Pictures from AZ

Two posts in one day! Wow! Here's a few pictures of the last week!

Mason in his element at the pool. We can't believe his toes aren't webbed together yet. And those ears... We'll be lucky if they don't need to be pinned after 18 days.

Happy little girl, also doing exactly what she loves.

Our little Arizona house.

The girls. Notice the blanket and long sleeves...

Our little family on Mummy's bday...

Poor little girl... She does however understand what 'don't touch a cactus' means now. (and we only had to spend about 15 minutes pulling out thorns)

Last nights moonlight walk up Superstition Mountain. It was a very neat experience. How lucky we were to be apart of the last walk of the season!

One Week In

We've been in Arizona for a whole week. I'm wearing shorts, capri pants and flip flops. I've lathered myself in sunscreen (and the kids too of course, that needs to be done multiple times a day). I've been the the pool about 5 times, though I haven't actually been IN the pool. I've been to my favorite little bakery, I've been to Target. (sadly, only once so far on the Target front) I've driven to 2 golf courses (and they are really spectacular in the desert). I've held my own on the 202 (freeway) where you quickly learn to travel WITH the traffic, or become a statistic. I've bought some shorts, t-shirts and dresses. I've been to Ross and TJMaxx. I've hit the Nordstrom Rack, and know the gems that can be found there because of a trip to Seattle in 2005. I've mooched through Pottery Barn kids, I've drank some margarita's. I've celebrated my 40th birthday, and realized that just because my driver's license says 40, my brain says 25. I've made some good buys. I've steared clear of scrapbooking related things (yay for me!) I've taken lots of pictures. I've pulled dozens of cactus thorns out of Maddy's little hands (a big step for learning there) I've seen cactus wrens, mourning doves, hummingbirds, grackles and killjoys, though still waiting patiently for a road runner. I'm skirting carefully around a 500 sq ft space with the other 3 people I live with (though not well). I've stared at Superstition Mountains and seen thousands of cacti. I also still wish Costco had a change room! All that and only one week in!

Ar EE zona

We made it. Not too much to report, but I can report that even with a proper dose of gravol Mason still puked on the plane. Nice. Barry was sitting beside them, and I have to say that after a number of plane rides, he finally hit the puke bag! Nice for those sitting around us any way.

We got a couple of pool days in, and today the skies opened up. Kind of a bummer. I have NEVER scene Arizona so lush. That's right, I just just used the word lush... I'll post pics of the greenery when I can!

For Today - March 20th 2010

Outside my window... It's dark outside. It's night. It's getting late. I need to go to bed.

I am thinking... I'm hoping tomorrow's airport experience will go smoothly. It doesn't always run smooth with little one's in tow.

I am thankful for...the opportunity to go and spend a few weeks down in the hot Arizona sun.

I am wearing...Jeans and a t-shirt and a pullover. [And I'm shivering]

I am remembering... So many last minute things that will have to be done in the morning.

I am going... To Phoenix...I'm leaving on a jet plane....

I am currently reading...Just finished, tonight, a book Secrets to Happiness.

I am hoping... that my kids won't puke on the plane tomorrow.

On my mind... What have I forgotten, if anything for tomorrow...

Noticing that...If I didn't get the kids sorted out, they wouldn't be coming with very much stuff.

Pondering these words... From Ali Edwards blog... a quote on her blog this week that said "There is no right or wrong way to preserve your memories" Rock on girl!

From the kitchen... Very slim pickings right now. Lots of condiments though!

Around the house... Things are actually tidy and ready for our departure.

One of my favorite things: Sitting at the airport, after we've cleared customs with a DECAF skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks, reading through a new magazine, while the kids play their DS games.

From my picture journal...

10 on the 10th - March 2010

1. We had a visit from the tooth fairy this week. Guess who lost ANOTHER tooth. Such a cutie patootie.
2. My brother came over for dinner this week, and we 'skyped' my Mum & Dad. I can't believe how quickly you revert to a 5 year old. Making faces at the camera, gesturing each other... At one point I began to speak as though the connection was breaking up... It was beyond hilarious. Chris and I had tears spilling down our cheeks. The reaction in AZ... My dad said I don't know what the hell she's saying.... Which in case you're wondering, made it EVEN funnier...

