You found me......

Time Management and the Lack Thereof.

2011-04-16T12:31:00.001-07:00

Every once in awhile, and by that I mean literally every hour of the day I spend with my kids; I let my mind wander to that forgotten place of tranquillity. Where either they were babies and slept most of the day, or they were just a thought in my mind.
Don't get me wrong, I'd never in a million years wish my kids were not here...it's just when you're wiping one kid's butt with one hand, and making a tuna fish sandwich with the other, you start to wonder what the heck WOULD I do if I ever got a little ME time.

I daydream about lounging about on the couch reading a mystery novel. I could nap, watch my DVR'd Oprah episodes. I could plant those little packets of seeds I've been harbouring in my purse for 3 weeks...get my tomatoes, corn, pumpkin and lavender started for the Season. I could just lay in bed and stare at the ceiling....in the peace and quiet. Aaahhhh. Just the thought of it sends chills through me.

So this morning as I dropped Little C off at her very first play-date, and came home to find Little B's friend eagerly waiting outside to play and ride bikes it dawned on me: By God, I might actually have 1 whole hour to myself to do absolutely sweet eff all!
The thought took awhile to process. I had time to run downstairs and put a load of laundry on while it was sinking in. I also had time to wash the dishes, clean the cat litter box, scrub the bathtub and air out all the blankets.
While this small glimmer of quietude penetrated my cerebrum I ran outside to make sure Little B was practising safe road rules while flying down the road on his bike. I was even able to make all the beds, clean the playroom and detach the 9 million pieces of dog fur from my sofa pillows. (yes, I counted them)

By this time I had fully digested the fact I had some ME time to do with what I wanted to do. That was I, as in ME, as in the person who occupies this body. I had absolutely no one needing a drink, or a snack, or a wipe. I had nothing to pick up, wipe up or mop up. No cartoons to find, or missing DVD's of Dora to scour the house for.

As I shook off my "Mom" hat and went to grab my "Me" hat the timer went off. It took me a second to comprehend what was going on. I know I had set the timer to remind me to go pick up Little C from her play-date, but I must have set it wrong.

There's no way it could already be time. NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

p.s. I'd do it all over again. I'd enable these 2 miniature people to completely override any and all of who I ever WAS.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2010-12-29T10:20:00.001-08:00

Let the adventure begin!

2010-09-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

6 months in review

2010-07-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

**Love**

How can it be that I've neglected my Blog for 6 months. Life's been full of ups and downs this past 1/2 year. 2010 Started out evenly enough.
Winter was a drag and seemed to go on forever.

January highlights were few and far in between. The coming of the Olympics 2010 caused a bit of excitement and we all came out in droves to watch the Olympic Flame make it's way through our small town.

February was more memorable. I turned a sour 36 yrs of age, and was unusually pessimistic about growing older. Who knew being on the wrong side of 35 would be so terrifying. Not too sure what exactly I am panic -stricken about.....it's not the grey hair or wrinkles; but more the extra 5 pounds I manage to roll into my shrinking jeans every morning.

On a lighter note, I met one of my best friends little daughter for the 1st time, spent an enjoyable weekend away at Apex Mtn Resort with the family, and even crammed in some snowmobiling fun for Little B and I.
My dream to own my very own Hot Rod, that my husband would not be able to sell out from under me, was realized. I searched high and low and tripped over her on craigslist Seattle. We were making a family trip to the area to buy an enclosed car trailer so we dropped by to meet her and strike a deal. I was anxious thru the bartering and stuck close by as Big B bartered back and forth with the old gent. I was about ready to just yell out "DEAL!" when B netted us another few bucks to line our pockets. By the time the deal was done it was dark, rainy and cold. We drove her into the car trailer and headed out to find a Motel to snuggle into for the night.

The next day we stopped to look at a boat Big B was interested in and low and behold he made a deal on that as well. Because it's truly impossible and a little bit illegal to tow 2 things behind your truck, we migrated home quickly so Big B and Little B could get to bed early. 1st thing the next morning, before dawn, B scooped Little B up from bed, tucked him into his car seat, and off they went, backtracking our previous days journey.
Later that day they arrived home exhausted and ready for bed! What a weekend.

Making the most of February sunshine

Little B having a blast in the mini snowmobiles

She's a'loaded

March was hot and cold...literally and figuratively. The sun shone, then abandoned us. We tore our jackets off one day and huddled behind hoodies and scarves the next. Little B started the 1st of many future years of Soccer.

Checking out our Family Reunion Spot for July

Apex Mountain Resort snow fun

April was a total bummer. We bid adieu to Polar my beloved dog. He was 15 years old and full of spunk but something just wasn't right one day when I got home from work. He went to be with Granny April 14th. I know she'll keep a watchful eye over him until it's my time to take is leash again. Miss you Po Po.

RIP Polar. 1996-2010

Easter Parade

May...the beginning of Summer in the Okanagan. May two-four. Heat waves, dust, dry weather, beer, boating, sunburns. All things associated with May in BC. But the abnormal weather persisted and we found ourselves out in the boat maybe two times if that. Rain, cold, and even some snow. No way to start the summer off, especially for us, a family who lives for May, June, July, August, September and all the hot dry days those months bring us.
We got my car on the road and I've been having a blast driving her daily. She just needs a name...anyone? anyone??

One of very few Sunny May days

Things to do when the weather sucks - get your kids to wash the car!

June. June. June...can you hear me...where the blast are you? Why did you hide behind the clouds and rain for dang on 30 days! Again, peculiar weather dampened our spirits and days, and forced us to only dream of riding the waves, building sandcastles, and getting a tan.

June did bring us Tank. Sweet, tiny Tank. I had started toying with the idea of adding another dog to the family days after Polars death. I knew I wanted to be a "dog family" and what would it matter if we waited a year or a month - that special pooch would eventually find its way into our hearts, home, and beds! I researched breeds, made calls, emails, and finally set my sights on a little chihuahua in Penticton. After much deliberation, and finding out you can't adopt a 10 pound dog in B.C. for under $350.00! I decided this dog would do as it was small enough not to bother the cat, and be able to fit in a crate under my desk...my # 1 requirement really. I wanted a pooch that could accompany me anywhere.
We made plans to meet up in the morning and as I was headed to bed Big B told me he had gotten a reply form an email we sent out more than a week before - yet another chihuahua looking for a home.
But this one was in Idaho - where the economy obviously isn't as mighty as B.C. This Idahoan Chihuahua was only $75.00, a fair bit cheaper than $500.00, which was what the Penticton family were asking for their dog.
The camper was packed and ready to roll and by 9am the next day we were on our way to meet Tank in Idaho. The folks giving him up assured us that if we were coming from "way up yonder in Canada" they'd be sure to keep him for us until we got there. I'd sure hate to drive for 6 hours then find out someone snuck in and adopted him before us!

I was welcomed at their yard gate by 1 very large German Shepherd, 1 very fluffy and large chow, 1 equally large pit X, and 2 little yappy Pomeranians. Then out came Tank in the arms of his Owner and I knew right then he was coming home with us. A couple pounds underweight and quite frankly trampled by all the goings on, I knew that even if we just came home and found a nice quiet home for him elsewhere, ANYWHERE would be better for him that where he was at this moment.

Don't get me wrong, I think he was loved, cuddled, and enjoyed, but the poor guy didn't even have a leash, he was eating cat food because thats pretty much all that was available, and his ribs were protruding from his body. I snatched him up for a cuddle and dug out the cash from my pocket while Brent was making a beeline for the gate for a quick escape. We buckled into the truck and Tank never looked back! A small stop at Petco for a harness, leash, food, bed and crate, and off we went in search of more adventures.

Tanks adoption photo - Could you resist a face like this?

Tank enjoying time with Little C

Little B graduated Kindergarten in late June and I accompanied him on his farewell to Kindergarten day trip to the Safety Village and Water Park for some fun with his class. We had a blast!

We took part in The Cactus Jalopies Desert Beach Cruise 2010

Enjoying the good days in June

July has made her entrance. Quite bland really. The clouds roll overhead, occasionally being polite enough to let the sun shine through.
Boating seems like a distant memory. I have my fingers crossed that the weather will turn, the sun will kick those clouds out of our sky and we'll enjoy 63 days of pure sunshine...starting tomorrow! You hear that July!?!?

I hope it isn't another 6 months until we meet again. Farewell.

California trippin'

2010-01-07T06:35:00.001-08:00

Who knew?

2009-11-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

Big B called me into the living room the other day exclaiming proudly that Little C could count to 11. Nope, I said...no way. She can repeat the numbers perfectly if she's copying what I am saying, but all on her own, without either of us knowing she could...I had to video it for my own eyes and ears. Listen carefully...2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11!!!

Mum

2009-10-27T14:51:00.001-07:00

I grew up spoiled. Not like you think...not with 'things' but with love, hugs, loyalty, pride, sincerity, and empowerment.
Throw some good old fashioned British sarcasm and wit and that's what's made me who I am today.

I owe it all to this fine lady.

Virginia Gabriella Ferrari.
September 1, 1945 to October 29, 2005.

Miss you mummy. xoxo

The nod

2009-08-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

Quite simply put, I feel above earth, abundantly blessed, lavishly loved, and firmly nailed down with the knowledge that this is it. This life. These 3 souls that surround me, unrelenting in their love, loyalty, and devotion to me, and I to them. I tend to their needs like a growly grizzly, frequently handing out piss and vinegar instead of sympathy...but it's OK. My little piece of Heaven, right here, right now.

Acceptance is a strange thing. I mistakenly thought long ago that I was nestled in for the long haul. Gave myself permission to believe that this life I was living was really truly the right one for me. There was no cyclone that was going to tear me away - But was there a small part of me that wondered if "we" would be happier with a little extra?
A little extra money? A little extra square footage? A little extra patience? A little extra 2007 Lincoln Mark LT?

It seized me like an embrace from a long lost friend. The absolute knowledge and understanding that I am complete. WE are complete. My loud, ~~sometimes~~ frequently unruly, freakishly wonderful, affectionate family.
On the waves of Lake Chelan, the warm summer sun setting my skin on fire, the smell of gasoline mixed with oil and the sputter of the stubborn old Johnson; I opened my eyes for a brief but precise moment and for all intents and purposes saw the words written on the blue sky above. This is it. This is what I was born for. This is why destiny brought B and I together. The 2 exquisite children we brought into the world, the happiness we feel together as a family, as a module. It all made perfect sense. We are whole. We are perfect. Nothing else; not money, fame, fortune, or material objects could bring us closer to what we have achieved by ourselves.

Proof is in the puddin'...or in this case the photos.

The END.....

Proud mama

2009-07-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Daddy Daycare is in full swing as our daycare is shut down for 5 weeks this summer. Big B and the little ones have been enjoying mornings out on the boat, getting brown, building waterfalls, and meeting all sorts of new friends.

I am very proud of Little B as he decided to go tubing with a family they were chatting with at the beach. Little B is cautious around the water, and has only JUST started going in up to his waist - with his life jacket on. So the fact he agreed to go on a near strangers tube out in the middle of the lake surprised the hell out of me! I wish I had been there to witness it, but Daddy took a photo for proof.

One week down and 4 to go....how will Big B be changed after his stint as Mr. Mom? That I am unsure of, but I do know Little B isn't the only "B" I am terrible proud of. Not only has Big B packed the pic-nic lunch for the beach this past week, he slathered the kids in sunscreen, kept them safe in the water, fed them at least 1 fruit or vegetable, hydrated them, AND got them all back to the house for Little C's nap time. whew!

