Mystery solved...

For those wondering where in the world I've been... I am still having computer issues! Grrrr - so not impressed! I've been having a terrible time actually trying to 'log in' to blogger and thought that it was due to some changes they made etc. BUT I can log in no problem on my sister's and my parents' computer, so obviously my computer is the one to blame. I have soooo much to post so it's really been annoying :) My new babe isn't even the reason I haven't blogged! (thanks to my sister for submitting a couple baby entries for me)

Here's a quick re-cap: Cole is a little gem and we love having him in our family. Nights are still lacking big-time in the sleep dept but it's only temporary & I'm happy to report that things are already improving!!! Liam continues to be the mischievious one in the family (or maybe curious is a better description) and gets into something everyday! His most recent event was starting a fire in the toaster! He put the paper head of a turkey that Ethan had made for Thanksgiving, in the toaster and turned everything on... I found him standing beside the counter observing his 'baking' (AKA turkey roasting) Aaaahhhh! Jackson loves his new baby and coos over him, calling him "Cutie baby Cole". He also still loves preschool & looks forward to it everyday... even though it's only two days a week! Ethan approached me a few days ago and told me that he had "good news" - I found out that TWO loose teeth were the reason for his excitement :) Stay tuned for the tooth fairy report!

PS: Happy Birthday to my cousin MAREN :)

Family Picture

My mom was here for about 2 weeks and the day before she left, we got her to take some family pics of us... here's one of my faves (or one of the ones that kinda turned out considering how cold of a day it was!)

Our New Baby

Cole Maverick made his appearance at 4:05pm on Sunday, October 14th, 2007, weighing 9lbs, 2 oz. and is about 20 1/4 inches long. We got home around 6:30pm last night and everyone is doing great! Cole and mommy still need to have a 'talk' about sleep but otherwise he's a pretty good little guy and is already adored by the big brothers!

Not MIA...

No worries.... I'm not missing in action! I've had an incredible cold/cough that's been going on for almost two weeks now and have been feeling downright miserable. At my doctor's appointment today though, he granted drugs so I'm a happy camper.... if they work that is! Also, my computer decided to crash on me again so I'm back to the good 'ol laptop which isn't my favourite!

On a more positive note... Jackson is LOVING preschool and I'm sure would be thrilled if he could go every day! Yesterday, he went on his first field trip to the pumpkin patch and was so excited to ride on a school bus and bring home a pumpkin! Ethan is a gem and always asks, "how did school go today Jackson? What did you do?" Ethan has no school tomorrow, due to 'goal-setting' conferences, so we get to go and meet his teacher. I've talked to the principal re: catching the bus and I guess they informed her that it was a definite 'no' - bummer! She did tell me though that she thinks Ethan enjoys school because he's always smiling and seems happy. Bonus! He's also never once complained about or even mentioned the full school days - for kindergarten he just went half days. In the mornings, he's always anxious to get out the door and asks 100 times, "am I gonna be late?" (his biggest worry) On that note... it's time to go and pick him up!

Holiday 2007 Swap Cards

Check out my swap slideshow to the left. Once again, I participated in a card swap with my up-line gals... a great way to share creativity and put cards on my display board!!! Some of these cards are using stamp sets from the Holiday Mini Collection 2007, available September 1st to November 30th and others are just Christmasey sets from the Fall ~ Winter Collection 2007

Cards - all shapes & sizes...

Here's some cards I've made in the last little bit... the first two are little 3X3 cards and the last two are standard size.

Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set & coordinating paper

Both Way Blossoms stamp set, Prints Paper, Spritzer Tool, So Saffron, Rose Red & Always Artichoke ink/paper, Aqua Painter... all three are similar cards but have a little individuality!

Jackson's party

So if it wasn't enough to have a party on Saturday night, I hosted another one on Sunday afternoon! Jackson's birthday isn't until October 5th, which is right when the baby is due... so I joined forces with my friend, Lauren and we had Jackson and Jake's 4th parties together. She is also expecting her fourth babe, so it was great for both of us to pool our resources, energy and time!!! I took care of the decorations, pinata and goodie bags, while she brought the munchies, drinks and cake (made by her sister-in-law). We rented a rec centre, where the kids got to play for an hour on climbing structures, slides, ball pit, drive in cars etc, and then we went up to the 'party room' for an hour! Originally, Jackson wanted a "Curious George" party but there was nothing in the stores, so we decided to go with his love of "Buzz Lightyear" and I just improvised with using his Buzz toy, the color 'lime green' and then I was able to find a Buzz pinata and also a stamp, which I stamped on the goodie bags and napkins (using 'Staz-On' black ink so that the color didn't run when wet). Watching the kids with the pinata was a riot and although one picture looks awfully dangerous (Liam's head), no children were injured during the pinata abuse! Buzz Lightyear got decapitated but fought a good fight, with mommy finally having to intervene because he just wouldn't break!!! I was a little concerned that Jackson might be devastated with Buzz getting busted but nothing was ever said, so he obviously realized the pinatas purpose from the last party we went to! Now.... I'm off to put party supplies away for a few months!

