Monkey's swinging in a tree...

I couldn't resist taking some pics of the boys climbing the tree in our front yard this afternoon.


They have spent the last 2 days outside...only coming in long enough to scarf down a meal now and then. It's been great...their fighting has been minimal and they have actually been really nice to each other. At one point today, I looked out the window and Carsyn and Reilly were playing catch with each other, Zack was tossing a football back and forth down the middle of the street with one of the neighbor boys (sure can't do that in the city) and Gavin was playing soccer on the front lawn with the other neighbor boy. For a moment, I just stood there, watching them, and that moment was perfect...my Norman Rockwell moment if you will! I made a comment to Brian about it and that maybe someday, all these boys will come home from college and hang out together, just like they are now. How great would that be...?
The weather has finally allowed us to get outside and do some yard work. I couldn't help being outside all day too. I actually had every intention of scrapbooking the day away but found myself needing to be outside. Got a fair amount of raking done and even though there is still some snow along the fence line and remnents of our backyard rink, the yard looks pretty good. We're going to get out patio and fire pit area finished so we can enjoy many nights out there as a family and with friends. Can hardly wait.
In other news, I began teaching the Pre K program this past Tuesday and I can't even describe how tiring that is...4 hours with 15 kids (and 2 parent helpers). It is running smoothly, the kids are great and I still enjoy it, it is just alot more tiring (I probably sound like a wuss hey...complaining about my 4 hour work day...hehehe). Only 14 more classes to go!! Carsyn's class is going on a field trip to the Telus World of Science this week and he's asked me to volunteer. My neighbor is willing to take Gavin, so I think I'll put my name in and see if I get picked. I would love to go with him, so hopefully I can. I would prefer to drive myself as I'm not crazy about riding the bus but...suck it up right...?
That's it, that's all from my little corner of the world. Hope all is well in yours.

Hoppy Easter everyone...

Hey everyone, we're hoping you are having a fun filled Easter with people you love. We are having a quiet weekend. Well, by quiet I mean no company. The kids are certainly making up for any extra noise we may have had with guests...they have been picking at each other for a few days now. It's been sooo cold with the windchill that we haven't been able to send them outside either...grrrrr!! I am way too happy they go back to school on Tuesday. I am only sad that it isn't tomorrow, as it would have been nice to have a day without them before I go back to work. On Tuesday, I start teaching the Pre K program from 10am -2pm twice a week. I am excited and nervous about having 15 kids for 4 hours each day. Should be interesting...!!!
Anyway, here are a few pics of the boys coloring eggs. I am not including any their hunting today though. They had fun, but it was hard to get pics of 4 kids all going in different directions...LOL!!do you think Zack looks amused....??
just a cool pic I thought...should be interesting to use on a scrapbook page

Gavin was quite proud of his eggs, after all, he could do it himself


Carsyn thought this one turned out kinda cool... half purple blended with half green...


and in other news....Brian has been negotiating most of the week with his current employer. The offer he received last Monday was pretty good but his current work has sweetened the pot a bit. It looks like he's staying where he is. We are both happy with the decision and it puts him in a great position for his future there. This also means that I don't have to cancell my scrap weekend away in May (ok...maybe a bit selfish for a minute...lol) but he'll be here rather than in some foreign country. In the long run too, it's better for our family that he's home regularly. Family is the most important thing right...you bet!!!
On that note, I am off to spend some time with mine, as we enjoy our "sundae's on Sunday".

ending of an era, turning of the page

So, it's official. My Mom has sold her house and is moving to Saskatchewan by the end of April. I knew it was only a matter of time but it was still hard to hear that there was a strong offer on the house and that it was probably going to sell. I panicked and we made a spur of the moment trip to visit over the weekend. It's not like this is my childhood home or anything but I was still attached to it and so were the boys. A lot of good times were had there along with a lot of memories made. It is sad to know that we will be starting over, in a sense at their new house. Part of me is worried to that we won't see each other as often because now the drive for either of us will basically take the entire day instead of a few hours. Carsyn asked me when we got to Grandma's on Friday if we'll ever see her again when she moves. I giggled, because of course we're still going to see each other. Maybe not as often but probably for longer periods of time. It will become 'quality vs quantity' instead....which might be ok too. It's just going to be different and that will take some time to get used to I guess. Here is a pic of the boys by the for sale sign. Not long after we left, the 'sold' sign got slapped across it.
On another note, we are finished with extra curricular activities for awhile. No more soccer, hockey, basketball...all finished!! Now you would think that this should free up time for scrappbooking...I kinda doubt it. With the weather turning to Spring (eventually it has to right...?) we'll be spending more time outdoors playing and yard work. Lots of yard work this year at our house...I hope!! That depends....on Brian's work.
Awhile back I posted about a potential job offer that could dramatically affect our lives and future. Hopefully all in a postive way, only time will tell. That job offer will be on the table tonight!! We'll have some decisions to make either way and I'll keep everyone posted as the details spill!!
Other than that, the boys are on Spring break, I have had the chance to get a few household projects done and the focus this week is to do some planning for the Pre K program I'll be teaching starting next week. Should be a busy week ahead, but that is good...I need stuff to keep my mind busy (especially today as I watch the clock tick...lol).
Have a great week everyone, if the weather cooperates and the sun shines, get out there and enjoy it, I know I will.

