Wednesday, February 28, 2007
organized and clean?
I am probably unlike most of my friends, and my friends friends in the cleaning and organizing department. I think you are born with it, or have to be trained up to start a system that works for you, and create a program that helps you to STAY organized.
I think I would have to consult with my Mom on this, but I believe that I was organized from the beginning! I remember my "Little House on the Prairie" bedroom. I have photos to prove it. It was SPOTLESS and organized.
I blame my crazy cleaning ways on the Richmond Inn, where I did a stint as a housekeeper during the summer in my high school year! It was there that I cleaned 16 rooms in 8 hours. Yes, I even had the "white glove" test done there, and passed. That was thrilling for me! I could sheet up a king size bed like it were a crib. The bedding flat and smooth and symetrical. The towels folded in "hotel style." I could do a large suite in about 1/2 an hour.
I liked that job a lot, and I think it taught me many things about myself. I also think there is a "clean gene" in our family too. I know my Oma is very clean, and my Grannie is too! I know my cousin Andrea is very clean too!! And, April and Amy! I was at my cousin Riki's place once, and it was spotless too. So, maybe it is just in my family.
Maybe I was born to be clean and organized. Maybe that is why I want to become a professional organizer and home stager. I just feel this is the right profession for me. I KNOW I can help others feel good about their places and spaces. I know I have a lot of knowledge to share with others! And, keep them motivated to do more!
My parents, they are organized, but not crazy organized like me. They have piles of newspaper articles and clippings and things around their house. I would prefer to file them away, or purge them...but hey it is not my home! But that is their system. And it works for them as far as I know.
Maybe a person can spend too much time doing these two things? Maybe not though. I know I have an organizing and cleaning obsession. I am not happy if it is not "up to hotel standards"
The organizer and cleaner in me is coming out even more with all of our house staging for open houses. I go MENTAL the hour before a staging. I have to let my "standards" slide and that really bothers me. The feedback has been wonderful on our place. EVERY PERSON who has been through our place CANNOT believe that we have 5 kids. So, obviously they do not notice the "things" that I notice. I KNOW that the floor is ws not perfectly clean, but hey in other peoples eyes it was spotless.
When our realtor saw our place for the first time, she said I have the knack for decorating and for staging. And what did I say to her. Oh no, this is no where NEAR what it will look like when we have a showing. This is really not up to my regular standards! Why couldn't I have said...just THANK YOU.
Our realtor recently took a course in Seattle to do Home Staging, and I do it naturally. I think it is very fun, and it is something I look forward to doing, even in the madness of 5 kids at the dinner hour. That is why I know this is what I need to do to help other families with kids!
Cleaning and organizing is different with a family around. Everything changes! Your time, your space your mind. I was a neat freak once, and I think I will always be one. For now, I have to let things go so that I don't pull my hair our going crazy! I clean and organize and feel happy and the next second, everything is pulled out and on the floor again!
Truly though. I don't want my kids to grow up and remember me always cleaning and not spending enough time with them.
I also hope that they will learn SOMETHING from me, about staying clean and organized. But, I often wonder will they become total packrats because I made them "purge" their playroom one too many times? Will they regret that we "gave away" their toy to somebody else? Will they become hoarders? Only time will tell. I know if they all became packrats I would have to go in to their places and help them lol!
But, because I am clean and organized, our house works very well, and our place cleans up like a dream because we don't have ANY clutter. We do not even have a "junk drawer". I love how for the house showings I can stage our place and have dinner ready, kids in jammies and teeth brushed in less than one hour! The towels are placed, flowers are placed and the candles are lit! Fresh vacuum tracks on the rug! We leave, and our place looks like a million bucks! That is my secret thrill to it all! The power of a clean and organized space!
I wonder about my other blogging friends and family. Are you naturally organized? Are you a naturally tidy person? Has this changed for you when you had kids? Or, have you been able to keep it up without going crazy? Have you let stuff slide? I just wonder how others feel about this topic. Do you look forward to organizing? See, to me cleaning and organizing is more exciting than what designer handbags would be to some women!
I think being tidy and organized has freed up time so that my precious time with my family is NOT wasted! We can do more together and that is what it is all about for me!
I think I would have to consult with my Mom on this, but I believe that I was organized from the beginning! I remember my "Little House on the Prairie" bedroom. I have photos to prove it. It was SPOTLESS and organized.
I blame my crazy cleaning ways on the Richmond Inn, where I did a stint as a housekeeper during the summer in my high school year! It was there that I cleaned 16 rooms in 8 hours. Yes, I even had the "white glove" test done there, and passed. That was thrilling for me! I could sheet up a king size bed like it were a crib. The bedding flat and smooth and symetrical. The towels folded in "hotel style." I could do a large suite in about 1/2 an hour.
I liked that job a lot, and I think it taught me many things about myself. I also think there is a "clean gene" in our family too. I know my Oma is very clean, and my Grannie is too! I know my cousin Andrea is very clean too!! And, April and Amy! I was at my cousin Riki's place once, and it was spotless too. So, maybe it is just in my family.
Maybe I was born to be clean and organized. Maybe that is why I want to become a professional organizer and home stager. I just feel this is the right profession for me. I KNOW I can help others feel good about their places and spaces. I know I have a lot of knowledge to share with others! And, keep them motivated to do more!
