Little bit backwards today

I woke up feeling backwards! Ever have that happen? All out of sorts! DJ had me awake just about 4:40, but not to pee....he wanted to sleep with me....and he was quite fortunate in that Daddy was just getting up, so he got his warm spot! We were both back to sleep before Howie was done his shower! Til 7:30 when DJ woke up for good! (thank you Disney for your captivating channel!) Sam and I got up shortly after 8:30...so I dozed back to sleep for a bit as DJ came back in the room twice.

Samantha has this thing the past two mornings...she gets out of her pj's almost immediately! She's become quite proficient at taking them off! So, she eats breakfast nekkid as I'm not going to put clean clothes on her so she (read I) can slop cereal on herself! With the promise of a play date, breakfast went smoothly!

I tried to have DJ use his new car seat this morning, but it wasn't til I got the box open that I realized it was a little more complicated than I thought it would be. So we left it in the house for when I had more time to deal with it...and off we went!

We were going to Lake Stevens to visit a friend who has two daughters both a little older than my two. Kody gave me directions that seemed backwards to me...but in all reality were quite simple! I got a little flustered when I had a cop driving behind me and made a wrong turn which in turn got him off my tail. Whew! I get nervous when they're right behind me like that!

The play date went well! DJ's not sure what to do with two extra girls!!! I thought it was funny to watch him! Samantha made herself right at home in the play kitchen...man, she's gonna love Christmas this year....just saying.

Just before 2 I got directions to the nearest McD's....which again, seemed like backwards directions, but they weren't! I was very disoriented being somewhere I've never been before! Instead of McD's I chose Burger King...had some coupons that worked out great! We ate, and within minutes of leaving SamSam was sound asleep! DJ soon followed and I got to listen to the radio!!!

We got home and Samantha immediately woke up (the brat!) and I had to bribe DJ awake...it helped that Kristopher came out as soon as he saw us pull in....and DJ jumped at the chance to play outside! Sam and I came in and got the car seat set up. I'm glad I didn't try to do it this morning after all as it took me a good half hour to figure it all out! I then took it out and put it in the truck! We gave our old one to the neighbours for their youngest as we won't need it! And I got a good visit in with Lara! Samantha had a blast playing with the big kids instead of just watching them from the window! She was the one who threw the tantrum when it was 5:30 and time to come inside to get dinner ready! Half hour naps will do that to ya!

Once dinner was done it was bath time and then bed time for everyone but me! I got to work on the grocery list as tomorrow is yet another busy day! I need a vacation! A real one! Hey, I know...some serious snow would house bound me...I could live with that!! :)

Til next time...ciao!

Did you know

That a fire fighter has 2 minutes from the time the call comes in to stop what he/she is doing and get dressed in full gear and get out the door!?!?!?

That does NOT seem like enough time to me!

This morning we went and had a tour of a local fire station with the Mommy & Me group. I think we had about 23 people in our group!!! Big, but not overly big! And we had a few new babies that were in slings. Our neighbours came too...but just Kristopher and David with their dad today. DJ was very happy to see them already there when we arrived. I got a tad turned around trying to find the place....it's not the easiest!!!

The kids got to see where the Fire fighters eat/sleep/work and climb in the truck...watch one of the fire fighters get completely dressed so as not to be afraid of him (DJ did FABULOUS this time compared to 18 mos ago when we did this tour) and they got to see the bed and other neat things in an ambulance...but weren't allowed to climb in it. They turned on the lights for the kids to see...so they were happy!

I was even able to give a suggestion to the fire department....get auto starters for the trucks to cut down on response time! They thought that was genius! Just made sense to me...lol

On our way out the door the kids each got a hat, sticker and colouring book....both my kids were ecstatic about the colouring book!

We headed home for lunch and nap for SamSam and once she was down I got busy with laundry/dishes/making dinner so that I could leave immediately when Howie got home. I did too! He was coming up the stairs as I was going down them! We kissed hello and good bye in the same kiss!

I had a meeting in Lynnwood for Avon skin care training and on the way I needed to exchange the car seat, and get an oil change in the Jetta....I would have been fine if I hadn't called Howie as I got to the last bridge to make sure the car seat was in the trunk to return...it wasn't! What a waste of a half hour! It takes me 15 minutes to get down the mountain to the highway...and I could see the highway from where I was...so I u-turned and headed home for the car seat. Grabbed it and headed off. As I'm going down the mountain again the gas light comes on...one more thing to do! Urgh!!!! So, I stop for gas and get back on the freeway. Thankfully traffic was smooth for the most part....and I got to Sears about 5 minutes to 6...and they got the oil changed in the 20 minutes they promised me!! Sweet!!

