FWY with me!

For those of you who were wondering... yes, I did find it funny. That is probably because Dave had already given Blake heck for it and so when I came in to see what was going on, I was already in the pity stage.

I start my job full-on tomorrow. I am a little nervous that it is going to take up any free time I have. I have decided to do an hour before the kids wake up in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening (Mondays I will need to add a couple more hours in there somewhere since it is our busiest day). I have done a little bit of work and it isn't as interesting as I first thought. I have to scan the profiles pretty quickly and it is amazing how quickly I got bored of the whole thing. Time flies though, so that is a positive.

You would not believe how bad some of the spelling/grammar is!!! MOM, you would be completely grey after an hour! Seriously... It doesn't give the good old US of A a good reputation ( I somehow doubt the Canadian version would be quite as bad ;) . I can't even BEGIN to tell you some of the absolutely ridiculous things that people say. You would think they were trying to get people NOT to respond.

I went to the gym this evening. I am proud of myself for keeping it up and can already see some big improvements in my physique. Now if only I could shake the urge for chocolate-peanut butter no bake cookies (absolutely divine).

Sydney has been doing some major substitution in the language department. For some reason, every word that second consonant is an L begins with F. "Mama I want to FWAY (play)", "I'n FWAPPING (clapping) my hands!". It is odd but quite funny.

I swear she gets cuter and cuter everyday.

My Little Artist

Blake got ahold of my red Estee Lauder nailpolish this morning while Daddy was on watch. THIS was the result:




Someone must have been paying attention during Sunday School because Krissy noticed this:





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Dave and Blake are having a boy's day out today. Dave is taking Blake to the model train show at Thanksgiving Point (www.thanksgivingpoint.com) . I am not sure what the "girls" are going to do yet... it is cold outside and Sydney doesn't enjoy the snow very much (just like mommy) so that rules that out. Perhaps we will go get some ice cream... it is Saturday after all!

I had my job training yesterday. It went really well and it seems like it will be a very interesting job. I have a 40 page manual to read this weekend and so far it seems a lot more technical than I originally thought. There were only two other women hired (one of whom's husband works for the company), so I am glad I got it.

Krissy, Jen (my sister-in-laws) and I watched Akeelah and the Bee last night. Very good movie. Heartwearming.

I am ready for the snow to go away, or at least the bitter cold. Being cooped up in the house is hard!!!

Pretty boring.

Tomorrow afternoon I go in for my job training. It should only take about two hours. It is always a little stressful starting a new job, but I am so excited to be making a little money. I hope I get the hang of it quickly.

I took the kids to the library yesterday (one of my favorite places anywhere). The majority of our time spent there always consists of the kids running around like little maniacs and me, with an armful of books, trying balance them and catch the kids at the same time. Any good advice from seasoned mothers out there on how to keep them close to me and from running like wild animals anytime we are out in public?

I checked out a book on positive parenting. So far I really like the ideas. I have tried a little of it with Blake and he seems to really respond to it. I am just so tired of saying "no., don't do that", "don't climb on the table", "Don't throw those cards all over the living room", "Please don't use your sister as a human lance", etc. I feel like I say no all day long and everything is so negative. I am really going to work on changing that this year - and the spanking thing just doesn't work - it is only effective and making me feel guilty and hypocritical for telling him not to hit Sydney...

And Sydney? She is starting to learn from her big brother so the time to act is NOW!

Dave went to a Jazz game and dinner last night with the owner of his company and a couple other deserving co-workers. He had a good time and when he got home last night I was anxious to hear what his conversation was like. I was asking him if he thought there was any possibility of him getting a chance at moving up in the company and he didn't seem to think so. I don't know how they can expect employees to stay for years if there is no possibility of advancement, yet they do. Looks like we will be doing some serious job hunting come spring. It is too bad... he really loves the company and his co-workers.

Sydney's doctor's appointment went really well. She is in the 36th percentile now for height and a little higher for weight. She grew four inches this year in height. She wasn't very good for the doctor though.. she kept telling him she wanted to get down and "I'm cwabby" (she says "I'm crabby!" whenever she wants someone to leave her alone!). The doctor and I both got a good laugh at that. She got a Hep. shot and hardly cried. I think it hurt me more than it did her.

