Our Crazy Life!

COOKIES!!!

2010-12-05T18:07:00.000-08:00

What is the holiday season without a few little tidbits of yumminess?? Well, I won't have to find out! On Saturday Peekaboo and I joined some friends (many of whom I had not seen in YEARS-I won't say how many!) to do a good ol' fashioned cookie bake! Peekaboo, Jill and Natalie ran around, played, licked beaters and iced cookies (when the mood struck them) and the 'big' girls drank wine and baked!

Between the seven of us, that were actually baking, we made about 20 different recipes. We set them up on Spinner's lovely dining table for a photo shoot, then divided them up amoungst ourselves to take home.
What a spread! And, how fun!! Thanks ladies.

Still mail-order shopping....!?!

2010-11-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

Even having moved to the land of plenty, I am doing my Christmas shopping online! Peekaboo has asked Santa for a 'real piano, that I can play real songs on'. I looked around here; Toys R Us, Sears, The Toy Cupboard etc...they had some, but the reviews were awful (as was the sound they produce!)
After careful consideration, we went with the Schoenhut 30 Key piano. It, apparently, sounds pretty nice, never needs tuning, and suits a child of Peekaboo's age. It comes with a colour-coded song book and a key chart that fits on the piano. If I post a link on my blog
Little Wonders

the company Little Wonders will give me a discount!
So, all my northern friends, if you are still shopping try this site out!!

Happy Christmas Shopping to you all!

Happy November

2010-11-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

Hey all. I have been negligent in my 'blogging'.....Ooops! To say I am sorry would be a lie. We have been busy, really busy!
Peekaboo started school. She is in Kindergarten Monday, Wednesday and every second Friday. Her teacher was concerned about the fact that she didn't attend a formal JK program...she is no longer concerned. I am, however. Peekaboo brings home one worksheet a week in her "Sharing folder". She is already asking me for more because the one from school is "boring"! If she thinks school is boring at 5 years-old...yikes! We will be getting a 'performance report' (or 'Report Card') this week and will know better....
Tim has started a job, quit it and started a different job! All I can say is-Thank Goodness! The first one was horrible. He has only had the second one for 2 weeks, and I can tell you it is WAY better.
I have been offered a part-time job as well. EyeGO is a Canadian Arts Council program that is working on getting a younger generation of theatre-goers. I am the new "Development Officer". It is a part-time position, out of my home (yay!) 10 hours a week. It has potential for growth, and could become full-time in a year or so. I haven't officially started yet, but I am optimistic.
I have also done a little stint at the University of Waterloo. I went in and 'taught' some of the second year tech class for four days. It was AWESOME! I really missed that in my life over the last few years...being appreciated for something other than my crafts skills and ability to make up songs at the drop of a hat!!
I have also been making the odd cake here and there. I posted some photos on Kijiji and waited to see what would happen...got 6 orders for cakes in October-not bad!! None for November yet, but I am kind of enjoying the break. And, to keep myself busy, I am making slipcovers for a friends' dining room chairs!
We have been to a local farm to celebrate Autumn. There were hay bales to play on, wagon rides, petting zoo, clown show and a corn maze-very fun. We also enjoyed a little of Octoberfest this year. The kids and I went to a free lunch at Waterloo Town Square for the opening ceremonies....

The weather has been holding nicely, with sunny days and cool, crisp evenings. Peekaboo has yet to wear her winter coat-and loves it!

Discovering Autumn!

2010-09-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

My kids have never seen autumn....
OK, that isn't true, they have seen autumn...Northwest Territories style.

Welcome to autumn in southern Ontario! We regularly walk around the block near our home, usually after dinner. The street is lined with beautiful, huge maple trees. One has begun to turn early. The colours are better than I remember, and the kids LOVE it! It occured to me that in the NWT we didn't get the colours or the weather of autumn like we do here. Now our walks are twice as long around the block, because we must stop and play in the leaves for at least 20 minutes.....every time!

Watching my children play in the leaves makes my heart sing with joy. They throw them, jump in them, bury themselves...all by instinct, no directions required. Watching my kids reminds me that it doesn't really take much to make someone truly happy. I must admit, I scooped up a few handfuls to throw myself!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

2010-09-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

IT'S OFFICIAL!!! THERE IS A KINDERGARTEN STUDENT IN MY HOUSE!!!
On Friday September 10th Peekaboo started her school career! She was very excited, nervous, happy, sad and just overwhelmed! (And so was Mommy!) We got ready extra early, chose a dress, had very little breakfast and then headed out. She played in the playground for a little bit until the bell rang. The students line up on yellow dots painted on the asphalt and then head into class. There were lots of anxious parents hovering around those dots too!!
She waved goodbye enthusiastically before disappearing into the depths of her first step in the long road to formal education.
Ezra cried. I did not, much!

(Ezra enjoyed playing on the equipment while we waited for her to be released.....)

When we arrived to pick her up, we hovered around the same dots, with the same anxious parents! She came running out, big smile on her face! I asked how her first day of school was and she shouted,
"GREAT!" can't beat that!

Meeting the teacher, seeing the classroom

2010-09-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, we went to Elizabeth Ziegler School to meet Peekaboo's teacher and see her classromm.
She and Ezra waited outside Mrs. Kennedy's room for our turn. When we went in Peekaboo was given a tour, and the kids played while Daddy and I spoke with Mrs. Kennedy. She has a 'cubby' for her things, there are lots of toys and little play areas. There are even two washrooms in the room (the kindergarten students don't have to go to the big bathroom across the hall, yay!!) with toilets about 1 1/2 feet off the ground! Ezra had to try one out!!

It was nice to get to see where she will be. She was nervous, but excited!

Crazier than usual!!

2010-09-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a harried month....so, lets get everyone up to date....
I started a job, in Guelph (ugh), the van died, I quit the job, Tim started a job, we got a second vehicle, Ezra got his 4th UTI in 18 months, Peekaboo started Kindergarten, I started decorating cakes again, we got a QUEEN sized bed (yahoo!)...ummmmm.....is that all??
Yep, I started a full-time job in Guelph. It was pretty neat. It was going to be a big adjustment for everyone...but then the van died and Tim got offered a full-time job here so I had to quit after only 2 days. Not cool. The kids are happy though.
Tim started a job this past Tuesday. Will be a challenge, but similar to what he was doing in the NWT, so I think he will be fine after a month or so.
The van......? Don't even want to talk about that!
Spent over 9 hours total trying to get Ezra in to see a Dr to get a prescription for his 4th UTI in the last 18 months-FRUSTRATING!!!
Mom bought herself a new bed, and brought us her Queen-sized bed-it is AWESOME!! And we got new sheets too! Happy Wedding to US!!
I will give some details of Peekaboo's first day of school in it's own entry-I think that is only fair!
I posted an ad on Kijiji for cake decorating.....I didn't expect to get many responses, after all I live somewhere that has actual bakeries now. Well, shock! I had 3 cakes in 3 days!! Check out my Sew Sweet blog for photos.

