Memoirs of a Keshia

Updates to come... but in the meantime...

2011-04-14T07:28:00.005-06:00

Yes, I know, I promised to update then I did really well, and then I dropped off the radar... Pregnancy will do that to you, especially when your sick the entire time. Anywho... that's not what my post is for today, it's for something vastly more important and dear to my heart.

Most of you know that Nick & I and My Brother & Sister in-law have started a charity to combat human trafficking, and more specifically, the sexual exploitation of children.

I will devote another post to that and explaining it in more detail, but in a nutshell... all over Canada & the US, children as young as 5 are being sold for sex... these kids are not just runaways or from "broken homes" some are kidnapped, and all are in danger.

June 1st we're holding a police training in Utah where officers will be better educated on this (we have our partners and good friends, Apogee Consulting from the LAPD running the training) as well as a survivor of trafficking who was kidnapped from a restaurant. The training will have police officers from all over the US and even from Canada in attendance.

The training costs money, and we have this thing called tipping bucket where we set a goal, and if we meet our goal, we get all the donations, and if we don't... no one's credit cards are charged and we get nothing. We now have less than 24 hours to reach our goal. Every dollar counts, every drop in the bucket counts...

Please help us to reach our goal, and more importantly to protect our children.

www.tippingbucket.org and for more info on the charity visit www.childrescue.org

Thanks so much in advance, we truly appreciate your help with this!

Train Bday Party

2011-01-22T20:39:00.004-07:00

These are some shots from Nixon's bday party... it was a train theme, lots of fun! We ate train shaped sandwiches, made celery trains (ants on a log) and had a yummy train cake ! After some games, we had popcorn and watched Thomas... fun party, and surprisingly easy to pull off... perfect for this pregnant momma!

The goodie bags were lined up like the cars of a train with little felt wheels attached to them... they included a bandana, a train whistle, and whatever candy the kids got from the Pinata.

A cookie cutter made awesome little sandwiches and my mini loaf pan made perfect train cars with Oreo wheels, candy cargo and licorice tracks! The kids had a lot of fun playing with the train table as well! One of my fave shots is Nixon with his "uncle" Brandon, they're so cute together! Nix was jumping off the back of the couch while Brandon caught him.

You might be a redneck if...

2011-01-13T23:32:00.004-07:00

You were at the Saddledome tonight! We went and saw Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy and Bill Engvall. It was quite entertaining, we saw Jeff Foxworthy last summer.. or maybe it was 2 summers ago... anywho, he was good, but I really enjoyed all three of them, especially at the end when they all were on stage and feeding off of each other.

It was fun to be out on a date with Nick... we used to go on dates ALL THE TIME.. but since I got pregnant and have been super sick, that's kinda fizzled. We went out for a really rushed dinner before hand, and then after the show, we just talked on the way home, and it was nice... we talked about old relationships (random, I know) and about our datingness (like that word? I was gonna use "courtship" but is just sounds so formal..). It was fun to just sit and chat, I mean we talk all the time, but tonight, it was different, and I liked it. I really love him and am so grateful for him in my life.

Tonight was a good, fun night! =)

My lil' Birthday Boy

2011-01-12T21:36:00.004-07:00

So I promised I'd post pictures of Nix on his bday, so here they are:

These are him at our special bday dinner at BP's He thoroughly enjoyed eating some delicious cake! (also totally didn't even notice when I dressed him this morning I put on his shirt that has the number "3" on it... very fitting.)

And the beloved train table... I've never seen him this interested in anything before... I'm loving it!

So that was his bday... more pics after his party this weekend!

Ps... have you noticed how much I've been blogging lately? I'm just sayin...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LITTLE MAN!

2011-01-11T22:53:00.002-07:00

So today was the boy's birthday! Crazy to think that 3 years ago (actually at this exact time) I was in labour... well, by now I was in the OR prepping for the section... still in labour though! Wow... time flies hey? And now we're expecting another little man!

We surprised him this morning with a train set (yes, the one EVERYONE has from Toys R Us... why mess with a good thing?). He LOVES IT! He hasn't stopped playing with it all day... Excellent investment for me by the way!

We ended the day by going out to dinner at Boston Pizza's... it was fun! We really don't take our kids out for dinner much... usually if we're gonna eat out, it's just take out... but it was fun taking them on a little birthday date!

Well, sorry this post is boring, but I took the pictures on my phone and it's ALLL the way downstairs! So I'll post them tomorrow!

Picture Catch-up

2011-01-10T12:20:00.005-07:00

So I have missed blogging about so much, but luckily I still manage to take pictures, so I was looking through them and since Iphoto categorizes them by date, it's so much easier to go back and see what I've blogged and haven't blogged about. So here are some blog-worthy pics that I want to remember.

Miss Liv's first day of preschool, these pictures are now a year old, they were taken last January when she very first started at her school that we LOVE... she was so excited, and she loves it so much!

This day was hilarious, and surprisingly a lot of fun! This is also back in January of 2010, but Bree had asked me to watch her boys so she could go to a doctor's appt, so I said sure... then, about 10 min after she drops em off, I get a phone call from my bro-in-law asking me to watch their kids 'cause his wife had slipped on the ice and they were taking her to the emergency 'cause she cut her head and had a possible concussion (not the funny part... kinda scary) so I said sure! (What else was I gonna say?) Well... that put me at 7 kids... consisting of one 5 year old, two 3 1/2 year olds, and 4 just barely under or over 2 year olds.
It was intense! But it was super fun... and surprisingly easy! The older kids played dress-up in the basement and watched tree house, while the younger ones played on the main level with some of the smaller toys. They all kept each other company, and then I made a whole mess of Mac and Cheese for lunch and we had a good old time! Made me think I could run a dayhome... (that thought's logged away... never to become a reality.)

One of my favorite things is baking with Liv. We have matching aprons and she just thinks it's the best thing in the world! She's such a good little helper too, she turns on and off the kitchenaid, puts in the ingredients.... basically I'm just there for moral support (and the measuring part).

These pics just make me laugh. I actually remember this day too, it was last February and Nixon thought it was hilarious to turn his toy upside down and sit in it... and then when I whipped out the camera, Liv wanted in on the action...

These pics were taken at one of our fave spots... Playtopia. It's a fun pay place that our kids just love, there's rock climbing (after my own heart), slides, a TON of noisy kids running around... and it all means Fun for the kids and a break for me!

Well... I'm sleepy, so that's all for now, but will post again soon!

Cry Me A River

2011-01-09T21:52:00.003-07:00

So this post is more of a "mommy help" post than my usual random thoughts...

I absolutely, completely, irrevocably, adore my little girl... but I have an issue. She cries over EVERYTHING! And what I want to know is... is it a phase, or are girls just THIS emotional? She is the sweetest most thoughtful and caring little girl, but if she gets the slightest bit frustrated, she starts to cry.

I really am trying to be empathetic and understanding, but this one is really hard for me. I almost never cry (pregnancy throws that statement out the window though) so it's hard for me to relate. At first I would sweetly talk to her and help her work through whatever was upsetting her, and now I'm not mean or heartless about it, but I do try to explain to her that it's not something we need to cry about, and remind her that she's good at solving problems and then ask her what she thinks she should do.

What about you guys? Anyone have this issue? Anyone have any insight? By telling her it's nothing to cry about, am I being mean or negating her feelings? I mean... today Nixon disagreed with her and she about started to ball... is that normal?

Any moms out there willing to share their experience or knowledge?

Time Out

2011-01-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

So, I know in my last post I talked about not apologizing for falling short, so I'm not going to. Just a little explanation to those who may have noticed.

So I started to feel guilty as Christmas completely snuck up on me this year because I hadn't done nearly all that I had planned or wanted to. Usually I do an immense amount of service to those that know and many that don't... Usually I pick out the PERFECT gift for all those on my list... usually I do so much MORE with the kids... but not this year.

This year I was sick... (Oh PS. did I mention that I'm pregnant and we're due to have a little boy in April... hmm.... oh well, now ya know!) This year I was tired... This year I was in bed MUCH more than I think I've ever been... This year was simple and not stressful, This year was WONDERFUL!

Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE offering service... left right and center... it makes me feel so much more like one of Christ's disciples. I love knowing that someone's day was happier because I took a little time to think of them. I LOVE seeing my friends and family open that PERFECT gift... I love making gingerbread houses with the kids and teaching them all about Christmas...

But this year I did something I rarely do (at Christmas time or any other)... I had time to myself.

Most of our Christmas shopping I did online... and we did a big present for each of the kids and not much else, other than stockings and maybe a book or 2. I did a ton of baking (which I didn't end up giving to anyone because I didn't have time). I still was able to get a perfect gift for a few ppl... but I didn't go overboard... I snuggled my kids, got things done around the house... lots of naps... and it was great.

I felt guilty for not being there for a few of my friends when I really would have liked to serve them more... but then I realized that instead, I was there for myself and my family... and we really needed that this year.

This pregnancy has totally slowed me down... I haven't been able to do so much of what I usually do... but it's helped others to be able to serve me, it's helped me take time out for me, which I know I wouldn't have done otherwise.

It's made me realize there's a time and a season for all things... and right now, is time for me to take care of me and my family and make sure I'm healthy because unfortunately, I can't do all that I'd like to right now... but that's OK... I can serve and do all that I want to again soon... the Lord just granted me this little break to regroup and remember to take care of myself... and I'm grateful for that.

Woah Now!

2011-01-02T20:31:00.002-07:00

Woah, Woah, Woah... 2 posts in one day?! Something's going on! lol. Better watch out before I burn out or get carpal tunnel or something lol

So, it's January 2nd... a new year... and what does that mean everyone's talking about? Yup... New Year's Resolutions. So... here's mine.

My New Year's Resolution is simply this... to do my best.
I'm not going to make some unattainable goals that will just depress me when I don't get em done... I just want to do the best that I can, in all that I do. That means realizing and accepting that today's best may not be the same as tomorrow's best... and that's OK!

It means being the best mom I can be, being the best wife I can be... being the best friend... whatever I do... giving it my all. And like I said earlier, because of time constraints, amounts of sleep had, and just general situations that arise in life... my best probably won't ever be the same two days in a row... and that's just fine. I resolve to take each day one step, one minute, one second at a time... and while doing so, thinking, "am I doing my best"?

That means not apologizing for falling short, because I'm human and that was the best I could do at the time. It means not making excuses, and not beating myself up... because how can I expect any more of myself? Or even... any less?

I hope that this resolution helps me to think more about each and everything that I do... and helps me to enjoy life more fully. Because... that's truly the best that I can do!

