I'm an Aunt!!!

We arrived home from camping just a little while ago. When I checked my e-mail, I was thrilled to see a letter from my big brother Trevor announcing that his wife has given birth to their little girl!!!

They've named her Trina (Trevor and Mina combined) and she's 7 lbs 9 oz and 21 inches long. Here are the pictures I've been sent. Check out those chubby little cheeks!!!

I'm done

We've sold our home. We don't necessarily have another one to move into.

My solution? Drink a beer and take off camping for the weekend. If it doesn't fix anything, it'll at least keep me from looking at homes online.

Adios amigos!!

This morning's quote

"If God closes a door in your life, get your face out of the way and it won't hurt so much."

- Sherri Rose Shepherd


Also: As of this morning, our condo is officially sold. Weehaw!!!

Updates updates!!

So, here is a condensed version of what's new in our world of real estate.

The house in Sherwood Park is not happening. After looking at a number of substantial drawbacks and listening to our gut feelings, we walked away from it. Whew.

The sale of our house is pending. The only thing left is the inspection, which isn't a real concern since we had it inspected only two years ago when we purchased. Chances are this sale will go through, but until Thursday nothing is set in stone. We're preparing a virtual tour just in case.

About two hours ago, we made an offer on a house we've fallen in love with. It's in Millwoods (Minchau in specific) so Nick stays at the same school and Liam can still bike to work. It's got a big beautiful kitchen, four bedrooms, three levels, and a nice big yard. I'm trying to hold myself back in case the details don't work out and we don't get it, but I've really got my heart set on this place.

And there you have it. Big changes have been the name of the game during the past week, but hopefully things this week will settle down and we'll have some closure next week at this time. I know Liam and I could use a break from the stress!!

Morning thoughts

Some random thoughts to share...

Nothing says "I love you Mom" like puking up chunks of unchewed grapes all over said Mom. Or at least this is what Lily thinks.

Real estate is the key to weight loss. In 8 days, Liam and I have lost a combined total of 17 lbs.

Never mind suffocation, laying over or falling out of bed. The true hidden danger in co-sleeping is Dad. Lily spent a good portion of yesterday smelling of Liam's armpit. Poor child.

Packing up half of your posessions and knowing you won't see them for at least a month is a good lesson on what is truly important in life.

Paint is difficult to get out of dried paintbrushes, harder yet to get off of lino, and impossible to get off of a baby's skin.

Stress? What stres?

I think we're moving to Sherwood Park.

Yikes.

Liam and I keep asking each other if we're really doing this. A week ago, we were still toying with the idea of moving. Today, the sale of our condo is pending, our purchase of a house is pending as well, and half of our belongings are in boxes behind my parents' garage.

Everything came together so quickly that our condo didn't even make it onto the market. In the unlikely event that this deal falls through, we'll have it listed by the weekend, but as things stand right now we'll be out of here on August 15. Holy crap.

Back I go to painting and cleaning!! I'll update as things progress.

A day to remember

The past 24 hours have been, to say the least, quite unprecedented. For your literary pleasure, here is a brief synopsis of the many events.

1:30 am: Liam and I finally crawl into bed after a late night of watching "Walk the Line". (I really enjoyed this movie, by the way, even though "Johnny" made a lot of creepy faces when he was singing.

5:45 am: Lillian wakes up and starts playing and laughing in bed. I refuse to acknowledge that my night might be over after only 4 hours of sleep and I do my best to ignore her.

6:30 am: Lily finally decides to go back to sleep. The world is a good place.

9:30 am: Lily and I finally get out of bed. The world is a really good place.

10:30 am: Mortgage Dude (aka Jamie) phones to discuss our request for a mortgage for a new home.

10:40 am: I hang up the phone, convinced that we're bound to be condo dwellers for at least another six months.

11:15 am: Liam gets off the phone with Mortgage Dude with the news that his number crunching and proposed shuffling of monies has ensured us an adequate mortgage for a real house. I realize what a brilliant man I married.

12 noon: We phone my cousin, our realator from our last endeavour in the world of real estate, to discuss the possibility of putting our house for sale. He tells us he's in the neighbourhood and will stop by to talk to us.

12:15 pm: We have a quick meeting with Realtor Dude and get a more accurate idea of what the sale of our condo and the purchase of a new house will involve.

1:00 pm: We drive to H&R Block to (finally) do our 2005 taxes.

3:00 pm: We finally get to submit our paper work.

3:45 pm: We leave H&R with a paper that says we'll have $3400 deposited into our account within 10 business days. The world is getting better by the moment.

4:00 pm: We make a stop at KFC for some much-needed foodstuffs.

