The Ormston Darlings + Shawn

yes it happened...

2012-01-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

The worst thing you can imagine...I lost all my video files of the kids...I have pictures, but no videos. I will be purchasing a bigger external hard drive, burning things to dvd and most of all not procrastinating. This has even motivated me to blog. haha that's right. Cause guess where I was able to find some lost pictures, my blog, which made me think, I need to blog more. I have gone to my flickr page, costco photolab online, anywhere and everywhere I can think of that I may have uploaded pics or videos. I've learned my lesson the hard way. Procrastination can bite you in the butt. (note i thought my external hard drive was big enough...which it wasn't and it kept overriding the older files, so all of you out there, check your external hard drive. And make hard copies...yep take time to burn the files to dvd's or cd's) I hope I can share my experience (haha) and save others from this horrible experience.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

We have been busy over here, with family and the holidays.

I finally found time yesterday to take the girls pictures. Yes that's right, December 31st. Back to School and Christmas Photos. Here is one of my faves of the girls together.

Hope you have a great year! 2011 was awesome, We hope to rock 2012 in the Ormston House :)

header done, check, updated pics of the girls, check...

2011-11-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

i did it. a new header. yeah!!! i also updated pics of the girls on the side. another yeah!!! while making the header i realized a few things.

1. i am a photographer...but i don't have a lot of pics of my kids this year. note to self, do better, a lot better

2. of the pics i do have...most of them are of becca, maybe that's because it's just her and me so much now. don't know, note to self, take pics of your other children otherwise they are going to wonder if there was a favorite.

3. just take more pics...even if it's with my phone, it's okay

4. get better at this blogging thing...isn't that a constant ha :)

i have missed blogging some pretty awesome things that have been going on in our family. really. the last real post was about tp, before that a run, which is a good thing but there's all our summer fun. the tons of tomatoes we grew this year. all the little and big trips we've been making. some together, some only a few of us, and even some solo. so if i say i'm going to blog more, you know as well as i do, that it's not going to happen. so i'll just say nothing and we'll see how it goes.

at least today, i can do some catching up :)

Housekeeping

2011-11-13T08:11:00.000-08:00

so I'm doing some housekeeping on here. it's time to do some updating. i am working on a new header, some recent pics of the darlings and maybe some recent posts of our going ons. this morning i've updated the blogs we follow (really i follow). so this morning as we all try to recover now from these awful colds, i will housekeep the blog. :) for now here is a recent pic of becca and i.

Sneak Peak

2011-11-12T13:21:00.001-08:00

Haven't been on here in awhile and there is a lot of updating to be done. But I just wanted to give you all a sneak peak at the chalkboard wall.

And here's our front door.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.

Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

It's that time of year again...

2011-09-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

and I don't mean back to school. Mom, you'll be so proud. It's Walmart's Anniversary Sale! And toilet paper is on sale again (place big smile). You want to talk about preparedness, last year I bought TP when it was on sale, and we are just getting down to the last of it. I know I haven't blogged for awhile and it's kind of funny to think this is what I'm blogging about. Pretty funny eh. But it's a sweet deal. I'm totally going to my limit ;) (purchasing 6 packages that is). So have a great day. Cause I know I will. And that I'll be sleeping safe and sound at night knowing I have a year supply of TP! (and not just the two ply stuff)

And to boot, just to let you know how good of a day I'm having, I just found a quarter!

(this should have been posted from my phone, but for whatever reason it wasn't posting)

Summer, Your Almost Gone...

2011-08-13T05:35:00.001-07:00

I'm up early this morning. Well it's really not that early. It's Saturday, so a run day and I'm sad to see that the sun is not coming up as early. It's only 6:30 and this is what it looks like.

We have been have such a great time this summer. I don't want it to end. The kids and I are not even sick of each other.

Well those of you who start school the end of August, enjoy every last minute of it. I know that we will.

- Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

We're Still Alive!

2011-08-11T07:58:00.001-07:00

We're just having too much fun!

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Wii Time

2011-07-04T17:57:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit the weekend of Emily's B-day party. We were able to fit in some Dance Party Wii. I loved the party, but I think I loved this part of the weekend the most.

I will have to try to upload some video of my parents and the girls. Priceless.

I can't decide which one to load. They are all pretty funny. Some are longer...but so funny. Watch what you want.

Last Day of School

2011-07-04T17:54:00.001-07:00

Our tradition carries on. Balloons and all!

Here are the girls jumping for joy that summer is here!

Graduation

2011-07-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

Julia Graduated from Kindergarten. I asked her if she wanted to wear a dress. She was pretty clear that she wanted to wear jean shorts and knee highs. The only girl not in a dress. But that's my girl, exerting her own fashionista ways.

The last day of school they had Cowboy days.

We have to say we love Miss Jessica, Miss Pati and Mrs. Jeanne.

We are so grateful for them.

Harry Potter Party

2011-07-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

Somebody turned 9 in our house a little ways back. She had to have a Harry Potter Party. So here are a few pics from her party. We had fun. Here are the invites. Delivered by Owl.

Some of the Decorations.

We sorted everyone into Houses with our very own sorting hat.

Made Wands.