My parents, they are organized, but not crazy organized like me. They have piles of newspaper articles and clippings and things around their house. I would prefer to file them away, or purge them...but hey it is not my home! But that is their system. And it works for them as far as I know.
Maybe a person can spend too much time doing these two things? Maybe not though. I know I have an organizing and cleaning obsession. I am not happy if it is not "up to hotel standards"
The organizer and cleaner in me is coming out even more with all of our house staging for open houses. I go MENTAL the hour before a staging. I have to let my "standards" slide and that really bothers me. The feedback has been wonderful on our place. EVERY PERSON who has been through our place CANNOT believe that we have 5 kids. So, obviously they do not notice the "things" that I notice. I KNOW that the floor is ws not perfectly clean, but hey in other peoples eyes it was spotless.
When our realtor saw our place for the first time, she said I have the knack for decorating and for staging. And what did I say to her. Oh no, this is no where NEAR what it will look like when we have a showing. This is really not up to my regular standards! Why couldn't I have said...just THANK YOU.
Our realtor recently took a course in Seattle to do Home Staging, and I do it naturally. I think it is very fun, and it is something I look forward to doing, even in the madness of 5 kids at the dinner hour. That is why I know this is what I need to do to help other families with kids!
Cleaning and organizing is different with a family around. Everything changes! Your time, your space your mind. I was a neat freak once, and I think I will always be one. For now, I have to let things go so that I don't pull my hair our going crazy! I clean and organize and feel happy and the next second, everything is pulled out and on the floor again!
Truly though. I don't want my kids to grow up and remember me always cleaning and not spending enough time with them.
I also hope that they will learn SOMETHING from me, about staying clean and organized. But, I often wonder will they become total packrats because I made them "purge" their playroom one too many times? Will they regret that we "gave away" their toy to somebody else? Will they become hoarders? Only time will tell. I know if they all became packrats I would have to go in to their places and help them lol!
But, because I am clean and organized, our house works very well, and our place cleans up like a dream because we don't have ANY clutter. We do not even have a "junk drawer". I love how for the house showings I can stage our place and have dinner ready, kids in jammies and teeth brushed in less than one hour! The towels are placed, flowers are placed and the candles are lit! Fresh vacuum tracks on the rug! We leave, and our place looks like a million bucks! That is my secret thrill to it all! The power of a clean and organized space!
I wonder about my other blogging friends and family. Are you naturally organized? Are you a naturally tidy person? Has this changed for you when you had kids? Or, have you been able to keep it up without going crazy? Have you let stuff slide? I just wonder how others feel about this topic. Do you look forward to organizing? See, to me cleaning and organizing is more exciting than what designer handbags would be to some women!
I think being tidy and organized has freed up time so that my precious time with my family is NOT wasted! We can do more together and that is what it is all about for me!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
the power NEW of undergarments
I wasn't going to blog about underwear and bras, but I was talking to my sis April and she said do it! So here is my post:
Well, I broke down this weekend and took myself for a bra fitting! And I am just like the 80% of women who wear the wrong bra size! Boy, how my body has changed in just about a year! I am one who will spend money on her whole family, before getting something new for myself. But, I said this weekend I am going to treat myself! So I did!
I got a nice bra (for $80.00! *gulp*) and then I purchased 4 pairs of underwear. Really nice ones!! I just have to say, that when Cliff and I went out on Saturday night to the Home Show! I felt like a million bucks! The power of NEW undergarments!
Just because I bought a more expensive (12 dollars a pair) (and VERY flattering on my full figure) instead of my usual 4 pairs of underwear for 12 dollars! I threw out a whole bunch of yuckky ginch! And boy oh boy I feel like a new person! Talk about a mini makeover!!
My *girls* are back up where they should be, and not at my waist anymore (well not that bad, I am exxagerating lol) and I just feel so much better when I look in the mirror (and the hubby didn't seem to mind one bit either!!) *wink wink*
When I am done with my breastfeeding in a couple of months I am going back to that LOVELY place and going to get measured and fit again, as I am sure my chest will change AGAIN. And I am going buy myself a whole new set to welcome my "new life" as a Mom to 5, and NO more!!
So, if you are feeling BLUE, think about what a new bra (and underwear) can do for YOU!!
Well, I broke down this weekend and took myself for a bra fitting! And I am just like the 80% of women who wear the wrong bra size! Boy, how my body has changed in just about a year! I am one who will spend money on her whole family, before getting something new for myself. But, I said this weekend I am going to treat myself! So I did!
I got a nice bra (for $80.00! *gulp*) and then I purchased 4 pairs of underwear. Really nice ones!! I just have to say, that when Cliff and I went out on Saturday night to the Home Show! I felt like a million bucks! The power of NEW undergarments!
Just because I bought a more expensive (12 dollars a pair) (and VERY flattering on my full figure) instead of my usual 4 pairs of underwear for 12 dollars! I threw out a whole bunch of yuckky ginch! And boy oh boy I feel like a new person! Talk about a mini makeover!!
My *girls* are back up where they should be, and not at my waist anymore (well not that bad, I am exxagerating lol) and I just feel so much better when I look in the mirror (and the hubby didn't seem to mind one bit either!!) *wink wink*
When I am done with my breastfeeding in a couple of months I am going back to that LOVELY place and going to get measured and fit again, as I am sure my chest will change AGAIN. And I am going buy myself a whole new set to welcome my "new life" as a Mom to 5, and NO more!!
