party pix

Caroline in her "Monkey Suit"


Me feeding my "monkey"



A self taken photo of myself












A full backyard! Fun stuff!


The birthday kids!



Awesome Monkey cake made by Cynthia!



Josh, Kevin and Cliff



Another Monkey!



Claire





Yummy burger...


There are Monkey's on the Mantel









Artwork for the party!



Monkey Pinata and Barrels of Monkey's!


Sunflowers and banana gummies

1st Annual Birthday Bash

Well, I would say that the BIG BIRTHDAY BASH was a big success. I think the big ole bouncy basketball castle was a BIG HIT, and I will be sure to rent that again next year.

We had "It's a Monkey's Birthday!" theme. Here is how I broke it down.

We had almost 50 people.
14 kids.
From babies to age 12.

We had brown plates, and bright yellow napkins. We had paper banana's and balloons (several which popped oh well)

We had those banana gummy candies in brown bowls.

We had a Monkey pinyata which was so FUN to watch the kids all swing at it! Lots of candy to go around.

We gave out "Barrel of Monkey's" as a parting gift to say thank you for coming!

Cynthia made the most wonderful and TASTY cake and cupcakes for the party. Her offer of the cake set the theme of the whole party! I ran with it.

We had hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken burgers. Macaroni salad, green salad ala Milestone's straberry and goat cheese salad, topped with nuts. Chips galore. Salsa and chips.

I made rootbeer/vanilla ice cream "punch" had a brown sharpie to write names on yellow cups. That was a hit! We went through about 6 - 2 l bottles and 3 containers of Bryers ice cream. Straws of course to suck them down!

My cousin Andrea made a wonderful banana bread (which I am eating right now lol) and I thank you for that cuz!

Other decorations included: Monkeys (stuffed animals) thanks to April my sis who has THE MOST beautiful belly (and the most swollen feet poor gal) Real banana's in a white dish and a vase of beautiful sunflowers. Can you tell I used a lot of yellow and brown?!

Oh, and Caroline wore her "monkey suit" or really it was a pink outfit with little brown monkey's all over it. Caroline was passed around the party and she was well loved.

Coffee and tea came out at the end of the night! And, lots of water consumed by all of the little monkeys who jumped and jumped and jumped! I even went in! It was very fun.

We also had these cool poppers that popped out sparkly plastic/metallic strings! And, somebody who shall remain nameless stuffed the stuff back in, and popped their eye...safety first!

All in all, I want to thank Cliff for doing all of the BBQ'ing. The dinner was delish, and really there was nothing left over! Which to me is a sign that things were good.

It was lovely to spend the afternoon with everybody. First guests arrived around 2:30, and the last guests left around 9:30. Can't wait to do it again next year.

Thank you to all who came out.

Cathy

BBB aka The Big Birthday Bash

Today we are preparing for our first annual Big Birthday Bash. We are going to have a triple party with family and friends every year for Cameron (7), Carly (4) and Catie (2). This year it is a Monkey theme. It's a Monkey's Birthday!

I am so excited, I woke up today an bounded out of bed excited for the day. The kids cannot wait either.

Cliff is out picking up a HUGE 15 x 15 x 15 bouncy house! Can you imagine all of the monkeys bouncing around in there! It is going to be great.

I will be sure to take lots of photos and share some of the fun details of the party today!

Stay tuned!

100 nail clippings

Nail clipping is a big job in our household. With 5 kids, and 10 fingernails and 10 toenails on each child it is quite the job. That is 100 clippings! 1oo clippings! So gross lol.

I especially find that summer toenails are really gross. All chomped up and green and brown from playing outside. Dirt under foot, in between the toes. So gross.

But there is a nice part to my nail clipping job... I get to spend a few minutes each with the kids by themselves. I love that. I get to see little wee toes and fingers all the way up to my big boy's feet and hands! My how they have all grown.

You know you are a Mom and you are clipping toenails and they go shooting into your hair, your eyes, and sometimes even down your shirt lol.

Today toenail clipping flew into the roll of my pants.

Now, if you can laugh at that, life is good.

12:01 am Puke Fest

This morning 12 am, Cliff and I FINALLY get into bed at midnight. We were talking about how good our new bedding felt. We described it like a hotel type bed. The sheets were so soft and inviting. We kiss each other goodnight. Ahhh...Bedtime. A late bedtime as Caroline wouldn't settle in for the night.

12:01. Running down the hall...a lot of commotion. Carly is puking into the toilet. Cliff goes to her, I go into the bedroom and do the feel and sniff test to see if there is puke everywhere. And thankfully everything made it into the toilet. I get out the old towels to lay under her head and at the side of the bed. We get her cleaned up and back in bed. She says she is feeling fine. about 10 mins later. Repeat. Repeat.