Played Quidditch.

Drank Butter Beer.

Had Owl Cake. Emily really wanted this apple cake with cream cheese frosting. I threw skor bites on the icing to make it look feathery. Boy did it taste good.

We had lots of fun planning and partying.

Summer Day 6

2011-07-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

Our X-Box Kinect came today. We signed up with Telus TV and stuff and received an Xbox and Kinect. Emily and Daddy are playing it now.

Julia and I worked on some hooked on phonics. No rest for her this summer ;) Everyday we are going to work on her reading, just a little bit. We went to the $ store for some cheap incentives. Love the $ store. It can be quite the motivator.

It's Julia's turn tonight at Grandma's. Miss Becca just crashed. So the three of us are going to have quite the fun tonight with the new toy.

Side note. The garden is doing pretty well so far. I'm hoping the heat is here to stay. I'm already seeing some tiny zucchini and tomatoes.

Summer Day 5

2011-07-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Our new cousin Kelser was blessed today.

So off we went to Forestry Ward. He is a real cutie.

We visited with family and friends that day.

Here is a great pic of Emily. All grown up. New Hair, new dress, pearls and all.

Once again, we feel the pictures don't do her justice. ;)

She enjoyed a sleepover at Grandma's. And Julia and I got some mother daughter time once Becca headed to bed. A great day!

Summer Day 4

2011-07-04T16:22:00.001-07:00

Big News!!!

Emily went from this...

To this...

And we LOVE it!

It no longer takes tears and time (lots of time) to do her hair.

The Pictures truly do not do her hair justice.

Her hair is so thick. There was so much of it. In fact so much that she will be donating it to Locks of Love.

We went to the mall and bought some hair accessories for her. We also found a couple of dresses for Miss Em. We can not get over how grown up she looks.

At the mall, we went to Winners. I think Shawn got a taste of what it's going to be like when we have teenagers. We tried on shoes. Then the girls and I grabbed about 15 dresses in total and headed off to the change room. We had a blast in there while Shawn waited for us. Even Miss Becca tried on a few things. She left the store with Shawn screaming, "My dresses, I need my dresses!" Which when she got home, she was disappointed that I did not purchase them for her. We picked up some sweet shoes for Julia. They are totally her. I will have to get a pic of them.

We watched Coraline that night after dinner.

We painted nails and put curlers in hair, for those who still had long hair ;)

Coraline was not that great of an idea to watch. Especially since we had to get up early for church the next day. The girls had a hard time going to sleep. I didn't realize it was going to be "that" scary for them. But it was.

The next morning when I woke Emily up, I said, "Good Morning Dear! It's your Other Mother."

Emily, "Don't ever say that again. I don't want no Other Mother!"

Kind of mean on my part. The good thing from the movie, even though it's animation, the girls have realized how good they have it. I am a pretty awesome Mom.

Summer Day 2 & 3

2011-07-02T11:54:00.000-07:00

Day 2

Walk to the Gym, Gym, walk home in the wind, Emily and Julia off to Kaden's Pool Party, they had way too much fun, Dinner, Marble Slab, YUM! and then watching Legends of the Guardian of Gahoole. We had a full day of fun!

Day 3

Happy Canada Day!

We had a blast today. We went for Breakfast at Ricky's.

A very long bike ride. It was great having Emily on her own bike and Julia and Becca in the trailer. We visited friends and met their new puppy. Then headed of to Grandma's and went to Frank's for Popsicles and Snow Bob's.

When we got home, Becca and I had a nap and the Girls and Shawn had some down time. We headed off to Henderson for some of the Canada Day Festivities.

The Girls got a chance to play in some of the bouncy houses.

We had some Old Fashioned Rootbeer and of course picked up some Kettle Corn from our favorite place.

When we got home we BBQ, had some friends over and headed back to Henderson for fireworks with them.

My favorite thing was watching Becca watch the fireworks.

It was the first time we had brought her.

The girls stayed up the whole time and even stayed awake till we got home at 12:30am. And Yes, they did sleep in!

Summer Day 1

2011-06-29T20:52:00.001-07:00

Today we had a quiet day. Time spent in the bouncy house, sprinkler, bike riding and hanging on the deck.

(she really did want to stay outside. But she just got sprayed by one of her sisters with the sprinkler)

I'm borrowing Emily's kobo. ;) She has graciously lent it to me. I've started Jane Eyre. And I have also figured out how to borrow e-books from our local library for it. It's becoming my new favorite thing! Totally Loving it! She may have to pry it from my hands.

Some exciting news in our house, Emily found a caterpillar. She has been taking very good care of it. When we woke up this morning we found it like this...

It's metamorphosing! The girls are pretty excited. "It's in it's chrysalis state"- direct quote from Emily. It will be exciting to see how this goes. I think it might survive. Especially since I am having no part in the care of this pet.

- Antonia posted using blogger
from my iPhone

Summer Vacation is FINALLY HERE!!!

2011-06-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to finally start summer vacation! Miss Em finished school today at noon and we have been busy since. I have updated our Chalkboard with our Summer Bucket List, we ran in the sprinkler and Miss Em is at the pool.

