elliott5inbc

Just A Small Town Girl

2011-12-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

Mostly I love living in a small town.

But here is a little story I call....'TOO SMALL TOWN'

I was in a certain drug store yesterday. The cosmetic lady ringing in my purchase used the F word. While I was at the till. Buying something expensive.

I don't know her. She just used it like we were at the bar. Which we weren't.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not a prude, but is it super professional while ringing in someones purchase to utter this sentence 'Oh man, if that f*&%$(ng purfume didn't come in today I was going to have to stay home'.

Uh.....ok then.

Also, then today, at said drug mart (if you will) the pharmacist was waiting in line behind me, purchasing a monster energy drink when I heard him tell his buddy , 'Holy crap, I'm so hungover, man I wish I was still in bed'.

Please don't get a prescription today if you live in Smithers. It may not be safe.

Dear Mart....I get it, we have limited choices so I won't even call to complain about the severe lack of professionalism. Again, I'm no prude. Get drunk, it's not my problem but then maybe don't announce to people that could be sick and relying on you dispensing the correct pills to them, that you were SOOOOOOOOOOO wasted last night.

That's just me, and what do I know? I'm from Manitoba.

No News Is Good News

2011-12-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

Ok.

I'm sorry Billie. I know I've been lacking in the blogging department but what is life is just life and I don't have anything interesting to write about?

What if no one really cares what I've been up to?

What if I'm happy things have been 'mundane' so I can enjoy life?

What if I'm loving having three girls who are amazing and wonderful and who I really really enjoy?

What if I'm doing the 100 day count down to Hawaii?

What if I'm not so afraid of 'winter' sports anymore, ie skating? What if I kind of rock ice skating now?

What if I'm all done my Christmas shopping so I have nothing to report there?

What if I tried spinning class and I don't love it but keep doing it because I love butter tarts?

What if I fell down the stairs this week at church infront of all the ladies I know?

What if I don't have anything good to say so that's why I don't blog?

Just Sayin'

Old Man Winter

2011-09-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

I am originally from Manitoba. Yup...lemme hear it....'Winterpeg'....ahahahaha.....

I have lived in BC half of my life, but it's still not long enough to forget the BONE chilling, windy, Winnipeg winters.

I would even now consider myself a British Columbian.....but, there is one thing I can NOT stand for.....and that is whining about a BC winter.

I have a new friend, Janelle. She is from Ontario (don't judge her....she's lovely, and we can't hold the entire province's snobbery against her) and she has lived here in 'northern' BC (seriously, it's CENTRAL PEOPLE....LOOK AT A MAP!) for about 6 weeks. In those 6 weeks, all she had heard is how she is going to perish in the cold and awfulness of this winter....that she will not survive....that death would be welcome about January 5th.....

I. DO. NOT. GET. IT.

These winter complainers are obviously not from anywhere other than BC. Only in BC do people compare winter conditions with Vancouver. THE WARMEST MAJOR CITY IN CANADA IN THE WINTER.

We spend 95 % of winter days outside here! We snowmobile, we toboggan, we ski, we skate...and all in a relatively moderate winter climate! There is little or no wind here. It's about -10 all winter (with the exception of the two cold weeks that are in the -20's) and yes, the snow is here for about 3 or 4 months, but really people? Really? You want to compare yourselves to a city that collectively cries when it snows 5 cms? This is the true north strong and free for goodness sake! Man up!

Prairie people are hearty people. It's hotter than hades all summer and colder than....well, what's the opposite of hades?

Uh...that would be Winnpeg.

That Moment....

2011-09-09T11:47:00.001-07:00

My BFF Heather recently posted a blog http://www.inallcyriousness.blogspot.com/ about her kids going off to the first full day of school. I re-read it a couple of times and thought back to that moment. The moment I brought my baby to kindergarten, then to full days of Grade 1.

I remember holding Delaney's hand and looking at ALL the kids around the playground and thinking, 'I can not just drop my child off here! There are so many kids! What if she gets lost? Or hurt? Or......' I also remember thinking that the grade 7's looked HUGE and mean. Also they dressed stupid.

Fast forward...and I mean FAST...to fall of 2011. I walked my baby girl to the school, where she was now the big, mean, stupidly dressed grade 7. She had painstakingly put on mascara (since years ago, she asked me when she could wear make-up to school and I said, 'UH...grade 7' in quite a hurry, thinking that was YEARS away. Well, she didn't forget, and she was very excited to get to wear make up to school) and picked out her clothes. She ruled the school. One. LAST. YEAR...until high school.

My Mommy heart soared and broke all at the same time. My Delaney Frances is a wonderful girl, inside and out, but she is not a little girl anymore. Calvin and I are doing what we are supposed to. We are teaching her that she can do ALL things through Him who strengthens her. We are reminding her to make good choices, even when we aren't around....and yet part of my heart breaks because time must move on....just in time for me to do this all over again next year with my sweet Avery Vanessa.

What Can I Say?

2011-07-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, It's been two months. I was going to try and blog every two weeks. What happened?

Long summer days...sips of iced tea in tall glasses...freshly cut grass......

UH....NO.

Mostly just trying to rise above the crap weather we've had all summer and just get through until the sun shines.

Some life changing moments for me in the last two months...

1) I have a daughter who has ONE more year in elementary school, then she's off to high school. HUH?

2) We got a puppy. Dumb us. I know. The sheer amount of work is amazing when you have a puppy. I could just leave her to chew on random things in my house or wander all over but because I read a Cesar Millan book, I now have to be a pack leader. Arg.

3) All three of my girls went to kids camp in Terrace this year and left me home alone with the puppy. I was very sad. They weren't.

4) By the end of June, I had lost 40 pounds in 2011. If you read my new years resolves blog you'll notice that I have a number I want to get to. It's very close. I can feel it. I may be kicking the 200's in the ass very soon. Thank you Zumba and HCG.

5) We are ALMOST done our house reno's. June 2010 was a very traumatic month for me (house reno's...Dad dying). This June was better. Not great thanks to the weather and some 'Dad' issues I have...but not knock down, crawl under the sheets and cry all month bad.

6) I no longer have syrup in my Americano Misto from Starbucks. I know. It's for real people. Espresso, water and milk. Period.

7) It's official that I'm not a big fan of the province of Alberta. Even though I had an amazing holiday with my bff's, the drivers there drive me NUTS and photo radar is stupid. (**side note, I am also $87.00 poorer)

8) Our family is going on TWO big trips in the next 9 months. We are going to Cape Breton for Calvin's niece's wedding in October...and then in March we are going to Kauai for 16 days. I will find the sun somewhere. Somehow.

9) I have 22 piano students in the fall....busy lady.....thank the Lord I get 19 weeks of holidays a year. Phew. That working for a living is over rated!

10) I just bought the movie 'Dirty Dancing' for $4.99 on iTunes and it makes me so happy I could run outside in barefeet and dance in the rain. In July. For the gamillionith day in a row.

How's your summer?

Things I Have Learned On Oprah

2011-05-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

I've been a stay at home mom/wife for almost 12 years...in those years I have watched ALOT of Oprah. I actually watched it before that too, but have rarely missed an afternoon in the last 12 years.

Now, don't go getting ideas about how I sat on the couch eating cookies while I snuggled under a blanket watching TV. Well, actually, go ahead...it was mostly that. Mostly because from 1-2 when my girls were small, they were sleeping so I had a couple hours to myself, and why clean when Dr. Oz may be on? These days, I usually watch it while I'm chopping veggies or folding laundry...but I ALWAYS watch it.

OK...this list is not exhaustive but this is what I've learned on Oprah....

how to fold a fitted sheet so it looks FOLDED not rolled! (Martha Stewart was a guest that day!)

what a mojito was...I had only heard the name but was to scared to ask what it was for fear I'd be outted as a some sort of cocktail knowledgeless loser.

that poop should be 'S' shaped or 'C' shaped! (thank you Dr OZ)

that you can wear brown and black together, although I'm still too scared to do this.

that a properly fitted bra can make you look like you've lost 10 pounds. THIS IS TRUE! Hear me now ladies, a wrong bra size does nothing for you! Your boobs should not be resting on your belly. EVER. (**unless you are pregnant!!!**)

That my overeating was never about the food, but about feeling 'less than' and stuffing my emotions with food.

That people do care about one another. I've seen so many stories of horrific rapes, murders, incest, abuse...but also ones where people do good things for other people, just because it's the right thing to do.

how the internet really works. (She did a show asking questions like, how does the picture get on your TV, and how does e-mail send from one virtual mailbox to another)

That the US has a terrible education system. We in Canada should be thankful. (See...'Waiting for Superman' the documentary)

how to sneak pureed veggies into baking without anyone knowing

what my healthy weight was, and how it wasn't a number at all

That people get SOOOOOOOOOOOOO crazy excited when they get free stuff, but I get excited too...even though I'm not there!

That I may want to go to Australia...it had never appealed to me before but after seeing it on O, I think I'd like to go with the fam!

that crying in the middle of the day is good for the soul

that I'm very thankful for the husband I have (there are some DUDS out there)

that I'm going to miss watching Miss O every day

The Finest Thing

2011-04-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

The finest thing I have been involved in ALL year....is the birth of my nephew Hudson Peter. Vanessa had a movie like water break at my Grandpa's house...splooshing water up, down and all around. 14 hours later, little Hudson made his grand entrance into this world. Seeing my sister go through that kind of pain was almost unbearable for me, but I kept it together on the outside. Thank God for encouraging texts from Heather and Billie Jean. They came just when I needed them. Happy Birthday Hudson....can't wait to see you grow.

That Still Small Voice....

2011-03-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

I have always been very sensitive. That may surprise some of you if you know me, because I come across and loud, funny, confident and self assured. (I am those things, just sensitive too)

I easily get a 'check' in my spirit when I know something is not right (people with a different world view would use the word conscience). I have a tingle in my spirit when I know that something is up with one of my girls. I feel something when I know I need to say something to someone.

BUT.

I'm not perfect.

It's a long story, but there is a girl who goes to school with Delaney. She swears. ALOT. She looks 16 and she reminds me of me when I was in grade 6. Bad news. I know me. I know what I was looking for. RED ALERT.

For some reason Delaney is drawn to this girl. I put a stop to it. This girl, let's call her Jen, is 'cool' by grade 6 standards, but not by mine. My girl...my sweet, kind, innocent, doll playing girl is not ready for a friend like this.

Then I overheard Delaney talking to Avery the other night.

And do you know what I heard her say?

She said, 'Ave-guess what? Jen wrote me a note today saying 'Dear Delaney. Thanks for always being so nice to me'.

I literally stopped in my tracks and felt that feeling. That feeling that tells me very softly and sweetly. Michelle...you needed a friend like Delaney. That feeling that tells me....Michelle, this is a little girl. You need to love her too.

I have been put in my place, not only by my 11 year old but of the Creator of all things good.

What is that old saying? Don't judge a book by it's cover? Point taken.

What Is In A Name?

2011-02-08T18:38:00.000-08:00

Many of you know (probably ALL of you) that my Grandma Richmond died on January 26th, 2011.

It wasn't a huge shock or certain tragedy....we knew it was coming, in fact we had even prayed it would. My entire family knew that Grandma was just not where she wanted to be. She was where she NEVER wanted to be.

However..before you think I'm cold and unfeeling, let me explain why this death experience has been like NO other for me.

Heritage. You can not beg, borrow or steal one like the Richmond's have. Our entire family came together to honour and celebrate my Grandmothers life. Before she died, we piled into a small room at the care facility she lived at and sang to her, sat with her and prayed with her. All 15 great grandchildren were at her funeral, all but one grandchild and all her children. My grandmother invested in US, not things. Her room was cleaned up after she died in a matter of 20 minutes...the thing that remains is the heritage she (and my Grandpa) have left us.
Relationship. My grandma had a relationship with me that she invested in. Daily, weekly, monthly.
Regrets. She had none! My grandmother lived with a purpose filled life...and that was to love people into the kingdom of Jesus. Plain and simple.
Healing. My Grandma has been healed. She is walking and laughing and singing once again...and THAT is a promise she believed in with her whole heart.

I do not grieve like those who have no hope. I will not take my place here for granted.

Grandma-you will be missed but not mourned...for He has turned my mourning into dancing again and lifted my sorrows. I can't stay silent, I must sing for His joy has come.

You Know What's Weird?

2011-01-14T16:06:00.000-08:00

You know what's weird?

Turning on the TV and seeing your dead Dad doing stand up.

Not sure I'm ever going to get used to that.

PG 13 Post Ahead

2011-01-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

Ok 2011. I'm going to kick you in the a@@.

(heads up...these are really in no particular order.....)

First of all, my Dad is already dead so no more losing Dad's this year.

Second of all, with the help of weight watchers and Zumba, this year (the year I turn 35) will finally be the one where I break the 100 barrier. I mean...I will see a number ONE at the front of my weight. Even if it's 199. I will then promptly drive to DQ and eat a peanut buster parfait.

Thirdly....I'm going to find my time with God. I'm going to make some time for spiritual growth a priority.

Fourth? Well, I'm going to try and remember EACH day how much I love being a Mom...I looked at some baby pictures the other day and how 11 years of being a Mom has flown by, I will NEVER know, but I want to enjoy each moment.

And now in random order....

I will not compare myself to others...mostly because I'm awesome, and a little because it never helps anyway.
I will have some more sex. Just for fun.
I will try to keep my mouth shut more often. Listen more, talk less...listen more, talk less
I will have a good attitude about housework.
I will have a better attitude about housework.
Ok..I won't have a bad attitude about housework.
I will try to stick to my Starbucks allowance and only go 2 (gulp) times a week, no promises here, I'm only human!
I will write a blog every two weeks, even it it's dead boring and pointless

How are you going to kick it up a notch this year?

And This Is Why I'm Not Worried About Avery....

2010-12-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

So, last night my two older girls attended 'Carol Fest', which is a long standing tradition in the valley, where ALL the elementary schools come together at the high school to sing. Each school sings one song alone, and then they do a mass choir number with the high school band playing. It's always nice to start the Christmas season, even though listening to a very flat rendition of 'Carol of The Bells' makes me want to cringe, I remember that my high school bands 'swansong' was 'Wipeout', and I remember thinking we were amazing. (Until my mom told me years later how she had to pinch her leg to not laugh!)

All that to say...as Calvin and I are watching our lovely girls sing...I notice that Avery keeps looking down, and to the side....I get her attention and am mouthing to her 'SING AVE!'...to which she mouths back 'I KNOW! I AM!!!!!!'. She then bends down, and back up...looks to the side...and so on.

After the show we tell them how good they were, and then I ask Ave what the heck she was doing? She informs me that a high school student was standing under the bleachers grabbing their ankles while they were singing...so...what does my 9 year old daughter do?

She bends down and tells the kid to (and I quote), 'STOP grabbing our ankles!', to which the boy replies, 'Or what?'.

So what does my saucy little Ave say?

'YOU BETTER STOP GRABBING ME OR I. WILL. PUNCH. YOU. IN. THE. FACE!!!!!'

...and that is why high school has no chance when it comes to Avery V.

I Am Still Here....

2010-10-19T14:24:00.001-07:00

Hello Bloggerland...

I am still here. I am still around.

I just haven't been able to blog for a while...
Why not you say?

I've been in a tree and I couldn't get to a computer.

I know it sounds weird but since my Dad died in June, I have not been able to climb off this branch I'm perched on. I feel like I'm on a branch all alone, and although I can see people in the tree...I just can't get to them.

I should clarify that...I was on a branch....I feel like I've finally been able to climb back into my tree with the other people from my life....

This is what I've learned in the last four months about my grief.

1) I was not prepared AT ALL for how I was going to feel when my Dad died, even though I knew he was dying.

2) Being hurt in childhood (and as an adult) by a father is something you don't just 'get over' It takes time.

3) My family rocks. My husband, my girls and my extended family in Smithers (and beyond) held me up when I felt like I was going to fall.

4) Major house renovations and death DO. NOT. GO. TOGETHER. I'm a person who really does believe in God's timing but really? Moved out of my house...major major reno's and then dealing with my Dad's death, all at once? Baffled.

5) Everyone grieves differently. I will NEVER again think I know how things should look for another person when they are grieving.

I'm here now. I'm living my life, and remembering my Dad when he pops into my head. I've forgiven him for the things he was not to me...and I'm thankful for the things he was.

I'm very thankful for the peace God has given me in all this. I accept it, and move on........

We've Progressed How Far?

2010-08-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

My kids love the show 'I Love Lucy'.

They were first introduced to it when we went to Hawaii in 2009. They would watch it with my Mom and just laugh and laugh, they thought it was so funny that Ricky was smoking in the hospital while waiting in the 'Fathers Room' for Lucy to have her baby...and then when we got home, my Mom gave them some VIDEO TAPES (yes friends...TAPES) to watch. Again, totally loved it so when we saw season one at Wal-Mart on DVD we snatched it up!

