The Camera Loves Nathan

Nathan's new favourite pastime is posing for pictures.

It goes down like this:

Nathan comes to me and says, "Mom, take a picture of me!"

I grab the camera and wait for him to smile and say, "Cheese."

He does so, and then hurries over to look at the camera screen to see the picture show up.

Then he runs back in front of the camera and strikes some crazy pose he thinks up in the moment. Usually it is something totally random and half the time he's purposely not looking directly at the camera and / or not smiling.

He holds this pose until I take the picture.

Then he comes over for another look. Sometimes he'll say something like, "Cool" when he sees what it turns out like.

Then he'll do it all over again.

And again.

And again.

One of the funny things about this is that he does not get tired of posing. We only stop when I distract him with another activity.

I am the kind of person who much prefers to be behind the camera.  I'm pretty sure he gets this trait from his Aunt Jordana.

Here's a small sampling of his photo shoot on New Year's Eve. (What makes these even more funny is Nathan's dirty face.) 

Pictures of Oscar

Some pictures to go along with Oscar's story.  He was such a beautiful cat. 

The Story of Oscar: Part 2

Thank you for your kind words about Oscar. For those of you who haven't read Part 1 of Oscar's Story, you can find it here.

I didn't intend to wait a week to post Part 2, nor did I intend to keep any of you in suspense. Sometimes life tends to get in the way of blogging.

So, back to Oscar's story...

Jessica and I didn't want to get rid of this cute little kitten we had been raising, but it was clear we couldn't keep him in the apartment. Our roommates were starting to reach their limit and were hinting at what kinds of "accidents" might occur should we happen to leave kitty (he was still unnamed at this time) home alone.

One day Jessica came to me and said that she had decided to give me (and Scott) the kitten as a wedding gift. She asked our roommates to please consider letting him stay with us for just a little longer, since I was moving out in only a few short weeks. They reluctantly agreed.

The next couple of weeks were filled with last minute wedding plans, exams, and pet lessons from Jessica. She helped me get him vaccinated, taught me how to train him (he was just starting to use kitty litter), the best kinds of food to feed him, and anything else she could think of.

During that time, he had been given a name, finally. It was actually Scott who suggested naming him Oscar and I thought it suited him nicely.

Soon enough it was time to load up all of my belongings into my navy blue Oldsmobile and leave Utah. Oscar was tucked safely in his cool purple cat carrier, and we were off to start a new life back in Ontario.

By the way, did I mention I also had a pet turtle named Chuckles? He was coming along for the big move too. The three of us drove up to Edmonton to pick up Scott, and then we all set off to drive home together.

I wish I could tell you that getting home from Edmonton was uneventful, but that would be a lie. Scott and I had an adventure that rivaled John Candy and Steve Martin's in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

That, however, is another story for another day. Suffice it to say that we did eventually make it home safe with Oscar and Chuckles. Sadly, we had to abandon the Oldsmobile in Kenmare, North Dakota.

Oscar was a fun and playful kitten. We used to have this ledge in our house that he would run across and play games. He would bat at our hands or a ball, and was pretty coordinated.

He used to catch birds and mice and once in a while he would bring them back to us as a gift.

After he destroyed the living room furniture and curtains we decided to get his front claws removed.

This didn't stop him from catching birds, mice, or getting into fights with other cats in the neighbourhood. Oscar was definitely known as the alpha male around here. He wasn't scared of anyone. He was always a fighter.

One of the things I loved most about Oscar is how gentle he was with our kids. When our oldest daughter was born, someone suggested that we bring a hat home from the hospital for Oscar to smell before we brought Samantha home to meet him.

It must have worked because Oscar loved our babies from the minute they were born. We have a picture of him "guarding" Samantha while she sleeps in her carseat, just a few days old.

Oscar was pretty indifferent to other kids that came over. He would never hurt them, but he would usually run and hide in one of his favourite spots until they left.

But he loved our kids. He would let Nathan grab his tail, lay on top of him, tickle him, touch his paws and nose.