4:05 pm: While scarfing down my food, I completely fail to notice a gigantic pothole. As Liam gives me crap for hitting it square on, I watch our hubcap roll across 75th street through my rear view mirror.

4:06 pm: Liam goes running down 75th to retrieve the lost hubcap. This is the reason why women marry men.

6:30 pm: Liam returns from his box-hunting expedition with 4 boxes and we beging clearing out closets of "extras" that we can store at my parents' place to make the condo look roomier.

8:30 pm: We stand back and look at the pile of boxes and bags sitting by the stairs. It dawns on me just how much stuff we own that we really don't use.

10:45 pm: After going for a walk and getting Lily bundled off in bed, I sit down with a wannabe screwdriver (Mango Five Alive with vodka...not bad, actually) and blog about the insanity that was our day. (I'm noticing, by the way, a direct relationship between my drinking and blogging. I swear I really don't drink all that often!)

Snapshots of a lifetime

Tonight, I'm preparing a Father's Day gift for my Dad. I've been going through all my pictures, paper and digital, in search of the nine perfect photos to put in the frame I've bought him. It's so easy to forget how many pictures I have stashed away in my picture box and in various folders on the computer, but so many vivid memories are re-awoken when I flip through them.

There are a few small photographs of me as a young child which have been handed down from my mother. My small chubby cheeks so full of life show glimmers of the gleeful grins of my children years away from existence. Life was so simple then. Summers were so bright, my brother was my hero, and my parents knew all the secrets to life.

Another section shows my life during high school with friends long gone and some still dear to me. I want to step into those pictures and say "Stop being so scared of looking stupid and just enjoy yourself. You're young and brilliant and you can do anything".

After the high school pictures come the pregnancy pictures. I laugh now at how huge I thought I was. Six months pregnant and you can't even see that bump under that huge t-shirt! Just wait til the next baby, chick, that'll show you what a big belly looks like. I was so young, so unaware of all the changes that were about to come into my life with the entrance of such a small beautiful boy. I had no idea what it meant to be a mother and how many lessons I would learn deep within my heart, many of them during the darkest hours of night as my babe and I nestled together.

The stack of Nicholas' baby and early childhood pictures is huge. We took shot after shot of that daring grin and those dancing eyes. I'm blown away at how quickly those chubby little legs grew long and lean, and I still can't quite figure out where those cheeks I used to kiss for hours on end went.

As life continued there are the pictures of such happy times: the night I met Liam, Jo and Graeme's wedding, my wedding and honeymoon. As I look back on these pictures I know I am truly blessed to have had a life filled with so many loving people who have borought me such joy.

Now I have another pile of baby pictures growing, though these are almost exclusively digital. Lillian's babyhood is such a part of my life right now that I can't imagine looking back and saying "She was such a beautiful baby and look what a big girl she is now". I love how soft and sweet she is and I cannot imagine her ever changing.

As much as I may try to hang on to the present, though, all these pictures have reminded me of just how quickly change sweeps through everything. My interests change, new friends come into my life, and my children grow up more quickly than I can keep track of. I love my life exactly as it is right now. I would give so much to freeze everything just as it is right now so I could enjoy these moments forever...The deep and fulfilling love I have found with Liam, Nicholas' bright and curious spirit, and the deliciousness of Lillian. I know, though, that new joys and experiences await me, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for my family. I'll just make sure to take lots of pictures so I don't forget what today has been.

Open letters once more

I apologize to my poor blog and those poor people who read it. I've rather neglected my blogging duties lately, and although I've been crazy busy these past few weeks there's no good reason for ignoring a perfectly fun blog.

To break the recent silence, here are some open letters.

To Intuit,

I want my freaking husband back. Sure, you may have given him a job that he loves so much that work is like play, but you're going to kill him if he doesn't get some sleep soon. Not to mention the kids barely recognize him anymore. Today, I sat at the computer and Nick looked around and asked "Where's Liam?". It's a sign. Leave him alone for a few hours now and then would you?

To my neighbour's mom,

I'm sure Neighbour Chick appreciates that you're house-sitting for her, but the rest of us would appreciate it if you'd tone down your porn-like escapades. When my baby wakes up at 4 am because you're literally screaming your little head off, you're making too much noise. It's nice and all that you're getting so much enjoyment out of your sex life this late in life, but the rest of the world really don't need to hear about it once or twice every night. Shut the hell up.

To Nicholas,

Please erase the phrase "Stop telling me what to do!" from your brain. You can also lump in "He-LLO?" with it too. You're not a teenager yet so stop talking like one.

Sad news

For those of you who recall my entry requesting prayers for a young woman a few months ago, I wanted to share the sad news of her passing. I'm shocked by the sudden downward turn her health took and I still don't quite have my brain wrapped around it. I can only hope that her family is able to find some some comfort in this time of sorrow.

