Things I like:
Bailey's Milkshakes in the summertime
Fresh baked cookies with milk in a red tupperware cup
The smell and feel of fresh warm clean laundry
The words "double double"
The hot sun on my legs
Hearing my kids laugh
Feeling a baby move inside me
A friendly voice on the other end of the phone
The smell of fresh cut grass
The secure feeling I get if I allow myself to totally relax in my husbands arms
Massages and Pedicures
A clean house
Company
Hotdogs with chilli and cheese (you don't want to know how many of these I have eaten this month)
Hugs and Kisses from my girls
5 cent candies while watching a movie
Stretchy maternity pants during the holidays
Watching my kids sleep
Coming home after being away for a few days
Things I don't like:
The smell of Chris's hockey bag
Temper Tantrums
Judgemental people
Food that has gone moldy
When the house looks messy after cleaning all day
Movie Theatres
Banff Hot Springs (it's like bathing with 150 strangers)
The smell of burnt popcorn
Having to repeat myself
Peeing 9 times/night
Winter
Cereal after it's been sitting too long
Greedy people
Monday, January 29, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
A not so proud moment, and a very proud moment
I took the girls to the dollar store today and whenever we go I give Hallie $1 to pick out whatever she wants. I try not to direct her towards certain things but to allow her to make her own decision (even though it's hard somedays...like today!) She usually ends up choosing a chapstick but today it was a whole different ball game. The girl insisted upon having a (get ready Uncle Jesse, you are going to be so proud!) WHOPPEE CUSHION. I didn't explain to her what it was but I did tell her she probably wouldn't like it once we got it home and out of the package.
So, we get in the house and I open it up. I put it on the floor and Hallie is saying "what does it do, what does it do". I told her to sit on it and she did. It made a big noise and she lost it!! She thought it was the most hilarious thing in the world. She said "did you hear it fart (sorry nana!) Mom, that is so funny, I can't wait until my dad gets home to try it" She has been playing with it all afternoon and hysterically laughing everytime. She already has big plans to take it to Lethbridge with her next time. She is quite certain that Uncle Stinky and Grandpa will like it :)
On to the super proud moment of the day:
I was putting Hallie to bed and she said
H "When will I get to see Jesus Mom?"
M "When you get to heaven"
H "When do I get to heaven?"
M "After you die, then you will go to Heaven and Jesus will be there?"
H "When is that mom?"
M "I don't know Hal, God gets to decide"
and then she replied, really loudly and with tears in her eyes, waving her hands,
H "but I just can't wait to meet Jesus mommy, I can't wait!"
M "I'm sorry honey but we don't get to pick when we get to meet him"
H "but I love him"
by this time Chris was in the room and said
D "then tell him"
so Hallie shouts
H "I love you Jesus!"
I was nearly in tears and then she said
H "When will I get to see God, I want to see all 3 of them?"
M "You will see God when you get to heaven too?"
H "but I need to talk to Him!"
M "you can talk to Him anytime you want, that's what we do when we pray"
H "but when will He talk back to me"
D "why don't you ask Him?
H "God, when will you talk to me?" she said loudly.
There was a really long silence and she said
H "God said he will talk to me whenever I want"
Then she fell asleep....how precious. If only we all could have faith like a child!
So, we get in the house and I open it up. I put it on the floor and Hallie is saying "what does it do, what does it do". I told her to sit on it and she did. It made a big noise and she lost it!! She thought it was the most hilarious thing in the world. She said "did you hear it fart (sorry nana!) Mom, that is so funny, I can't wait until my dad gets home to try it" She has been playing with it all afternoon and hysterically laughing everytime. She already has big plans to take it to Lethbridge with her next time. She is quite certain that Uncle Stinky and Grandpa will like it :)
On to the super proud moment of the day:
I was putting Hallie to bed and she said
H "When will I get to see Jesus Mom?"
M "When you get to heaven"
H "When do I get to heaven?"
M "After you die, then you will go to Heaven and Jesus will be there?"
H "When is that mom?"
M "I don't know Hal, God gets to decide"
and then she replied, really loudly and with tears in her eyes, waving her hands,
H "but I just can't wait to meet Jesus mommy, I can't wait!"