stolen moments...

Not sure where the last week + 3 days has gone since my last update....oh ya, I remember, I am a Mom to 4 busy boys...hehehe!!
The hockey tournament in Lloydminster was a blast!! Poor Reilly has never stayed in a hotel before...talk about a sheltered life. He was soooo funny on Friday night after his game...the team was going to go swimming so he changed into his trunks and then said, "Oh, I guess I can't go swimming." I asked him why not and his reply was, "We didn't bring any towels from home." Poor kid didn't know that they were included in our room...LOL!!! He had soooo much fun playing mini stick hockey in the hallway, swimming and hanging out with his teammates that I don't think he even cared that they didn't win. Not that he does anyway. That is something I admire about Reilly, he never brags when they win or gets discouraged when they lose. He always tries his best and has fun. Makes his Mom very proud!! We had a blast hanging out with the other parents, socializing and getting to know them better. Too bad it was at the end of the season instead of the beginning though as they really are a great group of people and it would have been nice to know them then like we know them now...if that makes sense to anyone. The other boys had way too much fun with Grandma playing games, baking cookies and walking up town to rent a movie.
This past week saw the boys stay relatively out of trouble ,which was good news for me as I not only had to work but in less than three days, I had to make a scrapbook for Reilly's hockey coach. But I got it done in time for our wind up party on Thursday night and he LOVED it. Him and his wife both got teary eyed and I was so touched they liked it that much.
Brian made it home in time Thursday to attend the festivities as well. It was a great ending to an awesome hockey season. Now what to do with all that free time....???
Which brings me to this weekend. Here I was, Saturday morning...bored! No hockey to get ready for, the kids were playing outside with Brian and Uncle Neil and I had nothing to do. I wanted to scrapbook but couldn't. I had every intention of particiapting in an online crop at Pick of the Patch (see side bar) but ended up coloring my hair and then getting ready to go out with a friend to a Stampin' Up party. It was nice to get out and visit and the bonus was I won the door prize: a set of stamps titled 'so very'. Not bad considering I didn't even buy anything!! Not sure I'll use them a lot as I don't make too many cards but I might be able to incorporate them into some scrapbook pages. I got back in time for Brian and the boys to leave for the Oilers game...last home game of the season. Uncle Neil bought them tickets and Gavin and I stayed home. Neil was going to take all 4 of them, giving us the night off, but Gavin ended up being sick Friday night and Saturday so Brian went instead. I was looking forward to a night of scrappin, figuring Gavin would go to bed early but all he wanted to do was cuddle. I was all too happy to oblige, even though it was becasue he was sick. These days, I'll take it!! So, the two of us put our jammies on and cuddled up in the chaise together and watched the Oilers game. Even after he fell asleep and I could have scrapbooked, I couldn't bring myself to tuck him in. It was kinda emotional for me, just sitting there holding him. Gave me a lot of time to think, reflect and ponder the future. What a calming effect it had on me, makes ya aware of what really matters. The Oilers lost (again) but in some way, I think each member of our family won something last night (sorry if that sounds cheezy!!)
Today, we spent time outside doing a bit of yard work and puttering around. We then enjoyed a bbq and our latest tradition...sundae's on Sunday!! Couldn't think of a better way to end the weekend. Hope everyone found time to 'steal some moments' and enjoy themselves.

this weeks highlights...