Today I am going to rig up some sort of chore/duty chart for the kids. I want them to take more responsibility in getting themselves dressed, cleaning their rooms, picking up their toys, etc. I know Blake will love it. Sydney is a different child all together. We will see!

Yey!

I got the job! I start training on Friday. Mom, this means Christmas in Canada this year!

Not Too Much...

Besides the fact that lately I have been craving copious amounts of saltines spread with reduced-fat peanut butter, nothing much new to report.

I haven't heard back from that company yet, which I think is odd considering they called every last one of my references...

Sydney has a doctors appointment this afternoon. I am anxious to see where she falls on the growth chart since last time she was in the 105th percentile (for those of you that have not yet had children that means she was really, really tall for her age). It should be interesting to say the least since I am taking Blake along as well. He is fascinated with the fire extinguisher in the lobby and also takes the opportunity of being in a spacious building as a cue to train for a marathon. He runs around and around and around until I have every last person in the building either looking at me with sympathy or looking at me like I am the worst mother EVER.

I am also tempted to ask the nurse if I can weigh myself on their scale (since they are ever so accurate), but I won't - it might be a tad too obnoxious.

I love Sydney's short haircut. In fact, I really don't want it to grow out. The only problem is, unless I blow dry it with a roundbrush, it looks a little ragga-muffin-ish. Sydney thinks that the blow dryer is a device created specifically to torture her so it always results in a wrestling match with me trying to convince her that it is "only warm wind!". I think that I might be creating a phobia of hair dryers.

Must go... something stinks and it sure isn't me. I actually got a shower in this morning!

WOO-HOO

From my journal tonight...

Dearest Sydney,
Tonight I just have to write to you, to tell you how much I love you at this very moment! You just came walking out of your room, a sleepy, smiley two year old with a little bob haircut and blue fleece pajamas. You stood in your doorway until I came over and you said "hi mum". I picked you up and you wrapped your arms and legs around me and snuggled into that space between my shoulder and neck. You looked so beautiful with your "just woken", rosy cheeks and your ever red, bow shaped lips that both daddy and I can never resist kissing. I said "my pretty baby" and strained my neck back so I could see your face. You gave me a coy little look and when I asked you to "show me your pretty face" you broke out into a funny little smile that melted my heart and made me hug you tighter. I rocked you for a moment in my arms until you pointed at your little crib mattress laid on the floor beside our bed (the one you climb into, in the middle of every night without fail). I gently laid you down on it and watched you for a few minutes. You took your little pointer finger and gently scratched your nail along your soft cheek over and over; the way you always do when you are sleepy or thoughtful. I laid my head lightly on your shoulder, breathed in the sweet smell that is yours and just felt happy. You said something about "a princess" (the only thing you talk about these days are ballerinas and princesses). I gave you what must have seemed like a thousand gentle kisses on your little lips, soft cheek and neck and thought that I would get out this journal that I neglect so badly and write about you.

Why? Because you need to know someday how much this one simple moment meant to me. How blessed I feel to have such a beautiful little girl as my daughter. How completely happy one hug or look from you can make me.
You need to know that I cherish all of these moments. That both your father and I just wish we could freeze time and keep you just like this, forever and how it breaks our hearts to think of you ever growing up.

You area a funny and girly. Sweet and yet so sure of yourself and what you want, (or who you decide you don't like!). I love the way you prance around the house in your "princess dresses" and pink play high heels with the marabou feathers (you love the clicking sound they make on the hardwood floor). I love the way you tell Blake "I'm cwabby" when you have just woken up from your nap and want him to leave you alone. I love it when you tell me, "mommy you so funny!", or how easily you say you're sorry, even when you've done nothing wrong.
You are such a precious spirit and I feel like the luckiest woman ever, because I know you. I knew from the first moment I held you in my arms that I would be madly in love with you my whole life. And even though I know it is inevitable, I can only hope that you never change. You are perfect at this very moment.
I love you my sissy...

Love,
Mama.

Back in the Saddle

Well, wish me luck folks. Tomorrow I have a job interview! If I get the job, I would be working for a company that owns several popular dating sites and others. I would do the job from home, going through profiles that have been submitted, to make sure that they are appropriate and legit. I really hope I get it. The hours would be really flexible which is perfect with the kids... and Dave said I could use the money for whatever I please. Besides getting my eyebrows waxed a little more regularly and perhaps some highlights put in, I am sure I will be spending most of it on the kids, the family, and flying to Windsor to see my sweet Osmer's (and of course two brand new peanuts that will be arriving this summer to Alyssa and Sue! Congrats again guys!).