3. The weather has been so nice, that the sudden shift in the wind, and clouds in the sky made us a bit crabby. We are SO ready for spring around here. My garden acutally has green things poking through... Sweet mother of pearl.

4. Another person in the family that is having a hard time getting used to the space in his teeth. Every time I look at him, I can't believe my baby is growing up! He hasn't started to lisp yet, but once the next one goes, it should be funny.



5. My girls and I watched Jason and Molly's wedding on TV Monday night. It was fun. The company was great, the snacks yummy. But I am NOT getting invested in any more reality shows. I'm done. Seriously. I've watched the last one. [Stop laughing at me, I mean it]


6. Madelyn decided to color. She was wearing her Spider hat and her little doggie back pack. [The one that she wears when we go to busy places like airports. Because this child is not afraid of getting lost. She LOVES the back pack, which helps. She doesn't think that wearing it is punishment at all. Lucky us.

7. I registered the kids for soccer today. Both kids... Yes, I remember what spring has been like for the past 4 years. This is what the kids wore last season to one of Mason's last games in JUNE. Crikey, what am I doing? 4 nights a week...

8. I registered the kids for summer camps as well today. Registration started on Monday. Seriously folks... It would be nice to get rid of all the snow before we start focusing on Summer activities.

9. We are on the official countdown for Arizona. I hope the weather smartens up. I have SO MUCH to do before we go. I've got lists all over the house.

10. I'm working on invites for Madelyn's 5th birthday. My hope for the 5th year, is that she and I can get along a little bit better. Right now, I can't believe she hasn't packed her bags and just plain asked me to take her to the gypsies. EVERYTHING with her is a battle. I'm at a complete loss. I feel like a beaten dog.

Back on Our Feet

Well, it took us 4 days. 4 long very long days. But we seem to be back on our feet again. The verdict? Just a virus the doctor informed me today. Ears fine, throat fine, lungs fine, everything fine. Everything that is, except that awful rattly wet chest cough... But it too seems to be rearing it's ugly head less and less.

This weekend was so nice. It was sunny and warm-ish (I mean, c'mon it was 12° after all, absolutely balmy). But watching the news last night, we saw a new 'system' making it's way eastward from the pacific coast. And right on target, the wind suddenly changed direction and started blowing hard and cold from the north. Ughhhhh. I know that spring like weather in February and March is too good to be true, but darn it, we deserve it! I'd love to see green grass, green leaves and flowers blooming. But Mother Nature seems to be blowing hard, and it is supposed to snow a little tonight. But I'm elated to say, that the snow on our front street in front of our house, and most of the way up the street is completely gone. I thought we might have snow and ruts until July. This is what it looked like in January.

Seriously, a small car could have been devoured.

We're a bit bummed out around here. Both our cars were 'broken into' last night. Now I say 'broken into' like that, because it would appear that we left them unlocked. Stupid... My car had NOTHING in it, except my 15 year old sunglasses, a cell phone charge cord and loose change for parking meters, shopping carts, the occasional Tim Horton's Iced Capp... Today it still has my 15 year old sunglasses (man, do I get good use out of stuff or what?) and my cell phone charger. The car was void of ANY loose change. Again, our dumb fault, but still annoying. Barry's car too was robbed of loose change, and unfortunately his GPS, major bummer. He also found a jacket of his up the street. It is our fault, and it's really a dumb way to lose your stuff, but having windows smashed would SO have sucked. Lesson learned.

On a happier note, this sweet drawing is on our driveway and will be as long as not too much snow accumulates. Madelyn and our babysitter drew it with chalk last week on nice warm afternoon. Maddy's heart is on the right, and Alisha's on the left. Madelyn adores her, and Ali feels exactly the same way back. It's pretty cute.

Sick Kiddo

Madelyn has woken up again with her chesty wet cough, only this morning it includes a fever... I can't believe how helpless a sick little person can make you feel. When you're convinced you can 'do it all' [and let's face it, all you Mum's out there know EXACTLY of what I speak] This predicament certainly throws you for a loop. Not to mention changes your plans in an instant! So she's on the couch, watching TV, and it will likely be what she does most of the day...