After having a bit of a crazy year, I am looking forward to a fun, busy and surprisingly relaxing summer. I hope to post more too.

This is what we do on vacation...

2011-05-17T17:55:00.001-07:00

Ooh how I love you wifi and apple.

We are away for a bit. I'm missing the Internet oh so bad. So one quick blog post. We are at the Apple Store!!! I can get wifi on my phone. It's a beautiful thing.

- Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Spring is Here!

2011-04-11T14:12:00.001-07:00

This past December we painted our back wall with chalkboard paint. I had all these great intentions on changing the board each month or season but we've been a little preoccupied. So Merry Christmas finally came down 3 weeks ago. Now we have welcomes spring to our home. And I finally did the chalkboard today. We are huge Charlie and Lola fans. And since it took me awhile to get Christmas down. I went with spring instead of Easter (it can stay up much longer). So here is our board. Happy Spring! It's here at laaaaaaaast. As Lola would say.

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Believing that it's Warmer!

2011-04-09T17:12:00.001-07:00

Today we embraced the warm weather. When you live in Alberta anything above zero makes you think and feel like it's summer! So we go to the park, eat popsicles, wear sandals, and if your name is Julia you wear a swimsuit outside. Sorry I didn't get a chance to take a pic. So being as ambitious as we are we decided to get some KFC and go out again, just as it's getting cooler. Oh and you wear your sandals. And if your Julia you still wear your swimsuit, just underneath your clothes.

- Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Change

2011-04-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

I have three different outlooks on the word "Change"

1st Change can be exciting, something we look forward to, like the seasons, our children's milestones or great trips and vacations. Sometimes we see change as a positive thing.

2nd Like Marvin J. Ashton said, "There is a tendency to think of change as the enemy. Many of us are suspect of change and will often fight and resist it before we have even discovered what the actual effects will be. When change is thought through carefully, it can produce the most rewarding and profound experiences in life." Sometimes we dread change or are scared of it but it can be a good thing.

3rd Sometimes, even with making good choices and being good people, unexpected things can happen. And the "Change" that is happening is not our choice. It Sucks!

But for whatever reason we grow from all three of these types of "Change". Whether the "Change" or the experience is for our own good, loved ones or people we have yet to meet. We go through these changes so we can find compassion and hopefully to become a better person.

Our family has gone through some "Change". I would say it's the 3rd type of "Change". My least favorite. We've had no say in it. But for whatever reason it's happened and we are looking for the positives of this "Change".

I have been avoiding our family blog. Trying to figure out how or if I should say something. Some of you already know, but I know others of you don't. So I just want to share with you simply that our pregnancy has had some complications and we won't be having the privilege of welcoming another little person into our family. We are doing okay and it's bringing us closer together.

So whatever the reason is for going through this "Change"; I know that I'm looking to become a better wife, mother and person because of them.

My Baby to Big Girl

2011-03-15T12:18:00.001-07:00

Becca's hair is kind if luck chicken fluff. It was time to cut it.

Here is a before

Here is an after

She looks so grown up!

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The Love Affair

2011-03-14T19:05:00.001-07:00

Becca is in Love. With a couple of guys. Of course her Daddy and her buddy Champ. But there are two more. They might even be more important then the previous two mentioned. Woody and Buzz Light Year. This girl is in love with Toy Story. It doesn't help that I'm too exhausted and she watches it a couple times a day right now. But those are her Men. Here's a pic if her playing at Champ's. If there is a Buzz or Woody somewhere she finds it!

Stinkin' Cute Eh!

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We are a bunch of sickies!

2011-03-01T11:44:00.001-08:00

Becca and I are hanging out together upstairs. Julia and Emily are downstairs. And Shawn is starting to feel a bit better, so he's working in his office. Last week the girls were out of school but Julia had a fever so I was getting her healthy. Then later in the week Shawn got some nasty thing and the girls and I took care of him. Well this is some super bug because now I've got it and the rest of the girls. The only good thing about being sick is the cuddles. Other then that it's lots of tears and Tylenol. Here's hoping this is it for awhile. Cause I'm ready to throw in the towel. Isn't she cute, if you could only hear her snore it's even cuter :)

- Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

I had good intentions of sending out our Valentine Cards this year... but it didn't happen. Sorry everyone! But here's the next best thing. You still get to see them! The front...

and the back...

Happy Valentine's Day to all of our Family and Friends!

A cute test :)

2011-02-11T18:03:00.001-08:00

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All 3 in Swim Lessons

2011-01-15T11:53:00.001-08:00

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Julia's New Skates

2011-01-13T06:54:00.001-08:00

Santa had brought Julia these awesome PINK double blade skates for Christmas. The only thing is once she started her skating lessons with her kindergarten class they kind of got in the way. She needed skates with one blade. So off we went to play it again sports to pick out some new to her skates. They weren't pink so we had to make them special. So here's a pic of Julia's new skates.

She gets to test them out today!

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Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

Love, The Ormston's

Card Full

2010-11-24T20:38:00.000-08:00

While catching some video of Emily at her Dance Class tonight...this message appeared...Card Full

420 pics and videos later, going back to August 7 -November 24. I finally uploaded pics and video from the camera. I won't bore you of every awesome thing we've been doing. But here's a few faves...