We got to bed around 1 am. Cliff's alarm went of at 4:50 this morning.

The good news is that Carly is feeling fine! She ate breakfast.

Dance Dance Dance

Yesterday we registered Claire and Carly in an ongoing ballet class. They are so EXCITED to get back to dancing. We found a great studio that Erin from Kidswap told us about. I have also registered myself for a once a week beginners hip hop class at the same place. I have ALWAYS wanted to try hip hop. And hopefully it will get me back into shape (along with my running!)

Cameron didn't want to take dance, so we are enrolling him in a beginners golf program. He is excited to try it out!

last night

I had such a hard time going to bed last night. I kept doing the "what ifs" in my brain. I couldn't shut it down. And so this morning I am totally drained. And it is only 7:56 in the morning. I look at Caroline and think you look so healthy, you are happy you are thriving. You feed well, you have diapers that are filled up to the max with pee and poop. How could you have something like a "duplex kidney?" How does that happen? I know in my heart that she will be fine. I just want it all to be over. It will be hard to wait for the whole month. Especially because this VCUG will be a hard test to watch as a parent. But, thankfully we can be there during the test. I want to be able to take her pain away as soon as possible.

It was also hard to be in the hospital, as there were MANY visibly sick kids there. Cliff said he saw a young family crying their eyes out. Cliff said it looked like they lost a child or a baby. The whole family outside crying. That story breaks my heart. We saw little ones walking around with IV poles and bags attached to the little babies and kids. That makes my heart break. I am so glad that I started my website to help donate to the BC Children's Hospital. What a wonderful hospital. Knowing that I am helping! That makes my heart happy! There are things I can do to help and that is powerful and makes me feel happy!

If you have any kids clothing you were going to donate and it is in good shape. Think of my cause first! Thanks! Help my clothes-O-meter to grow!

Cathy

Duplex Kidney

We are back from Caroline's ultrasound and her follow up with the specialist. With different news than we had expected. Caroline does not not have MCDK as originally diagnosed back during my pregnancy/and after her last ultrasound done at our local hospital. Everything changed again during this ultrasound. During the scan today we found out that Caroline has something called Duplex Kidney. She has an extra ureter on her left kidney. So, mostly everybody has two, Caroline has three. She also has a cyst in or on her bladder called a uretercele.

The specialist told us that she will now need to go for a Voiding Cystourethogram or VCUG for short. It is an x ray study of the bladder as it fills up and empties. This test will let the doc know if the urine is backing up into the ureters. This condition is called "reflux." This will let him know if there are any problems with the urethra.

Caroline have a catheter put thru her urethra into her bladder. Urine is emptied and then filled up with Iodine. Then her bladder will empty onto a towel. During this process (3-4 mins but painful) x rays will be taken.

So, back to Children's we go on Monday, October 2nd for this test. Then, we will go back to the specialist and he will let us know what will happen next. Either nothing (ereters are working) no surgery. Or there is reflux and she might need antibiotics to keep away infections in her bladder or surgery on her kidney. Worst case is surgery on both her kidney and her bladder.

So, not at all what we were expecting. Now, we wait again. It sure was a long day. Thank you Mom and Dad for caring for the others while we were with Caroline. We are grateful for the support.

see Cliff in bush

those summer nights

These photos were from tonight in the backyard...where is Caroline? Sleeping in her crib soundly. We had fun tonight.

Cameron in the Canyon

Cameron at Lynn Canyon

There is my big boy, walking over the big suspension bridge in North Van. He went on Saturday with Nonna and Grandpa and the Italians who are visiting for 1 month. He had so much fun.

Date Night

Saturdayt evening as we were driving into Coquitlam IKEA on the Number 1. We saw a young couple in their maybe late teens/at oldest early 20's. It was an Acura Integra all souped up. Noisy spoiler, clean. They were having fun, she was putting on her make up. They were probably heading downtown Vancouver to cruise Robson Street and/or go for dinner and maybe to a club. They were all dolled up.

Now, here are Cliff and I, in our visibly dirty 8 seater mini van. 4 girls in the back. Our date night consisted of sending one child off to Lynn Canyon with Nonna and Grandpa for the day. In the vehicle in the car, instead of putting on mascara, I was throwing back fruit roll ups in hopes of keeping the noise level down ie. crying and fighting lol.

