Getting There

Our office is shaping up nicely. I am going to be a happy girl to have a place for everything and then put everything in it's place! In our old house I had my laptop on the dining room table and my papers/bills/receipts really scattered all over. Now there is no excuse not to be organized! Keith has been working very hard to get this room sorted out. All credit to him for any progress made...I am simply the cheering section!

Half the Battle Won

Thank you Keri for a few online tips last night on how to make perfect cinnamon buns. Even though I had washed all the dishes from the disappointments earlier in the day, I still had this urge to make something that would be successful!

I hauled out my trusty bread maker and put in my favorite bun dough recipe from K & K.

The dough came out soft and handled beautifully. I was able to create two pans of gorgeous cinnamon buns. Now I can say that the entire day was not a disaster!

Yeast is my Enemy

I had a total bake day failure today. Sooo frustrating! I had it in my mind to attempt two recipes from the new MGCC cookbook. Zwieback and doughnuts. Quite ambitious for me as I had never made either before AND I don't often have luck with yeast baking. And once again the yeast baking and I did not end well.

The doughnuts LOOK good but are heavy and dense and really not fit for consumption. As I handled the dough it felt tough....I had a feeling that was not a good sign. The dark ones were my first attempt until I got the oil temperature just right!

My dough for the zwieback didn't rise well (it was fresh yeast even!). The 'pinching' off technique was tricky and I just because frustrated with it all!

And see my FLAT as pancake buns? I am going to hang up my apron and give yeast baking a pass for a while. Five hours in the kitchen with two failures is not very encouraging!

Songs, Poems & Turtes

We were invited to Chad's school tonight for a short music and poetry evening. Chad's class sang several songs and in between songs the students read some of their poetry.

Chad often caught my eye as he was singing so I could give him a cheeky look. I was trying to make him laugh!

He did a great job reciting his poem. I made sure he had taken out his retainer so we could understand him!

Afterwards we were invited back to class to view their animal projects they did for science. As you can see, Chad chose the Western Pond Turte. I've never seen a turte but apparently they do indeed exist!

And last but not least, my blog book arrived!

It's pretty nice. It's quite small as I had only started blogging late in 2005 but it's a good keepsake. I'll have to save up to get 2006 printed. That was a BIG year for blogging!

Ikea Booty

New bedding for all! I do love Ikea even if it means trying to cross

the ever-congested Port Mann and being tempted by 50 cent hot dogs as you leave the store.

Nate had been using a single size duvet on a queen size bed. Now he has the proper sized AND matching bedding. My mom has generously offered to sew a bed skirt to complete the ensemble. Mom, if you are reading this I think grey would be a good color!

Chad didn't get new bedding from Ikea but he has something even better. A quilt sewn with love by Nana. It really suits him.

Liam also got a new duvet cover. I just love this plaid pattern. Who am I kidding? I love plaid of any kind!

Keith and I got new bedding too! Love love love this material. It's kind of like a toile but not really. It's light and fresh and I look forward to finding some throw pillows and finishing touches for the bedroom.

We have missed the wonderful built in shelves that Liam had in his old room. This new unit from Ikea is just perfect for holding all his books and assorted toys that need a home. With having electric baseboards (just on the upper floor of our house), it really limits what you can run against the walls so putting this inside his closet was a good solution. Closet doors are off to make it easier for Keith to hammer on the new baseboards. It will almost be a shame to cover up this nice shelf with closet doors eventually.

We also have some more items to 'build' from Ikea. All in good time. Keith is just plain worn out from the last week and I think he deserves a day off!

Major Project Complete!

It feels so great to have the carpet installed. It is a HUGE amount of work to get carpet all the way from shopping for it, to buying it (ka-ching), to prepping the house for it and then getting the house back in order again! Wow.

I love the carpet we chose. It's so soft and the color is just perfect. Once we get new paint, it's going to look even better. Best of all I am not squeamish about walking around barefoot anymore. Some of the stains were rather suspicious looking and well, that's just icky.

The stairs are so soft. What a treat to run up and down them without squeaks! Keith took care of every last one before the carpet was laid.

Chad was now able to move to his 'real' bedroom. We had temporarily had him in the wee small 5th bedroom upstairs as this room was lino and just not really a cozy place until now. We just have to get him some paint and remove the massive mirror from the wall.