Another week has come and gone, and with that means some highs and some lows.
Overall, we have had a great week. The kids have been able to get outside,which has been a plus for all of us. As soon as the boys took out the street hockey gear, all the boys from our neighborhood started popping out of their houses...it was hilarious!! Each time I looked out the window, I swear the number of kids out there doubled...it's nice to see though and for the most part they all get along too!
Reilly and Carsyn brought home report cards and they were great. Carsyn has really turned himself around in the last year and I am very proud of him. He had a tough first year here but his teacher says he's the most wonderful student. He still has his moments though. Just last night was one of them. He was misbehaving after supper and wouldn't stop when I asked him too, so on the third strike, he got time out....Gavin too! Well the two of them were sitting across from each other and they would not stop laughing (ok..it was kinda funny but don't tell them that...hehe). So after, about 10 minutes, and Carsyn getting 3 more warnings which transpired into 45 minutes early for bed, they stopped enough so I could turn the timer on. Just as it was about to go off, Gavin farted...they both burst out laughing!!! Even though their time wasn't up, I didn't hold that against them. I am getting to the point of the story where I let you all know what a little sh*t Carsyn can still be...So, I tuck him early, his tears and all and about an hour later he got up to go to the bathroom. I went to check on him and found him completely under the covers. He popped out and I asked if he was playing gameboy. He said no but as I went to lift the blankets he told me he didn't think it was under there...whatever you little bugger...it sooo was under there! He had been playing gameboy the entire time he was supposed to be being punished!!! Needless to say, I conviscated the gameboy and took away all other electronic privileges for the next week and a half.
Zack had his own little bit of explaining to do this week too when I caught him, completely by fluke, off of school property during his lunch break! I am not sure which one of us had the bigger dear in the headlights look when we saw each other!! He is now with out computer and phone privileges as well as coming home from now until Spring break so that I can supervise him during his lunch hour....teenagers...grrrr!!
Thank goodness Reilly and Gavin have had a good week!!
I was able to find a lot of little things and moments to treasure this week. It helps when you stay off the phone and computer...hehe. It's so easy to get caught up in the craziness that life brings sometimes, that we forget about all the little stuff. Perhaps my favorite highlight this week was when the boys and I played go fish and old maid after supper...sooo fun!!
Reilly's hockey and awards banquet was held tonight...spent the afternoon making a casserole to take. Brian was able to leave work early to make it home in time too! Preschool was great both classes this week, I had some time to scrapbook (will upload pics after the weekend...too tired tonight) and some time for me...woohoo! I also cleaned the oven then did some baking and cleaned the house from top to bottom to prepare for my mom's visit. She's coming to stay with the kids while Brian and I take Reilly to his hockey tournament in Lloydminster this weekend...we are all looking forward to it! The boys can't wait to have Grandma all to themselves!! Should be a fun weekend for everyone.
On that note, I need to go. Have things to pack and places to go. Have a fabulous weekend.
Make sure to spend some quality time with loved ones!!

time only for a quickie

I haven't fallen off the face of the planet, just been busy. Good busy though. Had a great week in pretty much all aspects of my life. Cleaned the house from top to bottom...spring fever has hit. Did some stuff at the boys' school, only had to work one day due to teachers convention and went scrapbook shopping. The one little glitch was that Thursday morning with the kids started off kinda rough but got better by noon.
I plan to spend the day scrappin until my sons hockey game and then all evening after. Maybe the same thing tomorrow, but that won't be personal scrapping. The hockey team has asked me to make a scrapbook for the coach and it has to be done by the 21st. Noone has even given me their pictures yet!! I work better under pressure but hello...an entire scrapbook in just over a week, if I get the stuff today...that might be a bit much!!! I also have to start planning a birthday party for my soon to be 10 year old.
Well, I am off to enjoy some me time with my new scrap stuff. Have a fabulous weekend!!

have you ever...

Renee had this on her blog, so I thought I would do it too. Highlight the ones that apply to you and let me know if you've done it so I can check it out.


1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said "I love you" and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an expert
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)
89. Had a one-night stand
90. Gone to Thailand
91. Bought a house
92. Been in a combat zone
93. Buried one/both of your parents
94. Been on a cruise ship
95. Spoken more than one language fluently
96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show
97. Raised children
98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds (45.5 kilograms)
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Ridden a bike
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life

wow...I just realized I have lead a pretty boring life...LOL!! It's not uneventful by any means, I guess whoever made this up didn't consider the things that I encounter everyday as a busy Mom of 4 boys!! Brian told me I should highlight the posed naked in front of strangers and made a movie ones....as if!!! LOL
The weekend is fast approaching and I am sooo excited...Saturday is a girls day, shopping and attending Scrapalicious...woohoo. I can't wait to meet the girls I've met online @ Love 2 Scrap
Preschool is going great! I am sooo attached to these kids already. I look forward to seeing them on school days and when they hug me goodbye, it melts my heart. What an amazing feeling!!
Know what else would be an amazing feeling...getting my scrapgroove on!! I have been in such a creative funk...lots of ideas but no time to turn them into reality. Hopefully that'll change after I get some new goodies and go to the crop this weekend. Anyway, have a great weekend everyone!!