Becca and her Birthday Pinata...she can do it in her heels!

Julia at Whoop Up Days...This year...Notice the Smile this time!

Back to School

First Day of Kindergarten!

Our Bountiful Garden...One Very Large Cucumber

Carving the Pumpkin

Princess Daisy

Princess Peach

Mario, Toad, Luigi and Buzz Light Year joined us!

and part of tonight's performance...

And Guess what? I still have to sync my iPhone...and there's pictures and video on there too. Been awhile :)

Michaels Fun

2010-10-21T12:56:00.001-07:00

I wish I could get the sound effects the kids were making:)

- Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Pretty Face?

2010-10-17T18:18:00.001-07:00

Here is Becca's Lady Gaga Impression

She got into my mascara.

I asked her if she looked pretty. Response "yup"

Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I Did It!!!

2010-10-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my website!!! It's out there. I'm pretty happy with it.

Check it out here.

Look at What We Accomplished

2010-09-25T12:58:00.001-07:00

I am very proud of these woman, and I'm so thankful for them and for the others who weren't here with us that helped us get here!!!

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And She's Done!!!

2010-09-25T12:38:00.001-07:00

We are so proud of her!!!!

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And I finished with a Smile!!!

2010-09-25T11:17:00.001-07:00

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She Totally Rocks

2010-09-25T11:14:00.001-07:00

This Lady did the 10k in under an hour.

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This is where my...

2010-09-25T11:09:00.001-07:00

Heel lift ended up...

Under my arch!!!

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How cute even babies do this!!!

2010-09-25T11:06:00.001-07:00

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See the End!!!

2010-09-25T10:57:00.001-07:00

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Almost Done

2010-09-25T10:40:00.001-07:00

Here we go again. Almost done and feeling GREAT!!!

- Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Heavenly Father made beautiful things and people

2010-09-25T10:30:00.001-07:00

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2010-09-25T10:23:00.001-07:00

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Half way

2010-09-25T10:22:00.001-07:00

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I Love You

2010-09-25T10:21:00.001-07:00

Shout out to my Hubbie! I Love You 1234 I Love You!!! Thank You For This Weekend!'n

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Wind behind my back

2010-09-25T10:10:00.001-07:00

Now it shows up on the way down

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This lady rocks

2010-09-25T10:05:00.001-07:00

She rocks so hard I couldn't even find her on the way up!!! Go Lizanne!!!!

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Nie nie song is on

2010-09-25T09:59:00.001-07:00

If she can do anything so can i

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Good idea

2010-09-25T09:58:00.001-07:00

But 2 the sun shining I might be in the buff by the end of the race:)

- Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hills we've all got them

2010-09-25T09:53:00.001-07:00

Hill we've all got them in life what are we going to do with them. Defy and conquer sit and sulk? Run them when you can. Walk if you have to either way your going to get to the top. But get to he top fellin like you kicked some butt

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10 and1

2010-09-25T09:48:00.001-07:00

First walk feeling
great. Excuse the spelling errors:)

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Friendly faces

2010-09-25T09:46:00.001-07:00

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Good feelings

2010-09-25T09:44:00.001-07:00

- Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone fyfdrn

Run skirts

2010-09-25T09:40:00.001-07:00

Shirts

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5min to start!!!

2010-09-25T09:27:00.001-07:00

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At the race

2010-09-25T09:16:00.001-07:00

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Back to the hotel

2010-09-25T08:47:00.001-07:00

For some stretching and bathroom breaks. I'm ready for a nap even though we haven't done the race :p. Trying some new race stuff, ate my granola bar and had some oatmeal. Looking forward to my new race playlist.

Wish us Luck!

- Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Picking Up Our Shirts

2010-09-25T08:06:00.001-07:00

The wind is ripping. We've walked around, had a little breakfast. And now we are off to get our shirts.

Here they are!

In Banff...

2010-09-25T06:42:00.001-07:00

Today I'm in Banff with some girlfriends. We are running Melissa's Road Race. I'm doing the 10k with Lizanne and Deb is running 22k. She rocks. We get to enjoy some beautiful scenery. Join us on our journey ;)

Here is a pic from the hotel window.

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I can totally blog on the go

2010-09-23T10:43:00.001-07:00

How sweet is that. Right now we are just waiting for Julia to finish kindergarten. We got here early. Yes, I said early. So here is a pic of Becca enjoying her apples. And a big plus for today, the sun came to visit, it's warm and sunny. Well maybe not super warm but it's sunny!!!

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We Opted for Cucumbers Tonight

2010-09-22T18:04:00.001-07:00

See this sweet girl...

Last night we had cafe rio pork and corn. This sweet little girl put some corn up her nose. So with aspirator and tweezers in hand, Becca pinned down we got the corn out. Tonight we had chicken, applesauce and cucumbers. They are a bit harder to shove up your nose I personally don't know that. I'm just assuming because they are larger. So far we are veggie nose free tonight!