One thing for sure, this Daddy Daycare is making a real Daddy's girl out of Little C. She's probably having flashbacks to last summer when her mommy mysteriously disappeared for 3 weeks on an European Vacation. See for yourself; her reaction to that news...12 months ago.....

and down it came

2009-07-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Something we've been meaning to get done for the past few years is cutting down the great big tree in the back yard. We are NOT tree cutters - but this one in particular had been strangled over the years by vines, and was withering away, on the brink of getting blown over in the next wind storm, and had branches falling off periodically throughout the year.
Not such a terrific thing with kids playing in the yard.

So we took the plunge, called the tree cutters, and waited this morning for them to arrive.
Working feverishly on July 1st (bless them), they prepared, scaled, de-branched, chipped, hacked, raked, carried, and cleaned up in less than 3 hours.
Hurray:)

Tell me the truth...Do you really like boating?

2009-06-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

Asked Little B & C this yesterday as we were gassing up the boat. Their responses?
Well, I'll let their expressions tell you....

Decked out in her new pink frilly bathing suit Little C was asking for "jak" (life-jacket) before the boat hit the waves. We are so fortunate to have 2 of the happiest children around when straight jacketed in their flotation devices.
Not a peep, grumble, or negative word from either of them. I wonder to myself, what if Little C had been the type of baby to scream bloody murder at the site of a life-jacket? What if Little B had a massive fear of the water and refused to set foot in a boat? The answer is obvious...the Stork brought us the right babies!!
Lucky we are...lucky lucky lucky!!

As if Mother Nature herself was craving some sand and sun, the early morning clouds and grey skies parted around our heavenly little valley and the sun shone down on us for the rest of the day.
The beach we frequented for the past 4 summers and fondly refer to as "our beach" has sadly disappeared with the high waters...as has our point that we like to relax at. One of the last places to visit is the infamous White Sands, where there's as many beer, bongs, and bikinis as there is grains of sand. Yesterday however the skirting clouds thankfully kept the tourists at bay for most of the morning and we had most of the white sandy beach and dune to ourselves.
Another family from town that we've beached it with a couple times stopped by and Little B was tickled pink.

Honey sandwiches for the babes and the most marvelous bacon and tomato sannies for mum and dad. Picnicking is always so fun!

Relaxing at Nana and Papas after an exhausting few hours out in the boat.

Backing up 7 days, this is what we were up to last weekend when we were sans the boat and searching for something fun to take up an afternoon. We bought some very ~~delicious~~ greasy battered hot dogs on sticks. An idea that was good in conception only. After gnawing off some batter and eating very little dog we sat on the beach and enjoyed the day.

Daycare

2009-06-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

My two bumpkins LOVE their daycare. So much so I think if given the chance they'd move out of our house permanently if it meant they could eat, breath, and sleep Daycare! Not only do they have the #1 bestest daycare provider ever; the small group of kids that go there are sweet and they all get along great. Sure there's the usual pushing, shoving, yelling, chasing...when mommy is there to witness the mayhem; but when no parents are visible, as you can see from the following photos, they all have a wonderful carefree time together.

May, you're finally really here!

2009-05-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

May is the beginning of the Summer. Our sleepy town awakens with the hustle and bustle of tourists. Fruit trees blossom, boats come out of hibernation, backpackers thumb into town in search of work. Days grow longer, brighter. Sunscreen noses and dirty toes. Flip flops. It's a strange balance between loving the solitude and peacefulness of our whistle-stop town as it is for so many months out of the year, when all we see are the residents, and handfuls of snowbirds escaping the Saskatchewan snow - and celebrating the coming of sweltering summer days, the onslaught of tourists, white caps, bikinis, and coconut scented air.

Looking past the big city folks and their enormous attitudes, their even larger boats, and fat wallets, I see how special our town is in these few Summer months. To me its like a big growly bear waking up from a long winter slumber. Shaking off all the dust and ambling out into the Spring sun...rubbing his eyes and getting a good look around at the new growth, melting snow, Spring flowers. That's us in this hamlet of O-Town. The long drawn out winter is beyond shadow of a doubt GONE! We're slowly waking up to the palpability of Summer.

X
(photo deleted due to Nana's apparent shyness at being broadcast over the internet...
Awaiting Nana approved photo, will post when received.)

Little C enjoying her time while visiting Nana and Papa camping.

Saying goodbye and saying hello all in 48 hours. Thats my husband for ya.

and then finding 2 good old friends at the car show.

Beautiful Boy on Bike

2009-04-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Need I say anymore?

Easter Shenanigans

2009-04-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

That wily Easter Bunny! He didn't just stop at hiding a CHOCOLATE race car in the shower this morning. He also hid over 1,000 chocolate eggs at the Elementary School, and finished off by leaving a trail of treat filled eggs at Nana and Papas house.

Bryce has been in his glory all day eating chocolate and treats. I've also been in all my glory trying to eat HIS chocolate treats faster than him so he'll have less of a sugar buzz than anticipated. Oh! What we do for our kids eh?!

The day started out with a local Easter Egg Hunt and it was pretty much mayhem. I had planned on having Little C collect eggs with the rest of the kids, but after seeing the mass of bodies, I rethought that decision. She spent the entire time attached to Daddy's leg! Little B and I took part in the Egg Free-for-all stampede. It was great fun.

We headed over to Nana's house for another Egg hunt. It was a total success for Little B.

Little C decided throwing the ball and laughing her new "Evil Laugh" was much more fun than collecting bright colored objects hidden in the bushes.

Little B and mummy wanted to take part in the Easter Parade with our local Pre-School that we attend weekly. I had a tough time finding them so we snuck in with the Kiwanis Group and rode in the parade with them. Little B was uncharacteristically shy and tried getting off his bike a few times. I persuaded him to smile, wave, and keep his eye out for anyone he knew and in hte end he had a terrific time.

1st Spring Cruise of 2009

2009-04-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

What a glorious weekend we're having. FINALLY, the weather is acting like it should...Warm days, sunny skies, light wind, birds chirping happily, kids heard around the neighborhood hooting, hollering, and generally enjoying themselves.

After a morning spent tidying up the house and back yard, we loaded everyone up in the old '47 Coupe and hit the road with our good friends and their old Hot Rod.

We did the Nighthawk Loop, driving east on Hwy 3 and entering the U.S.A. through their teensy Border Station at Nighthawk WA. We stopped in at Palmer Lake at Big B's friends lakeside lot and enjoyed some time skipping rocks. Little C enjoyed her time playing with neat little brown marbles that were scattered in the grass....
"C !!!!!! Put the deer poop down!!!"

We looped through Loomis WA, and ended up back in Oroville WA by dinner time. We finished of the night with a wonderful BBQ at our friends house.

History is repeating itself as it does every year at this time. The warm weather is seducing Big B and I - deleting our memory banks of the horrific cold, ice, snow, and wind we painfully endured the past few Winter months. I think Winter must pay Spring off each year. How can something so traumatizing be forgotten so quickly with one Robins song and a simple ray of sun?

None the less, we're drunk on Spring Fever and our annual dreamy plans of retreating to the deserts of California for the following winter are being erased and rewritten with dreams of Summertime fun. White sandy beaches, fast boats, BBQ's and bikinis. We'll see where the Spring takes us. Maybe we can muster enough strength to keep the Sun from infiltrating our brains an causing "Winter Amnesia" and maybe, just maybe well concrete our big dream.

Just a recap. Incase you too have been brainwashed into forgetting....Osoyoos in the Winter:
California in the Winter:
Why is the decision do hard?

My Water Baby

2009-04-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Better in High Quality...click the HQ button on the bottom of the screen.

Coming out

2009-03-11T16:49:00.001-07:00

I have a slight addiction. No one knows of it, not even my husband. It grips me tight, pulls me in, and crushes me. My heart starts to race, tears well, my throat constricts.

How it started: I stumbled upon a website not so long ago written by a new mom. She had birthed twins. They came frighteningly early, and while hooked up to wires and tubes, she typed of her pain and her joy, and somehow touched me deeply. So deeply in fact that I started reading more blogs written by mothers of preemie's. Then I'd spot a link to a blog written by a mother of a baby fighting cancer, leukemia, congenital heart disease. The sad list goes on.

I read these mothers words, soak in their pain, and with tears usually streaming down my face I pray in my own way. I pray that their pain will miraculously disappear with the disease that grips their childs body. I pray that their lovely, sweet child feels less pain today, less the next, and wakes pain free someday soon.

I selfishly pray that it never happens to my family, and then realize no one is immune from this. These women cared for their growing bellies, nurtured their crying babies, fed, bathed, loved, held and sang lullabies to them just like I do to mine.

Once and awhile the anxiety and he terror leave me utterly wiped out. I hug my little ones a little tighter, give them a few more kisses than usual, and thank my lucky stars that we are all safe, warm, and healthy.

I have added a blog list on the left of a handful of blogs I follow that are pure inspirational. The mothers and fathers that write these blogs will leave you reeling with wonder and love and a strange sense of peacefulness; even in the face of tragedy, these parents emit a calm sense of direction. It may come as a surprise to some of you who know me, that most of these fellow bloggers are religious and depend on Gods love for much if not all of their salvation. A surprise to you because I am of course not religious at all. I consider myself spiritual, but the concept of God being The Almighty just doesn't cut it for me. I am not going to be saved any time in the near future, nor am I going to be struck down by lightening when I cross the street. I only brought this up because even though I can't get my knees dirty in the sense I can't pray to the Lord for these people, I can send my own thoughts and positive prayers to The Universe for expedient healing and peace.

I'll leave you now with my blessings, pictured below. I sure don't rely on someone elses misfortune to make me see the light, but it definitely brings LIFE into perspective.

M.O.

Californian Dreamin' Part II...slow coming...

2009-01-24T19:24:00.000-08:00

Big B and I found out the other day, that an acquaintances wife passed away at the age of 57. She was in good health one moment, and sick the next. A few months later and she's gone. Not to be back. Bye bye. NOT gonna see you later. Don't set a place at the dinner table....GONE.

This is a huge fear of my own. What if I die young, and leave my babies without a mother. Who would they run to when they fell and scraped their knees? Who'd wipe their tears away? Who'd tuck them every night and rub their back until they fell asleep?

This really has nothing to do with Part II of my Californian vacation story other than I truly believe every day should be lived to it's absolute fullest, I guess my paranoia of death may be one of many catalysts that send me on these adventures in the first place.
Live, laugh, love...OFTEN! Cuz you could be dead tomorrow. (this was also my mothers mantra)

On that bright note, let's get back to Governor Schwarzenegger's land o' plenty. After barging through highway blockades and sailing over Sisque Pass, we stayed the night in Redding Ca. While on the road and living as frugally as possible 99% of the time we stay at Motel 6's. I refer to them as Super 6's. This aggravated Big B to no end, but I can't honestly remember what the frick they're called, and combining Motel 6 and Super 8 just seems logical in my pea brain. Especially after 18 hours of H. E. double L trapped in the truck with 2 lunatic children, a gassy dog, and Mario Andretti.
The Motel 6's ALL look the same once you are nestled inside. Drab white walls, plain furniture, old televisions, NO alarm clocks, beds that sag, pillows that would be fit for a mouse, and comforters with cheery summer scenes.
Bright and early on our 2nd day of travel we hit up I.H.O.P. for some delicious pancakes, eggs sausages and hash browns. I fell in love with their new breakfast special Coffee Cake Pancakes; so much, so we ate at ALOT more I.H.O.P.S before coming home. Brent grabbed a mocha at the drive through coffee hut and we hit the road.
We had planned on getting to Redding the day prior at lunchtime so Big B could indulge in his all time fave California Burger at In n' Out, but snow, ice, shitty drivers, and road blocks got us there well past bed time. I snapped a picture in remembrance and off we went. (pisc to come later)
The next day was a blur as we whipped through Northern and Central California arriving at our destination at about 5pm. Little B was fast asleep and I woke him up as Big B was checking into our hotel to show him we had finally arrived at Pismo Beach.
to be continued..............

