My Quirky World

So I've been busy again...

2009-04-15T10:18:00.002-04:00

Apparently too busy to update on here. Good thing its mostly friends and family who read anyhow so you likely know everything going on with me already! Ha.

I have been adventuring into the world of small business. And been busy putting together a website as well as a product line of sorts... Check it out at www.beadedbinkies.com. I am planning to sell them to a few higher-end baby stores in the area - we'll see how it goes. At the very least they'll make nice baby gifts for friends and I enjoy doing it :)

In other news... Things are good. Baby Cat is officially cruising. Which means Little Cat has to find higher and higher places to play and keep her "stuff" away from the baby. Overall, they are great girls and I am so happy every day to be home with them and watching them grow.

I am glad spring is finally here. It means getting out to walk the dog is somewhat more pleasant. I don't know when I'm going to find time to clean up my gardens though... The days manage to fill themselves somehow with a million little things and the gardening never makes the list.

Anyhow, that's a random update post. I'm sure I'll be back at some point in the next month to update with some more random news... LOL.

Love camping?

2009-03-31T14:45:00.002-04:00

My mom recently sent me a cool website... www.seeyoursite.ca. It shows actual pictures taken of campsites in Ontario Provincial Parks. I love to go camping but one of the frustrating things about booking campsites online is the Ontario Parks website only had a map view of their parks and, aside from some basic details about each site, you have no idea till you arrive whether you've picked a good location or not.

Now alot of people go to the same parks every year and get to know which sites are excellent and which are not so great. We don't tend to go to the same place every year and end up taking our chances booking our campsites. Even if the Ontario Parks website tells you the site has good privace, sun & shade, and is grass-covered, thats no guarantee the site will actually turn out to be what you expected. And because camping has become quite popular, it is usually not an option to change your site on arrival as the campgrounds are often completely booked up!

So I think this website is a great idea! They are collecting photos taken of campsites across Ontario and compiling them so you can get an idea of what your site actually looks like... Hopefully when we go camping this summer I can get some shots of sites around us and submit them as well...

Anyone see the resemblance?

2009-03-27T09:51:00.000-04:00

Have you ever watched the CBC Newsworld show "Politics" with Don Newman? You know, the guy who starts every show off with "Welcome to the brooaadddcaaast." We often have it on just to keep up with what's happening in Ottawa, and he tends to be relatively interesting for a show focussed on politics.

Anyhow, last night Papa Cat mentioned how much Don Newman resembles Fozzie Bear. Here are pics for comparison:

We found these online and couldn't stop laughing!

Awwww

2009-03-26T14:05:00.000-04:00

Little Cat came home with a project from preschool today. I think they were talking about what you want to be when you grow up... They had toys setup in the school with a doctors station, police uniforms, teacher's station, etc.

Little Cat's paper read:

"When I grow up I want to be mommy".

Her picture was a cutout paper mom holding a little baby girl.

Awww.....

I hope I am the center of her world for a very long time to come. What an honor it is to be the inspiration for your child's future... Though I do hope she chooses to have some sort of career in 18 years, I will always treasure the sweet innocence of wanting to be "mommy".

Where did she go?

2009-03-25T09:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday morning Little Cat was at preschool. Normally on Tuesday mornings this means Baby Cat and I head out to do some shopping or running around or whatever. It is alot easier to take one sleeping baby in her carseat along on errands than two kids! So I tend to take advantage of my two mornings a week with only the one child to bring out. However, lately Baby Cat has not been falling asleep and staying asleep very well while out & about so yesterday I decided we'd just come home - she could nap and I could get some housework done.

It was actually quite interesting to watch her at home with just me. Normally, when Little Cat is home, the two of them are very content to play in the playroom with whatever they can find. Baby Cat is quite happy amusing herself with the endless variety of toys in there, or by getting into whatever Little Cat is doing.

Apparently, however, she is not quite as content to just play by herself when Little Cat isn't around. I think she is a little lost! She would play with a toy for a minute, then come over to see me. Then look around the room, finally looking back at me with a bit of a worried glance in her eye. Then she'd go back to her toy for another minute or two. Then back to me! This is not the Baby Cat I know - she is normally fine for a long time without needing reassurance from me! I think she will be one of those younger children who just adores her big sister. Who won't be content to play without her there. Who will be waiting to greet said big sister at the door with excited squeals to have her playmate back. I am not so sure Little Cat will be quite as attached. She has already realized that Baby Cat's newfound ability to stand up beside furniture significantly impacts her playtime...

I am thrilled every day to see the relationship between these sisters grow. The next umpteen years of development are sure to bring lots of exciting times for them and I can't wait....

Doctor's orders

2009-03-24T20:35:00.002-04:00

I went to the doctor this afternoon. Because I've been feeling dizzy lately. Quite dizzy, actually... Like every day for the past 5 weeks for hours at a time. Its not a bad-spins sort of dizzy, just a lightheadedness and slight feeling of motion that makes it difficult to focus on things... Needless to say, when I have things to do and can't just lie on the couch when I feel crappy I figured I'd better get this thing checked out.

Doctor asked a hundred questions. Which were difficult to answer with a three year old pulling on my leg and a baby crying in the stroller because we had been waiting an hour to see the doctor and it was waayyy past her naptime. Once we got past the questions part she finally decided to check my blood pressure.

80/60. Apparently quite low. Especially considering I was simultaneously trying to keep kids calm. She double and then triple checked it. Still low. Got me to lay down, then sit up - still low. Normal is 120/80...

Now there is nothing wrong with a low blood pressure - it is better than high blood pressure! But when you are getting dizziness and other symptoms from it, it might be a concern. She ordered some blood work and told me to eat more salt. Ha. More salt? Maybe I need to find the dutch store and buy some "duble-zout dropje's" :) (salted black licorish candies, for the non-dutch readers)

So I have been ordered to go back in a week to check my BP again. Post salt eating binge. We'll see how that goes...

Am I missing something?

2009-03-24T09:41:00.003-04:00

I went out last night with the girls. And by the girls I don't mean my kids - I mean my girlfriends :) We hit up Milestones for drinks and appetizers, and of course desert. Out to all hours of the night... Well OK, 9:45. But still!

It was great to get out of the house without the kids and meet up with good friends. Talking about anything and everything. Alot about the kids. Husbands. Plastic surgery after kids. Pregnancies. Traveling. Reality TV (go Gemma go!). Funny three year olds. You know... the whole gamut of chit chat. I think we all like the little break from the daily grind - a few moments to relax, unwind, de-stress. It was good.

Before I left the house I decided to bring a different purse with me than I normally do. My every day bag is a gigantic number that holds my few essentials along with the piles of stuff required for the girls - you know, diapers, wipes, snacks, sippy cups, changes of clothes, etc. I certainly didn't need all that junk for drinks at Milestones so I grabbed my wallet, phone & keys & tossed them in a much smaller purse. But every time I grabbed my purse I felt like I was missing something. As much as I hate carrying a ginormous mom-sized bag all the time I guess I must be used to it because I just couldn't get around the feeling of forgetting something important. The smaller purse just felt wrong!!

Despite the feeling of missing something I thoroughly enjoyed the couple hours out. I wish I could do that every night....

Ahhh Friday

2009-03-20T16:02:00.003-04:00

Now that I'm home Friday's don't have quite the same meaning as they did when I was working. Then, Friday's were the long-awaited take-a-deep-breath end-of-the-week ahhhhhhhh moment. By 3PM you didn't actually "do" anything at work anymore, just kinda waited for the imaginary bell to ring signaling the end of the work week. And you could head home, for a relaxing evening anticipating whatever was to come on the weekend. It had to be good because it certainly wouldn't involve going into the office to work!

These days Fridays are nice because it means Papa Cat will be home tomorrow. All day. And perhaps at some point I'll get a break. I am still technically "working" tomorrow. I mean, my 9-5 M-F job is now a round the clock seven days a week sorta gig with no actual lunch breaks or weekends off. But that's alright. I enjoy it more than I ever enjoyed my standard office job. Yes there are times I wish for a coffee break. Or a dull meeting where I could just sit and listen at one end of the table. Or a closed door on my office while I surf the net. Or even an open door on my office while I have meaningful adult conversation about something other than kids.

But for the majority of the time I love having coffee at my kitchen table. While Little Cat eats cut up apple pieces and Baby Cat has some cheerios. I enjoy the outings to the store for necessities or just to browse. The loud quietness of kids playtime while I relax on a comfortable chair. The circular discussions about things like poop. Endless games of catch. Temper tantrums (well not those so much). Impulsive hugs. Seeing the firsts - first crawl, first step, first word...

I love Fridays. And every day with my girls.

Conversations with a three year old

2009-03-19T20:15:00.002-04:00

Today we were running some errands. We pass a Tim Horton's right around the corner from our house and I often go through the drive-thru for a coffee before starting our shopping adventures. Today, however, the lineup was huge so I figured I'd stop at a different coffee shop on our way. Here is the conversation with Little Cat that ensued:

Her: Are we going to Tim Horton's mommy?
Me: Nope - the line is too long. We'll stop at a different one.
Her: I don't think there is a different one!
Me: Yep, there's lots of Tim Horton's - we'll find another one in a little while.
Her: I think that was the ONLY ONE mommy!
Me: No it wasn't - we'll get to another one.
Her: Can I get a timbit there?
Me: We'll see.
-- driving continues ---
Her: I don't think there's another one mommy.
Me: We're almost there.
Her: Do you know where we're going mommy?
Me: I always know where I'm going honey.
Her: I don't think there's another one!
Me: Look - its right on the corner there.
Her: Ummmm...
Her: Oh! Yeah! I see it!
Her: Can I get a timbit?
Me: Well... OK.
Her: Mommy I don't think they have timbits here?
Me: What? Why?
Her: See the calender over there?
Me: Calendar? What calender? Oh - you mean the poster on the window?
Her: Ummm yes! It says chicken!
(this is a Tim Horton's/Wendy's combo place)
Me: - laughing - yes you're right, it does have chicken. And timbits.
Her: Really? Are you sure mommy?
Me: Yes honey!

