

Master W

Oh the life of an active 3yr old!
There's things to build...."Mommy, how do you build a powerpole?"
There's brother's to coerce ..."Trust me on this Bup!"
There's snowballs to throw, ice to crack, scooters to ride, beds to jump on, the great outdoors as your giant bathroom, and hugs to receive and give...using a little reverse psychology of course. That's the best way to get a giggly hug and kiss from W; by telling him you definately don't want one!

Snowball fight with Daddy on his side.

Ouchie!

Those snowballs hurt.

A hug from Dad always heals the hurt though.

Supercool W. School age looking W. Where did our snuggly little 10lb newborn go to? He's morphed into this fun-loving, high energy, intelligent, exhausting, wonderful, wonder boy!

Master W

Oh the life of an active 3yr old!
There's things to build...."Mommy, how do you build a powerpole?"
There's brother's to coerce ..."Trust me on this Bup!"
There's snowballs to throw, ice to crack, scooters to ride, beds to jump on, the great outdoors as your giant bathroom, and hugs to receive and give...using a little reverse psychology of course. That's the best way to get a giggly hug and kiss from W; by telling him you definately don't want one!

Snowball fight with Daddy on his side.

Ouchie!

Those snowballs hurt.

A hug from Dad always heals the hurt though.

Supercool W. School age looking W. Where did our snuggly little 10lb newborn go to? He's morphed into this fun-loving, high energy, intelligent, exhausting, wonderful, wonder boy!

ADHD Update

Thursday's follow up appt with Dr. ADHD was somewhat uneventful and predictable.

I went into the appt knowing that the main topic would be medication, which I am opposed to at this time. Too many unknowns. Too many side effects. Too scary.

Of course, Dr. ADHD is absolutely pro-meds and feels that any other method of treatment will only provide "moderate" affect at best. Well, we're willing to try all options. Moderate at 3yrs old may teach methods that provide radical affect in the future with age, maturity and repetition.

Dr. ADHD & Mr. Social Worker were pleased with how innovative we have been in finding help such as FSCD, Families Matter, Pre School, etc. Which is fine, but shouldn't the medical profession and Mr. Social Worker be pointing me in the right direction & setting these things up or at least offering them, rather than just saying, "Good job"? Argh...I find it a little frustrating. The only "help" they offer are meds. Band aid solutions. Dangerous too.

W did great during the appointment! (Bup did well too as they were both there.) Stayed in the examining room and was happy. The highlight for W was afterwards when we went to the mall next door and saw a new Dodge Challenger...of course to W it's a Corvette as all fancy cars are Corvettes in W's eyes! "We're having a really good date Mommy!"

Love you W! Love your enthusiasm, happiness and easy to please factor. Love you W!

ADHD Update

Thursday's follow up appt with Dr. ADHD was somewhat uneventful and predictable.

I went into the appt knowing that the main topic would be medication, which I am opposed to at this time. Too many unknowns. Too many side effects. Too scary.

Of course, Dr. ADHD is absolutely pro-meds and feels that any other method of treatment will only provide "moderate" affect at best. Well, we're willing to try all options. Moderate at 3yrs old may teach methods that provide radical affect in the future with age, maturity and repetition.

Dr. ADHD & Mr. Social Worker were pleased with how innovative we have been in finding help such as FSCD, Families Matter, Pre School, etc. Which is fine, but shouldn't the medical profession and Mr. Social Worker be pointing me in the right direction & setting these things up or at least offering them, rather than just saying, "Good job"? Argh...I find it a little frustrating. The only "help" they offer are meds. Band aid solutions. Dangerous too.

W did great during the appointment! (Bup did well too as they were both there.) Stayed in the examining room and was happy. The highlight for W was afterwards when we went to the mall next door and saw a new Dodge Challenger...of course to W it's a Corvette as all fancy cars are Corvettes in W's eyes! "We're having a really good date Mommy!"

Love you W! Love your enthusiasm, happiness and easy to please factor. Love you W!

TSC Update

Bup had his Opthamology appointment Wed. This was a follow up appointment with the sweet Opthamologist that absolutely captures the attention of my son and his tears stop instantly once she starts to quietly sing. She croons softly and he sits so still while she looks into his eyes with her funky lens and head light on.

