I should've never left the house this morning. I was rushing out of the house with dog and child in tow, to get into the car and go to Abbotsford. I was going to drop Eddie off at my parents, and feed their dog, 'cause they're away for the day. As I was backing out of my garage, I heard a sickening thud. I stopped the car and looked over, to see my passenger mirror hanging lifelessly from the side of my vehicle. I couldn't believe it. Crap!!!!! Our garage has 2 doors going into it, so they're a lot narrower than the norm. There's litterally an inch on either side of my car when I back out. I've always been careful, but I guess I need to be more careful! I drove back into the garage to assess the damage. The whole mirror was torn right off. I managed to pull half of it off, unroll my window and stick the mirror's motor back into the car. I didn't want it hanging out as I drove around town. I continued on to my parents house, figuring there was nothing I could really do about the situation. Once I got there I let Eddie out, and I decided to take Ryken into the house so I could phone a few repair shops. As I'm looking throught the yellow pages, I trip my parents house alarm. Awesome. Thank goodness I know the code, because the alarm company called. Finally make it out of the house and to the body shop, where I learn my new mirror will cost me a pretty $250.00. Get back home after running around town, go upstairs, and see that I have left my back door open. Not just unlocked...Open. Seriously, what is wrong with me??? We're going to a friends house tonight. I think I'll let Rob drive. My mirror will be fixed tomorrow. Hmmm... wonder if Rob will notice.

Yesterday morning, I woke up at 7:45am. To the sound of ...nothing. Absolute peace and quiet. Which in our house is not normal, ecspecially after 7:00am. On an average day, (every day) I usually awaken to the lovely sounds of my son yelling "MOM...MOM...UP MOM!!!!" Today was not one of those days. Maybe it was his Valentines gift to me. I got up, got dressed, put the coffee on, then went in his room around 8:20. He was laying in his crib, eyes wide open, just chillin'. This has never happened to me. I can honestly say that I've never seen Ryken wake up in his crib, and be content to just lay there for awhile. He's usually immediatley up and ready to go. He was happy to see me, he got up, had his milk, and we watched the Berenstein Bears together. It was a great morning.

"Cars! Broom, broom!!!" This is usually the first thing that Ryken says to me in the morning. We bought the Disney Cars DVD a week ago, and he loves it! I have to limit his TV time as it is, and right now this is the only one of his movies that he wants to watch. Do you know how hard it is to find the diecast cars? I've been looking everywhere for them! I've been phoning every store that I think might carry them, but they're all out. "New shipments may be coming...but we' don't know."
I just ordered these super cute wall stickers from Avon. All the Cars characters that can stick right on the wall, peel off, and re-stick. Boys and their cars. Man, it starts young! Disney cars is definately going to be a great theme for Ryken's 2nd birthday. Not that far off...when did he get so big?

So excited! I'm actually on my computer again! This whole time, I've had to wait for Rob to come home, so I could use his laptop. My cousins husband just fixed our computer for us. Sweet! Yesterday was our last day of swimming lessons, and Ryken passed! He is officialy a starfish. I didn't think he would pass, because he has refused to blow bubbles in the pool. Tub? no problem. There's just something about putting his face in that big pool with all those kids watching. Then when the lessons were over we went to play in the shallow end. Just me and him. He leans over, puts his whole face in, and blew the biggest bubbles ever! I got all excited for him and he looked up at me with the biggest grin, and did it again! He probably did it about 10 times and had so much fun doing it. From now on, I'll be doing the teaching. We did have a lot of fun though, and he was really proud to show his dad his swimming ribbon. Definately something to scrapbook.

Here's Ryken hard at work. He's so innocent looking, but I'm running out of ideas on how to manage this child. He is constant 24/7 attention. He always wants me to carry him, screams if I take something away from him, falls to the ground if I want him to walk somewhere, and it's driving me crazy! We've been consistant with the naughty spot, but it doesn't seem to have any long term effects. I've tried hitting his hand if he does something wrong, but he doesn't cry. Instead he looks at me and starts hitting himself. Weird, right? I'm not sure what to do anymore. If I spanked him for every wrong thing he did, he'd be getting 10 spanks a day! Any suggestions from all you moms? He understands so much for his age, and can say a lot of words. But he still can't completely explain himself, which is pobably why he gets frustrated. He is so strong willed and stubborn, but at the same time he can be so fun. I don't want you to think he's some awful child, he can be so gentle and sweet. The way he hugs you makes you melt, and he makes sure to say uv-ouu before going to bed. I absolutely love my child. I need to make sure that I do the best I can in raising him the right way. Any solutions or ideas?