Not to be left out....

2010-08-14T19:05:00.001-07:00

We are an equal opportunity "strange clothes that Mom made" house....which means that Ezra isn't missing out on my creations.

While at Mom's a couple of weeks ago, I partook in "Goods Exchange Day", which is code for "put your junk out at the curb, and crazy people will drive around for hours picking through it for treasures". Well, I found an old beach bag that someone had made, it was falling apart-needing some sewing TLC. I decided that I did not need any more bags, so I ripped it completely apart and started over....

I made them extra long, with a light blue lining that shows when we roll them up. That way he can wear these odd pants for many months to come!

Stay tuned for the overalls that are my current project!!

My newest project....

2010-08-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

I have just finished a new dress for Peekaboo...It is a variation on the reversible dress I made her last year (which she is still wearing!)
This has the same bodice, with little gold buttons. The difference is that the skirt is made up of 80-ish 4" squares! Yup! I didn't think this through very well before starting! That is A LOT of cutting!
I bought 5 'fat squares' at Len's Mill and started cutting. There are 4 rows of squares, each one 1 1/2 x bigger than the row before. That means that I also had to gather each row before sewing it!! It was a lot of work, but well worth it-she loves it! Because of the amount of fabric, when she twirls it goes straight out! I will have to make matching panties for the next one!! (Next one?!?! Am I mad!?!?!)

Peek 'n Ezee with their #1 hit single....

2010-08-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

"We drive Mom CRAZEEEEE!" tops the charts this week!

Happy Birthday Tim!!

2010-08-02T05:06:00.000-07:00

On the 1st of August it was Tim's birthday!
We had his sister over for supper and a chat. Made a fantastic dinner of chicken korma, paneer darbari, naan, raosted carrots and basmati rice. Thank goodness the weather was a little cooler (not 30 + degrees out) or we would have been having cold sandwiches!!

The cake was an apple spice with buttercream...the Bulk Barn was awesome for the 'bits' on top for decorating! Red chocolate wafers for pepperoni, dried apples for mushrooms (only on half!) green gummies for green peppers!

Happy Birthday Hunny!!

Sunflowers

2010-07-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

I can't help but think of my friend Jen when I think of sunflowers. She tried desperately to grow some at RKY camp one summer, but the chipmunks thwarted her every move!!
Well, Peekaboo had much better luck. She started some seeds in a little container with her Playschool in Hay River. We moved them, and I wasn't sure they would survive, but....
When Tim arrived in Ontario one had sprouted!! Yay! We set them in the window sill and kept watch. To our amazement a few more sprouted and I quickly decided we needed to move them out of their tiny container if we wanted them to do well. We have a large barrel in the backyard that was too heavy to move so we transplanted them into it. Some of them were too close together, but some were able to be separated. They have grown and grown! This week most of them are blooming! Peekaboo is thrilled (and so am I!!) The first sprout, the one I was able to separate from the rest, is still the biggest and it hasn't bloomed yet. We are interested to see how big it will grow.
In the meantime, Peekaboo is enjoying her "field of sunflowers". Hope you enjoy them too!!

How cute is this?!?

2010-07-21T05:07:00.000-07:00

I sing to the kids a lot....usually before bed, but not always just then. Lately Ezra's favourite has been "Row, Row, Row your boat". He asks for it EVERY night. Well, I guess he has been listening...sort of!!! Enjoy!

The knot is tied!

2010-07-07T05:21:00.001-07:00

We Did It!! On Canada Day, at 11am, Tim and I officially became hubby and old lady!! I can't believe it! It was a fantastic day. We were married in my Mom's backyard with our close family and a few select friends in attendance. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm without any humidity. My Mom did an amazing job, borrowing flowers and tables from neighbours, the gardens looked lovely. Her next-door- neightbour allowed us to pose in front of their garden for some photos as well.

Mike, Tim's sister's husband, is a very accomplished guitarist. We had asked him if he would play for us before and after the ceremony-it was awesome! He continued to play throughout the afternoon as well.

My Dad walked Peekaboo and I from my Mom's house to the garden where Tim and Ezra were waiting. I am so glad that it worked out so well.

Our officiate, Terri, was great. The ceremony was about 10 minutes long, and we had signed all the paperwork in advance, so by the end we were MARRIED!!

After the ceremony we took a few photos with family and then had our potluck BBQ. Mom made tiny burgers (sliders) and we had hot dogs. People brought all kinds of fabulous salads and side dishes. It was great. Dad and Liz provided the champagne to fill my awesome glasses, and I provided two cakes; a carrotcake with creamcheese frosting and a chocolate fudge sour cream cake with chocolate ganache! yum!!

If I had to change anything......I WOULDN'T!! It was a beautiful, perfect, wonderful day. Thanks to everyone who took part and all of those who sent us their happy thoughts and warm wishes.

MRS. Tigger McCullough!!

The Wedding.....

2010-06-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

So, for those of you who don't know....Tim and I aren't actually married-yet.....
My Dad and Liz will be in Ontario as of this Saturday, whooohooooo! And our good friends Frances and Adam and their two boys will be too. I had a middle of the night brainwave....why don't Tim and I get married while they are here?!?! So, we had about 4 weeks to organize this 'extravaganza' for July 1st!
We got the licence, we met with an officiate (who is fabulous!) and sent out the homemade invitations. We only invited about 2 dozen people, but would have happily invited everyone we know!!! Unfortunately, most of the people we know are in another province....We will be thinking of you all.
Wanting to make this event as groovy and fantastic as possible, and also as inexpensive as we could, required some thinking and imagination....
I bought Peekaboo an off-white dress at the Thrift store. We then went to Len's Mill and bought ribbon, little ribbon flowers and sparkles for embellishment. I am making her a flowered headband with ribbons and beads to go with it!
I looked at some lovely dresses for myself in various Thrift stores and Value Village, but happened upon a beautiful, silk, awesome dress, NEW! I had to have it!!
We are having a potluck bbq after the ceremony, and the next consideration was dishes....Real or paper? China or plastic? I opted for paper plates, the 'good' ones, but have to have real glass for the champagne. I raided every Thrift store in the KW area and bought all the champagnesque glasses I could. I bought glass paint and got busy! These will be 'take-homes' for the attendees of our event!

Happy Canada Day Everyone!!

I really like the one with the blue stripe and the daisies....

Dad, Liz, Mom, Peter and Gramma

Groovy flowery...

For the kids!

Old dress!

2010-06-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend, while in Owen Sound, I took photos of Peekaboo wearing this lovely little dress. There are photos of me wearing it when I was 4 and photos of my mom wearing it as well!! Isn't that crazy! I will have to get it printed out and find a 3-fold frame to put them all side-by-side!!

Projects......

