MMM.... wanted to share a yummy recipe that our family LOVES!!!

So my Grandma Butler, Aunts, cousins and Mom like to try out new recipes ALL the time. If they find a good one then it is quickly sent around to everyone to try out. I don't know who found this recipe but I remember the first time my mom made it and it instantly became a family favorite. Wayne (who isn't a HUGE veggie fan) really likes this recipe so I've made it a few times in the last 6 years. I thought I would share this recipe with all of you 'cause it is REALLY easy, yummy, and you can add any veggies you want.

Veggie Pizza

Start by taking 2 cans of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (not the Jumbo size, and I like using the multigrain ones just cause it makes me feel like it's a little healthier...totally lying to myself though) Press the rolls onto an edged cookie sheet to make the crust.



Follow baking directions on the package and then let cool.


While the crust is cooking make the sauce by mixing:
1 package of cream cheese (I use the lower fat kind, again a little healthier)
3/4 cup sour cream (again lower fat is fine)
1 tbsp mayo (do NOT use Miracle Whip...it will NOT taste the same)
4 tsp. Ranch dip mix (the powdered stuff)


Make sure you get this really smooth, I will start mixing it first with a fork to break it up and then I use a whisk to just get it REALLY smooth. If you start with the whisk first all the cream cheese will just make a HUGE ball in the whisk and it will be a pain to get out, trust me I learnt this the hard way...MANY times..hehe.


Chop up the veggies you want to use in quite small bite size pieces. We usually use brocolli, cauliflower, peppers(I like yellow to add some different colour) and tomatoes (I had to call my mom about this one so don't have them on the chopping board). Again, you can use ANY veggies you want, mushrooms and olives are really good too. You can also grate up a bunch of cheese at this time, I am not sure how much I used but probably 3 cups.


Spread the sauce ALL over the crust.


Spread the veggies all over the pizza and then I like to press all of them down (if you don't the veggies can fall off quite easily when trying to eat them).


Layer the cheese on top.


Enjoy!!!


This pizza needs to be refrigerated when not being eaten. It is VERY filling and I usually can only eat 1 piece, so this lasts a few days for our family.

I hope you like it!!

Shhh...don't tell anyone, but I kinda like these things!!!

Lately, I have felt like such a blog slacker, but honestly I have a LOT more important things to stress about and haven't really let it bother me too much. However, when I see these list things on other people's blogs I really like them and they are an easy way to get a fun post in every once in a while. So here goes another one....thanks Christal for this one!!!

One thing I won’t let my husband buy me….. hmm...if my husband wanted to buy me anything I would probably be okay with it....maybe bath soap because I have such sensitive skin and he seems to always forget that and just wants to buy the cheapest soap possible....not good enough for this girl.

One thing I would love to have, but I probably will never have……..I would love to have a big family, seriously, 4+ kids (is that even big??) but who knows, this is being left in Heavenly Father's hands.

One thing you will never find in my closet…… overalls...uggg....I think they are SOOOOO ugly, in fact the only person I thought they looked remotely cute on was the Mom on Momma Mia....

One thing I would choose if I were having elective surgery………to get butt implants... I have SUCH a flat bum and would love a little lift....actually after this baby joins us I am going to see if there are workouts that can help with it a little because I REALLY don't like my bum.

One thing I love about my face………..my eyes... for sure. I love my eyes, and if you notice my makeup, my eyes are what I like to draw attention to.

One thing that I love to do…..I LOVE watching Nathan play...he has such a great imagination and the things he comes up with are just amazing to me sometimes. Right now he is playing baseball and will start talking in this deep voice (the announcer) and will announce who is up to bat next... he's just a funny little guy. I also LOVE cuddling in bed with my hubby.

One thing I would like to change if I could………...my thinning hair, one of the potential side effects of my PCOS (fertility problem) is male pattern baldness, and unfortunately over the last few years I have noticed a HUGE amount of hair loss which REALLY upsets me, but I will deal with it if and when the time comes that I start to seriously notice that I am going bald.

One thing I would change as a mom………..I would take the time to stop cleaning, cooking, being lazy and spend more time with Nate... actually this week I have been REALLY trying my best to just be there for Nate when he needs me, not when I have a minute... we have spent a lot of time reading, talking, sledding, walking, cuddling, and just being together...it's been really nice.

One thing I would do if I had unlimited money………..Get all the renovations done on our house that we want done... new fence(this summer), new garage(who knows when this will be done), new countertops, sinks and faucets in kitchen and upstairs bathroom (hopefully this summer), new carpeting downstairs (again, who knows when this will be done), new flooring upstairs, and then finally new furniture. Oh the life of a homeowner. I'm trying to not be wordly because everything we have now is fine and works (just a little ugly), except the fence it has to go, and so we are just saving and when we can we will get things done... we will not go into debt for ANY of these things because I think that is CRAZY if what we have now is fine.

One thing that I will not do again……….ohhh there are a LOT of things from my past that I will NEVER do again...repentance is a FABULOUS thing.

One thing that I would like to do……….travel, actually this is more for Wayne since before he met me he had never left Canada. I would be fine with travelling but have traveled enough before I met Wayne that I would be okay with sticking around here for a while. However, Wayne has the travel bug and would love to go to MANY different places... and if he goes I am going too!!! :)

One thing I could do without………stress... I am a HUGE stresser and am trying to calm down but it's my nature, I worry about everything and everyone. I know it's not good for me, both physically and emotionally and I am really trying to work on it.

One thing I love to smell……newborn baby and their breath, freshly cut grass, fresh rain especially after the grass has been cut, Nathan after he's been playing outside all day (there's just a fresh smell about him, as long as he isn't crazy dirty), sheets that have been dried on a clothesline, the ocean (mmmm when we went to Seattle that smell made me feel so at home).

One thing I would do if I won the lottery……..pay off our house, do our renovations, put most of it into savings or our investments, donate some, put some away for Nate's schooling, go on a shopping spree and travel.

One thing that infuriates me.....stupid drivers(I could go on and on about this one), if 2 cars pull up to a 4-way stop at the same time and stop, the person to the right has the right of way... mean people also really tick me off, I just want to say "Who do YOU think YOU are?" and I have said that to people before in the past.... I am not afraid of saying what I think and I won't put up with bully's AT ALL.

One thing that I love about winter………..I actually LOVE playing outside in the snow, when it's warm enough to do so. Tackle football in the snow with the Shutra's, it's soooo much fun because being tackled doesn't hurt, plus they are nice to me and only gently tackle me..hehe.

One thing I pray for ………….a healthy baby, patience, understanding, love, Nathan & Wayne, an eternal family...oh that's way more than one thing

One thing I wish I had……nice perky boobs...hehe... I will be getting them soon when my milk comes in for a little while but then it sucks because they hurt too much...hehe.