Guest Blog. By Big B.

2009-01-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

I hate winter. Period. I try to stay positive and embrace the seasons. I have actually started to enjoy spring and fall, probably because I am slightly overweight and 70 to 80 degrees is more comfortable for me than 90 to 100…but I’ll take 90 to 115 over (switching to Celsius now) 0 degrees or less. Like momma said, I can’t find joy in being uncomfortable in 5 layers of clothing. Have you ever tried to lace up your big frickin winter boots, with your insulated coveralls on and your slightly oversized belly in the way. FU*&!!! Needless to say I LOVE my trips to California, Arizona and Nevada. Luckily for me the desire is actually genetic so I have to go.

My dad’s dad was born in Bermuda, June 1914. Legend has it that he moved to Montreal when he was around 10 years old. (What were they thinking??) As a young adult he and my Nana slowly worked their way across Canada finally settling in Vancouver in the late ‘30s. A very successful shoe salesman he was, and by the early ‘60s my grandparents were going to Palm Springs and Las Vegas in the winter. It started as a couple week jaunt and escalated to the max stay of 6 months less a day. They managed this from the late ‘70s until 2003! YES for nearly 50 years Nana and Grampa would go to California in the winter! After Gramp B’s last trip to Palm Springs, he told me, with a sparkle in his eye, ”One thing you should do in life is make sure you go south every winter…even if you have to go into debt to do it!”

My mom’s dad was born in Vancouver, also in 1914. At the young age of 21 he and his adventurous spirit led him to California as well. Grampa R is still alive and well today at 94 years old! Funny thing is, he’s been alive for soooo long that his perception of what we should remember is much different than his…he asked me if I can remember what the trip was like before the I5. I had to remind him that I am only 33 and that I’m pretty sure the I5 has been around for longer than me! He worked down there for a couple of years, but ended up coming back to Canada to start his “real life”.

Big B and Grampa R, AKA "Pa"

Real life? Real life is what ever is happening in the flesh! My four year boy, Little B, is always referring to situations as “for real life Daddy”. Well this is it!! What ever it is that we are actually doing, is…Real Life. Whether or not it is what society tells us we should be doing. It’s the Real thing baby! So basically I will tell you this. Real life is what ever you limit it to. I think the perfect formula is to do whatever pleases you, so long as it doesn’t take any casualties along the way…The hardest part of the formula (one I have yet, to figure out) is how to balance the chance that I may live into my 90s like every one of my grandparents…or gulp, have this precious life taken from me, like too many of my friends and my mother in law. How do we live it to the fullest, with out going over the top? I think probably by living at the limit! I think that the most successful people around us, are the ones who have the natural ability to maintain a life at the very finite edge of the limit! Where am I going with all this rambling, you ask? HOPEFULLY SOUTH!

Big B.

Radical Stimulus Needed.

2009-01-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

Motivation. If I could find just a little, a smidgen, a teensy bit to inject in my veins today.
Motivation. I am utterly without. If motivation came in dirt form, sprinkled on the sidewalk outside my door I’d even be tempted to go as far as to kneel on the cold hard ground and dab it up with my tongue.
Motivation. Maybe I really don’t want it. Maybe it’s society’s mantra ringing in my ears, “Get motivated, get things done, work work work!!” Either society’s or my boss’s!

Earplugs may do the trick and help soften the vibration of the nasty sound waves traveling to wards my ears. Earplugs and my warm soft bed.
I’d love to have one of those days, enveloped in my sheets and comforter, practically sucking on my thumb in jubilation that I could spend a whole day under the covers completely UNmotivated and loving every second of it. Cats curled up keeping my butt warm. Dog at my feet, Mystery Novel weaving a pictorial in my brain.
When I am 65, retired, kids grown and off to college or the race track, or across the ocean playing vagabond; that’s when I’ll let the sleep bug crawl back up my a#@.
Until then I have to get bloody motivated. Any ideas?

Denial and the Californian Sun Part I

2009-01-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

I can't put it off any longer. The nagging naked-truth wrenching at my soul like my 4 year old tugging on my jacket as we wander past the toy isle in Wal Mart is undeniable and painful to say the least. The betrayal, the misrepresentation...ALL on my part is grossly embarrassing. It's time to fess up, time to lay down my cards and hope you'll all be there tomorrow and the day after as life weaves me out of the horrific tapestry it's entangled me in for 34 years. Can you handle it? I hope so............

It's just that......well........I........HATE..........the......WINTER!!!!!!!!!

Ok, so I was a little dramatic. Maybe even infantile. But seriously folks, I had the greatest fortune of spending 2 1/2 weeks in Southern California U.S.A. with my family (and the dog...don't forget the dog) and as I sit here in -20 degree, snow covered Canada. I can honestly say "I HATE THE DAMN WINTER!"

I don't understand it, don't get a charge out of it, can't possible begin to see myself enjoying it ANY time soon. All it means to me is frozen dog water, shoveling, snot, static hair, chapped lips, frost bitten ears, dressing up in umpteen layers just to take the garbage out, dressing and undressing your 4 yr old as he wanders outside a hundred times a day to play in the snow, come in to pee, play in the snow more, come in for hot cocoa (lather, rinse, repeat), icy roads, cold toes, no sun.
I mean, I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but I'm trying really hard to come up with any reasons to like the Winter. I want to trade it in for the Summer. I'll even take the fall and the Spring for good measure. I can't live in the cold North for much longer, I'm telling you. Life is measurably less fun and joyous when it's winter. The days get shorter yet there's so much more to do. JUST getting ready for work you have to warm up the truck, clear the snow from the windows, find your missing glove only to realize the dog ate it in the middle of the night (Ok, that happens in the summer with socks too, but you're missing my point)

Summer = Get out of bed, put on shorts and tank top, leave house.
Winter = Do not get out of bed for fear of freezing to death, jump out of bed and into shower only to find it has to warm up for 5 minutes, stand in cold shower cursing the day, freeze your b*$#ls off getting out of shower, dress in long johns before anything else making "fashionable" obsolete, and so on and so on.

Ok, horse dead, stop beating.

So in light of my hatred for this particular season coupled with an equal disgust from Big B, we've made an annual trip to California nearly every year for awhile now. This year as the economy is in the toilet, my hours have been cut back at work, Big B's hours were pretty much annihilated, our annual trip seemed it may befall on hard times.

But yes Virginia there IS a Santa Clause and his name is Big B. Dear husband decided on a whim we'd leave for California as sure as shootin', turn a blind eye on economics, and hit the road (in 2 days none the less!) Bosses were informed, Cat-Sitters pleaded with (thanks Nana!!!) Bags packed, dogs bundled up, diapers, treats, toys, DVD players, Laptops, coolers, and GPS 's thrown in for good measure and off we went.
If there had been any lingering doubt as to whether or not this trip at this particular time was a good idea, we only have to show you the photos of our departing day. They shout "Leave NOW, run run as far away as you can...go quick before the roads close!!"

Now anyone who has ever traveled with small children on long trips can attest to the fact that when and IF you arrive at your destination and you have NOT thrown said kids out of the window or left them on a busy freeway to fend for themselves it is a gosh darn miracle. I am sure there are many historical fact to back me up when I say 2 kids + 2 parents + 12 hours of travel = disaster. Nerves fray.....no, actually they sizzle, explode, and take your head with them.

The inventor of the much loved and cherished portable DVD player gets my award for Nobel Peace Prize of the 20th century. Although we limit TV at home, when imprisoned inside a moving vehicle for the majority of the day, be it the parent OR the child, it is a natural life saver. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the little thing.

Big B takes no prisoners when it comes to making time on the asphalt. We had a tight schedule, were only allocated 2 nights in hotels along the way, and were scheduled to arrive in Pismo Beach Tuesday afternoon. As soon as we woke up on our departing day I knew there was going to be trouble. Snow, snow and more snow, plus the unpleasant truth that no one can take care of their roads like Canadians, left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I have complete faith and trust in Big B's driving ability so this thank god was a blessing.

Road blocks were dealt with, thousands upon thousands of Semi trucks paused along the highway were passed, kids buckled in tightly as could be, chains bought and unceremoniously hurled in the back of the pick up truck - we crept up the dark and abandoned highway making our way for the Siskiyou pass and the Californian border. There was a fleeting moment when Big B looked alarmingly worried, and for me that was not exactly encouraging given his extreme courage navigating snowy roads. I was strapped in for the ride though so I kept my apprehension to myself and battened down the hatches. A small internal television in my brain replayed the fateful story of a young couple and their 5-month-old baby getting lost and trapped in a severe blizzard while traveling from Northern California to Idaho. Thankfully they made it out alive, missing some fingers and toes maybe, but alive and well none the less. (True story!)

What we as a young Canadian couple had let slip from our memories was that no where on earth aside from Canada AKA The Great White North, does ANYONE know how to drive in the frickin' snow. Road blocks. Miles of Big Rigs pulled over for road closures. Flashing lights warning of imminent danger. "Chains required" flashing on overhead signs. It was pure and simple snow terrorism at it's finest. Once we had passed the hub of the terror, we encountered an unoccupied, well grated and sanded, perfectly safe to drive on highway. California here we come!

Stay tuned for installment #2 later next week....

Blah....

2008-11-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes NO news is GOOD news...and since I have NO news, I am feeling lucky. I am in semi-hibernation, having serious mental blockages, and want nothing more than to book our annual winter vacation SOUTH!!!

Here's some photos form the past couple weeks.

Enjoy!

Little C lovin' the cats

2008-10-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

But are they lovin' her??

Shanghai Quail

2008-10-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Bump in the ~~night~~ day. Have you ever heard a small bump or knock on the window and simultaneously seen a few feathers flying. You rush to the window and see the tell tale signs that a birdie has tried to fly through your home, to only unceremoniously get a zinger of a headache (or maybe even a fatal broken neck).

When I was younger and living at my parents home, any commotion like above would lead to a race. The mad dash would be between myself and one of our family cats. They could have been dead asleep in a small sunny patch on a comfy sofa, but the sound of a bird hitting the window would launch them like a catapult straight into the air and have them scrambling to the door to get outside so they could feast on it's little lifeless body. I on the other hand was sprinting to the bird to save it. Hoping that the glass didn't break it's neck and praying I could gather the fledgling in my hands and snuggle it away in a warm blanket inside a shoe box where it would get it's strength back, shake of the shock, and fly back into the blue sky.

Many many birds were handled with care this way in my youth, and many more were D.O.A and informally thrown over the back fence where they would no doubt end up dinner for any of the neighborhood cats. It wasn't the D.O.A ones I was particularly fond of, obviously. The ones that needed my help benefited from the fact that when I was 3 I decided I was destined to become a Vet, marry a Vet, and have a house full of animals to tend to.