2010-06-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

I am constantly working on some project or another....moosehide or deer hide slippers, knitting, crocheting, cake building, bed painting....something.
Well, I started a project in Hay River in March-and finished it (Finally!) last night. While at the K'amba Carnival Pancake Breakfast in March, Peekaboo spotted rabbit fur dyed pink. Diane provides many Northern crafters with sinew, hides, pelts, beads....etc... She had pink fur, I thought Peekaboo was going to explode.... I told her I was NOT buying pink rabbit fur...Guess what? I bought it. And then I began my long, complicated project...slippers for her using said fur. She wanted ballerinas on the uppers. Well, having worked with beads quite a bit, I knew that I was not going to get the details required for a Ballerina with beads....no way. So, I began to experiment and ask around and decided on embroidery. I have never embroidered a thing in my life, why not start now!??!
I wanted a good contrasting colour for the background, and decided on denim. I even bought one of those hoopy things. I did two different ballerinas, a different pose on each foot. I had this all finished before we moved, then I packed everything away and haven't thought of it since!
Last night I finally finished putting the Pink Rabbit Fur trim on, and they are done! Peekaboo hasn't seen them yet, but I think she will love them!!

Part of the reason said slippers weren't finished sooner, I started another project since moving....a sweater for Ez.
I was at my Mom's with all my crafty stuff packed, when we first arrived in Ontario. I spotted a yarn store in downtown Owen Sound and, with my inability to pass a shop full of colourful wool, bought a pattern, some wool and the required needles (mine were all packed, but I can always use more!!)
I am not in the habit of using patterns, I find them difficult to read and the finished project never turns out quite like the photo. I prefer to make my own pattern and then pretend the finished piece is exactly what I was planning....! But, this time, I got the wool lady to explain it all to me and off I went. I finished said sweater on Saturday night. I tried it on Ez Sunday morning and he wouldn't take it off....must mean he likes it!!
Peekaboo has requested one... in PINK!!

And it begins......

2010-05-22T13:53:00.001-07:00

This is me;

"Ezra, put on your shoes."

This is Ezra;

"Why Mommy?"

"So we can go get in the van"

"Why Mommy?"

"We need to go to the grocery store for bread"

You guessed it...."Why Mommy?"

It is actually pretty funny. He is now saying it ALL THE TIME!!

During lunch, Peekaboo finished first and got an oatmeal cookie. Ezra said "Mommy, cookie?" I said "When you finish your lunch.... "Why Mommy?"

Good grief!! Hahah!!

Fun week....

2010-05-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

With the weather being so nice, and Tim still home, we decided to take advantage and go on a family trip to the Toronto Zoo.

We got up early (earlier than usual!) and were on the road by 6:45. Then.....the 401. Turns out that not much has changed in 7 years, including the frustrating endevour of trying to get anywhere on that highway. It was stop (litterally, STOP) and go from Milton on. It took us 2 1/5 hours to get to the zoo! Amazing! Luckily, we have awesome kids! They were great in the van, entertaining themselves and us for the entire trip!

We finally got there and it was great! The weather was perfect, warm but not awful. There weren't a lot of people there when we first arrived, and the improvements they have made to the overall layout made for a good time. We didn't get stuck behind big hoards of people, we could see, we could get into all the exhibits. Unfortunatley, there were a number of animals 'off exhibit' or enclosures that were closed for 'construction'...but, all-in-all, FUN!!
They have a new area, the KidZoo! So great! The kids, and the adults, thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The trip home, only 1 1/5 hours! ohhhh the 401...we saw some OPP 4x4 race by and traffic started to slow around Cambridge, so we got off and went through town home. We arrived, safe and sound and exhausted. Both kids were in bed, asleep, by 6:30! Both parents probably could have been as well!

Our Crazy Life just got crazier!

2010-05-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it. We have moved across the country with our two small childre and our dog! I don't know who is more traumatized currently....
The move was loooong. The kids and I flew, NeWT and Tim drove. We all met up a Mom's in Owen Sound on Saturday the first of May.
We knew we had a unit in the Co-op, but didn't know which one or when we could move in. We spent most of the first week of May phoning them to try and motivate them to hurry and make some decisions. Got word that we could move in on the 7th. Deni (who is 9 months pregnant) came down with us and watched/entertained the kids while Tim and I unloaded the truck...in the rain....and the cold... with no help....Not a great start. Thank heaven for Deni! Mom and Rob drove down later that night with the washer and dryer!!! Yay! All stayed over and left Saturday morning, that is when the real work began.....
So, a week later and things are starting to feel like home. We have become avid fans of Kijiji and have managed to furnish our new home fairly well. We are within walking distance of two major shopping centres, the Waterloo park (which has 2 playgrounds, geese, swans, ducks, rabbits, deer, goats, alpacas, llamas and mini horses, and a kicking waterpark!!) and the entire uptown Waterloo core! Location, Location, Location!!
The kids rooms are great, ours is nice and large, the living area is small but we have a lovely fully fenced yard that we plan on making LOTS of use of! We even found a couple of play groups to enjoy (they aren't Growing Together, but at least there is something!!)
The weather has been fairly sucky all week, but today it is sunny and awesome! Yay!!
The kids have been completely off the wall, a lot of change for two children as wed to their routines as these two. I am trying to be patient, but the whining may drive me over the brink!!! Hopefully this will pass quickly.
All in all, we are adjusting. It was a good move for us, if somewhat difficult.

Happy Easter all!

2010-04-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Bunny Day!!

2010-04-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

We have been in preparation mode for Easter since Thursday. We baked Banana 'cupcakes' (with your banana bread recipe Kara!) and decorated them.

The girls did a great job, Ezra was confused about the purpose of putting icing onto the cupcake when it was much easier to skip the middleman and put the icing directly into his mouth!

Dr Seuss Day at Treehouse

2010-03-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today's theme at Treehouse Drop-in was Dr Seuss. Not one to shirk on my 'theme' responsibilities, the kids and I prepared ourselves....

Peekaboo Who, and a surly Cat in the Hat! I even had on sparkly antenna, Momma Who!!

The ballerina and the.....caterpillar?

2010-03-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Peekaboo is all girl. She loves frilly, lacey, pink, froufrou, ballerinas, sparkly....
Ezra is all boy. He also loves pink, frilly, froufrou...and trucks, skidoos, growling, and driving his sister nuts!
Peekaboo got herself all dressed up and was doing a "Ballerina Show" for me, complete with music (hummed by...Peekaboo!) Ezra caught wind that something neat was going down, and crashed the dance recital-wearing his old Halloween costume, the Caterpillar!! He came charging into the room, complete with his own soundtrack, car engine noises!!
Peekaboo was not impressed!

The Big Ez!

2010-03-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

Ezra, Peekaboo and I were out and about on Saturday at various K'amba Carnival Events. We went to the pancake breakfast, we went to the old village ice crossing and watched the start of the 10 dog sled race, then we went to caboose hill to watch the sleds pass on their way back from the bridge. The weather was fantastic, the kids well-behaved, the day loaded with fun!