Long Time No Post

2011-01-02T20:11:00.003-07:00

I wonder if I've already written a post with that header?... Anywho, yes, it's been a long time since I've posted last... but I've decided not to give up on this blogging thing... so long as you guys don't give up on me!

So two weeks ago I got the sweetest message on Facebook. One of my friends whom I'm really not very close to, or at least haven't been lately wrote me and made me cry. She wrote to me about how she was grateful for my blog and that she'd been reading it (must have been my previous posts) and it's really touched her. She wrote about how she's gone through a lot of the same things I have, and had struggled through many of the same trials. She wrote about how my experiences have helped her not feel alone, and have helped her get through some rough times. She also wrote about admiring me.

I felt so humbled to read this extremely unexpected message, and grateful that she wrote it. It made me want to keep writing this blog... even though sometimes I get lazy. It made me realize that I have no idea how many people I may have touched, and because I'm not afraid to talk about depression and the struggles of life as well as the joys, that others have benefited.

Life throws us so many curve balls and sometimes we just want to lay down and cry... which is OK... but then we need to get back up, dust off, and keep on keeping on. That doesn't mean it will get any easier, that doesn't mean we won't have trials... but it does mean that we won't give up. I really hope that my blog has helped you at some time in your life... or just given you a good laugh (have I told you about Nixon pooping in the vent?).

I'm still here, and I'm still writing. For me... and for those of you who need it.

-Keshia

A Thankful Thursday

2010-10-14T19:38:00.004-06:00

Well, thanksgiving was on Monday and all weekend/week I've been filled with gratitude. You all saw my last post on one particular friend who's just been amazing to me, and I am very blessed to have many others whom are just amazing and have helped me in so many ways. I'm also especially grateful for my wonderful husband. Saturday marked 6 incredible years of marriage for us. Sometimes I can't believe it's been that long, others I think "that's it?!". But yes, Canadian thanksgiving always marks another anniversary for us and I get my two favorite things (time with my hubby and turkey dinner!). (We also had turkey dinner at our wedding... and let me tell ya, those Hutterites know how it's done!)

Lately, I've just been looking at how blessed we are and how it's not fair that others seem to struggle so much, I mean we definitely have our trials and in just about every aspect of our lives... health, finances.. you name it it's been an up and down kinda journey, but when I look at where we are now, so young with so much, I just know the Lord is wanting us to share. I mean how can we not? Everything in this life is given to us from our Heavenly Father and we have a choice with what we do with it, but how can we not express such gratitude and humility by not giving back?

"Where much is given, much is required"

Ok, I'm totally being random with this post, I started out with the complete intention of just expressing my gratitude in this time of thanksgiving period. A little mush (sincere mush but mush nonetheless) about my family, friends, my husband, and all we are blessed with. Instead I find myself quoting scripture and feeling this intense desire to do more.

I know many of you may be thinking "well don't you own a charity?" Well... yes, BUT I've been really lazy lately. I've been tired (exhausted) and just not feeling quite like myself for the past little while, but is that really an excuse? There is so much to be done in the world, so very much to be done... how can I afford to be lazy? I mean, I've hardly done much work, hardly done much with the charity (the occasional tweet here and there and/or blog post.) I've hardly done much spiritual-wise. So how can I really be thankful? I know all well that all we have is from the Lord, but do I thank Him near enough? I thank Him for my "blessings" but that's like a catch-all. And why do we wait until Thanksgiving when the calendar tells us to give thanks before we do? Once I heard a talk where someone talked about a gratitude journal, where everyday they'd write what they were grateful for and they'd do all they could not to repeat themselves, thus causing them to become very specific in their thanks and causing them to see so many more blessings in their lives. Maybe I'll start that, end each post with an expression of gratitude... of course it would probably be more useful if I wrote more... (this is the third time in a week though!)

Also, I think I'm going to try each day to do one thing to make the world better. Whether it be bringing a special treat to a friend (that was today's) or actively furthering the progress of Child Rescue. I mean, what if God had said "I'm too tired today to answer your prayers... I'll get around to it someday"... I know I'm not as our Heavenly Father and that I am Human and we all have our shortcomings and that there is a time and a season for all things, but maybe if I push just a little harder, maybe if we all push just a little harder the world, or at least our tiny portion of it may be just that much better.

Just a Widdle Guy

2010-10-09T09:26:00.004-06:00

No matter what you ask Nixon he is (Are you a baby? Are you a Monkey? etc.) his answer is always the same:

"No, I just a widdle guy!"

Sad to say, but my "widdle guy" is looking not so little these days. I'm grateful he's only 2 (and a half) and I get to spend a long time with him at home still, but still... he's 2 1/2! He's getting so big and doing so many things and although I know I can't make him stay "widdle" forever... I"m making sure I enjoy all the tantrums, no reason hugs and kisses and just all the "widdleness" I can because it sure feels like only yesterday he was like this:

And now he's like this:

Man I love that little man. He'll forever be my baby and will forever be "the boy" and "my little man" and no matter how big and grown up he gets, he will always be "my widdle guy!"

(Yes that picture is from our recent pictures taken by Blue Lily and yes I will post about em... when I get around to it!)

A lil' tribute to my BFFF

2010-10-07T09:17:00.003-06:00

This post is dedicated to miss Bree (yes I'm pretty sure I've done this before lol)

But I just had to let everyone know that I have the bestest BFFF! (yes there's an extra f and yes it's an inside joke).

Nothing exceptionally special has caused me to write this post, just thinking about thanksgiving I guess and all that I am grateful for. Bree's one of those friends that will just last forever. She's kind, thoughtful, and just all around amazing. Many of you know that after Nixon was born I suffered from post partum depression. (and I'm not ashamed of it, it's normal, it happens, I got help and worked through it.) Anywho, I was sad, depressed but mostly ridiculously hormonal and crazy... and then I met Bree. Bree literally brought buckets of sunshine and happiness to my life. She talked to me every day, brought me cookies, treats, food, treasures, made me leave the house... and what I'm most grateful for... her friendship. Once I kinda got back into the swing of things and was feeling a little more chipper her service and amazing love didn't stop... it continued. Randomly, she'd still bring cookies, brownies, crave cupcakes, make me go on countless adventures, watch my kids, love my kids... there was no end to her loving care and no way out lol. I was hooked, I found a soulmate, someone I could depend on and tell anything and everything to. Someone who would never even think to judge me.

I just want her to know how much I love her and how grateful I am for good friends in my life. I have been blessed with some amazing friends throughout the various stages of my life thus far and hope that I can be as good a friend to them as they have been to me.

Breanna Jean, You're awesome and I wil forever be indebted to you for your graciousness and love. I love you!

Whaaaat? 2 Posts in 2 days?!!

2010-09-02T13:37:00.003-06:00

That's right! Another day, another post! And this one is on a very important topic... TELEVISION!

LOL I know I'm random but that's why you love me! (You DO Love me right?) Well I thought I'd post my fave shows since they all start up again soon! Honestly... if you're looking for some good quality entertainment... look no further!

SUCH a good show! I love it... nerds, a hot girl... what more do you need?.... Bazinga!

Tracy Jordan... need I say more?

Dwight... gotta love him!

thoroughly entertaining and will have you scrutinizing everyone's facial expressions around you!

Oh Michael Weston... how I love thee!

LEGEN... wait for it, and I hope you're not lactose intolerent 'cause this next part... is DAIRY!

Yes... that is Angel but don't let that fool you! This is a quality show! Oh Temperance!

Why Yes, that is Al Bundy... and this show is sa-weet!

2 words... Amy Poehler!

Love My Chuckles!

Newer show and it got extra funny towards the end of last season

Not quite as good as Lie to me but still a good show
aaand......

sigh... I'll admit it...

I've fallen victim

to......

yes... it's true. I am a closet Glee-er.

PS. This post has got me thinking I watch entirely too much television...

Crazy Crazy Summer!

2010-09-01T08:20:00.005-06:00

So this summer has been INTENSE! We have been back and forth to Utah and organizing all sorts of stuff for Candlelight Serenade (The benefit concert we put on for Child Rescue). It was sooo much work, but at the same time... just so excellent! We had amazing volunteers and help and really put on an awesome show! And we got so much awareness out there.

Child trafficking is such a difficult cause to talk about, but it is very real... right here in North America, so it was great to be able to voice that in a way that causes people to action and not to depression. We had some AMAZING bands! We had Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessionals, Nick Hexum of 311, Relient K, Neon Trees, Vedera, Sherwood, Making April, Priscilla Ahn, Steel Train, Fictionist and Allred, who even wrote a song for the cause that many of the artists came on stage to sing.

Candlelight was such a fun night and definitely the highlight of my summer. I just loved it! Everytime I think about it, it makes me get a little teary-eyed because so many people came together... saw our vision... joined our cause... and helped us on our journey to once again abolish slavery.

Check this out for pictures of Candlelight. or Check out our FB Page. -more pics will be up once I finish setting up our Flickr account.

For ways on how you can volunteer or help out with Child Rescue, check out childrescue.org or contact me.

seee... I'm blogging again!

2010-08-09T22:40:00.003-06:00

Just thought I'd prove that I'm serious about my return to the world of the bloggers!

So it's been a fun week... two of my nieces came to visit last Wednesday and will be here until this Thursday. I've really enjoyed having them around. They're my oldest brother's kids and they're teenagers. I was slightly worried at first just 'cause I've never had teenaged girls stay with me... just Tess but she's more like a little sister/best friend. But it's been super fun, we went boating, and to West Ed and we've done some shopping and played more than a few rounds of Uno haha. I love that I'm getting close to them again as I haven't seem them in over 6 years, and this is Nick's first time meeting them.
We also had Liv's Bday! It was fun! We had a Mad Hatter's Tea Party! Good times! We played golfish croquet with flamingos and hat hat hatter and of course... had cake! It was fun and I will get pictures up soon! Well, I'm tired and need to get some other work done but thought I'd post a quick update!

Until I blog again (which will be soon)

SWEEEEEEET GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-08-02T23:19:00.004-06:00

Do you like Anthropologie? Can you find a way to spend $300 there? How about Dashboard? Wanna see Chris Carabba for free? How about 311 or Third Eye Blind? Hmm.... have I enticed you yet? Maybe need 2 new swimsuits from Lime Ricky? Or a family Photo shoot? Photo Lessons? OK so I know you want at least one of those! Well.... you can win em! And a bunch more if you head over to modsblog and enter the SWEETEST GIVEAWAY EVER!!! Now Go! Try to win some awesome stuff and support an AMAZING cause at the same time! What are still doing here? GO!

Guess who's back??!!

2010-08-02T16:14:00.004-06:00

Guess who's back... back again... Keshia's back... tell a friend!!