The great news is that his eye is stable and the tumor hasn't interfered with his vision! Yay!

They'll recheck in six months to "keep an eye on things" and ensure all is well.
Forget, the whole cliche that no news is good news, good news is good news!

Speech therapy continues to help. I often think R's not behind until we spend time with other children his age and then it's obvious. It's coming though. He tries and comes out with clear words all the time. Still signing, which is such a help. Unfortunately, our Speech Pathologist is moving on to a different position which means we lose her ... and her position hasn't been filled yet. We have one more visit with Mrs. Speech and then??? Well, time will tell.

TSC Update

Bup had his Opthamology appointment Wed. This was a follow up appointment with the sweet Opthamologist that absolutely captures the attention of my son and his tears stop instantly once she starts to quietly sing. She croons softly and he sits so still while she looks into his eyes with her funky lens and head light on.

The great news is that his eye is stable and the tumor hasn't interfered with his vision! Yay!

They'll recheck in six months to "keep an eye on things" and ensure all is well.
Forget, the whole cliche that no news is good news, good news is good news!

Speech therapy continues to help. I often think R's not behind until we spend time with other children his age and then it's obvious. It's coming though. He tries and comes out with clear words all the time. Still signing, which is such a help. Unfortunately, our Speech Pathologist is moving on to a different position which means we lose her ... and her position hasn't been filled yet. We have one more visit with Mrs. Speech and then??? Well, time will tell.

Anniversary Moments

A little late but important just the same, my favorite husband and I celebrated our anniversary last week.

Christmas tickets to the Nickelback concert just happened to fall on our anniversary, which was completely coincidental. Thankfully Grandma G arrived to stay with our Littles so that we could have a fun, night out. We felt young again, whole, interesting...it was a great night!

The concert was super. Just as much fun as the first time we saw B's favorite band of this decade. And I was hit in the eye with a guitar pick! That's how close we were to the stage! (pics to come later...)

Back to the anniversary....

we're still newly weds. Really, we are. I'm looking forward to celebrating many, many more anniversaries and each year looking back at the pictures taken to see where we've been, how far we've come and how funny we look!

Love you Favorite Husband as much today as the day we said "I do!" Wuhoo!

Anniversary Moments

A little late but important just the same, my favorite husband and I celebrated our anniversary last week.

Christmas tickets to the Nickelback concert just happened to fall on our anniversary, which was completely coincidental. Thankfully Grandma G arrived to stay with our Littles so that we could have a fun, night out. We felt young again, whole, interesting...it was a great night!

The concert was super. Just as much fun as the first time we saw B's favorite band of this decade. And I was hit in the eye with a guitar pick! That's how close we were to the stage! (pics to come later...)

Back to the anniversary....

we're still newly weds. Really, we are. I'm looking forward to celebrating many, many more anniversaries and each year looking back at the pictures taken to see where we've been, how far we've come and how funny we look!

Love you Favorite Husband as much today as the day we said "I do!" Wuhoo!

Aggie Days

Just a sample of some sweet little spring babies on display. W loved petting them as they had their breakfast.

Braving the crowds, my mom and I took the boys to Aggie Days where we found all sorts of great things to entertain W & R, as well as scare the tears out of them. The stagecoach "ride" was just a bit too much and induced big tears and loud wails.

Poor fellas!

Otherwise, the morning was a hit, especially washing hands and sampling M & M's at the M & M drilling booth.

The booth attendant was pretty sweet too!

Here's our littlest Aggie boy analyzing the crowds.

Aggie Days

Just a sample of some sweet little spring babies on display. W loved petting them as they had their breakfast.

Braving the crowds, my mom and I took the boys to Aggie Days where we found all sorts of great things to entertain W & R, as well as scare the tears out of them. The stagecoach "ride" was just a bit too much and induced big tears and loud wails.

Poor fellas!

Otherwise, the morning was a hit, especially washing hands and sampling M & M's at the M & M drilling booth.

The booth attendant was pretty sweet too!

Here's our littlest Aggie boy analyzing the crowds.