Ezra and Peekaboo went 'sliding' while we waited for the dogs to come through. Once they did, Ezra was considerably more interested in the Ski-doos accompanying them then the dogs!!

We live in a very interesting, exciting town some days! Where else can you watch dog sleds, tobaggan, and buy rabbit pelts all in the same morning?!?

Enjoying life

2010-03-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

The warm weather continues to hold, and we are basking in the glory! The kids and I have spent as much time as possible outside...it was 10 degrees here yesterday! That is 10 above 0!! Crazy!
Ezra has discovered the joy that is melting snow. I have been going through about 3 outfits a day with him, no matter what I dress him in, or how long we are outside...he is soaked! His new favourite thing is to hang out an the downspout, playing in the steady stream of water it is providing from the melting of the snow on the roof! What can I say, I don't blame him! You're only a kid once, I am pretty sure playing in mud puddles and downspouts is in the manual!
The K'amba Carnival is coming up this weekend, traditionally a FREEZING cold event with dog sled races, pancake breakie, talent shows and contests....Looks like this year we can get out of our vehicle to watch the races! I am looking forward to the weekend, a great way to remind us that spring is coming.

February Heat Wave!

2010-02-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

We have been having absolutely beautiful weather this month! The temperatures have been in the -4 to -10 range, with LOTS of sunshine and no wind. For this time of year, this is REALLY strange (but thoroughly enjoyed!)
Today was Family Fun Day at Caboose Hill. There was 'sliding', hot dog roasting and snow crafts! It ran from 1 pm - 3 pm....Peekaboo and I were there from 1 pm - 3 pm!!! What a great time! Peekaboo even got to go on a little ski-doo ride with some friends. With the sun, the temp rose above 0!!!

Ezra gets 'ice cream'

2010-02-11T18:43:00.000-08:00

Since discovering that Ezra has a sensitivity to dairy, he has missed out on a lot....cheese, milk, sour cream...and ICE CREAM!! So, we bought (for some crazy amount of money) a container of sherbet at the grocery store last week. Ezra really enjoyed it....I..uh....I think....?!?! These are either shivers of joy, or we have done him permanent brain-freeze damage!

Like I didn't feel guitly already......

2010-02-01T11:56:00.001-08:00

My sister, Kelsey, has been here visiting for the last 2 weeks. It has been great. The kids love her, my dog LOVES her, I love her.... Well she left this morning on the 7:30am Buffalo flight. Peekaboo started crying as the van drove away and was still crying when the Play School bus came to pick her up over an hour later. NeWT has been moping around the house, looking for Kelsey. Even Ez (who was still in bed when Kelsey left this morning) ran up and down the hallway calling "KeeeSeeee!!!"

So, just in case I didn't feel guilty for living so far away from 'family'....this did it......:(

Aunt Kelsey made it north...finally!!

2010-01-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

My sister, Kelsey, is in town! She has not been up to visit us yet (in fact, she hasn't been many places to visit-this was her first commercial flight!!)
She arrived, tired and bedraggled, Monday evening on the Buffalo flight from Yellowknife. We are very happy she is here, and are showing her all the joys of "Hay River Living!"

"Daddeeee!"

2010-01-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

This is Ezra's impression of Daddy! He put on Tim's hat and scarf, by himself, and followed me around for about 10 minutes screaming "Daddddeeee!!" and laughing like mad!
What a kid!

My handsome boy!

2010-01-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

What can I say?!?! Really!?!? This is Ez sporting a lovely twirly skirt, Home Depot apron, toucan hat and soother, arrying Daddy's 1000000 candle rechargable flashlight?!? With kids like this in the house, who needs TV?

Ezra's blanket

2010-01-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

When Peekaboo was born Growing Together did a rag quilt project. I managed to finish hers in time to give it to her for her first Christmas. She is actually sleeping with it on her this very minute!
With the second child you don't get to do nearly as much as you did with the first-where does the time go?!?
Well-yay Growing Together! They did a rag quilt project again, and I was able to make a quilt for Ezra! Here is the finished product....and, he is sleeping with his on him this very minute too!

Tigger and Peekaboo's Dog Sled Adventure!

2009-12-22T16:21:00.000-08:00

Peekaboo and I went dog sledding at the Beck's this afternoon. It was AWESOME!! I am so glad we went, and so glad that I got to share this neat experience with Peekaboo. We ran the 3 km trail (didn't want "the short one" to get too cold) and it was great. The dogs were lovin' it, the silence was amazing, and Peekaboo enjoyed it as well. It is so cool that I finally have had the chance to do this, after talking about it for YEARS!! Peekaboo the Musher! Awesome! Us with the team.

Skating with Santa!!

2009-12-22T16:15:00.000-08:00

Ezra likes this Santa-LOTS!

2009-12-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

Treehouse Christmas Party

2009-12-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

The Treehouse Christmas party was today. It was great. There were lots of kids there, and even gigerbread cookies to decorate!

2009-12-15T15:46:00.001-08:00

Decorate it? I am just gonna eat it!

Here comes Santa Claus!!

2009-12-15T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Big Man himself attended the party. The kids were very happy to sit and wait their turns to see him. Peekaboo has done this before but Ezra has not seen Santa (the life-size version) since he was a baby. We were unsure how he would react....

2009-12-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

Peekaboo's third Santa sighting this year! She was very happy to speak with him again, and remind him that she would very much like a "horse stable"!

2009-12-15T15:42:00.000-08:00

And....Ezra decided that Santa is fine from a distance, or in miniature form! Not so keen on the live version! So, we now have the standard "screaming on Santa's lap" picture! Merry Christmas.....!

Bowling Queen!

2009-12-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

The Play School Christmas Party was yesterday. It was at the bowling alley. Peekaboo got right into it this year. She had a great time, hanging out with her friends, eating lots of food. She even held her mouth right and managed to knock down some pins!

2009-12-06T11:44:00.000-08:00

Look who came to the Play School Christmas Party!!

2009-12-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

After the bowling, there was the sweet sound of Christmas bells in the air.....
SANTA!! The kids were so excited. Peekaboo was very patient, and waited her turn to sit with him. She was very anxious to get a chance to speak with him and ask for her "Horse Barn"!!

Waiting....

2009-11-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

We found a nice spot in front of the library to watch the parade. We were early, so as to not miss the 7 floats!! Peekaboo climbed and slide on the snow in their green space. Waiting, patiently....!

Yay!

2009-11-28T14:07:00.000-08:00

He doesn't know what is happening...but he is happy about it! Being outside, after dinner, in the snow, with Christmas lights on....Wowee!!

Finally, the parade!

2009-11-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

The parade started off with the fire trucks and ambulance. Ezra loved the trucks, sirens and all! There were 7 floats, and I think every single one threw candycanes! Peekaboo didn't stay under the blanket for long-she was out scooping up treats!

Winter

2009-11-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share this with all my 'southern' friends. This is Peekaboo coming in from playing outside....at 4:30pm!! Pretty dark-yes?!? She was having a great time playing with Josee on the pile of snow in our front yard. I decided to shovel the yard into a big pile, super-fun!