M "I'm sorry honey but we don't get to pick when we get to meet him"
H "but I love him"
by this time Chris was in the room and said
D "then tell him"
so Hallie shouts
H "I love you Jesus!"
I was nearly in tears and then she said
H "When will I get to see God, I want to see all 3 of them?"
M "You will see God when you get to heaven too?"
H "but I need to talk to Him!"
M "you can talk to Him anytime you want, that's what we do when we pray"
H "but when will He talk back to me"
D "why don't you ask Him?
H "God, when will you talk to me?" she said loudly.
There was a really long silence and she said
H "God said he will talk to me whenever I want"
Then she fell asleep....how precious. If only we all could have faith like a child!
Monday, January 22, 2007
What's the Hurry?
In our bible study group we are studying John Ortberg's book "The Life I Always Wanted". Last night's topic and discussion hit me really hard and I thought I'd share about it.
Our society is so busy (especially Calgary...even people from Ottawa think Calgary is busy). We are in a hurry to do everything. The author asked how many of us when pulling up to a red light examine each lane to determine which has the least amount of cars, the fastest cars and what appear to be the fastest drivers. Or while in the grocery store pick the line with the least amount of people with the emptiest carts! I'm really guilty of that one. Sometimes I have reason like my kids are going crazy and need to get home, or Hallie has to pee, or I feel like I'm going to puke, but, in all honesty, I do it all the time out of habit. I'm not in a rush to get anywhere, especially if I out by myself in the evening.
John Ortberg once asked one of his mentors for advice and the advice he received was "you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life". It's hard to do when society is all about quick and easy. We even have 2-1 shampoo and conditioner to help speed up the process of having a shower.
He also gave examples of how we hurry our children and when I look back, I've done it alot. I quite often say "Hallie hurry up and eat your supper" when really, there isn't any reason to hurry. Hurry and eat so I can hurry and clean up so that we can hurry and get you to bed so that I can hurry and do the laundry so I can hurry and.... It happens at bath time and many other times. I ask them to hurry and then realize, that I don't have anywhere to go or anything to do. I'll ask Hallie to put her coat when we go for a walk and she is taking to long for my liking and I'll just do it for her. Would it kill me to wait another minute for her to do it so she can feel like she's accomplished something and made me proud rather than feeling like she disappointed and failed me when she really hasn't.
We read a few scripture passages to back this up...many of them were familiar to me and it was a great reminder.
Do not be anxious about anything, be still and know....and there are many others.
So, my goal for the next few weeks is to SLOW DOWN, prioritize my life, let my children be children, take time for myself to do NOTHING and not feel guilty about it, as well as spend time alone in quiet to LISTEN to God's voice...I think it's hard for him to talk to me (or rather, for me to listen) when I'm always in such a hurry.
Our society is so busy (especially Calgary...even people from Ottawa think Calgary is busy). We are in a hurry to do everything. The author asked how many of us when pulling up to a red light examine each lane to determine which has the least amount of cars, the fastest cars and what appear to be the fastest drivers. Or while in the grocery store pick the line with the least amount of people with the emptiest carts! I'm really guilty of that one. Sometimes I have reason like my kids are going crazy and need to get home, or Hallie has to pee, or I feel like I'm going to puke, but, in all honesty, I do it all the time out of habit. I'm not in a rush to get anywhere, especially if I out by myself in the evening.
John Ortberg once asked one of his mentors for advice and the advice he received was "you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life". It's hard to do when society is all about quick and easy. We even have 2-1 shampoo and conditioner to help speed up the process of having a shower.
He also gave examples of how we hurry our children and when I look back, I've done it alot. I quite often say "Hallie hurry up and eat your supper" when really, there isn't any reason to hurry. Hurry and eat so I can hurry and clean up so that we can hurry and get you to bed so that I can hurry and do the laundry so I can hurry and.... It happens at bath time and many other times. I ask them to hurry and then realize, that I don't have anywhere to go or anything to do. I'll ask Hallie to put her coat when we go for a walk and she is taking to long for my liking and I'll just do it for her. Would it kill me to wait another minute for her to do it so she can feel like she's accomplished something and made me proud rather than feeling like she disappointed and failed me when she really hasn't.