PS: guess what showed up in the stores THIS week?!? Yep - Curious George! Stay tuned for Liam's party in May :)

Ethan's party

Last night, we had Ethan's 6th birthday party at the bowling alley! It was a little chaotic for me but I think the kids had fun! Originally when Miles told me he was going to be away for the weekend, he gave me a different date, otherwise I probably would not have attempted this on my own!!! Secondly, with or without Miles' help, I probably would do this differently next time... like maybe have a party at home and take TWO kids bowling - not twelve of them, ages six and under! Thankfully a few other parents stayed and helped out, so all went well for the most part.

I love the 'action' in this picture - everyone doing their own thing!

Opening gifts and getting spoiled BIG time!

Ethan with his cake (and wearing part of a new pirate costume!)

Jackson watching his ball roll down the lane..... all the kids rolled their balls painfully slow :)

Ethan bowling

The melting pirate cake! I had great intentions of making some adorable pirate cupcakes but time was running out so we called on Safeway for help in this dept!!!!

My 'CAT scan'

Yesterday, I had a doctor's appointment and Ethan heard me say something about it as I was getting the boys into the truck.

Ethan: "you have a doctors appointment today?"
Me: "yes"
Ethan: "for what?"
Me: "just a routine baby check up"
Ethan: "are you going for a CAT scan?"

I've never had a CAT scan... don't know how he even knows the word? Maybe he's thinking of an ultrasound? Regardless - kids don't miss much!

Some cards...

A friend of mine had her 29th birthday on September 6th, so I made a card and took her three fun sunflowers (I got myself some too!) - very bright & cheery! The boys have been to a couple parties lately as well, so these are the cards I made for their little friends (nothing too fancy but served the purpose!)

Another first day!

Wednesday, September 5th was Jackson's first day of preschool. He's at the same school and has the same amazing teacher that Ethan had, so we're thrilled to have "Mrs. D" back in our lives! Jackson, on the other hand, is not so sure about this adventure! The first day was basically a parent/teacher meeting and the kids went to the 'little gym' to ride on cars, throw balls around etc... he wasn't going to stay but after a nice bribe, he finally consented! Monday will be is real "first day" so I'm remaining hopeful that all goes well...

"My TWO Jackson's"

When the teacher sent out a letter in the summer, she included a blank piece of paper for them to draw a picture of themselves on... they draw another one at the end of the year and both pictures are displayed at their graduation so we can see the progress they've made!

Carnival

Last Saturday, I took the kids around the corner to the Apostolic Church carnival - a great way to celebrate September!!! Here are a couple highlights, in addition to hotdogs, popcorn, pop and suckers!!!

This was one of those big air slides - you climbed up one side & slide down the other. The kids all cooperated and lined up to take their turn but Liam was so quick, he'd slide down and whip right back up again before we could catch him! There was a grandma 'manning the station' & I got a kick out of watching her trying to explain to him that he had to line-up... I wasn't going up after him! I did grab him when I could and held him in line... then he'd stay up at the top and think it was hilarious to watch the other kids go down but every now & then we'd have them give him a little push!!!

Ethan rode these horses last year but this was Jackson's first horse-ride (ever) I think. He wanted to go but not by himself, whereas Ethan would have rathered to be on his own! Thankfully he tolerated his little bro, who had a death grip on him at first but eased off as time passed & he relaxed!

Ethan on his own finally - he picked the brown horse

Jackson on his own with much more confidence than the first ride!

What I do in a day...

Just in case anyone wonders what I do all day, I'm giving you a glimpse into 'life with a two year old!" He's been in his new bed (AKA the bottom bunk) now for two weeks - this transition is going much better than I anticipated but we still have our moments! He was up a lot the first night but each night seems to get better! One night though, he kept getting up and finally I sent Miles in to 'deal with him'... we didn't hear from him again BUT when we checked on him before we went to bed, he was no where to be found (not in the closet, not on the top bunk, not in our bed, not back in the crib) until of course we checked UNDER the bed! He had taken a couple blankets with him and was peacefully asleep! I did move him back to bed just incase he sat up in the night and smoked his head - had visions of the cartoon character with 'stars' buzzing around his head!

Then he's climbed on the counter two days in a row... dumped out the cocoa powder, rearranged the knives in the knife block, dumped out the sugar, gave the salt & pepper a shake... mixed together just enough things that I had to wash some extra dishes and wipe down the cupboards. The floor was also fun - great to walk on when you didn't see the mess at first & lovely to sweep up! Aaahhh! But the moment I brought out the camera, he puts on the biggest "CHEESE" session & becomes quite proud of his accomplishments!