I do have one vivid memory as a child, and for those who know me and my quasi-Alzheimer's like mind this is quite unique: me remembering anything at all from my childhood. This specific memory takes me back to 1984 or there abouts. We had 2 family cats, brother and sister, Smokey and Ginger. They were gorgeous, long furred, loving, patient, killing machines. Our house looked out onto a big canyon. There was a huge pine tree in our back yard where Blue Jays would nest and rear their young. One spring morning there was a brouhaha of sorts out back below the pine tree. Blue Jays squeaking, cats meowing....this could only mean one thing. I charged out back and to my horror witnessed my beloved Smokey crouched low on the ground with a teeny tiny featherless baby Blue Jay in his jaws. I screamed so violently he dropped the baby and ran off. I was able to collect baby, featherless and trembling and inspect him for any puncture wounds. He looked intact. I placed him in some bushes and appealed to the Cat God above to help his mummy find him and get him back to his nest.

The memory terminates there. Maybe it does so because I want so badly to NOT remember little featherless fledglings don't magically swoosh back up to their nests, get fed and cared for my their mummies, and fly away all healthy and peacefully a few weeks later. A case of self inflicted amnesia? Maybe. Most likely I really DID think that miracles happened and went on my merry 10 year old way to play with my hamster and patch up my friendship with Smokey (after giving him a huge lesson on what-not-to-eat!)

This all brings me back around to things that go bump. I'll start by saying that my flower pot in my rock garden just underneath my living room window has sprouted the most stunning orange flower a couple weeks ago. I had all but given up on flowers as it was cold, Fall, and getting to be the time to discard soil and plants, and tuck away the pots until the Spring. So imagine my surprise when I saw this new floret.

Most mornings when I open the front drapes, I peer down to his little orange head, shining up toward the heavens, and say hello. This morning I was a little late in saying hello. I was already firmly attached to the living room floor playing blocks with the kids. I glanced outside to the pot to say my usual (in my head of course) hello, and gasped instead. Little B wanted to know what was wrong, Big B looked over questionably. I quickly diffused the situation by telling Little B that I was just gasping at the beauty of the morning. Before I go any further, let me show you my glorious little flower in all his beauty.

Now from a bit farther away so you can get an idea of his lonely but majestic existence in my flower pot.

But wait...what in the world!!!???!!! Could it be???? I surely don't remember planting any seeds that would eventually sprout feathers and legs.....especially of the upside down Quail variety?

Oh wait, so the bump that Brent heard yesterday is making more sense now. The simple, brainless Quail must have thought he could fly through glass - walloped his head, snapped his neck, and spiraled downward until he landed softly in my little flower pot THANKFULLY keeping clear of my dear fiore.

Now I'm no funeral photographer, but I think I did him justice, don't you?

Pumpkin Pickin'

2008-10-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful sunny October day. Perfect for traveling to the Pumpkin Patch and picking us some choice orange Cucurbitaceae. I bet you thought pumpkins were vegetables right? Well turns out those orange, sometimes green, yellow and even white objects are really fruit!

In fact, it's a berry. Pumpkins belong to the family Cucurbitaceae, which includes cucumbers, melons, squash, and gourds. Within this family is the genus Cucurbita which includes gourds, winter and summer squash, and all varieties of pumpkin. There are four species that are considered "pumpkins," but only one is the species most people would recognize as the traditional pumpkin used for carving jack-o-lanterns and baking pies.

The cutest pumpkin variety is the Californian, as seen below:

So off we went in the middle of our ever so productive Sunday to drive 1/2 an hour north to the Reid Pumpkin Patch just past Oliver. Hauling Big B away from his insulation and drywall project he has going on in his garage was easier than I thought.
I on the other hand had just started the daunting task of vacuuming the entire house: corners, blinds, ceilings, and light fixtures included. I wasn't too thrilled with putting the hose down as I was right in the thick of it, but when I heard Big B beckoning, I knew it was now or never.

The Patch was quite the hoppin' place. We bumped into another O'Town family and the kids had fun romping around together. Pumpkins picked we headed back to the scale, weighed up and paid our dues. I don't know what I am going to do with all of them yet. I have read some pretty delicious recipes such as pumpkin butter and home made pumpkin pie.

They'll probably just sit on the front porch unmolested until some hormonal prepubescent teenager makes road art out of them. Oh my poor pumpkins, hopefully that isn't their fate!

Faster than fast....

2008-10-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Lightning McQueen was racing around the Provincial Park today. "Can you see the leaves flying" he would scream to me as he peddled through the fallen colors. "Yes honey, I can see the leaves flying!" He needs to know this. It defines him as a racer. Even with the training wheels....he's a racer, there's no denying it. As soon as he gets the hang of using the brakes, I'll be OK with this fact. Until then though, we'll be racing right along with him stopping him from tumbling head first into the cold lake!

What a gorgeous Saturday. The Park gate is now closed so people, dogs, and kids alike can walk the few kilometers it offers without any fear of car or truck.
This makes it perfect for little boys learning to ride bikes.

Exchanging trash for treasure

2008-10-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

A handful of times since I have known my dear husband, I have traveled with him to various Swap Meets around B.C, Washington, Oregon, and even California. A few of them we literally stumbled upon but most are planned weeks, and months in advance. Hotels need to be booked as far as a year in advance. Days off work coordinated with travel time + extra curricular NON-swap meet outings equals a well thought out and premeditated family holiday.

The annual Portland Swap Meet had us twice booked in for 6 days. Presented by six Portland Oregon area antique car clubs, The Portland Swap Meet is the largest auto parts swap meet on the west coast with approximately 4,200 vendor stalls and over 50,000 shoppers each April at the Portland Expo Center. Enjoying as much as the Children's Museum, Portland Zoo, and downtown markets as well as 3 days of Swap Meet Heaven. By heaven I mean literally, for Big B...heaven. I don't think he would get more excited if In n' out Burger had a grand Opening in our home town! Virtual lists of car parts, wheels, tires, and miscellaneous old car items dance in his head as does Santa's Toy List in a child's head the night before Christmas.

The major goal for him and all 49,879 people at any given Meet is to tour the ENTIRE meet in as little time as possible as early as possible for that once over observation. Simultaneously marking on their 'virtual' lists what items are where and for how much. This sounds like an easy feat, but acre after acre after literal acre of ground covered in what appears to be the same ol' sh%&t, I can honestly say it's impossible to get my bearings much less take note of how much Bob at stall 678 wants for his heater motor versus Andy at stall 6647 is asking for his steering wheel.

The natural course of events for us is to crawl out of bed at an ungodly hour, bundle up, drive to the Meet in hopes there's still available parking in close proximity, enter said Meet, cruise the entire Meet; B looking at parts, me desperately seeking a good Coffee Hut; try to find a clean bathroom to get rid of all that coffee, rewind and do the whole thing over about 17 times until I fall flat on my arse in exhaustion and have to be rushed back to the Hotel Room for a much needed siesta. Now that we have children a few key things have changed. Most significantly is my refusal to drag one or two of the little brats through a Swap Meet at 7am. Nestled warm in our hotel beds is usually where we stay until well past the crack of dawn.

This past weekend however I closed the door on my nagging suspicions that an early morning, freezing cold, wet and miserable Swap Meet would do me and my kidlets ANY good at all and agreed to climb into the truck at 7am accompanied by 2 bleary eyed children and a jubilant husband. Red eyed myself I asked myself what in tarnation I was doing as we rolled up to a virtually abandoned parking lot at the 40th Annual Monroe Swap Meet. Vendors were still pulling in the gates, some stalls still had the tarps covering the goods, and 99% of the folks looked cold, including us.

Either the effect of growing up a car salesman's daughter or being married to a carnut and subsequently becoming enthralled in vehicles, is that I myself have a newfound passion. To own a Gasser. Much like this one below:

The fog was thick, the air moist, noses dripping, fingers freezing, and it didn't take long for the tears to start. Little C lasted around 60 minutes until she let us know she was having NONE of it. She was showing the effects of waking up in our Motel at 5:30am. What do you expect traveling with a baby, a 4 year old, a dog, and a Motel full of early birds banging around at 5am?

By now the Meet was swarming with potential buyers, sellers, and barterers of tin & trash. We weaved ourselves plus our 2 snotty, sniveling, whining kids back to the truck and I scooted back to the Motel where Little C fell fast asleep and Little B and I watched some cartoons. A couple hours later when we were all rested and more able to function on what little sleep we did have, we trucked it back to the Meet and found Daddy with his buddies from Vancouver. Did I mention I was the ONLY wife half witted enough to accompany her husband to this particular Swap meet?
Curled up tighter than a can of sardines, Big B's friends had a $250.00 truck and camper, a cooler full of pop and beer, hot dogs and chips, and no crying whining babies. No doubt their wives were at home getting pedicures and watching soap operas with their feet up.

Little C showing her happy self at Red Robin:

Is the future of the family Swap Meet doomed? I don't think so. In retrospect I can spot the problems a mile away. For one, this was one of the 1st Meets we traveled to with Little C. In the past Little B was older and much more adaptable to early cold mornings. Fortunately for us there is no winter Meets around these parts. The closest Swap Meet to entice us in the near future is in Long Beach California and who knows if we will venture that far this year. Fingers are crossed, toes as well, but staying close to home may be in the cards for us this winter season.

I think someone is following us?

Unavoidable: traveling anywhere with an empty car trailer. By the time you get home, it isn't empty any longer:

A 4 year olds birthday party is NOT for the faint of heart.

2008-10-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

Or for anyone who suffers migraines! I thankfully am used to chaos followed by chaos, and although I occasionally suffer from infrared eye-searing nail gun blows to the cranium type migraines, I was prepared today for allot of freaking noise. (And they delivered!)

You wouldn't think that 7 children all under the age of 4 1/2 could muster up enough energy to boil a cup of water, but if I had been born a entrepreneur, I'd be a millionaire. Surely someone has come up with an invention that collects the vim, vigor and combustible energy of a children's birthday party, transforming it into usable energy for the household? (note to self; get some books on inventing stuff from library)

The walls were literally vibrating, the screams heard around the block. Bags and parcels of neatly wrapped, lovingly swaddled toys exploded like a scene out of a movie. Cards went flying into the debris. What 4 year old reads a birthday card anyways?!?!? This left me especially distraught as I didn't know what card went with what gift, consequently leaving me befuddled as to WHO gave my boy WHAT!? As I darted here and there trying desperately to match card with gift I decided a better approach would be to ask the parents "What did you bring?" Tacky maybe. Necessary, definitely!

The turmoil was not lost on Little B's 94 year old great grandfather as he whispered in my ear "You better make sure there's no money in those envelopes." Yes pa, I slowly analyzed every last piece of torn up envelope and wrapping paper after the party (in the rain) and made triple sure there was no special gift, card or money being hucked into the landfill. Seriously. I did.

As the 11th hour approached (and I mean literally it was 10:45am) I realized that Little B's Auntie C had not yet arrived. Amid the party pandemonium I had completely forgot that Auntie C wasn't there yet. She had promised to bake and decorate a very special cake for Little B. 2 phone calls to her home and cell turned up nothing. Big B was planning on getting in the car and shooting off to Super Value when we got the news that she had been up since the crack of dawn making this cake. When it arrived I totally understood. It was magnificent to say the least. It had the kids spellbound. And it was delicious to boot!
Yay Auntie C, you are a wonderful cake maker!!
See for yourself:

And a close up:

mesmerized:

Cake out of the way, floor peppered with chocolate crumbs, little fingers and lips stained with icing, we ushered everyone outside to play with some airplanes. Trying to get 6 children to line up peacefully for a photo op is not an easy task.