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Now a pic from the library on the phone ;)

2010-09-22T17:25:00.001-07:00

There were some sweet deals at walmart this week. They were having their anniversary sale and I picked up a ton of tp and other stuff. I probably looked crazy. My cart was stuffed to the max. 4 packs of 24 rolls of tp. 2 containers of orange juice, 1 case of diapers, 10 jars of pasta sauce, 10 cans of Campbells soup, 4 reams of paper, 8 jars of assorted vitamins, 2-6 pack rolls of bounty paper towel, and a partridge in a pair tree.

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Pic time with the App

2010-09-22T17:19:00.001-07:00

This is the chandelier made for Emily's room. I hope this works;)

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There's got to be an App for that...

2010-09-22T14:56:00.001-07:00

This morning I was thinking "there has to be an app for blogging". Well I think I found one. I just have to see if I can take pics and upload from the phone. So here is a test post with no pic. Let's hope it works!

- Antonia posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Halloween is Coming...

2010-09-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

We are already talking Halloween Costumes in our house! I have a big order to fill. The cool thing is, it's an even year so I get to pick costumes/theme. With some help and direction from the kiddos of course. Well, I'm off to the thrift store with Becca. Wish us luck. Hopefully I'll have a sneak peak for you later. Give you some clues as to what we are going to be this year. The whole family is getting dressed up. Even Shawn. Even if he doesn't like it ;) It's happening!

Realized We've Been Up to Stuff...

2010-09-09T18:54:00.001-07:00

but I need to upload the pics from the camera. So with that said, I'm off to find the camera. So much to share!

We Got a Shout Out!

2010-09-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

So I have a new best friend...her name is Brooke White! We are super tight! Just Joking.

But we got a response back from Brooke and she featured the Girls on their blog. Super Cool!

(click on image to go to post)

My Girls With Glasses!

2010-08-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

I found this a few months ago, and well I love it. I showed it to Miss Em, our own little girl with glasses and she loves it. All the girls love it. Shawn really is outnumbered in our house when it comes to choice of music. Poor guy.

Well I am trying to find the song...and I can't. So enjoy the video! And if you happen to find it, let me know.

I Am A Girl - The Girls With Glasses Theme Song from The Girls With Glasses on Vimeo.

I did message them, and sent them a pic with Our Girls in Glasses! Enjoy!

The Bookmobile Celebrates 25yrs

2010-08-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

We love books in our house.

One of our favorite things is going to the Library. We are really lucky that our Library has a Bookmobile. A Library on wheels.

During the School year the bookmobile would be parked outside the school every Tuesday. That day the girls and I would pick Miss Em up from school and then head over and look for some great books for the week.

The Bookmobile is celebrating 25yrs.

The Girls and some of our friends were asked if they would like their picture taken for the July and August Summer Happening (the Library Newsletter).

So here they are!

A Week in the Life of Becca

2010-08-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is Becca. She is sweet, loveable, blonde and a keeper.

Here is a peek into a week with our little monkey!

Sunday: Becca decided she just wasn't clean enough after having her bath. With Sunday dress on and hair done, she needed to have another bath with Juju. Clothes and all!

Monday: She is quite the artist. Very creative. She loves to work on blank canvases. Her own arms and feet are perfect for that!

Tuesday: One of her favorite past times is working in the garden. We found the lettuce she planted under the stairs and deck.

Wednesday: When her body is covered, the next best place to express creativity is tile and carpet. Big Sisters are great clean-up crews.

Thursday: Did you know that Big Sisters make great punching bags! When your small you can hit them again and again and again and they won't hit back. Sometimes they will even just sit there! They make little noises, and say things like "ouch" "that hurt" "MOM!!!" but for the most part they just take it. And it's pretty funny!

Friday: My sewing machine is white. Kind of plain. It needed some sprucing up. Oh and hair gel is not just good for your hair, but for your sewing machine too! I think it's quite the improvement.

Saturday: Bandaids make great Stickers. Especially Scooby Doo Bandaids. The kitchen cupboards needed some sprucing up. (They were everywhere)

Wedding Stuff

2010-08-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

Here's the pics.

I offered to decorate for a wedding and made the cake too. How'd I do on the skimming Mom?

Skim 1

Skim 2

Final Cake

July Part III

2010-08-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Then we went to the Birds of Prey Center in Coaldale...

(the sign actually says please don't touch :)

The girls got held a barn owl named Alex

we picked strawberries and made strawberry blueberry jam!

played wedding... and decorated for a wedding(more in another post, just for you Mom)

had ice cream for dinner (in bed too ;)

July Part II

2010-08-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Carissa and Luke invited us to go to Montana with them. We had a great time. Fed Ducks, slipped n' slide, the water park, some fine dining ;) and we got some fine family shots too. Thanks Carissa.

(I should have uploaded them to flickr first. The actual colour of these shots are amazing.)

Looking Back...

2010-08-01T20:17:00.001-07:00

I had to start the post all over again! And I was almost done!!!

So I think I'll just post pictures...with some commentary

We planted a garden... tore the sod up and all..

last day of preschool for Juju... on to Kindergarten in the Fall

Emily's 8th Birthday...