Eddie's been making some new friends! We've been attending free dog lessons at a park nearby... yes free! Trainers charge an arm and a leg to show your dog a few tricks, but not here! Anyone who wants to can bring their dog, and just drop in for the lesson. Eddie has a little trouble meeting other dogs. Don't get me wrong, this dog doesn't have a mean bone in his body. He's just so eager to meet everyone, waning to play, and doesn't know when enough's enough. He's doing really well since we've started the lessons. Ryken's also starting to pay more attention to him. He gets his treats for him, and even helps me practice his commands.."doowwnnn"(complete with arm movement.) Having them play together gives me a break too!

Had a friend over the other day, and we were discussing the $100 Canadian child tax benefit. She receives it, but I never have. I thought there was some form or something that I had to send in, but apparently not. I decided to investigate (which I should have done sooner) and realized I haven't been receiving anything for the past 6 months! Nada! I phoned the 1-800 number and the guy there told me it was because I had moved, and my account had been flagged. Did you know that when you forward your mail to a new address, government mail isn't forwarded? Long story short- I've got a huge back payment coming my way!

Is there anything else I can do for you? This is the comment that the Rogers wireless guy asked me, after I told him I wanted to change my address. He couldn't change my address because Rob's name is the one on the account. It's my cellphone!! I know it's for security purposes and all that, but I'm the one at home with the time to do this kind of stuff, and I can't even get it done! From now on both of our names are going to be on all accounts. I managed to change our address on our Visa account, and found out that we have enough points to fly anywhere in North America. Awesome! We're thinking about taking a vacation with Ryken before he turns two, so we don't have to pay for his flight. We want to go somewhere hot, that's not too far away. California? Florida? not sure...keep ya posted.
I should go to bed. We've got swimming in the morning... the only thing right he did last time was wave goodbye:) Oh well, at least we're trying!

We've started our first set of swim lessons! Ryken & I have been to two lessons, now, and he's really enjoying it. I needed to get him involved in something active. Not being able to go to the park in this weather, is making us squirrely. He absolutely hates being cold, and refuses to even let his boots touch the snow. So today during lessons, I'm trying to get Ryken to blow bubbles, and the instructor leans over and says "you might want to try putting his mouth really close to the water." Harmless comment, right? Well only 2 things that bugged me about it. Ryken decides he's not doing something, and nothing changes his mind. I'd already put his mouth close to the water, and he either sticks his tongue out to lick it, or throws his head back. Second thing: for those of you who don't know, I am a certified lifeguard and instructor. I really had to bite my tongue when she told me how to blow bubbles. I could be her instructor! The reason I wanted him in lessons was to be with other kids, and learn how to swim in a group setting. I could teach him myself, but I thought it'd be more fun this way. We'll see.....

Seriously gross!

I was at my sisters tupperware party tonight, and the consultant had a great story for us. We were talking about organizing our cupboards and the neccesity of having everything sealed. Apparently, we may be bringing home more from the grocery store than just groceries. Many homes have been bug infested from the cardboard packaging on everyday food items. The bugs lay their eggs in the glue on the packaging, then wait till they're nice and cozy in your home to start hatching. Mmm...lovely. Anyway if you store everything in airtight containers, this will never happen to you! Coincidently, all of the Tupperware modular mates are 40% off this month. I've decided to host a party on Jan.26th. If you'd like to come, let me know. Or if you hate the party idea, you can just place an order and take advantage of this great deal. Check it out by clicking here.

Getting out-voted already

Ryken calls hockey go-go, because that's what Rob says when he's watching it. So we're watching some hockey last night, and I changed the channel to see what design show was on HGTV. Ryken points to the T.V.and says "go-go...more go-go!" I can see it now...me and a houseful of boys, destined to be a hockey mom. I used to say that the only sport I wouldn't want my kids to play is hockey. The only thing now that may have changed my mind? My 8 year old cousin is an avid hockey player, and has generously passed down all his expensive gear to Ryken. It'll be me in the stands, Starbucks in hand..."Go-go!"