Liam's pleased as punch that I have finally started unpacking all his toys. He had been relegated to one small box until now. He managed just fine, I thought.

And what would we do without family to help? Keith's bro has been at our beck and call to help with furniture and all the moving of stuff back and forth to various rooms in the house. Keith's back does not need another relapse and after all the work he has been doing these past weeks, I'm just hoping it holds out! He was at the chiropractor today and so far so good. Ripping up carpet is quite the work out.

And we thought we might as well get rid of the nasty peel 'n stick in the en suite while we were at it. I love the new vinyl and once those dated cupboards are painted that bathroom will be a lovely little oasis for me.

So, if you want to see it in person drop on by! I'd love to give you a tour.

One Year Later

Chad @ 8:50 am

Liam 9:30 am. He will miss the fun toys at Dr. Dueckman's office.

Chad @ 9:50 am!

He's happy even if he has to go back tomorrow to be fitted for his new retainer. I am happy to be done with doing insurance papers every blessed month!

Upheaval

Y'know what? I haven't lived in a 'everything in it's place' home since about mid-February! Things are going to get worse before they get better around here. The carpet is coming on Thursday and Keith is very busy pulling baseboards, old carpet and underlay. I mainly supervise.

I've got furniture in my entry. And the new toilet I cannot wait to get installed in the ensuite.

More furniture in the family room.

And a love seat in the dining room! It'll all be worth it when it's done. I cannot wait!

My Week

It's been a good week!

Wednesday ~ shopping with the besties to Coquitlam Centre. We had a wonderful times...it had been too long since we had done that. Sadly the mall closed before we had even seen all the stores. Hate it when that happens!

I had a first that evening. I had my eyebrows threaded! Painful, but I am very happy with my new look. I didn't think my eyebrows were too thick before and really just wanted them cleaned up but I came out with much smaller brows!

Thursday~Twin day at work that morphed into Triplet day to accommodate the three secretaries as we are all in the office that day. None of us even remotely look alike but had fun putting together our black top, jeans, ponytail, hoop earrings ensemble.

I also baked some treats for the King (Chad's school) fun fair this weekend. We never attend these fun fairs but felt obliged to at least contribute in some fashion!

Friday~Nathan was at a track meet all day. It was a gorgeous day so Keith walked over to the stadium (I love living in town) with Liam and they watched him do his high jump event. He didn't advance in that but did get second in triple jump and long jump. Well done Nate!

That evening I went to dinner with two wonderful friends and then to MEI high school's production of 'Steel Magnolias'. It was an excellent show....such talented young ladies! A very enjoyable evening. Nathan started his 'first job' that evening. He's going to be mowing his auntie's lawn each week or so. He's quite excited about earning money!

I also took a big step and had the first year of my blog bound and printed into a soft cover book. Blogger was having issues this week and made me realize that it could all be just gone in one technological glitch at anytime. I've been meaning to print this blog for a long time and that was the incentive to get me moving on it. I'll let you know how it looks when it arrives. I used the 'Blog2Print' site.

Saturday~the day is ahead of us! Keith will be starting to rip up the old carpet in preparation for the new carpet this week. I am getting a haircut which is long overdue. After that.....you'll have to wait and see!

A Day for the Moms!

Mother's Day. A day I'm not fond of but am trying to change my attitude! Thankfully a little pressure was off this year due to Keith's mom being out of town. Do you moms find that it's hard to please everyone (including yourself) on Mother's Day? Someone usually gets ripped-off!

Anyways, let's recount the day. We had planned for church even though Keith had been away at work the night before until 2:00 am. He was supervising the explosives at a movie shoot out in the country. He said it was rather exciting watching all the stunts and special effects. So, tired as he was we went. Truth be told he was obligated to go to church because I had been asked to help out in the 2 year old Sunday School class and since it was Mother's Day, Keith felt that he should do it in my place. He's nice like that.

Liam often wakes up with a severe cowlick and a wet cloth on his head during breakfast can assist in making him look presentable! And hair product....the strong hold stuff!

My boys got me some lovely items for the garden (I basically told them what I wanted....no use of them wandering the mall without a clue) that I love. I also bought myself a hanging basket. I then broke my cardinal rule of no cooking on Mother's day and prepared a few salads and a rhubarb crisp as my mom was coming to supper. Keith picked up a bucket of KFC and that was our meal. Simple but quite good I thought for a last minute idea.