Take one:

Take two:

Take three:

Take four:

Take five:

Oh forget it! At least they were able to burn off the sugar by running around in the backyard for awhile.

One by one people started packing up and going home leaving us with a living room full of paper, gifts, and cards and a very very happy little boy who is adamant that he turned 4 exactly when the candles where blown out on the cake. Who am I to burst his birthday bubble and remind him his actual birthday isn't until Wednesday!

Lets not forget Littel C, who in the midst of screeching children, cake being crammed in her face, throngs of unknown faces, was put in her crib and fell fast asleep for 3 hours!

Whew, too bad I couldn't have done the same!

Happy Birthday Little C!

2008-09-29T09:34:00.001-07:00

What a beauty, from day 1!

And a week

Our little doll at 3 months.

6 months down and she's adorable as ever.

10 months.

Our little Angel at 11 months.

How fast time flies. Happy Birthday my little girl.

I love you,
Mummy.

Little C's trick of the day

2008-09-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

Smiles at the end of the day

2008-09-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

No matter how I look at it, we are a lucky, lucky family.

Camping out.

2008-09-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

On the living room floor that is. And that's exactly where my darling 3.95 year old parked his sorry, tired, snotty nose last night. Smack dab in the middle of the living room floor is where HE said he preferred to sleep from now on.

It all started many moons ago when little C came home from the hospital. Having only 2 bedrooms in our home, the decision was ultimately made for us that the kids would share a bedroom. Something I never did growing up, but had no qualms about with my kids as I'd like to think it breeds a certain sibling closeness. The first couple weeks it was easy enough. I would nurse little C down in the rocking chair while Little B settled in his bed. Lights out, night light on, they would both be fast asleep in no time. Little C inevitably would wake every 3 hours back then, and I worried the constant baby wakings, and subsequent rocking chair nursing sessions would bother Little B's sleep. After awhile I found it easier to myself sleep in the kids room with the baby and let Little b sleep with his daddy in our room. He's been sleeping in our bed off and on for his whole life, so I wasn't worried about a nasty habit forming. It already had!!

I think Big B was the only one who found this sleeping arrangement bothersome. He'd much rather have me next to him than Little B who kicks ferociously in his sleep and sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night screaming bloody murder. After a month or so Little C was sleeping longer stretches and I decided to secure my side of the bed, leaving Little B's bed warm, open and inviting for him to sleep in. Unfortunately he didn't see it that way. He'd occasionally make a fuss, or wake in the night with a bad dream instantly waking the baby and therefore mummy and daddy, and we'd have a house full of red puffy eyes swollen with fatigue at 3:00am. not a good thing.

Plans where hatched and it was decided that Little B would be happier in our room. We made him a comfy bed of blankets beside our bed and that's where he slept for the next 9 months (minus the 6 weeks he slept IN my bed while traveling abroad in Europe)

Last night I decided to make an executive decision. After numerous night wakings by my little bedside buddy (the little on, not the big one!) I made up my mind that he would start sleeping in his own bed once again. Yesterday I put fresh sheets on his bed, fluffed up his pillow, nestled in his stuffed animals and continues my day completely oblivious to the fact that I was a total dolt to think he's just 'accept and appreciate' the change of plans. haha!!! Silly mummy.

Little B even impressed me when he excitedly told daddy of the big surprise: he was sleeping in HIS own bed tonight! What a big boy!

Cut to last night, bedtime. Little C was snuggled in her crib after a long day. Thumb sucking and clutching Lamby. Probably dreaming of ice cream and hot wheels. (yes she likes BOTH of those) We kissed our boy goodnight and explained to him that he must remain quiet when in the bedroom so as not to wake Littel C. He agreed whole heartedly and was quite eager to get to bed. I tucked him in and snuck out. Little C woke briefly and I could hear her stir but soon she was quiet.

I came downstairs to join Big B at the computer and marvel at our 2 little angels fast asleep in the same room. 1/2 an hour later we both thought we heard a child's cough, but decided it had come from their room, not as close as it seemed. An hour or so later we decided to turn in ourselves, and upon opening the door to their room to do my final check before bed I noticed the bed was empty.
That little bugger I thought; he's probably crawled into our bed and is fast asleep drooling on my pillow.. i checked my bed. Nothing. The floor. nothing. I went back downstairs and immediately heard the snores coming from the darkness of the living room. We turned the light on and had a chuckle as Little B was sprawled out on the couch, face squashed into the arm, snoring away. Big B gathered him up in his arms and took him back to his bed where he lasted around 15 seconds before bursting into tears and complaining of bad dreams and monsters. Where does he get this from? Surely not our Little House on the Prairie DVD set s that he watches?

Then Little C awoke. It was bound to happen. As good of a sleeper she is (sleeping most nights from7pm to 7am without a peep) she does wake up to noise and confusion. Both of which were readily available in her usually serene bedroom. I am sure she was thinking to herself, "Why did mommy even bother trying to sleep train my big brother. Let the poor guy sleep on her floor for the next 3 years. I NEED my beauty rest!" The same thoughts were in my mind as well, trust me. Little B was brought into our room while C got back to sleep; the plan was to wait a few minutes until she was sawing logs and have him go back to his bed. But he was adamant that was not going to work for him.

I asked him to give me a solution, thinking that at 10:00pm, a 3.95 year old sleepy head could not come up with any better solution than to get some rest IN HIS own bed!. The fact of the matter was he wasn't welcome to sleep on our floor any longer, and apart from sleeping alone in the dark living room, there wasn't really any other answer.

But in his self assured dare I say 'cocky' 3.95 year old way, he announced he WAS going to sleep on the living room floor. He was sure that the 'monsters' would not bother him there. He assured us he would sleep the whole night there and only get up in the morning. What could I say? It wasn't the worse idea. We couldn't torture our baby anymore by subjecting her to the howls of an unhappy brother late at night.
With Doggie tucked snuggly under his arm, his puffy tired eyes rolled up towards the heavens as he informed us "of course" he would wait until morning to get up. Off he went with Daddy in tow to set up a bed of blankets on the floor. Blinds shut, no night light to be seen, he promptly shut his eyes and fell fast asleep. Snuggled in our own bed alone for the 1st time in months Big B and I (get your mind out of the gutter!) took bets on when he would be coming upstairs complaining of the dark.

It wasn't until the sun was up that I heard his little footsteps coming our way. I told him how proud I was he slept downstairs the whole night. I even wanted to know what the difference was. Why would the monsters visit him when he was tucked in his own bed, with his little sister 4 feet away; mummy and daddy 10 feet away? Why there and not way down in the living room where he was sure to notice he was ALL by his lonesome? But he just shrugged his shoulders and kept eating his cheerios.

Cancel the plans to add on an additional bedroom. Little B has taken over the living room. (for now anyways. But where will mummy and daddy watch our movies when the kids go to sleep???)

Dear Mother Nature: Please don't let this be the last day of summer boating!

2008-09-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

I promise I'll eat all my vegetables and do all my chores if you just let us go boating in the warm September sun one more time. (or maybe 2 times, or 3.) Thanks.

We were spoiled today. The one and only White Sands Beach was abandoned. In the midst of the South Okanagan summer heatwave it's normal to find swarms of oiled up, suntanned, hungover tourists splayed across the soft white sand. Their boat stereos pulsating with the latest dance music. Their coolers overflowing with beer and coolers, the occasional martini and vodka tonic. Cigar smoke hovering over the mob, sweet coconut oil suspended on top of the lake water like gasoline.
But with the end of the summer comes the peace, tranquility, and serenity that I love so much about this time.
Little B and C positively glowed with happiness. Or maybe it was the sunburn?

Either way we all had a relaxing few hours, hopefully not our last, reminiscing about the summer past, thinking quietly about the fall and winter to come, and in general enjoying our blessed family and our wonderful corner of the world.
Oh Summer, how I adore thee. I will not soon forget you. Come back to me Summer, come back.....

Country Fair

2008-09-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

It had been over 15 years since I last ventured into the Fairgrounds. As a teenager I would go with my dad and mom annually. My father worked for a Ford Dealership and would drive a new car up to the Fairgrounds for the day, and we would get in for free, wander around taking in the smells and the sights. Cowboys, cowgirls, burgers, pumpkins, carnival rides, crafts, tractors and more. I remember the smell of the animals, the dust coming from the arena as the barrel racers navigated the course, the snorting pigs, the cowboy hats, the wranglers, the dream that one day I too would be a cowgirl, perched atop my horse.

The food was delightful!
Who can say no to a bag of fresh sugar coated mini-donuts at 10:00 a.m.? Not my family.

Fast forward a million years later and things haven't really changed. There was no barrel racing to my dismay, but there was plenty of wranglers, cowboy hats, burgers and cows. The smell of horses and dust lingered in the air.

Little B found out first hand why you should always keep 1 eye on the ground when walking around the animal pens. He nearly vomited as his sandal clad foot oozed into a fresh warm pile of cow crap!
I don't think he has the makings of a cowpoke! He sure looked the part with the hat, but in his heart he's urban.

Cowboys and paper horses

2008-09-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I started to write a post about my 'heavy heart' No other words seemed good enough to explain the annoying weight of the world on my tired heart.

My 1st week back at work was the culprit. Coupled with handing my lovely babies off to another woman to nurture them through the day, and being in a different environment, fine tuning and relearning my employee self. I was and still am in these early weeks back at work, essentially an amnesia victim trying to come to terms with their 'new life'. I will fall back into the groove, picking up where I left off 12 months ago, but until then I feel dissociated with my 9-5 world.

As a few of us at the office stood around today at coffee, enjoying the sun light in the window someone asked "What are we doing here?" to which I answered "Missing life." Now I know in actuality, she meant, "Why are we here, standing in the front office, looking out the window, instead of busily shuffling papers at out desks" but again in ACTUALITY we were missing life. It was going on mere feet away from us on the sundrenched pavement of Main Street. Motorhome after motorhome, followed by trucks and trailers, VW Vanagons, cars and tent trailers....all going SOMEWHERE while we stood there going NOWHERE.

Maybe my dad was right when he questioned my mental health years ago. My wandering ways, my need to keep moving, my ability to float from town to town, job to job he blamed on our own immediate family's nomadic lifestyle. Born in Prince George n 1974, we moved nearly every year up until 1982 when we settled in the Central Okanagan. I was hustled and bustled from school district to school district. Making friends and losing friendships along the way. My mother told it best when we arrived in Campbell River when I was 7 or so. Having nothing to do one day and bored to tears she literally kicked me out of the house to canvas the neighborhood in search of friends. Door after door I knocked on asking whomever answered if the had any kids until I found a family with children and made a new best friend. Come to think about it maybe thats why I can never remember a persons name. I never had to remember names from my youth, why bother when we weren't going to be around long enough to enjoy birthday parties and Easter egg hunts. So my lack of memory and vagabond ways are to be blamed on my childhood? If it were that easy huh! A fierce independent streak that made me sell my car and spend the stash on a ticket to Italy in 1995 is the fault of my parents? I would much rather look at it as though it was a gift rather than a fault. But sitting here absorbed in the moment, wanting ever so much to gather my family and zoom off to a location unknown in our 29 foot Class A I just can't see it as a gift.