Future Singing Sensation....

2009-11-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday Peekaboo and I went to the church Christmas Bazaar and Tea at the Community Centre. Linda Atwell was singing onstage with a Karaoke machine. Peekaboo was throughly enjoying it. I looked up at one point and she was lying across the stage, feet in the air, bopping to the music.
Well, Linda was enjoying her company so much she asked if Peekaboo would like to sing with her (I am sure she was expecting her to say "No!") Anyway, this is Peekaboo and Sarah (my friend Lynne's daughter) standing on the stage, singing "Rudolph"! She did a great job, even though her hand was in her mouth-the only sign of nerves!

This is "Look, they are clapping!" After the girls finished singing the whole community centre applauded!

Snow rage!!!

2009-11-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

I am in a rage about the snow etiquette on my street, though not entirely sure why...!

We have a very long driveway that is fenced on both sides. The only place for us to put the snow (and boy is there a lot already!) is the easement in front of our front yard fence. Well, our neighbours, apparently, think the same. Not only have the next door neighbours been putting all of the snow from their driveway in this space, the guy ACROSS THE STREET had a front end loader put about 4 huge dumps of snow there today!

Now, I am a reasonable person....but REALLY! This guy also plows his entire driveway as well as a "parking" area on his easement. There are no piles of snow on his property, at all. He has the loader push it all to a bit of 'green space' on one side of him and to our yard apparently...

I am not sure why this is bugging me so much, but it really is!

There, that is my rant for the night!

The Trick-or-Treat Crew!

2009-11-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

This bunch went out Trick or Treating together...Peekaboo, Ian, Josee, Ezra and Jacob. What a cute little bunch of munchkins! Ezra wasn't exactly sure what the heck we were doing....! He would get up to the door at the tail end of the bunch, get to the front of the pack as the rest were leaving, and then stand there staring at the person inside! A couple of houses he tried to just walk right in! Every time I picked him up, to carry him to the next house, he would scream! Once I gave him a package to hold onto, he was content!

The Pink Butterfly

2009-11-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

Peekaboo wanted to be a "pinky pink" butterfly for Halloween this year. I made a little pink jumper out of some scrubs I got at the Thrift Store-added some glitter paint and a tutu skirt. Her pink belaclava with some pipe cleaner antenna matched perfectly! The wings are two pieces of cardboard, painted pink, with coloured cellophane sandwiched inbetween the layers. Isn't she beautiful?!?

The Caterpillar

2009-11-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

Peekaboo decided that, with her being a Pink Butterfly, Ezra should be a caterpillar. He was SUPER cute! I made the costume out of disassembled green scrubs I got at the Thrift Store, a light green tank top and dark green tights....

Peekaboo's Halloween Costume!

2009-10-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

Peekaboo drew this picture of herself and Ezra dressed up for Halloween. I think it is AWESOME!!! I didn't even know she could draw a butterfly! (Ezra is going as a caterpillar...with big ears, apparently!)

The Pegasus Unicorn

2009-10-16T22:03:00.000-07:00

Peekaboo got a hot pink flying unicorn costume from her Gramma, Peter, Aunt Kelsey and Aunt Deni. This has been a big hit as a birthday gift, she has hardly taken it off since it came out of the box! The flashing LED glasses certainly add....something!

2009-10-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Ezra had to get in on the action too.... He is sporting not one but TWO tutu skirts and a bunny-ear hat. What can I say...really, what?!?

Her Birthday is tomorrow, but we are partying today!

2009-10-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

This is the (almost) 4-year-old. We had her party a day early, so that it was on a Saturday and not on Thanksgiving Sunday! She was VERY excited and had the noise maker going by 8am-yahoo! I cannot believe that 4 years ago I was spending my Thanksgiving (and my Father's birthday) in St Joseph's hospital waiting for this little turkey!!

Ready to PARTY!

2009-10-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the girl. Patiently awaiting her guests! The table is set, the balloons are up, the party dress is on! Bring on the chaos! I mean, FUN!!

The 4th Birthday Crew

2009-10-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Ezra (of course) Peekaboo, Kynidi, Charlotte, Ian, Josee and Jacob. Frances and Jennifer (Josee's mom) also stayed. Tim was here...but, where?!! The kids had great fun running from one end of the house to the other screaming and acting crazy. There is a reason I schedule my parties for only 2 hours!! A fun time was had by all!

The Ballerina Cake

2009-10-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

The "pinky-pink ballerina cake" requested by the birthday girl. Round tiers are white cake, coloured to look 'like a rainbow' as per requested. Covered in buttercream and fondant. The bottom rectangle is a pound cake. The ballerina was .... a challenge!

Ballerina detail

2009-10-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

This was my first gum paste figure. She didn't turn out too badly, but there are definately some things I would do differently next time. Peekaboo didn't mind. She thought that the ballerina was great, wanted to eat her right away!!

Eating the Ballerina! Pure sugar-yay!

2009-10-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

My little ballerina!

2009-10-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

Well....? What can I say really? This is an outfit discovered by Peekaboo's aunt Deni and sent a couple of months ago. It has been warm enough for her to wear it without the tights, up until now! She is the only one that I know that could even begin to pull off this look! (Yep, it's true, not even I could!!)
She calls it her "tutu dress with dots" and it is that, and a whole lot more! This photo is mid-spin!

Play School

2009-09-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

Today is, officially, the day. Peekaboo is heading to Play School in her new shirt (thank you Great Gramma!) and sunny, smilie face! She takes the bus, stays for the whole morning...she even had homework!! (Today they are talking about Grandparents and she was to bring in some photos!) Have a great day, Kiddo!!

"What is all the fuss about anyway?"

2009-09-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Ezra isn't sure what the big deal is!!

Talk Like A Pirate Day

2009-09-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

Friday was International Talk Like a Pirate Day...so, here is our little, baby pirate! Isn't he cute?!? Amazing what you can do with some clothes that don't fit anyone and a pair of scissors!

It's Play School Time!!

2009-09-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was the first full morning of 4-year-old Play School. Peekaboo picked her outfit (thank you Gramma M!) She was packed and ready and eager to get to 'school'. I can't believe how big she looks! My Baby!!

She had a great morning and is happy to see a few familiar faces in her 'class'. The bus starts on Monday, yahoo! She is happy and so am I, it means Ezra and I don't have to get up, dressed, fed, and into the van to drive her there!

Happy Back to School everyone!

My Little Boy!

2009-09-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry Ezra....OK, I'm not really!! I just had to share this photo of him playing in his sister's room. He had on her pink tutu, a lovely purple beaded necklace and a purple purse. Just perfect!

"Indian" summer in NWT

2009-09-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic way to spend the weekend! The weather was spectacular, the Fall Fair and Trade Show was at the arena, Tim didn't have to work....All-in-all, Fab!!