This is a picture of the two of them on Thursday night, coloring on the same picture. The whole one is left-handed and the other right-handed sometimes works out fantastic!

I KNEW he'd Pick Her...

I'm referring to the Bachelor of course. You know, Jake. I just KNEW he'd pick Vienna. It was almost like I new Andrew Firestone would pick Jenn... {But let's face it, she was such a doll} Jenn that is, not Vienna. It might come as a bit of a surprise, but I don't actually know either of them, Jenn or Vienna. But I do know that I struggle with my judgments a bit. I hope that Jake and Vienna are blissfully happy. I hope their life turns out to be the fairytale that 9 wks of reality TV conjured up. I seriously hope this fella can plan a romantic date... Like seriously, what a let down... You go to the most magical places, and see the greatest sights. You've got all your dates lined up for you, you really can't go wrong. He's got some high standards to live up to. Let's hope he doesn't disappoint.

Now, onto other news... Last years Bachelor SUPER-Shocker.... You know, when Jason picked Melissa, but then dumped her on After the final rose, and hooked back up with Molly... Does that spark any thing? My gals and I, made a night of it, we were completely caught off-guard...

Well, next Monday night, Molly & Jason are getting married. So my girls and I will again be getting together to oohhhh and ahhhhh over what goes on. [If the truth be told, it will be A LOT about the snacks]

I also heard on the news today, and by news I mean e-talk daily... That Jake (our dear bachelor) will be one of the new contestants on dancing with the stars. Hilarious... Wonder how his job as a pilot is going these days... It just might be worth watching, which is pathetic, because lately it feels like things revolve a bit too much around what's on TV. It's a winter phenomenon... Spending WAY TOO MUCH TIME watching crap on TV. I'm always glad when spring comes, and we can get outside more.

We're on an Arizona count down around here. We'll be heading south towards the end of the month. Looking forward to flip flops, tank tops and capri pants.

The 1st of March

It is hard to believe that we've already hit March 1st. It seems like I keep blinking, and it's a new day.

I dare say, the weather has been delightful around this neck of the woods. I know, I know, I shouldn't say that out loud. But Mr. Groundhog apparently DID NOT see his shadow this year, which is supposed to mean, an early spring. Check it out HERE. [fingers crossed please for an early spring] I think we're due. I would be immensely over joyed, to not have to put on a toque one more time this year. I won't feel bad if we didn't have to pick up a snow shovel again. (Or scrap car windows or let cars run for 15 minutes before you leave the house) The older I get, the more I feel the chill, and the happier I am to stay indoors. Which is kind of funny to say. We used to be avid skiers growing up. LOVED to go tobogganing. Had fun at outdoor rinks. But even with the Uggs, my feet get cold. So I'd love to say GOOD-BYE winter, and hello spring.

And it's especially easy to get into the mood, when you can pick up lovely tulips like these while you're standing in line at the grocery store. So lucky!


We were back to skating lessons this weekend. We did this session of lessons at the U of C - Olympic Oval. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Since January, we've seen numerous speed skating competitions, and I'm sure some of the Olympic athletes were there practicing. It gave the kids a sense of what speed skating is all about. The whole Vancouver 2010 thing was awesome, and we all got totally caught up in it. Talk about Canadian pride.

Here's the girl:

Here's the boy:

Here's the two of them, standing by the torch burning outside the Oval. So neat to see. For those of us that fondly remember the '88 Olympics in Calgary, we've enjoyed getting caught up in the excitement again. This might be the last time we see the games so close to us. It was great to experience it with the kids.

On to the MOST IMPORTANT topic of today. Tonight is the finale of The Bachelor... If you haven't watched it this season, treat yourself tonight. It's like a car crash. I guarantee that you will not be able to stop yourself from watching it, once you start. My bet is.....[drum roll] He picks Vienna...And I'm betting it doesn't last. There, that's my prediction. She's not exactly what I'd call 'marrying material'. {Which is the ENTIRE reason I thought he came on the show...} But who knows... Let's face it, you see one smidgen of the real thing. And maybe they'll be blissfully happy. I hope who ever he chooses, that they'll be happy together. And I'm SO glad that I don't EVER have to go through the dating scene again. Thanks honey!!