Last Day of Gr.2

Grandma & Grandpa came out, because turning 8 is a pretty big deal

played with caterpillars...

ate like bunnies

Juju spent a day at Miss Em's Spa

celebrated Canada Day

Watched the Fireworks!!!

while having hot chocolate.

made a cake, and it was yummy,

oh so yummy!

saw some dinosaurs,

they even roar,

at the Calgary Zoo

and that's not even all of July!

Confessions

2010-07-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

I have two of them. First, sometimes I blog in my head. I have full intentions to get to the computer and do a post and well, I just don't. They're pretty cool too! But, life gets busy and truly I'd rather sleep or spend sometime with the kids and yes even Shawn.

Second confession, we have two new additions to the family...

and I almost killed one.

The kids don't know. Just Shawn and well who ever reads our blog knows now too. The only thing I ask, is please keep it a secret from the kids.

I was cleaning their tanks.

While my parents where out visiting, my Mom kind of took care of that. We didn't have a net for these little guys, so she would just pick them up with her bare hand.

I thought to myself, well if she can do it I have to be able to do it too. Well I couldn't. I tried but the fish was wiggling in my hand and I couldn't it was so uck. So I got an old ladle out of the drawer (which will now only be used for the fish, unless your not on my good side) and scooped the first one out. Cleaned the tank and did a great job. Well then it came time to do the other one. It wasn't as easy. So I tried scooping it out over the sink... and it flipped out of the little tank and off the ladle. It fell into the sink, part way down the drain. I FORGOT TO PUT THE DRAIN PLUG IN ALL THE WAY. I'm freaking out. I finally calm down and scoop the little guy back into a safe place.

Note: not with my hand.

We survived, the kids stayed asleep and only Shawn knows what happened. And you too!

So here's a pic of our little guy after the trauma.

I think the fish and I are on better terms now.

Also I've decided to buy a net and I vow to put the drain plug in every time!

Been Awhile, But What's New!

2010-04-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Kay lots to say but this post is to tell everyone to vote for my Cousin Troy! They are holding Open Auditions for Glee! And he would be perfect! So here is his audition on MySpace!

Glee monologue

Glee | MySpace Video

Glee song

Glee | MySpace Video

Click on this Link and Vote!!! Spread the Word too!

Really Quick!

2010-03-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

I should be sleeping right now, I really want to especially with being so sick recently. And I clarify quickly I AM NOT PREGNANT!

General Conference is coming up this weekend. My kids love it. Yes that's right love it! We've made it fun over the years and have little traditions that go along with Conference. One of our little traditions, that helps a LOT, is this wonderful Conference Packet that some wonderful person made. So here is the link, Share, Use, Enjoy! Some of the packet is geared to older children, but we make changes where needed (i.e. the word search, before they could really read we would have the circle a certain letter) I know you'd come up with something great! Enjoy the upcoming General Conference and your Easter Weekend!

Just Random thought...

2010-03-18T14:33:00.001-07:00

You know how you check out other people's blogs...I know you do, because I do! And who wouldn't. There are some awesome people out there. And that's my thought! There are so many awesome people out there and I know we would be great friends! So those of you who stop by and make comments and those of you who spy...I know we would be, what does Anne Shirley say "A bosom friend--an intimate friend, you know--a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul" I know we would be (and some we already are!).

This one's for you Jeanee!

2010-03-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

I participated in a Pin Cushion Swap over here

My Swap Partner was Jeanee and these are the lovely things she sent us.

She screen printed her logo on the fabric and then made this adorable pin cushion with my fave colour RED!

Just from the e-mails sent back and forth, I think she is one of the sweetest people I've met.(online, but maybe one day we will meet) Check out her site here.

I took a little video of the girls opening their treat from Jeanee.

They couldn't leave the house today without one of these adorable clips in their hair.

(Sorry the pics don't do the goodies any justice, just swamped today but want to make sure that I posted!)

First Post of Many for Today...

2010-03-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Okay there has been lots going on! And I don't know where to start!

Julia and I have built Snow Girls (See Emily, Julia and Becca)

Emily was recognized at School!

We have started running club again this year!

I have participated in a few swaps and also found this awesome swap site!

The girls finished their swimming lessons!

Emily has Glasses now!

We have 4 new very important additions to the family!

Spent some time at the park, because the weather is finally getting nice!

Made Marshmallow Shooters from this great Instructable!

Had a Cousin sleepover!

Julia has found her very own fashion sense!

(I know Julia is a girl and sweet one at that, it's just every time she does her hair like this I think...

Richie Tenenbaum)

And I won a giveaway! Thank you Jenny!

(It came from Australia)

With that said I have also started a new project...yes I know another project. But I love it! So check it out! It's only been 5 days but I'm really having fun with it!

Thought this was pretty cute!

2010-03-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

Just before heading to bed tonight, I found Emily here:

The middle of our living room floor.

She was complaining about Julia's snoring.

I told her to crash in our bad...which she said was too messy (the sheets were a little tangled from my Sunday afternoon nap, because Sunday's are a day of rest.)

Take note of her alarm clock and clothes set out for tomorrow. Cute, eh!

This Ones for you ABDO!

2010-02-14T22:03:00.001-08:00

Okay I know you've been waiting...