It pesters me, this urgency to journey. I can't survive one small simple 24 hour period without thinking about where we can go next. What plans we have made to travel come this winter. California in January, or the Maritimes in March? If I could channel this atomic energy I create when I am in this kind of mood I could power our whole house for a month. Instead I try to think it all out. Puncture a hole in this dizzy head of mine and leak out the dreams one by one. Conjure up as many crazy ideas as I can to free this dang unwanted impractical monster from my already exhausted mind. Then when all is quiet and my brain is back to normal (whatever that is) I can then venture forth into the humdrum life of dishes and laundry. Where I actually find solitude and peace. Ahh...to lose oneself in the monotony of laundry, that's where I am headed tonight.

Now back to Cowboys and paper horses. See how tangents can take hold?

It was never meant to be a theme. The cowboy hat just happened at the department store last week. It fit, he liked, so we bought. Then the news that the country fair is coming to town. Daycare makes horse crafts. The next thing you know I have a full on 'ridem cowboy' on my front lawn galloping into the sunset. What an absolute dream he is my Little B. Soft cheeks, bony legs, crooked smile, and he's all mine. Well my husbands too, but i take most of the credit for his positive traits!

Winding down

2008-08-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

We have a crawler on our hands. Little C could stand the 'relaxed atmosphere' no longer and decided that she better start moving. Firstly to keep up with big brother, and secondly to keep mama on her toes. If she's not in the bathroom eating toilet paper, she can be found rifling through daddy's magazines, trying on shoes in the cupboard, opening drawers in the kitchen, or trying to negotiate behind the T.V. to grab kitties tails.

"but mummy, I wasn't going to eat much toilet paper, I swear!"

C enjoying the repetitive game of putting the ball into the can, taking it out and so on...

As soon as anything soft and cuddly gets close she's sucking her thumb and ready for bed.

We have had a long week due to Big B's work inventory. B was home after work every day for an hour or so and off he went again until after 10 to count count count! I am sure he's seen enough of that place. Thank goodness for small vacations though because we have a camping trip planned next week and we should hopefully be enjoying ourselves with NO thoughts of work for at least 5 days. Then I am back to work, and the kids are bundled off to daycare. I am not so much looking forward to returning to work as I am looking forward to and very grateful that Little B and C get to socialize and play and even learn.
Staying home with mama tends to get a bit bleak after awhile.

We had a great belated birthday dinner at my brothers last night. His wife and him just got back from Italy last week. They had an awesome time - no doubt, and seeing all the photos made me wish I was still there. With my whole family this time! We were lucky enough to see a mother deer and her baby venture into the neighbours yard while we were on the deck. The wasps joined in the wildlife adventure and devoured the beef. Little B fell down and whacked his head on the patio, ending his fun rather quickly. The evening came to a close at dusk and packed safely into their carseats, my 2 bundles of giggles were fast asleep in minutes (giving me a rather relaxing drive home!)

Summertime fun.

2008-08-18T11:31:00.001-07:00

Little C loves the water more and more. She tries to shove off your body when you're holding her above the water. I think she really expects us to drop her in the lake. Knowing her she'll be swimming soon!

Little B surprised us all and said yes to a tube ride with his friend. They kept on shouting " faster! faster!" I don't think Little B knew what was in store for him if he fell out of the tube. Thankfully he didn't have to find out as the boat kept slow and steady. Some bumps and waves sent them airborne and the look of shock on their little faces was priceless.

Little B learning to fly.

The lottery of life.....

2008-08-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am uncharacteristically anxious about going back to work. Lets be honest. 12 months off on Maternity Leave with a 3 year old and a new baby is WORK. It's a hell of alot harder than inputing data and answering the phone all day.
In my normal day at work I can be sure to finish my coffee before it's stone cold. At home however with a rambunctious 3 year old doing break dancing moves and jump kicks over the baby's head, coffee is inevitably going to get luke warm at best.

So where are these bothersome butterflies coming from? My kids will be spending their days taken care of one of the best daycare providers this side of Mars. Her caring and nurturing goes above and beyond my own maternal ways. My job is familiar to me. I miss the 'water cooler chats' and occasional office politics. I am even getting a raise! Nevertheless shaking the blues and feeling of near desperation from my bones is becoming a daily task. I know full well that once back in the game I will be happy. So why the unease?
Getting the kids ready for daycare, myself ready for work, dishes in the dishwasher, cats and dog fed, litter box cleaned, dinner planned, car seats organized; all these seem more like simple chores than burdens believe it or not. I sometimes think I thrive on turmoil, finding inner peace as I systematically bring order to chaos. Why else would I absentmindedly bring yet another cat into the already overcrowded litter box?

Is this feeling of apprehension coming from somewhere out in left field? Maybe it's not to do with getting back into the work force at all. Anyone who knows B and I know we are brimming with daydreams. Leaving in the '72 Suburban, making dust to the East Coast where we would nestle into a new life. Thats one reoccurring image. Others include spending our days with the Californian surf lapping at our toes as the kids splash in the salt water and build sand castles...to match mummy and daddy's castles in the air!

When asked what I would do if I won the lottery I inevitable come up with the same answers. Quit my job. Buy a motorhome. Travel the country with my family. These confirmations breathe life back into me when I am down. Spending time with B and our two angels is my number one pursuit in life. If I could make a career out of loving my family, keeping them close, making memories for them to carry with them through their years; this would be a career I would be proud of. I know I can still carry these simple things out while I work, while they're at daycare, while we rush around the house organizing our days. My parents did it, thousands of others do it every day. But is it what I want? No, it's not.

So why the inconsistency? Why do we buy a house, make a home, purchase vehicles, so we have to work 8 hours or more a day to pay for everything? In your heart of hearts you must admit you really don't have an answer. You're immediate response will be what all others say. It's what we do. We have to save for the future, save for when we are old. "You must put life off until you have no life left." Thats what I hear when I tell myself these things.

If I search deep down inside my soul I know what I want. A simple life. A roof over my head, warmth for my babies, food for their bellies, 4 wheels to get me to my part time job and home again. Most would look at our lives right now and say that IS what we have! But it's still too much. We work out of necessity. We live quasi paycheck to paycheck. We travel, we 'see', we find time to spend together as a family, raking in the soft hugs and wet kisses as if they will suddenly halt tomorrow. We live life within our means pushing the limits every which way so we can be as happy as we possibly can and do as many of the things we want to do. I can't complain. Italy has touched the soles of my feet this past year. Boating, camping, road trips to unknown locations based entirely on early morning whims.

So we go on. Work our long days. Cash our paychecks. Pay our bills. Plan for more trips a 1/4 of which are realistic, another 1/4 of THOSE ever coming to fruition. Before we know it we will be taking Little B to his 1st day of Kindergarten, teaching him how to drive a car, applauding at his graduation, walking Little C down the isle, swaddling our newborn grandchildren. Life will ebb and flow like the Californian Ocean we wish we were closer to. The ups and downs, tragedies of life, blessings and miracles; they will all happen, with or without our castles in the air materializing. We will grow old and look back on our incredible fortunate life and the memories we made and be thankful that everything went the way it did. Understanding fully at that moment that we won the lottery of life long, long ago. I hope at that moment when B and I are aged, holding each others wrinkly hands, reminiscing about our life together and the trails we blazed, we come to the conclusion that it really all WAS worth it. Endless hours spent working for someone else, daycares and babysitters spending countless hours parenting our children, buying and selling property trying to make a retirement nest egg for us to live out our days on.

Because you only get one chance to live your life. There won't be a DeLorean at our disposal. No time travel for regrets. I honestly don't think we'll ever regret one day of our lives. But will the lingering thoughts of "What if.." ooze into our elderly minds. "What if we really had sold everything and hit the open trail, destination south!?" "What if we moved to Nova Scotia?" What if we bought a farm in New Brunswick?"

Only time will tell where we land. Our entire lives may revolve around this little town in the desert. Our path may take us somewhere we never imagined. A fantasy so wild even we couldn't dream it up.
I know my purpose at the moment. It's to create a safe, secure, loving environment for my babies. Live my life to the fullest. Show my children how to do the same. Be thankful for my health and that of my family. Remember my past, my own loving upbringing, and try pass it along the best I can to Little B and C.
But in the back of my mind, in that little part of the brain that daydreams, plans, and concocts fantastic, impracticable plans and desires, I'll have my bags meticulously packed and the key in the ignition before Big B can even say "Lets do it!"

How to enjoy yourself........

2008-08-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Delay ALL chores of any kind. Pack family in boat. Go to beach.

I have major writers block. It may have something to do with the countless hours I spent in the sun this weekend doing absolutely nothing. We had the fortune to be blessed with housesitting Nana and Papas Lakehouse for the weekend. Snug as 4 bugs in a rug we settled right in like it was our own home. Patio doors opened up onto the green grass, sand, and crisp water; leading us to our boat every afternoon for a peaceful escape up-lake to our own private beach paradise.

Nana and Papas beach and our boat.

The majority of the ~~West~~ East side of North Osoyoos Lake is owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band and is for the most part undeveloped. There are numerous sandy beaches scattered along the shore, most of which are cramped with muscle bound tourists and their tanned beauties. We prefer a more subdued environment and head to a small point of sand where we can safely play and frolic in the shallow water. Bryce hauls his 3 huge Tonka toys with him in the engine compartment of the boat along with spades and buckets and a variety of beach friendly chewing toys for Cali. And umbrella, a few blankets, towels, a cooler full of cold drinks and we're set for the next few hours. Our simple wish for the summer months is that we are able to getaway to this beach at least once but hopefully twice a week.

2008-08-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

Baby Feet

Tell me, what is half so sweet
As a baby's tiny feet,
Pink and dainty as can be,
Like a coral from the sea?

Edgar Allen Guest

Easy times

2008-07-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time-- John Lubbock

"Let's go for pizza in Tuscany"

2008-07-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Years ago while backpacking through Europe with a good friend we were passing through the Italian border on train; and I swear to it still to this day, that the air smelled different as soon as we crossed into Italy. Sweeter air. A hint of Marlboro, a dab of jasmine, a smidgen of exhaust.

I was never more certain about this fact than when I stepped off the airplane with Little B in tow onto the hot tarmac of the Parma Airport in Northern Italy.

It had been my goal to set foot on Italian soil while I still had the chance. My father's childhood home, now our family getaway awaits him every summer as he travels to Italy for 3 months. I myself haven't been there since 1994. A second crazed backpacking journey landed me closer to the south in Palermo, Sicily for 6 months in 1998. I was too mesmerized by disco's and the nightlife to travel North to visit family.

(just click on the photos to enlarge them)

Little B being the fantastic traveler that he is.

So the opportunity seemed too good to be true. Me; at home on maternity leave, Little B just shy of 4 years old would make the perfect travel companion. Little C and Daddy could guard the homefront. It would have been a hundred times the experience if we could have traveled together as a family, but work obligations, young baby, and the cold hard fact...$$$$$, kept us from creating that memory. Instead I decided that Little B and I would take to the skies. We flew out of our small airport headed for Vancouver International Airport to catch our connecting flight. Our goodbyes behind us, we were both brimming with excitement. Catching our flight to London Gatwick went by without a hitch, and we arrived on the other side of the pond at 7:00am their time. Little B having had a nap on the floor of the plane was rested. I on the other hand had been stuck in a non-reclining seat and had slept maybe 1/2 an hour. I arrived in London with a crooked sore neck, red puffy eyes, and a desperate need for sleep.