And we finally get coffee. And a timbit.

This happens every time we get in the car. Different topics. Same repetative nature. I find it highly amusing :)

Not a dog person

2009-03-17T13:51:00.000-04:00

I have decided I am not a dog person. Some people are. They greet dogs on the street and pet them. They love having a dog. They would get two or three if they could. They can't remember life before having their dog.

That is not me.

We have had our puppy for about 7 weeks now and I can certainly remember life before her. I liked life before her. Don't get me wrong, she is cute. I can see she'll be fun for the girls growing up. I don't mind terribly that we get outside more often to take her for walks. As time goes on, I'm sure I'll end up liking her well enough. But I am not a dog person.

I prefer to have my quiet time when the girls are in bed at night, not having to worry about what the dog is up to. I'd rather not have to take her out for pee breaks, or wonder what she's getting into in the backyard. I am not a fan of dog kisses, or of her jumping up to greet me in excitement - just stay on the floor dog! I wish the girls could just run and play in the house without having a dog bugging them all the time... And let's face it, the amount of time required to train and exercise her is time that would be better spent playing with my kids, cleaning, cooking, baking, doing laundry, shopping, visiting people - the list goes on.

I honestly can't see much of an upside to having a dog. Perhaps if I'd grown up around dogs I'd see it differently. But I didn't. And although I am resigned to having a dog for the next umpteen years, I can't say I am going to love it.

I hope Papa Cat and the girls get enough enjoyment out of having a dog to make up for my un-enjoyment of it.

Dreaming of falling

2009-03-16T13:43:00.001-04:00

Do you ever have that dream? The one where you are falling, falling, falling and then suddenly - splat - you land. And quite literally jolt in bed, just like you really did fall?

I've always wondered why this is a universal dream so many people have. I think I've figured it out... When we were three we fell out of our bed. Hence the dream :)

Last night around 10:00PM Little Cat fell out of her bed. She is in a twin size bed and is only about 2 feet off the floor. We had a children's bed rail along the side of her bed for a long time, but a couple days ago she decided she didn't want it anymore so I was fine with taking it off. Normally she stays in the middle of her bed once she falls asleep so I figured it wouldn't be a problem...

As soon as I heard the THUMP upstairs I knew exactly what had happened. I rushed up the stairs to her room and expected to hear her crying. I think she was just too stunned and still half asleep to react - she was sitting on the floor where she had fallen, with one arm half propping herself up and the other grasping for the edge of the bed. I gave her a hug and laid her back in the center of her bed where she promptly fell asleep again.

None the worse for it, I suppose. This morning she didn't remember anything about it...

Do you think we've all fallen out at some point during childhood and that's what causes the dream??? I wonder...

I can't believe how much undergarments cost...

2009-03-15T10:30:00.001-04:00

Seriously. I went shopping at the mall yesterday with the girls as Papa Cat was away for a curling tournament. I have been really wanting to get some new clothes... You know the feeling when you look in your closet in the morning and just hate to pick out something to wear? And then you just feel blah and frumpy all day when you put on clothes that are worn or faded or out of style or whatever... That has been me lately. Feeling frumpy.

I always swore that even though I planned to be at home with my girls, I wouldn't let my wardrobe slide. When I worked in an office I had a good reason to buy nicer clothes. Our office was business casual dress, so most of the items I had for work doubled as my weekend wardrobe as well. I always felt fairly smartly dressed - certainly not sweatshirts and old jeans. Somehow my standards have slipped lately and it just makes me feel ick.

So it was time for some shopping. I managed to pick up two great pairs of pants for $6 each - a fantastic sale! I found a couple of shirts too (although I would like to get more but there is only so much shopping kids can take, lol). Then we headed into La Senza. For the dreaded bras.

I haven't bought bras since I stopped nursing Little Cat just under three years ago so it has been a LOOONNNGGG time! The ones I bought then did just fine until I got pregnant with Baby Cat and fit back into my larger "pregnancy size" bras... Then I was in nursing bras. And when I stopped nursing Baby Cat a few months ago I just kinda went back to the three year old bras I had in the closet. But they are old with no support and no, *ahem*, cleavage-help for someone with a smaller chest size.

So in I went. With two kids. What was I thinking? I did a quick sweep of the bazillion bras they have in La Senza and grabbed a few in a variety of sizes cause I had no idea what would fit. Then we're in the change room. Little Cat is organizing the hangers as I take the bras off and discard them one by one. Wrong size... Bad colour... Too tight... Need a bigger cup.... Urgh...

Finally after sending the sales lady for a few different sizes I find a style that fits well. Woohoo!! Back into my own clothes. Out to the bra rack again. I search for two more in different colours - if I find something that works, I stick with it! Then we're up to the checkout...

And the lady rings up the three bras. $110. What??? $110??? Are you freaking kidding me? I just bought two pairs of pants for $12.00 and here I am paying a fortune for undergarments. *sigh*. Why do they cost so much? I suppose cause they know they can get away with it... Papa Cat is always envious of how little I can spend on actual clothes but he forgets the bras us women require and apparently the cost has risen over the past three years.

Ah well - perhaps these will last me another three years?? One can hope!

Perhaps we'll be famous?

2009-03-14T14:36:00.001-04:00

So we've decided to apply for an interior design renovation show. If you've ever watched W Network, you've probably seen Divine Design. It features top designer Candice Olson and her team who take people's uninspired rooms and redesign them to be absolutely gorgeous. Her style is contemporary and tailored to her clients. And of course the show is always looking for new spaces to redesign.

After about six months of debate, I have officially decided to submit our application for the show. Our kitchen is original to our house, which was built in the 80's. It certainly fits Candice's "uninspired" category - it features oak wood cabinets, a closed floorplan, and very little storage. Although everything technically works, I hate cooking in it because it is completely closed in at the front of the house. I feel isolated while the rest of the family relaxes in our living room at the back of the house.

So I've applied for Candice to consider redesigning our kitchen. We have lots of ideas of our own for the space, we just don't really know where to start! I definately want it open to the dining/living room. I would love new cabinetry with lots more storage, and new appliances. Tile backsplash. Nickle accents. New sink, faucet. Flooring. Etc. And in the process I'm hoping we can give our living room a facelift too - you know, new flooring, furniture, paint...

Anyhow, I highly doubt we'll be accepted for Divine Design. We are located outside of Toronto and they really want to feature homeowners within the GTA... Ah well, I guess its worth a shot, right? One can hope!

Looking forward to camping!

2009-03-13T09:52:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday we booked a campsite for a week this August. I am really looking forward to it. We are planning to go to the Pinery Provincial Park, which is a beautiful park located on Lake Huron. It has nice campsites and the beach is gorgeous and sandy and filled with dunes. We have only been there once before, but it was nice and we are really excited to be going back.

Last summer we didn't get a chance to go camping... Baby Cat was born in July so there was no way I was taking a newborn on a camping trip. Not that we are in the middle of the wilderness or anything... But we are in a tent, and don't have conveniences like microwaves, lights, running water, etc. Not great for a newborn... This summer will be a different story and I can't wait to take the girls. I'm sure they will both have a blast!

The one thing we are considering is purchasing a tent trailer. We have a large tent, but it is slightly more convenient with young kids to be up off the ground. A tent trailer is still not a luxury, especially as we don't have a site with electricity, but it tends to offer a little more room and comfort and if we end up with some rainy weather I am sure we would prefer being in a tent trailer. We are looking at used ones because the cost is so much better - I hope we can find one that is reasonable and in good shape. Guess we'll see!

Either way, I can't wait to be in the outdoors, enjoying the warmth of summer on the beach. Watching the fire crackle and roasting marshmellows. Going on hikes. Waking up to the smell of the outdoors and bacon & eggs on the campsite. Love it.

Look out, here it come!

2009-03-12T14:05:00.000-04:00

The inspiration returns. I hope...

Today marks day number 5 of watching "Beauty and the Beast" at 2PM. You see, we took Little Cat's pacifier away on her birthday last week, and since then she has not napped. I am not surprised. She was on the verge of not napping anyhow, and the removal of her pacifier pretty much sealed the deal. I guess she just can't relax enough to fall asleep for a nap after lunch...

She still goes up to her room for a "rest" time. But that lasts maybe 45 minutes (and I don't think its that restful cause she's usually singing and talking to herself!). So after rest time I tend to allow some tv time and the top choice this week has been the "Belle" movie we rented a few days ago... I don't mind Beauty & the Beast. But on viewing number 5 even I am getting bored.

Luckily I have better things to do with my time than actually watch the movie. Like check my email. Clean the bathroom. Bake some cookies. You know, mom stuff... However, I will be glad when we have to return the movie on Saturday and she can pick something different to watch for a week straight.