Haha why hello! Long time no blog! I know, I know... it's been far too long... you're probably wondering what's up with me? Where have I been? Why haven't I been blogging? Why don't I love you anymore??!! haha ORRRR I'm not as important as I think I am and you could care less that I haven't been blogging. I choose the prior!

So.. in answer to all your questions... (in the order you've asked of course..) Not a whole lot.. been busy working and doing new things... I've been here, there and around, but mostly right here at home in front of my puter! I HAVE been blogging! Just not here my friends... I know, I know sad but true.. I'll fill ya in later on. And last but not least... Why don't I love you? I DO!!!! I love all of my adoring fans! I just have been ridiculously busy with all sorts of projects and one REALLY big one in particular! But I am trying to come back for good! Really I mean it! I wanna blog and I wanna keep writing. I love to write and I do miss the old blog. So... here I am -back in the flesh... well.. type I guess.

So now that it's later I can tell you all about my busy life and where I have been blogging. But first, I'll start from the beginning.

Nick and I as well as his Bro and Sis-in-law have started a Charity! Our charity is called the Child Rescue Association of North America, or Child Rescue for short. Now, I want to tell you about the charity, but I don't want to make you sad because it's not a happy issue... so I will do my best to tell you some facts so you understand the necessity for charities like this, but not so you get depressed.

Basically, what our charity does is raise awareness and funds to help fight child trafficking. In laymen terms... child trafficking (or human trafficking) is forced prostitution. Children are being abducted from their homes, sold by their families or mislead and coerced into prostitution and treated as slaves. Often their lives and the lives of their families are threatened to keep them in this trade. -basically, without getting into too much detail, that is what we are trying to end.

Lots of you may know that this is a major problem in Cambodia and overseas, but few... very few people realize this is a problem here in North America as well. It is happening right here in the city that I live in and you can be pretty sure it's happening where you live too. As a mother, this terrifies and sickens me, which is why I have chosen not to turn away and pretend it doesn't happen, but to fight and do everything I can to stop this from continuing to happen.

Human Trafficking is the second most profitable organized crime world-wide... with the first being drugs and third being weapon sales. Annually, human trafficking is more profitable than Nike, Google and Starbucks...combined!

How can't I fight?

I know this is a HUGE problem, but ya know what? It only takes one person! (Mother Theresa, Gandhi, Rosa Parks...) I'm not saying that I'm worthy of any of the prestige that those amazing people deserve. No... I'm using them as an example that a single person can make a difference... and Child Rescue is far from a single person.

We have developed an AMAZING team of staff and volunteers and are doing exciting things!

Our first event to raise awareness will be Candlelight Serenade Acoustic Festival, which will happen on Saturday, August 21 2010 at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. This concert is going to be EPIC! Sooo good... the line up is AMAZING! It will include Dashboard Confessional Chris Carabba, Nick Hexum of 311, Third Eye Blind, Vedera, Neon Trees and a bunch more! We're soo excited about this concert and the awareness and funds it will bring to Child Rescue and this amazing cause!

So back to blogging... I have been in charge of websites and the online presence for Child Rescue and Candlelight Serenade, so I have been taking care of Facebook Pages, Twitter, Blogs and whatever other social media we choose. Luckily I've had an awesome partner who's been heading up a lot of the Candlelight stuff leaving me with only half the social media workload! I tell you though, it is all sooooo much work, but I am absolutely LOVING it! I get so excited any time I see that someone has mentioned us or any time I see the ticket sales. This charity is becoming like another child to me... something I absolutely ADORE with all my heart... I crave it! I can't wait to tell people about it and create events and it just makes me soo happy to know that I am helping such a worthwhile cause... protecting our children!

So... that's what I've been up to... busy busy busy! If you'd like to learn more about the charity or the concert here are some links for ya:

http://childrescue.org
http://childrescue.org/blog
http://candlelightserenade.com
http://candlelightserenade.com/blog
http://twitter.com/childrescue_na
http://twitter.com/childrescuecalg
http://twitter.com/candleserenade

Search for both Child Rescue and Candlelight Serenade on Facebook

Enchanted with Entitlement

2010-04-15T12:12:00.005-06:00

So the kids and I just finished watching the movie "Enchanted" and it got me thinking....
At the beginning, it starts out with the princess or I guess maiden... all happy and waiting for her prince to come and for them to share in "Love's true kiss". And of course, he comes, sweeps her off her feet (literally) and then says "We shall be married in the morning". So naturally, I scoffed at this and was like "oh right, we meet and are married in the morning and will live happily ever after". And then the movie goes on and the queen casts her to NYC and there she meets Robert who teaches her about the reality of life and she teaches him of course of happily ever afters and they end up in love and together and then Robert's girlfriend ends up with Prince Edward. So what had me thinking was the ending, when it showed Robert's girlfriend and the Prince getting married. This led me to thinking of a simpler time when roles were clearly defined and people knew what they had to do to make life work.

Now just so we are ALL CLEAR... I am a working mom who LOVES her work, and I totally understand the necessities of working and the importance of being with your family and that we live in the 21st century... this is just a train of thought that I am sharing with you!

Now... when the movie ended, I thought now they'll get married and have kids and live happily ever after. And we all know that "Happily Ever After" is relative... that one person's H.E.A might not be yours and there are different ways to define it. But I started to think... they'll have kids, she'll be the nurturer, he'll be the provider and they'll live that life. But wait a minute... why are there so many issues with THAT life? I am striving to live THAT life but still find myself longing for more.... why is that?

I mean, THAT life has worked for years and years and years... and then all of a sudden we decided it didn't and all hell broke loose! What I am referring to (in case you haven't realized) is the Women's Movement. Now HOLD ON! And stop badmouthing me under your breath! I'm not saying the Women's movement was bad.. lotsa good came out of it... changes of laws on reproductive rights, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, voting rights, sexual harassment etc. etc. What I'm referring to is the change in attitude that came from this.

All of a sudden, being a mom and caring for your kids and being the person to kiss all their boo-boos and teach them right from wrong, and taking care of your family and their health and their needs failed to be enough. Women wanted MORE... they wanted to be seen as the men (and I believe we are equal in every way), they wanted to be out there proving their worth instead of caged up in a house with their offspring all day. (I Am Woman Hear Me ROAR!) Now, this is what I see as a negative. Yes we are equal, I believe that! But that doesn't mean we have to pull the "anything you can do I can do better" thing. There is something special and quite noble about a woman who can truly find joy in loving, caring for and raising her family. (Now I am one of those who strives for MORE... I wish I didn't and am working towards finding true happiness and contentment in my primary role as a mother).

So my thoughts had led me to thinking of the past... thinking of that simpler time, when men worked hard to provide for and take care of their family, and when women where nurturing and loving and happy. (Not JUST happy to stay at home... but just overall... HAPPY!)

Ok, so like I mentioned before, I work and LOVE what I do. I am also a stay at home mom and am proud of it! I love my kids and I LOVE being the one who is there for them and who gets to see every side of them and watch them grow on a daily.. hourly.. second-by second basis!

Back to that simpler time... Roles were clearly defined, everyone knew what they did to make life work and it worked. Where they happy? Honestly? I think they were!

I picture a family where the husband gets up to go to work and the wife is there by his side, helping to make his morning easier. I picture that wife ironing his shirt (I HATE IRONING.... just a side-note) and I picture the husband giving her an appreciative kiss as he takes his shirt and buttons up his boots and gets ready for the morning. I picture the wife lovingly making him a hearty homemade breakfast that will help him to have the energy to go about his daily labours. I see their children waking up and doing some chores and having breakfast and I see them getting ready for school or other chores. I see them as a family seeing their father off and telling them they love him as he heads off to work. I see the Mother then helping the children finish getting ready for school and what not and singing a happy little tune as she tidies the kitchen and gets on with her day. I picture the mother cleaning and cooking and tending to their home which is her sanctuary and because of all of her diligence and hard work in making it beautiful and a haven, I see her enjoying it. I see the mother after a busy morning and some chores, reading a book in the afternoon or taking a nap. I see her getting dinner started and her husband coming home from a very busy day and helping set the table. I see the father playing with the kids and asking them about their days. I see the family sitting down for dinner and enjoying each others' company. I see the family kneeling in prayer at the end of the day to offer gratitude to their Father in Heaven for all that they have been blessed with... and aren't they blessed?

OK... now I know some if not MANY of you will tell me that I'm delusional and that's not how life is... that the kids will fight, the parents will fight, the house will be a mess and they'll all be miserable! (ok maybe that's a bit much). I wonder though... how that wife felt. If she felt like she was missing out on a stressful busy day at the office, or if she enjoyed being at home in HER home with her family. I wonder if that husband felt that he was doing all the work and his wife should step up to the plate and do more. If they are truly happy (and I suspect they are). I don't think so.

I think the wife understands her worth and her value in the home. I think she understands the potential she has to influence her children and her family in ways that no secondary caregiver ever could. I think the husband respects and appreciates his wife. I think he knows how much she works to tend to their family and is truly grateful for her as his equal partner.

I think the children see their parents' love for one another and it makes them feel happy and secure. I think they see that their parents don't love every thing they are doing, but they do it happily because they absolutely love whom they are doing it for.

I don't believe every day is a day full of bliss and cheer. I believe many hardships will come to this family, but because they are so happy to be working together and for one another that these hardships will come and go and that this family will remain in tact... completely unshaken.

This family in my mind, was living in a sweet cottage in the prairies sometime in the late 1800s or early 1900s... not unlike Anne of Green Gables. But that doesn't mean that we can't have this family in our homes today.

I am well aware of the drastic changes in time since the picture I had in my head would have been a reality... but that doesn't mean that we can't still have the same spirit that this family had.

I understand that we have sports and school and dance and work and a million things to complicate such a simple life... but still, I wonder... why are we so unhappy? Depression rates are increasing and we seem to be less happy and less content. Why is this? (Just an interesting side-note... that study said that generations have been increasingly more depressed since those born in 1915... since the women's movement started in the 50s... those women born in 1915 would have been 35 at the time of the movement... I'm just saying is all). But why are we getting increasingly more depressed? Didn't women like the one in my little picture get sad or depressed? Didn't they have extremely difficult lives and hormonal imbalances?

My sister-in-law and I were talking about a similar subject not too long ago, she had read a book in which they talked about this. They talked about how women now a days are over thinking, that we are so educated (not a bad thing) that we over analyze. In the book, the author interviews some elderly women, and asked what they did when they got depressed... and the women replied "depressed? Oh honey, we had some hard times, but we just pulled up our socks and worked through it". (Now those may not be the exact words... but something quite similar.) The book went on to say how now a days, we basically diagnose ourselves with all sorts of problems (and I'm not saying chemical depression is just a myth or anything.. trust me I know it isn't) when they just didn't have time or maybe even the knowledge of/for such things.

