and another week disappears!
So, it has officially been 1 full week since I consumed coffee! The last one I had was a venti white chocolate mocha at 7:30 AM while making the 1 hour road trip to CKC Portland. Can you believe it...I have gone a whole week!!! I am 7 days in to my 21 day challenge...and I feel great! I even walked through the coffee aisle today and took a big whiff, but did not cave! Ohhh it smelled soooo good, but that was all I needed :)
I have jumped on board to assist a fellow Fiskateer (Debby #352) with a wonderful project...a free scrap-zine called Oh Scrap! She has started a blog that you can visit here. I am a co-coordinator assisting with a variety of duties, but we can always use more help, and more inspiration! Got a LO you want to share? A sketch design? Looking for inspiration? Technique help? a Challenge? Visit the blog! The premier issue is due out April 1st!
I am gonna let you in on a lil secret...www.fiskadeals.com This is a special site for the month of March (National Craft month) presented by Fiskars....featuring some of the most amazing deals!!! Today it is an awesome craft storage set that it worth about $300 for only $100(ish) and only $5 shipping! STEAL OF A DEAL! I wish my pocket book could make the purchase as it is sooo worth every penny! Be sure to visit the site every day as there is a new sale item each day! Happy Shopping!
Every morning, while I drink my tea and eat breakie, I visit the above site, in addition to www.fiskateers.com and of course, www.fiskarscrafts.com This month, they are featuring a new project each day made by one of the Fiskateers. There have been some awesome, inspiring projects posted...so I hope you will visit and check them out, too!
Well, I am going to cut this one short...(yeah I know...that was short? ;)) I have to get my March Swap stuff packaged up, and prepare a gift for my Secret Sister, and my EggBuddy...Oh what a busy scrappin life! See U tomorrow!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Happy Monday...
I missed posting yesterday...I sat down in the morning with tea in hand, ready to post and then, life got the better of me...kids woke, laundry called. Between household duties, I vege'd. I watched "Death at a Funeral" while folding laundry (funny movie...and it has "Mr Darcy" in it from P&P *swoon*) that was my kind of multitasking!
I have an environmental paper due today...so I have to get to work quick, but I wanted to drop in and say hi...and tell everyone that this is day 2 with no coffee. I am challenging myself not to drink as much coffee as I used to, meaning, no going out just to get coffee, and when I do drink it, preferably non-fat, no-whip (hopefully better for you LOL), etc. Tomorrow will be the real test as I have a night class...4 hours! Wish me luck!
There is a challenge...called the 21 day challenge, happening at 2 peas. This challenge is whatever you make of it...but the concept is that it takes 21 days to make or break a "habit"...so that is my coffee resolution. Have a visit, see what you think...is there a habit you want to make or break? How about just doing 1 thing creative every day? Remember, as little or as much as you want to make of it!
Happy Monday!
I have an environmental paper due today...so I have to get to work quick, but I wanted to drop in and say hi...and tell everyone that this is day 2 with no coffee. I am challenging myself not to drink as much coffee as I used to, meaning, no going out just to get coffee, and when I do drink it, preferably non-fat, no-whip (hopefully better for you LOL), etc. Tomorrow will be the real test as I have a night class...4 hours! Wish me luck!
There is a challenge...called the 21 day challenge, happening at 2 peas. This challenge is whatever you make of it...but the concept is that it takes 21 days to make or break a "habit"...so that is my coffee resolution. Have a visit, see what you think...is there a habit you want to make or break? How about just doing 1 thing creative every day? Remember, as little or as much as you want to make of it!
Happy Monday!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
WOAH!!!!
There is a random question on the Fiskateers site profile...it asks: If you could have a super power, what would it be (or something to that extent)....what did I say....STOP TIME! If I could possibly convey what a crazy month, and crazy busy past two days it has been, everyone would understand!
So, it was a heck of a night...Aoife was awake on 3 different occassions...one of which she crawled into my bed, forcing me to cling to the side and attempt to sleep. I was too tired to get up and take her to her room, let her stay for a bit, but then finally got her out...only to have her wake up and cry a few more times in the night...this was the start of a late morning...which got me to CKC Portland late....not a good way to start the day as a volunteer! BUT, we made it! And I am sorry that it is all over now....