Oscar loved to come to the family room in the evenings and see if Scott was there so he could jump onto his lap and get some attention. The only time he came to my lap was when I was pregnant. Oscar loved laying on my pregnant belly. But as soon as I had the baby, he would go back to Scott's lap.

Before he got sick, he used to love going outside. Last summer, just before we left to go out West, we noticed that he hadn't been eating very well. By the time we got back from our trip he had stopped eating dry food altogether.

Soon after that we started to notice changes in his behaviour that were concerning. He rarely went outside. He spent entire days laying in one of his favourite spots. He loved to go on our bed, in our closet, under Samantha's bed, or under Clara's crib.

We took him into the vet, but after treating him for an infection, and then later pulling two of his teeth, he still wasn't improving. He was losing weight at an alarming rate, he wasn't eating, and he just seemed to be miserable all the time. He was vomiting constantly, and because he wasn't eating food, it was mostly bile that came up.

We had some more testing done and the news wasn't good. The vet broke the bad news that Oscar either was either fighting cancer or severe organ failure.

The rest of the story is too sad to write. After watching him suffer like he did, I'm glad that he is in a good place now.

It's kind of weird being able to take a glass of water to bed and not worry about Oscar knocking it over at night. And I miss not having cat food on the grocery list. And every time I don't have to move his water bowl when Clara plays in the kitchen, I miss him again.

I like to think that he had a great life with us and that he was happy here. He sure was loved. Not just by Scott and I and our children, but by neighbours, extended family, and friends. He was a very special cat and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for years to come.

In loving memory of Oscar, March 13, 1999 - Jan 8, 2010.

The Story of Oscar: Part 1

Some of you know that last week our family said good-bye to our cat, Oscar.

It was a bittersweet time. It's always hard to lose someone you love, and we were very sad to see him go. But we were comforted slightly in knowing that he would finally be free from the suffering he had endured at the end of his life.

I think it would be an appropriate time to share Oscar's story.

It started in March of 1999. I was going to University and Scott and I were 2 months away from getting married. My roommate, Jessica, who worked as a Vet Technician, came home one day with a tiny animal in her shirt pocket.

I almost had a hard time recognizing him as a kitten, as he was only three days old, his eyes weren't open yet, he didn't have a lot of fur, and frankly he looked more like a drowned rat.

Obviously I hadn't had much experience with baby animals up until that time. But that was about to change.

This poor kitten had been abandoned by his mother, as she was only about 9 months old when she gave birth. His only other sibling had not survived the abandonment. But Oscar was a fighter.

He came home with Jessica and the two of us started taking care of him right away. We made him a warm home out of a shoebox, a hot water bottle, some soft towels, and a couple stuffed animals.

We bottle fed him every two hours around the clock. This was no small feat, as we were both full time students, Jessica also worked quite a bit and I was planning to move back to Ontario just couple of weeks before our wedding.

But we set our alarm clocks and took turns getting up with him at night. We ran home to feed and check on him in-between classes and during lunch breaks. We coordinated schedules and made it work. We saved our pennies to pay for his food and supplies.

Within a few weeks it was apparent that he was growing, thriving, and starting to get really cute.

However, in the meantime, we found out that the apartment we were living in had a strict NO PETS rule. And even though Jessica and I could most likely have kept him a secret from the management under ordinary circumstances, at least for a while, we had another problem.

There were two other roommates living with us at the time who despised cats and were horrified to have one in the house. They were constantly giving us a hard time about the kitten and threatening to have him evicted.

More about Oscar in Part 2, coming soon....

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Here are some things we are enjoying this season:

Putting up our Christmas tree (We have an artificial tree but I thought the Silver Fir scented oil from the Body Shop burning in the living room was a great added touch.)

Getting creative with rolled sugar cookies, coloured icing and sprinkles. Oh, and we've already been through a couple batches of chewy molasses ginger cookies, my all-time favourite.

The Nativity production at church was outstanding.

Christmas parties, dinners, recitals, concerts, get-togethers... I think we've been averaging three functions a week since the beginning of the month.