Now I really hope I didn't totally butcher that book but it made me think, why isn't it enough? Why do we always long for more? Why can't we be happy with what we have? Weren't they happy back then? Part of me wonders if it's that we now feel entitled to soo much. We should work too!(as if being a stay at home mom isn't loads and loads of work and I understand needing to work), We should have a bigger house, We should have a nicer car, We should etc. etc. But is that it? Do we feel entitled to so much that we lose sight of what we do have... and what is so quickly slipping away from us?

And to tell you the truth... this is where my thought process ends... I have no idea why we're so much unhappier as a society... more crime? more murder? would happier homes and families change that? Would a simpler life change that? I don't know... do you?

Nixon- Calgary's Cutest Kid!

2010-04-09T10:38:00.006-06:00

So our local radio station has a concert for Calgary's Cutest Kid! And I've entered Nixon in to win! We entered last year I think (maybe the year before) and didn't win, but I had entered both kids and may have split the vote that way lol. Anywho, Here's the link to vote for him... and you can vote once a day per browser (I voted for him today on firefox and safari).. I'm just sayin' is all ;)

http://cutestkid.vibemorningshow.com/showcase/View.aspx?ID=142886

If you are planning to support Nixon and vote for him, why not win a prize for doing so?! Check out the Urban Design Studio 1 Blog for more deets!

Busy Busy Busy! (Re-Post from UDS1 Blog)

2010-04-02T23:32:00.001-06:00

So I haven't been able to post for a while because I've been sooo busy doing exactly what I love! I have been spending time with family and doing a ton of work! Yes it's had it's stressful times, but overall I'm doing what I love and am completely enjoying it! I have been doing blog designs, finishing up some websites, working on logos and business cards and all sorts of graphicy goodness! My favourite project I've been working on has been a website for a charity called Child Rescue of North America. I really enjoyed working with Lindsay and donating some of my time and talents to help with their wonderful cause. I decided to do an interview with Lindsay to help promote their cause and spread the word about their charity so here's the interview:

What exactly does Child Rescue of North America do?
Child Rescue is a non-profit organization that exists to fight the horrors of child trafficking.
Isn't child trafficking mainly happening overseas?
It is true that the numbers are incredibly high in developing countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, and India but child trafficking happens in every region of the world including The US and Canada. This is one of the most important things for us to understand- that this is happening in our own back yard. There are an estimated 1,200 child trafficked into Canada each year and somewhere around 18,000 in the United States. These statistics are shocking to say the least, but when you see and hear the actual stories of young people exploited into sexual slaver you will connect in your mind and your heart that there are thousands upon thousands of these nightmare stories that are being realized right now as we speak.
Aren't local police taking care of this problem?
They do try but the funding and resources are just no where near where they need to be in order for them to have a chance. Training, equipment, constant incoming tips from the general public need to be provided in order for them to save more kids. They need simple things like servers to hold all of the information on these criminals so that when they are prosecuted they can have more evidence against them. This costs money, so we need to be apart of the solution.
Are there many other efforts being made to solve these problems?
Unfortunately not enough, human trafficking is the second largest criminal activity on the planet today. Sexual slavery is a nearly 30 billion dollar industry and is growing rapidly. These are huge numbers to combat so we need all the help we can get, but there are amazing government and law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and other groups doing there best to stop this unthinkable problem.
What is your main goal?
Our mission is to reduce child trafficking in the US and Canada by 90%before the end of 2019.
How do you plan to accomplish this goal?
We have intended to accomplish this by two main efforts intervention and education. Education will be a comprehensive approach, we are engaging in aggressive public awareness campaigns to generate enough disgust in the community to influence political will. We need to create the demand to end this! We also focus on supporting the actual Task forces that rescue kids from trafficking and we want to help finance education for law enforcement or other agencies so they can be more effective in their efforts. Education also includes teaching indivduals at risk how to avoid becoming trafficking vicitims. Intervention goes hand in hand with these educational models and includes strategies of financing equipment to law enforcement, providing services to victims, creating a tip hot line, and funding rehabilitation facilities.
How did you first hear about child trafficking?
I believe I first heard about it on the news years and years ago but it wasn't until I recently began to work for Child Rescue that I really understood the scoope of the problem and the startling numbers world wide let alone in the United States and or my home state of Utah.
Why did you decide to help head up this charity?
I have known the founders for years and they are some of the kindest most selfless people I have ever known but aside from the fantastic team I work with at Child Rescue I am a mother of two small children and I cannot think of a more worthy cause for my time and energy. All children deserve to be safe and to have their childhood preserved. All humanity is worthy of more. I just can't stand by any more.
Where can I learn more about this issue and how to help?
The most comprehensive report done to date was done by the US State Department Tip Report on Human trafficking 2009. You can find it on their website, also just google human trafficking and you can read and or see any number or articles or new reports on the issue. The information is everywhere, you just need to open your eyes.
How can I as a regular person help out?
There are many ways in which you can get involved both specifically in Child Rescue as well as in the anti-human trafficking movement. You can contribute your time by volunteering. We have an every increasing need for help in any capacity and Child Rescue staff are willing to figure out with you where and how you can best be involved. Some examples are promoting our benefit concert coming up this fall, working on branding and messaging, fundraising, helping to get the public aware of this issue, and or even just licking envelopes. If you yourself are not in a position to volunteer then you can help connect us to those who can. Your friends, family, or associates maybe willing and able and if you can send them our way we would appreciate it. Also, if you know business owners or influential celebrity type figures that could help our voice be heard you can be that link. You can also always give your money. Donate by visiting our website. You can pledge as little as 3 dollars a week or even contribute a one time $5 donation. Every penny counts. You truly are the difference in this fight!

Being a mother myself, I can't believe that this is happening seriously right in our own backyards! After researching more into the subject, I learned that my very own city is a part of 2 major child trafficking routes in Canada. It was such an eye opener that many of us really do live in a bit of a bubble and I have decided to help out with Child Rescue where I can. If you'd like to help out as well or donate, feel free to email Lindsay at childrescue@rescuingkids.org or visit their website at www.rescuingkids.org

And the Saga Continues (Part 3)

2010-02-21T07:38:00.012-07:00

Sorry this is being dragged out so long but life is crazy and kids have needs! So back to the story....

So we get into the major city and capital (Kingstown, also where my dad and his family grew up) and it reminds me very much of New York! There are street vendors everywhere -a very large marketplace- and half of them are selling bootlegged movies and music! Disney's Princess and the Frog was being pushed quite heavily when they saw Liv lol. It was like I'd said in the first post, such a different world. I loved that you had to interact with people in every setting. Walking down the street there's street vendors, and I love that they're not pushy. St.Vincent isn't uber touristy yet so 90% of the people who go through the markets are locals. So through the markets, you interact with people, at the grocery stores, there's at least 3 or 4 people at the checkouts working the cash, bagging, helping you to your car... I loved it! In Canada I usually favor self-checkouts and ATMS (usually drive-through) but it was so nice to feel so connected to so many people... it reminds you that people are people and I just really enjoyed it! So back to the markets, there was fruit of all kinds, there's a fish market by the harbour (I stayed away) and then you can buy clothes and stuff (all really highly priced and clearly from the states). I think the majority of people there do their shopping in a mixture, purchasing from people on the streets and in the grocery stores.

Market

So we decided to visit family first and then get our groceries before heading back to the guest house. We met up with my mom's cousin at the bank (love that they had ATMS that accepted our cards! We just withdrew and got out some Eastern Caribbean money or EC$ which looked a fair bit like Canadian $... maybe it's 'cause they're a part of the British Commonwealth as well so the Queen was on their moola too.). So my mom's cousin, Calvin was one of the only people I remembered 'cause he had just moved back to the Caribbean from New York and I remember visiting him in the States. So I think he had a busy day that do so we talked for a little bit and then we were off to my Grandpa's.

EC$

So my Grandpa is my Dad's father (my mom's dad died shortly after I was born) and my parents are divorced, but my mom is soo sweet. She gets along really well with my dad's family and she's the one who called and made arrangements to meet up with all of his relatives. Anywho, so it was wonderful to see my Grandpa, he has Glaucoma as does the majority of my dad's side and can hardly see, so it was soo nice to have him be with my children and meet them. He hasn't seen me since I was just a year or two older than Liv, He has pictures from my Dad, but I brought a large photo album with pictures of my family from the birth of Liv till now... don't think I put wedding ones in... but maybe.. can't remember. Anywho, we brought some gifts for him and my aunt Rosie lives with him and takes care of him, but she was working that day so we had a nice visit just with him. The kids just loved him! They sat on his lap and gave him tons of hugs and kisses... it was soo sweet! He happens to be their only great grandfather that's alive now and it was just so wonderful to see them together.... my family!

Grandpa & the Kids

After we visited with my Grandpa, we went back to the market, got the food we needed and then took another van-cab back to Layou (the town where the guest house was and where my mom and Grandma grew up).

So, the guest house wasn't anything extraordinarily beautiful, but it was perfect! It's kinda set up like a motel, each room has 2 double beds, a bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink, a wardrobe to hang clothes in and a TV (only one channel). Our room also had a mini-fridge which was awesome for us 'cause Nixon pounded through a LOT of milk! Our room also adjoined to another room which we had the kids in. So there was about 10 or 12 rooms and then on the main floor, there was a big kitchen with a little rec-room typed thing attached. So we had a fridge and stove and cooked a bunch of our meals, it was really nice not to have to eat out 3 x a day for 2 weeks!

The Guest House

Liv eating in the rec area, my mom cooking in the kitchen, Nixon sitting on the step

One of my favourite things about St.Vincent was how much fruit there was and how green it was! At the base of the guesthouse there was a fairly large open green space with a couple of mango trees, and some orange trees and some lime trees and a fruit called sugar apple, Papaya and Coconut... among some pretty flowers and plants! It was soo neat to see so much that you can use and live off of. When I got home, it seemed like such a waste that we have all these ornamental trees that pretty much don't do anything. Anywho, I just loved how simple it was... we wanted limeade... so we picked some limes and made some juice... we wanted a mango, we went and picked one! I was beginning to think I could live here happily ever after lol... I really didn't miss home at all... just my friends and family!

Some of the Fruits & Flowers that were at the guesthouse

Part Two...