Of course, I am sure that I will have lots of good laughs from reading some of the things people will write in an attempt to find true love. What an interesting job this could be!

I am pretty proud of myself these days. I have begun a change of lifestyle as far as my eating habits are concerned. Healthy, low fat, low calorie foods that won't add to my waistline but WILL add to my health. I have also started going back to the gym and with the help of our ipod I feel very motivated. Never before have I felt so in control of my own body, and I find it really has lifted my spirits to be in charge again instead of letting those cravings be the boss.

I have a little extra motivation since Virginia (Dave's mom) and I have made a little wager. First person to lose 20lbs by April 15th will recieve $50 from the other. Even though it will be nice to win and gloat (don't worry Mom Weekley, I WILL win!), I feel more motivated by knowing that the power is in my hands to have the same figure that I did when Dave met me, maybe even better. That I can love myself in my skinny clothes again.

The true test will be tonight when Dave and I are at dinner with our friends Rod and Staci. I have always made the restaurant excuse that if I am paying for it it is going to be good... but today, I really feel like I am not going to sacrifice my good week in the name of taste and cravings. It just isn't worth it to me anymore. Plus, we are eating Korean which will give me many healthier options.

Dave is also watching what he is eating and hitting the gym very early in the mornings. It makes me sick how easy it is for him to lose those few extra pounds and get so "buff". Three weeks in and there is already a hugs difference... with me however, I know I am in it for the long haul. Hopefully for a lifetime.

We will be setting a better example for the kids, which in this day, is very important.

I am not calling it a resolution, more of a goal for life. I already feel better. And it will be nice when Blake won't be able to poke my middle and say "Mommy, you have a fat tummy!".

Martha Stewart Look Out!

Well, I was feeling kind of crafty yesterday. My good friend Marina had her baby girl that day, (Welcome Madison!), and I decided that I would make her a baby blanket. I must say it turned out very well and I am proud of all my straight seams! It is hard to find nice big, double layered flannel blankets these days... they were my favorite for my babies. I think I will just start making a bunch and keep them for occasions like these. I loved getting them after all, and Blake still uses his that my dear friend Angela made, and that Grandma O gave him!

I have been researching online how to make a tutu for Sydney. Can you believe that some people actually sell directions on ebay for between $12-$15!!! I got a great deal on some tulle at Wal-Mart and it was a cinch to make although it took a little time. Look out to all my friends with little girls... you know what you will be getting for their next birthday!

Sydney seems to like it although she still prefers her "princess dress" over the skirt. I will put it away for awhile and take it out at a later date.

I am thinking perhaps I need to sell those on ebay... people are charging $20.00 for them and I could charge a lot less and perhaps make a profit. We will see. The wheels in my mind seem to be turning as of late, trying to think of ideas for a home or internet based business. Any ideas?

Too much time with mommy.

Today I was getting ready, Blake came out of my closet wearing a pair of my high healed shoes. Actually one of each from two different pairs, but that is beside the point. He came out looked up at me and said:

"Mommy, when I get big like you, and get married at the temple, I can wear shoes like this!"

My response was:

"Those shoes are for girls Blake. You get to wear shoes like daddy!"

His response:

"When I get big, I can get married and my girl can wear shoes like this."

NOOOOOOOO, it is too soon. You are never, ever going to leave me for another woman. No one could love you as much as I do...

okay, one day I know I will have to let him go, but I have a long time to NOT think about it. Some days though, it seems like it is all going much too fast.

And of course, when I am trying to prepare dinner and they are both at my heels screaming for milk, climbing up on the counters, pushing each other and generally being little monsters... I think that it seems soooooo far away.

Dave is back in school which means I am a single mom again. You can't imagine how much I am looking forward to him graduating, and being able to help me to put the kids to bed at night (and give me a night out with the girls once and awhile).

Someone tell everyone in the house that pizza and peanut butter bars are NOT part of our New Year's Resolution to loose weight. It is sabotage I tell you!

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY EMILY! (I am a little late, it was Sunday). You have turned into such a beautiful girl, both inside and out... Utah is ready for you to knock em' dead!

NOT ME!