My first assignment was as a TA for PiggyTales. (I was 30 mins late)...but fortunately, it was a steady (slow) paced class...unlike the 6 pages in 1 hour class the day before, so I managed to get caught up to help anyone if necessary. Next, it was "Family Board Book" Ohhh, sounds interesting...and funny enough, it was a Cloud 9/Fiskars class! What are the chances?! I am a Fiskars Demonstrator...and I just happen to get the random volunteer op to be a TA in a Fiskars class! The book is freakin adorable, and when I finish mine (or at least start it) I will post! The class was run by Lisa Storms...she was so sweet, and has such great ideas (way cool embellishments made using all Fiskars tools!) After the board book, it was a Heidi Grace 1 year in 1 hour class....4 Layouts - one for each season...very cute, very fun! It was such a great way to start the day, and I hated to see it end...but as soon as my time there was up, I had to leave the convention to get back to my "mother" duties. I didn't even get to scope out the entire vendor faire...so that also means that I did not buy ANYTHING outside of the vouchers I got for volunteering! :O Can you believe it? ME NEITHER! :) hehe
I dropped Hannah off at home, and picked up Sterling...which is when I got to see one of the albums she got the other day and thought to myself...OMG I need to go back and get one on the way home, but I was good...and held back....even tho it was only $10 and had some way cool transparent items and lots of rub-ons!
So you wanna know what I got with my vouchers? A really cool pink fabric box that comes with a card kit to make 50 cards, as well as a mini fabric album and a 8x8 fabric album, Life Artist by Ali Edwards, The Scrapbooker's Almanac by Elizabeth Dillow, Scrapbooking with your kids (way cute stuff), and Family History Scrapbooking by Becky Higgins.
I just remembered something...totally off topic here...I modified my resume the other day and left so much out LOL like that I am a 4-H leader, and training to be a Master Recycler (yeah, you heard me right...I'm gonna be a Master (recycler)) hehe
Ok, back to our regularly scheduled program...I am glad Feb is over...although March started with a bang...but you know what they say...In like a lion...well, that is how it has started for me...and on that thought, I close...I am gonna go cuddle up with one of my new books and reinvigorate my inspiration...
So, it was a heck of a night...Aoife was awake on 3 different occassions...one of which she crawled into my bed, forcing me to cling to the side and attempt to sleep. I was too tired to get up and take her to her room, let her stay for a bit, but then finally got her out...only to have her wake up and cry a few more times in the night...this was the start of a late morning...which got me to CKC Portland late....not a good way to start the day as a volunteer! BUT, we made it! And I am sorry that it is all over now....
My first assignment was as a TA for PiggyTales. (I was 30 mins late)...but fortunately, it was a steady (slow) paced class...unlike the 6 pages in 1 hour class the day before, so I managed to get caught up to help anyone if necessary. Next, it was "Family Board Book" Ohhh, sounds interesting...and funny enough, it was a Cloud 9/Fiskars class! What are the chances?! I am a Fiskars Demonstrator...and I just happen to get the random volunteer op to be a TA in a Fiskars class! The book is freakin adorable, and when I finish mine (or at least start it) I will post! The class was run by Lisa Storms...she was so sweet, and has such great ideas (way cool embellishments made using all Fiskars tools!) After the board book, it was a Heidi Grace 1 year in 1 hour class....4 Layouts - one for each season...very cute, very fun! It was such a great way to start the day, and I hated to see it end...but as soon as my time there was up, I had to leave the convention to get back to my "mother" duties. I didn't even get to scope out the entire vendor faire...so that also means that I did not buy ANYTHING outside of the vouchers I got for volunteering! :O Can you believe it? ME NEITHER! :) hehe
I dropped Hannah off at home, and picked up Sterling...which is when I got to see one of the albums she got the other day and thought to myself...OMG I need to go back and get one on the way home, but I was good...and held back....even tho it was only $10 and had some way cool transparent items and lots of rub-ons!