Instead of cranking up good tunes, we were listening to VBS cd's the whole way (and don't forget about all of the errands we ran during the day- all VBS tune)

We get to IKEA. We still have 4 girls with us. Cliff puts Caroline in the Baby Bjorn, I take Catie in the big wobbly buggy. Cliff takes Claire and Carly up the escalator (Caroline still strapped on his chest!) I manage to get Catie and I into the elevator. We meet at the Smaland and we sign Claire and Carly in...off they go for 1 hour in the play place. That now leaves us with 2 kids. Except we cannot hold hands, I push the wobbly cart and Cliff continues on with Caroline. We actually felt like we had it pretty easy at this point. We were able to really have a fun look around this time! It was fun.

Buzzer goes off. Our hour of Date Night is over. Off to get Claire and Carly. They had a blast, they shared what they did in there!

I wish I could have gone in there. I remember back to when my parents would take us to the ballroom in Richmond IKEA. We loved that. I sure hope that this is how my girls felt tonight. We purchased our goods with all 4 girls.

You know how you freshen up your make up on a date in the washroom, well on my date I had Claire and Carly join me. They both went to the bathroom. I didn't put on lipstick. I just looked in the mirror and saw an older me looking back in the mirror. Used my wet hands to smooth my hair a bit! It was kind of crazy on my date night. I totally looked like "a Mom" lol. Out the door we went. Met back with Cliff, Caroline and Catie.

We loaded into the car, and headed back home. Instead of chatting with each other like on a date, we chatted with the girls to keep them awake. We managed to keep 2/4 awake. lol. Home we got. No good night kiss from my date. I got kisses from the girls lol. And kisses from Cameron when we finally got home late that night.

I am sure the couple that we saw in the Integra had a good night. I remember doing things like that with Cliff 10 years ago, and it was FUN...but you know what last night was fun too.

But, a ride in a hot car is sometimes fun too! Cliff and I talked about one day buying a hot sports car for our "second ride." Mini van for the family, and a sports car for us when the kids grow up and leave the nest.

When they are all out on date nights!

Can you imagine the fun they will have!

Can you imagine all of the wrinkles and grey hairs we will have!

And I thought Thursday was busy?! Who was I kidding?

Today I must say was one of the most busy days in a long time! (Well since Thursday lol) I was up with all of the kids at 6:30. I gave Cliff the treat of sleeping in til almost 9 am. I got everybody ready.

I took Claire and Carly for their back to school haircuts. They look so cute.

Cameron went to the Capilano Suspension Bridge with his grandparents for the day.

I came home, fed Caroline and we went to the bank to deposit some cheques, then we went to the Tim Horton's drive thru for treats.

Then, we went into Cloverdale to go to Turkey's Party makers to go get stuff for the "triple b" aka as BBB. Big Birthday Bash on the long weekend coming up. Cliff stayed in the car with all 4 of the girls, and I got in there and worked my shopping magic. We are having "It's a Monkey's Birthday" for Cameron who is now 7, Carly who is now 4 and Catie who will be 2 very soon. I got brown plates, yellow napkins, a large 7, 4, and 2 plastic numbers. 3 yellow banana's 5 brown balloons and 5 yellow balloons. Cynthia is making an awesome cake for me, and some cupcakes. And, I rented a large 15-15-15 bouncy house for all of the kids who will be attending. After all, don't all monkeys jump on their beds? Ours do! lol. So, after some searching for the perfect monkey pinyata...I was out of there. Almost 12 noon.

Caroline started to fuss, so we headed back home to feed, make some sandwiches on the run. Headed back out. This time we headed for Payless shoes for the BOGO sale. For Claire and Carly. Spent 92 dollars on 2 pairs of cute boots and runners.

We also went to Canadian Tire. That was really fun actually. Wanted to see what was a vailable. We had Catie and Caroline in the big cart, and then Claire and Carly each had little carts...it was a fun little wagon train throughout the store! They had fun, and they listened. We Finally bought paint for the c a r o l i n e letters for the wall that I made. I promise I will show the process that I went through to make them! They are going to be great. We also bought a Canvas White paint for out bathroom, and many other things. Yippee! Cannot wait to have that painted. It will freshen up the joint! I sure needs it.

Then, we went I forget where...oh yes. To this awesome consignment store called Little Critter Outfitters in Clova. I got 9 pieces of brandname clothing there for Claire, and a couple of pieces for Carly for school. I used my stamp card with $45 free, and they had a great sale on and spent $36 dollars! 9 pieces of Old Navy, Gymboree etc. It was awesome. That felt good.