One thing I would do again, regardless of the pain……go through all the treatments to have our babies, it was a little bit physically painful but as you all know it was EXTREMELY emotionally painful...however, having a beautiful healthy son and another wonderful baby on the way makes every tear worth it.

One thing that I absolutely hate to do………I really don't like doing dishes... seriously, I have to force myself to get them done everynight because I hate having a dirty kitchen in the morning. I would LOVE to have a person that did the dishes for me after I have made my huge supper cooking messes...oh wait, that's what my hubby is for!!! ;)

One thing that is weird about me………..hmmm....I don't know if it's weird but some people have told me it is... I am very open about sexuality...not my sex life but about sex in general. My parents were always open with us and even at a young age my GF's would ask me questions because they were too afraid to ask their parents but wanted to know the answers. I feel empowered by knowing about my body and how it functions and I am totally okay with talking to people about things. In fact, for about a month (ya, that's as long as that thought lasted) I thought about being a Sex Therapist (but for the church). I think people have too many hangups and questions that they are afraid to ask and it can cause problems in their lives.

One thing that I need help on………….patience, I lack it, but I'm trying, my husband might disagree but I really am trying.

One thing I find most relaxing………..a pedicure with friends.... I LOVE them.

One thing that could get me in trouble…….my lack of patience, and not being afraid to say what I think or believe (I will hold back for a while but if someone pushes me hard enough they will get an earful)

One thing that annoys me……..people that think they are better than others, cliques, acting like we are in highschool when we are almost 30.

One thing that I have learned, but still sometimes forget…… that I am a daughter of Heavenly Father and he has a great plan for me.

I've been tagged!!

Theresa tagged me and I thought this one could be fun to do again.

6 things you may not know about me:

1)I HATE socks... as soon as I can I take them off, and if I could wear sandals all year long I would. I think I hate them the most because I have HOT feet, well normally I do except this pregnancy and my feet (well actually ALL of my body) are always FREEZING. My poor husband who HATES feet (seriously, HATE is probably an understatement) has to deal with me tucking them under his bum, trying to warm them up ALL night long, just trying to use his hotness :) to get warm.

2)In highschool I was on a dance team....not a cheerleader, but a dancer. I LOVED it!!! I wasn't going to try out but I am SOOOO glad I did. I met AWESOME girls, had sooo much fun training and learning the routines, performing for our basketball halftimes, performing for the college team halftime, going on a road trip to watch provincials, but mostly expanding who I was and experiencing something that I would never have done before. It was SOOOO much fun. (If any of my sweet danceteam members are snoopers on here, do you have any videos?!? I would love to see them.)

3) I LOVE to cook, but I don't really bake a whole lot (unless I am craving something specific). With cooking I love being able to throw a little of this and a little of that and coming up with something yummy. I LOVE cooking for other people, seriously, I love having people over and feeding them...if you don't leave my house STUFFED I feel like I haven't been a good hostess.

4) I once was propositioned to be a hooker. I am NOT KIDDING!!! If you don't believe me ask my mom 'cause she heard the WHOLE conversation. To make a long story short... when I was flying home from NY a guy (probably in his late 40's-50's) came up to my friends and I and started chatting us up. He got my number (Hmmmm, how did that happen???) and then about a week or so later I get this RANDOM call from this guy while I was cutting my mom's hair. I put him on speaker phone so I could keep cutting and after a while of him sucking up, saying how beautiful I was, etc. etc. he asked if I would like to move back to NY. (BTW, he knew he was on the speaker phone and he knew my mom was listening) Then he said that he would be willing to put me up in an apartment, he would pay all my expenses, including my gym membership (because I didn't need to lose weight but just to tone up.....that was his idea not mine). He told me I would get paid GREAT money... I can't remember how much but it was a LOT... uh hu... and he said that all I would have to do is when his "friends" came into town I would go with them to their functions and be their dates, look good on their arm, and keep them happy......OHHHHH OKAY!!!! I am not kidding, my mom and I sat there totally dumbfounded, mouths WIDE open, not really sure what to say. I turned him down, OBVIOUSLY, got off the phone and then my mom and I laughed so hard we were crying.... so yes, I could have been Pretty Woman!!!! HAHAHA

3) Hmmm... what else don't you guys know about me. My favorite color is pink....and my favorite color combo is pink and orange. Okay, that's boring especially after my last point.

4) I dated a LOT of guys before I met Wayne. I LOVED dating, seriously I had soooo much fun dating all the guys. I dated some pretty big losers, but I dated some pretty awesome guys too. I definately knew though when I met my husband what I wanted in a guy and what I didn't want and out of ALL the guys I dated.... Wayne was OBVIOUSLY the best choice for me... he was definately meant to be mine. He is the ying for my yang, the chocolate for my strawberries...blah blah... I kind of like the guy.

5) I always wanted a BIG family, I thought 6-8 kids would be FABULOUS!!!! My mom is from a family of 11. I have SOOOO many aunts and uncles, and the cousins.....oh there are SOOOOO many of them. I love when we all get together and I always wanted to have that. But then after having one little guy my number dropped to 4, and now I will be happy with 2. :) I am not sure if I will be done after this one. Wayne thinks we should be, but I think that is because our fertility trials are REALLY hard to go through physically and emotionally (for both of us) and I think he's just done with it all. I don't know what will happen but for now we are MORE than enjoying Nate and being pregnant and then we will see what happens after that. We're going to leave it up to Heavenly Father and I KNOW he will let us know what's best for our family.

6) I LOVE watching cooking shows... ohhh my poor husband. I don't know why I like watching them so much, maybe to get some new ideas. I could watch them all day if that wouldn't be TOTALLY not okay. My favorite is Iron Chef, and I secretly fantasize about being one of the guest judges...oh all the neat things you could eat.

Okay, well now it's time to pass this on for you to do.

Christmas Holidays cont'd.....

Boxing Day the Shutra boys always play in a Funspiel (I played one year but dangit, I'm pregnant this year so can't....ooohhh shucks...haha...not at all... I don't feel one bit sad that I'm not curling with them) Anyways, the boys love it and thought it would be fun to dress "up" or down for the day. They got some weird looks but they had a LOT of fun and I think they even won a few games.

Some pics of the hotties:
Wayne's sexy shot...note the high pants...RRAARRR!!!


Next up, Aaron's shot


Wayne and Andy talking strategy ;)


All the boys, trying to be cool. L-R: Grandpa Brian, Aaron, Wayne, Andrew


We spent a few more days at the Shutra's and then headed down to Calgary. We went to a Flames game, which Nate liked but because he was just getting over his sickness he slept through the 3rd period. We stayed at a hotel and went watersliding the next day which was soooo much fun. Went shopping for a little bit and then headed to Grandma and Grandpa Butler's house.

Again... I didn't take any pictures until the last night we were there....That is one of my goals for this year is to get more candid pictures of our family.