Random nothings

2009-03-11T15:01:00.004-04:00

Apparently I am a half-hearted blogger. LOL. If I was truly dedicated I wouldn't let a week or two of being unispired stop me from blogging. But there it is - I'm uninspired. Not that there is nothing to write about, because there is... I just haven't been motivated to write about it. I'm sure I'll get back to writing. Maybe tonight. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe next week. Hopefully sooner than later!

I think I will have to type up a bunch of posts next time I'm feeling inspired so I have something to post when I'm in a rut.

Be back soon. Promise!

Been a few days...

2009-03-04T20:30:00.003-05:00

No I have not dropped off the blogosphere. Somehow the past few days have just gotten busy. Occasionally life does get in the way of my computer time... Ha ha ha. Seriously though, this week is hectic because today is Little Cat's third birthday! So the beginning of the week has been spent getting ready for today - her actual birthday. And the end of this week will be spent getting ready for her party on Saturday.

I can't believe she's three today. I feel so mixed -both happy and sad about it. Happy for so many reasons. My little girl is growing so big, learning so much. She has developed so many new skills this past year its really unbelievable. She is her own independent little person these days - with her own sense of humour, thoughts, ideas... She is loving and kind, playful and fun, serious and stubborn. She amazes me every day with the things she says and does. I can't believe how good her imagination is, how she can spend hours making an entire dinner feast out of beads, or dance to music for an hour without tiring. She is so big and I am so proud of her.

But that makes me sad too. Every day she gets bigger. Grows older. Takes more steps away from mommy. She isn't my little baby anymore... She still loves to cuddle and give me hugs and kisses - but its on her terms, not mine. I take it when I can get it because I can't just hold her for an hour and shower her with kisses anymore. She has her own opinions, and doesn't always agree with me. I can see her growing more independent all the time, and of course that's a good thing, but before I know it she will be leaving me to start her own life and that makes me sad. I want her to stay little. My baby. Sweet, smiling, where I'm the center of her world. This birthday has come up so quickly and I'm afraid I haven't cherished all the moments I should have this past year. Haven't remembered all the little things she's done. Haven't remembered all the big things she's done. I'm afraid that I'll be 80 and she'll have her own life and all I'll have are a few memories of when she was three.

I think becoming a parent makes you realize how much you can truly love another human being. Your child is forever a part of you and I suppose letting her become her own person is all part of the process of parenting. Hard as it is. Little Cat's third birthday has reminded me all over again that this journey of raising kids is all about living in the moment.

Happy Birthday baby girl. Big girl.

Frustrated today

2009-02-26T13:43:00.003-05:00

Argh. Today is one of those days. Everything is driving me nuts for no particular reason. Little Cat is being whiny about everything... Driving me up the wall. Baby Cat has a runny nose - again. She just got over a cold and now here comes another one. The puppy is, well, a puppy and not great at listening yet. My wood floors have paw prints all over them. I should be cleaning them. Doing laundry. Dusting. Baking. Yet I'm checking facebook instead...

I think the problem is that every day just feels so hectic lately. Today for example, was a preschool day for Little Cat. So we get up at 7, feed Baby Cat, get everyone ready & downstairs for breakfast by 7:45, feed the dog who's jumping all over everyone... Then after breakfast 20 minutes to sit before we have to head out the door to preschool at 8:40. After dropping Little Cat off I go right to the grocery store - Baby Cat naps for 40 minutes while I do groceries. We get home, dog is jumping all over us again, I put her in the backyard so I can put away the cold food, then feed the baby, then let the dog in. Put away the dry food. Then 20 minutes to sit before we have to leave again to pick up Little Cat from preschool. Get home, 11:40. Lunch for everyone. Little Cat up for a nap, Baby Cat plays. Dog goes out side again. 12:30 - Baby Cat up for a nap.

Whew. I'm tired all over again just typing that out!

It is now almost 2:00, kids are still sleeping - thank goodness. But they'll be up shortly, I should let the dog back in, maybe grab a cup of coffee. Then need to prep something for dinner. Snack time. Go for a walk with kids & dog. Play for a bit. Dinner time, 5:00. Bedtime & bath for Baby Cat at 6:15. Bedtime & bath for Little Cat at 7:00. Then back downstairs to do final tidying, start the dishwasher, make bottles, finish laundry.

Bigger whew.

Maybe by 8:00 I'll actually get some time to relax.

Anyone want to tell me where exactly I should fit in the cleaning, baking, housework, laundry, etc???

Anyone want to come take over for a day? Or three?

Prices of foreclosed homes are unbelievable!

2009-02-25T12:28:00.003-05:00

Last night Papa Cat happened to be watching American news, for some odd reason. At any rate, he saw a story about home prices in the United States that blew both of us away. Of course we've been hearing about the dire predicament they are in, with thousands of homes in bank forclosure during this credit crisis. But I guess we've been a little sheltered from the actual situation here in Canada, and although home values have dropped a little here as well, it is nothing compared to what they are facing in the US.

The news story featured a woman in Detroit who was able to buy a home for $1100. Yes, you read that right. $1100. Not $110,000. She said it was an easy decision because the cost of her new three bedroom home was the same as two months rent. Unbelievable.

Infact, I didn't quite believe it. So I had to search for myself... I took a look at www.mls.com, the US version of our real estate listing service. (I have to say it is no where NEAR as nice as the Canadian site!) At any rate, I searched for foreclosed homes in Erie, Pennsylvania - simply because we drove through there on a recent trip down to West Virginia. Check out the listings at Realtytrac.com. There are 6 pages of houses listed costing less than $2000!!! Seriously! Now I can't actually see the pictures of the homes - you need to sign up for some kind of trial membership or something... And of course the majority are likely in bad neighbourhoods, or have been trashed... However, I am sure you can probably find something half way decent, if not for $2000, at least under $100,000. Unheard of here in Ontario.

If I was any kind of real estate investor I would be taking advantage of this crisis to snap up some cheap properties. How can you go wrong, really? The credit crunch can't last forever... And those who take advantage now are sure to profit when things take a turn for the better. Isn't that how millionaires were made after the Depression??

Menu Monday

2009-02-23T10:15:00.000-05:00

On the table tonight is a simple cream sauce served over rice or noodles. Its great for using up some leftover cooked chicken or turkey... Not spicy at all so it goes over great with kids!!

CREAMED CHICKEN AND RICE

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup margarine
1 onion
1/2 green pepper
1/2 cup flour
1 cup milk
2 cups chicken broth
2-3 cups diced chicken, cooked
1 tbsp parsley
Rice, prepared as per package directions

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat margarine in sauce pan. Add and saute until soft 1 chopped onino and 1/2 a green pepper. Add flour and stir until bubbly. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup milk and salt & pepper to taste. Cook, stirring until thickened. Add diced chicken (pre-cooked) and parsley. Serve over rice.

Enjoy!

Freelance Writing

2009-02-23T10:04:00.004-05:00

So recently I've been looking into doing some freelance writing. There are alot of websites out there which allow you to write articles or essays on any topic you like and then submit it for payment. Not a bad gig really... I've just come across a really great one that pays really well! I thought I'd post it here because I know a few people who read this that could use a bit of extra cash :) The site is www.oboulo.com. You just have to sign up to be an author, and they will pay you $10 per article you submit. Articles can be on any subject you like, and just have to follow a few of their basic guidelines for length, etc. Of course you can't copy stuff from other sources - it has to be original. They prefer things that are more like actual college papers or researched materials...

Anyhow, like I mentioned the basic price they pay for an article is $10. But if you enter an "Ambassador code" at the registration process they will pay you $15 per article! Woohoo! I got an ambassador code when I signed up and I'll post it here if you're interested... The code is 525b2d.

Let me know if you sign up and how the site works out for you :)

Organization needed

2009-02-22T14:19:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows I am an extremely organized person. However lately I've been feeling like I'm not organized enough. You know the junk drawer? That spot in the house where you just toss in random things that don't seem to fit anywhere else? I've got like three of those going at the moment. And also a junk room downstairs in our basement. Where things like toys and wrapping paper and diplomas and odd bits of office supplies have collected.

I am itching to organize all the junk. Perhaps its some form of spring fever? I don't know... I wish I had like three days straight to just devote to going through junk. And buying organizational things. Like file folders. And bins & boxes. Labels. A label maker... Hmmm... Am I boring anyone yet?? Is it weird that these things are exciting for me??

I don't think I'll get three days straight to organize stuff. Not with two kids and a dog. Well, maybe I can get Papa Cat to take the kids & the dog for a day and I can organize.

I think I will invite my younger sister out at some point this spring to lend a hand. She is just as organized as me and has the same kind of neat-freak fetish. Plus if she helps me go through my junk she won't be attached to it and come up with lame excuses to keep stuff I haven't looked at in five years. Yep. I will get her out. Sister if you're reading this, expect a call at some point :)

Grobags are great

2009-02-21T11:42:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of these? Grobags, baby sleeping bags, sleep sacs... All the same thing. Essentially they are a long bag that zips up the front or side, and doesn't have any arms. They are designed to be worn by babies when they sleep rather than blankets.

I love them. I used these with Little Cat and am using them again with Baby Cat. I just put a long sleeve sleeper on Baby Cat, put her grobag on, zip it up and tada - ready for bed. It completely eliminates the need for blankets in her bed at night. She stays warm and cozy even if she rolls around in her bed (which she does alot!). I never have to worry that she's rolled out from under her blankets, or that she might need another cover, or whatever. She can't get it off because the zipper is much too difficult for her. There are a wide variety of grobag weights available - for warmer weather and cooler weather. Of course you can always vary the amount of clothing the baby is wearing too - undershirt and fleecy sleeper for cool nights or just a cotton sleeper for warmer weather.