Sydney and Blake were fighting and screaming at the bottom of the stairs on Saturday which prompted me to yell down, "okay, who wants a spanking?"

From the bottom of the stairs in Blake enthusiastically yells "Sydney does!"

Start Spreadin The News

Blake told Dave and I today that when he "growed up" and "got big" that he would go "wiv in New Wowk" (New York). Don't ask because truly, I have no idea.

Chocolate Surprise.

My poor children. They inherited my addiction to chocolate.

This morning, I spent a little too much time upstairs and when I called down the stairs to see what the kids were up to, of course, my call was met with silence which guarantees trouble.

I walked down. No kids in the living room, No kids in the bathroom (thank goodness), No kids in the... wait a minute. I look under the bed and there they are, the two little chocolate bandits. They had taken the entire box of ferrero roche chocolates Adam sent and were devouring them under the bed. Blake had also managed to find a stash of chocolate coins that we had hidden away (I swear he has a chocolate radar!) and Sydney, not having the dexterity to open the bag, just decided to start chewing on them through the mesh bag.

There was chocolate everywhere. Except on Blake. He is getting good at not getting food all over himself when he eats. Sydney on the other hand...

This is what Sydney looked like before I dumped her into the tub:

(click on this photo to see a larger image)

Now if that isn't the face of trouble, I don't know what is.

In the dumps.

I am definitely experiencing the post holiday blues at the moment. Today I woke up thinking "not another day of laundry and cleaning and whining babies!", I know, I know, great attitude! I called my friend Staci who is always able to relate and she made me feel better simply by letting me know that she has been having those days too.

Don't get me wrong, I love being a mommy, but most of the stay at home monotony is quite hard for me to LOVE. Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way... no one will love them or care for them the way that I do, and of course, I get to see all of their funniest and cutest moments.

I would have missed Sydney's insisting on wearing her Barbie snow boots with her ballerina skirt all morning. Luckily I was able to coax her out of it before we went on sabbatical to Carl's Jr. for lunch (A big slip in the New Year's resolve to eat better!).

I would have missed Blake helping Sydney on the higher levels of the play equipment by pulling her by the arms, all the while reassuring her "you can do it Syn! (he can't quite say Syd), common' you can do it!".

Just recently, Blake and Syd have discovered wrestling. This pretty much consists of Blake putting Sydney in a headlock and violently dragging her down to the ground while she laughs hysterically and I cringe at the thought of whiplash. She seems to love it though, and she gets in some pretty good tackles herself. I swear I saw her actually clothesline him the other day!

They also think it is funny to take off their shirts (I hope to staunch this practice before Syd reaches the age of 9) and run around the house at warp speed. Someone inevitably runs into a wall and ends up in tears. I am constantly amazed that neither of them has suffered a serious injury warranting an emergency room visit yet.

We got a present from little/big brother Adam in the mail today. A robot for Blake, a littler Mermaid desk for Syd and chocolates for me. I mean, for Dave and I BOTH. Right. That really brightened my day, he is such a thoughtful guy! I really miss being able to see them all the time. It was so nice to be in Calgary all together for Katie's wedding (I will post some of those pics here soon...). Maybe one day.

Well, the kids are napping and I am going to use this time to crack open that box of chocolates and watch house hunters (a girl can dream can't she?).

It's Potty Time!

Well, today I decided that it was time for us to get serious about Sydney's potty training. We bought some princess underpants (because she likes to remind us all the time that she is a princess...) and dragged out the little potty and some candy as rewards.

I am not looking forward to cleaning up the upcoming messes but I am hoping that she catches on a little faster than Blake did.

Here is a pic of Sydney 'practicing'.



Now if I can only teach her that toilet paper is not a bathroom decoration.

Sweetly Slumbers

I walked into our room on Christmas day, where Syd, Blake and Daddy were all taking a nap. There she was, curled up in his arm. This is why he can never say no to her or yell at her...

She really looks like a doll when she sleeps, Dave on the other hand...

I can't resist a good snuggle either sometimes.

In the beginning.

Well, a new blog. Clean and unblemished. Ready for the ramblings of a bored, stay at home mom with a big imagination and the desire to waste lots of time writing nonsense.

A place for friends and family from afar to keep in touch.

Now I just have to think of brilliant and entertaining things to say...

don't be too anxious for it.