New Year's Eve we spent with Mom, Dad, Steven, Lisa, Ethan and the 3 of us. We hung out, ate munchies, popped poppers, counted down and then the kids went to bed. Again we played Things and had some AWESOME laughs, Dad even came and joined us (he was a party pooper at first but got sucked into the fun).

The next day we had some of my cousin's over and my grandparents and mom and dad made their AMAZING greek ribs..... ohhhhhh.... I was in HEAVEN!!! I have been craving these for months and BIG TIME hinted for them to make them. They were soooo goood.... I ate WAY too many but enjoyed EVERY single bite I took. We all ate like crazy and had a great time just hanging out. We played Things again... and were shocked at how naughty Grandpa & Grandma Great even can be!!! HEHE!!! It was funny cause my Dad kept telling me to keep it clean (meaning not to write anything dirty down for my responses)... I was being really good and then my Grandpa said something and that was the end of that.... I don't think I have EVER laughed so hard. We all had a super fun time, at least I did and I hope everyone else had fun.

We spent a few more days with mom and dad and Lisa and Steven and just had a nice relaxing time.

Ethan LOVED Nathan and would try to play with/bug him all the time. Nathan was SOOOO good and would play with Ethan, ignore him, or tell him to knock it off.... he showed me what a great big brother he is going to be.
Here are a few pictures of Ethan and Nate luvin on eachother:
Giving goodnight kisses


Nate's sleeping (NOT), Ethan could have stayed there all night if we had let him.


Ethan thought this might be more comfy


We had SUCH a great couple of weeks... I LOVE being with family especially during the holidays. We miss you all and wish everyone lived closer so we could see you all the time. I hope all my blogging friends had just as Fabulous of Christmas holidays as we did.

I have been SUCH a slacker!!! Will you forgive me?!?

This last month has gone by SOOOOO fast. I have been REALLY enjoying everyone else's updates and have been thinking all month that I need to update but just have been too lazy...

how is that possible????

how can someone be too lazy to just write down some words???

I'm not sure but oh well I am back!!!

This will be just a mish-mash of stuff to quickly bring everyone back up to date. So I hope you'll be able to follow along with my randomness. :)

December was a fun/crazy busy month. I was VERY happy that this year I actually got most of my Christmas shopping done before December, and only had to go to the mall/Toys R' Us once. I think my hubby was pretty happy we didn't have to go again as I am not a patient person when it comes to dumb or rude drivers/shoppers and can embarass the poor guy a lot.... I just chalk it up to pregnancy hormones.

On the 23rd of December Nathan started acting REALLY weird and I finally stopped packing and just cuddled with my little guy.... the poor little thing was burning up and had a fever of 39.6 (103.3) which is WAY too high. Luckily his fever would come down with Tylenol but I still took him into the dr. since we were planning to be gone for almost 2 weeks. The dr. figured it was just a virus and he would just have to work it out on his own....poor thing. We spent the night keeping his temperature down and just trying to keep him comfy and relaxed. It was hard for me 'cause certain things had to be put on hold or not done at all before we left...like packing and then getting the house SPOTLESS so when we come back it's to a clean house, this didn't happen because well....the little man needed to be loved more than the house needed to be cleaned. I wasn't even sure if we should go away until he felt better but since his fever was able to be controlled with Tylenol and Motrin we decided we would still try to go and if we had to we would go home.

On the 24th we headed to the Shutra's for Christmas (we alternate Christmas's every year, this year was with the Shutra's, next year will be with the Butler's). We had a BUNCH of fun with everyone (all the boys and Darryl's girlfriend were there).
Nathan built a gingerbread house with Grandma Charlene and Grandpa Brian.

Finished Product:


Just before Nathan was going to head for bed we got a surprise visitor....


Santa stopped by to make sure that Nathan was at Grandma and Grandpa's house because he had stopped at our house and Nate wasn't there. He also brought some pj's and a toy for Nathan and then told Nate to hurry and get to bed so he could bring the rest of the gifts. It was soooo much fun, Nathan was in total awe and didn't really know what to do or say (plus he still was fighting his fever and wasn't feeling very good). Santa left and Uncle Andy helped Nathan set up for Santa and sprinkle the reindeer dust so Santa could find his way back.

Nathan had a HORRIBLE night which meant Mommy had a HORRIBLE night too. Finally at 4 am I got up to give Nate another dose of Tylenol/Motrin and we made our way to the rocking chair. I rocked Nate for almost an hour and then we both passed out until 9:30....ahhhh, sleep is soooo wonderful. Grandma Charlene got up to take care of Nate and sent me back to bed. Poor Nate was soooo sick he didn't care that the living room was FILLED with presents and his once empty stocking was overflowing, all he wanted to do was lay with Grandma and watch cartoons. :(

I climbed into bed and Wayne asked what time it was... I told him 9:30 and he said..."We can't sleep in this late, it's Christmas morning, we have to get up and get going...come on, get up". I couldn't help but be excited and so we got everyone up.

We all were VERY spoiled this Christmas, especially the little man. I didn't take ANY pictures though of Christmas morning...what was I thinking?!?! My bad, bad husband broke our rule (we weren't getting gifts for eachother this year) and bought me a new video camera, which I LOVE, btw!!! I have to admit though, I broke the rule too and bought him a new jigsaw...bad me.

We had a fabulous breakfast, and then all just bummed around for the day. That night we went to Grandma Lulu's and Grandpa Louis (aka, Wayne's Grandma and Grandpa Shutra) and had a FABULOUS supper. We hung out with the cousins and then played "Things".... if you haven't played it yet you have to....it's SOOOOOOO fun!!!! Seriously, one of THE best games I've ever played.

Looked like fun!!! ;)