We read a few scripture passages to back this up...many of them were familiar to me and it was a great reminder.
Do not be anxious about anything, be still and know....and there are many others.
So, my goal for the next few weeks is to SLOW DOWN, prioritize my life, let my children be children, take time for myself to do NOTHING and not feel guilty about it, as well as spend time alone in quiet to LISTEN to God's voice...I think it's hard for him to talk to me (or rather, for me to listen) when I'm always in such a hurry.
Friday, January 19, 2007
We actually went on a DATE!!
Chris called me yesterday and said
"Don (his boss) wants to take us to the Flames game on Friday night, do you want to go?"
I said "YA!!! tell him we will come for sure!"
"What about a babysitter?" he replied
"I don't care if I have to leave my kids home alone, I'm not passing up on a free flames game!"
Anyway, I found a babysitter (obviously) and we went to the game. Chris even bought me my own Flames jersey. It's a new one that just came out this year!! I love it. I think my girls need matching ones!!!
Here is a picture of it from the internet. I'm too tired to take a picture of me in it right now...but you must know, I definately look HOT!!
PS: the flames won! GO FLAMES GO
"Don (his boss) wants to take us to the Flames game on Friday night, do you want to go?"
I said "YA!!! tell him we will come for sure!"
"What about a babysitter?" he replied
"I don't care if I have to leave my kids home alone, I'm not passing up on a free flames game!"
Anyway, I found a babysitter (obviously) and we went to the game. Chris even bought me my own Flames jersey. It's a new one that just came out this year!! I love it. I think my girls need matching ones!!!
Here is a picture of it from the internet. I'm too tired to take a picture of me in it right now...but you must know, I definately look HOT!!
PS: the flames won! GO FLAMES GO
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Hallie at Preschool
Here are a few pictures of Hallie at preschool. She loves it there. Last night was parent/teacher interviews. It was great to hear her teachers thoughts on how "perfect" Hallie is. They had nothing but great things to say about her. :)
What an artist
What an artist 
Learning the letter "C"
Playing "Kitchen"
Riding the RollerCoaster
I'm not to sure what she's doing here???
Thursday, January 04, 2007
I'm Back!!
I'm nearing the end of my first trimester and was hoping to be feeling better over the Christmas holidays however, it just got worse. I couldn't think about food without getting sick, let alone make it or eat it. Chris's sister was here for a few days before Christmas (thanks again Bev!) and then Chris had 11 days off so I really didn't have to do much cooking for two weeks. This past weekend I was so sick and I couldn't imagine being alone with the girls. I told Chris that if things didn't get better, my girls would starve because I wouldn't be able to feed them. I went the the Doctor on Sunday and got what I would call the "miracle drug". It is made for sickness in pregnancy and it worked within 2 hours. I take two at night and one in the morning and it is fabulous. I'm so glad I wimped out and went to the Dr.
Hallie has of course been hilarious lately. She is growing up so fast and is really missing preschool. It starts again on Monday and she is really looking forward to it. She is always praying for the baby and it is so cute. Over Christmas she was doing a craft with her Auntie Bev and she suddenly said "Auntie Bev, we have to stop and pray right now" Then she said "Dear God, please be with the baby in mommy's tummy and please make it a boy!" She really wants a brother. We are going to find out the sex of the baby so that we can prepare her if it is another sister. She is ok with another sister too but she still wants a brother next then...Too bad for her, there isn't going to be a "next" so this is all or nothing. When I was sick on the weekend she came in to "check on me" and when she was leaving I asked her to close my door. She responded with "Okay Mom, if you insist". What 3 year old says that?
Raya is full of energy and is busy trying to find new ways to get what she wants. She has been having alot of tantrums lately and I just send her to her room...and she goes. It's hilarious. She is making herself throw-up lately though if she doesn't get her way and that has been a struggle.
I'll try to post some pictures soon. They are growing so fast. Less than 2 months until our little Hal is 4.
Well, the screen is getting blury...my med's must be kicking in...time to go to "my happy place!"