Fast forward to last week.

The girls and I were watching an episode called 'The Audition' from 1951. Now, the plots for these shows aren't exactly complicated. The show usually ends up with Lucy's head stuck in a turkey, the couch on fire (you know, due to all the smoking) or some other crazy disaster. So, in this episode, Ricky (who is a big band leader at the 'Tropicana') hired a new showgirl who got another gig and quit. Enter Lucy. She REALLY wants to try out but Ricky doesn't want her to. She begs him so he says ok. Show up to the audition tomorrow at one. So she does. Lots of laughing from the other ladies who are trying out as apparently Lucy is too 'OLD' looking. So, they tap dance for Ricky, they sing for Ricky...but that is not the deciding factor. NO. In order to get the gig, you have to be able to fit into the costume that they had already ordered for the old dancer. Here's the kicker. It was a size 12.

12.

In 1951, a size 12 was what women attained to be. In fact, many many many jokes were told about how SMALL a size 12 was. Lucy split the skirt on the seam trying to fit into it.

In 2010, size 12 is a plus size.

How did things change so much in 60 years? Who decided that a size 0 was now completely reasonable?

I think we should find them.

Then sit on them.

True or False....Summer so far

2010-07-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

I haven't written a blog in THREE months - True. Sort of. I start writing and then decide it's too lame to post, and scrap it.
I love reno's - False. Since the end of May, my house has been in SOME sort of depleted state. First, my husband LIFTED (yes, I said lifted) the house to put a foundation in, there was digging, back hoeing, shifting of plans, ripping off of decks, cracking of walls-and in between all this, I was living at my Mom's, sleeping on a foamy. In my old room. Very strange.
The weather has been superb - True. This week. False. Two weeks ago. The weather has been very very unpredictable here this summer, makes it hard to plan things!
We've camped alot this summer - False. Although we have been out three times, and are doing a four day camping trek with our friends the Lillies and the Cyr's next week.
I got an iPhone - True...and I love it. Even more surprising is that Calvin is in LOVE with his...he's a no technology kind of guy, so this was a huge deal for him!
I am not myself - True. June was a very hard month, not only was I living at my Mom's, but my Dad was very very sick, and then he died 2 days after we moved back into our house. People keep asking me if I'm ok. I'm not ok. Then sometimes I am.
We are planning on staying around BC for the next year - False. As I type, I am planning our two week winter trip to Kauai, Hawaii. We love Hawaii....if we had nothing but money, we would buy a winter house there.
I am getting another tattoo - True. I want to get the Hawaiian flower tattooed on my back- see reason above!
I have been a faithful exerciser this summer - False. I really need to get back on the program!
Hope you are having a great summer - True!

Camping 101

2010-04-14T20:40:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or are there ALOT of people getting divorced these days? I mean, I know alot of people and ALOT of them are splitting up. I've heard the different reasons...and I have a solution. Yes...I have a fix it all for marriages. I'm awesome.

Hear me out.

It's camping.

Not the Hyatt Regency type of camping but the pee in a bucket, sleep on a foamy type of camping.

Camping makes people happy.

What is there not to be happy about? You are sitting by a campfire, and your ONLY job besides doing the occasional camp dish or throwing more wood on the fire is deciding what to eat next.

Immediately after breakfast, it's time to think about what bag of chips you should open. Should you eat the two bite brownies now or later? Perhaps you break it up by 'walking' (and by walking, I mean 'sauntering' while talking about how awesome your steaks are going to be at dinner) but the truth remains the same. You are getting ready for the next meal.

I'm officially changing the name of camping to 'eating whilst sleeping in a camper'. Yes, I used the word 'whilst'. It's not used nearly as much as it should be these days.

I digress...

Camping reminds me why I love being with Calvin...and why I love having kids. It's pure family time. I mean, you can't be pissed at your hubby whilst (again) he's got marshmallow and nuttela smeared all over his love patch...can you? Sure, you could be mad at him when you have to get up an pee in a bucket in the middle of the night because he thought a camper from 1978 would be just fine....but where would that get you? Mad...and peeing in a bucket...that's where.

Ok, fine, I'll admit, it's not solid psychology, but it could work couldn't it? How bad could it be for a marriage to let go of modern conveniences like cell phones and laptops, and just focus on being together? As a family.

And if that doesn't work?

There's always breakfast.

Why I'm A Bad Mom And Other Fine Things...

2010-03-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm not a bad Mom...maybe.

When we were in Disneyland last week, I realized something.

I would NEVER....and I mean N.E.V.E.R. take small children to Disneyland.

Picture this scenario (which isn't made up, in fact I saw this many, many times)

You arrive at Disneyland (which is only actually arriving at the parking lots of the great land of Disney), where you unload your stroller, snuggly and screaming 2 year old and 6 month old.
You put the baby in the snuggly and then try and corral the 2 year old into the stroller while yelling at your husband to not forget the baby wipes....

You get to the escalator only to realize that you can't take the stroller on there, so you get to wait in the first of many line ups of the day. The Elevator! YAY!

10 minutes later you get down to the tram level where you take said screaming 2 year old OUT of the stroller (b/c you can't have a stroller on the tram, you have to fold it up) while you are still visibly annoyed with your husband for not packing more wipes. You hold onto your 2 year olds hand while shouting things like 'WE'RE GOING TO SEE MICKEY!!!!!!!! DON'T YOU WANT TO SEE MICKEY?' at the tot...to which he screams 'NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! NO MICKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' You wait in line for the tram and when it comes, you load up everything and try to keep the stroller from falling OUT of the tram during the 3 minute ride.

Then you arrive. Phew.

Take stroller out, set stroller up, pick up squirming child, try to place him in...of course, he won't bend his legs, so that makes things fun. Shove his legs through the leg hole, scraping his knees on the drink holder. Re-commence screaming. Try and calm your two year old down while giving your husband the evil eye while he's trying to locate the band aids in the diaper bag.
Patch knee up, start walking toward gate.

Stop at gate, get searched (all the while still re-iterating 'MICKEY IS IN THERE CONNER...ISN'T THIS FUUUUUNNNNNNN???????). Go through gate, get map and then sit down to nurse 6 month old who is now crying.

All done nursing...'Ok Conner...which ride do you want to go on?' (the choice is limited because Conner is only like 35 inches tall so he can't ride the 'cool' rides but have fun on 'Mr. Toad's Wild Adventure')

'NEMO!!!!!!!!!' 'NEMO NEMO NEMO NEMO NEMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!'

Start walking towards the Nemo submarine ride....then get there and notice the '55 minute' wait time. Try talking 'Conner' out of having to go on the submarine ride....it's a no go...he wants to wait. By wait, I mean, hanging on the rope dividers and climb up the rock wall that divides the people waiting in the 'Nemo' ride. You finally get to the end of the line, and it's time to get in the submarine, and this is when Conner announces that he needs to poo. You calmly tell him to hold it while you yank him down into the submarine.

5 minutes later you're done the ride, and it's really time to RUN to the washroom with Conner. You 'un'snuggly yourself, hand the baby over to your husband (whom you are barely speaking with) and run Conner to the nearest bathroom where there is only a 10 person line.

Done in the bathroom, back to 're'snuggly the baby.

It's now 10 am. You've been here for an hour. You are so tired you could throw up and now it's time to wait for 'Snow White's Great Adventure'. Wait time? 45 minutes. Awesome. Just forget it...let's go to 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. The waits are shorter and the line moves fast.

Get to the 'Pirates' ride...wait in line. Get on ride. Spend the ENTIRE ride re-assuring Conner that a big mean pirate won't 'get' him. 'No, NO Conner...Jack Sparrow is a nice pirate. He only uses his sword to cut things like fruit....' Yo ho, Yo ho, a pirates life for me.....

**************cut to me**********************************************
WHY on God's green earth would parents do this to themselves? The kids are tired...the parents are tired and seriously? They won't remember it anyway! The only thing you come away with is some serious post traumatic stress...I mean, I was stressed for them!

Going to Disneyland with kids who can walk by themselves, ride the rides by themselves and last but not least, actually REMEMBER it really is the way to go (in my humble opinion). But hey, what do I know?

I Wish We All Could Be California Girls....

2010-03-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

California by numbers....

13 The number of days the temperature was higher than +20.

2 The number of days the temperature was higher than +30!!!

0 days it rained in California while we were there.

6 Days we went to Disneyland and California Adventures.

1 time that we saw Polar Bears 'gettin it ON'

2 Haunted Houses we visited

1 Haunted House that had the girls screaming and running out of it.
Apparently PG 13 isn't just a 'suggestion'

3 days when we just relaxed by the pool

0 pounds gained by ME!!!! (Walking for 8 hours a day will keep the calorie count down)

1 time that Vanessa and I worked out at the hotel gym....better than 0?!?!

7 times that Delaney threw up on the trip (not sick from rides, only driving in
stop-start traffic of LA)

90 minutes that it took us to go 59 kms from the hotel to Universal Studios. Traffic.
UGH.

7 lanes that were bumper to bumper traffic in LA. Glad we only went there twice.

1 Limo ride.

5 Roller Coasters we went on.

1 Elvis walking me down the vow renewal aisle.

4 Killer Whales we saw. In Seaworld....not 'wild' but still cool.

800 Miles we drove in our Suburban (that's 1280 kms)

200 Miles the Suburban had on it when we got it!

2.99 cost of fuel per gallon in California

7.42 amount I won in Vegas

25 amount I LOST in Vegas

2 The number of times I ate a 'Churro'. For those of you who don't know what this
is, it tastes just like a mini donut but it's long (like a big celery stalk of unhealthiness)

2 times I was on a ride and it broke down....I think I may be bad luck.

1 time that I went to Wal-Mart and was most definitely a minority. Calvin and I
were the ONLY people not speaking Spanish.

4 goals that the Anaheim Ducks scored over the Chicago Blackhawks at the game we
went to.

567 number of pictures I took while on Vacation

All in all a great trip, SO different than Hawaii last year. The girls had a great time, we had lots of fun as a family but next year, we're going back to Hawaii and laying on the beach for two weeks.

Reflecting....

2010-02-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I'm going to be 34. In a month I will be married for 12 years.....

Calvin and I were reflecting about how things have changed for us in the past 12 years....I'll give you some examples....

12 years ago, we had no table. Literally. We ate on TV trays in the living room of our apartment.

12 years ago when when moved into our house (after being married for 6 months) it took two truck loads and half an hour to move EVERYTHING we owned.

12 years ago, we had a 12 inch TV...and it weighed about 50 pounds.

12 years ago, I had never sent an e-mail.

12 years ago we had 12 pieces of cutlery. Total.

12 years ago, I was SURE that forest green was never going to go out of style.

12 years ago, we did not own a couch. We owned a love seat. A love seat and no table. Wow.

12 years ago, I was working at Interior Stationery and Books, and Calvin was finishing off his 'Joinery' apprenticeship.

12 years ago, we had no kids....no money.....

I liked 1998, really I did....but I wouldn't trade it for 2010....let's do this again in 2022!!

True or False.

2010-01-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

It's January.

I love the weather in January-False. It has been above zero and raining for three days. I do not like rain in January. I really should be a snow bird.

I always make New Years Resolutions-True. I like a new start, a fresh year with no mistakes, a chance to finally make it under 200 pounds....but I digress....

We had a quiet Christmas-False. We had more family than ever...plus the stragglers that we invite for Christmas dinner....it's so fun! We (and by 'we' I mean THEY) skated on the rink, played the new Wii, went sledding, ate like crazy and enjoyed some Christmas cheer.

I am a sore loser-True. I hate losing. The first day we played 'Super Mario' on the Wii, Calvin had to give me a time out. I was actually SO frustrated I cried. I actually said these words at 1 in the morning, ' If I do not pass this castle I will NOT go to bed!' Wow. Mature. Also, to add to the list of being a pissy pants, I do not like when Calvin beats me at every game on the Wii....from tennis to bowling....but if I'm winning, then I'm happy. Simple enough right?

I have lost 13 pounds since January 1st-True. I have been working out and doing weight watchers and had a great first two weeks...of course, now I've hit a wall and the weight will take a bit longer to come off, but I have a goal to reach by March and I really think I'm going to make it!

Elvis and I will be spending some time together soon-True. We are going to California in March for two weeks compliments of my Mom. We are going with her, Vanessa, Aaron and our girls. Anyway, the second week we are there, we are driving to Las Vegas for a night....and it just happens to be our 12th anniversary....so....we booked a vow renewal at the 'Graceland Wedding Chapel' and Elvis will be officiating and then serenading us!

I am an accomplished skier-False. I was born in Manitoba people. I am a flat lander at heart. I can not downhill ski, but I am going to attempt cross country this week.

I'm looking forward to 2010-True. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for us this year. I'm excited about Camryn turning 7, Delaney turning 11 and Ave turning 10. I'm pumped about being in my 'mid' 30's and being married to a great guy who is shortly going to be in his 'late' 30's! I'm looking forward to trips and quite weekends at home. I'm excited about investing in the relationships we have with our great friends and family. Here's to 2010!

Through The Ages...

2009-12-30T21:34:00.000-08:00

When I'm 83, and Calvin is 84, I hope I will see the kind of love and devotion I see in my Grandfather Richmond every single day.

Yesterday, I watched my Grandpa nuzzle my Grandma and say to her, 'well love! Lots more good times for us yet'.....and I watched her tear up and nod 'yes', the best she can.

My Grandpa would NEVER complain about anything. He would never say that he thinks it's a rip off that in their last years together, Grandma is wheelchair bound, can't communicate properly and has to live away from him. He would NEVER complain about the constant back pain he's in.....instead, he thanks God for every moment, special or plain. He never takes credit for himself, and offers nothing but positive words and happy thoughts.

Today, I was really touched by the love, honour, commitment and cherishing I saw between them.

Today, I understood the vows I took with Calvin when we got married almost 12 years ago.

Today, I was thankful for the example of what a relationship that has stood the test time looks like.

Today, I knew that I saw something special.

An Open Letter.....

2009-12-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

This is an open letter to Mr and Mrs. Cranky.

I see them often this time of year and I'd like to tell them to please take a flying leap. Please go home and don't come out until you can control your attitude.

No one wants to tell you but you just make yourself look like an ass when you do the following things....

1) Be mad at a line up at a store. You groan, growl or make under the breath comments about the line, and stare daggers at the check out person. (My personal favorite is if the till tape runs out when it's your turn. LOOK OUT!)

2) Give me the finger when I don't move out of a parking spot at the post office.

3) Yell at the post office ladies about not taking your flyers and then proceed to throw them on the floor or in an empty shopping cart outside. Nice.

4) Roll your eyes at the Starbucks manager when she politely tells you that there has been such high demand they are out of White Mocha sauce but they are hoping for a delivery later in the day.

5) Be pissy when someone says Merry Christmas to you at the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle.

6) Yell at the lady at Mark's Work Warehouse when your 'regular' size of pants doesn't fit....and make a comment about their sizing....oh yeah, it couldn't POSSIBLY be what you're eating??

7) Stomp around Zellers in the later half of December when they don't have anymore size 3 boots. It's December. Up North. Plan ahead!

8) Grumble about the price of shipping at the post office when you have to send something express post because you didn't get your act together and send it in early December. Yes, that is totally the fault of Canada Post.

9) Make a scene at Schimmils (a bakery in town) when you go in at the end of the day and they dared...and I mean DARED to sell all the cinnamon buns before YOU, Mr. and Mrs. Cranky got one. (PS....less baking may help you fit into those pants at Mark's Work Warehouse!!)

10) Complain about the cold. In Northern BC. Where you choose to live. Makes total sense.

Thank you for listening.

Merry Christmas.

Michelle

Oh.....The Weather Outside Is Frightful....

2009-12-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

Well...that's true. The weather is frightful. To me anyway.....Calvin loves -10 and snow because it's perfect 'rink' making weather.

The busyness of the Christmas season has started, the egg nog is flowing.....and the snow is blowing......and I am easily reminded of how much I love this season.

Funny Story....
I was teaching a piano student this week, and I was asking her if she LOVED Christmas...she said yes...and I started chattering on about all the things I love about this time of year...the lights...the music...the snow...the family time....the presents....and on and on....

And do you know what she said to me?

'Uh...yes, Mrs. Elliott, those things are nice, but the thing I love most is that it's Jesus' birthday'

Right. That's what I was going to say.....really!

Check please?

My Bra Is Tight And Other Fine Things.....

2009-11-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

That's right.

It's tight.

For years, I've been disciplined enough to work out and eat reasonably well...but since I got sick in May and stopped for a month, I can NOT get it back. So..consequently...my bra is tight.
I'm changing that tomorrow. Or Monday. We'll see.

I'm also in some sort of book funk. Not sure how that happened but I just can't find a book I LOVE...so instead I surf the net and check statuses every 15 minutes. (Gee..I can't imagine why my bra is tight....and my pants...and my jacket.....)