So, if you are feeling BLUE, think about what a new bra (and underwear) can do for YOU!!
party at my place 1 a m...
I took this photo this morning at breakfast...Well, as you can see from this little love bug, she is a little party gal! Do you see that look in her eyes?
She started got the party started at 1:15 am, and kept partying right up until the alarm this morning! We hit snooze once. And when the music came back on she was on her knees bopping to the sounds and clapping to the beat of a song.
The song that was on was perfect.
It was by Burton Cummings called My own Way to Rock! Click on the link and then scroll down to listen. It is track number 5!
Maybe you can have a party this morning lol!
And the lyrics were like this:
My Own Way To Rock
lyrics by BURTON CUMMINGS
Revvin' up my engine like a 747 baby
Shiney lankey long and lean
What a scene
I'm gonna take my silver dollar
Change it into quarters
Shove 'em in the record machine
Baby said she loved me
Then she went and left me
Causin such an awful scene
What a scene
I'm gonna take my silver dollar
Change it into quarters
Shove 'em in the record machine
'Cause I got my own way to rock
I got my own way to roll
And when you're walkin that walk
It's good for your soul
'Cause I got my own way to rock
I got my own way to roll
And when you're walkin that walk
It's good for your soul
Bee bop a lula babe
Wake up little Susie
Yes it's me and I'm in love again
Come on lover, got a hole lotta shakin
I like it like that yea
This is the cute "Claire Bear" piggy bank from Aunty Amy and Uncle Tyler and "K"! Aunty Amy over the years has bought all of our kids a pewter piggy bank! And Claire was thrilled...the photographer just didn't capture the moment (and forgot to wipe ketchup off of the birthday girl's nose...DADDY lol)
And, just a cute one of Catie hamming it up for the camera!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Murrayville Mom's Mom: Today Was A Very Special Day
Murrayville Mom's Mom: Today Was A Very Special Day
Happy Birthday to my Beautiful Claire who turned 6 yesterday!!
Happy Birthday to my Beautiful Claire who turned 6 yesterday!!
Friday, February 23, 2007
day dreaming
I am so excited now! The countdown to the big move is on! I have been doing a lot of daydreaming and Google searches of the perfect stuff to help decorate and organize our new spaces!
I have been thinking about D2 and 23's room together. That will have a couple of chairs, a floor rug, a table and a bookshelf in their room. They want pink and purple...we will see what we can do there! Keep their bedframes, and their lovely little chandelier! Update the sheets and the bedding! And choose a lovely wall colour! They will have a BIG room!! That is so exciting!! My friend Cynthia is going to help me paint a lovely verse around the room in a fabulous script of some kind! That will be beautiful. The room will have the big girl feel, with a paris loft feel but shabby chic feel! I cannot wait for them to have that!!
And, for Cameron I am excited that he will FINALLY have his own fabulous space and we have great ideas for him! I cut out a room plan from a Martha Stewart Kids magazine when he was a baby, and hopefully we can do it there in his new room!
As for my "baby girls"...well one will still be in a crib, and the other well...she just may be ready to move out of her crib soon! She still loves it, but when she starts toilet training, into a big girl bed she will go! I have the perfect bedding for my babes! (from a former bunk bed try out that failed with the other gals) that is waiting for them! Pinks and reds from IKEA! White furniture! I will indulge in a proper "baby room" and their room is a great size too!
Well, for our room, I am hoping that I will finally earn a KING SIZE bed! We often have night visitors...and wow...I am tired of my bum hanging off the edge of the bed! This has been happening for about 6 years. I want all white bedding, pale walls and hits of black throughout. Think hotel style!! And, I want to make a fabulous padded headboard or a headboard in white made from an old door complete with molding top! Yup. This room will really suit that look!
Time to pass on our bed to our dear son Cameron! He really wants it, and it is a lovely wedding present from my parents!! We want to keep it in the family!
Dining room, well. Our old table will go in there for now, and I have my lovely cousin Andrea who wants it, so as soon as the right table comes a long I will be HAPPY to pass the set over!! I might save up to get a table from Liberty or Pottery Barn! Or, maybe one day my Gran will want to sell me her dining room set! Truthfully that is what my heart desires! A part of history in my dining room! I am in love with it. We will see!
I will also have a den, which is what I have been dreaming about! Not sure what to do in there, but Cliff says that he wants to get me an i mac laptop when we move. Maybe?! That would be great. I have some great ideas! I know I will hang a photo of every child in big black frames with white mat (gallery style) with b&w photos in there! All I know is that now I can organize to my hearts content!! I will have my own SPACE! Yipee!! All I know is that I can lock the doors and be happy in there! This room will be very organized and it will be my HAVEN!!! So stay out!! You will need to know the secret password to get in!
And I am really excited about my laundry room! I am so excited about that! And that I can get organized with the kids school stuff in there! Backpacks, bags etc! Right off of garage!! I will have their mail slots their for mail bags, hooks for their stuff! Yup! It is a dream come true. In there will be my art supplies, kids art supplies, candles, extra paper plates, napkins. Did I mention there is a SINK in there! I have NEVER had this, and boy will it get good use! Plastic cutlery etc, outside games for the kids. Laundry supplies! Ironing board/iron on special rack! And all the cupboard shelves will be labeled! This will be where command hub will be!
There will be a tack board and a black board on the wall! Everything will be where we need it! No more fighting to find places for everything! This will make getting out the door EVEN better! We do that very well now! But this will streamline the process and be less frustrating for ALL of us!