Good Night
Hallie has of course been hilarious lately. She is growing up so fast and is really missing preschool. It starts again on Monday and she is really looking forward to it. She is always praying for the baby and it is so cute. Over Christmas she was doing a craft with her Auntie Bev and she suddenly said "Auntie Bev, we have to stop and pray right now" Then she said "Dear God, please be with the baby in mommy's tummy and please make it a boy!" She really wants a brother. We are going to find out the sex of the baby so that we can prepare her if it is another sister. She is ok with another sister too but she still wants a brother next then...Too bad for her, there isn't going to be a "next" so this is all or nothing. When I was sick on the weekend she came in to "check on me" and when she was leaving I asked her to close my door. She responded with "Okay Mom, if you insist". What 3 year old says that?
Raya is full of energy and is busy trying to find new ways to get what she wants. She has been having alot of tantrums lately and I just send her to her room...and she goes. It's hilarious. She is making herself throw-up lately though if she doesn't get her way and that has been a struggle.
I'll try to post some pictures soon. They are growing so fast. Less than 2 months until our little Hal is 4.
Well, the screen is getting blury...my med's must be kicking in...time to go to "my happy place!"
Good Night
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Our Christmas Letter
Merry Christmas to all of you! We hope that this Season is finding you well and that you are enjoying the busyness of it all…shopping, baking, crafting, and spending time with loved ones.
Looking back on this year, we have to admit that it has been fantastic and we have so much to be thankful for.
Hallie is nearly 4 and started preschool this past September. She loves to sing, read, bake, and play. Hallie enjoys spending time with her friends and enjoys having people over. She is definitely my big “helper”. She is a snuggler and is never shy with her hugs and kisses. Hallie loves going to Lethbridge to see her cousins and grandparents.
Raya is 1 and on the run. She does nothing at a slow pace and is great at finding trouble . She is a climber and an investigator…something we have had to get used to. She is always smiling and laughing and has a great sense of humor and an outgoing personality….oh, I almost forgot, she can be stubborn too!
Chris is still working at Samaritans Purse and is really enjoying it. Christmas is their “harvest time” and so we haven’t seen as much of him lately as we would like. The girls are always asking for him and miss him when he isn’t around. He is on the Executive for Calgary Christian Mixed Slow-pitch and enjoys that ministry. This past year he didn’t play softball but he will be joining a team this coming year again.
I am enjoying staying home with the girls. We have been doing a lot of baking lately and are enjoying doing crafts together. They are starting to play well together and I find it rewarding to watch them grow and learn. They are the biggest blessing and I often feel inadequate to be the mother of two such incredible children.
While this year has been excellent for us, we have had many friends and family members go through some very difficult times. We pray that this coming year will be easier for them and that they will remember to trust God in all things.
Our family will be complete this coming summer as we are expecting the final addition to arrive in July.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Chris, Nikki, Hallie, Raya and __________.
Looking back on this year, we have to admit that it has been fantastic and we have so much to be thankful for.
Hallie is nearly 4 and started preschool this past September. She loves to sing, read, bake, and play. Hallie enjoys spending time with her friends and enjoys having people over. She is definitely my big “helper”. She is a snuggler and is never shy with her hugs and kisses. Hallie loves going to Lethbridge to see her cousins and grandparents.
Raya is 1 and on the run. She does nothing at a slow pace and is great at finding trouble . She is a climber and an investigator…something we have had to get used to. She is always smiling and laughing and has a great sense of humor and an outgoing personality….oh, I almost forgot, she can be stubborn too!
Chris is still working at Samaritans Purse and is really enjoying it. Christmas is their “harvest time” and so we haven’t seen as much of him lately as we would like. The girls are always asking for him and miss him when he isn’t around. He is on the Executive for Calgary Christian Mixed Slow-pitch and enjoys that ministry. This past year he didn’t play softball but he will be joining a team this coming year again.
I am enjoying staying home with the girls. We have been doing a lot of baking lately and are enjoying doing crafts together. They are starting to play well together and I find it rewarding to watch them grow and learn. They are the biggest blessing and I often feel inadequate to be the mother of two such incredible children.
While this year has been excellent for us, we have had many friends and family members go through some very difficult times. We pray that this coming year will be easier for them and that they will remember to trust God in all things.
Our family will be complete this coming summer as we are expecting the final addition to arrive in July.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Chris, Nikki, Hallie, Raya and __________.