I am having a hairmergency. I haven't had a hair cut or colour in 4 months and there is a situation behind my head that is not for the believing. Thank goodness my hair is seeing someone special in a week.

It's cold here...it's dark here by 5...and I'm thinking I need a vacation to somewhere warm. When did this type of thing start to bother me? I used to think people were total sucks when they'd leave every winter for the promise of sun and surf. Now I'm wondering how old you have to be to be a 'snow bird'? I'm thinking of putting in an application.

Whoa......Slow Down Tex....

2009-10-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

What the heck is going on here?

Have we all lost our minds?

Have we lost all ability to think rationally and clearly?

I think H1N1 has sucked all the brains out of the sane people I know and replaced them with panic, terror-laden people who can only think of one thing....

Ok.

Let's review.

H1N1 is a FLU.

The seasonal flu kills more than 6,000 people a year in Canada.
H1N1 has killed 81.

I mean...27 people died while building the Brooklyn Bridge. So, I wonder, while it was being built...did people who had construction jobs wonder if they were going to catch 'the bridge'??

More than 8,000 people (in the US) a year die from LIP CANCER. WHAT? Lip cancer? About one an hour. Seriously, there should be a W5 special or something....I mean, why isn't this headline news! My lips are tingling...is that weird?

Over 2 MILLION people worldwide die pre-maturely from air pollution a YEAR.....
5,000 people have died worldwide from H1N1....total.

So, basically, if you drive a SUV you're killing like 100 times more people than H1N1.

Like I said...it's all perspective.

The Things I Know For Sure.....

2009-10-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those Oprah moments? You know...the 'aha' moments in life where something wakes up in your brain and you realize something for the greater good?

I had one of those on friday.

I was standing in the Smithers Civic Centre, watching my girls skate and soaking up all the 'small-town-ness' possible when I realized how much I LOVE our community.

I use the word community because that is what Smithers is to me. It's everything cliche that you could imagine about a small town....from big trucks with truck nuts to lululemon wearing pilates instructors....curling club to Boston Pizza...and the list goes on. It's having more than half the population show up to a fall fair parade just to see the crazy out of shape belly dancers strut their stuff and throw out bazooka joe gum to the crowd....

And I LOVE IT.

I was talking to a lady I quasi-know because Delaney and her son were born the same year and have been in the same class off and on for the last 6 years. She had her two sons there and was leaving to go pick her husband up at the airport so I offered to keep watch over the boys just in case. She thanked me and went to tell the boys if they needed anything just ask 'Delaney's Mom'...then she left. She left her most prized possessions in the hands of someone she doesn't really know....and that's when it dawned on me. This little town is a community. We watch after one anothers children. We help each other out. We have TIME for conversations because we don't have to spend half our lives driving places....I mean, this lady was back in half an hour from the airport and she even had time to run her hubby home! We stood at the back near the concession and let the smell of pizza pops waft by our noses while we watched our kids skate around and around....

And it was good.

So small town good.

I'm B-O-R-I-N-G.

2009-10-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Newsflash.

I may be slightly boring.

I was going to try and blog twice a month but since I don't have a crazy spider phobia to write about (Heath) and My husband hasn't been gone for three weeks (Billie)...it just feels like I'm at a loss.

I've got nothing.
Nada.
Zero.

I mean, I could bore you with details about how the teacher had to rip my baby girl from my arms on the first day of school while she screamed 'Mommy....Mommy....I love you....Mommy....MOMMMMMMMYYYYYY.' I could tell you how I walked away with my eyes brimming with tears only to pick her up at the end of the day completely happy and excited for the next school day.

I could tell you that I'm still on steroids for my stupid eye problem so that means the +15 pounds I have on because of my first round still hasn't come off......

I could mention that Calvin has once again begun fall reno's, so that means that there is drywall dust all over my house...WHICH I LOVE....dust and disorganization...my all time FAVORITES!

I could talk about the fact that this year, I'm teaching 16 students piano and FIVE of them are adults!

I could go on and on about not having any kids home in the day and how I'm finding that the days go by so fast and before I know it...they are home!

but like I said....
I've got nothin'......

Why I Know Styrofoam Was Invented By A Man....

2009-08-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

I hate clutter, and I HATE messes.

Please don't get pissy...I'm not saying I hate YOUR mess or clutter...just my own.

Why then, is it, that Calvin decided to pick up his new TV at Sears at 1:00 p.m., knowing he has to leave for work at 3:00 p.m.??

In his mind, this is how this works.

1:00 p.m. pick up TV and TV stand (that Michelle is not sure she even likes) from Sears.

1:15 p.m. Come home, put it all together, have coffee, go to work.

2:30 p.m. Since I'm all done putting together the tv, maybe go on 'The Hockey News' for half and hour....scratch myself...go to work.

THIS is how it really goes.

1:00 p.m. pick up TV and TV stand (that Michelle is not sure she even likes) from Sears.

1:15 p.m. Come home, get in an argument with Michelle in front of Tanya about how she didn't really want this TV stand and she's not sure she likes it...which ends in Calvin telling Michelle TOO DARN BAD, suck it up and taking it out of the box.

1:16 p.m. Complain about how much you hate it when stuff is packed in SO much Styrofoam.

1;17 p.m. proceed to pull all parts of the tv stand out of the box, pulling one to two pounds of styrofoam out all over the floor.

1:20 p.m. Move furniture to make room for new TV and stand, since old TV and stand are still in the living room.

1:30 p.m. Dump the rest of the styrofoam out to look for instructions on how to put TV stand together.

2:00 p.m. TV stand DONE! Looks good...Michelle decides she does like it....rub it in her face that she's totally wrong and I'm so right.

2:01 p.m. Salmon sandwich break....a man gets hungry when putting crap together!

2:10 p.m. Look at TV box..pull all stuff out, put TV together, wipe TV off..admire said TV.

2:15 Get a call from Jeremy saying he can come right now to move the old TV upstairs and pick up the upstairs TV and take it home.

2:17 p.m. Start moving all the tv's around.

2:35 p.m. TV's moved, start trying to set up TV upstairs.

2:45 p.m. Still trying to get remote to work for satellite upstairs.

2:55 p.m. Run downstairs and realize I should leave for work in 10 minutes. Watch Michelle stomp all around about having crap all over her house and how much she hates styrofoam pieces everywhere. Watch Michelle have a mini-tantrum about WHY on God's green earth I have to start a project two hours before I have to leave for work, knowing FULL well she's going to have to clean up after it.

2:56 p.m. Tell Michelle to 'ZIP IT' while I pull out the vacuum and make a grand gesture about vacuuming before I have to leave for work. Argue about vacuuming with her.

3:03 p.m. Give the vacuum to Michelle after she reminds me that I'm going to be late if I don't get changed and ready, then strongly remind her that it's ME who is going to be late, not her so build a bridge and GET OVER IT.

3:05 p.m. Laugh at Michelle stomping around mentioning the styrofoam pieces I've missed.

3:06 p.m. Get dressed for work.

3:08 p.m. put on boots for work while trying to get Michelle to laugh about what a retard she's being.

3:09 p.m. Give Michelle that look that made her fall in love with me.....

3:10 p.m. Leave for work. Almost on time! See? No problem!

EYE Can't Believe It.......

2009-08-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

So, faithful readers....here is the latest saga in my 'Eyedrama'.

Last Tuesday I went to see the movie 'The Ugly Truth' (uh, I can not recommend this movie...I blushed WAY too many times), and on the way home, I noticed that when cars were coming towards me the headlights had HUGE halo's around them and a big glare.

I was worried because earlier that day I had noticed that my eyes were sore. Not like in May but sore to touch and of course, b/c I'm SUPER sensitive now about my eyes, I had a kind of pit in my stomach.

So, some days go by, my Dad comes, we're busy with life.

Enter Monday morning.

I woke up this morning and I knew I had to go to the eye doctor. My eyes were really sore, and my vision in my right eye was blurry. Not usually a good sign.

So, I go to the doctor, and he looks into my eyes and says, 'UH OH.'

UMMMMMM.....what???

Apparently, the inflammation in my eyes is back with a vengeance, and this could be due to the weaning me off the steroids too soon....SO...I have to go back onto the steroids and they are going to wean me off slowly....a minimum of 8 weeks. Another 8 weeks. I got sick May 1st.

It's a good thing I'm not a pessimist or I could get really cranky...

It Could Have Been Bad.

2009-08-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

I did something Monday you should never do.

I looked into the eyes of a 6 week old golden retriever/golden lab cross.

I'll back up...

We were at my Grandpa's house celebrating his 83rd birthday, when he mentioned that his neighbour had puppies and would the girls like to go look?

Sure...I said! What harm could it be??

We get over there to see 6 of the cutest, round faced puppies you have EVER seen! They were stumbling around being adorable...and I actually said that I wanted one. OUT LOUD. IN front of the kids.

So, we get home, the lady calls us and tells us we can have one in two weeks if we wanted. I told her I'd get back to her. Calvin and I talked about it and decided that we were ready for a puppy. I mean, our dog, Jodie is 11 and we thought we could 'phase' her out while phasing in another dog.

As the day wore on the cuteness of the puppies blurred in my mind, and pictures of waking up in the night with a puppy, having to take a puppy camping (or even get a 'puppy' sitter), and just being tied down (side note...our dog Jodie is SO well trained, we don't have a fenced in yard and she just stays here...she poops in ONE spot, eats anything and if we go camping, is quite happy to stay home and just have my Mom come and feed her). This is going to be the first year that ALL my kids are in full time school, and the reality of a puppy smacked me RIGHT in the face.

At 6 am the next morning (as Calvin was getting up to go fishing), I sat up and told Calvin I couldn't do it. I could NOT get a puppy.

Call me lazy.

Call me selfish.

Call me a puppy-hater.

or..

Call me smart.

To Cry Or Not To Cry......

2009-07-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

I love the summer.

I love this summer.

Let me explain why.

I have no children that are in diapers, need naps, can't feed themselves or need to go to bed before 8.....I have no children that wake up early....I'm in a no little kid zone....and I like it.

It's been beautiful weather this year (since the end of May, we have only had two weeks of crappy weather, and that was when H and H were here....SUCKY!).

We have been having fun camping (in our funky old camper) this year.

And now....
I have a cold.

A summer, sore throat, dry coughy, stuffed up ears and nose kind of cold.

Serves me right for bragging about the kid thing.

Mama Wal-Mart...I love you....

2009-07-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I dropped two of my baby girls off at camp. Ok, they are 8 and 9, but they are still my babies, and they are still going to be gone for FIVE days and FIVE nights.

So, Calvin and I had to drive to Terrace (2 hours away) to bring the girls to Lakelse Camp....once we got there, the girls were beyond excited. They were happy for us to take them to their cabin and then gave us kisses and off they ran...into the abyss...away from their Mama.

We got in the van and I made it to the end of the road before breaking down. I cried hard for a couple of minutes before Calvin asked if I was hungry.

Well....I'm sad so I must be hungry.

How about Pizza Hut?

Well...I'm starting to feel better.....

We have our pizza, and are driving out of Terrace when I felt this tightening in my chest. Very quickly I realized that I wasn't feeling all better. One other thing would help.

I'd already eaten, so what was left????

Going to Wal-Mart.

Food and spending money (usually in that order). Spending money at a store that people love to hate. Spending money on cheap Tylenol, crackers, garden decor and t-shirts. Buying fifty dollars in stuff I was fine not having three hours before. Wasting 45 minutes of my life to buy 3 dollar picture frames.

You had me at 'hello, welcome to Wal-Mart'.

You Snooze, You Lose!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

OK, some of you may have noticed that I pulled my last blog..reason being that my BF Heather was coming to surprise my other BF Laura and I didn't want to give the surprise away (Heather had commented on my blog and I panicked and erased it!)

There is nothing like having house guests for two weeks to make you realize how perfectly anal you really are!!!

Poor Heather, she couldn't put an empty water glass down before it was whisked away into the dishwasher.

Here are a few things I learned about myself the last two weeks.

1) I have an unspoken 'do not touch the window' rule at my house. I guess at one point it was spoken but my kids are older now so I don't say it much anymore. I didn't think I even had a 'rule' per say until a cute blonde haired 20 month old would walk to the window with jam hands and place them ever so gently on the glass! Needless to say, that rule was on hiatus the last two weeks.

2) I rather dislike 'hot wheels' cars. We actually have some here for boys that come over to play (and my girls like them too) but when you have 20 of them out at a time, someone, somewhere is bound to step on one.

3) I get panicky when there are toys downstairs in my living area. Again, when I had smaller kids, we had toys downstairs ALL the time, but now it's my space....SO, I had to learn to RELAX when the smaller kids brought toys down. Seriously, toys won't kill anyone, why am I so ANAL???

4) It's NEVER too early for a cooler.

5) I do not have a keen sense of smell. I know this because Heather and Ava have very sensitive noses. One day after poor little Sebastian had barfed all over my living room carpet (which had been cleaned up) Ava came in the room, instantly turned up her nose and announced that the living room smelled like puke. Heather then came in and noticed it too. Me? I thought it smelt fine and am very grateful that they let me know! Imagine having guests in and them wondering why my house smelled like sour milk!?!?!?! (Thanks to vinegar and water, the carpet smells no more!)

6) I'm old. I'm tired. I can't stay up late anymore.

7) I feel full when my house is full. I mean that in a good way. I love to be able to take care of people, bake for people and have a purpose in my day. 5 extra people for two weeks was alot but I really did like it, and the house is SO quiet now!

8) I love teletoon RETRO. Honestly, the kids watched this every morning and the shows just CRACKED me up! Has anyone else ever noticed how crazy violent Bugs Bunny is? I also watched 'Woody Woodpecker' and stood there with my jaw open while 'Woody' called someone else 'dumdum' and paddled their butt! There are also an unusual amount of animals that smoke in those old shows! Maybe animals can't get lung cancer?

9) I've aged well. Sure, I wish I was 'thinner' but comparing old pictures of 'the gals' when Heather was here, I think the 30's have been good to me!

10) You just can't substitute for good friends. I've spent 15 years building these friendships and honestly, I can't imagine not having them around.

Reflections....

2009-05-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well well....looks who has made it back from the brink of death! ME!

OK, that was dramatic, perhaps not death but trust me, I felt like I wasn't far off the last few weeks! Being sick for 19 days is NOT my idea of a fun time.

So, 'they' say that everything happens for a reason, well, actually it's kind of a biblical concept but even lots of 'non-believers' believe that...so, let's delve into my gross eye sickness.....what reason....what reason......what reason?????

1. I'm too vain. I have a make-up fetish and in fact rarely go out with out at least a little bit of make up. Hey...you know what fixes that problem? Eyes that looks so blistered and gross that you couldn't get an eyeliner pencil safely within 3 feet of them.

2. I go on the computer and watch TV too much. Not a problem when you're eyes feel like they are BLEEDING when you open them. Problem solved.

3. I'm not empathetic. Let's just say that I will NEVER again use trite words like 'just pray more' or 'give it to God' to anyone ever again. I feel like (on a very small scale) I can really empathize with people who are chronically ill. Remember now, I was banished to my room for about 10 days while being house bound for 15. My eyes hurt so unbelievably, I felt like I couldn't cope. I can see why people who are chronically ill get depressed!

4. I'm too anal about exercising. Interesting hey? Well, you'd never know it since I'm still like 60 pounds overweight but I get so panicky about not getting my cardio in that I beat myself up for days! Not being able to run, bike or even walk made me realize that I can relax a bit. I didn't blow up like a balloon, even after not running for three weeks BUT this week I did start running again and I realized how good I feel after I'm done. I actually hate exercising but I love how I feel when I'm done.

5. I need to hold my kids more. I missed not being able to comfort them and hug them....I craved human contact! 10 days without touching anyone is a weird thing!

6. My husband is beyond amazing. Again, while I was bedroom bound, Calvin ended up getting really sick too (and missing three days of work which is UNHEARD of for him) and because I was so sick, he had to do EVERYTHING. Breakfast, make lunches for school, pick up and drop off to school, spelling after school, homework, piano, supper, bed...everything! Now, normally I do most of these things (which makes sense since he works all day and I stay home...it's the stuff I like to do!) but the thing he NEVER, and I mean NEVER does is grocery shop. He literally has no idea what stuff to get or how much stuff costs. I had to make him a list of stuff to get and put prices on the list so he wouldn't over pay for stuff! Oh, and also, the poor guy had to care for and pray for a very sick and very whiny wife. This man is my soul mate for so many reasons....in sickness and in health.

7. Health is a gift. I really mean that. Now that I'm about 95%, I can say that I've never felt better. Sure, I'm still chubby...and getting grey hair....and not perfect but I FEEL great. I feel happy that I can walk around town and see stuff pain free. I'm happy I can go for coffee, run, ride my bike, get a Starbucks, hug my kids, kiss my husband and enjoy life again.

Here's to GOOD HEALTH!!!

Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis...say WHAAAAT?