I don't know where to put toys yet, and I am trying to convince my hubby to get a flat screen tv. I don't think it will be hard to twist his arm on that one! He loves going to Best Buy!!
I have even planned out a quiet area for the kids! Right off of the kitchen! We will have game nights in there, and a display coffee table!
Cliff also suggested we do a family hand print in a circle as the family circle, and now that our family is complete we can put all of our prints on paper and add our names and frame it for all our visitors to see! That will be beautiful and I was touched by his suggestion!
I am also going to have a naughty BENCH...that will be in the hallway! I have a feeling I will be needing it lol!
I do know I will find a place to do a "family wall" of photos for all of the kids to see photos of their grandparents and great grandparents wedding photos, their cousins, old photos of them, baby photos etc! I have ALWAYS wanted to do this! That will be exciting!
I have been thinking about D2 and 23's room together. That will have a couple of chairs, a floor rug, a table and a bookshelf in their room. They want pink and purple...we will see what we can do there! Keep their bedframes, and their lovely little chandelier! Update the sheets and the bedding! And choose a lovely wall colour! They will have a BIG room!! That is so exciting!! My friend Cynthia is going to help me paint a lovely verse around the room in a fabulous script of some kind! That will be beautiful. The room will have the big girl feel, with a paris loft feel but shabby chic feel! I cannot wait for them to have that!!
And, for Cameron I am excited that he will FINALLY have his own fabulous space and we have great ideas for him! I cut out a room plan from a Martha Stewart Kids magazine when he was a baby, and hopefully we can do it there in his new room!
As for my "baby girls"...well one will still be in a crib, and the other well...she just may be ready to move out of her crib soon! She still loves it, but when she starts toilet training, into a big girl bed she will go! I have the perfect bedding for my babes! (from a former bunk bed try out that failed with the other gals) that is waiting for them! Pinks and reds from IKEA! White furniture! I will indulge in a proper "baby room" and their room is a great size too!
Well, for our room, I am hoping that I will finally earn a KING SIZE bed! We often have night visitors...and wow...I am tired of my bum hanging off the edge of the bed! This has been happening for about 6 years. I want all white bedding, pale walls and hits of black throughout. Think hotel style!! And, I want to make a fabulous padded headboard or a headboard in white made from an old door complete with molding top! Yup. This room will really suit that look!
Time to pass on our bed to our dear son Cameron! He really wants it, and it is a lovely wedding present from my parents!! We want to keep it in the family!
Dining room, well. Our old table will go in there for now, and I have my lovely cousin Andrea who wants it, so as soon as the right table comes a long I will be HAPPY to pass the set over!! I might save up to get a table from Liberty or Pottery Barn! Or, maybe one day my Gran will want to sell me her dining room set! Truthfully that is what my heart desires! A part of history in my dining room! I am in love with it. We will see!
I will also have a den, which is what I have been dreaming about! Not sure what to do in there, but Cliff says that he wants to get me an i mac laptop when we move. Maybe?! That would be great. I have some great ideas! I know I will hang a photo of every child in big black frames with white mat (gallery style) with b&w photos in there! All I know is that now I can organize to my hearts content!! I will have my own SPACE! Yipee!! All I know is that I can lock the doors and be happy in there! This room will be very organized and it will be my HAVEN!!! So stay out!! You will need to know the secret password to get in!
And I am really excited about my laundry room! I am so excited about that! And that I can get organized with the kids school stuff in there! Backpacks, bags etc! Right off of garage!! I will have their mail slots their for mail bags, hooks for their stuff! Yup! It is a dream come true. In there will be my art supplies, kids art supplies, candles, extra paper plates, napkins. Did I mention there is a SINK in there! I have NEVER had this, and boy will it get good use! Plastic cutlery etc, outside games for the kids. Laundry supplies! Ironing board/iron on special rack! And all the cupboard shelves will be labeled! This will be where command hub will be!
There will be a tack board and a black board on the wall! Everything will be where we need it! No more fighting to find places for everything! This will make getting out the door EVEN better! We do that very well now! But this will streamline the process and be less frustrating for ALL of us!
I don't know where to put toys yet, and I am trying to convince my hubby to get a flat screen tv. I don't think it will be hard to twist his arm on that one! He loves going to Best Buy!!
I have even planned out a quiet area for the kids! Right off of the kitchen! We will have game nights in there, and a display coffee table!
Cliff also suggested we do a family hand print in a circle as the family circle, and now that our family is complete we can put all of our prints on paper and add our names and frame it for all our visitors to see! That will be beautiful and I was touched by his suggestion!
I am also going to have a naughty BENCH...that will be in the hallway! I have a feeling I will be needing it lol!
I do know I will find a place to do a "family wall" of photos for all of the kids to see photos of their grandparents and great grandparents wedding photos, their cousins, old photos of them, baby photos etc! I have ALWAYS wanted to do this! That will be exciting!
Friday pHew!!
Well, it has been a busy week. I had a bit of a flu for a day or so two nights ago, and was up every hour pretty much on the toilet. Not too much fun. And, in the morning...I awoke after maybe 2 hours of sleep and started my day. No sick days for Mom's. Cliff offered to stay home, but really that wasn't a good option. I survived yesterday but I did not complain. But, when you are a paid "worker" you can take a sick day. I miss that. I miss that a lot. It is hard to pretend to feel good when you don't but I did it anyways. I just think of my FIL and I go, well this will pass for me and I am not that bad off. It really puts things in perspective for me.