The car seat exchange was a piece of cake too!!

I made it to the restaurant with plenty of time to grab a go at the salad bar for dinner. Not realizing that pizza was being ordered....but I enjoyed the salad bar more!

The meeting got done at 8:30 and off I went to pick up payment for an order I dropped off on Saturday and to pick up a return....had a quick little 5 minute visit and dog slobber and off I went for home!

Howie was still awake when I got home....he got sucked into the Olympics! We chatted for a few and then he was in bed....now, I'm here blogging and longing for my chair!! I can't believe its only Wednesday! There's no slowing down for me til Sunday! Go, go, go!


Til next time...ciao!

Pizza Pizza!!

This morning when DJ woke up I told him what we were doing today....he usually says "We have a lot to do today Mum!" and bounds out of bed...so today I beat him at his own game! He was SO excited for what we had planned!

The Mommy & Me group had a planned activity to go to the local Alfy's pizza and have a tour before it opened. We all met there at 10 and got started. We had such a large group they divided us in two groups. The fun part for DJ was being with Kristopher...again! lol Our neighbours joined us on the tour. While Samantha probably got nothing out of the trip...DJ was able to tell Daddy how to make a pizza! It was cute listening to him tell the story.

I have to say...I was VERY impressed with the set up and how they involved the kids, and listened to any questions that were asked. For 2.50 each kid got a personal cheese pizza and a small pop....not bad at all!

Now, since we're a late rising family, we had breakfast a 9 am...the tour started at 10 am...and the "lunch" was served at 11 am...which both kids ate! Yikes! They were NOT hungry come real lunch time...so instead we cleaned! Well, I nagged and DJ whined....but we got it done!

I wanted the vacuuming done today as we were having company for dinner!! And she's highly allergic to dogs (just found out!) and so I wanted it cleaner than normal Tuesdays :)

So, who joined us?

Our dear friend Shirah! The one who used to babysit the kids while Howie and I went to Jake's football games...the one I used to see once a week!!! Until we moved out to the boonies that is! I will say tho, she's come out the most of all my friends!

She came bearing gifts! YUMMY, delicious, ohsochocolatey gifts!!! Mini bundt cakes that were amazing! 2 cookies for the kids and a rocky road brownie! As well as some homemade pumpkin muffins with a streusel top...I can't wait to have one! They smell amazing! She even brought me what I consider THE BEST Chai tea I've ever had!!! It was divine!!! And local!! So I can get it anytime I want!! Yes!!!

I finally cooked the ham that was destined for Valentines, and lost out on timing...it was good, but not nearly as good as the one I cooked last month. No one complained tho, so we're all good! And with plenty of left overs, we'll be happy for a while! I forgot to ask my mom (but kwowing she reads this daily I'll ask here...) if I can freeze the ham bone for when she's here to make a soup...can I ??

Now, I'm off to bed as we have yet another busy day tomorrow! Whew this week is jam packed!

Til next time...ciao!

Go To Mars!

That's what we sorta did today!!

We got up super early (for us!) and ate our breakfast, and got dressed! All before 9 am!!! Imagine!! I was shocked myself! The kids were amazingly agreeable! DJ was positively THRILLED to be spending the day with Kristopher!

We were all (and I do mean ALL) going to Pacific Science Center in Seattle....the radio station I listen to had 1.00 entrance today if you printed off their coupon...so I printed off 8 of them and off we went! I've never been, but figured it would be a lot like Ontario Science Center back home...I was right!

We found CHEAP parking downtown for 6.00 for the day, loaded SamSam in the stroller and off we went! First stop was the bathroom! Then we were off to see the dinosaurs! I think this might have been DJ's favourite part of the day...he got to turn this handle and make the dinosaur's jaw bone move...then we got to see life size replicas of about 8 dinos...he was happy!

After that we changed it up and went into the Butterfly exhibit...they were EVERYWHERE!!!! We had to be careful not to step on them or chase them or hurt them...as well as monitor children! No easy task I tell you! Lara sat this one out and waited by the exit in case we had an escapee. There were some GORGEOUS butterflies in there! My fave were the robin's egg blue ones! Just gorgeous!

From there we found the Tot section that had musical instruments, water table, climbing toys...pure toddler heaven! Samantha started showing her tiredness and hunger...so we lured the kids away with the promise of lunch! Worked like a charm!

After lunch we made our way to the Mars exhibit...I got to see a rock from Mars...about the size of my thumb...not big, but still HUGE! They had all kinds of stuff to do and look at, but we noticed the time and remembered (thanks Michaela!) that there was an Illusion show in another building...so off we went! It was good!! There we met up with two other moms briefly from the Mommy & Me group....I hadn't seen anyone else.