I was sad when Little Cat outgrew the grobag. She constantly tossed her blankets off and woke up from it. I think when Baby Cat outgrows her current grobag I might invest in the next size up. Because it really is the best baby invention ever...

Facebook or FA.com

2009-02-20T09:48:00.000-05:00

Do you do the facebook thing? I do... And since I visit there often I usually just have to type in "fa" in the address bar on my web browser and the facebook address just fills itself in. I hit enter and tada - facebook here I come.

Except recently for some reason I type in "fa", hit enter, and it takes me to www.thefa.com. Ha. Its some kind of English football website. Ever been there by accident? I wonder how many accidental hits they get from people trying to shortcut it to facebook.

I bet lots.

One of these days when I have time I think I'll look around "the home of English football". Just for kicks.

Where do I see myself?

2009-02-19T12:49:00.002-05:00

In a Mercedes of course!! The team at Mercedes Benz is asking consumers the question "where do you see yourself" as they promote the all-new GLK mid-size SUV. The GLK is scheduled to be released in 2010, and is a sleek and innovative vehicle designed for a wide variety of drivers.

I have to say, I would love love love to own a Mercedes one day. They are the epitome of luxury and comfort in a vehicle. The Mercedes GLK is such a stylish car, and really does look practical too with five-passenger seating and lots of cargo room. At the moment I drive a mini-van, which serves its purpose for getting us around, but is not exactly the most beautiful vehicle on the planet. I would really love to upgrade it one day to something a little less soccer-mom!

I checked out the website for the Mercedes GLK and it is easy to see myself driving one. On the website you can view all sorts of images of the car, as well as specs and videos. The site is also really cool because you can customize an image of your own GLK experience and then download it as a wallpaper background for your computer! Now I'll have a reminder every time I open my laptop that I want to drive a GLK in 2010!!

Hey MOM

2009-02-18T10:06:00.002-05:00

So recently Little Cat has taken to calling me Mom. Rather than Mommy. I much prefer Mommy. There is something sweeter about it. More innocent. More... I don't know... Like she's still a little girl, rather than a big girl.

And she IS still a little girl. Her third birthday is in two weeks, but she's still little! I'm not sure where she picked up the "mom" term from, but when I first heard her say it I told her I didn't like it. I tried just ignoring her when she said mom instead of mommy, but that didn't last long. Now I'm resigned to it.

She switches back and forth between mom and mommy now. I always smile a little more when she says mommy...

If you've got kids when did they switch from mommy to mom?

Carry the torch!

2009-02-17T21:45:00.004-05:00

So the Vancouver 2010 Olympics are coming. I love the Olympics... There is something about the spirit of competition with countries from around the world coming together to compete for medals and the prestige that comes with winning. I am in no way athletic. But I can certainly admire people who are, and watching the wide variety of competitions that comes with the Olympics is always alot of fun.

Having the Olympics hosted in Canada in 2010 will make it even more special. I think Canadians are a very proud people, and we will be sure to make the Olympic spectacle just that - something for the rest of the world to watch and wish they were there! This year Coca-Cola is hosting a contest for Canadians who wish to be a Torchbearer on the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

As is custom for every country hosting the games, the Olympic torch will make its way across our great country carried by ordinary Canadians. You don't have to be a former athlete or have done something that is recognized to be a Torchbearer. You just have to apply online to be a part of the Torch Relay to be one of the 6,760 people chosen to run the race.

I hope perhaps I'll inspire someone I know to become a torchbearer - wouldn't that be cool? If some I knew carried the torch? Hmm... maybe I should apply!

Menu Monday

2009-02-16T10:15:00.000-05:00

So what are you having for dinner tonight? We are having a great Rachel Ray recipe for, you guessed it - pasta! Yummo! It really is delicious and a great take on traditional tomato based pasta...

BACON, ONION & TOMATO PASTA

INGREDIENTS
1 pound rigatoni
salt & pepper
1 tbsp EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
8 slices pancetta, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 fresh bay leaf
6 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup parsley

INSTRUCTIONS
Boil pasta. Heat EVOO in a skillet, add the bacon and cook until crispy. Add onion, bay leaf & garlic, continue to cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the chicken broth and tomatoes, bring to a simmer and cook 5-10 minutes. Top pasta with sauce and cheese and toss to coat.

Enjoy!

Walking can be fun!

2009-02-13T13:29:00.000-05:00

We took the puppy for a walk today. She is learning to walk on a leash, so the whole thing is a bit of an adventure for her. I decided to let Little Cat walk as well to tire her out and I carried Baby Cat with my sling. I forgot how much I like the sling!! I bought it when she was a newborn because the Snugli I had with Little Cat was just too much of a pain to get the baby in & out of. And I wanted to be hands free to do things for Little Cat... So I invested in a great adjustable sling that she could lay sleeping in, and I can still use it now to do a hip-carry with her.

Anyhow, I digress.

So the four of us headed out. It went well until Little Cat decided she wanted to run ahead down the sidewalk, which I normally let her do. She runs a few driveways up, then stops & waits for me to catch up to her. Except now I was holding the puppy's leash and of course Quinny wanted to chase after Little Cat. LOL.

Then we had to cross the street. We are in a subdivision that is not at all busy, but Little Cat knows she needs to hold my hand when we cross the street - its just a good habit even if there are no cars! So she did. And I had Quinny's leash in the other hand. Of course Quinny decided it would be a good idea to run around to Little Cat's side. And then back around to my side. And then back around to Little Cat. So there we were, standing in the middle of the street, with a leash around the legs of me & Little Cat, and a puppy pulling on the end of it. I was still keeping an arm on Baby Cat in the sling, holding Little Cat's hand and trying to get us untangled from the leash. We were all laughing as we finally managed to cross the street!! Good thing there was no one around to see us...

We managed to make it home in one piece. I think until Quinny is properly leash trained I'll be using my double stroller to take both girls and the puppy for a walk! Might be easier...

If you're up for a good cry...

2009-02-12T13:30:00.004-05:00

Today I found the most inspiration blog I've ever read. Matt Logelin lost his wife, Liz, 24 hours after she gave birth to their first baby - a girl named Madeline. She died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism and he is now left alone caring for their daughter. Maddy is now almost one year old. His blog is passionate. Full of photos. Beautiful. Sad.

It has reminded me to cherish the things that really matter in life. To take each moment as it comes. And to tell my girls and my husband every day how much I love them.

If you're up for a good cry, visit http://www.mattlogelin.com/.

Chew your food before swallowing!

2009-02-12T10:15:00.001-05:00

Recently we've been on Little Cat's case because she doesn't chew her food well. And in some cases, like pasta, not at all. Swallowing food whole has become a bit of a habit and aside from telling her to chew, chew, chew, there hasn't been much we can do about it!!

So we have been telling her to "chew, chew, chew" before she swallows alot. I think she's finally getting the message.

Today at breakfast after chewing every bite really well she asked "can I swallow now?". Next bite - chew, chew, chew - "can I swallow now?" LOL. I told her she doesn't have to ask permission to swallow her food, just chew it well, then swallow!!

I suppose its good that she's actually thinking about it. Hopefully it will become second nature soon enough!

A new addition of the canine variety

2009-02-11T08:52:00.004-05:00

Yep that's right. I'm officially insane.

We got a puppy this weekend.... She is very cute, lively and smart. Her name is Quinny and she is an Australian Shepherd. Papa Cat has always wanted a dog, so I finally caved. Why not add to the craziness around here, right??

Quinny has been here since Saturday and life will never be the same again! She is really smart and doing extrememly well with house training. But still, she does require alot of attention - especially when she's around the girls. She is learning quickly that she is not allowed to lick/nibble/play with Baby Cat.

Little Cat absolutely adores her. They run up and down the hallway together - I'm not sure who is chasing who half the time!!

I invested in a mop yesterday for my hardwood floors. The puppy paw prints were getting to me and I figured if I'm going to have to clean my floors daily now, I can't very well be spending money on Swiffer mop refills all the time!

I can certainly say I am busier than ever now. Not a moment to breathe... Or blog!

Menu Monday

2009-02-09T10:15:00.005-05:00

Tonight for dinner we are having BBQ Pork on buns... This is a fantastic slow cooker recipe that I found on the back a Club House seasonings package. It tastes great - just spicy enough, and if you cook a big enough pork roast there is lots of extra which can be frozen and pulled out to reheat for a second dinner!

BBQ PORK ON BUNS

INGREDIENTS
2.5 - 3lb boneless pork roast (can also use beef roast)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1 Club House Slow Cooker - BBQ Pork Seasoning pkg
8-10 buns

INSTRUCTIONS
Place roast in slow cooker. Combine seasoning mix and all other ingredients in small bowl. Pour over pork. Cover and cook on LOW for 8hrs or HIGH for 4hrs. Remove pork from slow cooker. Shred meat into strings using two forks, return shredded meat to slow cooker. Stir until pork is well coated and heated through. Serve over split buns.

Enjoy!

Reduce, reuse, recycle

2009-02-07T14:42:00.002-05:00

My mom came up with a great idea for reusing baby food jars. Actually, she came up with the thought years and years ago when us kids still ate baby food - that tells you how long ago it was!! You see, she buys her spices from the bulk food store, or in the bulk bags sold at the grocery store as it is cheaper than constantly re-purchasing spice bottles. Then she was always left with the problem of what to do with the bag of spice?