2010-02-19T22:57:00.010-07:00

So we get to St.Vincent and it's night time, hot and we're exhausted! It is soo humid and oh the warmth was just wonderful... it was kinda funny, in the airport, there were guys wearing jeans, shirts and thick hoodies... I was slightly confused... Anyways we get there and all we want to do is GO TO SLEEP! Luckily, my uncle who owns the guest house we're staying at had made arrangements for someone to pick us up at the airport. So we get into this big van and drive. I was pretty excited despite the overwhelming exhaustion that was coming on, but I looked out the window and thought it was so amazing to have stepped into such a different world... the people on the streets, the music, the scenery... it was dark, but I could tell how different life there was, sooo different, yet so simple and so beautiful and so inviting.

We finally pulled up to the place, and walked up some stairs, found our room, and went to bed!
The next morning, I showered, got dressed, helped the kids get ready and then Nick came in from outside asking if I'd looked out yet. I hadn't and he insisted that I should. The night before it was soo dark we could hardly tell where we were let alone see any kind of scenery, so I decided to look...

Isn't it beautiful?

I was soo excited... we were in paradise, I was gonna meet my family I hadn't seen in forever and I was just soo excited! So the first day, we made a few phone calls to relatives and then decided to go into town to get some money, food and visit a few people. So.... we decided to hail a cab...

Now cabs in the Caribbean are not your typical taxi... they are people... anyone who'd like to... who buy a 15ish passenger van complete with NO seatbelts, they paint it so you know it's theirs, and then shove as many people as humanly possible into it (like 20 min), charge you all a few bucks and drive as fast and crazy as they possibly can until you tell them where to let you off and do that all day long. So, to enter into such an adventure, you stand on the side of the road and wave at the said death trap, if they aren't full to the max (and sometimes even if they are) they pull over, usually a few feet ahead of you because they're going so fast that they drive past you, and you climb in, sometimes over people and take your seat... or portion thereof. Did I mention that fearing for your life due to the speed and clear negligence for any safety laws was only a small fear as you look out the windows and see the crazily windy roads (purposely built as such to reduce the speed of motor vehicles) and the fact that you're positive you're gonna end up in a head-in collision with some oncoming traffic because you keep forgetting they drive on the left here, but it doesn't really matter because the roads are so narrow that there's no humanly way possible that 2 vehicles can make it going in opposite directions... yet they do... and somehow, miraculously... you survive!

The Long Awaited Post

2010-02-14T08:32:00.002-07:00

So I have no idea why it's taken me so long to post about our vacation but here it goes!

So after Christmas we headed to the Caribbean! My parents were both born and raised on an Island called St.Vincent. It's pretty close to Barbados and not too far from Venezuela. I've visited before but when I was 3, 5, and then not again 'til this year... when I'm 24! So needless to say it was very much like visiting for the first time! So here's the story from the beginning:

Flights from Canada to Barbados only leave from Toronto, so our first leg of the trip was boarding a plane to the T-Dot at 12:00AM! Or something like that. It was sooooo much fun with the kids (3 1/2 and about to turn 2). Sorry if you got a little damp from the dripping sarcasm there... anywho... so the wait in the airport and the plane ride really wasn't too bad... the kids seemed to be fairly decent... Liv fell asleep and well.. Nick had Nixon! So the girls got some rest on the 5 hour flight and then we met up with my Mom in Toronto and waited just a couple hours for our next flight to Barbados! So that went not too bad either except the boy hardly slept! Then we get to Barbados! OH MAN!

Barbados was warm and beautiful and we started to get excited for our vacation... until...
Until we had to wait in line and go through customs even though we were just hopping on another flight! Well.. the plane to St.Vincent only allows you 1 piece of checked luggage per person unlike our planes from Canada.. (and a baby doesn't count... they have more crap than the rest of us!) which was fine for my family... but my mom had extra baggage so we had to juggle luggage around while at the front of the line to check in and while trying to make our next flight which was leaving VERY soon! (within 30 min) So... we move stuff around, get it all done and then we have to go through security and OH YA since we shuffled our crap around Nick's shaving kit ends up in a carry on and they throw out like all of his stuff.... toothpaste, shaving cram, hair stuff etc. etc.! AND our kids start freaking out and crying!

SO Nick is the first one through security... my mom and I are juggling all our carry on stuff, trying to take off belts and shoes, dealing with rude Airport people (VERY common in Barbados) and both kids while trying to get out passports and what not when Liv decides to have an even bigger freak out and that she doesn't want to go on another plane and wants to go back home... So what does she do?! SHE BOOKS IT BACK THE WAY WE CAME! Oh man I was about to kill her! SO I had to drop all my stuff and chase her down the airport!I catch up to her and she starts screaming and kicking (14+hours after we started with only like a 2-3hour nap when she's supposed to be asleep for the night... think she's tired much?)!

So I get Liv, we get through security with lots of looks and comments and then book it to the plane that has already boarded! We make it on the plane and are the last ones there... 30 minutes later, we're in St.Vincent! FINALLY!

Liv on the Plane.... when she was happy!

To Be Continued.... (wanted to add dramatic effect and I'm kinda tired lol)

LDS Apostles

2010-02-07T08:20:00.003-07:00

So for those of you who are not LDS, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is led by a Prophet (kinda like the pope) and then he has 2 Apostles and that makes up the 1st Presidency. Then there are 12 others that make up the Quorum of the 12 Apostles and then there are other groups but for now that's all I need to clarify lol.

So I really want my kids to learn more about the religion we live and although just about every LDS kid can tell you who their Prophet is, they usually can't tell you much about the rest of the leaders of their church, and I really want to teach my kids more. So today, I found this awesome video on You Tube that a group of LDS singers made and I'm gonna play it for Liv so she can learn their names and a little about the 1st Presidency and 12 Apostles of our church. I think we're gonna do a Family Home Evening Lesson about it too. Here it is:

Toy Collection

2010-02-05T18:48:00.003-07:00

I know I know... still not an update? What's wrong with me... yaddi yaddi yaddi! OK, enough with my stern reprimand... here's my post:

So, as most of you know, we recently returned from a trip to St.Vincent where my family is from. While there we had many fun adventures of which I PROMISE I will blog about soon. But while we were there, we went to church which was fun and no different from home (except for the beautiful scenery around and the warm climate) anywho... long story short, the kids in their nursery were playing with toys that were older than me (by like 10 or 15 years) and broken. I was humbled when I saw how grateful they were for what they had and how the children still played happily and not one of them uttered a simple complaint. (and these toys were like REALLY broken... like where we would have disposed of them long ago.) Now, to back track a little bit, Nick and I have always wanted to offer some kind of help to the island, not that it's destitute or anything like that, just many of the things we take for granted here cost a lot of money there and aren't on the tops of their priorities. We're wanting to do something bigger, but we still haven't decided yet, and that probably won't happen for some years to come, but we thought at least for now we could help out our fellow Latter Day Saints and send them a care package. We will take care of all the shipping but are wondering if anyone has any new or used toys in good condition that they'd like to donate. There are two branches of our church there, and we're wanting to send them some toys and other things that might brighten their days and just help. We dont' know exactly what else we wanna send 'cause they're all in uniformed schools so they have dress shirts and shoes and pants but maybe they get worn out easily? I dunno...but if you'd like to help out you can drop toys off at my house, call me and I'll come get em from yours or bring em to church and I'll take em there. Nick thinks some basketballs and stuff for the older kids.

Yes Yes I'm posting again and No this isn't an update sorry!

2010-02-03T13:25:00.003-07:00

So Most of you know or have heard about my talented and fun friend Carla. She owns Savour the Art of Food a delectable company offering cooking classes, catering services and now PERSONAL CHEF SERVICES!!!! You heard me right... she will come to your home and cook you food! What on EARTH can be better than that? I love to cook, but I would never turn down a meal from Carla haha! So I'm posting because I love her and think she's amazazing.. but also 'cause she's doing a giveaway on her blog for said personal chef service AND I WANT IT! haha I enter all her draws and never win but this time I feel it haha! So check out her blog for an awesome personal chef service giveaway!

Olivia-isms

2010-01-28T16:56:00.003-07:00

So I know I have SOOOO MUCH blogging to catch up on... but Liv's just tooo funny! This was our convo like 2 minutes ago haha:

Me: Guess What?! Gigi (Aunt Meg) is coming over and we're gonna have a..... (waiting gingerly for her response)
Olivia: A BABY!!!!!
Me: No... A PIZZA PARTY!

oh dear lol!

Giveaway on the business blog!

2009-11-20T14:28:00.003-07:00

Giveaway on the business blog! Check it out to win a FREE custom holiday photo card design! Make sure to leave a comment and tell me how you entered!

Free Custom Holiday Photo Card Giveaway!

A Day Of Rememberance

2009-11-11T20:02:00.004-07:00

So today we took our kids to the war museum here in Calgary in honor of remembrance day. We taught them about the poppy and about their great grandpas who fought in the war. It was such a wonderful experience and the ceremony made me tear up. I am so grateful for those brave men who fought in those wars and their wonderful wives who supported them, and for all they gave up for their country and for our freedoms... some even their lives. I am grateful for those brave men and women who are fighting today, for their efforts in trying to make a difference. I love this country and am so proud to be called a Canadian. I feel so blessed to have been born and raised in such a free and peaceful country and love our American neighbors and in my case, family members and friends, and all they do as well to make this world a better and safer place. I can't imagine sending my son or husband away not knowing if they will come back or what will happen, but am so grateful for the strength and faith those men and women had then and so many still have today. Below are some pictures of Nick's Grandpa Bridge (look like someone you know?) He was a veteran and a wonderful man, and along with Nick's Grandpa Larsen who was also a veteran and amazing man, we are remembering them today.
Lest we forget.

5 years and still going strong

2009-11-06T22:12:00.005-07:00

So our anniversary was a month ago, but I still wanted to post. We've been married for 5 years and it's been wonderful! Don't get me wrong, we totally had our problems and fights, but our love for each other has never been so strong. Nick is so patient with me and I love that about him. He's like that with the kids too. A trait I'm working very hard on... And even though sometimes it takes him a little longer than others, he gets me! I feel so grateful to have him in my life and to be with such a wonderful person every day. He's always willing to work on our marriage and to keep it strong and I just love that about him. Anyways, I'm grateful for how far we've come over the past 5 years and can't wait for an eternity more!

Look at how cute he is! I just love that boy!

So I'm now selling Blog Templates -Take a look!

2009-10-31T10:36:00.003-06:00

Here's the link to my website and blog templates. I'm thinking about doing a "Template Thursday" and releasing a new template each week... maybe doing a "Friday Freebie" where I offer something... what do you think? What would you want offered?

Oh Man... that boy!