2009-05-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

When life gives you lemons, made lemonade.....
Hey......life.......TAKE BACK THE DARN LEMONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I woke up friday morning ready for the weekend.....friday is my favorite day, well....payday friday is, but still, it was friday.....sigh....the weekend was almost here....

We went to Faith Fehr's birthday party friday night at Tyhee Lake....the sun was shining, the ice was gone from the lake and the weekend was off to a great start......then we got home.

My eyes felt funny, sore, like they were tired. I didn't think much of it until I woke up the next morning with ALOT of sleep in my eyelashes. I went to the bathroom to wash my face, looked in the mirror and actually GASPED. My eyes were all puffy! I didn't think it was pink-eye but went to the hospital just to make sure. The dr. there told me he thought it was allergies.

SO NOT ALLERGIES.

Sunday now........wake up and now my eyelids are puffy but again, b/c I'm vain, I put make-up on and go to church, then to some friends for lunch.

Eyes hurting.

Eyes running.

Eyes looking REALLY bad by Sunday afternoon.

I text my 'pod' to tell them I think I DO have pink-eye so no coffee Monday morning. My lovely friend Tanya goes on line, looks up a 'natural' remedy and brings over a sprig of an aloe vera plant for me to rub on my now ogre like eyelids.

So? I do.

It's gross but whatever works....I mean, it's NATURAL right?

I wake up Monday morning and try to open my eyes...but I can't. They have been glued together by an aloe vera-eye booger combo....and it's bad.

Commence crying.

The pain is bad, and it looks even worse. I am now officially part of 'Shrek's' family.
I pry my eyes open, hoping my eyelashes stay in tact, and reach for the phone. Time to go to the eye doctor. STAT.

Rush to eye doctor, they get me in right away.....I take off my glasses and Dr. Lester says to me 'WOW, that is the worst case of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis I have seen in a while'
It is NOT pink-eye. It is some evil cousin of pink-eye that makes your eye sockets hurt like crazy and makes your eyes run with some gross combo of green tears and yellow guck. It is viral and there is NO treatment. It has to run it's course. OH...I forgot the best part....in order to make SURE it was EKC, the Dr. had to peel my swollen, painful eyelids UP and look underneath them. I've pushed three babies out, and trust me, this pain was right up there. Dr. Lester tells me I'm quarantined. No teaching piano, no going to the school and in fact they had to disinfect the office I was in. I'm contagious for 7 - 9 days. I'm a prisoner in my own home.

And that's not the worst part.

I'm out of chocolate.

NO JOKE.

Aloha Oe....by numbers

2009-04-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we're back (BOO), and I thought I'd try to do a numbers blog like my ol' buddy DJ Mio.

2794- The number of kilometers we drove in our van (here to Seattle and back!!)

2- nights that we spent at our good friends, Emil and Wendy Fernandes house in Abbotsford (fun fact-they used to live here and we bought their house!)

11.5- hours that we spent on the plane. 6.5 there and 5 back. Weird hey? The tail wind was so strong on the way home that it cut our travel time by 1.5 hours!

3- number of girls in my family who were VERY excited about everything from just being in Seattle and eating at 'Jack in the Box' to getting on the plane and getting a tour of the cockpit. THEN at announcement time, the pilot saying 'A special welcome to Delaney, Avery and Camryn-first time fliers and a Happy 6th Birthday to Camryn! Welcome aboard Alaksa Airlines!' That was only just the first 2 days! Imagine their excitement at getting to snorkel, swim and play in the sand every single day for almost two weeks!

0- number of times we had to use the spanking spoon!

8- number of shells we brought back

2- days of rain we had

27- temperature every day we were on the island of Kaua'i

2- easter egg hunts we had. One in Lihue and one in Abbotsford when we got home! (My Auntie Donna-Mae made a turkey dinner and had a huge hunt for the kids)

4- trips we made to Costco in Hawaii. The food and drink is WAY cheaper there.

??@??- how many daquiris, mudslides and mixed drinks we had. Now, I think that we each had 2 a day, but with five adults and 11 days? You do the math!

4-times we saw Humpback Whales breeching

5- beaches we went to. (Side note, the beach on the north shore where Aaron, Vanessa and Calvin tried to surf, was the BOMB! Perfect sand and waves!)

1- Luau....at the church we went to actually!

8- times we watched 'I Love Lucy'. We weren't used to the time change and so we woke up before 7 every day and found that 'I Love Lucy' was on. The girls loved it! (Side note, each room had a big flat screen tv so there were three to choose from!)

3- number of times we ate Kraft Dinner for lunch in the condo!

4.5- average hours we were in the water every day.

3- times the girls went to the 'Poi' ponds at the condo to feed the fish. (There was a 9:00 am feeding time, and they staff would give you food to feed the fish, the girls thought it was cool!)

3-times we saw 'Monk Seals' on the beach. There are only 1100 left in the world.

4- visits to Starbucks in Kaua'i. There was one right across from our condo but the workers were CRANKY...you could say they DID NOT have the 'Aloha' spirit...so we bought coffee and made our own at the condo. In fact, my Mom would be up before everyone else every morning and she'd have the coffee ready when we got up! What a woman!

8- bottles of sunscreen we went through. NO FOOLIN'!

5- number of UV shirts our family bought....

3- little girls with burned legs. OOPS!

7- bathing suits we left in Hawaii....ruined from sun, sand and salt water!

3- books I finished in two weeks (one by Maeve Binchy and two by Stephanie Meyer....that's another blog.....)

1- hour of sleep I got on the 'red eye' flight home from Hawaii.

2- times we went to the movie theatre in Lihue. We saw 'Monsters VS Aliens' and 'The Hannah Montana Movie'

2- Canucks games that Aaron and Calvin saw. They didn't miss ANY of the play off games. In fact, when the girls went to see the HM movie, Calvin and Aaron went to find a sports bar with hockey on it. They found one with 9 different screens, and were the ONLY people watching the hockey game!

10- times Delaney threw up on the plane and then the ride to Abbotsford on the way home. Poor kid - she didn't throw up at all on the way there. She was SO

tired.

2- years until we get to go again....next year is Disneyland compliments of my Mom so we'll have to wait for two years......or more.....WAHHHHHHHHHH.

It was an amazing trip, we had a great time, we enjoyed being with our family......

Until next time....

ALOHA.

Call the WAMbulance....

2009-03-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Hawaii in 10 days and I have had the WORST....and I mean WORST attitude this week.

What could I possibly be so sad about?

No clean drinking water? Nope, that's not me...that's Africa.

Religious persecution? Still not me, although arguing about the merits of a glass of wine....oh never mind.....I'm not being killed for my beliefs...that's China....or Iran....or Alabama....

Going hungry? Uh...222 pounds...enough said.

No shelter? DARN...the kids in India have me beat on that one too!

Friendless? Again, I bring out the initials T,L and H. No go on the no friends....

Alone? Unless you count Saturday night from 4:30-10:30, I'm not alone. (One day I will get to pick what to watch on Saturday night....darn you to heck Toronto!!)

OK, where was I going with this? I've had a rough week.....I'm worried about money (I know, I know, we're going to Hawaii but that's paid for!!), I have been waking up in the middle of the night with random thoughts like 'DON'T FORGET THE CELL PHONE CHARGER!!!!!!!!!!!" I have been snappy with my girls, although in my defence, when I say, please don't do THAT...I actually mean it!

Maybe I'm having a early-mid life crisis?

Come to think of it, I was thinking of getting a red leBaron convertible and doing 'mainers' all afternoon....

It's a phase.

It should be over in 5 -7 days.

I'll get the advil...you bring the marguritas.

The Thing Is...I'm Not a 'Fun' Mom...

2009-03-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

OK...

The thing is....

I'm not really a 'fun' Mom.

I have friends who love to craft with their kids.....

I'm not that Mom.

I'm the Mom who throws gluesticks and paper into the craft bin and then encourages them to make a card. BY THEMSELVES.

I have friends who LOVE to play 'playmobile' with their kids.

I'm not that Mom.

I'm the Mom who gets the sweet streets all set up (upstairs, out of the way) and then tell them to 'GO AT IT'. BY THEMSELVES.

I have friends who like to have tea parties with their kids.

I am NOT that Mom.

I am the Mom who gets the tea party all set up (upstairs) and then comes downstairs to my own 'coffee' party. BY MYSELF.

Now, all hope is not lost.....last weekend I did go outside and sit in the snowfort, play yahtzee (yes with the kids!) and bake with my girls.....

Here is the kind of Mom I am...

I like to snuggle in my bed with girls on each side and read stories and then settle in to a book of my own while they read beside me.

I like to shop with my girls.

I like to talk with my girls.

I like to show my girls about correct make-up application. (It's a skill...ask Heather!)

I like to watch Friday night movies with my girls.

I LOVE to snuggle in our bed Sunday night and watch America's Funniest Video's with my girls.

I admit, in alot of these areas I have to grow.....I know sometimes that I need to say 'yes' to the girls, like when they make a restaurant (usually named the 'Rose Tonic Cafe'...don't ask...) upstairs and want to seat Calvin and I at the best table. OR..when they have been practicing a play that we get front row seats for....

I have to brag though, about this one thing. This Monday coming up, Delaney and Avery are having a party. For no reason. That's right, NO REASON. They got these party planner things and then last week asked if they could have a 'Spring Break' (and I use that term loosely, it's fricken' freezing here) party. High School Musical theme. Oh yeah, instead of thinking of 25 reasons why we shouldn't have a party. I said 'sure'. I bought chips, pop and rainbow twizzlers. I helped do invites.....and so, in a few days, my house will be teeming with ten tween girls, giddy, laughing and loud....and all I can say is...

I'm glad they'll be upstairs.

The Day I Chose The Wrong Thing......

2009-02-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight as a huge treat, we took the kids out to Boston Pizza......not my fave place but they love it so whatever, we sucked it up and went.

(Some backround on me....I have a food memory for almost every big occasion in my life....going to the beach as a kid??? Totally remember those 'soft and chewy' chips ahoy cookies. Got married? Had some wicked awesome teriyaki sauce on my chicken. In fact, if Calvin asks me something about years ago, I will ask if there is a food reference so I can remember!)

Back to tonight....

ALL DAY, and I mean ALL DAY I was dreaming about baked pasta with alfredo sauce.....covered in cheese....basically a heart smart dinner! Anyway, we got to BP and after getting quickly settled, the server came over to ask us if we wanted to order....SURE I say (BRING ON THE PASTA)....so I order 'Baked Ravioli'. STOP. Ok, I re-read the menu, yup, 7 cheese ravioli....this is the stuff I've been dreaming about ALL day. Order taken....now we wait.

Oh...hooray...here comes the server.....wait.....what is that she has? It's a 'Baked ravioli'....OH CRAP....that has a tomato sauce, not a cream sauce.....DO NOT CRY. DO NOT CRY over wrong food. DO NOT be that chubby girl......

OK, so I push the food away....POUTING (see 25 random things about me blog) and say, this is NOT what I wanted. Calvin reminds me that it was MY OWN fault....like I didn't already know that! Anyway, he tells me to eat it (not realizing that inside I am almost as devastated as when I found out Grandpa had his heart attack) because I might actually like it......

As I reach for my fork my beautiful Avery says to me...

'Mom. You shouldn't complain, you should learn to be thankful for what you have'

To which I totally overreacted by telling her that I AM THE ADULT here, so ZIP IT or you're going to the car (totally rational, I know).

Oh...I ate it.

....but you can be sure I will remember this day....and you can be sure I will read the menu thoroughly next time.....

I'm still not over it.

It's just too soon.

25 Random facts about MOI

2009-02-10T22:17:00.001-08:00

So...this is going around facebook....and around bloggerland.....

I'm jumpin' on the bandwagon!!!

1. I hate feeling 'wronged'...my sense of justice is strong.

2. I have not weighed under 200 pounds for well over half my life.

3. I have had the same three best friends for 15 years (H, T and L)

4. Anne of Green Gables is one of my top movies EVER.

5. I have ZERO desire to go to Calvin's homeland of Newfoundland.

6. I still get butterflies in my tummy when Calvin is about to come home from work.

7. I HATE it when I burn or ruin things I'm baking.

8. I am not a strong speller.

9. I am not a people pleaser. I will say 'no' to you.

10. I'm not a confident as you think I am.

11. I think I'm fairly attractive.

12. I think I would not have gotten to 'Hollywood' on American Idol if I tried out.

13. I knew I was going to marry Calvin when I was 19 years old....he, on the other hand did not know that until 2 years later.

14. I am not a great driver.

15. Un-disciplined children annoy the CRAP out of me.

16. I wish I were a better writer.

17. I got accepted to the U of Sask. Education program but chickened out of moving away from Smithers.

18. I get SO nervous playing the piano in front of people I shake. (Odd for a piano teacher don't you think?)

19. I can out argue anyone.

20. I'm a pouter.

21. My family (extended as well) is very important to me.

22. I am a makeup snob. (MAC much??)

23. I hate clutter.....my house is always organized. Sorry, but it's true.

24. I am almost NEVER late. I hate it when people are late....it's like saying my time is not as important as yours.

25. I've had a spiritual revolution over the past few years.....have a coffee with me, I'll tell you about it!!!!

Yes THEY Can!!

2009-01-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, so some of you may know that Calvin and I are self proclaimed 'nerds'. We went to Washington, DC on our honeymoon....we regularly watch CNN, and never go to bed without watching CTV newsnet....Lloyd Robertson is our favorite anchor. We are very politically minded, when the coalition was going to happen, I promptly called our MP and left a scathing message about the political process. He (our MP, Nathan Cullen) actually called me back from Ottawa, and we had an HOUR long conversation. He tried to out maneuver me with the political talk but was surprised and impressed on how I could hold my own. Anyway, that said....we are interested in politics...in this country and around the world.

Fast forward to this morning.

My girls (who are 5, 8 and 9) woke up, and knew it was the day. It was the day of change for America and the world. They knew that Barak Obama was going to be the 44th president of the United States. (Fun fact....when Michelle Obama walked out on the steps of the capital, Avery and Delaney both knew her because they play a game on gamesgames.com where they can dress her up!) I was watching CTV when they woke up, and they were all so spellbound that they begged to eat their breakfast in the living room so they wouldn't miss anything. I said yes, and we watched as past presidents and vice presidents took their seats. We saw the presidential motorcade come down the road and saw the coolest presidential limo EVER. The girls asked why he needed to be in a car that has bullet proof and bomb proof glass, which prompted a conversation about JFK and how he was shot, and how the vice-president gets to be the president in that case. My girls were spellbound by the shots of MILLIONS of people at the 'mall' in Washington, they were excited to see the two girls of Barack and Michelle Obama walk out and take their seats. Avery told me how she thought it was so cool that Barack was the first black president. We had to leave for school and the girls asked me to tape what they would miss. When we got into the car, I turned the sirius radio to Fox News and we listened to the crowds cheer as President Elect Obama came down the steps to the capitol. My girls didn't ask to listen to radio disney...in fact, they didn't ask anything...they just listened. I raced (yes, raced...I told you, I'm a NERD!) and woke Calvin up so we could watch Rick Warren pray at the opening of the ceremony. Once sworn in, President Obama made an amazing speech. I actually cried. Now, I know I'm not an American, but you could feel the hope that these people felt! His speech was heartfelt and sincere. This is a man, whose father would NOT have been served at a restaurant in Washington only 50 years ago...and today, he was taking office in the highest place in America! I just think it's cool. I feel inspired today. I felt like my girls witnessed history in the making.....

Heck...I felt like I did too.

2009 Reasons To Have A Good Year.

2009-01-03T16:50:00.001-08:00

I am going to list 2009 reasons why I'm going to have a great year this year. FALSE.
I am finally going to slay the 200 pound dragon that lives inside my body. TRUE. This is the year people. I am going to break the 200 pound barrier....starting Monday.
I am excited about going to Hawaii again. TRUE. We leave in April.
My Dad is in remission. FALSE. I've had several people ask me about this...it's not true but 2009 is still going to be a record year for him since he was only supposed to live until June 2008!
I looked better 10 years ago. FALSE. Seriously...I look at old pictures and wonder how I ever got married.....and then I look at Calvin's old pictures and it all makes sense.
Calvin and I are writing a book together. FALSE...but we really should because people are always commenting on how 'lucky' we are to have a good marriage and well behaved children....it's not 'luck' people....it's hard work....
I'm happy the holidays are over. FALSE. I love sleeping in....I love eating chocolate....I love tobogganing and I love family time. Real life starts again in less than 48 hours.
This New Years was the best one yet. TRUE. We had SO much fun playing 'Rock Band' and 'Dance Dance Revolution' at Wayne and Laura's house this year with 8 other couples....I didn't even get tired until 1 am! It's like I'm a grown up!
One of my personal goals this year is to stop the negative self talk. TRUE. I have elaborated in the past about this phenomenon of never feeling like I'm 'enough' but a few months ago I had a revelation...anyway, the negative self talk must go.
I'm giving up carbs this year. FALSE. That's just stupid.
I'm going to do four days of cardio this year. EVERY WEEK. TRUE. Dangit.
Calvin actually lost weight over Christmas. TRUE. !$%&*+?
I lost weight this Christmas. FALSE. I gained 6 pounds. HOW FAIR IS THAT? He eats and drinks way more than me and I GAIN?
Calvin's job is more secure than ever. FALSE. SO SO FALSE. His job is on the line more than ever.
I am worried about Calvin losing his job. FALSE. I can not control the global economy...repeat after me....I can not control the global economy.
I love January hockey. TRUE. Now it starts to get good.
Life is good. TRUE. I am blessed.