So you wanna know what I got with my vouchers? A really cool pink fabric box that comes with a card kit to make 50 cards, as well as a mini fabric album and a 8x8 fabric album, Life Artist by Ali Edwards, The Scrapbooker's Almanac by Elizabeth Dillow, Scrapbooking with your kids (way cute stuff), and Family History Scrapbooking by Becky Higgins.
I just remembered something...totally off topic here...I modified my resume the other day and left so much out LOL like that I am a 4-H leader, and training to be a Master Recycler (yeah, you heard me right...I'm gonna be a Master (recycler)) hehe
Ok, back to our regularly scheduled program...I am glad Feb is over...although March started with a bang...but you know what they say...In like a lion...well, that is how it has started for me...and on that thought, I close...I am gonna go cuddle up with one of my new books and reinvigorate my inspiration...
Friday, February 29, 2008
Are we there yet?
What a day...started at 5 AM, left at 6 AM...drove to Vancouver, then back to Portland. My friends daughter attended CHC with me...her first scrappy xperience...she enjoyed it (I think I got her hooked!) she volunteered and took a class...and wants to do it again tomorrow, so she came home with me so I can get an extra hour sleep...we dont have to leave until 7! LOL
It was a busy, trying, but AWESOME day...I demo'd fiskars products, and had SOOO MUCH FUN!! I also assisted with a couple classes and found out about an awesome company that creates earth friendly paper and all American products...Time Flies! Check them out! WELL WORTH IT!!!
Ok, lots more to share, but later...right now I gotta get to bed! I hear it calling my name ;)
It was a busy, trying, but AWESOME day...I demo'd fiskars products, and had SOOO MUCH FUN!! I also assisted with a couple classes and found out about an awesome company that creates earth friendly paper and all American products...Time Flies! Check them out! WELL WORTH IT!!!
Ok, lots more to share, but later...right now I gotta get to bed! I hear it calling my name ;)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
What a day!
So, today started at 6:36AM with me turning off my alarm and sleeping for another 30 mins. I wanted to sleep longer, but had to get up and get ready to head out of town....I think I did pretty good...I was showered, dressed, fed and out of the house by 7:28! Woo hooo!
It took 1 1/2 hours to get to Portland. UGH...the drive was nice, until I hit the traffic. I spent the morning taping paper and garbage bags to tables for the CKC Classes at the Conference Center....next thing I knew it was 1:30 and my shift had been over for half an hour, but I was still there! OOPS! Called the kids, all was well! :)
Tomorrow starts even earlier, especially since I am dropping Sterling at a friend's house in Vancouver before I head to the convention...so we will be on the road by 6 am! I am a crazy croper! Oh and speaking of which, Fiskateer #003 - our beloved Stephenie - will be having an "official launch" of her blog tomorrow...so be sure to visit her!
Ok, I had better cut this one short...early morning tomorrow and still lots to do tonight.
If you will be at CKC Portland tomorrow, be sure to come visit the Designer Gallery booth between 12 and 4 since I will be there doing a Fiskars Demonstration!
It took 1 1/2 hours to get to Portland. UGH...the drive was nice, until I hit the traffic. I spent the morning taping paper and garbage bags to tables for the CKC Classes at the Conference Center....next thing I knew it was 1:30 and my shift had been over for half an hour, but I was still there! OOPS! Called the kids, all was well! :)
Tomorrow starts even earlier, especially since I am dropping Sterling at a friend's house in Vancouver before I head to the convention...so we will be on the road by 6 am! I am a crazy croper! Oh and speaking of which, Fiskateer #003 - our beloved Stephenie - will be having an "official launch" of her blog tomorrow...so be sure to visit her!
Ok, I had better cut this one short...early morning tomorrow and still lots to do tonight.
If you will be at CKC Portland tomorrow, be sure to come visit the Designer Gallery booth between 12 and 4 since I will be there doing a Fiskars Demonstration!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tag, I'm It!