Remember the Pretzel Hugs from last year? Yeah. Lots more of those. I found red and green Christmas M&Ms this year! These went out to teachers, friends, neighbours, and JD's hockey teammates at their last practice before Christmas.

Samantha enjoyed her Secret Santa week at school.

Opening cards, letters, and photos from friends and family near and far. We haven't managed to get any out ourselves, but we are loving receiving all of yours.

Snuggling up at night with blankets, popcorn, hot chocolate, and good Christmas movies. We will likely do more of this now that the kids are out of school.

Outdoor skating downtown with friends followed by hot chocolate, treats, and games and Grandma's apartment. Our kids declared it the best Christmas vacation day ever!

I hope you are all delighting in your holiday celebrations and finding JOY in the wonders of Christmas.

It's Hard To Say Goodbye

We have had such beautiful weather this fall!

Our kids have been wearing sweatshirts, vests and light jackets to school in the mornings, and lots of days they have them stuffed in their backpacks when they get home in the afternoon.

I remember lots of Halloweens with snow on the ground, but now, with December only a week away, we still haven't seen our first snowfall.

As much as I am loving this great weather, it has proven to be rather deceiving, as I have just now started realizing that Christmas is around the corner.

I admit that although I am not always, I have been known in the past, to be one of those people who are done Christmas shopping by (Canadian) Thanksgiving.

Now, with Christmas only a month away, the only thing I have done to start preparing is listen to a little Christmas Music.

And that's mostly due to the fact that our children are practicing their songs daily for their Christmas Piano Recital which is coming up in a few weeks.

I know that in the near future I will be exited about lights and candy canes and shopping lists and Christmas parties and baking and stockings and secret gift wrapping late at night while the kids are asleep.

But for now I'm happy to enjoy this season just a tiny bit longer, while it lasts.

Two Thumbs Up

I turned 31 a couple of weeks ago.

Scott took me to Toronto, along with Samantha and Brett, to see The Sound of Music at the Princess of Whales Theatre.

It was an absolutely wonderful show, and I enjoyed it immensely.

It was also delightful to go out with just the older children for a night. We had some good talks, good food, and good laughs together before the show and they both enjoyed their first real theatrical experience.

A few of you have asked how it was or if I would recommend it. My answer is yes - I highly recommend it and would see it again in a heartbeat!

(photo source: http://www.toronto-theatre.com/)

Making Memories at Colasanti's

We went to visit Nana & Papa when the kids had a PD Day.

While down there, we got to visit one of our favourite spots - Colasanti's Tropical Gardens.

Here are some things we love about this place:

• Feeding the goats
• Snakes, birds, deer, fish, bats, lemurs, and so many other fun animals to see
• Famous Fried Chicken
• Delicious Homemade Donuts
• Jugs of fresh Peach Juice
• Rides for the kids (the Bumble Bees are always a hit)
• Mini Golf
• Pony Rides
  
• Beautiful plants of all kinds
• Big Red Wagons to ride in

The Bumper Cars were new this year. (Ask me how heartbroken Nathan was when everyone in the family was tall enough to go in one except for him and Clara.)

 

  

  

  

  

  

 

Starting Hockey

Jesse started playing ice hockey this year.

His first few practices were pretty early on Saturday mornings. I thought the early mornings might be a little tough, based on how long it takes me to get him out of bed for school every day.

I soon found out how mistaken I was.

Yeah, the early mornings are a non-issue when he's getting up for hockey instead of to catch the school bus.

He literally jumps out of bed, throws his clothes on, inhales a quick bowl of cereal, and is waiting by the front door with his bag and stick and plenty of time to spare.

I'm happy for him to have a good outlet for some of his excess energy and he's enjoying it so much.

Cross Country Girl

Samantha really enjoyed running Cross Country for the first time this year (1.5 km).

Here she is at her first meet. She was very nervous, but she did great and had so much fun.

She narrowly missed qualifying for the City Finals, and is looking forward to next year already.