The following is her obituary.


Tanya Kilkenny


KILKENNY, Tanya Marie (nee Sundlie) 1975-2006 It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Tanya Kilkenny, our beloved "T" on Thursday, June 1, 2006 at the age of 30 years. Tanya leaves to mourn her loving husband, Clint and her five month old daughter Trinity; her parents Gordon and Sandria Sundlie; her sister Shawna (Keven) McGhan and their children Ethan and Julia; her brother David Sundlie. Also surviving are her mother-in-law Myra Kilkenny and brothers-in-law Brad (Jamie) and Tyler. Four days after Tanya was diagnosed with cancer, she had a healthy baby girl, Trinity, by emergency c-section and had surgery to remove the tumor. Always upbeat and positive throughout an aggressive chemotherapy and radiation regimen, Tanya was an inspiration to many. Sadly one month after a clear bill of health, the aggressive cancer returned and she passed away surrounded by family and friends. Tanya grew up on acreage in Sherwood Park and from a young age loved horses. The free and wild yet gentle spirit of horses exemplified her life. She graduated with distinction from University of Alberta with a commerce degree. Tanya made her passion for people and horses her livelihood which was evident in everything that she did. Her riding students, friends and families meant the world to her. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Cross Cancer Clinic and Royal Alexandra Hospital for their loving care during her illness. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 205 Fir Street, Sherwood Park. Friends who so wish may make donations to the "Trinity Kilkenny Trust" fund. This may be done at any Alberta Treasury Branch. South Side Memorial Chapel. Patterson, Mittelstadt & Justik. 432-1601. To send condolences visit, www.southsidememorial.com

Recent Reviews

Discalimer: Any typos or non-sense phrases are a direct result of the yummy mango peach coolers and I accept no reponsibility whatsoever. Nyah.

I felt like sharing my thoughts on the following book and movies which I have recently watched or read.

Ahem.

The Notebook: Liam and I really enjoyed this movie, so he bought the novel for me (birthday, Christmas...? I dunno). Anyhow, it's amazing. If you haven't seen the movie yet, rent it and sit at home with a box of kleenex. If you've watched the movie, buy (0r borrow from me) the book. As is typical of books, it offers far more depth in the characters and the sorrow conveyed by the narrator is much more intense. I came away from it thinking "I'm so glad to have found my true love" , "I hope I never take a day for granted" and "I can't wait to be looking back on a lifetime of shared memories". A must-read for married folk who want to appreciate the golden days of marriage.

War of the Worlds: I wish someone had told me it would be such a waste of time. It really did seem like it was going somewhere for a long time, and I even liked Tom Cruise in it, but what's with leaving so many questions unanswered in the terrible terrible ending? I give it a big fat raspberry. Screw you for wasting my evening.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith: Fun! Pretty much exactly what I'd expected. Quick and entertaining without a whole lot of substance, but things blew up and Brad Pitt was in it. I even managed to get past my dislike of Angeline Jolie enough to not be irritated by her. The best part (and the part I showed Nick) was when they shot the crap out of their house. (The house, by the way, made me insanely jealous, and not because of how huge it was but because of how clean and toy-free it was. Oh, but to have a house without toys and craft supplies everywhere...)

Fantastic Four: Another fun one. There were a few moments where it was necessary to turn off logic and remind oneself "It's based on a comic book", but all it all it was good. It made me laugh out loud several times, and that's never a bad thing. Mostly-naked dude wrapped in a pink jacket was amusing. I was also thrilled to see Commish playing a part. He's so cool.

Camp Haikus take two

Spring camp was this weekend and in light of that, here are some haikus a la spring camp.

Lily's pearly whites
Finally edged through her gums
Are there one or two?

Last camp they drank wine
We did juice and garlic shots
Well, maybe just me

How much corn was popped
By Akela late at night?
Enough to stuff us

Pit stop at Esso
Chunky puke in plastic bag
Nick felt much better

Sunshine in the morn
Sudden hail storm drenches kids
Look, the sun is back

Highlight of the fire
Was my kid telling his jokes
And others' punchlines

A fun run

Here's a photo from the recent Bay to Breakers race. Something about it made me think of Krista and I felt the need to post it. (sorry Liam!)

Happy morning to you!

Laughing babies

Click on this to instantly make your day happier. Make sure your volume is turned up. Lily gives it two drooly thumbs up.

Noooooo!

"As Spears has confirmed, she's pregnant with another child, rumored to be a girl.
Federline wants to name the baby Julia after his mom, according to In Touch Weekly, but Britney would rather name the baby Lillian after her own maternal grandmother. “She also likes the names Emily and Lola,” says a friend."