We then came home. Ate a bit, and then we headed out to IKEA. There we got bedding for us, some new shoe racks and a shower curtain, a roll of paper for the kids to draw on, plastic cutlery...I think that is it. We got back into the car at 8 pm.

Got home, unloaded the van. Catie was sleeping, Claire and Carly were very sleepy but awake. And got them all into bed. Cameron was downstairs sleeping at Nonna and Grandpa's. He had a lovely day and really liked the suspension bridge.

Then, we left Caroline home with the in-laws, and headed out to Wal*Mart. Our final destination. We got party stuff...awesome stuff. More stuff and I picked up a 300 count set of white sheets! We have not had new sheets since we got married back in '98. We had boring beige. They were wearing out. So now we have nice crisp white soft sheets. Diapers x 2, wipes, products, more products. More stuff. Cards, gifts etc. $300 dollars later...packed up the vehicle and headed home. We walked back through the door at 10:35 pm. No joke. I fed Caroline who had cried when we were away. She is now settling in for the night with Cliff.


Well not really, she is crying now. This is where I finish up my day. On the couch feeding her. It is 11:18...I guess the bathroom will not be painted tonight like we had planned lol.

busy busy

It has been awhile, I have been having a very busy week. I am back to running again. I am going back to Jazzercise again. I have lots on the go. Thank goodness for the In-Laws and parental units help on the days we need the extra set of hands. It is nice to have family around.

Yesterday, we went running. I had fed Caroline up until 6 pm. We got home around 8. Caroline was sleeping. Into the crib she went, and guess what. She stayed asleep until I awoke her this morning just before 6 am. I was engorged and needed to feed her. What a great little sleeper we have.

We have had cousin Nicole over for a couple of nights too. She has a little dog Bruno (a pug) and they are FACINATED by him. Poor Bruno, he is not used to all of that attention.

I have a million and one things to do in the house, and for the kids to get them ready for back to school. Thankfully my Mom sewed up a great little school bag (drawstring) for Claire. She loves it. Thank you Nannie.

Well, the laundry folding is calling me.

Amberslilzoo

Amberslilzoo

Welcome to Bloggerland Amber! I look forward to catching up to you this way! Yipee!

Italian BBQ today

Here is one photo of me with a few of the kids...Cameron, Claire and Carly. Caroline was being passed around the party. Catie didn't want to sit on my lap. She said NO! lol.

My MIL's cousin's and spouse are in from Italy for about 4 weeks. We had a nice time with the family.

Carly's birthday cake

Here is Carly and her birthday bling ring, and her marshmallow and chocolate cake made for her by Nonna. *that was by Carly's request. It was very yummy. As you can tell from her photo she was very pleased. Tomorrow she is off to spend the day with my Mom and Dad for some 1 on 1. I know she cannot wait.

Happy 4th Birthday Carly

Carly is 4 today!

We love you Carly.



Mommy and Daddy REALLY enjoyed spending the morning with you. Breakfast together at de Dutch for chocolate sprinkle pancakes, and then shopping in the Fort together. We think you spent your birthday money from Oma and Opa really wisely. You picked a glass butterfly teaseat, an Emerald bling ring and your little lady bug lip gloss is so cute. You also picked out some wonderful books at Wendels. I know you really enjoyed having that banana gelato too. Happy birthday to a wonderful daughter with the beautiful brown eyes, huge smile and huge hugs.

Hard to believe that 4 years ago today, you were small like Caroline and we hoped and wished for a wonderful little daughter, and you have turned out even better than we could have imagined.

Happy Friday

Wow, it has been a busy week. Hardly any time to update on our life. The In-Laws are back from Vegas. They had a great holiday with the Italian cousins. They are all coming over for a big bbq on Sunday. I am looking forward to that. I am even going to have a glass of wine for the first time in way over a year. Yummy.

This week, well it went very fast. Caroline is starting to laugh when I laugh. Cameron lost his big front tooth (left) it fell out when he was eating his lunch today. Tooth fairy has to come for a visit tonight.

My Carly turns 4 tomorrow. Cliff and I will take her out for breakfast, and then shopping. Spend some time just with her. We are looking forward to that. This is her last sleep as a sweet little 3 year old.

Cliff and I got back to running tonight. We both signed up for the 5K clinic at the Running Room. And, it felt GREAT to get back. Wow. I forgot how much I needed and loved running. The last run I did was almost 1 year ago in September of 2005. When I found out I was preggers with Caroline.

Tonight I also went over to my cousin Andrea's house for tea and yummy banana bread. It was delicious, and she sent a loaf home with me. Thank you for that. Thank you for the lovely night.

Well, I am beat. It is late. Good night.

Cathy