Once the show was done we hit up the Seattle Center for lunch for me...I was hoping to get a Subway sub on the way, but didn't....so I was quite hungry. I was excited they had a Subway in the food court...but VERY disappointed they didn't have the 5.00 special going on...apparently its only "participating" stores...which is horse puckey! No where in their ads does it mention "select" stores only! I oughta call HQ and give them a piece of my mind! Maybe, I will!

Just before 3 we decided we were done for the day and headed back to the truck. Loaded up some tired kids and headed home. Within minutes Caleb was asleep...and as soon as we got on the freeway, Samantha was gone too. The others watched a movie for the most part...

We got home about 5 minutes (long enough for me to unpack the back pack, and pee) before Howie got home...and DJ was off on a bike ride with the neighbours...so Samantha enjoyed her "only child" time...by being a brat! She would NOT go to Howie and was completely glued to me! While I was making dinner she wanted to "help" and dragged a chair into the kitchen...all she really wanted to do was smell the spices I was using...but used her nose the wrong way! It was cute! She did eventually figure it out and get a couple sniffs in.

After dinner I typed up all (and I do mean ALL) of Jake's contacts into an email for him...remember how I wrote them out way back when? He forgot the list here (on purpose?) from this weekend and of course "needed" all his numbers...so I emailed them to him...good thing he's got a smart(er) phone and understood how easy it would be this way!

Now, I'm all done watching The Bachelor (I have NO clue who he's gonna pick...but sure hope it's Tenley!!) and now I'm heading to bed...got another full day tomorrow too!!

Til next time...ciao!

If all the rain drops

Were lemon drops and gum drops...Oh what a rain that would be!!!

Today, we had rain that reminded me of home!! What a downpour!!! It started off slowly as I drove into town this afternoon to make some deliveries, and while I was in the salon, it rained even harder, then hailed, then stopped, then rained torrentially!! When I got done with the salon, I ran to the car and then drove across the parking lot to the dollar store to get each of the kids a Valentine balloon. When I got done there, I stood under the eaves waiting for the rain to lessen so I could get to the car...that felt like a long time!!! Even the drive home, I had the wipers on full speed!!! That usually doesn't happen around here!!

Imagine if all those rain drops were snowflakes....HA! We'd be snowed in!!!! Good thing we're 10 degrees too warm for the white stuff!

Happy Valentine's day by the way!! I'm not sure my Canadian cards got there in time...I know my parents and sister's did...I sent them ages ago! But didn't hear from them about the card...hmmmm! I know this is one of their more busy times with fudge...being that it's a chocolate holiday!

This morning I got the gift of sleeping in!! I didn't out of bed for real til 10! What a treat! The kids were fed and Samantha changed, so it was all good! I made Howie and I breakfast and got Jake a bowl of cereal. As I'm cleaning up the dishes there's a knock at the door! We were not expecting anyone, but my FIL and his girlfriend Ellen were outside! I quickly ran to the bathroom to put my contacts in and brush my hair! (totally something my neighbour would do! :P Sorry Lara, I couldn't resist!) We had an enjoyable visit! Jake took off just around noon as he had plans with his girlfriend. Shortly thereafter dad and Ellen left too!

We did lunch, and then I got Sam down for her nap. I did my deliveries, came home and Howie got to play out in the garage with all his fishing gear! lol

My planned Valentine dinner got kinda messed up....timing wise that is! I should have put the ham in the oven before I left instead of waiting to do it when I got back. It needs 3 hours in the oven, which would have put it done at 7....way too late! I was bummed! So, we did pork chops instead. Delish!

After dinner I bathed the kids and took a shower myself...we've got big plans tomorrow! and we can't be stinky!! lol Now everyone's asleep and I'm watching crappy coverage of the Olympics. NBC is doing a terrible job!!!!! Just horrid!! I miss CBC covering them! They were far more impartial to all athletes...NBC is quite partial to US Olympians. In any case, we did get to see Canada win their first gold medal on Canadian soil...which if you're watching the Olympics at all, you know it's a big deal! The sad thing is, I knew about the win 3 hours before I got to see it! Thanks for that NBC!

Til next time...ciao!

I am whupped!!!

Today has taken it all out of me!!

It was an Avon day! A long one that also included Princess going with me! Making it feel even longer!

The Avon part wasn't so bad...getting to see my gals and chatting is fun! But the in and out with an almost two year old who's yelling "hand, hand" at me cuz she doesn't want to be carried is exhausting!!