Woo hooo...twice in one day! LOL
So, I was doing homework and decided to take a break and visit the Fiskateers site, when another post brought me to Lisa's Blog so I accept the challenge...and yes, tag, I'm it! :)
1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:50 am
2. How do you like your steak? Well...although I don't often eat steak (and that doesn't bother me) I don't really care for it.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Sweeny Todd and OMG it rocked!!! I wish I could see it again right now! Burton outdid himself (as did Depp) and it is a masterpiece! (but, since I am taking a film class on Hitchcock, I get to see a movie on the big screen every week...this past week was Vertigo)
4. What is your favorite TV show? Heroes...but I don't really watch much TV (I am a computer nerd/addict ;))
5. What did you have for breakfast? iced caramel latte and cinnamon toast (a treat because I have company and didn't have anything breakfast-like in the house, so my dad and I went to the store and got goodies!)
6. What is your middle name? Louise
7. What is your favorite cuisine? probably Greek...maybe Italian...Anything salad
8. What foods do you dislike? Unmentionable animal parts ;)
9. What is your favorite chips? Doritos nacho flavor
10. Favorite dressing? my own! Balsamic Vinegar, herbs and olive oil
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Soccer mom minivan! What can I say, its the only way to pack multiple kids and keep them far enough apart from one another!
12. What are your favorite clothes? capris or jeans, shirt and a cardigan (I am never without a cardigan or jacket of some sort)
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? Europe...especially the Ireland and Scotland.
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? totally depends, but usually half full
15. Where would you want to retire? either my hometown, or Scotland, or NYC...yes, a variety :) Maybe I will split my time between the three!
16.. Favorite time of day? early morning...kids sleeping...
17. What is your favorite sport to watch? lacrosse
18. Pepsi or Coke? neither...I am a reformed Coke(a cola) addict and competely dislike the stuff now. I would rather have Italian soda
19. Are you a morning person or a night person? Early morning, or late late night
20. Do you have any pets? a cat- sweet loveable chubby cat
21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I just got back from a children's book writers and illustrators conference in NYC and I miss it already! I also just got back from where I was born and I miss that too!
22. What did you want to be when you were little? I can't remember! :(
23. What is your best childhood memory? Hanging out with my grandparents, and playing hide and seek with the neighbors over our combined 5 acres.
24. Beer or Margarita? neither...I am not much of a drinker...well, unless you want to pour me a Paralyzer (AKA Loaded Smith & Weston) ;)
25. Always wear your seat belt? Yes!
26. Been in a car accident? too many to list, not enough to seriously hurt me, although I was rear ended by a semi when I was pregnant with my second son and I still feel the aches today almost 10 years later.
27. Favorite day of the week? Tuesday...Film class
28. Favorite restaurants? Bengal Lounge, Original Pancake House, the place I had tiramisu in NYC, or Juniors (their cheesecake rocks!)
29. Favorite flower? Gerberas, although tulips run a close second
30. Favorite ice cream? Breyer's Natural mint cookies and cream
31. Favorite fast food restaurants? none of them...I don't eat fast food (although I am a sucker for Burgerville's blackberry lemonade!!!)
32. How many times did you fail your driver's test? never! I was born to drive ;)
33. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Ohhh hard choice...but um, I dont want any more maxed credit cards! LOL so I decline to answer :P
34. Bedtime? anywhere between 10 and 2, usually on the 11ish side
35. Last person you went out to dinner with? my kids, parents and brother, oh wait, that was lunch...so, it would have to be brother, and eldest son...when we were in NYC
36. What are you listening to right now? my boys discussing Naruto
37. What is your favorite color? Sapphire blue (or black, but it isnt a color, right?!)
38. How many tattoos do you have? 7, but they are all tastefully placed and concealable - I doubt you would even know I had any of them ;)
39. Coffee Drinker? definitely, but I want to cut back and maybe even quit....cause I like it cold, and sweet, which seems to add a few $$s ;)
So now, if you are reading this....TAG, You're It! Post this to your blog and let me know! :)
So, I was doing homework and decided to take a break and visit the Fiskateers site, when another post brought me to Lisa's Blog so I accept the challenge...and yes, tag, I'm it! :)
1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:50 am
2. How do you like your steak? Well...although I don't often eat steak (and that doesn't bother me) I don't really care for it.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Sweeny Todd and OMG it rocked!!! I wish I could see it again right now! Burton outdid himself (as did Depp) and it is a masterpiece! (but, since I am taking a film class on Hitchcock, I get to see a movie on the big screen every week...this past week was Vertigo)
4. What is your favorite TV show? Heroes...but I don't really watch much TV (I am a computer nerd/addict ;))
5. What did you have for breakfast? iced caramel latte and cinnamon toast (a treat because I have company and didn't have anything breakfast-like in the house, so my dad and I went to the store and got goodies!)