Photag

2008-12-19T22:52:00.001-08:00

The point of this game of ‘tag’ is that once you’re tagged you post the fifth picture in the fifth picture folder on your computer...I was tagged by Kate so here it is....

I'm now going to tag.....

Heather Cyr
Rebecca Meier
DJ Mio
Laura Onderwater
Kimmy Baker

A Picture Says It All.

2008-12-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

Avery Vanessa.....

The Domino effect

2008-11-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

I'll set up the scene.

Last Saturday was my daughter Avery's 8th birthday party. (For those of you who know her, she's not 8 until December 11th but since we're all in the community Christmas production, we don't have a free weekend until Christmas now!)

5 girls came to our house at 5:30 p.m. We had pizza, we had cake and we opened presents. The girls went upstairs to play for about 20 minutes, I called them down and we all drove to the movie theatre to see 'Bolt', the new animated movie with the voices of Miley Cyrus and John Travolta.

We get to the movie. I tell all the girls they can have a small popcorn and a drink OR a candy and a drink. We get everyone settled...the birthday party girls decide to sit about 15 rows ahead of us.....the movie starts. (It's a good movie by the way, lots of funny parts for the grown ups too!)

90 minutes pass.

The movie ends.

The lights come up.

OH...did I mention the theatre is PACKED?

Ok, the lights come up...I try and go against the flow of people to hurry our birthday party of girls up when Delaney calls to me (from 15 rows away)....'MOM!!! Avery is BARFING!!!!!!'

WHAT? She's WHAT????

Oh LORD help me....I drag my size 16 hiney over the theatre flippy chairs and reach the gaggle of girls only to realize that Avery's friend Autumn is covered in puke. She proceeds to tell me that she threw up in the middle of the movie but didn't know what to do, so she sat through the rest of the movie and when the house lights came up, everyone could see she had thrown up.

Did I mention we had CHOCOLATE cake and pizza?

So, back to the birthday girl. I don't know if I've ever mentioned this on my blog but Avery is a gagger/puker. If you talk about puke, she pukes. She loves to help me bake but CAN NOT, I repeat CAN NOT see a raw egg going in the mix. One time at school, a girl in her class did a science experiment about eggs, one broke accidentally and she threw up in the garbage can in front of her entire class. This year, she saw bug eggs on a leaf and threw up at the door of her class. She will gag if you talk about poo, and watch out if she's holding a baby who barfs. She can not sit at the breakfast table if her Dad is eating a fried egg. Trust me. We've tried. The girl will throw up ON the table. SO....she saw Autumn covered in puke...she started gagging....by the time I got to her, she hadn't actually thrown up....I shuffled her back to her Dad so I could deal with Autumn...and I looked up just in time to see Calvin push her head down to the floor......

She hurled.

And it was at that moment that I looked into the projectionest room and saw my buddy DJ Mio look at me with pained eyes....because it was then that he knew he had a double clean up in Roi 2.

You know what they say???? It's not a party unless someone is throwing up!

Pet Peeves....

2008-11-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

My BFF Heather has a blog (there is a link to her from my page to hers) and she was asking what people's pet peeves were...I started to leave a comment but then it was TOO long so here is my response....

Pet peeves a la Michelliott (as some of my closest friends call me)

Unloading the dishwasher, the cutlery especially.

Clutter (and by clutter, I mean a flyer and a pop can).

My kids coming out of bed when I already tucked them in.

Bad customer service.

Brown shoes and black pants (together that is....).

People who wear low rise jeans and let their junk hang over for the world to see. (People....buy a friggen pair of pants that FIT YOU! I'm not small but work with what you have! Low rise jeans are a privelage NOT A RIGHT!)

Dirty floors (which is why I have to wear slippers at my house!).

One uppers.....people who ALWAYS have a better story, worse injury or bigger experience. I'm not talking about the usual, "Hey, that happened to me" thing...you know the people...'OH! You broke your leg? Once I broke both legs. While in labour with my 7th child....."

CSI Miami. (David Caruso....enough said)

FWD's in my inbox that are lame. Fwd this to 7 people and an angel will bless you with good luck......

People who are late....for everything.

Big mouths.....oh wait...I've said to much.... :0)

True or False

2008-11-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

I haven't excersised in two weeks. TRUE. I have lots of excuses but mostly b/c we were gone to Jesse's wedding and now I need to wait for Monday to start up again. Don't judge me!

I am ENOUGH. Just the way I am. TRUE. If I ever lose 30 pounds....I will be NO BETTER than I am today because I am good just the way I am! I had a revelation (way too long of a story) but I'm not going to wait any longer to just be happy with who I am because it's such a waste of time. I have a life to live!

I love the busyness of December. FALSE. This year is going to be very busy because I am in the community Christmas production, and all my girls are in it to....so from December 3rd to the 14th, our lives will be full of dress rehersals, technical rehersals AND performances. I like the performances but of course, since the choir is not the only thing I have to do all December, it usually feels like it's piling up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Side note-I do however, LOVE Christmas)

I wish we had a baby at home. FALSE. Another kind of revelation for me.....I really like having a 5 year old and an 8 and 9 year old. I like the freedom that comes with going on a trip and not having to worry about bottles, naps, diapers, playpens, changes of clothes and sleeplessness. Now, please, if you have a baby, I'm not trying to insult you. I love babies...I had three of them! I'm just done my time and really like being onto the next phase!

I have to wear slippers when I'm at home. TRUE. I hate cold feet...I know this is random but I just can't live without my sheepskin slippers!

I'm happy it snowed like 15 cms today. TRUE. It was very hard to start thinking about Christmas when the grass was still green!!!! (The weather forcast is calling for sunny weather and plus 8 in like two days....where am I living????????)

I have all my Christmas cards done. FALSE. That's right friends who know me...it's November 14th and I haven't even cracked open my address book!

I'm happy it's friday. TRUE! Calvin's home at 3:30 today, and he's on two weeks of afternoons starting monday, which means that we get EVERY afternoon together..... noon until 3. No kids. You figure out what we'll do!

All The Leaves Are Brown.....

2008-10-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

...and the sky is grey....

It's fall. It's rainy. I'm on the Hawaii countdown. 163 days.

Things I'm looking forward this fall (besides getting closer to the Hawaii trip)

Jesse and Desi's wedding.....it's so exciting when you see a friend who you've been rooting for have a good thing happen you know?
Halloween. Not for cool memories or anything, I just love small chocolate bars.
Calvin's birthday...November 24th....then he will officiallybe in his 'mid' 30's. HA!
My strict 1 hour a day workout policy. Yay for sweating and swearing while jogging!
Ave's birthday (December 11th)...she'll be 8 but the birthing story never gets old and when it's her birthday, I like to tell it...just for fun. 88 minutes of labour and no drugs. I AM WOMAN!
The Community Christmas Cantata (December 12th, 13th and 14th). It's going to be crazy this year. Think Christmas Choir meets Pink Floyd.
Our ice rink. Yes, faithful readers, it's time again to think about the Elliott rink...this year it'll be bigger and better...and lighter....Calvin's putting up flood lights!
My Dad's visit. My Dad (who wasn't expected to live past June) is flying up to spend 5 days with us. That's a miracle! I'm excited about him getting to play crib with Delaney....which is a game that he taught me (and we played ALOT) when I was 9.
The time change. I love 'falling back'....an extra hour ROCKS!

What are you looking forward to this fall (or winter)??

That's My Time......

2008-09-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

“THAT’S MY TIME” WORLD TELEVISION PREMIERESaturday, September 27, 2008 on CTV at 7 pm ET. The film will repeat at 8 pm ET on Sunday, September 28 and at 10 am ET on Monday, September 29 on BRAVO!

Well, here it is....the documentary about my Dad......it's kind of wierd to see your Dad on a poster of anything, even though I've turned on the tv numerous times and seen him doing his stand up, or doing a guest spot on 'This Hour Has 22 Minutes'. It's still surreal!

I am in the full length documentary, but of course, they have to edit it down for t.v. so I'm not sure whether Vanessa and I will be in the t.v. version....

Also, it's probably not totally rated 'G' so if you are easily offended, pass on by......

Cheers!

The 'S' Word.....

2008-08-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

A funny thing happens in Smithers in late August.

One morning you wake up, look out your window and see it.

SNOW.

On the mountain.

In August.

This happens every year so I'm not sure why I almost cry every time it happens. Also, quite interesting (if you live here), all day today, and probably all week, people will see each other and say, 'Have you seen the snow on the mountain?' or 'New snow on the mountain today, can you believe it?'

I can believe it.

I'm looking right at it. (The view from my office window is quite amazing though....)

Gold Rushin...........

2008-08-15T23:15:00.000-07:00

I went to Barkerville, BC two days ago....and I did something I never thought I'd do. I squeezed into a Victorian Period dress and paid 71 dollars to get my picture taken.

If you've never been to Barkerville, it's actually quite interesting....we stayed in a B and B right on the main street, the lady managing it was kind of anal about shoes being off and my kids being perfectly perfect but other than that it was a lovely time.

Did you know that Barkerville has the oldest 'Chinatown' in Canada?

Did you know that the first year gold was panned there, they sent the equivalent of 56 million dollars worth to be mined (or whatever it is that they do with gold once they've panned it)?

Did you know that I actually hauled my butt up on a stage coach and rode it around Barkerville?

Had you heard that I ate the WORST...and I mean the WORST meal of my life at the 'diner' in Barkerville? (I won't bore you with the details...just three words. CHICKEN and DUMPLINGS)

Did you know that my girls loved Barkerville?

And last but not least, did you know that I've driven over 6700 kms since June 27th, and I'm officially DONE driving for at least 3 months. (And I say 3 momths b/c there is a wedding in Vernon I'm hoping I'm invited too that we'll probably drive down for!)

Summer Lovin' Happened So Faaaaast....

2008-08-07T22:46:00.001-07:00

Props to the musical 'Grease' for my title today.....one of my fav movies of all time!

So, where have I been for 2 months? I went to my cousins wedding in Abbotsford, came home, the girls finished off school and then it was off to Medicine Hat for 3 glorious weeks with my BFF Heather.....so, I'm back now and feel like I have nothing interesting to blog about!

This weekend was supposed to be a big celebration for my family....we were celebrating my Grandparents 60th anniversary....but a week ago my Grandpa decided he would have a heart attack (ok, he didn't 'decide', it just sounds funnier that way!) so he is in Vancouver awaiting a quintuple (yes, I wrote QUINTuple...count 'em people, that's FIVE!) bypass because he has one artery that is 100 percent blocked, and all the others are 80 percent blocked. Oh yes, and just for fun, he has a leaky heart valve, a blood clot, pneumonia and kidney stones. Anyway, party cancelled. Grandma has been moved to the Bulkley Lodge for care and here we sit wondering, waiting and praying.

Isn't getting old fun?

My family has rallied together...that's the cool thing about my family. The community has been really great too....

This weekend was going to be a celebration of a marriage that has stood the test of time...I just hope it's not the celebration of a life lived to the fullest....of a man who has given to God and his family more than I could ever write on my wee little blog....it's selfish I know, but I just want a little more time for some Sunday night frozen pizza and oreo's at Grandpa's (side note.....that might be the reason I struggle with my WEIGHT????), or another story about when Grandpa was in dry dock when the second world war ended.....or maybe just another 'old spice' hug.

Fighting Cancer with Comedy

2008-06-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

So, after a whirlwind trip, we are back from Vancouver (I'll need to do a blog one day on how much I love living in Smithers). I'll give you the play by play....

Friday morning was a rush....thanks to bridge traffic and me assuming that the plane always leaves at 10 (when it actually leaves at 9:40 am) we were 15 minutes away from missing our flight to Vancouver....and we live 4 minutes from the airport. Thankfully once we passed through security we could relax....well almost relax. My sister was frazzeled and needed to vent for about 20 minutes about the rude Air Canada employee that greeted us at the airport. I needed to remind her that is it almost a requirement for AC employees to treat you as if you have ruined their entire day. The ticket lady (as she will now be known), felt it was a great idea to greet us with a 'YOU'RE LATE' and then proceed to tell us she was marking our bags with a 'L' for 'late' and if our bags didn't get on the plane (which she COULD NOT guarantee) then Air Canada would not deliver them for free.

I'm sorry?

You can not guarantee that our bags will get on our plane? The plane that I can see from the very spot I am standing? I could call to Joe-Bob and ask him to put the bags on the plane and he could hear me from here! So, Calvin and I didn't check our bags, we just brought them as carry-ons....of course, I had to sort out my lipchaps and handcream but whatev....I wanted my bag in YVR.

Ok, fast forward to Vancouver...good flight, cranberry oat cookies (which for me is always the best part of flying...SNACKS!!!), everyone got their bags, and we were off to the River Rock Casino and Resort. What an amazing hotel! CTV paid for our room, and we knew we were sharing one with Aaron and Vanessa, not totally romantic but free so who's complaining? NOT ME...especially once we saw the room. We had a corner suite with a big main living area and two king size bedrooms off each end of the living room. Each room had an amazing view and a big tv. The Casino in the hotel was pretty cool too....we're not big gamblers but it's quite the scene...lights flashing etc....Calvin and Aaron did go to the casino on friday night and lost 20 dollars....BIG SPENDERS!!! (Side note, on friday night I was taking the elevator upstairs to change after my Dad's show and a very drunk angry man got on the elevator with me and started banging his head on the elevator door b/c he lost 13 THOUSAND dollars at the casino. He asked me if I knew how that felt, and the only thing I could say was that my husband was totally ripped off when he lost 20 bucks earlier....not quite on the same scale.....)

Friday we had a fancy dinner, then got to go backstage at the show (which was almost sold out...1000 people). From there, the documentary crew did some filming of Vanessa and I...we were very nervous, and it's hard to be natural when a camera and boom mike are in your face. The interviewer Adam has been following my Dad and Joanna around for a year now, he's like family. He really hit it off with Calvin and Aaron and just kind of made us feel comfortable. (Some people have asked when the documentary is going to be airing...it will be on CTV on September 27th, I'll update if anything changes). About 15 minutes before the show we took our seats. Oh...backstage were all the comedians, most of whom we had already met. Mark Critch (from This Hour Has 22 Minutes) hosted the show. He worked with my Dad for 4 years in Halifax, and they are really good friends. Mark is probably one of the funniest human beings alive! Anyway, first up was a good friend of my Dad's and best man at his wedding, Sam Easton, next was a guy my Dad started doing comedy with way back in the 80's, Bruce Clark, then came Peter Kelamis, the 'R' rated Shaun Majumbder from This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Brent Butt from 'Corner Gas' (who has been my Dad's buddy for about 18 years) and then my Dad. We were all laughing so hard, my cheeks hurt, my stomach hurt and I was keanly aware of the camera filming our row most of the show.

After the show we went backstage and hung out some more, sang 'happy birthday' to my Dad, and then we moved the party up to a lounge where for the rest of the evening people bought us drinks, laughed, talked and just had a great time.

We went to bed at 3 A.M.

The last time I went to bed at 3 am, I think I was 19....I'm getting too old for this stuff!

We woke up at 9. YES NINE.....strolled down to the pool and hot tub....did a few waterslides and then got ready to meet my family for brunch. We went to the mall for the afternoon and then Dad surprised us with a limo ride to our dinner date at Joanna's Mom's house...where we were fed and watered beyond what we needed to be....had a ton more laughs and then headed back to the hotel where we played a bit of 'Phase 13' (a new game we LOVE LOVE LOVE) and then headed to bed around midnight, only to have to get up at 5:45 A.M. to catch our plane home.

It was a whirwhind but we had SO much fun.....

How much fun?

Well, I have a full blown cold, probably from lack of sleep.....so does Calvin.

It was SO worth it.

It's off to YVR we go....

2008-06-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving with my hubby, Vanessa and Aaron to go see my Dad's show in Vancouver today.

It's at the River Rock Casino and Resort and it will be featuring a whole bunch of Canadian comedians...I"M SO EXCITED!

First of all, I'm excited for 'Airport Starbucks'. Don't ask me why but for some reason the Starbucks at the airport is KICKIN'!

I'm also excited about being in the CTV documentary about my Dad's life (and ultimately death). We are all getting interviewed this afternoon..what shall I wear???????