1. How old will you be in five years?33, holy smokes where did the 20's go!!!???!!!
2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? My Nate
3. How tall are you? 5'6
4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? Spending time with family...but mostly Wayne NOT having to go to work and being home with us for 2 weeks...woohoo!!!
5. What's the last movie you saw? Bolt-3D, it was a GREAT show and was cool in 3-D
6. Who was the last person you called? The Discovery Toys lady...she FINALLY got our Christmas presents in
7. Who was the last person to call you? Probably Wayne
8. What was the last text message you received? I don't text, I know, I know... I need to get with the times but this is one of "those" things that I would reather save my money than having, plus, who would I text, Wayne?!? I can just call him.
9. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail? Lisa
10. Do you prefer to call or text? I answered that in 8
11. What were you doing at 12am last night? Trying to sleep and Wayne trying to get me up to take out my contacts... I didn't get up until 1:30am hehe..
12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? Married, but not only married they are VERY HAPPILY married
13. When is the last time you saw your mom? Umm... a few weeks ago when they came to our place to visit for a few days.
14. What color are your eyes? Blue/green/grey, depends on my mood and makeup
15. Do you own slippers? Nope, I HATE things on my feet, I like to have naked feet
16. What are you wearing right now? My Lulu pants and a HUGE sweater, oh and my underwear...hehe...
17. What is your favorite christmas song? Oh Holy Night and Silent Night and.... actually I LOVE Christmas music and listen to it ALL year long
18. Where is your favorite place to be?At home with my boys just hanging out
19. Where is your least favorite place to be?Right now, driving the bus....ahhh 2o kids that want to be done school are NOT fun to be driving around
20. Africa-NewZealand-Japan? Africa
21. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years?Man, I will be a taxi service carting my kids around to all their activities, happily married to my sexy hubby, travelling, working as a nurse and just LOVING life.
22. Do you tan or burn?Tan
23. What did you fear was going to get you as a child?I always had this weird dream that I was in an old creepy house with cobwebs and tons of rooms and I would be running away from something, it was PETRIFYING... finally one day I decided to be brave and turn around and fight whatever was coming after me... I did and I won't go into details but I beat it off and NEVER had that dream again. I also use to get totally scared running up our basement stairs... I would start walking and then run as fast as I could not wanting to look behind me just in case...hehe... oh wait I still do that...HAHA!!!
24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh?Kids on the bus confusing puberty and menopause, one kid thought that his mom was going through the WORST time of her life, puberty.... they talked about all of her complaints and then both said they NEVER want to go through puberty...hehe!!!
25. How many TVs do you have in your house?2 that we use and one from Lisa and Steven that we aren't sure what we are going to do with yet.
26. When did u last get in a argument?This morning when Wayne, who was VERY late for work, was in my way while I was trying to get ready and not be late.
27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? We have both, laptop and desktop, I am on the laptop right now.
28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? Lately I have been wanting to sleep with nothing on since EVERYTHING feels so tight against my bulging belly...but I sleep in underwear and sometimes pj bottoms, NEVER tops unless someone is at our house visiting
29. What color are your walls?My house could be the coat of many colors, I have a lot of colors going on but I love it....the only rooms I would change are my upstairs living room and kitchen and my basement family room when we get new carpet.
30. How many pillows do you sleep with? Right now I am sleeping comfy again and I only have the one for my head and I hug one, it helps keep me from rolling on my tummy.
31. What is your favorite season?Spring and summer
32. What do you like about fall? All the incredible colors
33. What do you like about winter?Snowmobiling, playing in the snow, sledding, the beautifulness of white, I LOVE WHITE!!!!
34. What do you like about the summer? Swimming, laying on the beach, playing in water, not having to wear a lot of clothes
35. What do you like about spring?I love all the flowers and the newness of everything
36. How many states have you lived in? 2 provinces, 3 states
37. What states have you lived in?Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington, California, NY
38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet?Bare feet for sure
39. Are you a social person?Ummmm...do you know me?!? Then you already know this answer,.... I am shy...haha
40. What was the last thing you ate? Honey Nut Cheerios, milk and mango yogurt...mmmm
41. Have you tried escargo? Yep and I love it, Nathan likes it too.
42. What is your favorite ice cream?Mint Chocolate chip
43. What is your favorite dessert?Probably icecream
44. Have you drank a Shirley Temple?Ya
45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich? Raspberry
46. Do you like Chinese food? Yes, but I like Vietnamese better
47. Do you like coffee? Nope, but I like the smell of it brewing
48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average? Lot's, probably 8-12 a day
49. What do you drink in the morning?Milk, and water, sometimes orange juice if I have it
50. How often do you shower? body-everyday, hair-every other day
51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? If I was looking at the ceiling, the right side
52. Do you know how to play poker? I sure do and I can kick some major butt too...hehe.. I don't play anymore though.

Hero

Last night Wayne came into our room. There were tears in his eyes and he had a huge smile on his face. He had been putting Nathan to bed and while tucking him in Nate said "Daddy, when I get big I want to be like you."

Awww.....it melted Wayne's heart, and mine too.

All little boys need a hero... Wayne is definately Nathan's.


Wayne will probably kill me for posting this pic, but I think it's hot!!! :)

My little date!!!

This little boy is such a sweetheart.



Last night Wayne went to play hockey and so I decided it would be a good night to go on a date with Nate. I told Nate that he was taking me on a date and as we were driving into the city I asked him if he was going to pay for supper. He said he couldn't because he didn't have money. I reminded him that he had a full piggy bank of money (obviously I was just teasing him). He said he couldn't use that money because he was saving it to buy some games. I asked him if he would ever take me out for supper and pay. He said "I will Mommy, I will buy some games with my money in my bank and then save up for 2 more games and a supper for you, is that okay mommy?" It was soooo sweet. I told him for now he didn't have to worry about paying and mommy would cover the cost (I did let him give the waiter the card and push the buttons for debit, he even gave the waiter a BIG tip).

It was nice going out with JUST Nathan and being able to spend time focused just on him. We had a VERY good conversation about Ninja Turtles, Bolt, Preschool, fries and everything that was important to him and I enjoyed every minute with my little stud. Nathan felt it was important that he sit beside me and he kept kissing and hugging me and telling me how much he loves me.... what a date hey?!?

After supper we went to Toy's R Us and were there for over an hour. Normally I just rush through the store and only let him look at a few things, this time I just waited while he looked and touched EVERYTHING. I enjoyed watching his excitement and played with a few things too.

I feel like day to day I get so caught up in getting the house clean, making meals, my job, rushing....rushing.... rushing that I forget to just slow down and enjoy this CRAZY fast changing time with my son. I want to stop and actually LISTEN to what he is saying to me, not just say "Uh huh" as I am running around doing things. He changes everyday and I feel like I am missing out on soooo much with him and I spend 24 hours a day with him. So it's become my personal goal to stop what I am doing and just listen, play or do what my son NEEDS because I don't want to look back in 20 years and only remember having a clean house and good food, and not able to remember what Nathan liked at 3, what his interests were, what a great kid he really is.

Last night was a WONDERFUL night and I think that Nathan and I are going to make Date night a regular thing.

PSA!!!

If you ever want to just kick up your normal day to day mashed potatoes you need to try THESE. They are SOOOOOO good. I have been waiting to try these for a VERY long time, but because of the amount of FAT (mmmm..... fat) in them and trying to lose weight I just didn't think it was a very smart idea. However, now that I am pregnant (yes, I am still eating REALLY healthy for most of the time) I feel that a little indulgence every once in a while is TOTALLY okay.

These potatoes are DEFINATELY an indulgence, but they are soooo worth it (BTW, the first time you make them I would recommend to not skimp on anything, you need to experience the yummyness, after that if you still want to skimp go for it) . We ate them with ham and sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, and gravy was not needed. They are creamy, flavorful, just totally yummy. I probably won't make them again for a while, again, once you read the recipe you will understand, but I'm thinking Mom and Dad can make some of their FABULOUS greek ribs and I will make these.... ohhhhh.....Dad I will totally bring an extra box of ribs down if I need to.... my mouth is WATERING!!!!