Meaghan Smith: The Cricket's Orchestra

My dear friend Meaghan just released her CD, The Cricket's Orchestra.

I'm so excited and happy for her!

It's on sale at Barnes & Noble, and available on itunes.

Here's a link to Meaghan's Website. Go check it out!

Grandparents

It was wonderful staying at my Grandparents' house this summer.

Back when I was growing up, they lived on a farm. I always enjoyed helping my Grandpa with the farm chores, like changing sprinkler pipe and feeding the chickens. We spent endless hours playing in the coulees with the cows grazing in the pastures nearby.

Then there was Grandma's baking. My favourite treats were her famous Butterhorns. The best way I can describe these are big soft rolls with this really thin layer of icing. Sometimes they had nuts on top. To die for.

I remember Grandma loved to watch Murder She Wrote, and Matlock. She was always baking, cleaning, quilting, sewing, doing word puzzles, or something else while watching TV. I used to think it was so cool that she had a television in her kitchen and she would let us watch Wheel of Fortune while we helped set the table and get dinner ready.

It makes me so happy to see my children spending time with their great-grandparents and making memories of their own.

Update: Conference Weekend

Scott has gone to Salt Lake City with three friends for General Conference this weekend. They went to a BYU football game on Friday night too, which Scott said was a lot of fun.

It's been cold and rainy, so the kids and I have been enjoying the indoors this with friends, movies, popcorn, blankets, and books. I even let the kids pull out the DS's that they have barely touched since our Alberta trip.

Today we are heading over to a friends' to watch the rest of Conference. Should be another great day.

It's hard to believe October is here already. All of a sudden when the weather got colder this week, I started thinking about needing to pack up the shorts and sandals and get out the vests and jackets...

And gourds, apples, pumpkins, & cinnamon. After all, next weekend is Thanksgiving! One of my favourite holidays. I LOVE fall.

More on the Rainbow Party

So I mentioned that we did a little rainbow theme for Clara's first birthday.

It all started when my sister recommended a rainbow cake, as she had recently made one for my niece.

We made the cake, strung some rainbow coloured balloons up around the house, made rainbow Jell-O and popcorn and invited some family and friends over. So easy and fun!

The older kids LOVED helping with the rainbow food. Especially Samantha - she was in kitchen heaven.

Here are the recipes. Notice you will need a lot of Jell-O. And a good helper.



Recipe: Rainbow Popcorn

For each colour of popcorn, you will need:

10-12 cups popped popcorn
1 package any flavour Jell-O
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 tsp baking soda

First, microwave the Jell-O, sugar, butter, and corn syrup on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir and microwave 1-2 minutes more, until it is starting to bubble.

Stir in the baking soda until it is incorporated and foamy.

In a large paper bag, layer the popcorn and Jell-O mixture. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Shake. Microwave for 30 seconds, and shake again until popcorn is evenly coated.

Spread on parchment paper or cookie sheets until cool. (Store in an airtight container)





Recipe: Rainbow Jell-O Salad

6 packages Jell-O (rainbow colours of course!)
water
vanilla yogurt

Mix 1 cup boiling water with 1 package of Jell-O and stir until it is dissolved. Then divide it evenly into 2 bowls.

To the first bowl, add 3 Tbsp cold water, and pour into a 9 X 13 clear glass pan. Chill in the fridge for 25-30 minutes (or until set).

When the layer is ready, add 1/3 cup yogurt to the remaining Jell-O and stir until smooth.

Pour into pan and chill for 25-30 minutes.

Repeat the process for each colour. You will end up with 12 layers.

Enjoy!



Recipe: Rainbow Cake

1 box white cake mix
food colouring
lots of white icing


Mix cake according to directions on box. Divide batter into 6 equal portions and add food colouring to each one (rainbow colours of course!).


Bake each colour separately in a 8 or 9 inch round pan (you will need to adjust the baking time, as the layers will be thinner than usual). Cool.