6. What is your middle name? Louise
7. What is your favorite cuisine? probably Greek...maybe Italian...Anything salad
8. What foods do you dislike? Unmentionable animal parts ;)
9. What is your favorite chips? Doritos nacho flavor
10. Favorite dressing? my own! Balsamic Vinegar, herbs and olive oil
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Soccer mom minivan! What can I say, its the only way to pack multiple kids and keep them far enough apart from one another!
12. What are your favorite clothes? capris or jeans, shirt and a cardigan (I am never without a cardigan or jacket of some sort)
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? Europe...especially the Ireland and Scotland.
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? totally depends, but usually half full
15. Where would you want to retire? either my hometown, or Scotland, or NYC...yes, a variety :) Maybe I will split my time between the three!
16.. Favorite time of day? early morning...kids sleeping...
17. What is your favorite sport to watch? lacrosse
18. Pepsi or Coke? neither...I am a reformed Coke(a cola) addict and competely dislike the stuff now. I would rather have Italian soda
19. Are you a morning person or a night person? Early morning, or late late night
20. Do you have any pets? a cat- sweet loveable chubby cat
21. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I just got back from a children's book writers and illustrators conference in NYC and I miss it already! I also just got back from where I was born and I miss that too!
22. What did you want to be when you were little? I can't remember! :(
23. What is your best childhood memory? Hanging out with my grandparents, and playing hide and seek with the neighbors over our combined 5 acres.
24. Beer or Margarita? neither...I am not much of a drinker...well, unless you want to pour me a Paralyzer (AKA Loaded Smith & Weston) ;)
25. Always wear your seat belt? Yes!
26. Been in a car accident? too many to list, not enough to seriously hurt me, although I was rear ended by a semi when I was pregnant with my second son and I still feel the aches today almost 10 years later.
27. Favorite day of the week? Tuesday...Film class
28. Favorite restaurants? Bengal Lounge, Original Pancake House, the place I had tiramisu in NYC, or Juniors (their cheesecake rocks!)
29. Favorite flower? Gerberas, although tulips run a close second
30. Favorite ice cream? Breyer's Natural mint cookies and cream
31. Favorite fast food restaurants? none of them...I don't eat fast food (although I am a sucker for Burgerville's blackberry lemonade!!!)
32. How many times did you fail your driver's test? never! I was born to drive ;)
33. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Ohhh hard choice...but um, I dont want any more maxed credit cards! LOL so I decline to answer :P
34. Bedtime? anywhere between 10 and 2, usually on the 11ish side
35. Last person you went out to dinner with? my kids, parents and brother, oh wait, that was lunch...so, it would have to be brother, and eldest son...when we were in NYC
36. What are you listening to right now? my boys discussing Naruto
37. What is your favorite color? Sapphire blue (or black, but it isnt a color, right?!)
38. How many tattoos do you have? 7, but they are all tastefully placed and concealable - I doubt you would even know I had any of them ;)
39. Coffee Drinker? definitely, but I want to cut back and maybe even quit....cause I like it cold, and sweet, which seems to add a few $$s ;)
So now, if you are reading this....TAG, You're It! Post this to your blog and let me know! :)
This is me, watching time, fly by!
Did you see that?
January 25 I said it had been way too long, and here we are...over a month later, with not a post! What happened??!! Yeah, I am asking that question, too!
Ok, so here goes...
In this last month, I have had two children age a year! My youngest (my daughter) turned 3!!! WOO HOOO!!! Potty training has been underway, but still not an exclusive thing...ohhh how I wish! It is a work in progress, and we have no diapers left in the house (woo hooo?) but just training pants. Crossing fingers, hoping for the best, (and a quick progression too!)