Thirdly, it will be nice to get away for a couple of days and flying to Vancouver is such a treat.

See you Sunday!

Fact or Fiction....Elliott style

2008-05-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

Fact. I have not written a blog in well over 6 weeks. (Reason? Do you ever feel like you have stuff to write but it's just too damn boring or depressing to actually type out??)

Fiction. My husband's job is secure. Thanks to the low american dollar and the low commodity price of lumber, West Fraser (North America's second largest lumber producer and Calvin's employer) cut two shifts from PIR in the last 6 weeks. 75 people out of work in Smithers, and by the grace of God, Calvin is still working. Thank the Lord we aren't in a terrible financial situation of having a really high mortgage, a vehicle payment and a credit card bill.....we have our mortgage and that's it...AND Calvin does have that little journeyman carpentry ticket he can fall back on, but still..it's been an up and down few weeks!

Fact. We have had a most excellent spring here 'up north'. Lots of sun, and in fact we've had a plus twenty few days which was lovely for the long weekend!

Fiction. I am sad that in a few short months, my baby is going to Kindergarten. FICTION. FICTION. FICTION. The diapers are gone, the playpen comes out for visitors only, we can leave glasses and breakables out, we can stay up late and SLEEP IN...the training wheels are away. We, the Elliott clan, are officially moving ON to the next phase in life.

Fact. We bought a tent. Excuse me, a 'camping villa'. We are not going to drive anywhere to use it....gas is TOO DAMN expensive so we are going to follow the throngs of people to Tyhee Lake AND also be squatters on Vanessa and Aaron's land at Round lake. We're going to have a Richmond camp a thon with my cousins. We are going to pee at V and A's house. It will be roughing it in the loosest sense of the term but we'll be swimming, eating chips and roasting wieners...a summer well spent!

Fiction. I'm staying in Smithers all summer. Unless Calvin totally loses his job, I'm trekking to Alberta to visit my BFF Heather in Medicine Hat. I'm driving MYSELF, and then after two weeks, Calvin will meet us there.

Fact. I just polished off a Bacardi Breezer Tropical Orange Smoothie. (It's that or the Strawberry ones....)

Fiction. I am planting a plethora of veggies and flowers this year. NO. I AM NOT. I have a 'garden' in the front that just has things that 'pop' up every year (is than an annual or a periennial?? I can never remember), some chives, and two hanging baskets from Canadian Tire. I actually despise gardening...weeding...watering....all of it. If it doesn't involve the 'fact' above, I don't really want to do it!

Fact. I totally called the final two of American Idol. The two Davids. NAILED IT. (I think David A might win but David Cook is beyond my fave..that sideways smirk and the camera??? YOWSERS.)

Fiction. I check my facebook daily. Nope, sorry, infact I rarely check once a week. I don't have enough hours in the day.

Fact. I check the weather network, MSN news AND ET online news daily. It's sad but it's my routine. I need to know, how hot I will be, how many Buurmese people have died and if Brangelina is really having twins.

Fiction. The best part about summer and wearing flip flops is dirty feet. YUCK.

Fact. In less than a month, Calvin and I (with Vanessa and Aaron) are flying down to Vancouver to stay at the River Rock Casino where my Dad is putting on a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society called 'Irwin Barker and friends', where there will be quite a few Canadian celebs and we all get to go backstage! We are also all going to be in the documentary that CTV is filming about my Dad, where they have been following him since he got his cancer diagnosis. We are pretty stoked about this...it should be fun. (How many pounds does a camera add again???)

Alright, we just got home from Tyhee Lake, the laundry is in, the kids are getting bathed and I think we're going to watch a movie. We're beyond tired but oh was it worth it. Hope you are all well....

It Finally Happened....

2008-04-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

It finally happened.

My oldest daughter (Delaney) had a meltdown and even 'disobeyed'. GASP! Now, I know that may seem wierd to be posting but this child is almost 9 and she has NEVER given me any grief. No tantrums, no disobeying, no lying....she's considerate, helpful and loving. Granted, she's a little like 'Hammy' from Over the Hedge with her constant running and twitting about but all in all, she's pretty even keel.

Last week when the Fehr girls were here for two nights, Delaney heard some giggling in Camryn's room, went in and told the girls that if she had to come in again, she'd have to get Mom and then there would be trouble...Journey proceeded to tell her that she missed her Mom and Dad and was upset. WITHOUT getting us, Delaney prayed with her, tucked her back in and then gave them a stern warning about talking again. SERIOUSLY!

Then last night happened.

My daughter was upset all night.

Over chocolate....
OH LORD IT'S ALL MY FAULT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN RELATE!!!

We were all eating dinner (and again, this is a child who will eat ANYTHING without complaining!! Even if she doesn't like it, she'll eat it and tell me after!), she was picking at it and I asked her what the problem was? She told me she wasn't really hungry (she'd been out with a friend and they had gone to DQ for a treat) so I said that was fine...not a problem! Until I got dessert out for the other girls. They each got a chocolate bar (a Cadbury 100 calorie thin one but still, it's a 'whole' chocolate bar to them!) and she didn't get one. I wasn't being mean or anything but she said she was full! She didn't want to eat! No problem...you can have the chocolate tomorrow....but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO way was that ok. She pouted. She cried and laid on the couch with a 'pissy' attitude. I was really surprised, I went over, chatted with her, tried to figure out if something else was going on? I mean, this is Laney bugs....she couldn't possibly get this upset over chocolate could she? Fast forward 15 minutes and I get a note (she had been sent upstairs) from her telling me she was (and I quote)SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO mad about the chocolate and she was NEVER EVER coming out of her room. (She came out to give me the note but I'm guessing that was to be the last time!) I was befuzzled (for lack of a better term)....I was thinking that this was a precursor to teenage-dom.....here it starts! LONG LONG story short, we sent her to bed, I tried to snuggle with her...tried to talk to her....still mad at me.

ENTER Daddy.

DELANEY. Stop it RIGHT NOW.....you are making Mom feel bad because you are ticked off about a CHOCOLATE BAR. KIDS IN AFRICA ARE HAPPY TO EAT ANYTHING AND YOU ARE MAD ABOUT CHOCOLATE? (Ok, by this time I'm like 'YEAH! YOU preach it but really I think I have felt the same way about chocolate....) The only thing we NEED is our family! WE NEED TO BE THANKFUL FOR THE THINGS WE HAVE! WE ARE SPOILED IN NORTH AMERICA....GET OVER IT. RIGHT NOW.

At this, Delaney turns over and says.

OK Daddy.

Now, there's the girl I know.....

Why I Don't Own FIVE kids....

2008-03-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

I do not have five kids.

Except today I do. (The neighbour girl Mercades is also over in this picture!!!)

Mark and Tanya are a couple of our closest friends...they were both in our wedding party back in 'the day' (although, at that time they were 'on a break' but who can keep up!), anyway, they are in Costa Rica, and since Tanya's mom had to go out of town Monday, Tanya had asked if we could watch her kids until Thursday. SURE! NO PROBLEMO!!!

Except.......

Problemo.

We get two weeks of Spring Break up here in loverly Smithers, this is week two, and I'm not one of those Mom's who don't like having their kids home...I actually do like it. For the most part. Please remember, I have two kids in full time school and another one who goes four afternoons a week. I have a lot (in my mind) of 'Michelle' time. AND I LIKE IT THAT WAY. Having five kids ranging in age from 3-8 is not as easy as you'd think! Do you know how many eggs I had to make for lunch today? A DOZEN!!! There were spills and crying, yelling and screaming and that was just me! The kids are good...it's not that, it's just very tiring to hear kids ALL DAY. NO BREAKS.

And that's not all....

I even let them ALL PAINT....just so I didn't feel guilty about sending them outside to play in the ditch all day. Yes...the ditch...it's fun...there's water...and dirt....you should try it!

I woke Calvin up at four, and asked him to count the kids to make sure they were all accounted for. CHECK.

I also asked him to pur me something...alcohalic.

There is a reason I don't homeschool....

There is a reason I didn't have more kids....

I'm too selfish.

I freely admit it.

So sue me....

But before you do, I'd love a Grande two pump white mocha americano misto with non fat milk.

Things you don't want to hear from your 4 year old daughter's friend...

2008-03-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

'Mrs. Elliott...I'm going to eat two sandwiches at lunch so I can have a big belly....JUST LIKE YOURS!!!'

Thanks Ally....pardon me while I hang myself.

The big 10

2008-02-29T12:21:00.000-08:00

Well, it's true. In 2 weeks, I will have been married TEN years. TEN. I am no longer a 'young married' person. I am approching middle age with my greying haired husband....

Oh...

AND I LOVE IT.

10 things I like (mostly) about being married.....to Calvin that is!

1. You know I have to mention it....SEX. With the same person. For 10 years. Sounds boring right? Not so much.....without going into details, let's just say 'Mama has her grove back' after 3 kids and years of no sleep.

2. Knowing that I have a soft place to fall no matter what....of course, sometimes I have to remind my 'soft place' that I don't need a 'I can fix it' place to fall....

3. Matching shirts. Sounds lame? It is. I promised myself I'd never do that. I did it. I'm not proud, and it wasn't intentional....I got dressed, he got dressed....we walked into the living room and voila...matching hockey shirts (with different teams OF COURSE!)

4. Laughing at how stupid we were 10 years ago....man I was SO cranky at my husband about the STUPIDEST stuff! We have both learned to R-E-L-A-X.

5. Not having to work. It's true, I love staying home and my husband likes working. It works out rather well, as long as I'm appreicated for the work (YES....WORK!!) I do here. It is not all watching Oprah and talking to my BFF Heather. Well...it kind of is but I also sweep! (Thank God for long distance plans....)

6. Seeing my hubby with my girls and knowing that they won't have to grow up without a father influence at home.

7. Laughing. ALOT. (oh..and rolling my eyes goes with that too....) Calvin's fav at the moment is adding 'That's what SHE said' after everything. Even if it doesn't makes sense....and dangit if I don't laugh every darn time!

8. Not being alone. (You decide if that's good or bad!) EVER.

9. Dreaming big dreams together about what and where we want to go......and having common goals.

10. Being the only person in my family that has made the 10 year mark (I'm talking my immediate family...Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister), and I'm sure I won't be the only one but it feels nice to conquer that ghost in my life.

Onward and Upward....Here's to another 50 at least!

No News is Good News?

2008-02-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

So...it is true, I have not blogged since returning from Hawaii....well, the tan has faded, the snow is still here and what do I have to offer you?

Sweet bugger all.

That's right, I have nothing going on.

I could bore you with details about how my 4 year old daughter is independantly READING...yes, that's right, she's reading at a grade one level....but I'm sure no one really cares. Oh, and she's also writing...cards, songs, whatever...but she's doing it all by herself!

I could tell you that my new diet plan consists of me piling whatever I want on to a plate and then scraping half off to control my portions (which btw REALLY sucks....)

I might mention that my oldest daughter told me she 'felt like a failure' when she lost her tap show...only to clarify later on (after I felt like I must have created this feeling of her needing to be perfect) that she didn't actually know what a 'failure' was but it sounded like how she felt.

I may mention how I just turned 32 and that it was rather unexciting...oh except for the fact that my sweet middle child asked me if I was turning 40. FORTY. YEARS. OLD. (Is 'bite me' an appropriate response to a 7 year old?)

I could explain to you how my mother in law probably made the most innapropriate comment to my husband about how fat he looked in our vacation pictures (I sent her some to show how nice we looked), and she may have even said that his man breasts looked bigger than mine. WOW. Insults to both of us at once. Someone remind me why I'm glad Newfoundland is so far away?

I mean, I could tell you all those things but it would bore you....or me...

I think I need another vacation....

Aloha and Maholo

2008-01-14T08:34:00.001-08:00

Alright, most of you know that Calvin and I went on a Hawaiian Cruise last week, and to sum up the trip, I am going to steal an idea from my friend DJ and do a numbers blog....

10: Days away from our kids...longest ever, and I must say, I was fine but really did miss them by the end of the week.

1: Number of FULL tubes of sunscreen we went through.

5: Number of different Hawaiian Starbucks we went to.

2: Times that we went snorkelling....for those of you who know Calvin, swimming is not his 'forte' but swimming in salt water is SO much easier and he actually loved it..it was also beautiful beyond compare.

3: shopping trips to various Wal-Marts....the best place to buy Hawaiian gifts made in the Phillippines!

1: how many live volcanos with steam vents that we saw

30: number of Humpback whales we saw (it's mating season from December - April in the warm waters off the Hawaiian coast).

12: how many Dolphins we saw jumping around!

6: times we saw Sea Turtles

1: lonely octopus (we saw while snorkelling)

3: number of times that Calvin and I went on the treadmill on the ship, most people thought we wouldn't, I actually had someone laugh at me when I told them we were going to try and excersise.....they must not know me that well!!!! (Make it a challenge and I'll do it for sure....)

14: Daquari's Michelle drank

14: Glasses of red wine Calvin drank

16: number of Canadian we met on the boat.

5: how often we went to the hot tub.

4: how many times Calvin ate eggs benedict for breakfast.

3: how many pounds Calvin gained on the cruise.

2: how many pounds I gained on the cruise (of course, add that to the 6 I gained at Christmas...well, you do the math)

13: letters in the Hawaiian alphabet

14: number of hours on the plane.

2: hours time difference from BC to Hawaii

5: days we slept past 8:30 am (which for parents is a BIG deal!)

4: days we spent on the white sand beaches.

12: times we went into the pool on the boat.

COUNTLESS: times some random American said the following to us "HEY...you're from CANADA EH? Get it?? EH??? HAR HAR..." (Yeah, I've never heard that before)

6: number of times Calvin got asked if he really liked the Maple Leafs! (I can see why....really, 2nd from the bottom of the entire NHL!)

21: letters in the longest word in the Hawaiian language Humuhumunukunukuapua`a -which is the state fish there....not to mention, that a 21 letter word is impressive when you only have 12 letters to work with!

4: Islands visited

Calvin and I had an amazing time, we are going to go back with the kids next Spring Break (2009), we can't wait!

We Wish You a Happy Season of Wintery Fun....Oh Whatever..Merry Christmas!

2007-12-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well, the tree is down and the egg nog is gone.....all I have to remember it by is this extra 5 pounds of tummy I'll be bringing with me to Hawaii.....

Fact. My family (including Vanessa and Aaron) ate an ENTIRE two tiered box of Purdy's Hedgehogs in less than 2 hours.

Fact. I gave up my bed to my Dad and his wife and had to sleep in Laney's room for a week.

Fiction. I got on my treadmill last week.

Fact. We had a wicked awesome Christmas with my fam and pretty much played our new fav card game 'phase 13' every night.

Fiction. I am a gracious loser.

Fact. We popped BOTH of the new sleds we got for the girls in the two days after Christmas.

Fact. Wild and Wooley decided to change their 'NO EXCHANGE, NO RETURN' policy after my Mom got through with them.

Fiction. I'm sad Christmas is over. (C'mon, I'm leaving for Hawaii in four days!!!)

Fact. As a parent, it is way more enjoyable to watch your kids get super excited about Christmas.

Fiction. I do not like getting presents. (Fav's this year...Foot Spa and Starbucks cards)

Hope you all had a good one!

See you after Hawaii!!!

Bigger and Better.....

2007-11-28T14:19:00.000-08:00

I love my husband. Do you know why? Because without him, our children would have a stick and a rock to play with.

Yes my friends...it is time again to start to create THE BACKYARD RINK. Being that last years model was so lame (see, now I thought it was 'fine'...I was wrong apparantly) we are upgrading to the 30 x 40 version this year...and when finished it will have blue and red lines on it so our figure skating darlings will never...and I mean NEVER....go offside again.

Sure, now that our renovations are done, Calvin could just relax...sit on the couch even.....but who has time to sit on the couch now that the mercury has dropped to -4. Not Calvin...he must flood and re-flood....and this year???? A SPOTLIGHT. Yes, he rigged up a standing spotlight so we (and I use that term loosly since I am more a sit inside and look out the window at your kids skating kind of Mom) can even skate after supper. Oh joy. Now, I must admit, our kids are REALLY good skaters due to the sheer amount they skated last year, but when they are just standing there, watching their Dad (in his TML jersey) do stickwork and then shoot the puck past their heads...I wonder...who did he make this rink for?

Why people would care...I don't know....

2007-11-11T22:53:00.000-08:00

Alright you three faithful readers...here's a quick catch up on what's goin' on around here...

Fact. My four year old daughter started reading this week. Actually reading. Like sounding out words and reading books. She is such a keaner...seriously, she wants to go to school SO badly..but she's stuck doing 'pre-k' work books with me for 9 more months...

Fact. Calvin and I are meeting up with our best friends Hugh and Heather in Calgary to celebrate Heather's 30th birthday. We leave December 7th and fly from here...SANS kids. We're going to a Stuart Maclean 'Vinyl Cafe' show, dinner and we're staying at a swanky hotel! I CAN NOT WAIT to see them AND to get to meet their new baby. We're making this an annual thing....Heather and I are 'kindred spirits', she just knows me......and Calvin and Hugh share a passion...for X box.