She would fill up her spice bottle but the little baggies of extra spice were a nuisance in the cupboard. So she collected empty baby food jars, labelled them, and used them as storage for extra spices. This ensures you always have a little extra on hand so you can't run out of chili powder at a critical time. It is also a great storage solution as the bottles can be stacked and stored easily in the cupboard.

Baby Cat is now eating jarred foods so I am currently saving all the jars. Apparently the multiple jars mom saved years ago aren't quite enough and she could use a few more. Also my younger sisters are interested in this spice-storage option so I am saving jars for them as well.

I've also seen baby food jars used for storing small beads, bath salts, scrapbooking supplies, and other crafting oddities. Not to mention the kids craft candle suggestion - who hasn't had that one come home from school?

Naptime is the best time of the day

2009-02-06T12:42:00.005-05:00

Isn't it? Those readers who aren't moms probably think I'm horrible, but I say just you wait!! One day you'll remember this post... All you moms out there know what I'm talking about. That moment when your kid or kids finally fall asleep. You let out a deep sigh, not realizing you've been holding it in all morning. While the baby cried. While your toddler whined. While you endured twenty-billion questions about everything and anything. While you dragged both kids through the grocery store, trying to keep smiling when you were in fact gritting your teeth and rushing through the isles to just get back home quickly.

You manged to get through lunch. Some quickly made sandwiches. Easy. Then, the blessed naptime arrives. Up to bed. Close the door. Silence. Ahhhhh....

My favourite naptime pleasure is checking my email in peace. Then making a coffee and drinking it while its still hot. And then watching Oprah. I should probably be cleaning. Or doing laundry. Or paying bills. But today is Friday so what the heck - Oprah here I come!

The scale doesn't lie, does it??

2009-02-06T09:01:00.000-05:00

I jumped on the bathroom weigh scale this morning. On a whim, really. I still haven't managed to find a moment to exercise so I was doubtful my weight had fluctated, expecially in a good direction.

I was shocked to discover I'm down 5lbs!!! I think my plea to the weight loss fairy at the beginning of the week must have worked...

The scale doesn't lie, does it? I haven't wanted to jump on again, for fear that it will laugh at me and add ten pounds back on.

Thankfully I am not a really overweight person. If I was, and I couldn't lose weight by good ole' fashioned diet and exercise, I would probably consider more drastic measures. Recently I heard about an alternative to gastric bypass surgery called Lap-Band, which is apparently a less invasive procedure. If you're interested in finding out more about this type of procedure, or a surgeon who can perform the operation, visit a website specializing in lap band conroe.

I think in celebration of losing five pounds I will make some chocolate chip cookies... I'll try to stay out of the cookie dough, honest.

Dear Mr. Snowplow Man

2009-02-05T09:52:00.002-05:00

Dear Mr. Snowplow Man,

I am writing you this note as a courtesy to inform you of some recent inconveniences as a result of your snowplowing. I have noticed that during the last several snowfalls, you have consistently plowed less and less of our street. The length of our driveway (and everyone else's) has been successfully stretched by approximately four feet. And therefore the street has, as a result, become narrower by approximately eight feet. We are now living on a one-car-width street.

This has caused numerous problems when we attempt to drive out of our subdivision. People still insist on parking on both sides of our significantly downsized street, and therefore a lovely little obstacle course awaits any journeys down the road. It is next to impossible for two vehicles to pass in opposite directions without removing each other's side mirrors.

Let's not even discuss garbage day - when residents are forced to put their bags of garbage and boxes of recycling directly on said narrowed street. Our recycling boxes were hit last week and we had tins and boxes scattered a hundred feet down the street.

Aside from the driving hazards, we also now have an additional four feet of driveway to clear. I, for one, am not a fan of shovelling snow at the best of times. If I had wanted a longer driveway, I would have purchased a house that came with this feature.

I do realize, Mr. Snowplow Man, that your job is challenging. There are lots of streets. There has been lots of snow. But I am hopeful that during the next snowfall which is sure to come soon you might find it in your heart to simply follow the curb when you plow?

This should alleviate all of the above said inconveniences.

Kind Regards,
The residents of this house in Bowmanville, Ontario.

Counting the minutes

2009-02-04T12:38:00.003-05:00

I have four clocks in my kitchen. On the stove. The wall. The microwave. And the coffee maker. I just noticed this morning that all four are telling me different times. Not just a little different either... The spread between the furthest times is almost 1o minutes.

Ten minutes doesn't sound like a whole lot, does it. But when you're a fanatic about being on time, ten minutes is the difference between a minute early or nine minutes late.

One of my biggest pet peeves is people who are consistently late. I understand the "we had a last minute poopy diaper" or "I just had to stop for gas". I mean, stuff happens, I get it. However, its those folks who are guaranteed to be late that drive me nuts. Are you friends with people like this? We know one couple who we actually lie to when we plan dates with them. We tell them to arrive at places half an hour before we plan to be there, and they still don't show up till well after we arrive. And they don't have kids!!! Explain that one to me!

I realize that my incredible must-be-on-time attitude sets the bar a bit high. However, I also think people appreciate that when I say I'll be somewhere at 10AM - I'm there at 10AM. If not a minute or two early. I find now that I have two kids it just requires a little extra planning and giving ourselves a few extra minutes to ensure we're on the road on time. Its not really all that hard actually....

So, my next order of business today? Turn on the news to get the actual time and then update all my clocks :)

Someone who has no experience with children.

2009-02-03T19:54:00.004-05:00

I found this posted on Jendi's Journal and had to repost it here. It is really incredulous. However, the writer's response is right on the money and is a good reminder to all hard-working moms that our job is as meaningful, fulfilling, difficult, challenging and rewarding as anything else we will do in our lives.

(Click on the image to enlarge)

Cough, cough, cough

2009-02-02T12:58:00.002-05:00

That's our house this week. Full of coughing and sniffly noses. The girls came down with colds late last week and ever since our floors and tables have been covered in crumpled kleenex. I have, of course, caught the same cold and don't feel like cleaning up the kleenex. So it piles and piles until it finally drives me nuts enough to bring the pile to the garbage.

One saving grace is that Little Cat has finally learned how to blow her nose! Woohoo! She is very aware of her nose starting to drip and can't stand it so of course is using a million kleenexes a day to practice her new nose-blowing skills.

My biggest issue with sniffly noses is Baby Cat. She is just over six months old and there are no longer any cold medications available for babies and toddlers. If you weren't aware, OTC cold meds were recalled in both Canada and the US in the fall of 2007 (see this article). Luckily I had about a half a bottle of Benadryl for infants left over from Little Cat that didn't expire until March of this year, so I had a few doses left to give to Baby Cat. I do not understand the recall. When saline drops and snot-suckers aren't cutting it, how do you expect to clear a baby's nose unless you use some form of decongestant? I don't recommend medicating kids for every sniffly nose, but I do think a decongestant so the baby can breathe easier through the night is not a bad thing!

I understand the major concern was parents overdosing their kids. Don't you think that's the parents issue? I mean, who doesn't understand that "Tylenol Cold" also contains Tylenol, so don't give your child an extra shot of plain Tylenol??? Personally I think the products should be available - perhaps dispensed from behind the Pharmacist counter or something. With additional warnings or literature.

The worst thing is that they are now talking about banning cold medications for kids ages 2-11 as well! Can you believe that??? My goodness... You are going to have a lot of parents trying to create their own lower doses of regular cold medications to give to children. I think that will be a lot more dangerous! I think I am going to stock up a little on children's cold medications just in case...

Menu Monday

2009-02-02T10:15:00.001-05:00

So I've decided to regularly post a recipe on Monday's. Because Monday tends to be (at least for me!) the least creative meal-making day of the week. So I'll post what we're having for dinner and perhaps it will inspire you to try it, or save it for another day...

Tonight we are having a casserole called "Dad's Special". This is a recipe from my mom that is super-simple to make. I suppose the title of the dish is enough to suggest that :) It is tasty enough for me & Papa Cat, yet "normal" enough for Little Cat to love it too.

DADS SPECIAL

INGREDIENTS
1 lb hamburger
1/2 cup onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp thyme
Dash of pepper
2 cups noodles, cooked & drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

INSTRUCTIONS
Brown meat, drain. Add onion, cook till tender. Stir in soup, milk and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes. Mix cooked noodles and meat mixture. Layer 1/2 of the noodles/meat in a casserole dish, add 1/2 the cheddar cheese. Repeat layer of noodles and then cheese on top. Microwave on high 8-10 minutes or until cheese bubbles.

Enjoy!

Church

2009-02-01T13:02:00.001-05:00

We went to church this morning. For the first time in a very long time. I have lots of feelings about it but they are swirling around in my head, with no concise way to say them. So for now I won't. Hopefully the whole religion thing will become clearer at some point. Somehow.

Working out? Or not so much.

2009-01-31T22:28:00.004-05:00

A couple weeks ago I randomly decided to purchase a work out DVD. You know, one of those ones that promises rock hard abs with just a ten minute workout a day? I figured what the heck - I'm sure I can find ten minutes a day to do some exercise, right?

After two kids my body is certainly no longer rock hard. I would love to lose a few more pounds and, perhaps more importantly, tone some areas. As busy as it is chasing after Little Cat and Baby Cat, its not the sort of daily workout that tones your body.