My eldest (son) turned 13....13...13!!! OMG I am the mother of a teenager!!! WOAH! He has been taller than me for some time, had larger feet than me forever (size 11 men's now...and still growing - eek!) but now, he's 13! I cannot believe he was in my belly, or learning to crawl, talk, walk that long ago. Time flies, once again!
So, last year, my brother mentioned that when each of the kids turns 13 (or 14) that they could come visit him...in NYC. As Rowan was about to turn 13, he jumped on that offer....and the request was granted...so he accompanied me to NYC at the beginning of February. (I will share more on that in another post because it deserves one all its own...I have almost 400 photos to prove it, too! ;))
After we got back, I had school to catch up on, as did he, and then we were off again...to go pick up his brother, who was visiting the grandparents in Canada. Ohhh what a trip that was! I am used to the driving, and the ferry (to get to Vancouver Island where they live), but it usually takes 8 hours, not 16, like it did this time! I goofed....ferry was only running in the early AM, so we had to back track and take a detour, albeit a very pretty detour on the Port Townsend ferry and then up Whidbey Island over Deception Pass...OHHHHH photo op!!! BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS!!! Wanna see? I took out the camera, which was sitting on the seat next to me, and pushed the on button...nothing - again....nothing. I have no batteries!!!! The kids took the batteries for one of the Wii remotes! DOOH! OMG! I cannot believe it! So, it was beautiful, and you will just have to do a google image search if you don't believe me (or visit there yourself...whic is what I recommend as it really is beautiful!!!) So then, one wrong turn and we were 8 miles off course...backtrack, get back on course...ok, still doing fine. Get onto the I5, making good time, stop for gas as it was $3.25/gallon here, and about $5.00/gallon there! Yeah, stop for gas...definitely! All gased up and ready to go...we are 3 exits from the border crossing to Canada...go to get back on the HWY, and it seems to only go one way...in the wrong direction! So, here we go again...back track and get going the right way. The crossing was easy...although we did have to wait about 30 mins. We got to the BC Ferries at 6 PM...the 7 PM ferry was already full...so we had to wait for the 9! SIGH Ok, I guess we gotta feed the kids then...call Mom and tell her we wont be there for dinner...and I got the kids something to eat...pizza, that cost $10 for 2 slices. (I am used to get two WHOLE pizzas for that price!) It was yummy tho, but definitely did not satisfy the two of them (especially not a 13 year old boy!) Ok, this is one time when I can afford Starbucks cause their kids drinks are only $1! Got them a little something more to tie them over, then of course, when we finally get on the ferry (9 PM) Rowan is ready for second supper (just like the hobbits!) so we indulge...he wanted salad...how can you say no to a kid who WANTS to eat vegetables?! Ferry docks, 10:40 pm, and we are back on the road...and finally, finally, finally get to my parents house just under an hour later. Of course, Aoife (3 year old) fell asleep then woke up in a strange place and was not a happy camper for the next hour. SIGH but she finally fell asleep, and the day officially ended! (The next few days were much better...well adjusted children who got to savor all their favorite Canadian treats like Stone Wheat Thins and Smarties (chocolate))
And then we had to come back, but never empty handed...I got a great big box of photos to sort, and my parents came down too! Oh, and what is a family visit without the sibling? Yes, he came as well...my parents picked him up from the airport on the way in. Full house, to say the least!
They all leave today, and things will be getting back to "normal"...but not really until next month! I will be working at CKC in Portland Thurs, Fri and Sat. On Friday, I am also demonstrating Fiskars products in the Scrap Daddy Booth....and to top it all off...I am still catching up on/keeping up on my own schooling. (I just found out that none of my Canadian education will transfer :( ) I think I will be staying at the community college for another year...and speaking of which, I guess I had better make use of this "quite" time. The kids are all still sleeping (as is the company) so I am gonna go do something for ME! :D
January 25 I said it had been way too long, and here we are...over a month later, with not a post! What happened??!! Yeah, I am asking that question, too!
Ok, so here goes...