She did good tho! Until we hit the threshold that was supposed to be nap time...then she went south on me! This, sadly, happened in Target! We were there to exchange her CD player from Christmas as the lid on it wouldn't stay closed and play music...and I detoured and checked out shoes...which she wanted...and screamed at the top of her lungs for...my bad! Sorry to the folks in Target for her loud display of disdain!

She did good in Babies R Us...we got DJ a new car seat! They have this amazing deal on right now that if you take in an old car seat/stroller/play yard/high chair/and a couple other things, they'll give you 25% off a new one...valid only that day! So, I took in an old pack n play and got DJ a new Graco Nautilus that converts to a booster seat when I'm ready for him to! YES! I do wish, however, that someone would have told me about the extra 15% off I could have gotten with a flyer that we don't get in the mail anymore...that would have been sweeter! I'm a little miffed on losing out on that one!

She also did moderately well, but started falling apart a bit on me in Best Buy. I was there to try and get myself the Droid...and I can't. *sigh* Well, I could, but I'd have to go to Verizon to get it, and I'd have to pay more up front before getting the rebate...and if I wait til April I could get it for 100.00 less (ka-ching!) than what Jake paid...so I'm thinking I'll wait! April's not that far away! Now, the downfall to this plan is: the upgrade allowed in April is technically for my FIL...so, if he wants a new phone, he'll get the upgrade then! There's nothing wrong with my Blackberry, it's just paling in comparison to the Droid...*sigh* lol

Like I said, she lost it in Target...so we got the heck outta there! She fell asleep holding the balloon that the guy in Best Buy gave her...she giggled madly about that! It was cute!

So, she got a 45 minute nap in the car on the way back to Monroe....I had to stop at Freddy's to get hot dogs (which I completely forgot!) and other things. She did NOT like me waking her up! She fake cried the entire time we were in there!

With it being so late, we stopped and got Teriyaki for dinner....we've now tried all 3 places in Monroe and have decided place number 2 wins in taste!! Go figure, they're the more expensive one too! Oh, and the furthest!

After dinner, Jake wore the kids out...DJ had gotten a rather late nap himself! This afternoon, Howie took both boys to the Reptile Zoo...DJ was bored pretty quickly into it (even tho he went on and on about going there and everything he saw) which is good as there will be NO amphibious creatures joining our home! I'm done with the snake thing!! *shudder*

Once the kids were sleeping (Samantha instantly!) we watched a movie on On Demand...Couples Retreat. It was good! I really like Vince Vaughn! We laughed at it and cringed at other parts! But overall, it was good!

Now, I'm gonna go relax a bit more before heading to bed!

Til next time...ciao!

Opening Ceremonies

Sadly...I've not seen one minute of it...its on DVR tho (minus the first hour or so...Sorry honey!) and hopefully I'll get to see some of it. I have heard already about the death of the Luger....how tragic! Talk about a dream dying...literally!

Back to reality! DJ joined us around 5, and he was freezing cold, so I let him warm up next to me, and we both promptly fell back to sleep...he then got up about 7:50...which isn't too bad! I told him to go watch TV and he went over to Daddy's side and said "Daddy, do you want to watch TV with me?" and Daddy couldn't refuse! So I burrowed deeper under the covers and dozed for another hour...wonderful!!!!

When I got up, I got all the way ready....we had our monthly potluck for the Mommy & Me group at the library....and we were having company! Our neighbours were joining us...DJ was thrilled!! Even tho they left before we did (she still had to pick something up to contribute) we beat them to the library...not by much tho!

Man, did we have A LOT of people there!!!! Must have been about 20 kids!! That's a lot! Last time we had 6...big difference! We tried having it a bit more organized today than normal....craft time didn't go over so well, but singing and stories were good! And the kids liked picking the hearts off the chair to see which one had the kiss on it. Then we did scarves and music, and then the parachute...which was a HIT!!!! Top that off with the bubble machine and we had happy kids! The food was still something to be desired....its not kid friendly at all! There must have been 4 dozen cupcakes....no veggies....one plate of fruit...I brought PB&J sandwiches and not one was left...a late someone brought cheese sandwiches and they were devoured. So I think for the next one, I'll take over the overseeing of the foods.

When we left I messaged Jake to let him know and he started on his way to us...an hour later I was playing with his phone...having some serious Droid envy!!! *sigh* I may not be able to wait til Aug...

Tonite I went to a Pampered Chef party next door...took the munchkins with me since Jake didn't want the responsibility....they had fun tho! I booked a party for myself for next month...the 12th! If any of my readers want in on my party, let me know! You can order thru my party online and have it shipped right to you!!

Now, I'm off to catch a bit of the opening ceremonies....everyone else just went to bed!!

Til next time...ciao!