Fiction. High Canadian dollar is good news. WRONG. Terrible for almost all of BC or any province that relies on exporting to the U.S. If one more person says they are so excited to buy a cheap sweater from Land's End, I'll SCREAM!!!! GET EDUCATED PEOPLE!

Fact. Calvin and I are leaving in 7 weeks for our Hawaiian Cruise 10 year anniversary celebration. ALOHA.

Fact. It has snowed more than 10 cms at least 3 times here and has melted each time. Perfect.

Fact. I got a 'Victoria Beckham' hair cut. (AND I LOVE IT).

Fact. I tried a new drink at Starbucks (Gingerbread Latte) and LIKED it.

Fact. I tried a Cinnamon Dolce Latte at Starbucks and almost vomited.

Fact. I should stick with my decaf grande 2 and a half pump white mocha americano. $2.92 if you bring your own mug. RIGHT ON.

Fiction. I'm excited it's Monday tomorrow because that means I get to run on my treadmill.

Fact. 4 people will read this. Heather, Rebecca, D.J. and Billie.

Where WAS I???

2007-10-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaaaaaaaack....

Well, I actually never left, I just felt like I had nothing to write about....My sisters wedding was awesome, the summer was CRAPPY, the kids starting school was good, quitting Starbucks was TOTALLY the right decision, going to Winnipeg for my high school friends wedding was a blast from the past and now, life has resumed to normal.

I feel like I'm leading a charmed life this year, four afternoons a week to myself, lunch and coffee dates galore and a renewed feeling of, oh, how can I explain this???? Ok...I'm 31 (almost 32) and the older I get the LESS I care about what people think of me, or what society tells me I should be....thinner, younger, prettier, quieter, richer...and on and on...and I actually....WAIT FOR IT....

AM HAPPY WITH MYSELF.

It's true, I 'should' lose another 30 pounds....but what if I'm actually content being the size I am?? I mean, Calvin and I are probably more in love now than we were when we got married 10 years ago, and if he doesn't care then please tell me WHY THE HECK should I care? I'm not talking health reasons here...I excersise five days a week and eat fairly well, I'm just talking 'outside' issues....beauty issues....anyway, that is my rant for today. If I'm going to stress, it's going to be because my Grandma is essentially handicapped or my Dad is dying, it is SURE as heck not going to be because I have to wear a size 16. PERIOD. Bring on middle age...I'M READY.

Wedding Day......

2007-08-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

My New 'DO'

2007-07-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have a new 'do'.

We're selling our house.

My sister is getting married in 11 days.

I can think of nothing but what is going to happen to Harry Potter in the book I'm reading!

Call that a 'quick' update!

OH Dad!!!!!!

2007-07-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

Cammy " Hey Mom...I have a joke for you!"

Mom "OK...what is it" (Knowing that four year old jokes are fairly LAME)

Cammy "What did the boy say to the girl?"

Mom "What?"

Cammy "Will you marry me?!?"

Mom (Cue fake laughing) "Oh..HA HA..that's just like what Dad said to me once!"

Cammy "HUH? DAD STOLE MY JOKE????"

Nevermind....

Are you getting tired of this yet?

2007-07-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

So.....my Grandma started singing old 'wartime' tunes...

The brain is an amazing thing!

So..now we push on towards Vanessa's wedding and be thankful for the time we have!

I started my 'Barista' training at Starbucks this week and I LOVE IT. I mean..it's SO for me. The quality of service between Starby's and Timmy Ho's can NOT be compared...especially when two nights ago, the 'iced cap' machine at TH's was broken and a guy from Calvin's work was going through the drive thru and expressed his frustration that the machine is always broken...at Starbucks we would give you a free drink. At Timmy's? THE FINGER! Yes..she flipped this customer the bird through the drivethru window. I mean, the sheer balls-y-ness!!!

'Always fresh at Tim Hortons' means something totally different now!

Tomorrow is my Barista Certification...wish me luck!

And So Here We Are....

2007-06-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

Quick update on my life.

I start Starbucks THIS monday.

My Dad is having chemo this week.

AND...

My grandma woke up today....she is smiling (well, half smiling what with the paralyzation) and she ATE today.

We are not out of the woods...

But it is a morsel of 'good' for today.

Update

2007-06-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hi again...

So, my Grandma is still hanging on....she goes for a cat scan tomorrow in Terrace to see how bad the stroke was...we know it was BAD b/c she didn't even really open her eyes for close to 3 days. She is opening her eyes BUT the Dr. warned us not to get too excited and then this afternoon her breathing was VERY LABOURED...she actually stopped breathing a few times...

It's pretty much a waiting game these days...

I am more emotionally exhausted than I can explain...

My sister Vanessa suggested that we get our tear ducts removed...

I am seriously considering that suggestion!

Family Update

2007-06-11T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all...

Just an update to let those of you who keep updated by reading my blog, that my Grandma Richmond (who lives here with me in Smithers) had a severe stroke Saturday night. There is no chance for restoration or survival....our whole family is here now just waiting...

It's such a strange feeling..we are such a close family and I'm SO glad we had Grandma and Grandpa over every week for dinner...I'm so glad that family has always taken presedence over anything else....

We are sad today...

Michelle

Can You Say....BARISTA????

2007-06-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

Ok blogger friends.

I have a confession.

I have almost finished one course in my Teacher's Aide program and I have realized something.

I DO NOT LOVE IT.

After the news I got about my Dad last week, I kind of re-evaluated what I wanted to do..

Any you know what?

I want to be a BARISTA. (A person who makes espresso etc....)

I got a job at STARBUCKS!!!!!!!! I went in and they hired me on the spot (now, that does alot for a girls confidence!). I start my training June 19th, then the grand opening is July 14th. I am just going to work part-time but I am really really excited! For those of you who know me, you know that I have wanted to work at Starbucks for a long long time but since there wasn't one here, that wasn't an option...well, now it is!!!!!!!!

Anyway, my husband is excited too...why you ask? Is it because he's excited I found something I love? NO. Is is because he wants me to feel fulfilled. NO. Is it because employees at Starbucks get one free pound of coffee a week? UH....YES.

So...for all my readers out there (and by 'all' I mean, Heather, DJ, Billie, Rebecca and Kim) I really hope you don't think I'm a quitter...because I feel like I woke up this week!!!!

And Now For Something Completely Different...

2007-05-30T17:50:00.001-07:00

So, not to bum out all 6 of my faithful readers...but I thought I would update you on some news we recently received...

I got a call from my Dad yesterday and he has been having hip pain for a few weeks...anyway, turns out he has a kidney stone, went for a MRI and they discovered an abdomen full of cancerous tumours. The doctors are giving him about a year to live....

Yesterday, I think I was in shock...like, is this a movie or something?? Anyway, seems it's not a movie, it's real life, and at the centre is this weird thought that my Dad is going to die. I mean, I always knew he was going to die..I just thought he'd be 80, not 55.

Anyway, that's my life today.

My Dad will be here for my sisters wedding in August....we'll have to make it one heck of a visit!

We're sad...but...I know where my HOPE comes from...and today, that's about all I have to cling to...

14 Years Is Not Too Long

2007-05-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

It's been 14 years.

Since I graduated from High School, that is. I thought to myself, hey...I haven't been to school forever, why not START again?

It's true, I am back at school. College to be exact...why you ask? Well, the college here is offering University credit courses now, and they have a certificate program called 'SEA' or 'Special Education Assistant' (which is basically a fancy way of saying 'teacher's aide'). I thought I could maybe start it next September....went to the college and looked into it, only to find out that the first two courses already started in January. Case closed. I thought, well, if it was meant to be, it would be!! RIGHT??? Back to my life...and then...the program co-ordinator called me telling me that they were going to make an exception for me, and I could make up the first two courses later on, so if I wanted to do this program, be at the college Tuesday at 6 p.m. for my first class. HUH??? (Now, keep in mind this was last week) I really didn't know what to do, I talked about it with Heather (because of course, we talk about EVERYTHING) and waited for Calvin to wake up to ask him what he thought. What did he think about his wife going back to school and being emmersed in books for a year? He thought it was a great idea.

I really wanted a job that had hours that would work for me..this is the job.
I really wanted a job that paid well...this is the job.
I really wanted a job with the same holiday's as my kids...this is the job.
I really wanted a job so I could be involved in the school...this is the job.

THEN WHY THE HECK AM I SO SCARED??

Last Tuesday (my first day) I was sick to my stomach all day....I snapped at the kids, yelled at Calvin and couldn't eat dinner...finally, my husband asked me if I was nervous about my first day.

I burst into tears.....who ME??? Nervous? I am one of the most self confident people I know....and I was SCARED.

Calvin calmed me down and told me 'You'll go back and it will be just like high school...you'll be the popular kid again'....to which I responded...'Then WHY do I feel like I'm going back as the FAT KID???'

DEEP CLEANSING BREATHS.

So, I went to the class and felt like shrinking into the floor...but it was fine. Really good actually...I mean, don't get me wrong, the workload and reading are a tad bit overwhelming for someone who has read mostly 'Barney' and 'I'll Love You Forever' for the last seven years but I'm going to do this thing.

I'm going to TRY to do this thing.

I really HOPE I can do this thing.

Oh man...what was I thinking????

Tall, Decaf, Fat-Free, Sugar-Free Vanilla Caramel Mack Please...

2007-04-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

We're BAAAACK!

We managed to stay within our Starbucks budget (what? Doesn't everybody have a Starbucks budget?) and get home safely....out of money but happy!

I love visiting (key word visiting) the city. I love the fast paced life, the option to shop after 6 and the ability to chose from more than two movies. I love that going shopping can actually be an all day affair (hello METROTOWN!!), I love that my kids get to experience things like Science World and the Sea Bus and are SO excited...because it's not an everyday thing for them. But can I tell you when our 'smalltown-ness' really was evident? We had taken the Seabus out to Longsdale Quey (is that how you spell that?) and of course, everyone had to pee when we got there...so, I took the girls to the bathroom, and while they were each in their stalls, a line of ladies waiting had formed. I'm standing near the sinks...waiting and I hear...FLUSH... 'WOWWOWOWOWOWOW Mom...the toilet flushes all by itself...it KNOWS when I'm done peeing!' (By now, the ladies in the line up are chuckling) Avery comes running out of the stall, beyond excited only to be beyond THRILLED when the sinks work by themselves too....but wait..there's more...the paper towel dispenser also goes by itself when you wave your hand infront of it...OH THE JOY!!! I had to pull my kids away from the bathroom and remind them that there were MANY more things to do and see in West Vancouver, although, I was hard pressed to find something cooler than a toilet that knew when you were done your business.

Anyway, we had a great time...the weather was great but seeing Hudson Bay Mountain was so comforting...we love Smithers...(oh, and it helped that when we got home, the snow was gone from our yard!!!)

Cheers!

Miss Me?

2007-04-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

We're leaving for a spring break vacation tomorrow.....heading to Vancouver....here are some pictures my Aunt sent me last week from their walk in downtown Vancouver.....oh the hardship.

See you April 16th!

Michelle

Life In The North

2007-03-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

So...I got this list from my sister-in-law today, and darn if most of them aren't true...
This morning, there was a moose outside our house, unusual? Not really.....but I still ran for my camera to take a picture...honestly, what do you do with 25 pictures of a moose? Anyway, enjoy and feel free to comment!

LIFE IN NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA , CANADA , EH
1.Your idea of a traffic jam is ten cars waiting to pass a Snow plow on the highway.
2."Vacation" means going to Kamloops for the weekend.
3.You measure distance in hours.
4.You know several people who have hit deer, moose, or bears more than once.
5.You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.
6.You use a down comforter in the summer, but can walk outside barefoot in the winter to grab the beer off the porch.
7.You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events.
8.You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked. And if you checked, your keys are probably still in the ignition of your car all night long.
9.You think of the major food groups as moose meat, fish and berries.
10.There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at the Canadian Tire store at any given time.
11.You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.
12.Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.
13.You think lingerie is tube socks and flannel pajamas.
14.You know all 4 seasons as: almost winter, winter, still winter,and construction.
15.It takes 3 hours to go to the store for one item even when you're in a rush because you have to stop and talk to everyone in town.
16.You wave to every on coming vehicle in town.
17.You simply drive around the people sitting at the stop light talking to a pedestrian and wave to them too.
18.You know it must be cold out when there's ice chunks floating in the river.
19.You know where Quesnel & Nakusp are, and you pronounce them correctly.
20.When you go to parties in the winter, you wear your Sorels , and bring your nice shoes in a grocery bag.
21.You have perfected the peeing outdoors technique because you have been drunk in the middle of nowhere so many times.
22.In the winter, it is more than normal to drive your snowmobile to a party instead of your truck.
23.You know where 100 Mile House, 103 Mile, 105 Mile, 108 Mile, 99 Mile, 94 Mile, and 70 Mile are, and don't really think those are strange names for towns.

I'm Not One Of THOSE People....

2007-03-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not one of those people...

You know the ones...the ones who have to have the weather 'their' way all the time....

It's raining AGAIN??

It's SO HOT!!

Look at all the snow!!

Could it BE any colder?? (Chandler Bing emphasis mine)

BUT....

IF I WAKE UP TO SNOW ONE MORE FRICKEN TIME THIS YEAR, I'M LEAVING. I DON'T KNOW WHERE BUT I'M OUTTA HERE.

I really do love living up north, we could have moved several times and it's not usually like this but PLEASE, don't turn me into one of THOSE people.

Happy Anniversary to ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is 'my' ninth anniversary. Ok, well, not just mine but Calvin's too. Yes, it's true...Calvin has put up with me for the last nine years....
I have officially been married longer than either of my parents ever have.
This is going to be SOME KIND OF A RECORD!!
Things I love about being married to Calvin...
1) His rapping ability...until you have heard a newfie singing 'GOLDDIGGER', you have NOT lived.
2) His unadulterated love of the Toronto Maple Leafs (I do not share in the love but it's amazing to see a man so devoted!!)
3) The fact that he can fix ANYTHING.
4) That he has never stayed mad at me for longer than 15 minutes.
5) That he knows the Adam Sandler song 'Sloppy Joe' and laughs EVERY SINGLE time I sing it.
6) That he is a wicked awesome Dad.
7) That he never had a beef steak until he moved to Smithers! (They only ever ate moose meat where he was from on 'THE ROCK')
8) That he will watch Oprah with me (even though he pretends not to like it!)
9) That talking about walking any of his girls down the aisle makes him 'mist' (It's friggin dusty in here!)
and last but not least...
10) He's BRINGIN SEXY BACK

Happy Anniversary Hon...bring on the next 9.....

The Day My Girl Used The 'F' Bomb

2007-02-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

Our kids go to a public school....it was bound to happen. (Actually, I don't think it matters WHAT school they go to) Yesterday, Delaney wanted to listen to my iPod. She knows that before each song, she has to bring it to me and ask if she can listen to it or not....I have a few on there that are just for me when I run (Thank you Sexyback for helping me get thin!!). Anyway, she happens to really like 'Green Day' singing 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams'....but Calvin said he heard a bad word on there so she couldn't listen to it (I didn't hear it but now I'll listen for it). Avery was privy to this whole conversation and she asked which word it was. Calvin just told her it was a bad one. Then she asked, 'Was it the 'F' word?' Now, the last time Avery asked us about the 'F' word, we asked her what is was and she said 'FAT'. The 'S' word is 'Stupid' and the 'C' word is 'Crap'. Anyway, Calvin says..'well, what is the 'F' word Ave?' She says, without blinking. 'F**K'. WHAT??? WHAT????

I was on the computer and literally doubled over and turned around with a shocked look on my face...Calvin didn't even flinch and mouthed to me 'CALM DOWN!!!' He asked Ave where she heard that word and she told him that her, Delaney and a couple of other friends saw it on a door at school and sounded it out. Then after they all had said it, someone told them it was a bad word. Here is the difference between our girls...Delaney was already crying because she knew she shouldn't have said it. Avery wanted to know what it meant. Ok, so I'm trying to regain my composure...I went into my room to pray for a second. Seriously, this threw me for a loop. Not because I have never said it (SORRY but it's true) but because I didn't want that word in my baby's head! It was like a loss of innocence for me...our girls have never heard that word here and if they have ever heard it 'out there' they wouldn't know it was bad...but now they do.

A few minutes later, we were done chatting about it, and we were playing 'Cadoo'. Calvin had the sports channel on TV but it was muted, and while the highlights were playing, the 'Bucks' (a basketball team) came on the screen. Avery looked over and said to her dad, 'Dad, if you change that 'B' to an 'F', their team would be a BAD WORD. She had a little glimmer in her eye like she had beaten the system. Like she now KNEW something. ARG!!!! Calvin had a hard time keeping a straight face....I had a hard time blinking back my tears.