I just thought I would pass on this awesome find to all my wonderful friends out there in blog land. :) Yes grandma, you can probably make a smaller portion for a few meals for you and grandpa, or just invite over a bunch of grandkids and let them enjoy them as well. :)

Thanks Andy!!!

Writing a blog can be intimidating sometimes. There are lot's of different things that run through my head during the day and most times I can't think of the "perfect" way to write it so I don't. Andy really inspired me to just put it out there, so I will.

First off I want to say a HUGE thankyou for all the support and love that you have all shown me, but especially over the last week. It's amazing how so many people come out of the woodworks to show their support and show that they care and have been hoping for my happiness.

Also, Nathan and I have spent the last 3 years at home and he has never been to daycare, other than nursery and playdates he didn't get a lot of socialization with other kids. I think as a mom you always wonder if you are doing what is right for your child, and Wayne and I made the decision years ago that I would stay home with our kids if at all possible. However, I've wondered if sometimes it would be good for him to be in a daycare setting every once in a while to get used to dealing with other kids. I wasn't sure how Nate would do in Preschool since he can definately be bossy and stubborn. However, I talked with his teacher this week and she said that he is such a wonderful little boy (which I already knew), that he is very mature and smart (again, I totally knew this...hehe.). I asked her about how he acts with the other kids, is he bossy, aggressive... she said not at all. That he is the PERFECT combination of passive and aggressive...he doesn't let kids push him around, but he isn't mean. PHEW... that is EXACTLY what I wanted to hear. I am okay if Nate isn't the smartest person out there, I am okay if he wants to grow up to be a doctor or a hairdresser, I'm okay with him being ANYTHING but what I want is for Nathan to be a "strong" person. I don't want him to be mean or a bully, but I want him to stand up for himself and not put up with crap from people that are being bully's. I want him to know who HE is and be okay with that. Even though I know that Nathan is a GREAT kid it's nice to hear it from someone that is impartial. Plus, Nate was soooo proud of himself that his teacher said nice things about him, he kept telling me he is so smart...haha....ya, your smart buddy and cocky!! :)

I looked at a chinese gender prediction calendar today....okay, I actually looked at 4 different ones, and 3 out of the 4 said I am having a boy...but 1 out of 4 said I'm having a girl...hmmmm.... I wonder what it will be. I also tried the wedding ring swinging over your tummy thing. If it swings back and forth it's a girl, if it swings in circles it's a boy.....My ring would only swing back and forth even when I tried to swing it in a circle it would instantly go back to back and forth. Of course, I think it would be a LOT of fun if I had a girl, because hello, girl stuff is WAY cuter than boy stuff. But I will be happy with ANY gender of baby that I get... seriously, I just pray for a healthy baby, that's all that really matters right. Oh and just to let you know, I feel like it's a boy, in fact the other day I was talking to my mom and I said something about the boys going to daycare when I am working again. I caught myself and changed it to boy and girl but boys is what usually slips out of my mouth and what is in my mind. I KNEW that Nate was a boy (we could never see through ultrasound, I just always thought of him as a boy). We want to find out what this baby is, Wayne and I both don't really like surprises so why wait?If we can't find out, oh well, we will know in 6 months...hehe. Do you think it's lame that I already bought a few girl outfits though?!? I figure I can give them away as baby gifts if it's a boy again. :)

Hmmm... Oh man, I think there was more that I wanted to talk about but the mommy mush brain is coming back and I can't remember what it is. ;)

Oh well... I'll do more posts that I just put it out there... great idea Andy.

I DID IT!!!

Well I did it!!! I passed my Accuplacer!!! I am not sure if I wrote about the Accuplacer but if you don't know what it is, it is a test that allows me to challenge my Grade 12 Math class. I was told that my Alberta Math 33 class was not good enough for Saskatchewan standards. So instead of having to retake a Math class I challenged the Accuplacer. You have to pass 3 parts of the test (there is a minimum mark to pass but I don't know what it is) , Math (which can be anything from Grade 10 Math to Advanced Grade 12 Math), Sentence Structure, and Reading Comprehension. If you pass these 3 parts then you write an essay. If I pass all 4 parts then I won't have to retake the Math class.

I took the Accuplacer about a month ago. I passed the Math part with 94%!!!! I was sooooo excited because I was REALLY worried about the Math since I hadn't taken a Math course in 10.5 years...AGGGHHH, but I totally KICKED it's butt. I got 86% (or something, I don't really remember the EXACT mark) on the Sentence Structure part. I missed the stinking Reading Comprehension by 1 MARK!!!!AHHHH. I was pretty upset. I had 1 more chance to retake the Reading Comp. part and if I didn't pass I had to retake the Math class... I know passing the English part to not take the Math part doesn't make sense, but it's what I had to do.

Last night I was trying to study the reading comp. stuff but really wasn't doing too well and was getting a little stressed. My fabulous husband gave me a beautiful blessing and I felt instant peace... I didn't know if I was going to pass, but I knew that whatever was meant to be would be.

This morning I retook the test. I got 96% on the Reading Comp..... WOO HOOO!!!!! I then had 2 hours to write the essay. I LOVE writing essays... I am a fabulous BS'er, but I haven't written an English essay in a LONG time. The topic was what Technology has helped change our country or something like that. I wrote the essay, kicked it's BOOTY and got 100%!!!! YAY!!!!

I am sooooo stinkin pumped!!!! Having passed this exam means that there is NOTHING else that I have to do to get accepted into Practical Nursing!!!! So now I just have to wait to see when I am accepted.

I have NEVER felt so strong, smart, in control and powerful in my life. I feel like I am finally taking control of MY LIFE and I have done the hard work to get to this goal and I am seriously sooooo proud of myself. I have always wanted to have an education. I am a hairdresser, and I like hairdressing... it definately wasn't what I wanted to do for the REST of my life. I want to be a nurse. I want to be able to take care of my family if something were to happen to Wayne or his job. I want to be able to teach my children about furthering their education and being able to be an example of this. There is NOTHING in this world that would make me regret being a mom, or taking these last 3 years to be with Nathan, that is BY FAR THE BEST thing I have ever done.... but it feels amazing as a woman and as ME (not Mommy) to be doing this for ME!!!! Yes, there are definately those moments when I think about all the time that I am going to have to miss with my kids because I am in school or because I am working. But I KNOW that I am doing something that will make me feel better about myself, will help me grow and be ME and doing something for myself, and in return will WONDERFULLY affect my family. I am SERIOUSLY soooo excited!!!! Can you tell??!

Everything that I have worked SOOOOO hard for these last few years are finally happening. I am soooo excited to start this new part of my life with another beautiful baby, my wonderful husband and cute little man and the start of an education that I have ALWAYS wanted.