If Britney Spears names her kid Lillian I'll beat her (Britney, of course, not the baby).

Sick, sick, sick, and sick

Somebody either make me healthy and give me a real night's sleep or shoot me. Seriously.

I'm knocked out with my second cold since Easter. Nick gave it to me and he's still hacking away day and night. We're both exhausted and barely able to drag our butts through the day.

Oh, and Lillian came down with a stomach bug yesterday. Between 8 am and 1 pm she threw up about 20 times and started having diarrhea. I had her either in my arms or in the CuddlyWrap for 11 freaking hours yesterday. I finally got her settled for the night around 11, then she was up every hour until 4:30 when she threw up all over the bed. Yum.

And if that weren't enough, Liam also has this stomach thing. The poor guy had to bike home in the heat yesterday when he felt quite ill because I wasn't comfortable taking the puke-monster into the car. He's been pretty much camped out in the bathroom since yesterday.

I think there should be a few rules in place when it comes to families and illnesses.

1) Only one parent can be sick at a time.

2) If both kids are sick at the same time, only one of them is allowed to wake multiple times at night.

3) Mom should be allowed to sleep for more than 1 hour at a time when she's sick.

4) Nobody is allowed to get sick twice in a one-month period.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms! Thanks for doing the job that nobody else in the world could do!

A quickie

I thought this was too cute not to share.

Two for two

I ran both yesterday and today. Yay me!

Yesterday I went for 45 minutes and picked Nicholas up from school on the way back. Today Lily, Jack, and I headed out and I ran/walked a total of 35 minutes. I was originally going to just walk today and run tomorrow instead but I was feeling really good and Liam convinced me to go for it.

My ankle is holding out pretty well though it's kind of sore right now. I've already iced it once and I'll ice it at least once more tonight. I'd be very bummed out if I messed it up and set myself back again.

I'm pretty happy with the running I'm able to do. I thought I'd have to take things a lot more slowly than I am, but I guess that the regular walking I'd been doing combined with being pretty busy throughout the day have kept me in better shape than I'd anticipated.

After talking with Chantal last night (who is currently doing a Running Room clinic), I started thinking about doing the run/walk ratio Running Room suggests. After a number of weeks, you work up to 5 minutes of running to 1 minute of walking, then in the long term 10 running to 1 walking. They suggest running entire half-marathons in this manner. (When I did my half-marathon in 2002 my training didn't involve any type of walking breaks)

Anyhow, today I paid attention to my stopwatch and aimed for a 2:1 ratio. Unfortunately, the mental part of paying such close attention to my time caused me some grief and I'd shoot myself down or get too anxious to push for as long as I could really go. Next run, I'll tune out the watch and just focus on how I feel. Maybe I'll try incorporating a 5:1 when I'm more into the swing of things.

And that is the end of my mental ramblings on running.

You're called a parent because that's what you're supposed to do

I am growing increasingly disgusted with the parents in my area. (No, this is not aimed at anyone with the last name of Leddy!) Here’s warning that this is nothing but a rant because I’m very ticked off.

On Friday, I saw a little boy wandering around alone in our parking lot. He followed my neighbour up the stairs to her house and I offered to take him back home. This cute little boy was maybe 3 1/2 years old, couldn't tell me where his home was, and trustingly took my hand and followed me as we tried to find his Mom. As grateful as I was to be able to help him out, it scared me how easily he followed me, a total stranger, around. We eventually found a man (Dad, Uncle, random guy??) who said he was looking for him. He very nonchalantly explained that the boy had taken the garbage out and walked off with him.

Today, a little boy (about 4 years old) a few doors down played outside from 10-1:30 and Nick played with him from about 10:30-11 and when the little boy went to ask his mom if he could come over to our house, she was nowhere to be found. He called and called her but nobody answered. After Nicholas was gone to school, the boy continued to play outside of our yard and teased Jack by yelling at him, poking his fingers through the fence, and putting sticks over the fence. I asked him FIVE times to stop teasing the dog and then I went outside and very loudly (are you hearing this Mom??) told him to stop it immediately.

A full half hour later, I heard his mom asking him “Are you still playing with your friend? If he’s not outside anymore come back in the yard”. Sorry, lady, but my kid has been gone for almost an hour and a half. Maybe you’d have noticed if you were actually properly supervising your kid.

I’m sad to see how little supervision these young kids seem to have. When did kids stop being important?? My kids are the most precious things in the world to me and I can't imagine letting them wander around without anyone keeping an eye on them. It takes all of two seconds for some sicko to make off with them, or for them to get hurt.

Just parent your children already.