New Template- not quite sure

Not exactly lovin this whole template switch. My slide show is too big, I can't even access it, my links show up with the whole address, and I'm getting frustated. It's 10:18pm, and I'm going to bed. Maybe I'll have better luck tomorrow...and Lee I may be phoning you for advice on this.

Christmas fun!

We had a crazy Christmas, with lots of visiting, lots of dinners, and lots of gifts! Ryken got totally spoiled, and got more toys than he knew what to do with. I packed up half of them, and I'll save them for a rainy day. His favorite gift is his rocking horse, from Pa & Grandma D. Ride'em cowboy!
We're planning on going to a New Years Eve party tomorrow night. Hopefully Ryken, will go to bed and stay sleeping. My cousin and her husband are coming over to babysit. Have a great evening, all!

my ABC's

Alright Erin, here you go!


A- Available or single? Neither - Married

B- Best Friend? My man

C- Cake or pie? Pie...strawberry rhubarb please

D- Drink of choice? coffee, lattes...anything caffeinated

E- Essential item I use every day- blush

F- Favorite color: chocolate brown

G- Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms? bears

H- Hometown? Somewhere in BC

I- Indulgence: a new lipstick

J- January or February? Feb. Valentines day, right?

K- Kids and names: 1 son - Ryken

L- Life is incomplete without? My family

M- Marriage date: Oct.6 2001

N- Number of siblings: 1 sister - Monica

O- Oranges or apples? apples

P- Phobias or fears? not a huge fan of insects, but will deal with'em if necessary.

Q- Favorite quote? To be or not to be...

R- Reasons to smile: when Ryken looks at me and says "uv-ooo" (love you)

S- Season: Summer

T- Tag 3 or 4 people. Darla, Danna, Jaime

U- Unknown fact about me: I studied for 2 years and practised 3 hours a day for my ARCT exam, but didn't make the required 70% to pass. I do intend to do it again, and pass!

V- Vegetable you don’t like: brussel sprouts

W- Worst habit: cracking my neck

X- X-Rays: mouth(dentist) , fallopian tubes/uterus, left wrist when I broke it in gr.7

Y- Your favorite food? chicken souvlaki

Z- Zodiac - not interested

We've moved!

We're in! The move went really smooth, and we had tons of help from our family. It's starting to feel like home. Most of the boxes are unpacked, the pictures are on the wall, and we love the location. It's so quiet! Hope you all have a great Christmas!

Puppies!

My parents lab had puppies! They're absolutely adorable and for sale! They wanted me to send out a post letting everyone know. They're asking $350 each, and they'll be ready by Dec.13th. If you or anyone you know are interested, leave me a comment and we'll get in touch!

Snowy days

What's with the snow! We've been snowed in forever, and on top of it all Ryken's been sick! I dressed him all up just for pictures sake. We had to at least go see the snow, even if we weren't going to play in it. Eddie loves it though, he runs around like a maniac!
We're moving in 2 weeks, and the house is starting to get packed up. So much to do.

Finally some pics!

These pictures were taken along the river. Ryken loves walking and exploring, just about as much as Eddie does!

sweet music

Ryken and I have been taking lessons at a Kindermusik studio. He absolutely loves it! The first lesson he was a little bit clingy, but now he runs around the room, laughing his head off. He's definately one of the most active kids in the class. A lot of the kids are a bit younger and more laid back. The instructor keeps telling everyone that once the gross motor skills kick in, toddlers just don't sit still. How true! We play the songs at home and it's cool to see how much he's actually paying attention to the music. Whenever he's fussy or throwing me attitude, I start to sing, and he usually stops to listen to me. I've even started to sing three notes at a time, pausing to let him copy me. The pitch is obviously not there, but he does sing! O.K. so now I sound like one of those crazy mothers who is obsessed with getting her kid to do things quickly. But really, we need to find stuff to fill up our days, right? (Not that I don't have things going on.) A bit of a tangent...so bye for now!

Our new place!

O.K. so I know it's been forever since I've left a post. The problem, as some of you may know, is that I'm without a computer, or internet access. I'm at my parents house right now, trying to reconnect with the blog life. Anyway, we found a place! It' close to where we are now, and it's only 2 years old. It's a beautiful cul-de-sac, with a little park, practically in our front yard. The basement is unfinished, so we got it for a pretty good deal. We're starting to pack, and getting excited to be in our new place for Christmas!
Ryken's doing great, and learning a new word every day. Rob taught him to hold up one finger, when you ask him how old he is. Too cute!