As for my week, it has been a good one! Things are moving along with our lives. I see little babies these days and I realize I do NOT have the baby fever I once had. This is HUGE for me. I have been bantering back with Cliff about having a 6th. It felt like now or never kind of thing. But, I am so young still (well sort of these days as a lot of Mom's are just having their first at my age), and I can enjoy a bit of MY and OUR life again! I saw the cutest little baby boy and I thought that he was a sweetie, but I don't want to go backwards again. 5 kids in 7 years, and 6 pregnancies. Lots of diapers and breastfeeding. That is enough! Been there done that! Really this issue has been pressing on my heart for the past 9 months really! And now that my baby is almost 10 months I don't feel that urge...I don't know how I would care for 6, and when would be the right time to bring a baby into the house? And is it fair to the others? It is more of a selfish thought I think. I love babies, but hey! I can enjoy my last baby and the babies that will join our other family members in the future! Right April, Amy, Andrea and Riki?!
It is time for me now...well atleast get the youngest kids out of diapers and onto the toilet!! Get rid of all of the baby stuff. Purging has has been rather exciting!! I see the light at the end of the tunnel now! The cribs, and all of the sleepless nights! Bye Bye!
I am so ready for this. I really, really thought about having a 6th. And, I really feel that my 5 are fabulous. Really they are! As much as a newborn is so sweet, they grow up into toddlers and school age kids that really depend on us. I have to take care of myself too. Kids grow up, and I need to find out what I want to do to prepare for when the kids are out of the house etc!
Time to put my marriage first for awhile. Cliff and I have had our lives on the back burner for almost 8 years...we need to reclaim this for ourselves! Discover again what made our hearts burn with desire! You know, keep the home fires burning as Cliff and I joke about all of the time.
This weekend, well of course there is always a lot to do, a lot to get through. But tomorrow, well my 2nd born girl Claire turns 6 years old. That is really hard to believe!! Today we brought in mini brownies to share with her classmates at school. And tomorrow Cliff and I are going just Claire out for a meal and whatever else she may want to do!! Probably some shopping! I know my Mom has made a cake for her too! That will be so fun for her! Next weekend we take her and her friend Annika (and her Mom) bowling for the afternoon! That will be a blast!
And then, there are the errands to do...yup. Always errands with our large family! My list is quite huge this weekend!
Today, Cameron took a hockey camp through school, and again on Monday and Tuesday! Did you know that my boy can do splits?! I will have to take a photo of him! I think I see a medal winning gymnast in our future! He wants to take gymnastics and continue on with golf lessons in the spring!!
As for my week, it has been a good one! Things are moving along with our lives. I see little babies these days and I realize I do NOT have the baby fever I once had. This is HUGE for me. I have been bantering back with Cliff about having a 6th. It felt like now or never kind of thing. But, I am so young still (well sort of these days as a lot of Mom's are just having their first at my age), and I can enjoy a bit of MY and OUR life again! I saw the cutest little baby boy and I thought that he was a sweetie, but I don't want to go backwards again. 5 kids in 7 years, and 6 pregnancies. Lots of diapers and breastfeeding. That is enough! Been there done that! Really this issue has been pressing on my heart for the past 9 months really! And now that my baby is almost 10 months I don't feel that urge...I don't know how I would care for 6, and when would be the right time to bring a baby into the house? And is it fair to the others? It is more of a selfish thought I think. I love babies, but hey! I can enjoy my last baby and the babies that will join our other family members in the future! Right April, Amy, Andrea and Riki?!
It is time for me now...well atleast get the youngest kids out of diapers and onto the toilet!! Get rid of all of the baby stuff. Purging has has been rather exciting!! I see the light at the end of the tunnel now! The cribs, and all of the sleepless nights! Bye Bye!
I am so ready for this. I really, really thought about having a 6th. And, I really feel that my 5 are fabulous. Really they are! As much as a newborn is so sweet, they grow up into toddlers and school age kids that really depend on us. I have to take care of myself too. Kids grow up, and I need to find out what I want to do to prepare for when the kids are out of the house etc!
Time to put my marriage first for awhile. Cliff and I have had our lives on the back burner for almost 8 years...we need to reclaim this for ourselves! Discover again what made our hearts burn with desire! You know, keep the home fires burning as Cliff and I joke about all of the time.
This weekend, well of course there is always a lot to do, a lot to get through. But tomorrow, well my 2nd born girl Claire turns 6 years old. That is really hard to believe!! Today we brought in mini brownies to share with her classmates at school. And tomorrow Cliff and I are going just Claire out for a meal and whatever else she may want to do!! Probably some shopping! I know my Mom has made a cake for her too! That will be so fun for her! Next weekend we take her and her friend Annika (and her Mom) bowling for the afternoon! That will be a blast!
And then, there are the errands to do...yup. Always errands with our large family! My list is quite huge this weekend!
Today, Cameron took a hockey camp through school, and again on Monday and Tuesday! Did you know that my boy can do splits?! I will have to take a photo of him! I think I see a medal winning gymnast in our future! He wants to take gymnastics and continue on with golf lessons in the spring!!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
I am a pig! It is my lucky year!!