2010-02-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

Here it is...Our Fancy Nancy Bathroom...Before and After...I took our main floor bathroom and with the help of the girls had some fun. If anyone has met Nancy Clancy well you know that she is Fancy.

We love her books and truthfully I think we all have inner Nancy's. If you have a chance to read or glance through you'll fall in love.

Well with our inner Nancy's and Shawn away we tackled our bathroom.

Here is the Before...

Love those builder mirrors so fancy (NOT)

We had to do some crafting...

Picked these frames up at the Dollar Store, 2 for a $1

(Now this is where I had everything posted and ready to go and it failed AHHHHH, so I'll start again)

So we went to the thrift store to see what we could find to make things FANCY...Emily found this lovely chair.

See if you can spy it in out bathroom.

Get ready to enter the world of 3 girls, the world of FANCY

We found this tray for 50 cents, drilled some holes, found some ribbon, and visited my vinyl lady...ta dah!

Nancy loooves French!

Did I tell you Fuschia is Nancy's favorite color!

We also found this lovely tablecloth at the thrift store, but it makes a much better shower curtain!

And every girl needs a chandelier in their bathroom (found at the $ Store, it's vinyl)

Christmas Garland, Vinyl, and MDF Painted Pink with Glitter is soo Ooo-la-la!

See their artwork! Lovely!

Did you spy the chair? A little spray paint, new padding, scrap fabric and some pom pom trim! LOVE IT!

And we couldn't leave any corner unturned. Who wouldn't want a fancy plunger! And we needed a special basket for the Kandoo's, another thrift store find, and Emily's idea!

Sparkly door knobs...

And no bathroom would be complete without...

Yes that was pink toilet paper!

I hope you have enjoyed the tour of our bathroom! We had a blast creating it!

Proof they were here

2010-02-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some pics to prove that my sister and my mom were here...

It's too bad that I only got pictures just as they were leaving.

Dinosaur Time

2010-02-10T21:38:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoons at the Galt the have fun drop in programs. We were able to make our own dinosaurs. Here are some pics.

Sad to say that the dinosaur exhibit is gone now.

What We've Been Up To!

2010-02-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

Just after Christmas we had two visitors. My Mom and Sister Amanda came out to visit. They were here for New Year's Eve! We had a great time!

We made homemade pizza,

wrote out our New Year's Resolutions, and rang in the New Year(early) with the kids. We did New Year's at Nine. They had no clue and we had fun doing it. I hope we can get a few more years of New Year's at Nine. Here is a little video of us ringing in and celebrating the New Year!

(You can tell how thrilled Shawn is with the weather. And we need to give Grandma G credit for the awesome sideways video:)

A Very Happy Birthday to You!!!

2009-12-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

This post is for someone really special!!! We love you Grandpa Goldthorp!!!

Inuit Days

2009-12-19T22:38:00.000-08:00

All four Grade 2 Classes have been studying Iqaluit, Nunavut. At the end of the Unit they have an Inuit Day. The teachers did an amazing job. The had so many different stations set up for the kids to participate in. The gym was filled with activities, spear throwing, this kick thing that Emily was so excited about, a story tent, I could go on and on. They also had stations set up in the classes, the kids made toques, and Inukshuks, they made polar bear cookies. It was so much fun to help out.

Here are a few pics and a video of Emily doing this button zipper game.

Julia's Christmas Concert

2009-12-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

So you'll notice Julia starts out with a bit of Gusto, but it kind of tapers towards the end. You'll see. Her Cousin Ryder (on the right), did an awesome job. Full Gusto till the end. (by the way, it's not the whole concert, just the highlights.) Enjoy!

Juila's Birthday Party

2009-12-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

If anyone knows Julia, you know that at anytime, anytime you may catch this girl in her swimming suit. So it was perfect for her to have a Luau Party.

Especially since her birthday is on Christmas Day. She asked for a Rudolph-the-Red-Nosed Reindeer Cake. Had fun making that!

When the girls got there we made flowers for their hair. Then Emily led the girls in Hula Lessons.

Followed by some coconut bowling and the limbo.

I made Strawberry Daiquiri's for the girls and topped them off with umbrellas. Julia is a pro.

(note the flower in her hair, she made it!)

Yummy Food

We had lots of fun!

Julia's Birthday @ Preschool

2009-12-19T18:39:00.000-08:00

The Preschool Class singing to Julia!

Emily's Christmas Concert

2009-12-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

Well if this works, Here are a few video's from Emily's Christmas Concert. The first one they are singing is called Winter is Here.

(Part 1 Winter is Here)

(Part 2 Winter is Here)

This one is called, Snowflakes.

We really enjoyed her Christmas Concert. All of the kids did really well. They had handbells, gr3-5 choir, and they did a nativity. It was really nice. We are so thankful for all the work our teachers and staff do at that school.

Don't Know What...

2009-12-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

to call this post. We have had a lot going on since the end of the November.

We've attended Christmas Craft Shows...

Visited Santa and his reindeer...

Decorated Our Tree...

Dropped Bags off for the Food Bank Christmas Hamper Drive...

Attended Emily's School Christmas Concert...

Attended Our Ward Christmas Party, which our wonderful Activities Committee put on,(which I'm on)...