Nate got a new shirt!!!

Nathan LOVES his new shirt and I thought I would share it here:















Hahaha!!! Yes, all my devoted blog friends, I can FINALLY tell you all the VERY exciting news. After 3 long and trying years we are finally expecting baby #2 on May 30th 2009!!!! We are BEYOND excited and I've been waiting for 8 weeks to finally tell everyone. We wanted to wait for the first trimester to be done since I have had 2 miscarriages in the past and we had a little scare at 7 weeks with this baby. Today I am 12 weeks PREGNANT!!!! WOOHOO!!! It feels SOOOOO amazing to finally be able to say that.

I was starting to get worried that people were going to start asking me if I was pregnant or just getting fat since I am starting to get a good little ponch on me. ;)

This pregnancy has been totally different than Nate's. With Nathan I was nauseous ALL day long but would never puke. This time I've been fine and then the littlest smell or thought of food would keep me hugging the toilet for quite a long time. But it's all been worth it to know there is a tiny little baby growing inside me.

Like I said we had a scare at 7 weeks when I woke up and was bleeding. I did my bus run and then Wayne came and got me and we rushed into the doctor who checked me out and then had me get an ultrasound. I felt like I couldn't breathe the whole morning while we waited.... I couldn't go through this again, I couldn't have tried for soooo long to finally get this baby and to lose it just like that. I laid on the table and the Dr. found the little blob INSTANTLY, there in the blob was the most BEAUTIFUL thing I have EVER seen, a heartbeat. I started bawling, it was THE MOST beautiful blob I have ever seen. After I gained my composure I had the Dr. really check to make sure there was just the one heartbeat and that's all there was.... we are having 1 baby. :)

Anyways, Nathan really does love his shirt and that's how we told both sets of parents. We sent Nate upstairs to show my mom his new shirt, which she said was her "Most Favorite shirt EVER"!!! My dad said, "What does this mean?" hahaha. Nathan had the shirt on when we went out to Wayne's mom and dad's. He was hanging out with everyone for almost 30 minutes and NOONE noticed, so finally Wayne had Nathan show Grandma and Grandpa, they liked the shirt too.

Remembrance Day

Yesterday as I sat for the moment of silence I couldn't help but feel an amazing amount of gratitude for those that have risked their lives, and are risking their lives for us and our freedom.

When I lived in New York I worked for a family that was Jewish. I learned an incredible amount of things about their religion and I had some really neat experiences that I will remember for ALL my life. One of the amazing experiences I had was I got to spend time with this family's Zadie and Bubie (Grandpa and Grandma). They would come over quite often and then one day I noticed some numbers on Zadie's arm. I had NO idea what they were and I asked him about them. He told me that these were the numbers that were his identity as he was in the concentration camps. He wasn't a person, he was a number at that time and these numbers represented that. I don't know if all of the prisoners received one of these tatoos but I know many did and Bubie showed me hers as well. WOW!!! That one moment made me feel like all that history that I had been taught in school was REAL. That there REALLY were "those" people out there and that I now knew 2 of them.

I didn't know if it would be disrespectful to ask a lot of questions but over time I learned a bit of Zadie(Grandpa) and Bubie's(Grandma) stories. They were VERY young when their families were captured, they were taken to the camps and seperated from all of their siblings and parents. Zadie was put to work... I don't know what he did, but he was strong so he was "needed". I heard that they saw THE most HORRIBLE things. I heard stories of rape, of beatings, of torture, but also of hope, of belief, of determination, and of love.

They were finally let go, I assume after the war was over, but I don't know (or remember). They moved to the USA at an incredibly young age, Bubie was only 14. They instantly started working, and working INCREDIBLY hard and tried to make a better life for themselves. Bubie somehow found one of her sisters, whom she had thought she had lost forever, the rest of her family she never saw again. I don't remember if Zadie ever found anyone, but I don't think he did. They eventually met, fell in love, and started their family.

I wish that I would have respectfully asked more questions and actually taken the time to write down the details. However, some of the details I will always remember. The details of how grateful they were for those who fought SOOOO hard to help them, complete strangers, but people that deserved to live. The details of how Bubie's eyes glazed over as she told me of the conditions of the places she was kept, to say they were kept in places and treated like animals would be a HUGE understatement. The detail of the numbers that are forever printed on their arms as a constant reminder of where they came from and where they are now. The numbers that were hidden from the world under long sleeved shirts at all times to help these people to keep their secrets.

I will never forget those details.

I am Grateful and I will REMEMBER.

Christal did this on her blog and I thought it was cute!!! Plus, since I haven't been the most faithful blogger I needed something to fill my blog with!! :)

1. I've come to realize that my last kiss: was pathetic since I have a HUGE coldsore and can't be kissed on the lips... Pathetic.

2. Last night: I should have just gotten up and gone to the bathroom rather than trying to sleep with a full bladder.

3. I drink: water, milk and sometimes juice but rarely drink pop and if I do I shake out most of the carbonation.

4. I eat: almost everything. My mom taught us as young kids that we had to try everything and I still STRONGLY believe that. I try everything and most of the time I like it, sometimes...not so much, but most of the time stuff is pretty good.

5. I love: my boys.

6. My bedroom is: a mess right now. It's full of clothes and suitcases that I am trying to get cleaned up, but obviously I'm taking a break from that.

7. My love life: is......hmmm...... not appropriate to talk about on a child friendly blog :)

8. I hate it when people: think they are better than other people.

9. Love is: Wonderful!!!

10. Marriage is: a journey, sometimes there are hills/mountains that need to be climbed and sometimes smooth roads but when you have your love there to hold your hand and go on the journey with you it is all worth it.

11. Somewhere, someone is thinking: about who they REALLY are.

12. I always: say I love you to Wayne and Nathan multiple times a day.

13. I have a secret crush on: Brad Pitt....mmmmm....

14. My cell phone: is a pain in the BUTT.... I will NEVER use Telus in Saskatchewan again.

15. When I wake up in the morning: I lay in bed for at least another 5 minutes and have to talk myself into getting up into the cold house maybe I should set the thermometor to warm up the house a little earlier so I can get up into a warm house.

16. Before I go to bed I: read my scrpitures, write in Nathan's journal, sometimes write in my journal, say my prayers, check my emails, and go to sleep.

17. Right now I am thinking about: how sore my lip is... I haven't had a coldsore in 6 years and I guess I am making up for the last 6 years.

18. Babies are: such an INCREDIBLE gift from our Heavenly Father.

19. My house: is cold... I think I need to turn up the heat.

20. Today I: don't have any patience, so please don't bug me. :)

21. Tonight I will: have to go grocery shopping since we have NO food in our house.

22. Tomorrow I will: clean house, top to bottom, EVERYTHING needs to be deep cleaned again... why can't dust just stay away while we are gone on vacation?!?