I am not convinced a simple exercise DVD will work either, to be frank. I think a more successful approach would probably be to hire a yelling-workout-fanatic-guy who would force me to exercise for three hours a day and work up a big sweat. Like the guy on that "Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp" show. I think he would probably help me tone big time. But there's no way I'm going on TV...

So I'm sorta hoping that buying this workout DVD will be enough. As it has been almost three weeks now and the DVD is still sitting in the same spot on top of my TV without seeing the inside of our DVD player, I am not hopeful for the chances of it working. Perhaps the invisible "tone your body" fairy will appear one night and work some magic?

Baking boterkoek was a bad idea

2009-01-30T11:12:00.001-05:00

Recently I've decided to be more domestic and bake things from scratch. You know, rather than those bagged cookie mixes you just add an egg and water too and voila - cookie mix! So I dug through my old recipe list and came up with boterkoek.

For those unfamiliar, it is a dutch recipe for simple baked squares. Contains butter, sugar, flour, egg, vanilla and salt - really easy. Just mix, flatten onto a cookie sheet, bake and cut into squares.

Boterkoek has always been one of my favourite squares. I'm not really sure why because they are quite plain... As Papa Cat kindly pointed out when he tried them. "Umm honey? These have no taste." And apparently Little Cat agrees as she has handed half of each square she's had back to me.

So... Therein lies the bad idea of baking boterkoek. Because I have, in the past three days, eaten about three-quarters of a tray of the stuff. How bad is that for someone who really would like to loose a few pounds?? Huh. No more boterkoek in this house... Chocolate chip cookies, however - absolutely! (I love cookie dough!)

Tax time = fun??

2009-01-29T19:32:00.003-05:00

Tax time does not equal fun in my world. Papa Cat, however, loves it. We got our first T4 slips in the mail today so of course he was online right away, working at filling in details on the online tax software site we use.

I don't exactly get the attraction. I am the budgeter and money planner in the family. However, I could care less about filing taxes! I would do it simply because it must be done, but its not like I'd do it right now!!

Papa Cat loves it. I think mostly because we always get a hefty refund from the government. So he is anxious to find out how much money we're getting, and can't wait to send in the return so that the government can't hold onto our money for one second longer than necessary. Ha ha ha.

So far the online site is telling us we are going to get a windfall this year. I'm hesitant to believe it because it doesn't have all our info yet. However, we have decided that if indeed the website is right and we get a nice big refund from the government, we are going to book a last minute vacation to somewhere warm. With the kids.

My favourite baby shoes in the world

2009-01-28T09:53:00.000-05:00

I have to say I have no idea why they make shoes for babies that aren't walking yet. Because honestly there is no way that any baby will keep shoes on its feet for more than a minute or two. Socks are hard enough to keep on tiny toes, let alone shoes! Some of the baby shoes out there are heavy too - its no wonder they fall off when the baby can't even lift its foot up!

When Little Cat was a baby I didn't realize shoes would be impossible to keep on her. Until I tried it. Once she was past the tiny newborn stage and wearing real clothes, and the weather started getting chilly, I kinda figured it was time to put shoes on her to keep her little feet just that much warmer. After many attempts at keeping shoes on, I finally came across my favourite baby footwear of all time. Robeez.

If you've never heard of Robeez its probably because you don't have kids yet. They are the new fashion fad for babies - a leather slipper with stretchy elastic ribbing to keep the shoe on at the ankle. They come in a huge variety of cute colours for girls and boys, with adorable designs on top. I bought Little Cat her first pair of Robeez when she was about 4 months old, and she wore Robeez until she started walking around her first birthday. Baby Cat has been using her big sisters Robeez for awhile now, and I still love them!

Just in case you wanted to know...

2009-01-27T16:50:00.001-05:00

... I take my Tim Horton's coffee Large with Two Cream. Inquiring minds were wondering. So if you ever feel like bringing me a coffee, now you know what I drink. Ha.

Sucked in by the marketing...

2009-01-27T12:13:00.005-05:00

I was in the isle with cleaning supplies the other day. Looking for a stain remover for carpet. You see, Baby Cat has a habit of spitting up all over the place, usually when playing on the floor. And then normally before I can get to her she has managed to explore the puddle of milk with her fingers, grinding it into our carpet. Our carpet is not new by any strech of the imagination, but still, the sight of many, many, spit up stains was starting to get to me.

So there I was, looking at stain removers. They all promised the same thing, removal of stains with perhaps only minor scrubbing required, so hence the dilemma of which to choose? Then I saw it - the OxiClean Carpet stain remover. And all I could think of was the OxiClean guy, Billy Mays. You know, the one from the infomercials? Saying things like "the stain-fighting power of oxygen" and "you don't need a closet full of cleaners!". Recently his informercials for things like ShamWOW and Mighty Putty have made me doubt his credibility... I mean, seriously, who would use putty to put a handle back on a coffee mug?? Still, as I stood infront of the cleaning selection I figured might as well go for the one that looks like it works on the informercial!

So I bought it...

This morning I went ahead and spot treated our carpets. Aside from being slightly smelly, I have to admit that OxiClean did make "Stain Fighting Easy!". You'd never know that there were spit-up spots all over the place before... I suppose Billy Mays knows something about cleaning products after all!

Anywhere warm!

2009-01-25T13:56:00.014-05:00

The end of January is a time to dream of warmer climates. Papa Cat and I have never taken a vacation to a warm place - somewhere with a white sand beack and clear blue water. Like Cuba. Or Cancun. We would love to but either money has been lacking or timing has been off.

This year, yet again, we are discussing the idea of a warm weather vacation. We both need time to get away from the day-to-day stresses, and put our feet up in relaxation. The issue is Baby Cat. I just don't feel comfortable leaving her while we go for a week long vacation somewhere. So we've discussed taking her with us. But then we can't very well leave Little Cat here so we'd have to take her too. And then is it really a vacation if you've got kids along?

Some will argue yes, that its just a family vacation. And I suppose thats true! But we wouldn't be able to take full advantage of an all-inclusive resort type vacation. I mean, we couldn't go parasailing or scuba diving with the kids in tow! And I certainly wouldn't leave them with some unknown local nanny/babysitter while we hit the town at night...

I'm sure it would still be enjoyable, just a different kind of enjoyable. We haven't decided yet if we're going to splurge on it or not. Hmm.... Opinions anyone?

Breakfast for dinner

2009-01-24T13:32:00.000-05:00

Tonight we are having bacon and eggs for dinner. Do you ever do this? Have breakfast for dinner?? I love it... For several reasons.

1. Breakfast for dinner is easy to make

2. It tastes great!

3. You have a bigger appetite at dinner to really eat & enjoy a big breakfast

4. We rarely have time for bacon & eggs at breakfast, so why not do it at dinner instead

5. Its a nice change from standard dinner foods

I am looking forward to it. Yum.

Tons of toys

2009-01-23T13:11:00.001-05:00

If you have kids, you'll know what I mean. The piles of toys. Piles and piles and piles of toys. Where they all come from, I don't know. Well, that's not entirely true... I do know. I could probably tell you exactly where each toy in our playroom came from. And each toy stored downstairs in the "junk" room.

Before I had kids I swore up and down that MY kids would not have tons of toys. I mean, what did kids need an entire toy room for anyhow? When I was growing up we had toys but not piles of them... It was reasonable. We made do. We used our imaginations! I did not forsee the fact that I'd be part of the toy problem.

Obviously we are just past Christmas. A major toy-collection day. And yes, we did spoil the kids. I couldn't resist buying them things because, well we hadn't had too many new toys, especially for Little Cat, in quite awhile. And in all honesty she was getting bored with the things we had. So we spoiled them, and made room in our toy room for all the new stuff. And grandparents spoiled them, which is to be expected. So now our toy room is overflowing. And there is even more piled downstairs.

My problem is this - I can't bear to get rid of things. Toys that are in great shape, or were not cheap, or have been hardly used - it seems so wasteful to just give them away. Besides, what if they want to play with them again at some point? I now understand how parents manage to collect millions of toys. It is just inevitable...

*Sigh*. Perhaps I should just make my peace with the toys. After all, they're only kids once, right?

Free? Well kinda...

2009-01-22T14:43:00.000-05:00

I recently noticed a little sticker attached to my loaf of Dempsters bread. I buy the Dempsters Smart sandwich bread, I suppose because I was suckered into their slogans about goodness of whole grain but the taste of white bread... I figure if I'm eating white bread, perhaps their version of it is slightly better for me?? Probably is more just a marketing ploy, but whatever...

Anyhow, back to the sticker... It advertises a FREE Hamilton Beach Sandwich grill. Simply save 10 bread UPC codes, mail them in and TADA - receive your FREE grill! $70 value!! Oh, and I almost forgot - send in your cheque to cover $15 shipping & handling...

I think I am among the people who can't resist the lure of something free. Even if it isn't really free... So I am currently collecting a little pile of UPC codes cut out of bread bags on the top of my fridge. And as soon as I have 10 I will mail them in, along with my $15 fee, and hopefully get my FREE sandwich grill.

I have no idea how often I will actually use a sandwich grill. On the list of useful items required in a kitchen it is likely near the bottom... Regardless, perhaps it will make a good wedding shower gift for someone one day if I never end up using it. If you're reading this and happen to one day recieve a Hamilton Beach Sandwich grill from me as a gift - consider yourself lucky - I mean, I did go to the trouble of clipping UPC codes and sending in my $15!!