Me:
People born in the Year of the Boar or Pig:
- are chivalrous and gallant
- are honest and tolerant
- make good friends
- have a great thirst for knowledge
- are generally well informed
- are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling
- are naive, tend to expect the same from others
- make good entertainers and lawyers
DH:
People born in the Year of the Rat:
- are imaginative, charming and very generous to those they love
- work hard to achieve their goals
- are likely to be perfectionists
- have a tendency to be quick-tempered and over-critical, love to gossip
- are basically thrifty with money
- make good writers, critics and publicists
DS:
People born in the Year of the Rabbit:
- are articulate, talented, and ambitious
- seldom lose their temper
- are fond of gossip but are tactful
- are affectionate, co-operative and pleasant
- have lots of friends
- can get too sentimental and seem superficial
- make a good lawyer, diplomat, or actor
DD 1:
People born in the Year of the Snake:
- are vain, selfish and fickle
- have tremendous sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate
- are romantic and deep-thinking, wise and charming
- they tend to dismiss others too quickly and are a bit stingy with money
- have doubts about other people's judgment and prefer to rely on themselves
- make good teachers, philosophers, writers and psychiatrists
DD 2:
People born in the Year of the Horse:
- are popular, cheerful and skillful with money
- are hard working
- are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their work
- are very independent and rarely listen to advice
- are intelligent and friendly, and can sometimes be a bit selfish
- make good scientists, adventurers, politicians or poets
DD3:
People born in the Year of the Monkey:
- are very intelligent and have a very clever wit
- have excellent memories
- are well-liked
- tend to look down on others
- will have success in any field they choose
DD4:
People born in the Year of the Dog:
- are honest and faithful to those they love
- have a deep sense of loyalty
- know how to keep secrets
- they tend to worry too much and find fault with others
- are noted for their sharp tongues
- make good leaders, secret agents, teachers or business people
__________________
People born in the Year of the Boar or Pig:
- are chivalrous and gallant
- are honest and tolerant
- make good friends
- have a great thirst for knowledge
- are generally well informed
- are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling
- are naive, tend to expect the same from others
- make good entertainers and lawyers
DH:
People born in the Year of the Rat:
- are imaginative, charming and very generous to those they love
- work hard to achieve their goals
- are likely to be perfectionists
- have a tendency to be quick-tempered and over-critical, love to gossip
- are basically thrifty with money
- make good writers, critics and publicists
DS:
People born in the Year of the Rabbit:
- are articulate, talented, and ambitious
- seldom lose their temper
- are fond of gossip but are tactful
- are affectionate, co-operative and pleasant
- have lots of friends
- can get too sentimental and seem superficial
- make a good lawyer, diplomat, or actor
DD 1:
People born in the Year of the Snake:
- are vain, selfish and fickle
- have tremendous sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate
- are romantic and deep-thinking, wise and charming
- they tend to dismiss others too quickly and are a bit stingy with money
- have doubts about other people's judgment and prefer to rely on themselves
- make good teachers, philosophers, writers and psychiatrists
DD 2:
People born in the Year of the Horse:
- are popular, cheerful and skillful with money
- are hard working
- are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their work
- are very independent and rarely listen to advice
- are intelligent and friendly, and can sometimes be a bit selfish
- make good scientists, adventurers, politicians or poets
DD3:
People born in the Year of the Monkey:
- are very intelligent and have a very clever wit
- have excellent memories
- are well-liked
- tend to look down on others
- will have success in any field they choose
DD4:
People born in the Year of the Dog:
- are honest and faithful to those they love
- have a deep sense of loyalty
- know how to keep secrets
- they tend to worry too much and find fault with others
- are noted for their sharp tongues
- make good leaders, secret agents, teachers or business people
__________________
Saturday, February 17, 2007
My Twisty Stool from Papa
Years ago, when we would go and visit my Grannie and Papa we would spin around like crazy kids on these twisty stools. I don't know how many exactly my grandparents had, but there were certainly enough to go around. Some of us got hurt, and hit our heads on the fireplace, we got very dizzy and silly! But we always had fun with them!
Well, flash forward to today. All of my kids took turns outside twisting on "my stool" my cousin's and I would use.
It was really fun to twist today with Catie on my lap! I sat down, and I lifed her up and her head was on my chest! We giggled and smiled and got dizzy! We went left, and we went left...we went fast and we went slow! I talked to her about Disneyland and the teacup ride that we will go on together in about 5 years! So we can get dizzy like today!
We had a blast...the sad thing now is that my stool that I acquired in my adulthood was thrown out today in the trash. It went in the trash pile by accident.
I shouldn't be attached to a silly old stool with a bum leg, but I was. I am sad that the stool is gone, and now tomorrow will be 4 years since my Papa died.
Wow, how I miss that wonderful Grandfather! He was one awesome guy! He lived to see 3 of my kids, and missed seeing the last two. My how I wish he could see Catie and Caroline! I know how they would have just melted in his soothing arms just like the other three did. I bet he looked down today and laughed right along with us!!
Well, flash forward to today. All of my kids took turns outside twisting on "my stool" my cousin's and I would use.
It was really fun to twist today with Catie on my lap! I sat down, and I lifed her up and her head was on my chest! We giggled and smiled and got dizzy! We went left, and we went left...we went fast and we went slow! I talked to her about Disneyland and the teacup ride that we will go on together in about 5 years! So we can get dizzy like today!
We had a blast...the sad thing now is that my stool that I acquired in my adulthood was thrown out today in the trash. It went in the trash pile by accident.