In this last month, I have had two children age a year! My youngest (my daughter) turned 3!!! WOO HOOO!!! Potty training has been underway, but still not an exclusive thing...ohhh how I wish! It is a work in progress, and we have no diapers left in the house (woo hooo?) but just training pants. Crossing fingers, hoping for the best, (and a quick progression too!)
My eldest (son) turned 13....13...13!!! OMG I am the mother of a teenager!!! WOAH! He has been taller than me for some time, had larger feet than me forever (size 11 men's now...and still growing - eek!) but now, he's 13! I cannot believe he was in my belly, or learning to crawl, talk, walk that long ago. Time flies, once again!
So, last year, my brother mentioned that when each of the kids turns 13 (or 14) that they could come visit him...in NYC. As Rowan was about to turn 13, he jumped on that offer....and the request was granted...so he accompanied me to NYC at the beginning of February. (I will share more on that in another post because it deserves one all its own...I have almost 400 photos to prove it, too! ;))
After we got back, I had school to catch up on, as did he, and then we were off again...to go pick up his brother, who was visiting the grandparents in Canada. Ohhh what a trip that was! I am used to the driving, and the ferry (to get to Vancouver Island where they live), but it usually takes 8 hours, not 16, like it did this time! I goofed....ferry was only running in the early AM, so we had to back track and take a detour, albeit a very pretty detour on the Port Townsend ferry and then up Whidbey Island over Deception Pass...OHHHHH photo op!!! BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS!!! Wanna see? I took out the camera, which was sitting on the seat next to me, and pushed the on button...nothing - again....nothing. I have no batteries!!!! The kids took the batteries for one of the Wii remotes! DOOH! OMG! I cannot believe it! So, it was beautiful, and you will just have to do a google image search if you don't believe me (or visit there yourself...whic is what I recommend as it really is beautiful!!!) So then, one wrong turn and we were 8 miles off course...backtrack, get back on course...ok, still doing fine. Get onto the I5, making good time, stop for gas as it was $3.25/gallon here, and about $5.00/gallon there! Yeah, stop for gas...definitely! All gased up and ready to go...we are 3 exits from the border crossing to Canada...go to get back on the HWY, and it seems to only go one way...in the wrong direction! So, here we go again...back track and get going the right way. The crossing was easy...although we did have to wait about 30 mins. We got to the BC Ferries at 6 PM...the 7 PM ferry was already full...so we had to wait for the 9! SIGH Ok, I guess we gotta feed the kids then...call Mom and tell her we wont be there for dinner...and I got the kids something to eat...pizza, that cost $10 for 2 slices. (I am used to get two WHOLE pizzas for that price!) It was yummy tho, but definitely did not satisfy the two of them (especially not a 13 year old boy!) Ok, this is one time when I can afford Starbucks cause their kids drinks are only $1! Got them a little something more to tie them over, then of course, when we finally get on the ferry (9 PM) Rowan is ready for second supper (just like the hobbits!) so we indulge...he wanted salad...how can you say no to a kid who WANTS to eat vegetables?! Ferry docks, 10:40 pm, and we are back on the road...and finally, finally, finally get to my parents house just under an hour later. Of course, Aoife (3 year old) fell asleep then woke up in a strange place and was not a happy camper for the next hour. SIGH but she finally fell asleep, and the day officially ended! (The next few days were much better...well adjusted children who got to savor all their favorite Canadian treats like Stone Wheat Thins and Smarties (chocolate))
And then we had to come back, but never empty handed...I got a great big box of photos to sort, and my parents came down too! Oh, and what is a family visit without the sibling? Yes, he came as well...my parents picked him up from the airport on the way in. Full house, to say the least!
They all leave today, and things will be getting back to "normal"...but not really until next month! I will be working at CKC in Portland Thurs, Fri and Sat. On Friday, I am also demonstrating Fiskars products in the Scrap Daddy Booth....and to top it all off...I am still catching up on/keeping up on my own schooling. (I just found out that none of my Canadian education will transfer :( ) I think I will be staying at the community college for another year...and speaking of which, I guess I had better make use of this "quite" time. The kids are all still sleeping (as is the company) so I am gonna go do something for ME! :D
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