Layer cake colours onto serving tray with white icing between each colour. Frost the whole cake in white. It doesn't look that pretty in this picture, but when you ice the whole thing and then cut it into slices, it looks really cool.


I was so busy getting a video of Clara eating her cake that I didn't get the best pictures of the actual cake once it's served, but these will give you an idea. Enjoy!

Clara: One Year Old

It was so hard for me to see Clara turn one year old. I cannot believe that it's been a whole year since she was a newborn swaddled in my arms, so tiny and precious.

We had fun giving her a Rainbow Birthday celebration that was really more for the older kids benefit than Clara's, although she did enjoy chasing the balloons around.

Here are some things she is doing at 12 months:

She can go up and down stairs by herself.

She can wave hello and goodbye.

She is starting to talk, and here are some of her first words:

Mama (Her first word)

Dad

Hi

Bye

Yeah (This is her answer to most questions)

Me (When you ask anything starting with WHO, such as, "Who wants ice cream?")

She's starting to comprehend some words and phrases. Whenever she here's us ask, "What's Clara eating?" she knows she has to make a run for it or we're going to come over and yank the marble (or other choke-able item) out of her mouth.

She's starting to really enjoy books.

She can stand up unsupported, but hasn't taken any first steps yet.

She loves Music and will dance when she hears some.

She loves to play with her siblings and hates it when she's left alone in a room.

She has 11 teeth now, and has had a bit of a rough go with the last few that have come in. When she is cutting new teeth she gets really bad diaper rash, fever, runny nose, and loss of appetite. Despite all of that she is rarely grumpy. She usually just likes to be held and cuddled more.

I have never seen a baby loved more by her older siblings. Our kids still argue over who is going to sit beside her in church, and who is going to get her out of her crib when she wakes up.

The only exception to this is Nathan. Now that Clara is a threat to him, he is starting to feel the need to remind her of his position in the family as the older child. Whenever she starts to make a grab for his goldfish, sippy cup, or toys, he will quickly push her away yelling, "NO, Clara!" (We're working on changing this one time out at a time. I think we're making some progress.)

One thing about Clara that really makes me laugh is the way she gets herself into trouble. She crawls into spaces that she can't get out of, gets tangled in cords, stands up beside unstable objects, and gets her fingers stuck in all kinds of crevices (VCR slots, cupboards, etc.). Pretty much at least once or twice a day she will get into a predicament where she needs to be rescued.

In the words of Brett, "What would we ever do without Clara?"

Samantha's Haircut

Samantha decided she wanted to cut her hair short.

I was sad to see it all go, but went along with it because

1. She's nine years old and is wanting to make her own choices and be more independent.

2. She has a sensitive head and HATES getting her hair brushed or styled by anyone, but especially her mother. Hence a lot of ponytail days or plain untidy hairdos.

3. It's hair. It will grow back.

4. She's so cute, I knew she could totally pull it off.

Pretty much every girl that sees it has just loved it but the guys (Dad, uncles, Grandpa, etc.) haven't liked it as much. Is anyone really surprised by this?

Here are the before and after pics.

Back to School

Hey Strangers.

After a busy but awesome summer, I believe it is time to dust the cobwebs off the old blog.

This year, for the first time, I was actually glad to see the kids go back to school. Mostly due to the fact that I was really craving the routines that come with it. No more kids staying up until 10:00 PM (or later), sleeping in, staying in pj's until noon, and needing to be constantly entertained because they don't have school, homework, piano practice, and extracurricular activities filling their days.

And you can only do so much vacationing. After soccer season, a trip to Alberta, a couple of weeks at the cottage, not to mention splash pads, parks, street hockey and play dates with friends, it was time to settle into a bit of much needed normal life.

I think this picture sums it up. Nathan fell asleep on the last day of summer vacation in the entry way, no clothes on, with Clara's blanket, the remnants of our last trip scattered around him.


Yeah, I was definitely ready for Labour Day to come this year.

Here they are on the first day: Samantha - Grade 4, Brett - Grade 2, JD - Grade 1 (That's what he wants to be called now)