2009-10-27T18:21:00.003-06:00

And What Do You Suppose I Found In Here Yesterday?!

Yes... Yes this IS another entry about that dreaded 4 letter word... POOP!

So Yesterday, Nick stayed home from work 'cause he had been sick all weekend and wasn't feeling good then either... Well, when we woke up, I felt sick, so he let me sleep in and watched the kids for a bit. I vaguely remember him asking Nixon if he pooped in his room and then cleaning it up. Fine... that was done right?.. WRONG! Everytime I went into his room I couldn't get why it smelled... I stripped his bed, put ALL the sheets in the wash, searched for diapers, but the smell still lingered. As I was putting him down for the night I noticed the smell was really strong by the head of his bed (which is a crib mattress for now by the way). And looked around and all I saw was.... the vent! "Oh no" I thought... "He couldn't have!"... well He Could have... and he did! He had somehow either hovered over it and pooped or moved the fecal matter into the vent... and then replaced the top! I am so lucky I found it within the day and didn't have the heat blaring and... well you get the picture! Seriously? Where does he get it? Nick & I didn't know whether to laugh or be mad... it is kinda funny...

Latest in Olivianess!

2009-10-23T13:29:00.003-06:00

Olivia: "Mom, I know! We should have 2 boys and 2 girls!"
Me: "We should? Where?"
Olivia: "In our house!"
Me: "Where are we going to get the other girl and boy from?"
Olivia: "Ummm... from the baby store!"

She's such a ham! Honestly... where does she think of this?

Whoah Nelly!

2009-10-21T14:41:00.003-06:00

So it just feels like life is going by sooo fast! I remember when I had been married like 6ish months waking up one morning and just being amazed at where I was in life. It was like in the movies when you see them and then in a flash you see them 20 years later. Sometimes (like this morning) I feel like life has skipped ahead so quickly and I should still be like back in high school or something. Anyone else get this or am I just crazy? It's not like I'm not happy or don't love my life, I am very happy at where I am in life and love my family. I dunno, I just feel like it's going too fast! I can remember riding my bike around the neighborhood for hours with my friends in elementary/junior high school and now I'm married and teaching my own kids to ride bikes. I feel like I should stop sleeping or something to make the time last longer. Before I know it my kids will be starting school and then graduating and then getting married and having their own kids! Oh man... but that's all the joy of growing and experiencing all the different seasons there are to life right? As excited as I am for all of these things to happen, I think my new goal in life is to take some time to breathe, relax and really try to enjoy each season. Funny... as I'm writing this the leaves have turned and snow has come and melted and more should be on its way in the next few months and I realize that I didn't enjoy summer as much as I wanted. So I will take a lesson that I learn each fall when I regret how much time I spent indoors during the beautiful months of summer and apply it to my life in a much grander way and make a goal to not look back and regret not spending enough time with the kids, or Nick or doing the things I love. I know that life gets in the way and I can't spend EVERY minute of my life doing something I ABSOLUTELY love, but I can try a little harder, complain a little less and just enjoy each season, even if it is the dead of winter...

Thoughts...

2009-10-16T20:01:00.005-06:00

So I find myself on a friday evening reclining while watching Liar Liar with my laptop and a pint of Haagen Dazs Mayan Chocolate ice cream. Nixon's asleep, Liv's at her cousins for a sleepover and Nick's somewhere on the road between here and Edmonton returning from a business meeting. Now what do I do? I look around me and see my basement covered in food, toys and playdough, yet the urge to clean does not seem to manifest, no matter how much I say "I should...". I am quite behind with work and know that more is coming in the week, but still.... no urges. So, I do something that I frequently neglect and haven't done in some time... I blog. Now, what to blog about? Well, you've all seen my new blog design by now, and Yes, I do blogs as well as all that other stuff. I really love the way my blog turned out, it feels very.. ME! But this isn't my business blog, so enough about that. Lately I've been full of gratitude. I feel like I have so much and don't really deserve it. We have a beautiful home, a vehicle I LOVE, two happy, healthy children, a happy home, an amazing husband who is just so good to me despite my clear insanity and my amazing friends. I think that if I had to pick the 2 things that I was the most grateful for this year, it would be the gospel (even though I'm really not the best at living it to my fullest, but that's what progression is for right?) and for the people I have around me, both friends and family. My two closest friends, Kelly & Bree have been so good to me, they really are both just amazing women and I'm so happy to have them in my life, especially over this last year. I have so many other wonderful friends and really miss my close ones from Winnipeg & from childhood. As I reflect, I realize that this year has been an especially tough one. Despite my many blessings, I have had a rough time, figguring out post-partum depression that seemed to fester into I don't know what; stresses of managing a home, a business, partnering with some amazing women for another business, the guilt of my businesses, being a good mommy, wifey and friend and who knows what else! But looking back, all I can say is that I survived! And that survival was in large part to my best friends. They made me smile and talked me through a whole lot of issues, they took my kids, they threw parties, they let me vent, stress and cry. But most importantly, they let me just be me, and didn't judge me one bit for doing so. To them I am unbelievably and forever grateful. I know the Lord had a special plan when he put those women in my path, they are exactly what I need and combined with my wonderful Husband, they keep me going. I love them, I love Nick, I love my sweet little babies and I am truly grateful for the peace and joy I have been feeling recently.

BLOG DESIGN GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2009-10-04T23:53:00.003-06:00

Hey all!
So, the official blog for Urban Design Studio 1 (formerly, "Keshia Larsen Designs") is now up! You can get to it by clicking here. I know it has been a long time coming and the site will be up next week, but I wanted to get some things rolling including A GIVEAWAY!!!!
So, for those of you who are unfamiliar with our work, we offer our services in all things design, including:

Websites
Blogs
Logos
Ads
Businsess Cards
Photo baby/birth announcements & cards
Photo wedding invitations & collections
And now offering Wedding Websites!

So to kick off our new company, we are offering a free blog design! Here's how to win, check out my company blog button on the right (------>), add it to your blog, go back to the uds1 blog and tell me that you did it! (You get an extra entry if you follow us!)

Excellent, and thanks for supporting the new company!

SAVOUR = YUMMY!!!

2009-09-14T16:05:00.004-06:00

So, my good friend, Carla has this amazing company with amazing food! (and design haha) She caters weddings, events (big or small) and does... wait for it... COOKING CLASSES! How awesome is that? She is major talented and a whole lotta fun! here's her site:

(http://www.savourfood.ca)
and her blog:
http://www.carla-savourfood.blogspot.com/

Check it out, give her a call, you're sure to be AMAZED!

You might be a redneck if...

2009-08-23T22:34:00.006-06:00

(this one I took...)

For Nick's birthday, I bought him tickets to see Jeff Foxworthy. Kelly & Weston came with and it was a good time! Jeff was so funny! We had the absolute worst seats in the house though, completed with sitting next to THAT PERSON! You know that person... the one who laughs entirely too loud at the jokes that should only warrant a chuckle, that person that while he laughs even harder at the jokes that should warrant a regular laugh keels over and hits your leg (as if you didn't hear the joke too). And, according to Kelly who had the misfortune of sitting directly beside him, that person who smells like soup... and not the good kind! Despite THAT PERSON, it was an awesome evening that included a story about a guy getting his nipple bitten off by a beaver, many stories about his book signings at Walmart and the encounters with many rednecks there, a very well supported theory on age and size appropriate clothing (if you are over 15, you should NOT have "juicy" written on your bum...) and of course, ending off with his signature "You might be a redneck if..." jokes. It was a good time!

Aunt Gigi

2009-08-23T22:11:00.003-06:00

Nick's sister and her now husband (pictures to come) are so much fun! Our kids just adore them. Nick's sister is Meg but Liv decided to call her Gigi and it's just stuck. Her husband Jorge is a complete riot, he's just so much fun! They are wonderful together, both so happy and a bundle of fun! I can't wait to see them with their own kids in the future 'cause our kids think they're the best! They watch our kids for us overnight whenever we need to get away (which surprisingly has been a couple times this summer) and are frequent guests at our dinner table. I love having them around, they bring such a happiness to our home and our lives! Oh and the pictures... ya, they pretty much speak for themselves, if they were your aunt and uncle wouldn't you think they were awesome? (I love how in the 1st one you can see Nixon on the swing watching them... he looks confused).

Fun at the ranch

2009-08-23T21:56:00.004-06:00

Our dear friends Kelly & Weston have this amazing Ranch not too far away. We have so much fun going out there and hanging out, whether it be photo shoots with the girls, horseback riding, quadding, dirt biking, or just hanging out having a BBQ, it's so much fun. They're some of our closest friends and I love just hanging out with them. We can sit and gab for hours and never get sick of each other. I love that it's not just us and Kel & Wes though, their kids are a riot and we have so much fun with them too! They pile our kids around and take them on the quad or just out to play. These pics are of the kids hanging out in the horse corral (also very useful for children) and of Ashley sporting a hot look of liv's sun hat and some dirt biking gear!

The amazing talents of Miss Stephanie

2009-08-23T21:47:00.005-06:00

So my sister-in-law is an amazing aspiring seamstress! A couple of months ago she came by with this dress for Liv that she just whipped up! She is amazing! She doesn't use patterns or anything and just dreams up designs and likes to try new things out. I thought this dress was so sweet, not just because it is absolutely adorable, which it is, but because it was just out of the blue, she just thought of Liv and wanted to make her a special dress! Liv loves her new dress and I think what she loves most about it is saying that her Aunt Stephanie made it for her! I love my sister-in law and am so happy to spend my life with her, she is one of my dearest friends, and although life has been getting in the way of us spending much time together lately, she's wonderful and I love every minute I get with her!
This dress is just the beginning of the amazing talents of miss Stephanie! (more to come... more to come!)

Edmonton Bound!

2009-08-23T21:18:00.009-06:00

So we had a ton of fun this summer, and it all started with a trip to Edmonton. Nick's cousins live up there and we have so much fun with them! We just hung out and played for a few days and went to West Edmonton Mall were liv (somewhat due to her massive hair) was tall enough to get on a bunch of the rides. She had so much fun on the little airplane that goes surprisingly high for a children's ride! We went to the park and had a barbecue with some family home for a visit from the states and Europe and just had an overall blast! I love having family that your close to and get along with so well! It's also fun that they're not too far away and a weekend trip is easy to do!

Watching the Sea Lion show at West Ed:

Liv Flying a plane!

I love family!