I shouldn't be attached to a silly old stool with a bum leg, but I was. I am sad that the stool is gone, and now tomorrow will be 4 years since my Papa died.
Wow, how I miss that wonderful Grandfather! He was one awesome guy! He lived to see 3 of my kids, and missed seeing the last two. My how I wish he could see Catie and Caroline! I know how they would have just melted in his soothing arms just like the other three did. I bet he looked down today and laughed right along with us!!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
assisted walking!
Well, I was getting snack ready today afterschool and out of the corner of my eye I see a child pushing a chair and walking towards the hallway.
Guess who it was? Yes, it was Caroline! She was very confident on her feet. Must be all of the "walking" she has been doing with Pappa, Daddy and Nonna! She was so proud. I thought it was Catie (as they are almost the same size lol) and to my surprise it was my little baby girl!
She is only 9 1/2 months old?! And, for the life of me do you think I can remember back to the other kids and when they did the same walk? (shame shame) well, yes I could refer to their baby books but who has time!
Guess who it was? Yes, it was Caroline! She was very confident on her feet. Must be all of the "walking" she has been doing with Pappa, Daddy and Nonna! She was so proud. I thought it was Catie (as they are almost the same size lol) and to my surprise it was my little baby girl!
She is only 9 1/2 months old?! And, for the life of me do you think I can remember back to the other kids and when they did the same walk? (shame shame) well, yes I could refer to their baby books but who has time!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentines Day
Happy Valentines Day to all of my Family and Friends!
Today is my favourite day of the WHOLE year!
Cathy xo
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
Spring is on the Way
These photos were taken by my friend Louise almost 2 years back when we went to Seattle for 1 night to go see U2 at the Staples Center on April 24th 2005. We did a bit of sight seeing and we saw these gorgeous tulips for sale at the Pike Place market.
I absolutely LOVE these photos and I loved going to Seattle with Louise! I have very fond memories. These photos represent spring to me. We also had tulips on our tables on our wedding day.
I *heart* spring and I *heart* tulips.
I don't want to wish away my life, but I cannot wait for spring this year! It is going to be such a great year!!
Thinking of you Louise *hugs* we need another trip away, and some shopping therapy!!
Caroline is Crawling!
I almost forgot to mention that Caroline has given up on her "army pull" and has moved onto a full out crawl. I forgot how cute it is when a little one crawls! Their bums move side to side and she just makes me smile!! I better try to remember to video this as I know she will walk way too soon!
Weekend Summary
We had a busy family weekend. It was nice though. I got my hair done, and OF COURSE I went back to blonde...and a bob. I look and feel better and I feel like me when I look in the mirror. I got my pedicure done in "Cathy Pink" aka Dancing in the Isles by OPI. I also got some waxing done.
Saturday evening we got to get out to a family engagement party of my youngest cousin Bryan (Angela) it was really nice to get out without the kids! We had fun, and we snuck away a bit early and went to Starbucks to have a coffee together and talk. That was really nice. We got home just before 10 pm.
Sunday, we had clean up and got ready for an Open House. Once done, we took the kids to a local park which as a river and rocks. We searched for heart shaped rocks. Cliff found one, I found one and Claire found one! We had fun throwing rocks into the water. Big handfulls, little handfulls. One at a time etc. Cliff skipped some rocks over the surface of the water. We then played in the park and then when it was time to leave, headed towards a local Timmie's drive thru and treated the kids to a hot chocolate. Last night, Caroline slept through the night. Wow. It is amazing what a 6 hours sleep (all the way through) does for me! I awoke at 5 am, and then so did Caroline. We are so in sinc the two of us lol.
Cliff and I ended our evening when the kids went down around 7 pm. To nachos and watch Grease: Your the One that I Want! I LOVE that show. And, oh yeah I watched 7th Heaven too. I love that show too...maybe because it is all about the 7's lol. We went to bed at a proper hour for the first time in awhile too. We were in bed before 11 pm which is almost unheard of around here! Usually we are in bed around 12:30 a.m.
So, there is an update. It has just been nutso around here with buying and selling houses!! Crazy, but all worth it! We are so excited to move that it feels like Christmas around here!
Saturday evening we got to get out to a family engagement party of my youngest cousin Bryan (Angela) it was really nice to get out without the kids! We had fun, and we snuck away a bit early and went to Starbucks to have a coffee together and talk. That was really nice. We got home just before 10 pm.
Sunday, we had clean up and got ready for an Open House. Once done, we took the kids to a local park which as a river and rocks. We searched for heart shaped rocks. Cliff found one, I found one and Claire found one! We had fun throwing rocks into the water. Big handfulls, little handfulls. One at a time etc. Cliff skipped some rocks over the surface of the water. We then played in the park and then when it was time to leave, headed towards a local Timmie's drive thru and treated the kids to a hot chocolate. Last night, Caroline slept through the night. Wow. It is amazing what a 6 hours sleep (all the way through) does for me! I awoke at 5 am, and then so did Caroline. We are so in sinc the two of us lol.
Cliff and I ended our evening when the kids went down around 7 pm. To nachos and watch Grease: Your the One that I Want! I LOVE that show. And, oh yeah I watched 7th Heaven too. I love that show too...maybe because it is all about the 7's lol. We went to bed at a proper hour for the first time in awhile too. We were in bed before 11 pm which is almost unheard of around here! Usually we are in bed around 12:30 a.m.