Sunshine and clouds

2009-01-21T11:03:00.002-05:00

I love a sunny day. Today is such a day. You know the feeling... When you wake up, look out the window and see the sunshine peering through the clouds. It puts a smile on my face. Somehow it is easier to face whatever challenges the day will have when the sun is out.

I think it evokes even more feeling when such a sunny day appears in the middle of January. January and February are such cold, dreary months in Canada. Most days are grey or snowy. And this year the amount of snow has been insane already... The sunshine gives hope that spring will be here before we know it.

In just another two months or so we'll have warmer temperatures. The snow will start to melt. The precipitation will be rain helping the grass to turn green again. And the sunny days of summer will be here.... Ahhh.... I can feel the warmth already :)

I love a sunny day.

Obama-ism

2009-01-20T10:04:00.005-05:00

I am not an American. Nor am I African-American. Yet for some reason I have been drawn into watching the coverage of today's inauguration ceremony. Barack Obama has cast such a spell onto the American people - it is hard not to watch. I turned on the news coverage this morning and found myself reacting in an emotional way to the millions of people gathered in Washington for the event. They have such hope for change, for the promises Obama has made...

Here in Canada I am not sure what effect the presidential change will have. Probably not too much really... I think it is simply curiousity that draws me to the event. In my lifetime I have not seen a leader in Canada or the US able to draw such support from such a large majority. To invoke such strong feelings, such emotion. Despite not being American I can't help but feel the same emotion.

The first time I saw Barack Obama was on Oprah a few years back. At that point he had not announced his candidacy for president. But I was already convinced by his speech, his mannerisms, his optimism, that he would be a great leader. Today sees that dream come to fruition.

I hope that the promise of change, of a new day for America, will come true through Obama. I hope that he has the strength to lead the United States through these tough times and that he will be able to live up to the great expectations he has set for himself. I am sure of one thing - the next few years under Obama are sure to be interesting to watch.

On the move

2009-01-19T10:55:00.003-05:00

Baby Cat is getting so big. She is now just over six months old and she amazes me every day with what she can do. Lately she has been trying so hard to get up on her knees and crawl. She can already roll to get anywhere she wants. She pushes up on her arms and turns in circles to get at the toys around her.

I have to laugh because she gets so frustrated reaching for something just inches infront of her hand. Then she pulls up her knees in an attempt to reach it. But rather than inching forward she manages to wiggle backwards instead. Which of course places said object just that much further away from her hand. LOL.

I'm pretty sure she is just a few weeks away from figuring out the whole crawling thing. This will be a new experience for us because Little Cat never did a proper crawl. She did an army crawl starting around 9 months, and then figured out cruising around 10 months. She was walking on her first birthday. I suppose we'll see how life is with a crawling baby shortly!

Disney

2009-01-15T10:14:00.002-05:00

I have come to realize that Disney movies are scary. Just scary. Yes there are princesses. And princes. And the ending to the movies are always happy. But its that middle part that is just plain scary!

Little Cat has just started to become interested in the Disney princesses. So we have rented several movies over the past few weeks and watched them together. As she puts it, the "bad old lady" always appears in the middle of the movies and tries to stop the princess from having a happy life. It wouldn't be so bad if the "bad old lady" wasn't so darn scary!!

Take the Little Mermaid... Now that Ursula is one scary lady! A sea monster who at one point becomes 50 feet tall and towers over poor little Aerial and Prince Eric in the sea, trying to destroy them while thunder booms and the music crashes. Seriously?? What kid doesn't get scared by that??

Or Snow White. Its all fine and dandy with Snow White in the cottage with the cute dwarfs. And then the wicked witch shows up, disguised as an old lady. And what an awful scary looking old lady! With long scratchy fingers, a hook nose, warts, and a hunch back. She is just so mean looking!

And then Sleeping Beauty. With the evil witch who casts a spell on Princess Aurora, and then turns into a mean dragon in an attempt to stop the Prince from reaching the Princess.

They all have the same theme. I almost hate to let Little Cat watch the movies. I hope she doesn't get traumatized by the graphic "bad old ladies" who are just so... so... mean!!!

Timmy's

2009-01-09T10:55:00.003-05:00

Any Canadian will tell you that the most popular coffee place in the country is, by far, Tim Horton's. It seriously almost has cult-status within Canada. So many people just can't function without their "Timmy's" in the morning.

I am among the millions who love a good cup of Tim Horton's coffee. The taste just can't be found at any other coffee shop, or in a cup of home brewed coffee. The mornings I splurge and purchase a cup of coffee from Tim Hortons I just feel better through the day. I have more energy than when I have coffee at home. I feel calmer. I feel more able to face the day.

I don't have a problem paying for a cup of coffee occasionaly. But what does bother me is why exactly Tim Horton's coffee tastes so much better. And can't be duplicated. What exactly do they do to their coffee? I have had this discussion with many people and no one can answer... Some think they add something to their cream... Some think it is their cups. Others think it is their brew stations, or their coffee grinds. One thing I know is that Tim Horton's coffee grinds in a Tim Horton's coffee pot at home, still doesn't taste the same. It can't be their water because the coffee tastes the same in every store and they use city water which is different everywhere.

I don't know what it is... But one thing I do know, I'm addicted. Ha.

Winter in the great white north

2009-01-08T15:58:00.001-05:00

Well, OK, not quite the great white north. But winter in Ontario Canada has so far been very white and very cold. We have huge piles of snow at the end of our driveway. If we get anymore I'm not sure where we'll put it because I can't shovel it any higher! And of course they're calling for another 3cm of snow tonight...

On top of that, we are in the middle of a deep freeze. Its -20 C something today and that doesn't factore in the windchill. I think when that's factored in, its somewhere around -30 C! Absolutely insane.

I am not a fan of winter. The amount of extra clothing required, not just for myself but of course also for the kids, is just a big pain! The cold and snow does not appeal to me. I much prefer the other seasons of the year. And therefore I am officially counting down to spring! Only another 2 or so months until mid-March, when things start to warm up again!

Pacifiers, binkies, soothers...

2009-01-07T09:30:00.001-05:00

Whatever name your family has given them, you know what I'm talking about. The "sleep aid" of so many parents was our saving grace when Little Cat was a newborn. She cried alot so of course we turned to a pacifier to help soothe her to sleep. And she loved it. As she grew older and started to form words, somehow or other her pacifier was named "tee". Her "tee" was with her whenever she went to bed, and it was great.

Now, however, she is almost three years old. And I feel like she has outgrown her "tee". Don't ya think? I always looked down on those parents who walked around the mall with a big kid with a pacifier in their mouth. And I wondered why they just didn't take the thing away and toss it in the garbage because quite OBVIOUSLY their child was too old for a pacifier. Now I am sorry to say I'm one of those parents. Well not quite... Little Cat only has hers in bed, and she knows it. It never leaves her room.

That said, I am trying my darndest to convince her that she is a big girl who no longer needs a "tee" for sleeping. She is not convinced. If there is anyone out there with a method to remove said "tee", I am all for hearing it!

Puppy dog tails

2009-01-06T17:30:00.001-05:00

We are considering getting a puppy. Well, let's rephrase that. Papa Cat would LOVE to get a puppy. I am considering it. I do think a dog would be a nice addition to our family, but I am concerned about the amount of work it would entail. I mean, young puppies don't come housetrained and as I am the one at home, the work of training would most certainly fall to me!

Not that I couldn't handle it... But I do have a 3 year old and 6 month old to care for too! I think Papa Cat has been wanting a dog for a looonnnggg time - he grew up with dogs and has always wanted to get his own. Now we have a big house with a bigger yard and lots of nearby parks and greenspaces, so it does make some sense to get a dog at this stage of our lives. It will be a pet our girls can grow up with. I'm sure they will love it.

I suppose I will agree to the puppy. I might regret agreeing when it actually arrives, though if its cute enough I can probably forgive the endless trips outdoors in the middle of winter. He he he.

More coffee please!

2009-01-05T14:17:00.001-05:00

This year for Christmas I got a new coffee maker. Which was desperately needed, I must add! My old one started doing funky things when you brewed a large pot. Like overflowing all over the counter because the auto-stop feature didn't work anymore. Yikes...

So I got the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go coffee maker. It is truly awesome! It can brew a large pot of coffee into a thermal insulated caraffe which keeps the coffee amazingly hot. Or you can place either one or two travel mugs under the brew station and brew single or double cups to go. I can also use just my regular old coffee mug if I'm staying at home! Did I mention it has a timer function so my coffee is ready to drink right when I get downstairs in the morning?? I love it...

Though I also still love Tim Horton's :)

A new year

2009-01-03T22:12:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of each new year I am always forced to spend at least a few moments in thought about what exactly I am going to accomplish in the upcoming months. The year lies ahead - unknown, like a blank canvas just waiting for the moments of life to paint a beautiful mural. This year, 2009, I have no idea what is in stock.

Currently I am at home with my two girls, and enjoying every moment. I don't plan to return to my old office job but I'm not sure exactly what I do plan to do! On one hand, the current uncertain economic times make me worry about money. Yet I am also trying to just savor these moments when my children are young and I am the center of their universe.

I suppose we will just have to trust that life will continue, we will live, love and laugh, and at the end of this year we will look back and say it was a good one.

Whew!

2008-12-29T19:05:00.001-05:00

Well we made it through Christmas. Always feels like a hectic time of the year... The travel... Late nights... Busy days... Although I love the season, it is nice when it is finally over and we can take down the Christmas tree and get back to our routine.