The kids had a picnic dinner in the yard tonight, taking advantage of the warmth while we can...it was 27 degrees this evening! Amazing!
And, of course, Peekaboo "the poser" couldn't pass up an opportunity!

A package-yippee!

2009-09-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

Peekaboo loves going to check the mail. A very unique part of living in a remote area is getting great stuff in the mail. We were greeted by a terrific surprise from Great-Gramma McCullough, to Peekaboo's great joy! Ezra was unsure what the hullabaloo was about....?!?

After opening said package, and gleefully parading about with her new 'pinky-pink' clothes, Peekaboo told me she needed paper and her pencil crayons. When asked "Why?" she responded, as only a 3 3/4 year-old can, "So I can make a Thank you"....and so she did....Not bad, eh?

Ezra celebrated in his own way, by going outside and getting disgusting-He got some new clothes too, maybe this was an attempt to get me to put them on him....?

Summa lovin'...having a blast....

2009-08-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

We are having a fab time enjoying the beaches and awesome weather on the Island. On Sunday we went to Parksville and saw the amazing sandsculptures, played at the massive playground and had a picnic. Ezra has his first Chapman's popsicle! Blue of course! Stained EVERYTHING!!

We spent Monday at Saratoga Beach, just north of Comox, with my pal Jen. Fab!!

I think I have some "beach babies" on my hands!!

Hangin' in Comox with the "Grands"

2009-08-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

We made it! Ugh! What a trip, a very long day, but worth it! We are in Comox, driving Gramma and Poppa crazy and they are loving every minute of it. The kids are enjoying the backyard, complete with sand pit, swimming pool and hot tub. The weather has been less than stellar, but is due to change for the better as of today.

A trip to the local farmer's market to get some fresh fruit and veggies has been the highlight so far!!

An overdue update

2009-07-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

We have been having some computer issues....mostly the mouse, but also just 'stuff'. I had no idea that you could kill you mouse with, what I can only assume was, overuse! But, a new mouse, some reset 'cookies' and we are golden!
The kids are great. We are finally enjoying some much anticipated summer weather. The temperature has been hovering at or around 25 for most of the week-lovely. After an early, cold and 'unfun', introduction to the pool Ezra has changed his tune and won't stay out of it!! He is one groovy guy with his shades and summer hat on! He can't decide what is more exciting, the little pool or the diggers and dozers working at the end of our street-I think it's a tie.
Peekaboo got a movie from the library last week that came with 3D glasses! She wore them for the photo, but request 'just a normal movie, Mom'!

yep, that is Ezra standing in NeWT's food dish....?!? With all the cake baking and decorating that has been going on over the last few weeks, it was only a matter of time.....Ezra had his first "beater". Thank goodness there are two, or I might have some kind of mutiny!

Peekaboo was thrilled to get to decorate her own little cake with some of the leftover icing and sugar flowers-it was beautiful!

Keep checking....

2009-07-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

I am continuing to have 'blogging' issues. I cannot upload photos...it takes forever to do anything....I will try and fix it up....it may have something to do with 'cookies'. Nevertheless, continue to check back. I will update as soon as I can.

More pillowcase fun!

2009-07-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

After telling people that I have been buying pillowcases and disassembling them for sewing projects, a friend offered to loan me a book that is all about making things from pillowcases! I made myself a little tank-tunic-type shirt. Peekaboo liked the material and asked me to make her a dress from the matching pillowcase. Cute, eh!? Of course, the pose helps!

A BBQ cake

2009-07-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

Friends of ours are visiting from Faro (Kara, Matt, Hunter and Cavan-see blog on my list) We are having a BBQ with them and I am bringing a cake. Kara watches my blog and requested a mosquito/blackfly cake! I didn't want to make one giant mosquito....so, I made a 'bug' cake. Peekaboo was happy to help out! And yes, she dressed herself! The round portion was my first attempt at homemade pound cake with strawberries and chocolate ganache in the middle.

The rectangle is plain ol' chocolate cake! It has blackflies, mosquitoes and bees in the 'sky' and ants and ladybugs on the 'ground'....complete with anthill. I think the kids will really like it! And no, those aren't real rocks. Tim thought they were!

My newest new thing!

2009-07-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would try my hand at making sugar flowers.....yikes! I read up about it online, of course! Though they recommend using gum paste, I had to use my marshmellow fondant...no gum paste here! But, not bad for a first try. Some friends are celebrating their 8th anniversary (congratulations!) and I was asked if I would make a cake for their dinner tonight. I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to try out my skills!

Yes, that is a swingset. They used to 'hang' out at the swings at the beach...how romantic!

Ezra was being left out....No longer!!

2009-07-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Peekaboo has been on the receiving end of all of my recent "projects". She has about a zillion dresses, hats, slippers, a doll....Ezra got one sun hat, and that was the end of it... So, I decided to try out a pattern for a little pair of groovy pants for my little groovy man.

I got the material from a local gal who gets it from Africa. At $6 a yard, it is a great deal!

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Yep, once again it is Canada in Hay River. The big event of the season, complete with parade, BBQ and carnival. Peekaboo was fully prepared with her ear protectors, though we didn't have a spare pair for Ez....oops! My hands had to do! It was 9 degrees, Peekaboo got cold (big surprise...9 degrees? Someone forgot to tell Mother Nature it is JULY FIRST!!!) But, I must admit, the cooler weather did help keep the bugs in check-they weren't nearly as bad as last year.

Even Ezra got in on the carnival action this year, taking part in the "duck pond". He almost became one of the ducks-I think he would have crawled right in if I had let him!

The Dress

2009-07-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

Gramma M sent some lovely pink eyelet and some pink tulle for Peekaboo. I have been practising my dress-making skills so that The Dress would be just right.

Yes, the tulle is on the outside-that is where Peekaboo wanted it! The "Ballerina" part on the outside Mommy, whatever. It is lovely and we have just enough tulle left over for a tutu-type skirt.

Outside fun!

2009-06-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

We finally had a nice day, weather-wise, and the kids were thrilled to spend some time outside. Ezra enjoys the sandbox, and Peekaboo was helping him explore the wonder that is sand. He also enjoys the plethora of Dandylions in our yard-whatever, Peekaboo thinks they are "beautiful flowers...." Ezra, apparently, thinks they are "something tasty for me to put in my mouth!" We picked up a $5 pool at Fields. Ezra wasn't quite sure what to make of this new addition to the yard....

Ezra finally braved it, crawling in over the side..

...then screaming and crawling out the other side even more quickly!! A little too cold I think!

Cute pillowcase, cuter twirly skirt!

2009-06-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

This skirt started out it's life as a pillowcase-a groovy pillowcase! I wanted to try out a pattern before using any nice, expensive material...so I got a pair of pillowcases at Fields for $2.50! It is a great twirly dress-Peekaboo wants me to make MORE, Mommy, please.....?

2009-06-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy Sunday, not only was it Father's Day(Happy Father's Day!!)....Peekaboo also had a birthday party to attend.