A Day at the park with a cousin!

the two peas

2009-08-23T20:28:00.005-06:00

My little Bruiser:

so I am pretty sure that Nixon is going to be "that kid" You know who I'm talking about that kid in school who always had a scar or broken limb, that kid who's parents get called to come in 'cause he was showing off on top of the monkey bars and now needs stitches, or a cast... or both! I am confident in my thought that Nixon will be "that kid" because he already is! No broken bones yet (knock on wood) but he's got scrapes and scars like crazy! Last week he cracked his back on the side of Liv's beds while doing somersaults and jumping, so I went to console him and he pushed me away and did another somersault over her foot board! Also, if you were to look at his back, you'd see a pretty nasty looking scar from him running through the house and jumping onto the couch so hard that he bounced off and fell onto a toy! These particular pictures are from a run-in with he vacuum earlier this summer. He was running around and tried to tackle it and cut his eyelid. Lucky no stitches, but it did turn into a tough little scar! These pictures remind me of what guys look like after a boxing or UFC match, swollen and cut up! I don't know if this is typical of all little boys, but I am DEFINITELY noticing a difference across the genders! Liv was busy, but busy playing where Nixon's busy getting into as much mischief as he possibly can between naps and meals. He keeps me on my toes... that's for sure!

My girly tom-boy!

I have so much fun dressing up my kids! I know everyone says it's not as fun dressing up boys but I totally think it is! Girls though... they're just a whole different kind of fun! Liv loves to get all pretty and have her nails painted and put on a new dress! Now, any of you that know me know that I'm not super girly... I clean up just fine and can act the part, but it does take a little effort for me to get in touch with my inner "girly-girl" and yes, she is in there beneath a few sports injuries and concussions! Liv is the perfect balance though, she'll get dressed in a pair of tights and a pink shirt, occasionally a tu-tu) and then go out back and collect worms and bugs. She is a girly tom-boy, it's awesome! She has no problem wrestling with her dad and brother and then strapping on some ballet shoes! The first pic I just love, she's in an adorable little outfit and just hanging out, the other pics are her in a cute little tunic dress I bought for her. I love how photogenic she is!

Here we go again!

2009-08-23T20:12:00.004-06:00

Ok, so I'm not even gonna mention how long it's been since I last posted (I'm sure you are all aware of my summer slacking) or how crappy of a blogger I am. I'm just gonna go ahead and start again and as I do the song from "OK GO" seems to come to mind... so "here we go, here we go, here we go again"!!!! (funny story about that song to come in a future post).

I don't even know where to start.. so how about at the top of my picture list! So here are some pictures I took months ago of the kids playing in our bookshelves. They're so funny, they both just love small spaces and hiding anywhere they can find. So often I'll go upstairs and hear giggling coming out of either the linen closet or liv's closet. sooo funny! I do love how much they're starting to play together though. They're definitely falling into the brother/sister role and one minute they're the best of friends and the next they're ready to rip each other's hair out... literally! But they've been so much fun and even though there are many trying times, I've had so much fun watching them grow into little people with their own likes and dislikes and interests and crazy reasoning for all sorts of things. Those kids brighten my days and just make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! I may complain and stress a lot, but I love being a mom, and I just adore my sweet little babies!

Hinting at something?

2009-07-12T16:44:00.004-06:00

So I will post and update you on my life in a little bit, but I thought I'd share Liv's latest words of wisdom. (this happened like 2 minutes ago as we were walking up the stairs)

Liv: Mommy, there's a lot of room in your tummy.
Me: There is?
Liv: Yup!
Me: There's a lot of room for what?
Liv: For kids!

You think she's hinting at something? haha... and just to make sure we're all clear on this... NO I am not pregnant!

She said...

2009-06-03T08:42:00.003-06:00

This morning when I was changing:
Olivia: Mom! You have shells just like the Little Mermaid!
Mom: What?
Olivia: You have SHELLS!!! Just like the Little Mermaid!
Mom: I guess I do
Olivia: What colour are they?
Mom: I dunno, what colour are they?
Olivia: White!

Just now as she was watching Roxy:
Olivia: Mom.. they don't talk!
Mom: What? Why don't you want me to talk?
Olivia: No, Doggies and Piggies... they don't talk!
Mom: Well they do in their own languages.
Olivia: Oh.
(a few minutes later)
Olivia: Mom, only people talk, like you... and me.... and my daddy.... but my brother doesn't talk...

So funny... you gotta love this girl!

Adventures in Breesitting! (warning.. this is a loong one!)

2009-05-29T15:03:00.014-06:00

Haha like that title? Clever huh? (in case you are too young to know... or too old to remember, it's a play on "adventures in babysitting" (late 80's film)) ANYWHO.. the tagline for the movie is:"She thought babysitting was easy money - until she started hanging out with the Andersons."
So.. my tagline for this post will be: "She thought being a stay at home mom was slightly boring - until she started hanging out with Bree Johnson."
hahaha ok so I haven't posted in a while, but I wanted to recap some of my eventful adventures with the Bestest friend ever!

-Adventure # 1 (not our 1st.. but 1st I'll blog about) -The Settee!

Oh man, so this beauty was at the dump in Okotoks (Actually Salvage Yard but Dump sounds funnier). So we were at the dump (where the salvage yard is located) and Bree stopped dead in her tracks! She had found a Settee! Actually, I think she fell in love with the chair first, but whatever. After humming and haaing over it for quite some time she figgured she probably wouldn't have enough cash to buy both (sometimes they suggest the size of your "donation") but she was set on the chair. After tracking down a worker, she asked "how much" and to her amazement, the worker said... $15 for the set. "SOLD!" haha so that was the easy part! We couldn't fit both in either of our vehicles, so we had to put the couch aside until we could come back the next day with my truck. They had us haul it accross the salvage yard and into a room... it was funny, but awesome! So we paid and all was well. The next day, we went back and this awesom rugby player from Wales helped us carry and tie down the settee to my truck.. .it was quite the event!

-Adventure #2 -Saskatoon Berry Farm

This actually should be like adventure 1.5 'cause it occurred in between trips to the Salvage Yard, but meh. So... Bree and her Succulents!!! haha. We went to the SBF 'cause Bree was wanting succulents and I wanted to show her how awesome it is with the beautiful plants and just diviineness! So, since I was driving the truck (to pick up the Settee, Bree had my van... with ALL 4 KIDS! haha it was hilarious! She said it was fun singing ABC's with Liv and I wish we got a picture of all those car seats! It was LEGENDARY! The kids loves the SBF 'cause there are some sheep, pigs, chickens, dogs and lots of pretty things to look at! There was an old mechanical horse that was only a quarter a ride! It was soo much fun!

-Adventure #3 -Vintage Shopping!

Well.. more like adventures 3-25 lol we go vintage hunting a fair bit! But Bree has this draw to hats! She LOVES old hats and I swear everytime we go out she finds another one to try on! She hasn't bought any yet.. but she has had her eye on many a vintage hats! Oh man though.. vintage shopping with us is a complete gongshow! Our kids leave trails of food, nearly brake things, scream, cry... but we LOVE it! The vendors never seem to mind when we come in either! It's just soo much fun seeing all of the old treasures and wondering who owned them and what their stories are! We have been vintage shopping this year more than we probably would because we're both doing Antiqued Kids' rooms. Lotsa fun! Next time we go.. why don't you come along? The more chaos the better haha!

-Adventure #4 Spa & Okotoks Day!
So for Mother's Day Nick (with some encouragement) got me a spa day! Well it wasn't like a full day although it took up most of the afternoon! Anywho, I went to the spa and Bree came along! We got pedicures which were delightful.. mainly because they had awesome massage chairs and put us close to each other so we could talk and laugh the whole time. After the pedicures, I got a massage and my eyebrows done while Bree just relaxed and enjoyed some alone time! It was Heavenly! We had such a good time together there and then we went to some of the Boutiques which was extra funny 'cause it was raining so we were running through the rain from store to store jumping over puddles and laughing our heads off! One of the best days ever! At one of the stores they had the CUTEST hats so we both bought one and I'm sure you've seen us wearing them 'cause we both do all the time haha.

(sad, can't find my other pictures from this) -Adventure #5 (really occurred well before "Adventure #1" but meh! -Bree's surprise Birthday Party!
So I facebooked Brandon and told him I wanted to throw Bree a surprise party.. he had no problem letting me do that and it was awesome! haha I had so much fun.. it had a james bond theme because we were all sneaky and then we went Laser tagging but I gave the address of one place and the directions to another and everyone else surprised Bree while Nick & I sat waiting at the place we usually go to and then we all met up and it was hilarious! Oh man! Then we went back to my place where we drank fancy drinks and laughed all night! Such a good time!

-Adventure # 6 -MY surprise Birthday Party!
haha so this is a good one lol! Apparently Bree & Steph (my sis-in-law and dear friend) were planning this for some time and Steph was awesome at not letting me know anything! Bree on the other hand lol... No.. Bree was great! I knew something was up.. but I didn't know what. I knew she wanted to take me out for my bday so I thought we were gonna get food and then come back to someone's house and ppl would be there... UNTIL she made a phone call! She said she had to call Brandon and tell him to close the garage except Stephanie who was really on the other line was loud and very high-pitched! SO I knew it wasn't Brandon, but I didn't know who it was. We got to the restaurant and a bunch of my favourite people ever were there! IT was awesome! I loved it! Best birthday ever!

Oh how I love my little Doe! And that concludes the adventures... for now haha!

Things that make me Happy!

2009-05-14T14:49:00.005-06:00

So I'm still not done all the updates and pictures I have to post... so these are some things that make me happy!

Tulips! Well... any flowers in general! I do especially love tulips because they mean springtime and easter! They just seem like such cheerful flowers! So happy and promising... they're like a promise to the world that winter is over for now... and springtime is here! I had to buy these tulips and brighten up my kitchen!

My new Zebra Purse! We went shopping to Deerfoot Outlet mall and I found this beautiful purse! It's no secret that I have this weird infatuation (now more like an obsession) with Zebras... I don't know what it is.. they are just so beautiful (not their sound though... that's fairly annoying). Well you've probably seen me sporting this purse around proudly! (which is funny because I really am not much of a purse person...)

Easter!

2009-05-14T11:40:00.007-06:00

Yeah, I know Easter was like a month ago... but here are some pictures anyway! Liv had so much fun painting eggs with us.. she asks to paint them all the time!

Here are some pics from their Easter Egg Hunt... The Easter Bunny left a tu-tu basket for Liv and a Zebra backpack for Nixon on the front doorstep and little bunny footprints to all of the treats! The kids loved it! Well.. Liv did.. Nixon was more excited for the first thing he grabbed lol.

The Bunny got them a big present as well, Liv got a book, a kite (she's been wanting one) and a bubble gun.. Nixon got a book, and some balls, Nick got a Lindt bunny and his fave candy I think. It was a fun Easter! We also gave the kids a book on the Easter Story... it was....legendary!