We put the kids to bed, prayed, did all the good parent stuff...but I was still so sad. Calvin finally had to remind me that it is just a word. A word. We can give it power or not. So, today, I will try not to be sad that my 6 year old dropped the 'F bomb' in my living room.

More news!

2007-02-14T12:16:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, my sister Vanessa is getting married!!!! Her and her 'fiancee' Aaron van der Meuelen were engaged on Febrary 11th! They are getting married August long weekend of this year!! WAHOO!!!

Oh BABY!

2007-02-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Michaiah Eve Barker, our new cousin! (She was born to Jer and Ty on Feb 7th)
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All About Me...tagged by BillieJean

2007-01-26T22:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, here goes.....5 things that people wouldn't know about me....(which might be hard because I'm pretty much a blubbering idiot who wears her heart on her sleeve)

1. I have a crush on 'Jim' from the t.v. show 'The Office'

2. I don't like my wedding ring.

3. I get 'hair stress' everytime I get my haircut. I freak out for a couple of days in a big way until I realize that I like the hairdo.

4. I'm glad we had three girls and am VERY happy we didn't have a boy. (No offense to anyone with a boy, I just don't get them!!)

5. I'm a big talker who really is an insecure little girl on the inside.

I'm going to tag my pregnant buddy Heather.....she's got nothing but time!!! (Hee Hee)

The One Where I''m Not Connected

2007-01-26T17:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while, my computer had to go to the doctor. Can I just say that you start to feel VERY disconnected when you don't have a computer. I would walk over to the corner our computer is in and assume the position (right hand getting ready to click) and then remember that 'it' was gone. For a week. (The shop was BACKED up and in Smithers, there isn't alot of option for computer fixin') For a week, I didn't read the news. For a week, I had no idea what my bank balance was. For a week, I missed out on all kinds of exciting deals on EBAY. For a week, I didn't know what the weather was going to be like until I went outside. For a week, I didn't know that Justin and Cameron broke up. For a week, I had no idea that there was no peace in the middle east (ok, that would have been a given, but still, I couldn't be SURE!!!). I guess I could've bought a paper or turned on the t.v. but what fun is that?

The One Where the Family Goes Home.....

2007-01-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

Well, another year has come and gone...so long and farewell to 2006!

We had a GREAT holiday this year, Calvin had 11 glorious days off! We coffee'd with family, laughed, drank, ATE WAY TOO MUCH (sidenote, I'm so going to the gym tomorrow), played trivial pursuit, skated, sledded and SLEPT IN!

A whole bunch of the Richmond crew descended on our little town...it was perfect bedlum. We all went to church Sunday the 24th and filled up rows upon rows at MVA. Delaney and my Mom did a violin duet, Vanessa and her boyfriend Aaron sang (and it was AWESOME) and then Uncle Don preached....and it all felt like settling into a comfy pair of jeans. After church we all invaded Jer and Ty's house where we at pizza and watched the kids run around....then decided..hey...let's all go sledding! I'm not BLAMING anyone, I'm just saying that someone of my stature should not be encouraged to ride an inner tube down a hill with an 8 percent grade! Anyway, we all went home and ate chinese food. Kyle and Liz stayed over here with Kaleb and Mikah, which was so cool for my girls. They played so well together, then would go out and skate on the rink, then come in and play some more! Christmas morning we woke up and it was family breakfast at the Elliott's! Then we opened a crazy amount of presents, played with our new stuff and tried to make our way through the boxes of paper! We hung out and then had Christmas dinner at my Mom's. Honestly, it was a super enjoyable day. The next couple of days we did our own stuff, had friends over, skated and sledded some more. Liz, Kyle, Mikah, Kaleb, Lane, Scottie and Amiee all came back on the 28th and we had dinner, played the infamous game of Trivial Pursuit (in which the boys TRASH talked so much about how they would kick our butts, only to watch us get 4 UNANSWERED wedges....they finally got one wedge, but soon after we got the last two. We win right? Well, every other time we have played, we only play to who gets 6 pies. NOT SO THIS TIME, this time, we had to go to the middle and answer one more question. It took us half a fricken hour to get to the middle, then we tossed two answers around and said the WRONG ONE. ARGGGGGG!! Long story even longer, we lost. TECHNICALLY. We had all six pies first. I'm just saying.) After what I'm sure will be known as the longest game in history, we went to bed. Got up the next day, watched Canada kick butt in the world juniors, ate turkey soup, skated and then had to say good bye to our family. It was actually sad to see everyone go...I mean, it's alot of work to have everyone here but then they all leave and it's so quiet!

Anyway, Christmas is over, we made it through New Years (stayed up until 12:03!!) and thank you Lord for the blessings that 2007 will hold.

Fa La La La La La La La La......(you counted the 'la's' didn't you!)

2006-12-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. I love my kids. So, naturally, you put my kids, infront of a Christmas tree, and it's nothing but joy for me! Well, ok, you put my kids infront of a tree, in their newest dresses, and force them to smile, and it's not 'joy' so much but stomach turning stress! Thank God the picture doesn't show me telling Delaney to 'please for the love of St. Peter, STOP TILTING YOUR HEAD!!!'

Here's something I just figured out. Delaney is doing this weird thing when we get pictures taken....she does what I call 'Chandler Bing' face. (Anyone remember the 'FRIENDS' episode where Monica and Chandler are getting engagement photos and Chandler keeps opening his eyes SO wide and scrunching up his nose so his teeth are all showing...THAT's the Chandler Bing face.) Anyway, the only way Delaney can smile properly is if she tilts her head. As I'm commenting on this last night, Calvin alerts me to the fact that I too am a head tilter when I get my picture taken. SURELY YOU JEST!!!! I realized that I do in fact have a tendancy to 'tilt' and that the pictures that I'm 'tilting' in, my face looks nicer....thinner even.....

In that case...it's a wonder I don't tilt my whole body when I get pictures taken!

A Canadian Tradition

2006-12-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

I always wanted a skating rink in my backyard when I was a kid...

Thank the Lord I married someone who totally doesn't mind flooding a rink 9 times in a week out in the freezing cold (did I mention we had a COLD SNAP HERE????), just so he can hear how totally AWESOME the rink in the yard is.

The girls were so impressed with their Dad, I mean, he's already pretty cool in their eyes but frozen water all to themselves??? There's no turning back kids....this is a project can is only going to get bigger and better every year. Think billboard signs and lucky loonies in the ice.

Here's to a Canadian Tradition. Cheers.

Happy (early) Birthday Ave!

2006-11-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had Avery's 6th Birthday party, even though her birthday is 3 weeks away....why you ask? Well, normally, I'm not crazy busy in December but this year is different because I'm singing in the community cantata so we have rehersals every weekend until the performance! Anyway, we had a gymnastics party and it was a blast.

Dear Avery Vanessa,
Our little Avery wiener, our creative, beautiful, graceful daughter....we love you. The day you were born, we were so surprised, we thought FOR SURE you were a boy! SURPRISE! Actually, that was the second time you surprised us :0)

The thing that is most memorable about you as a baby was how beautiful you were, I mean, I hate to brag but you were positively angelic (and to tell the truth, you are a gorgeous little girl even now)...the other thing I remember is how you just 'sat' and played! You would have one toy and be content forever! Of course, if someone tried to take it away, WATCH OUT!!!!

I love how you are so vivid. I love how you emote through your eyes...I mean they literally DANCE with excitment when you talk about something you love. I love how there is never a toilet paper roll in this house that hasn't been glued, taped or stapled into some craft or another. I love that you always start your sentances with 'I KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO!!!' I love that you are so very loyal to your sisters. I love that you say few words to people you don't know, but say all kinds of crazy things to the people closest to you.

I love that you actually think it's weird when girls don't like watching hockey! (Oh, and Dad loves it that you LOVE LOVE LOVE the Maple Leafs and refuse to accept that Vancouver is Mom's favourite team).

God made you special Ave, and you are the perfect middle kid for this Elliott clan.

Happy 6th Birthday babe.

You Don't Say...

2006-11-07T21:45:00.000-08:00

Today I had an interesting conversation with Cammy.

"Hey Mom, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

'I don't know Cammy, what are you thinking about?'

"Worms."

'Uh, then NO, I wasn't thinking what you were thinking'

(WORMS??? Did I miss something???)

It's A Kind Of Headline Day.....

2006-10-29T16:23:00.000-08:00

So, as some of you may have seen, we had a record breaking snowfall here (about 60 cms). Anyway, Calvin was out 'helping' the girls make a snow fort and here is the finished product...2 snow houses with a full fenced sidewalk! As I write, he's still out there perfecting the walls....but it's for the girls, don't you know???

Let it SNOW!

2006-10-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

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Coming out of the CLOSET

2006-10-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

So...it's true. We are Christians who 'participate' in Hallowe'en. We carve pumpkins, we fill orange plastic bags with leaves...we dress up, AND we trick or treat. We do not appease our consciences by going to 'pumpkin fairs' OR 'harvest parties' at the church....because we seriously, honestly don't have a problem with this fun canadian tradition. Deal with it people.

My Baby Girl is SEVEN!!!

2006-10-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Today is the day. The day where my first baby girl turns seven. I have had kids for SEVEN years. I am old enough to have kids, that's a weird thought for me, even now!

Delaney, my girl, you were the happiest baby ever, I just didn't know that until your screamin' sister Avery came along! You smiled early, and have been smiling ever since. There are so many things Dad and I love about you....how you try and try and try to get the hang of stuff, and NEVER get frustrated....how you are always willing to help me, or Dad or your sisters with the stuff they have to do....how you are empathetic to other people....how smart you are...how musical you are (uh, thank you to your Mom for that!!)...how athletic you are (and where you got that, we have NO IDEA)...and how kind you are. You are a super kid and we are so proud of who you are and who you are becoming. Remember that you only get your self worth from God, that He made you and He doesn't make junk!!!

Happy 7th Birthday girl!

Thanksgiving

2006-10-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

It's Thanksgiving Monday! We are hanging out around home today, just raking leaves and being lazy.

We had our family dinner yesterday, and it was CRAZY noisy...I mean, like, 'CAN YOU PASS THE TURKEY?' NO I DIDN'T SAY YOU WERE QUIRKY'....it was sheer and utter maddness...and I LOVED IT. Everyone was talking and laughing at the same time, yet I had no trouble keeping a conversation! (Call it a 'Richmond' talent)

Really, seriously, I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for Grandparents that have prayed DAILY for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I am thankful for a Mom who gives and gives to her kids, and doesn't totally mind being teased about wanting everything 'farm fresh'. (Side note...Mom forgets that she tells us things so we end up hearing OVER AND OVER, how the eggs she gets from her students are...you guessed it "farm fresh")
I am thankful for my brother and his wife and kids...it really is cool that we live in the same town and we get to see each other and our kids get to grow up together. I am thankful for a sister who makes me LAUGH SO MUCH because she doesn't know what simple things like 'buzz words' mean... (She really did ask me, WHO IS THIS BUZZ YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT??) and because she loves things like 'the glace' and 'window air'. I am beyond thankful for a hubby that knows me...I mean, REALLY knows me. He knows my quirks (yes, thinking two papers on a counter is 'clutter' is a QUIRK!) and still loves me and supports me. Seriously people, Calvin and I have been married for almost 9 years and we're still best friends...it's not that hard to understand! Laugh more often, it's that easy. I'm thankful for my girls. Oh did God know I needed girls....and three of them! How perfect for me and my family! I'm thankful for a God who gives me the right kind of self worth. Not the kind that you can get by looking in a magazine or asking your husband if you look good, but the kind that is real. The kind of self worth that you can't get from any earthly thing or being...and the cool thing is, He gives it to me just the way I am. Nothing more, nothing less.

The Tie That Binds

2006-09-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

I love my family. On a crisp autumn day, we walked a little trail in this beautiful valley we call home. We looked at the mountain, and we just hung out together....Our girls are growing up. TOO FAST!
Vanessa took this picture for us, and I looked at it and thought....am I old enough to have three kids? NOT babies....GIRLS....talking and having a real conversation with us....

I love the fall (now, don't get me wrong, I know winter is coming, I just like the view for now), I love the smell, and the colours of the leaves, and the crispness of the air. Today was a nearly perfect day.

OK, OK...

I only yelled at the kids TWICE to 'LOOK AT THE FRIGGEN CAMERA'.

Back to reality!

Too Cool...Too Cool for School....

2006-09-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Can I just say something? I have a daughter who is COOLER than COOL. I HAD to post this picture when I sent it to my best friend Heather and she e-mailed back and said....'First of all if a Winnipeg Jets jersey doesn't say cool I don't know what does! Second of all, LOVE the slayer fingers!' I laughed SO hard because seriously, where the heck did those slayer fingers come from...I'm not much of a 'heavy metal' person anymore....Anyway, thought this was cute.

Self Portrait

2006-09-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't written a 'new post' in a while....

Do you ever feel like nothing new is happening in your life? Well...TA DA....that's me in a nutshell. I basically get up, excersice (if it's a good day), wake up the kids, take the kids to school, play with Cammy (and by play, I mean, put in Leap Frog 'Letter Factory'), eat lunch, more playing (or maybe PRE-SCHOOL!), pick up kids from school, run them to their various activites, eat supper, bond as a family, put kids to bed, sit on couch, read or watch t.v. and go to bed. Are you a celebrity you ask? Is this kind of FANCY lifestyle really possible? Yes, Yes it is. Hold on, I'll tell you how.

Fall in love with a man at the age of 19 and badger him until he finally realizes he better fall in love with you because it might be more fun than being stalked. Get pregnant, then again, then again and VOILA, it's your life.

I'm joking around of course, but it's hard to beat those mundane day blues on a day like today. I'm having women issues and it's raining, pretty much a combo that is hard to beat.

My sister was over the other night, having a heart to heart with Calvin and myself, and she forced me to do a self portrait (she's obsessed with those things, and the sheer number of times we have to do that to make it look right...tilt your head, stick out your chin, suck in your tummy..HUH?? My tummy's not even in the picture!!!) and when I saw it today, I thought, wow, a picture really doesn't say anything about my life at all....

A picture is worth a thousand words? Depends who you talk to I guess.

Teach A Man To Fish....

2006-09-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Fishing. I don't get it. I mean, REALLY don't get it. Men like fishing even when they don't catch anything! (Would that still be called fishing? More like....stick in watering...anywho....) I've gone a few times this year with Calvin so we could 'bond' as a family whilst (oh yeah I just did say 'whilst') we waited for the elusive salmon to take the bait. NOTHING HAPPENED! Now, in Calvin's defense the fishing on the Bulkley wasn't great this year AND he did catch a bunch of Sockeye on the Babine later on. (The picture I'm posting is one my cousin Scott took when him and Calvin went fishing a few weeks ago.) Anyway, on Sunday my Mom made the mistake of saying fishing was boring. She said it out loud. So Calvin could hear! I mean, sure, think it but DO NOT SLAM FISHING TO A MAN FROM NEWFOUNDLAND. (oh, and side note, please do not pronounce Newfoundland, NEW FOUND LAND....that's also an insult. Please say New-fun-land...just like that.) Calvin then proceeded to go into a small tyrade (ok, maybe even a rant) about how there is an ART to fly fishing, you can't just trow (he was slipping into his Newfie accent) the line in the water, it has to sink and float a certain way so the fly is on the water but not bobbing too much, but bobbing enough....not zig zagging but curving if you will! Anyway, after a bit of back tracking, my Mom was in his good graces again....after learning a valuable lesson. Women don't understand fishing and Men don't understand....feeling sad after being done a great book, MAC makeup, Mom guilt, multi-tasking, scrapbooking, the TRUE pain of labour or breastfeeding (NO...it doesn't excite us to look at our boobs when they are engorged), best friends who giggle OR why we love Orlando. C'est La Vie!!!

Two Hours Alone...A Brief History.

2006-09-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

If anyone out there has read my blog much, you'll know that a few days ago I had two hours alone. I mean, without my kids. In the day. It was SO wierd, because I went to a local coffee shop (Kokopelli) and leafed through an ENTIRE sears catalog. UNINTERUPPTED. Then I slowly sipped my iced coffee and read the rest of 'Tuesday's with Morrie'. After a while I decided to go look at Shoppers Drug Mart. Not for anything specific, just to stand amongst the breakables for a while. I bought a bottle of perfume (a J. LO. scent that is REALLY NICE) after smelling about 15 different kinds, and not feeling rushed at all! I just stood there. Smelling.

I left SDM and saw an old friend on the street who I hadn't seen in about 2 years, so we chatted. Uninteruppted.

The sun shone all afternoon, and at 3, I happily picked up my kids.....my two hours were gone.

The reason I love my time alone is because it's come so rarely...you know? When my kids are all in school, it might be a different story but for now, this feels nice. I was just a lady in a coffee shop. I used to feel sorry for people who were alone at coffee shops. Now I get it.

Until next wednesday.....