23. I really want to: climb in bed and go back to sleep.

I LOVE this girl!!!

This girl is my BEST friend!!!

Our history:

Shortly after I had Nathan I decided to join the Parent Talk group. For any moms who are having their first baby, I would HIGHLY recommend the Parent Talk group. You can meet new moms and get some awesome advice from a nurse as well.

Anywho, the very first day there was this girl sitting across the room from me. She was very outgoing, funny, kind, and just seemed really cool. Instantly, I wanted to get to know her. Haha...this almost sounds love a romance story...hehe....

We did meet, we also met another fabulous lady Christine that we've been friends with since as well. Jen and I just seemed to REALLY click from day one. We did the time in the Parent Talk group and then Jen, Christine and I decided to start having a girl's night every month.

Well 3 years, tons of chick flicks, and FABULOUS restaurants later we are still fabulous friends. Jen and I started doing playdates with our boys, and from the VERY beginning we just fit. I seriously feel like she is the older sister that I ALWAYS wanted, but not just a sister my best friend. I KNOW that I knew Jen in Heaven before we came to this earth, and I KNOW that we were best friends at that time as well. I can't explain but she is the ying to my yang, the icecream to my pie, my personal home decorator/organizer, the person that kicks me in the butt when I need it....haha...J/K. She really is just one of those friends that I can't wait to grow old with.

How could you not be friends with someone like this?


I wish you all could get to know Jen as well as I do. You would love her to death too.

Her family's pretty great too.

Nathan's funny

A few weekends ago our AWESOME friends Mark and Jen watched Nathan for us while we did another round of delivering phonebooks (that is a WHOLE other story). Anyways, Mark, Jen, and Liam took Nathan to the zoo with them. Jen called me laughing and told me this story. After looking at many of the animals they decided to go and feed the animals. There are those little "candy" dispensers that have the food in them. Jen asked Nate if he wanted to feed the birds, Nate said "Yes". Jen put the money in the dispenser, turned the dial, retrieved the food in her hand and gave Nate a small amount of the food. Instantly, Nate popped the food into his mouth. HAHAHA. Jen said that it was like watching it happen in slow motion. She saw the food in his hand, him lifting his hand to his mouth and putting the food in his mouth all before she could react. Jen said that she told him to spit it out, which he did, and then didn't really know what to do.... HAHAHA!!!! Oh Nate. I'm thinking that because every once in a while we will get some candy from one of those machines. Nate must have thought that it was candy.

The other night Nathan and Wayne were playing hide and seek. All of a sudden Wayne comes ripping into the kitchen "Jackie, hurry and come see where Nate's hiding." I quickly followed Wayne and there in his tall skinny laundry basket were Nathan's legs hanging out the top. Where was his head? Oh, way down in the bottom of the basket... HAHAHA.... In his rush to find a hiding spot, Nate decided that it was a great idea to hide in the basket. However, Mommy or Daddy usually lifts him into the basket, feet first. Nate I guess decided he could do it himself, so in he jumped (he would have had to jump to get in) head first. HAHAHA!!!! By the time we stopped laughing he was wiggling around trying to get himself out. It seriously was the funniest thing I have ever seen. It was one of those moments when I actually debated grabbing the camera and making him wait, but the good mommy in me pulled him out by his feet..hehe..

Update #1 of how many???? I don't know.

Well after crying/bawling for almost 2 hours I finally got myself under control enough to get on my knees. The first time I prayed, I prayed that I wouldn't be angry with Heavenly Father...the second time I prayed, I prayed for patience and understanding.

I finally felt like I could call admissions without breaking down into sobs. I called and got Wendy, yes the Wendy that had given me the wrong information. I told her my name, asked if she wanted to open my file before we started talking and she said she didn't need to because she knew who I was. Okay, I informed her that I was told months ago.......blah...blah...blah....if you've read my last entry you'll know what I was told. BTW, I was not rude at all.... I was blunt, and said EXACTLY what I felt but not rude, just strong. Instantly, she was EXTREMLY rude, told me that if I hadn't taken my Bio. I would have had to get a crazy high mark in Math to make up for my highschool bio's low average "and well, getting those kind of marks aren't guaranteed". She told me that there are human errors...She also started going into even though I was given the wrong information my grades were what was holding me back....blah...blah....blah....

Well that was where I couldn't bite my tongue anymore. I said "You need to stop right there, you were the one that gave me the wrong info, you were the one that told me that my math was fine, you were the one that told me I didn't need to upgrade, you have some NERVE to try to turn this around on me when you were the one that gave me the wrong information. If I had KNOWN that I needed to take my Math I might have done things differently, I could have AT LEAST gotten my Math done and if then I needed to raise my average I could be in a Bio class NOW not next semester. Yes, I understand there are human mistakes but when you guys lost my transcripts didn't inform me of this, and now I am learning that because of other HUMAN MISTAKES I was given the wrong info... well do you understand why I am just a little frustrated????? In highschool I messed around and I regret that now everyday, but I am a very smart person and I am doing EVERYTHING I can to get into this program and yet I feel like everything is waying me down and holding me back."

At this point I broke down... I couldn't stop... the tears started pouring, my voice totally cracked...I could only get out a quiet whisper "Just one sec."..... I sat there breathing deeply trying to get control of my emotions.

When I got back on with her I asked if she understood why I was upset, and her tone was 100% different when she answered. She understood how this whole situation could be VERY upsetting. She talked to me about my options, I got exact answers from her and I asked EVERY little question I could so I was VERY clear on what happens now, in fact, I asked the same thing a few times over.

By the end of our conversation she apologized for giving me the wrong information, and I thanked her for that...because really that's all I really wanted... I just wanted a sorry. It sucks that I have to upgrade my math and that I just found out about it, but at least she owned up to her mistake. We joked about her making sure when she sees my name again come across her desk that no more mistakes happen. I apologized for getting cranky with her and she said she understands why I am so upset. She thanked me for calling and getting it cleared up, and again I thanked her for owning her mistake and how much that meant to me.

I hung up the phone feeling such a weight lifted off my chest. It REALLY sucks that I have to do Math now, but I'm going to take the Accuplacer (a test that allows me to challenge my Math scores). If I pass the Accuplacer then I will instantly be accepted into the program because my average is high enough, I just have to get the Math. Now I get to go back and try to remember Grade 12 math information and Study, Study, Study hoping I can pass...ohhhh how fun!!!

So all in all I am feeling better about what has happened. I don't like what happened, but I now can deal with it because I feel like I was TRULY heard.

I HATE SIAST!!!

A little history that you might know if you've been following this blog..

I applied for the Practical Nursing program in February, I knew I wouldn't get in because I didn't have a high enough grade. I didn't get in. So then after speaking to the counsellors for quite a while I was told to speak directly to Nursing admissions. In highschool I took Math 33, which was a lower level math. However, I SPECIFICALLY asked Wendy if my Math 33 was good enough and I was told it is.