Prego Momma

This picture is for all those afar needing a belly update! I saw a t-shirt awhile back that read, "Not all things in Saskatchewan are flat"... so there you have it! Only a few weeks to go - yay! (this picture is at about 7 months)

Grade One!!!

Well I have no idea where the summer went... I know we accomplished lots and have blog entries to prove it, but everyone I talk to agrees that this was one of the "fastest summers" ever! Last week when I told Ethan that he goes back to school on Wednesday, he said, "what about the summer - it can't be over yet!?" So Wednesday came and he started grade one! MY question is "where did six years go - he can't be in school full time yet!?" He had a good day and I even registered him in the lunch program so that I don't have to load everyone up for a third/fourth trip to get him at noon and return him again... so that's a bonus :) I was denied my special request for the bus this year but got a surprise phone call from the principal this afternoon saying that she got a copy of the letter and was going to see if she could do anything for me... that would seriously be reason for a happy dance!

Camping

We just got home from about 8 days of camping at Candle Lake. Miles' older brother and family have a cabin there and we were able to visit them at the same time (we camped at the nearby provincial park). This past year, they cut down close to 3,000 trees so the campground had lost a lot of it's beauty from last year. When I called to reserve a site though, I requested trees if possible and as close to the main bathroom as possible (it pays to have three little kids and be pregnant at times like these!) To our surprise, our request was granted and we ended up with a great site! Now if I had only requested nice weather... what was I thinking!? The weather was nice for two afternoons of the entire trip and of course the sun shone on our drive home! Miles helped his brother with building and siding a new shed (at the cabin), so many hours were spent 'over there' which was a blessing due to the crummy, cold, windy, rainy conditions.... one can only spend so much time in a tent trailer! It was great to visit and spend time with cousins. Miles' parents came up for two nights as well and we celebrated Ethan's 6th Birthday, as well as Uncle Mark's ?? birthday (he's not 40 YET) which are on the same day - August 20th! On Tuesday, we took a drive to Waskesiu and looked in the little shops there, walked around, had supper etc. On the last night, Mark & Sharla & kids came to our campsite for a campfire and we all walked down to the beach for fireworks too :) More pictures can be seen at my travel blog...

Our campsite

Liam & Ethan stacking wood

Liam & Jackson in the play tent

Mini-golf followed by ice-cream!

Three on the slide (the playground at the campground

Ethan & Jackson

Jackson & Liam enjoying the beach (on the first of only two nice afternoons, the entire camping trip)

Our first campfire - roasting supper!

The woodpile - the boys loved helping to collect and stack wood - especially Liam who said, "Thank you" everytime Miles gave him a log!!!

Question for ya!

My sister has a 'poll' going on at her blog with the question: "how much do you pay a babysitter these days?" Feel free to leave a comment on my site or hers....

But... I want to take this question one step further and ask, "what all does your babysitter do?" - do they pick up toys afterwards and generally leave the house in the same condition as when you left, do they wipe the table/highchair clean after meals etc? (We usually order pizza or something so that supper isn't even a hardship)

We currently pay $8/hr for three kids. I was talking to a mom of a teenage girl who babysits and she thought that was a decent amount. But then sometimes I wonder if it's enough??? Thoughts?

More cards...

Big Blooms (retired) and Happy Everything

Ahoy Matey... a pirate ship turned into a Viking ship for my Norweigan grandpa! I paper-pieced the entire boat!!!

This little piggy....

On July 19th, my niece turned a year old and this is the little piggy card I made for her, inspired by her modeling stint! These are Mally Bibs and they are reversible, leather, the clasp is magnetic and can be stuck on the fridge when not in use, they are great to just wash off and apparently don't stain! They remind me a lot of the Robeez leather shoes. My only problem is that there are too many to choose from, however I think the salamander, caterpillar, train and blue mod-dot are my faves... but since they are so durable and washable, you don't need a lot! Anyways, for being a model, Elise got to pick a bib and her parents got a dinner gift certificate! So if you see a brochure and a chubby babe wearing a piggy or a sundae bib... "I know her!"

Camp

Saturday, July 28th until Monday, August 6th, we were at a nearby church family camp. Miles was able to join us for a couple nights but for the most part, the boys and I were on our own, with the help of our good friend Rhonda! For more camp pictures, check out my travel blog: From the Prairies and Beyond....

Neighbourhood fun!

We have some great neighbours across the street and really wish that they would 'move with us' next year! Liam spends hours perched in his bedroom window watching them even... and here we think he's sleeping!!!??? Anyways they have a great big inflatable waterslide and the boys love it when it gets set up on a nice hot day! For two years in a row now though, they've set it up on the day before we go away when I'm supposed to be packing the trailer and doing laundry etc! Like the boys would let me out of water fun.... unfortunately Jackson started going down the slide after I had taken my camera home - didn't want it getting wet!