House Update

Just an update on how the foundation is shaping-up for our house in Oxbow. Cory and all the helpers have been busy assembling the styrofoam forms for the walls of the basement over the past couple of weeks. They started to pour the concrete on Monday and had complications with some blowouts. So they stopped the pour for that day with concrete about half way up all the way around the basement. Having the concrete set up overnight helped and they were able to complete the pour today with ease.


Thank you to everyone who has helped out, Cory couldn't have done it without you. Especially Mom & Dad...we're not sure of how we're ever going to ever re-pay you for all your help! Dad has been there most of the time helping with the task of the day and Mom has been the chief cook and bottle washer/coffee gal for the project. Thanks-a-million!

She looks like her Daddy

Cory's Grandmother found this photo of him that shows such a similarity to Scarlett.

Cory (top) & Scarlett (bottom)...both 2 1/2 years old.

Kids Bath Towels

My dear friend & fellow scrapbooker Laura makes these amazing kids bath towels, I just had to share. They are approx. 27"x54" plus the hood, 100% cotton and they are made in Canada. She machine embroiders the face on and put a fun kid's fabric in the ears or under the beak that is age appropriate. They wrap around the child as opposed to a poncho style which is not suitable for babies or kids learning to walk (risk of strangulation). The towels are suitable for newborns (great gift idea) to children 4 - 4 1/2 feet tall or about age 7 (by then they want bath robes). They are great for after the bath or swimming, on a boat or at the beach. They are $25 each and $30 - $33 if they would like the towel personalized with the child's name embroidered on the back. If you are interested in placing an order, please leave your name & email address in the comments so that I can pass on your details.

Here's Laura & I in November:

Up-close views of the bath towels:

This Put A Smile On My Face!

Name Meaning

What Starr Means

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home (this is so true!). You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

30/30

30/30
'Birthday Day'

Well it's official, I've entered my 31st year! I had a great day! Scott & Dee-Ann took me out while Shelby watched the kids...thank you so much Shelby, you are amazing! We started out at Starbucks where D bought me a misto. Then they took me to this movie...loved it! {If you know me, going to the movie theatre is one of my MOST favorite things to do, complete with popcorn} We headed back to their place to have some supper and watch the hockey game (at least hockey-lover D did) and topped it all off with yummy crave cupcakes. Thank you so much for thinking of me guys, I had such a wonderful time! If you want to check out more about my special day, head over to Dee-Ann's blog (you're a great friend D, I'll be your pen/email pal anytime of the day).

Quote of the day:

'It's your choice Vanessa. You can choose to stop being miserable and start to enjoy your life'

from Dennis Quaid's character in the movie Smart People

29/30

29/30
'Surprise'

My sister Amber & friend Kim surprised me with a birthday dinner. Thank you so much girls, I had a blast! We went out for supper at The Keg while our amazing babysitter, Shelby, looked after the munchkins. Even though I felt under-the-weather, I had a wonderful time...thanks so much for thinking of me!
After our outing, we picked up the kids at the babysitters and the aunties read Ace & Scarlett a book...it was moments till they were sound asleep!

28/30

28/30
'Orange Snack'

This was the only thing I was craving for a snack since I'm so sick with a sore throat & sinus infection. I'm sure there are other Moms out there who understand that when you're looking after sick little ones, it's easy to ignore your own health. I went to the doctor today and will hopefully be on the mend in 24 hours.

27/30

27/30



'Little Painters'

We broke out the paints today. Scarlett & Ace had a wonderful time being creative little artists!

26/30

26/30
'Spending the night with Ben & Jerry'

25/30

25/30
'Holy Smokerdoodles'

This is what happens when you go away for 2 weeks and don't check your junk emails.
And I have alot of TV to catch up on...thanks to the wonderful technology of my PC.

24/30

24/30
'Off Warranty'

Today we travelled to Calgary after staying in Oxbow for two weeks...and we hit the 100000km mark in the van. Which means that we are officially out of vehicle warranty. I know I'll get comments on the speed, I can't help it, I have a lead foot...and a 9-hour drive with two toddlers is better when it's quicker.

Edit: I thought I should clarify that I snapped these with my point & shoot...as both of my eyes remained on the road (I deleted about 20 or so bad pics before I found this one that worked). I didn't want to worry anyone that I take photos carelessly while driving...Lori :)

Happy Birthday Rock!

It's his birthday today!
Thanks Mom for baking him a cake.

Blowing out Daddy's candles

Bow Valley

We toured around the Oxbow area today and ended up down in the Bow Valley, just a 2 minute drive down the hill from town. Here's a pic of the Souris River, great view.
We all headed to the play park where my sister Christa & I reminisced about girl guide campouts & wiener roasts as kids.

The Rock pushing the kiddies on the swings

The kids sitting butterfly on the swings...apparently it is not allowed at the Oxbow school for safety reasons (we're rebels)

My sister & I decided to climb a tree for a photo opp, but decided we weren't as limber as we were as kids.

23/30

23/30
'Yorkshires'

We had a delicious roast beef dinner tonight at Mom & Dad's...complete with yorkshires. They were melt-in-your-mouth absolutely delish.
Here they are in the oven...puffy
And they always deflate a bit when out of the oven...but still oh so good! Check out my friend Dee-Ann's yorkshire post here.

22/30

22/30 'Footings'

We are making progress...footing are almost done and waiting for concrete.

21/30

21/30
'This place is really growin' on me'

Cooking Class

I attended a Philipino cooking class tonight in Oxbow put on by the Family Center. We learned how to make spring rolls, egg rolls & wontons...they were delicious. There were yummy leftovers for all of us to take home...what a fun night with the girls!