So after some serious thinking I decided to upgrade my Biology since I thought reminding myself of my science might be a good idea since I was going into that field of work. Plus, my Math mark was high so I figured I didn't need to raise it more, and I didn't want to upgrade my English...yuck I hate english..hehe.

Now to 8 weeks ago. I applied for practical nursing at both Kelsey campus and Regina (online course). I got a letter 2 weeks ago from Regina saying that they didn't have my transcript, which they were suppose to request from Kelsey campus. The admissions in Regina called admissions in Saskatoon and Saskatoon told Regina that they didn't have my transcript!!!! Ummm...hello....you do have it, you denied me in Feb... accepted me into the Biology class, you have to have my transcript. I then called Saskatoon admissions and tried to convince them that my transcript was there, I am not sure why it's not now but that's not my problem. She (the lady I was talking to) decided that the file must have been pulled by someone and not put back...I am not sure how that happens when everything is computerized but whatever. So they accepted a copy of the transcript that I have.

Okay, now please remember that the Practical nursing program is a first come first serve basis if you qualify for the program. So now I am at least 6 weeks behind other people because someone at Kelsey screwed up.

On Friday, I got a letter from Regina saying that I "do not cureently meet the regular admission criteria for the program". I was upset, but figured they must have not got my Biology mark and so yes, my average wasn't high enough. I called this morning to ask her why I didn't meet the qualifications, thinking she would say that my average was too low.....OH NO!!!!!! It's because my

MATH 33 ISN'T CLASSIFIED AS A 30 MATH!!!!!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!????!!!!!!

Because someone TOTALLY SCREWED up and told me false information, I wasted 3 months of my life (which if you have been following this blog you know that I had a hard time going to school and missing out on being with Nathan while he started his first sport). If I would have known my MATH 33 wasn't good enough I WOULDN'T HAVE UPGRADED BIOLOGY!!!! I WOULD HAVE DONE MY MATH INSTEAD!!!!! ARRRGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!

So here I am BAWLING, devastated, FURIOUS, and I don't know what to do.

I have 2 choices now.... I can either upgrade my Math(again I am going to have to waste AT LEAST 3 months, if there is even a nighttime class) and I probably will have to wait AT LEAST until next semester to do it..... or I can take the Accuplacer which is that I can pretty much prove that I am smart enough to get into the program. Yes, this sounds like the better way....however, remember I haven't been in school for 10 years, and I will be challenged on things that I should have known in highschool. So again.... I now because of the freaking admissions at Siast waste more time studying my BUTT off to do this.

ARRGGGGG!!!!!!

I am sooooooo angry!!!!!!

Seriously, can ANYTHING else go wrong in my life?!?!?!?

My little man!!!

Well today was Nate's first day of Preschool!! I woke up this morning bright and early and Nate was laying there right beside me. We cuddled for a little while and then I asked if he was ready to go to Preschool today. He said that he just wanted to stay home with me and go to Preschool on Friday...I'm sure he was a little nervous. We talked about how fun Preschool was going to be, that he was going to have a really nice teacher, that he was going to meet lot's of new friends, that there would be LOT'S of new toys to play with, and that it was going to be a lot of fun. He decided that maybe it was going to be okay and then instantly wanted me to get up and make him some pancakes. :)

Here's Nate making the pancakes (please don't mind the ugly countertops, someday they will be changed).


Nate requested "name" pancakes, which is my mom's special way to make pancakes...she use to make our inital even when I was a little kid and I was MORE than happy to carry on the tradition with Nate.
"N" for Nathan


Eating those yummy pancakes


Here's what Nate chose to have for his snack on his first day. Crackers, cheese, raisins, and apple juice...very yummy.


We then got dressed, and left for our bus run. When we got back we finished getting ready and went outside to take pictures, cause what's a first day of school without pictures :)

"P1" (I saw this idea of holding up either fingers or a sign to remember what year it was and I LOVED it)


Okay, start posing.


Quick sneeze.


Back to posing.




Then it was time to get to the school. We went in, took off Nate's shoes, put on his NEW shoes, hung up his backpack, coat and lunch kit, got his nametag, and off he went. :( I made him give me a kiss and hug goodbye, and then he left. It was SOOO awesome seeing my big boy excited to be at school.

The last peak at him and then I left.


When I picked him up he was SOOOO excited to see me and tell me all the fun they had today. They played, painted, ate snack, sat in circle time, sang songs, and then had train time. A super fun day and now he wants to know how many sleeps till Friday!!!

Ohhhh the trial's we go through!!!

We have been going through a "phase" with Nathan that is far less than desirable. He can be soooo moody, whiny, stubborn, a total spaz, and just down right naughty, yes a 3 year old!! :) However, there are those moments when he is wonderful, loving, sweet, gentle, obedient, and just WONDERFUL, these moments aren't as common as I would like them to be though.

I have been pulling out my hair trying to figure out how to handle him, he seriously is one of THE MOST stubborn kids I have EVER met. But I FINALLY got on my knees and prayed for help. Yes, I know it should have been the first thing I did but I'm still learning. I've prayed for many other things but I just haven't thought to pray for Nathan and patience for me...again, I know, I know.

Well the funniest thing happened this morning. Nathan started screaming, fake crying, and just being ridiculous because he didn't want to sit in his carseat on the bus, too bad, this isn't one of those times you get to make the decision, sorry buddy. Lately when these moments happen I would have gotten just upset as him and would react to what he was doing, but today was different. Today I quietly/calmly said to the little boy that if he didn't stop spazing there would be no cartoons this morning once we got back home, and that he could make the choice to behave or no cartoons. Unfortunately, the little man kept freaking so no cartoons.

I think at this point he became the Tazmanian Devil...oh boy...did he really try to pull out every trick he has. So again, I informed him that if he didn't stop he was going to have to sit in his room when he got home. Again, the freaking out didn't stop....at this point I started to get angry, but I also had the thought going through my mind over and over again.... "Just take a deep breath, Take a deep breath.....all you need to do is take a deep breath." Anyone that has "dealt" with my child knows that at this point taking a deep breath is not the easiest thing to do, but that's what I did.... I took THE deepest breath I could, and do you know what???!??? I completely calmed down. Crazy hey!!!???!!! For all you perfect parents out there I know that I am behind the times but again, I am trying to learn and grow too :)

I sat there and just ignored the screaming, in fact I hummed a few hymns one being Did you think to Pray...hehe...the spazing got worse than it ever has before, and then all of a sudden it stopped. Oh the peace and quiet, and it wasn't a second too soon because I then opened the door to let my first kids on the bus.

When we got home Nate went into his room and had to miss watching his favorite cartoon, but he has been a WONDERFUL little boy this morning.

Someday, maybe when he's a teenager, I am sure I will look back and laugh, maybe, but until then I will just Remember to Pray!!!