So, there is an update. It has just been nutso around here with buying and selling houses!! Crazy, but all worth it! We are so excited to move that it feels like Christmas around here!
exploding egg yolk
Well, today I was microwaving an egg yolk for Caroline for lunch. I have done this same thing for each of my 4 other kids and today, well. Ding, egg was done...open up microwave after the 15 seconds were over. I look into the dish and it exploded in my face. A really loud POOF...Can you believe that?!
Egg bits in my eye, my hair, my shirt the floor. I know you are all laughing at me...well sure, laugh at my expense.
That was really weird and I hope that doesn't happen again.
Egg bits in my eye, my hair, my shirt the floor. I know you are all laughing at me...well sure, laugh at my expense.
That was really weird and I hope that doesn't happen again.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
I had one of those Rain Showers today
Well, actually I walked in the rain back and forth to school and preschool in the rain!
I have been so lucky this week with a facial, a rain shower...maybe a mud bath next?? Hmmm.
I have been so lucky this week with a facial, a rain shower...maybe a mud bath next?? Hmmm.
Happy Birthday to my Mom
We wish you a very happy birthday today, and ALWAYS Mom (MIL)! We love you.
We have a lot to celebrate now don't we!!
OK Cathy...spill the beans, spill the beans...
We bought a HOME...Yes...a house with room for the whole family!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
time will never tell
My Dad came over last Friday (right Dad!) and I asked him what time it was and this is what he discovered at that time!
I know you will NEVER be late for an important date!!
(I asked him if it was OK to take a picture and post this on my blog lol)
I love you Dad! xo
I got a facial today!!
Well, actually it was the steam off of the pasta when I poured the noodles for dinner into the collander.
Ha Ha Ha...that is a Mom Facial lol.
Ha Ha Ha...that is a Mom Facial lol.
Amy...are you there?
Amy, I got your message and I could not call you back...I got most of the way through and it told me that there was 19 dollars and 43 cents, and then I tried the number and it would not work...
I miss you, and I hope you are having a great time!! Call me back if you can!!
Love you lots and lots xo
I miss you, and I hope you are having a great time!! Call me back if you can!!
Love you lots and lots xo
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Things My Kids Broke
I have started a new blog called Things My Kids Broke to document our "losses" in our home! Mostly done by I don't know, he did it, she did it, somebody, I did nothing!
Let me know what you think! What things have your kids broken? Does it make you sad? Have they broken something that CANNOT be replaced? Do things break in your home?
Be sure to bookmark my site, and come back often!! Maybe you will want to document your "losses" too!
faces in the strangest places
Look close, really close. Do you see a face of indifference? Every time I sit down to go to the washroom, I look to my left and way down on the baseboard I see one unhappy little fella. The kids see it, and I hope you can too!
The kids and I LOVE to find faces and things in objects that are not really there.
My purse also has a little peaking guy. I will have to take a photo of that one too!
I remember at my parents last place I could see a face in their fireplace.
It is a lot of fun, and I think you should try it!
Have FUN!
Princess Caroline
Caroline is just over 9 months old. I cannot believe that in just 3 short months you will be celebrating your 1 year birthday!!
Claire thought the tiara was perfect for you!!
Sunday Summary
Well, what a whirlwind of a weekend. I am glad that the weekend is almost over really. It has been a crazy and busy weekend. Full of ups and downs.
We are working on a huge deal, and I will let you all know if it works out on Monday evening. Well, maybe on Tuesday morning if we are up most of the night. If it does, we are going to be happy for life!! Yes we will. I bet you all are bothered by the fact that I will not let you know. Too bad, you will have to be patient. I know SOME of you out there know what we are up to, but don't spill the beans OK!!
As for the weekend, it was crazy! Lots of crazy busy cleaning, kids getting hurt...Catie 2 falls and bleeding. Fat lip, pulled lip etc. She will be fine. And, a birthday party that Claire attended last night. She had fun there! Grocery shopping, putting our emergency kit together. It is pretty much done. We are set if the "big one" hits. Thankfully I heard that the plates on the fault line have settled down, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't be ready! So, that is a big relief to us.
Well, that is all I can blog about. I am tired. Didn't sleep very well with my thoughts a racin' and Caroline up a few times last night. Very draining.
That is all!
We are working on a huge deal, and I will let you all know if it works out on Monday evening. Well, maybe on Tuesday morning if we are up most of the night. If it does, we are going to be happy for life!! Yes we will. I bet you all are bothered by the fact that I will not let you know. Too bad, you will have to be patient. I know SOME of you out there know what we are up to, but don't spill the beans OK!!
As for the weekend, it was crazy! Lots of crazy busy cleaning, kids getting hurt...Catie 2 falls and bleeding. Fat lip, pulled lip etc. She will be fine. And, a birthday party that Claire attended last night. She had fun there! Grocery shopping, putting our emergency kit together. It is pretty much done. We are set if the "big one" hits. Thankfully I heard that the plates on the fault line have settled down, but it doesn't mean we shouldn't be ready! So, that is a big relief to us.
Well, that is all I can blog about. I am tired. Didn't sleep very well with my thoughts a racin' and Caroline up a few times last night. Very draining.
That is all!
I am one of 2000 Bloggers
I am one of them!! Check it out...maybe you can be one of 2000 Bloggers too!
I am down quite of few lines on the left hand side! Find Cathy...let me know if you spot me!
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