My cousin J opened her home to us for the next few days. Her patient son M gave up his bedroom for us and I am eternally grateful to him. Especially after he endured WWIII when he was forced to camp out on his little sisters floor. Sorry M:)
After some much needed rest we were taken care of wonderfully. Cousin J had boxes of her boys old toys brought down from the attic so Little B was in heaven. Loads of dinosaurs, oodles of train tracks, and boys toys galore kept him busy for the time we spent indoors. A good part of Little B's time was spent trying to coax his 3rd cousin out of his lair to play.
There's not to many 18 year olds who want to spend time playing with 3 year olds, so a huge thanks goes out to him for putting on a brave face and giving Little B some playtime. I'm sure it didn't make the hangovers any better!

Little B getting along famously with cousin A.

Cousin J being sneeky.
She knew my camera addiction was going to catch her sooner or later.

Gotcha!!!

Me and my second cousin A.

There wasn't much time wasted. We were off to Lego Land our second day there. Unfortunately I forgot my camera...eegads!!! So you must close your eyes and imagine rip roaring rides, boats careening down waterfalls into splashing water, foot long hot dogs, space ships and so much more. Sunday we ventured into London by train to visit my next cousin and his family. Cousin B and his beautiful wife have 2 angelic little girls. They put on a lavish spread for us and we dined and caught up on the past decade. After a long day sight-seeing in London and visiting we footed it to the subway. I was reprimanded over the loudspeaker for using my flash on my camera, and cousin J nearly got cut in half when she decided to stop the subway doors from closing in order to get Little B and me on safely. We guiltily stood there and gawked at her defiant struggle until her knight in shining armor, pulled her and her daughter to safety! He also piggy backed Little B around London when his little 3 year old feet got tired. Thanks B!

London sight-seeing. Visiting Cousin B's home.

Monday was a real treat. Urged by none other than me, my dear second cousin A decided to skip school and visit the English Seaside with us. On the look out for truancy officers the whole time, I don't really know if she ever relaxed. I suppose when she stripped down to her knickers and jumped into the ocean she was cutting loose a bit!! (No A, I won't post the photos of you in your undies, don't worry!) The absolute best fish and chips by the seaside was the crowing glory on an already perfect day.

Our day enjoying the English seaside. Fish n' chips and hovercrafts!

More visits from family as my cousin J and his wife and 3 children came over for a dinner out with everyone. My Little B met his match with his 3rd cousin little L. His growls and ferocious faces were met with her own wrath. I was indebted yet again when cousin J offered to drive me 3 hours north to visit my Aunt and Uncle. Off we roared in his miniature mini-van and arrived safely at our destination. Little B was in heaven as my Uncle C and Auntie N introduced him to their 2 tortoises, 2 newts, Rottie Inka, and Pointer Gabby. Another 2 Rotties were safely tucked away at the kennels to give us some more room!

We were treated like royalty yet again. A delicious Pub dinner, a visit to the ever so exciting Monkey World, a boat ride, shopping....we were asleep every night before 10pm as fast as our heads hit the pillows. Canal Boats

My Aunt and Uncle drove us to the airport 2.5 hours away so we could catch our flight to Italy. Thank goodness for superb relatives! Bryce and I left rainy england with pants and sweaters, and when we walked off the plane and onto the sweltering tarmac at Parma Airport, I knew our vacation was headed in the right direction. Grandpa L was there in his lovely Panda 4x4 to drive us 'home'. 2 white knuckled hours later we arrived in Rovignalia.

Looking back towards our home from the church. Ours is the small bit of white you can see behind the trees in the top/middle of the photo.

Rovignalia consists of 4 or 5 cluster of detached and semi-detached villas scattered along a small windy road on the side of a mountain. The 'bones' of our house dates back to 600A.D. My fathers mother lived there up until her death in 1995. My Nona willed it to her children. 2 of which, my fathers sisters, live or have homes in Italy already. He bought them out about 10 years ago and has since then traveled to Italy nearly every summer. My mother was the catalyst for their travels, and she held Italy near and dear to her heart. Even after she was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo vigorous treatments, they traveled to Italy with medicine in hand visiting the Hospital in Parma weekly to have the treatments administered. Even cancer wasn't going to keep them away from their land; their love. My mother has since passed away and in part I think it was her love of the country and it's people, coupled with my own that drove me to visit this year. Seeing everything I hold near and dear about the country mixed together with all that I know my mother adored, made me cherish it all that much more.

Rovignalia's Church. A short stroll down the road from our home.

Borgo Val di Taro. The main town of about 6000 people. Our home in Rovignalia is 7 KM's away, up a small windy road.

A small cluster of homes just beside ours.

Different views of our home, both inside and from the outside

A Pizzeria on the way to Maranello to the Ferrari Factory and museum.

The Ferrari Museum...of course!

Rooftops of Bardi as seen from the castle.

Little B collecting sour cherries.

It's fair to say a few things about Italy. The people drive too fast. The pizza is the best you will ever taste in your life. The women are gorgeous. You take your own life in your hands when using a marked crosswalk. The coffee is out of this world. There seems to be no safety standard. People drive too fast! (did I already mention that?) Children are spoiled rotten.

About the driving. If you aren't going around every corner on 2 wheels you will most likely get honked off the road. My father seemed to adopt this ridiculous way of driving as soon as he landed in Italy. My nerves were slashes, fried, and burned every time I regretfully buckled myself into his little car. I offered to and did end up driving a fair bit here and there in order to save me from having a heart attack at the hands of a crazy Italian. I also informed my father on many occasions that he was driving too fast, was going to kill us all, and to pull the damn car over so I could get behind the wheel. Most of my comments where met with indifference.

The phone booth that I called home from every couple days.
My father and Little B and the Panda calling home to Canada.

A typical Italian specialty store. This one selling cheese and fresh pastas.

Little B in a field of daisies just minutes from our house.

Little B entertaining his friends. He wasn't going to let age and language affect his natural ability to socialize and make friends.

Little B had the time of his life. The homes around ours are filled with elderly Italians who have since moved to England and visit Italy in the summer. Only my fathers sister, her husband, and 1 other neighbor live there year round. Everyone is 70+ years old and Little B couldn't have cared less. He rushed out of the house every morning informing me he was going to visit his friends. Having only a walking path run in between the houses, it was safe for him to venture from house to house collecting mints, candies, lemon aid, biscuits and whatever other treats his 'friends' would supply. He had everyone dialed the moment he arrived. Who knew?! Little B did get a couple chances to meet and play with kids his own age, but the language barrier was usually to big a hurdle for any of them to really have a good time. It wasn't until our last night there we went out for pizza and met the proprietors daughter. A lively little girl of 4 who immediately pulled up a chair and joined us for dinner. After 'ordering' her mother and father to make her a pizza and trying to bat her eyelashes and steal my Coke, her and Little B played and got on like best friends. Too bad it was our last night there

A super adorable new Italian Car that I would love to bring home to Canada.

Little B and his friend at her Pizzeria.

Lunch in Pontremoli, Tuscany. About an hours drive from our home.

The narrow streets of Pontremoli, Tuscany.

Various photos of Pontremoli.

The 2 weeks in Italy seemed to move by at the perfect speed. We visited castles, walked through ruins, cobble stone roads, daily markets, ate pizza, gelato, MORE pizza and gelato!! We suntanned, drove the countryside, visited with long lost relatives, played in rivers filled with tadpoles, visited private museums, peeked inside churches, chased lizards, read books, and even had time for some lazy afternoon naps. It wasn't until our last 2 days there that both Little B and I were terribly homesick.

More photos of our daily outings.

Our trip home was happily uneventful. We hopped a train downtown and 1 hour later arrived in Parma. The taxi driver thought I was insane as I fiddled with the carseat for Little B, making sure it was secure. Although I had seen many children unbuckled in cars, I had seen some carseats in vehicles so I figured I shouldn't be considered to paranoid. The wait at the airport proved to be a lesson in patience when after 5 hours, the plane was 1 hour late. we boarded and were held again for 1 hour on the tarmac. We finally lifted off and I bid a sad farewell to Italy, wishing desperately that I will visit again in 5 years with my whole family. The plane arrived at the airport in England and we boarded a bus for a very long 3 hour ride to London Gatwick where we stayed the night at the Holiday Inn. Bright and early the next morning we bussed it to the airport and after a 1.5 hour delay we boarded our flight home to Vancouver. Thankfully we made out connecting flight out of Vancouver by hauling some serious ass through the airport with the luggage dolly filled to the brim with Little B, a huge suitcase, 2 packsacs and the car seat teetering ontop! I have always wondered about those people you see frantically bolting through the airport...well, I was that person and I hope to never be again!!

Having none other than MacDonald's in London at the airport before our flight home.

Coming down through the turbulence into the Okanagan Valley was maybe the most beautiful thing I could have experienced. The anticipation of seeing my baby. Would she remember me after 3 weeks? Had she changed? Will she cry, laugh, smile?? I was nearly in tears thinking about seeing Big B and her and forewarned Little B that mummy may cry when we see daddy. He thought I was crazy and did not understand why someone would cry if they were happy. I guess thats something only adults do! I did end up holding the tears back, and was elated to see my husband had magically grown even more handsome. My darling baby morphed into a beauty queen and although she didn't give me the smile I had hoped for she didn't cry when I squeezed her tight. It took a couple days for her to settle into our 'new' routine and I seriously think she may have forgotten all about me had I not returned. I suppose babies and children are resilient that way. I joke about her thinking her daycare provider was her mummy after I left. She's all mine now though, and the recognition is back.

Now settled at home and reflecting back on my journey to a far off land I am reminded about what I love best about traveling. You can plan, anticipate, and absolutely love your vacation to death; wanting the time away, no obligation, stress free living, eating out, sight-seeing, lazy days, and no housework to go on forever...but the minute you step foot inside your home, or are held and hugged by those you had left while away, you positively feel that 'home is where the heart is'.

Time together

2008-06-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

My babies are growing up much too fast. I want to slow the hands of time.

Getting ready for a birthday party at 7:30 this morning, Bryce exclaimed that he's wearing his flame shirt so he can make everyone laugh. He was dressed and ready to go before 8am. The party wasn't until noon!

1..2..3...Kick the ball!!!

Quick camping

2008-06-10T19:15:00.001-07:00

Little C enjoying her first camping trip

We had a wonderful experience camping in Kaleden on Saturday night.
The weather did not look favorable for a boat trip, and Brent was not confident we would have no engine trouble. Being afloat on Okanagan Lake with 2 screaming kids in the rain just wasn't his cup of tea I guess?!

With no time to spare I packed our trailer and we hooked up and off we went.
We had our good friends join us and Little B and his best friend A played till the sun went down.

2 little rascals

Trying to get away??

Curled up in the trailer with a DVD, Little B drifted off after 11:00pm! Little C was difficult to get down, but finally just before midnight we were all sleeping peacefully.
We awoke bright and early at 6:00 am thanks to Little B and his coup with his buddy A to rise and shine early to make the most out of the day. 2 cups of strong coffee later we cooked up the most delicious breakfast. Steak cooked over the open fire, scrambled eggs and cheese, hash browns, fruit, toast.....we couldn't have asked for more. It was a short and sweet trip but we hope to fit in another couple nights away before Little B and I jet off to England and Italy.

Cuteness overload

2008-06-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

After our tiresome trip to Denver I was happy to do alot of nothing these past few days. Puttering about the house I found some odd jobs that needed tending to. Sealing the grout on the newly finished en suite bathroom was tedious but gratifying.
The need to do laundry, dishes, toilet cleaning, vacuuming, etc seems to never diminish. My happiness at having the en suite finished after over 2 years was erased soon after I came to the conclusion I now have TWO bathrooms to clean.