Early Sunday morning, we let Ezra have a crayon and try his hand at colouring....He coloured with blue and red, he ate purple! Daddy was on the receiving end of this work of art!

At 11 Peekaboo and Iwent to a 4th birthday party for her 'school' friend...Kynidi...pronounced Kennedy. She has lots of fun toys; including a Mustang and a Trampoline! We were there for 2 hours and Peekaboo never stopped! It was lots of fun, and Peekaboo was asleep in bed by 6:45!!

Soft doll-making

2009-06-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

We made some cute, little dollies on Thursday. The girls picked what fabric they wanted from my vast collection, and I sewed them. The girls stuffed them (they also stuffed the fluff up their own pantlegs-goofballs!) They turned out very cute. Peekaboo named hers Sally, and Josee named hers Jasmine!

Another cake!

2009-06-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

So my friend, Lynne, was looking a bit crazy this afternoon when I saw her (crazier than usual, which is saying something!) When I asked her what was up she said that her daughter's birthday is tomorrow and the woman who she usually gets to make the cake is unavailable....So, I volunteered! I told her, with such short notice, it would be neat but not too extravagant. Sarah, her daughter, is having a Barbie Mermaidia birthday (I had to look that up on the net....) The mermaid looks nothing like Barbie (thank goodness!!) but I am sure she can pass for one of her anatomically challenged friends!!
It is a three layer chocolate and marble cake, with buttercream frosting (chocolate frosting between the layers) and the details are in marshmellow fondant. Not bad for one afternoon and evening-interupted by children, dog, hubby, children a few more times!!

Last day of Play school

2009-06-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Peekaboo's last day of Playschool (for this year). They are having a concert and lunch, in celebration. Peekaboo is excited about the concert, but sad about Playschool ending. I am stuck in Mommy-denial....there is no way that a full 'schoolyear' has passed since I first put my little baby on the little, while Playschool bus....

Anyway, for the concert tomorrow the theme is Camping. Peekaboo has been singing camping songs since last week. I heard that there were no volunteers for the job of cake maker for this event, so..... Guess who made a cake! I think it is super cute! There are 12 'students' and 3 teachers. A couple of trees and a campfire. I wanted to put a tent on it too, but ran out of room-I guess I made my People too big! Peekaboo decided that a tent sticker would do the trick! Tim's favourite parts are the little, tiny marshmellow sticks!

This one is Peekaboo, with a pink sleeping bag of course!

Our new puppy

2009-06-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

Don't worry! I haven't complicated our already crazy lives with a real puppy! Lately, when playing outside in our front yard, Peekaboo has been barking and howling at people on the street! I kid you not, she runs over to the fence, stands on the lower beam, and barks at people as they walk past our yard...Yep. She does.
She has been getting some fairly strange looks from those on the receiving end of her 'attacks', but...whatever! At least I am keeping my dog secured, in my yard!
It is pretty funny! I took a little video, but this impossibly unpredictable blog site won't let me upload it....Check it out on my Dropshots page www.dropshots.com/tiggertim

Sew fun!

2009-06-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

I think Tim has finally come to terms with the fact that the sewing machine may never leave the kitchen table again!! Every time I finish a project, and am about to put it away, I come up with some new project to try.

I made some crayon rolls and small, soft-sided doll houses...cute and fun to make. I sold a few at the Children's Swap at DJSS last Saturday.

While we were down south in April, I bought a little reversible dress for Peekaboo in a used clothing store. It is super cute and any time it isn't in the laundry she wants to wear it. Well, I looked at it and thought "That would be pretty easy to make...." So, without a pattern or a clue where to start....

Then, because I bought WAY too much material, I made a reversible sun hat to match (might be a bit much to wear all at once!!)

Signing times!

2009-05-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

So, I have been signing to Ez for months. I have started with the basics; milk, Mommy, Daddy, more, dog, apple. He does milk and more (which he uses as the affirmative for any question you ask him..."are you all done, or do you want more?" "more" "do you want to stay here or come with Mommy?" "more" "it is time to get out of the bathtub, pull the plug" "more"...) So, the other day Ezra had his first non-baby cookie. Peekaboo and I made low sugar cookies and cut them out in all sorts of great shapes. He had a little piece of one, and YUMMY!!
On Tuesday we were out for a walk, ran into some people we knew and started chatting. Ezra decides he has had enough, starts squalking. I say, "Ezra what is the matter?" He signs 'milk', perfectly understandable, then he signs "cookie" !!! I have shown him that sign about 4 times! Does he sign 'apple' or 'banana' or 'grapes'...? No, COOKIE!! Can't say the boy doesn't know what he wants!!

Spring? Where are you?

2009-05-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

I find it incredibly depressing that I still have to dress my kids in their winter jackets and hats to go to the park the THIRD WEEK IN MAY!! I mean, come on!!!! Spring? We are ready for you, any time now!!

Blogging....

2009-05-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

This blogging site is driving me a little crazy....trying to upload photos is taking forever, and it doesn't always work....? AHHHHH!!!

Happy Birthday-1 year old!

2009-05-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

The boy had his party on his birthday-Saturday May 9th. We had a few little friends over; Cody, Camdin, Ian & Jacob. There was lots of noise, lots of toys, lots of fun! We opened the gifts first-everyone was very generous, Thank you! Then we had home made Macaroni and Cheese. The pink elephant cake was a smash hit!

It seems crazy that Ezra is one already...I know everyone says that about their children...It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the time can fly by! Ezra's personality has really begun to shine through-he is a bit of a goofball, how surprising! He loves things with wheels, and anything that makes noise. He is a SUPERFAST crawler, which makes me wonder if he will have the motivation to start walking any time soon...? He eats almost anything, including all types of veggies. He LOVES fruit-especially kiwi and blueberries. He hates socks, and removes them at the first opportunity-very handy when it is -35 outside! He loves his sister, and follows her around the house (much to her frustration some days!) He smiles easily, laughs often and is a cutie-pie! The only complaint we have is the occasional night of frequent waking (which I could remedy if I really wanted to...) and the continual battle with his congestion. The poor little guy has spent so much of his life stuffed up, I think he thinks it is normal....

Ezra is super awesome. Peekaboo is the best big sister out there and we are all very, very lucky!

Happy First Birthday, Ezra! We love you oodles!

Ezra is ONE!!!

2009-05-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today my little man turned 1 year old! It never ceases to astound me how fast time can go... The last year has been crazy, infuriating, awesome, perplexing and fantastic! It seems like Ezra has always been part of our family, at the same time it feels like he was new just last week.
We had a nice little party for him. Camdin, Cody, Jacob and Ian came to celebrate with us. We made it a lunch party-the little ones are in better spirits in the morning I find!
I had himmed and hawwed about the 'traditional' first birthday cake in our family. All of us, me, Kelsey, Deni, Peekaboo and even Tim (the first birthday he was with me) had pink elephant cakes. I wondered if I should change it up, since Ezra is a boy....Decided, why break with tradition!!??