I am the type of person who thrives on routines. I hate out of the ordinary, days with no schedule and last minute plans. Papa Cat, on the other hand, loves all those things! I personally think the kids do better on a schedule too, though that may just be my super-organized personality talking. LOL.

At any rate, holidays are over for another year. Whew.

Speaking of saving money...

2008-12-12T12:18:00.001-05:00

I got an email today from Pampers diapers with a link to order free coupons. I took them up on it. If you're interested in diaper coupons, visit http://www.save.ca/pampers4_en/. If you're just interested in regular coupons, visit http://www.save.ca/. You can select a wide variety of coupons for every day items - I think in total I ordered $25 worth of savings! Well worth five minutes online :)

Save money the old fashined way

2008-12-10T17:18:00.001-05:00

I read a blog post today that was talking about ways to save money - mainly on groceries. I found it interesting reading, not so much because they were new ideas but because they were things I did know but just haven't done in a long long time. My mom was the queen of saving money. With 5 kids at home and only my dad's salary coming in for many years, she found many ways to pinch pennies. I totally admire her for it too! Most of the things in this article, she has done and many I know she continues to do... I really should take lessons. I do find it funny, though, that the article constantly refers to asking yourself "how did Grandma do things" - lol, more like how did mom do things!!

If you're up for a read, check it out at this website. One thing this article recommends that I do regularly is plan my weeks menu. I do find it is much easier to go grocery shopping from a menu and it makes life easier on a day to day cooking basis too! Tonight we are having ham & potatoes :)

One thing I should really start doing is using up our meal leftovers with a "smorgasbord night"... If you are interested in saving some $$$ definately check out the article. If you're a dutch family member reading this I can pretty much guarantee you do at least half of the things on the list already :)

Picky? Maybe...

2008-12-04T14:15:00.001-05:00

I have come to realize I am picky about strollers... I currently own three (well, four if you count the cheapie umbrella stroller that I've never used) and I'm selling all of them. To go buy another stroller. Crazy you say? Yeah, probably. But honestly, a stroller will make or break an outing with kids. It has to be comfy for the girls and almost more importantly, comfy for me to push.

Here are the strollers I currently have, and the issues with them:

1. Eddie Bauer Stroller - the original "travel system" I got when Little Cat was born.
Problems with it:
- my biggest issue is it squeaks. badly. needs WD40 every time I use it.
- secondly it is large in the back of my car
- finally, it doesn't work for two kids :)

2. Quinny Zapp Stroller - the compact stroller I got when Little Cat was 7 months old.
I love love love this stroller. It is so compact when folded its ridiculous. Plus it is so lightweight and easy to push - its a dream for the mall.
Problems with it:
- well it definately doesn't work for two kids :)
- also, not great off-roading
- it is really just a mall stroller

3. Baby Trend Sit-n-Stand - I just bought this 6 months ago before Baby Cat was born.
This stroller is designed for two kids - younger one in the front seat and the older one on the back sitting board or standing platform. It works great, and Little Cat loves being able to climb off & on. It also carries the baby carseat on the front right now, which is a big plus.
Problems with it:
- biggest issue is that it pushes and turns like a beast. which I think is probably par for the course with most double strollers. its not fun to push...
- second biggest problem is that it folds fairly large (though probably comparable to the Eddie Bauer) and is no where near something we could travel with on an airplane
- third problem is actually the front seat - it is not large and hardly reclines so when Baby Cat is big enough to sit in it she won't be able to fall asleep comfortably...

So where does this leave me? Selling all three. And I am going to splurge for the Phil & Ted double jogger:

I don't know if I'll be getting red. I'm kinda searching the online classifieds to see if I can find a used one because they are not cheap strollers. But it is so multi-functional I think I am sold on the idea. The back seat can be removed so it is just a single jogging stroller. Or the back seat can be placed on the front and the main seat lays flat for a baby to lie sleeping while a toddler sits infront (kinda hard to describe but you can check it out on their website).

This stroller will work now, while Little Cat does want to ride, and in the future when just Baby Cat needs a stroller. It folds up decently and is super comfy and easy to push. I am looking forward to getting rid of all my current strollers and hopefully purchasing the last one I'll ever need! Hmmmmm.... well that's the plan anyhow.

Ray of Sunshine

2008-11-14T16:23:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had a "ray of sunshine" moment on an otherwise cloudy day? Yesterday was like that. The weather was rainy and I woke up still feeling tired. Since I knew we didn't have to leave the house I figured what the heck - I'll not bother to do my hair or makeup or anything. The girls won't care... So after my shower I just threw one of Little Cat's hairbands in and figured that was good enough. The blah outfit fit my mood...

Then I realized we were out of milk. Ugh. We would need to make a trip to the store after all. So breakfast was done, I figured might as well get it over with and started packing up the girls to make a run to the corner store.

There was no way I was going to go into the corner store with a kids hairband in though. I mean, its just the corner store, but still! So I picked up one of Papa Cat's baseball caps and threw it on. Little Cat right away wasn't a fan of this idea. The whole time I was putting her and Baby Cat in the car she kept asking me to take off daddy's hat because she didn't like it. I continued to tell her I'd take it off at home, I was just wearing it for a bit.... The argument got old.

As we pulled out of the driveway she piped up again in the backseat with this ray of sunshine comment: "But mommy, you don't look beautiful in daddy's hat, you looked so beautiful with your hairband!" Right away I had to smile and chuckle and tell her I loved her. The honesty and direct opinion of a two year old is hard to argue with. As soon as we got home I put the hairband back in.

I am amazed every day at the thoughts that come spilling out of Little Cat's mouth. She is, in her own way, so insightful, so smart, so sweet, so much older than her years. I'm sure every parent feels the same way about their own children. When I'm feeling blah she has a way of just being herself that makes me smile.

Time Change? What Time Change?

2008-11-05T12:01:00.001-05:00

The clocks moved back by an hour on the weekend. Would someone please explain that to my children? Before the time change Little Cat would be in bed and sleeping around 7:30 and awake around 7:30 the next morning. Baby Cat was in bed and sleeping around 7:00 and awake around 8:00 the next morning. It was perfect.

Now I can't keep Baby Cat up past 6:00 and she's up at 6:45 in the morning, which totally throws off our entire schedule. It means she goes down for her morning nap earlier and then all naps move earlier and therefore I can't keep her up past 6:00. A vicious circle. I have no idea how to get her out of it! Little Cat isn't so bad. She stays up till 7:00 no problem, but still wakes up early, by 6:30 at the latest. I would prefer an extra hour of sleep in the morning.

Ah well... Hopefully it will improve slowly?

Disclosure

2008-11-03T22:14:00.002-05:00

This policy is valid from 11 November 2008

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Introductions

2008-11-02T14:09:00.000-05:00

In the interest of keeping some semblance of anonymity online, I have decided to "code name" my family members when I blog about them. So, just to keep you in the loop, here are some introductions...

I am Mama Cat... An under-30 stay at home mom to two beautiful little girls. I have decided to forego a promising career in a fast-moving marketing position to enjoy the most formative years of my kids at home. I love to camp in the summer and enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities. I have recently gotten a great camera and hope to improve my photography skills! My favourite subjects are, of course, my kids...

My husband is Papa cat... He is an amazing man, extremely hard working and diligent. He works as an electrician, and shares my love of outdoor activities. He is a great father and his girls adore him... His sense of humour has gotten me through so many rough moments. He is extremely handy, although somehow the lightbulbs in our house never seem to get replaced when they burn out!

I have an almost three-year-old daughter who we'll call Little Cat. She is 3 going on 15. Seriously. She makes me laugh every day, and constantly amazes me with how much she learns all the time. Little Cat has my personality - she is shy in new situations but once she feels comfortable, look out!

The baby of the family is six months old. We'll call her Baby Cat. She is adorable and sweet and growing so big already! Baby Cat has been an amazing addition and melts our hearts with her beautiful smile.

So, that's us! Welcome to our family :)

My Quirky World

So I've been busy again...

Love camping?

Anyone see the resemblance?

Awwww

Where did she go?

Doctor's orders

Am I missing something?

Ahhh Friday

Conversations with a three year old

Not a dog person

Dreaming of falling

I can't believe how much undergarments cost...

Perhaps we'll be famous?

Looking forward to camping!

Look out, here it come!

Random nothings

Been a few days...

Frustrated today

Prices of foreclosed homes are unbelievable!

Menu Monday

Freelance Writing

Organization needed

Grobags are great

Facebook or FA.com

Where do I see myself?

Hey MOM

Carry the torch!

Menu Monday

Walking can be fun!

If you're up for a good cry...

Chew your food before swallowing!

A new addition of the canine variety

Menu Monday

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Naptime is the best time of the day

The scale doesn't lie, does it??

Dear Mr. Snowplow Man

Counting the minutes

Someone who has no experience with children.

*Cough*, *cough*, *cough*

Menu Monday

Church

Working out? Or not so much.

Baking boterkoek was a bad idea

Tax time = fun??

My favourite baby shoes in the world

Just in case you wanted to know...

Sucked in by the marketing...

Anywhere warm!

Breakfast for dinner

Tons of toys

Free? Well kinda...

Sunshine and clouds

Obama-ism

On the move

Disney

Timmy's

Winter in the great white north

Pacifiers, binkies, soothers...

Puppy dog tails

More coffee please!

A new year

Whew!

Speaking of saving money...

Save money the old fashined way

Picky? Maybe...

Ray of Sunshine

Time Change? What Time Change?

Disclosure

Introductions

Cough, cough, cough