Last Post of February

Looking back here it's been a bit of a bust in the posting department!
It's been busy around here.  Yep...same old, same old.
I've also been fighting a weird cold virus this past week.  My voice is kaput.
Our days and evenings are pretty full.
I hope to have some exciting posts in March.  Actually, I guarantee there will be!  We have been prepping and preparing (read immunizations and Dukoral...gag, gag) for our trip which is coming up quite quickly.
As I sit here and hear the rain beat against the window I dream of sunny skies and warm temperatures. 

Tracking

This has been very slow going but I am thrilled to report I have now lost 25 lbs!

It's been teeny, tiny baby steps so perserverence has been the key factor in making this happen.

Just as an interesting side note 25 lbs is equal to 75,000 calories and is the equivalent weight of a car tire!

Only 15 lbs to go to my goal.

I shall get there...eventually!

PS.  And a big THANK YOU to my supporters (you know who you are) who have encouraged me and kept me going!
PPS.  Just bought some shorts in a size 8 today.  That is a first for me...NEVER ever been a single digit size before.  And before you go and tell me all about 'vanity sizing' and how sizes are bigger now, I know.  But I'm still thrilled!

More Than Twins

 

More fun times at school.  We recently had 'twin day' but us office gals turned into quadruplets!

Love Day

Keith surprised me!  We generally don't do too much for Valentine's.  I'm content with a kiss and maybe some Lindor!  But I arrived home to this after skiing on Thursday!

He's a keeper.

 

 

 A decadent chocolate croissant inside!

Happy Ski Day

MEI Middle does two 'outdoor ed' days each year.  The kids can chose from skiing, snow shoeing, x-country skiing, hockey and outdoor survival skills.  It's really a great program and caters to many interests and budgets.  It just so happen to work out for me to chaperone the second ski trip to Whistler yesterday.  Easiest job ever, as I was on the grade six bus (they were SO good) and then once they were handed over to the instructors we didn't see them until we loaded the bus at 3 pm!

I was concerned about the bus ride up as in the past I have gotten quite ill but I commandeered the front seat, kept my eyes straight ahead and did alright.  Phew!

 

 Delayne and I have skied several times together over the years with school trips.  But now she's super cool and snow boards!  Very impressive.

 Just a few of the awesome teachers I get to work with.  We had loads of fun!

 I received a lunch voucher for $16 and this is what I could afford.  Whistler is for those with bottomless pocketbooks.  It was a good sandwich but not worth the price!

 This was my first time on skis in 5 years so I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't be able to keep up with anyone.  I discovered it's like riding a bike and had no problems keeping up with the fastest skiers of our group.  Yippee!  In the morning we skied as a large group but after lunch we told the men to go do their black diamonds while us ladies just enjoyed an afternoon of intermediate runs. 
By the end of the day I was starting to feel my legs getting tired.  My rental boots were really tight around my calves and the pressure was starting to hurt.  Perfect time to call it a day!

Whistler is truly a gorgeous place to ski.  There are so many choices, chairs, runs, trails....it's mind boggling.  Thankfully, I got off that mountain injury-free and had a uneventful trip home.  All in all a fabulous day.  I hope I can go again next year!
Oh right...and Chad had a great time too.  He was a bit frustrated as his group had two boys that were not progressing quickly so Chad was ready for harder runs but the whole group was held up.  A lesson in patience for him!  I wish we could have skied a few runs together but I didn't see him the entire day.

New Interests

 

Nate is keenly interested in fencing.  Somehow we're going to cram fencing club practic into his already very busy schedule.  Nate is already really 'cool' in Liam's eyes but this just sent up his cool factor by many degrees!

 Chad has been on the basketball team this year.  He's enjoying being a part of school sports.  He was never able to join in elementary school because he had to take the bus home and couldn't stay for practices.  Grade 6 is the time to try all the sports to find what you like since there aren't any try-outs or cuts.  He enjoyed basketball but says volleyball is his favorite!  His team did well in the CESS tournament yesterday and came home with a second place ribbon!

Sunny Sunday

Since William was otherwise occupied today we chose this day as our official 'family day'.  We'll just do mundane necessities on the official stat tomorrow.  A trip to White Rock was just perfect.  The sun was shining brightly, the breeze was light and there were oodles of rocks for Liam to toss into the water. 

Live & Learn

Oh yes.  Proud as a peacock about my ability to really get a good work out on the treadmill on nights we don't get out to walk.  Even started running on it.  Walking at high speeds and inclines. 
I'm so awesome.
No.
I am not awesome.  I have been holding onto the rails.  Not all the time but a lot. Generally I am going so fast that I feel like I'll fly off the back of the thing if I don't hold on. I actually stumbled across a thread in a discussion group about how this is an absolute 'no no' and misuse of the treadmill.  It cuts the effectiveness of your work out by 70%.  Instead I should be cutting down the speed and increasing the incline and walking with arms pumping!
I feel like I have wasted a whole lotta time.
DOH!

Celebrating

 

Rise and Shine!  An early morning shot of what 40 looks like, taken right before heading to church.

 

 

Keith and Nathan made me a very delicious chocolate carrot cake with chocolate cream cheese icing.  It was a splurge worth every calorie.  I also received some new earrings and the soundtrack to 'Les Miserables'. 

 

Later that afternoon, K & K showed up to present me with my own personal birthday stack!  What a treat.  Truly spoiled.  Each gift was simply perfect.

 

 

Spoiled silly!  Since Keith and I are going on a cruise in a few weeks, that is officially gift enough for me.  Loving all the extras though!

 

We then headed to Grouse Mountain for a snow shoe trek and fondue!  It was a lot of fun.

 It was a winter-wonderland!

 

 

 

 

It was a great day and I thank everyone for all the well wishes, gifts and cards! 

Me - 40 Years in the Making

 1973 ~ 1 week old

 1974

 1975

 1976

 1977

 1978

 1979

1980

 1981 ~ In the stunning paisley gown

 1982

 1983~Back row second from the left

1984 ~ Back row second from the right

1985 ~ Never have had a flat stomach...ever!

1986 ~ In the hot pink cardigan

 

 1987 ~ A lasting friendship begun

1988 ~ Perm-o-rama!

 1989 ~ Beach babes

1990 ~ Ski bunnies

 

 1991 ~ Grad

 1992 ~ Dating Years

 1993 ~ Family

1994 ~ First married Christmas

 1995 ~ Vacationing as married couples

 1996 ~ Family Christmas

 1997 ~ Barely pregnant

 1998 ~ My precious first born

1999 ~ 5 years married!

 2000 ~ Fun times with friends

 2001 ~ Our second bundle of joy

 2002 ~ Mother's Day

 2003 ~ My good friend from Ireland

2004 ~ Sending Keith off to Arkansas for 2 months

 2005 ~ Our first big trip to Mexico

 2006 ~ My heart is full

2007 ~ Enjoying life and loving my husband 

 

2008 ~ 14 years married and a 'surprise' from God on the way!

 

2009 ~ Dream trip to Ireland 

 

 2010 ~ Mom of three! 

 

 

 

2011 ~ Life is grand

 

 

2012 ~ My beauties

 

2013 ~ This is a 40 year old woman who has been blessed beyond measure! 

Lest you think it has all been rainbows and unicorns there have been dark times in my life.  Marriage difficulties, financial woes, miscarriage, job stress, medical emergencies, car accidents, illness and relational issues.  Yet looking back I can see that the bright times outshine any difficulties and I am thankful.  I hope for another 40+ year filled with more precious memories.
Thank you God!