It is still pink, I just added some fun things to make him a circus elephant! With the young guests, one of whom is allergic to eggs, I made a low sugar, eggless, apple spice cake-it was yummy!

Home again, home again

2009-04-26T06:01:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are. Back in Hay River after our 3 weeks in Comox, BC. We had a lovely time, spent almost every waking moment outside, shopped til we were cross-eyed, and drove Gramma and Poppa crazy! I am sure they are enjoying the peace and tranquility of their home, now that they can hear themselves think!!
We returned to Hay River Friday evening and blah!!!! It is grey and dreary and (as Peekaboo pointed out from the airplane...)there is still SNOW!!!
All that aside, it is nice to be home. Ez crawled around, from room to room, checking out everything. I am not sure if he was exploring because he didn't remember his house, or if he was checking to make sure all his stuff was still where he left it!! Peekaboo went right into her room, and put on a pink dress...what a kid!
Tim had spent some time cleaning and straightening while we were gone, and we had that undone in about 10 minutes. Nothing like returning from a trip to put a house to shambles-sorry Tim! I noticed, and it was lovely, but now we are here and with us come the messes of life!!
NeWT was BERSERK!! I think that is the longest time she has been apart from me, and she was CRAZY when we came in. Tim had shut her in the office, so that we could get in the door without being molested. When I let her out she just freaked! It was nice to see her too, I missed my girl.
I am fairly anxious to return to the usual schedule, playgroups and Play School for Peekaboo. We have had no schedule to speak of for the last few weeks and I am hoping, now that we are home, everyone (meaning Ezra) will settle down (meaning sleep for more than an hour and a half at a time)!!

On a completely different note....Congratulations to the Wents!!! They had a big, handsome baby boy on the 21st!! Yay! (I still think you should have named him Fischer-it would have been the perfect name for Hunter's little brother!! But, Cavan is nice too!)

I need a vacation from my vacation....

2009-04-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

So, Sunday night Liz wasn't feeling well-we went to a friend's for dinner. Later, she was sick. Monday night Dad joined her...Didn't see either of them for 2 days. They stayed in their room, trying to keep their bug away from me and the kids (thank you) Wednesday morning Peekaboo work up at 4am crying, which is very unlike her. She was miserable and complained of a sore ear. I took her to the Doctor Wednesday morning, turns out she has an ear infection for the first time in her life....what the heck!?!? Ezra has been running a fever and has a wicked cough, this has been going on almost a week now....

Help! I need a vacation!!

Our day at The Theraputic Riding Barn's Easter Fun!!

2009-04-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

The Courtenay Theraputic Riding Barn had an awesome Easter themed fund raiser on Sunday. We went down, even though the weather was less than stellar.....

There was an egg hunt...each family got their own stall to look for easter eggs in the hay.

There were numerous little games;fishing pond, lollypop tree, hockey puck shooting, etc.

Inside the barn (because it was really windy and wet outside) they had the petting farm and the blowup bouncers.

There was a tractor-drawn hay ride through the neighbouring treed lot...

Poppa went with her on that one-Liz, Ezra and I were soggy and wanted to stay inside-lucky Poppa!

But, the most exciting, thrilling, stupendous, wonderful thing of all? "Pony" rides!! Peekaboo met and got to pet a horse when we were down last spring. She really liked it, but she got to see how big they are and was a little scared. This year I wasn't sure how into the horses we would be....but....Whatever! They had a lovely little pony named Beauty-perfect Peekaboo size!

Then, after a brief hot dog break, she wanted to go again! This time a slightly bigger pony named Sparkles! She LOVED it!!

And, by the end, the weather even got nicer and the sun came out!!

Happy Easter!!

Easter Weekend on the Island

2009-04-13T09:50:00.001-07:00

Weather has been great! Sunny and relatively warm. We have gone down to the water at Kin Beach, and played at the park there.

We have had a fire in the backyard, to rid Gramma and Poppa of their spring branch pile. Peekaboo had the job of dragging all the branches over to the fire pit!

Gramma and Peekaboo have been doing some gardening as well.

More Comox fun!

2009-04-10T19:23:00.001-07:00

Here, in Comox, the number of little motorized carts that are driven around by seniors is astounding. Well, my father got one for my Grandma to use when she came out to visit...She didn't come...but Dad still has the cart....Apparently it makes a fun toy!Wow! What a crew! They must be all related! And yes, my goofy daughter is wearing ear protectors...the Snowbirds were practising...

OK, to be honest, it does look fun-next time I am driving!

Ezra is getting in touch with his inner outdoorsman! He discovered Gramma's garden and applauded her efforts! I think he has come to realize the joys of not having to wear every article of clothing he owns in order to go outside!

Comox fun (so far!)

2009-04-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

Gramma and Poppa fully outfitted themselves for a visit from the "Grandkids". There is a tunnel with a tent, which is great fun!

Ezra (and Poppa) have spent lots of time in it! There is also a full Graco baby system with stroller, car seat, swing, playpen, snugglie, and diaper bag-a bit hit with Peekaboo. There is a Dora, plastic trike-thingy, wheelbarrow, froggie sandbox with all the trimmings....and....the Snowbirds!

Peekaboo is not thrilled with the Snowbirds...those of you who know her well, know that she doesn't like loud noises-not much louder than 9 jets flying over your house...over and over and over and....!

Oh, Yeah...

2009-04-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

And just a word on how AWESOME our kids are....

They are AWESOME!!! Saturday was spent driving from Hay River to Yellowknife-a boring trip for an adult...And yet, they did extremely well. We slept in a hotel that night, again-a difficult and new thing, they were both awesome. Yesterday, we had to wake them up extra early, drag them to the airport, sit around with nothing interesting to do, then ride a small airplane for over 2 hours...No in-seat tv's, no meals served, no colouring book and crayons provided by the airline...Good thing Mommy knows how to pack a carry-on!! Peekaboo kept herself occupied fairly well for the trip. I fed them both almost constantly. Horray for the lovely lady in Yellowknife who checked us in. The flight was not full, so she put Peekaboo and I across the aisle from each other, and the window seat beside me remained "empty" so that Ezra had his own seat. I had a car seat with me, presumably for Peekaboo, but we installed it for Ezra and WOW what a relief! He sat in it, quite happily, for the duration of the flight. The second little hop, from Vancouver to Nanaimo, was only 20 minutes...But, 20 minutes of him on my lap was LOTS!! I hope the plane back up to Yellowknife on the 24th is only half full too!!
So, picture if you can, Peekaboo in her seat. She was wearing....you guessed it, Pink. There was a gentleman in the window seat beside her....full Harley duds! Ponytail, sunglasses, black shirt and pants, big boots, goatee.....It was very funny! Peekaboo opened her surprise playhouse that I made for her, and this guy was playing "Princesses" with her! Turns out he has a 2 year-old granddaughter and 1 year-old grandson! It was a very cute picture!! Wish I had a camera with me!!