Celebrated Julia's Birthday at her Preschool...

Attended Julia's Preschool Concert, and her Cousin Ryder was in it too. He did AWESOME!!!...so did Julia

Had Julia's Birthday Party with her little friends, we had Christmas in Hawaii...

Attended Julia's Preschool Christmas Party...

And Yesterday I helped out with the Grade 2 Inuit Day at School...(I started this post Thursday and I'm only get to it now)

One of the many...

2009-12-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

Wreaths that I have made this Holiday Season!

Again Mom this one is for you! Here's the wreath that I made, and the wallpaper I put up all by myself!

This One's for you Mom!

2009-12-09T15:03:00.001-08:00

Okay, just a quick post. And really it's for you Mom! It won't have pics from our Ward Christmas Party, but it will have pics of the kids decorating the tree. I just want you to know that I love you! Here's a few of the girls for you!

Julia Child

2009-11-19T23:33:00.000-08:00

We have four videos. They are all soo cute!

By the way, she is saying "Bonjour, Bon Appetit!"

Looking Back

2009-11-19T22:31:00.000-08:00

I was just checking back through our photos to see what I had or had not posted. I realized, I've missed quite a lot...Like here is Juju's first day of Preschool

We had an accident...

Poor Polly (she's still smiling)

We went up to Calgary and spent some time with Luke & Carissa, did the zoo thing and went to Calaway Park

We had the whole fam here for Thanksgiving Dinner, here is the invite we sent out...

Make a Smilebox greeting

We had Auntie Andrea come and visit

Created masterpieces

Had a Little Witches Tea Party

Halloween

The YSA had games for the primary before trick or trunk!

Waited in line for Flu Shots (for only 2 of the kids)

this is the line behind us

this is the line infront of us!

Played Dress Up

oh and bought a house, that's right, we are staying in Lethbridge! We are pretty excited! Next Post you'll see Julia as Julia Child! I think it's cute, but I'm biased!

I'm here...real life, sort of

2009-11-19T15:42:00.000-08:00

I haven't had much time to really post anything about our little fam. I'm hoping to do that tonight after the kiddos are in bed. I know I still have to post about Halloween, and I have this hilarious video of Julia pretending to be Julia Child...but I thought some of you that know me would get a kick out of this little post.

Okay, I confess, I'm a huge Twilight fan. I didn't get into to at first. A lot of my friends said they really couldn't get into the book. The Young Women I was serving with at the time were crazy about it. Especially one...who will remain nameless. But with that said, this summer while at the library, I saw the DVD and thought why not. I'll watch it. My Mom was out here visiting and I thought it would be something fun for us to do. Well, after I saw it, I had to read the books. I thought to myself... my Mom's here so I won't read them now, I'll just request them from our local library and when the get in I'll read them. Well a few days later, they all came in. Off we went to the Library. I thought I will start the first one, just reading at bedtime, because my Mom's here and I should really be spending time with her. Well it didn't really work like that. I was hooked. Totally and utterly hooked. I flew through the first one in a day and a half, took New Moon with us to the ward campout, which was just one night and lets just say in a few short days, I had read all 4 books! I wasn't really to social. I would even go to bed early claiming I was really tired but actually would stay up way too late and read. Looking back, I kind of feel bad...sort of, maybe... Well today on a blog that I follow they were having a New Moon giveaway, which sadly I didn't win...but I found this... Which Cullen heroine are you... I took the quiz... and ...

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

I've told Shawn that if Edward comes to the door looking for me, well the reality is I'll have to leave him... He got a kick out if it, I hope you do too! Hey check out this giveaway! I really want this one...maybe I'll have better luck this time!

Week 7 Cooking Group

2009-11-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

RIGATONI WITH SWISS CHARD AND SAUSAGE

Source: Canadian Living

Ingredients:
4 c. pasta
1/2 c. salted pasta water
4 italian sausages, removed from casings
1 onion, chopped
8 c. swiss chard, chopped (I used spinach)
1/2 c. fresh basil, chopped
1 c. diced tomatoes
1 can navy beans, rinsed and drained
3 cloves of fresh garlic or 3 tsp pickled garlic
red pepper flakes
Mozza cheese

Parm cheese

Directions:

1. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute sausages, breaking up with spoon, until browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and hot pepper flakes; cook for 2 minutes.

2. Add tomatoes, basil, salt and sugar; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in beans.

3. Meanwhile, in large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook pasta until still slightly firm in centre, about 8 minutes. Drain and return to pot reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Add sauce, reserved cooking liquid and Swiss Chard(Spinach); toss to coat. Transfer to 10-cup glass baking dish.

4. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; cover with greased foil. Bake in 375F oven for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until bubbly and browned, about 10 minutes.

Shawn: Love "Please make this one again!"

Me: Love, will make this one again

Emily: Love

Julia: Love, (she actually sat down and ate dinner)

Becca: Love, easy to please

Special Guest: Andrea, Love

Canadian Living is one of my favourite magazines! Growing up my Mom always subscribed to it. We would it yummy things from this magazine all the time! It was so much fun to make this meal with my Sister, and have my family enjoy the meal!