Some final touches and it will be ready to use!!

Hopefully Big B will follow the explicit bathroom cleaning regime I instructed him on.

With weather much like fall, cold, rainy, and just plain miserable, we were going to put off our boating plans yet again for this weekend. But if we don't get out in the good old "Line O' Credit" now it will be October before we know it. We're planning on a nice day trip but considering camping the night on the boat if the weather is alright. It will be the 1st time I have camped on a boat. I am still not 100% convinced it's the right thing to do. My paranoia of sinking in the middle of the night creeps into my mind every so often. I can't let that keep me away from what will most likely be a wonderful adventure, so a boating we will go!

Little C and Little B seem to grow more adorable before my eyes every waking moment. My heart swells when I see the love Little B has for his sister. I can only hope they grow up as close, loving siblings.

Our dinner guest brought Little B a most fabulous dessert.

Little C's name was drawn at Preschool for the grand prize. What a beautiful teddy bear. Do you think she likes it?

Planes, trains, and automobiles...

2008-06-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

It should have been easy. Buy the truck on Ebay. Instead of having it shipped home, make a small adventure out of it and fly to Denver to pick it up. It should have gone smoothly. ha ha! It 'should' have.

Too good to be true.

Our adventure starts out similarly to ALL of our family adventures. Big B gets an idea in his head and we run with it. In need of a nice big rig, B cruised the internet for days coming up with literally hundreds of viable options settling on this darn near perfect F250 Diesel 4 door pick up; what more could a family ask for? The price was right up our alley...cheap!! The only hitch: it was in Denver Colorado. But having shipped vehicles home before Big B bid on it and won it not stressing too much how it would arrive on our doorstep.

After some deep thinking, B decided that it would only cost a few more pennies for us to fly to Denver and pick it up. A few more pennies + 1 day off work + a long but never done before drive home through Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho. Sounded like a great plan. 1200+ miles under our belts, no big deal. We've done it before!

Nanny happily agreed to look after Little B for 2 days and nights and Little C, myself and Big B were off to Spokane to catch our flight. We drove to Spokane for the night and woke up in our quiet little Motel at 4am sharp. Little C woke with a squeal and a smile ready for her big day. Little did she know!! We were showered, dressed, and out of there on our way to the airport in a record 30 minutes. The plane ride went smoothly. Little C, well aware something was different, quieted right down and observed the plane and it's occupants with diligence. She fell asleep on my lap for awhile awakened only when the beverage cart rolled by.

Fast asleep on the plane

Our first hic-up was when there was no one from the Dealership to pick us up at the airport in Denver as planned. The adventure to bring home our big rig goes downhill from here, at a very fast pace! We finally got picked up and arrived at the Dealership which turned out to be a small garage looking building with a dirt lot in the industrial park.
Keys in hand, Big B jumps in it to take it for a spin and a grinding noise from under the hood is heard through out the block! Second hic-up! Finally started, off he drives arriving back at the 'dealership' with a sullen look on his face. Numerous things on the truck don't work. There's problems with steering, suspension, and who knows what else. The truck that was described as an excellent driver is literally falling to pieces in front of my eyes.

Big B is noticeably disappointed and after much deliberation with the teenager who runs the place decides to phone the owner himself and see what can be done to salvage the situation. I know my husbands fuse is short so I kindly remind him that nothing will come of getting irate. He was on his best behavior while talking to the owner but unfortunately the guy was a King sized...well, I'll let you figure that part out! Not even considering we were stranded in the industrial park of a huge city we were not from, they didn't offer us a ride back to the airport or even $20.00 for a cab. We ended up calling a rental car company and were picked up within minutes ant treated royally. Thank goodness there's still some nice people out there.

It doesn't look like a dealership?

The dilemma facing us at this point was what to do with our day.
We decided to book a flight back to Spokane that evening at 9:30pm, so we had 8 hours to ramble around in Denver. As it turns out it is a very beautiful city with lots of attractions.

Our one and only photo of us in Denver. B buying sunglasses downtown.

We made it back to the rental company, returned the truck and booked it for the shuttle bus at the Hotel next door.

Little C enjoying her Shuttle Bus ride.

Once at the airport we enjoyed a great meal and settled down for a small wait until we flew out. Little C was a real champ through out the whole experience. The poor thing was exhausted by the time the plane left out of Denver. She slept nearly the whole way back. As we lifted out of Denver the lightening was phenomenal out the cabin windows. At one point the cabin was lit up by the lightening. A few moments later there was a huge disturbance as the plane virtually shifted into a 45 degree angle left then right. It happened so quick there was no time to be scared. I was more exhilarated than anything. For a split second I admit, I did think we were going down, but the thought vanished quickly, and the smiles from Little C made me forget instantly.

Once back in Spokane we drove to a Motel for the night. It was after midnight before we were settled and we all were sawing logs. Thankfully Little C managed to sleep until 8am. We spend the morning driving around Spokane checking out used car lots in case there was a deal out there. There were few trucks and SUV's B liked, but we came home empty handed. The drive home was quiet and uneventful.

The view from the truck of the Grand Coulee Dam releasing water down the spillway.

We stopped along the river for a rest.
Don't mind the trash barrel spewing garbage out onto the pristine river bank?!

3 1/2 hours later and we found ourselves back on Canadian soil, thankful to be home safe and sound but clearly disheartened by our Ebay experience.

The positive things about our trip do not outweigh the negative. We were blantantly lied to and quite seriously nearly scammed out of thousands of dollars. If we had chosen to have the truck delivered the 1200 miles we would have undoubtedly dealt with the numerous problems and kept the truck instead of having it shipped back. The disposition of the owner of the company made me literally sick to my stomach. Their disregard for customer service was horrendous. Looking on the bright side of the situation as I often do, I had a wonderful adventurous experience with my husband and angelic daughter. Spending time with family can never be dreadful.

Now home and settled, laundry put away, cats welcomed, plants watered, I sit and reflect on the past 72 hours in awe. My dear Little C did more in the past few days than some kids do before they are 18! I am thankful we had the chance to even contemplate this trip. We are indebted to Nana for giving Little B a fun filled 2 days. So much so we couldn't get out of his hair faster, and once home after our trip he was joyless to say the least. Tantrums followed tantrums until he was fast asleep in bed at 7:30 last night. He even awoke this morning in a vile mood. Either he was angry we left him alone for 2 days, or blue because we came home?! Delving into the mind of a 3 1/2 year old can be risky business.

All said and done I won't be jumping at the chance to buy another truck off Ebay if it's over 1000 miles away. But I am not naive in any sense, and I know how we as a family unit work, so i will be awaiting our next adventure with baited breath.

Looking back

2008-05-29T11:32:00.001-07:00

Little C is 8 months old today. Time has flown by too fast. I try hold on to every moment but it's hard not to look to the future, especially since the future is so exciting.
Travel, boating, camping, more travel....busy bees are we!

The past 2 days Little C has given us a small glimpse of her 'Diva Self'.

Showing as much patience as any 8 month old she stiffens, shakes, and goes a nice shade of pink when you are not doing something as fast as she would like.

Are her days of being a precious sweet angel baby numbered?

Looking at that face I come to the conclusion "Who cares!"

Little B. at 8 months. Can you believe it was 3 years ago?!

Here comes the sun

2008-05-27T22:06:00.001-07:00

As usual, with the sunny weather comes the inability to be able to go online for long.Being outside is much more enjoyable
than sitting at the computer.

We've been staying busy beautifying our yard.

Landscaping is tedious and strenuous (ask Big B who managed to shovel all the rock out of the truck) but the end result is worth it.

Even Little B did his fare share.

Warm weather also makes for late night chats with good friends.
After a delicious Mexican pot luck dinner we had some time to catch up, play a little T-Ball and tag, and enjoy the late setting sun.

Of course there is the usual bedtime rant of "But Mummy, it isn't dark yet."
Little B must have been played out though because it didn't take long for him to fall asleep on my lap, something he hasn't done since he was in diapers. A very sweet moment indeed.

Unsettled

2008-05-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

My father blames my gypsy ways on himself and my mother.

No doubt my love for adventure and incurable itchy feet was genetic.

My parents met in England and after they were married moved to Canada. Never settling down in one place for long they moved numerous times in the late 60's early 70's.

Even traveling across Canada, from Montreal in a V.W. with a
cat and my brother to settle in B.C.

After I was born
we moved again a total of 4 more times before ending up in the Southern Okanagan in 1982. It was due to my fathers job transfers that we moved so much, but I have the feeling we may have traveled from town to town even without him being transfered.

As a young child I had to start new schools in the middle of the school year on a few occasions. It never bothered me much.
My mum tells a funny story of having just moved to Campbell River and literally booting me out of the house to go knock on neighboring doors in search of playmates. No shy bones in my body back then I eventually found some friends.....until we moved a couple years later. It was instilled in me at an early age to be carefree and have a passion for travel.

My fathers mother traveled to the U.S.A with him in tow in the 50's, only to relocate back to Italy years later. My mothers parents travels included Africa, Europe, North America. They went as far as finding some rural land in the Fraser Valley, parking their ancient Bedford Van and staking a claim. The home my grandfather built still stands to this day. Could the need to move, travel, get away be passed from generation to generation? I suppose if I had to sort through all my family's traits and pick which one I'd prefer to pass along to my children;
a zeal for journey would be on the top of my list.

We've already obliviously tutored our young children this exact point.
Little B's first trip to Nevada, and California was at only 4 months. Little C's at 3 months! Countless trips in between have landed us all over Washington, Oregon, and B.C.

Time will tell where my little darlings end up on the spectrum. If they take after me, they may find themselves on foreign turf with a pack sac strapped to their sweaty backs, a guide book in their hands, and nothing but a deep admiration of generations past to guide them on.

As long as they call home every day, I vow to be as supportive as my parents were when they found out I was hooked on adventure.

Nothing says "I love you" more than dandelions.

2008-05-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

Little B picked some beautiful flowers for me yesterday.

I think he was happy with his haircut.

The beginning

2008-05-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

I was worried sending out daily emails burdened down with 5-15 photos of my little ones faces and activities might start getting little to no response, or end up in my addressee's junk folders.
Instead I've taken on the daunting task up updating a daily Blog. So it all starts here.

Summer is upon us with force. The absolute sign is that the A/C was just turned on 1 hour ago. Not able to withstand 29 degrees inside the house it was time to blast the cold air.
Little C is hot and sweaty, poor baby. We went from winter to summer in 24 hours so there was no time for her to adapt. Little B is blissfully running around in his undies and on the lucky occasion his birthday suit; jumping through sprinklers, chasing frogs, digging holes, and all other things boys get up to when they're left to their own devices. He admittedly made 1 worm magically turn into 2 worms yesterday......yuck!

After living in the South Okanagan for 26+years you would think I would have become acclimatized to the heat, but it still gets to me. Thankfully I am not pregnant like last year! I swear I won't complain (too much) about the weather.

Of course Little B and Big B seem to be in their glory in the heat. Big B mowing the lawn while his ever energetic side-kick follows his every move.

Finding creative ways to spend the days will be easy now the warm weather is upon us. Little B will be found outside as early as 7am.
Mr. Social himself has made it a hobby of 'his' to chit chat as much as possible with the neighbors. He even knows the names of our neighbors parents?!?! We haven't had any complaints yet but I imagine conversations with 3 year olds can get repetitive. Pretty soon our neighbors will be gardening with headphones on!!