After supper we headed to the local school field to fly Chad's new airplane.

You are never too old to enjoy the slide, I see.

Liam was a little sweetie for me. And bonus...he kept his underwear dry all day! Can't complain about that.

After a bit of flying we all headed back home to watch the Amazing Race finale. If you watched it I'm sure you'll know what I am talking about when I say 'waxing'. I have not laughed that hard in a very long time. Not really happy about the winners but what can you do?! I look forward to next season.

And that, was Mother's Day 2011.

Belated Celebrations

Around here we like to spread out the birthday joy! With moving and the spring birthday blitz it just happened that we had to do our best with the celebrations. We were so happy to have Keith's sis, Suzanne come out for a quick visit before she flew to Ontario to meet up with Tyler who is done his training after two long years. They will settle in Comox at the end of the month. We are excited to visit them this summer and explore a part of the Island that we've never seen before.

Last night Nathan had his long awaited 'party'. He invited three of his closest friends but one could not make it. Chad was happy to be a fill-in!
They enjoyed Go Karts, games and mini-golf at our local amusement park.

Then back home for cupcakes, a movie and a sleep over. So nice....they are in the basement and I can't hear them at all!

Surprised...Again!

The 'office ladies'!

So this year Administrative Professionals day came and went without any notice. I suppose we all (minus Carolyn who is new this year) knew that the admin had something planned. In fact, I was so positive it was going to be the next day that I slipped my camera in my purse and didn't pack a lunch. Turned out that it was a dud idea and it was just an ordinary day except I was extra hungry by the time the day was over! Cue the next week and I have completely forgotten about secretaries day. It was just work as usual when Heather announced to get our purses and head out the door as it was 'the day'! My tummy got a bit nervous because with Heather and Jeff you can never know just what they have planned....they are a tad crazy. It was Marci's day off but they punked her into a 'grad committee' meeting that she willingly attended....but was sitting in the boardroom alone. Hah! They really got me because I thought for sure it would be on a Thursday when all three of us work in the office. Marilyn (the lady I replaced in 2009) came and took over the office while we went off on our adventure!

So here's a picture of the three of us in the back of Heather's car. A bit tense...a bit nervous. Trying to guess just what the heck was going on. Then Heather started making phone calls to 'Agent Staples'.

After an interesting exchange of 'items' with Agent Staples in Coquitlam we ended up at the New Westminster Quay. They tied us up, gave us $20 and told us to find a coffee and buy ourselves some flowers. After seeing us stumble a few feet they untied us. I think that they didn't want any 'on the job' injuries! After finding a hot chocolate and wandering around the Quay (which is undergoing major renovations...will be really nice when all is said and done) Heather and Jeff steered us down a steep ramp and right onto a Paddle Cruise Boat!

What a perfect day for a cruise on the Fraser. We went up as far as the mouth of the Pitt River. Interesting commentary by the captain was given about this and that as we cruised. The sun was warm and the rain stayed away most of the day.

The cruise was filled mostly with seniors who stayed on the main level. We think that they couldn't manage the stairs so with that, we had the entire upper floor to ourselves. It was a good thing because some of us (Marci) can be pretty loud and rowdy!

Jeff and poor Carolyn who was just gob-smacked by this whole adventure. She cried to us: Why didn't you warn me! She'll be on guard next year!

Never mind life jackets....I had to make sure the fire extinguishers were up to date!

The cruise included a small buffet 'luncheon'. As we were eating Heather insisted we go up on deck and as we cruised by the Mary Hill Bypass area there were her parents holding up a sign that read 'MEI Secretaries Rock'! It was awesome. One of the men on the deck with us asked what an MEI was. Ha ha!

After lunch we were treated to some super yummy desserts.

They even let Marci drive the boat for a while. A bit frightening but she assured them she had her watercraft licence. Not sure if it counts if you buy it off the Internet Marci!

Below is Marci's (Heather's ) note in the guestbook of the boat.

The day was not over as we were given cards with the most lovely words written and an appointment the next day for a manicure at a local spa! Spoiled...you've got that right. I swapped out my manicure for a facial and it was absolutely divine.

Our fearless leader is quite a lady indeed. She is a hoot but I also respect her greatly. She is so accomplished and really runs that school in an incredible way. I cannot even begin to explain how grateful I am to know and work with both her and Jeff. It's been the biggest blessing for sure.