Playing in the Backyard

2009-05-14T11:04:00.005-06:00

So I'm catching up on some old posts I've been meaning to do... this is from one of the first warm days this year. My kids LOVE being outside and Roxy enjoyed the freedom of being able to pee wherever without getting yelled at lol. I look forward to a summer in the backyard with lots of sunshine and picnics!

The Love of My Life

2009-05-07T08:54:00.004-06:00

So I wanted to pay a little tribute to Nick, I have been blogging (inconsistently) for a while now, but I really haven't blogged a whole ton about my husband. Recently, I became even more aware of how special our relationship is, and how lucky we are to have each other. But mostly, how lucky I am to have him! Nick is a wonderful man, he's so selfless and kind, and is always trying to do whatever he can to keep his (unstable) wife happy. He holds his friends in such a high regard, as close as family. He reminds me of what it was like back in the day when your word meant everything and deals were made on an oath and a handshake! He really is just this amazing man that I know the lord put into my path! We all have our ups and downs, but he seems to always be able to see the bigger picture, and isn't afraid to apologize or make things right. I love this man with all of my heart! He's such a wonderful father, our kids just adore him, but I don't blame them.. I do too! He is just soo kind to me and everyone he meets. I don't think I've ever seen him be mean to anyone... Even this week.. I've been gone EVERY night this week, and during the day I've been gone or working. I did manage to get a bunch of laundry washed & dried, but the mountain of those clean clothes on top of the couch just kept multiplying and the floors were a disaster, and when I came home from a long evening out, he had folded the laundry and cleaned the kitchen! I know that to some of you that may not seem like a big deal, but I'm grateful that he does those small things for me, and that he doesn't complain either! (Not even when I leave at 6:30 and come home after midnight... he just asked me if I had fun!) I am so grateful that I get to spend eternity with him! This fall we'll be celebrating our 5th year anniversary, and I can't wait to see what the coming years have to bring! I love this man so much.. and he truly is the love of my life!

Little Pink Orchard!

2009-05-05T07:06:00.004-06:00

So, one of my very dearest friends has opened up her own etsy shoppe and I just love it! She is so amazingly talented! She's doing some of the cutest little onesies and pillows! Right now she's doing a giveaway! If you mention her store and what your fave item is you can get it free or a custom made item! I'm getting a pillow done for Liv's room, so whether I win or not... I'm getting her to make me a custom one! so here's her shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7195444

and my fave item? Well.. I know it's going to be the one she custom makes for me... but until then.. I LOVE the silhouettes and the coral... and the little pink owl.....
here's some of her work so you can see for yourself!:

a madnagass!

2009-05-04T17:28:00.003-06:00

Liv (wearing one shoe and holding a chew toy and a handful of grass): Mom... can you help me make a madnagass?
Me: A what?
Liv: A madnagass!
Me: I don't know what that is... What are you saying?
Liv: I need to make a madnagass!
Me: What's is it for? I don't know what that is honey.
Liv: It's to look for clues!
Me: Oh.. a magnifying glass?
Liv: Yes! A madnagass!
Me: Well, why do you need to look for clues? What are you looking for?
Liv: My other croc!
Me: I'm sorry hun, we can't make a magnifying glass out of grass.
Liv: Yes you can! see! (as she places her treasure in a pile on the lawn)

My Happy Song haha!

2009-04-30T20:43:00.004-06:00

So whenever I'm frustrated or stressed out (which is a lot lately) I watch this video. I have it bookmarked and everything! If any of you watch "How I Met Your Mother" You'll know all about Robin Sparkles! It totally makes me laugh and cheers me up! It's my happy song! And yes... it is LEGEN.... wait for it and I hope you're not lactose intolerant 'cause this next part... is DAIRY!

Breakfast Talk

2009-04-24T08:15:00.002-06:00

Oh man..... she's at it again lol this was this morning over breakfast!:

Mommy: "I love you, and I love Nixon, I love both my babies!" (to Liv) "Did you know that you were my very first baby?"
Liv: "Uh-huh"
Mommy: "And you used to be in my tummy!"
Liv: "Yes! When I was a baby I was in your tummy!"
Mommy: "And Nixon was in my tummy when he was a baby and you used to kiss him and rub my belly!"
Liv: "Yes! and Heavenly Father put you" (points to Nixon) "and me in your" (points to me) "tummy!"
Mommy: "Wow! You're smart!"
Olivia: "Uh-huh"
Mommy: (just to clarify & make sure I heard correctly) "how did you get in my tummy?"
Liv: "Heavenly Father put me in there alllll by hisself!"
Mommy: "Wow! You are really smart!"
Liv: "Thanks!"

Pure Naughtiness!

2009-04-22T15:19:00.007-06:00

Look at that face! Who would think someone looking so sweet and so innocent could be otherwise? Well... about a month ago, Nick went away for work.... I really hate being away from him.. but I was doing just fine until I realized it was quiet... a little too quiet! Where was Nixon? I went upstairs and this is what I found: (actually this is 2 separate occasions...)

Yeah... so the little man got into the toilet and was using it as his personal swimming pool! At least he didn't flush it right? Oh man! And then... I walked in and Nixon wasn't in the bathroom... but he definitely had been! All 3 spare rolls of toilet paper and the holder where taking a little dip! I really do wonder what was going through his head? "hmmm.... this looks about the right size..." Climbs in "yupp! Perfect... now to relax!" or "hmm.... there's a bowl of water... there's some tp... eeeeexcellent!" haha. My good friend and I are convinced our boys (Nixon and her twins) will get into trouble together throughout their lives and we will be answering many calls from the principle... Unfortunately those days don't seem too far off.... Nursery....Sunbeams? oh man!

OK.. so.. the same day... I go into the pantry to get something for dinner and find this:
(sans paper towel).

So my pantry floor (and anything touching it) was covered in OIL! I seriously just wanted to close the door and not deal with it. So Out came the paper towels! I"m still not sure if one of the kids did it or if it just fell off of a shelf. Either way... what a pain! Luckily though, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Yes.. almost an entire jug o' oil was on my floor, but after I sopped up a bunch of it with the paper towels I made sure to use very soapy water to clean it. (who knows if my pantry floor would have ever gotten that good of a clean without it happening!) Anywho... all of this occured within the first 12 hours of Nick being gone! I was about ready to scream! or cry... or both! The rest of my time alone wasn't too bad though, but needless to say I was thrilled when he got home! And THAT my friends was my encounter with pure naughtiness!

Out of the mouths of babes!

2009-04-20T19:50:00.000-06:00

Tonight at bedtime:

Mommy: "Say your prayers"
Olivia: "Heabenly Fader... thank you for this day..." loooooooong pause
Mommy: "keep going"
Olivia: "What did you say?"
Mommy: "I said keep going"
Olivia: "why did you say that to me?"
Mommy: "because you need to keep going"
Olivia: "hehe your silly!"
Mommy: "Ok.. it's time to say your prayers"
Olivia: "Heabenly Fader... thank you for this day.... please keep mommy and daddy safe from the monsters" (then she opens her eyes and looks up at me) "that was my idea!"

And this one I was meaning to post a while ago:
Mommy: "Liv, get down from there... it's not safe, the bookshelf could fall on you!"
Liv: "Oh I'll just catch it!"

sooo funny the things that come out of her mouth! I really need to start keeping a journal just of the things she says... it would be absolutely hilarious! Oh that little girl! You never know what will come out next!

For Real This Time!

2009-04-04T09:19:00.004-06:00

I don't know how many of you saw my last post before I quickly deleted it, {BREE} But this time I'm for real! My website is up and it is running. I'm still having issues with embedding fonts and I'm gonna change some other minor things, but it's up and fully functioning. So take a look:

www.keshialarsendesigns.com

Signature

2009-04-02T09:03:00.007-06:00

Just adding a signature and making sure it works! This blog design stuff is fun! Website ETA TODAY! (hopefully) I have to add a few things to my portfolio first... stupid perfectionism taking over...

Decisons, Decisions, Decisions...

2009-04-01T10:24:00.004-06:00

So.. here's my new blog design! I have a recent obsession with zebra & tiger print... so I've unleashed the wild onto my blog! I also decided to take more than 5 seconds and pretty up my blog as I've decided to add blog design to my services at Keshia Larsen Designs! (Website is still coming.. I know, I know.. If I had myself as a client I'd strangle me! I change my mind 50 times a day.. I am good at telling others what looks good, but it's so hard for me to pick especially because I feel it needs to look good, since web design is a service I offer...) Anywho.. here's my new blog design (and yes.. stop rubbing your eyes.. that is hot pink! I know... the not-so girly girl picked pink, but it looks so good with black and white and :P! I've also decided on Rugby... This was one TOUGH decision.. and that was part of the problem.. it was too hard of a decision.. if I really, and I mean REALLY want to play.. there should be no question. And I do want to play, but I think the time just isn't right. Also, when I really sat down to think about it, I realised that Saturday is the ONLY day I get with Nick because of work mon-fri and church taking up so much of Sunday. That pretty much made my decision... It would be awesome to play and have my kids see me, and Ingrid did promise lots of painted bellies... -hopefully some preggo ones lol (very hard to give up) but I think I want to just play with my family and have lots of fun adventures before the kids get too involved in friends and sports themselves... and then I'll coach Liv! ;) hehe. So that's it.. I've made my decision... not this year! I LOVE coaching and miss the bond I had with my girls when I coached, so I think that's what I'll do next year and then maybe play in years to come... and maybe not... I'm just thrilled I had the opportunity to be so actively involved in such a wonderful sport and culture! So.. that's it.. that's my decision... decision made!

To Play or Not to Play?

2009-03-26T15:30:00.004-06:00

Ok, so I'm opening this up to all my blog readers out there (if there are any of you left since I've been a less than faithful blogger)... To play... or Not to play?! That is the question!
So, I'm debating over Playing Women's Rugby this Year... Should I? Shouldn't I? I've devised a list of pro's and con's of sorts:

Why I should Play:

I absolutely LOVE this sport! I played in High School, was team Captain and then I coached the most amazing girls in Raymond. Seriously some of the highlights of my life!
Great fitness & lots of fresh air
Practices are only 2x a week with games on Saturdays
I think it would be wonderful (and soo much fun) for my kids to come out to my games and cheer me on! What a fun family outing!
Great opportunity to meet some new friends
Who knows when I can play again, for all I know I could be pregnant next year, and then when kids get busy with school & extra-curricular activities, time will be precious.
Practices are in the evenings so kids will be in bed or on their way to bed... won't be missing all that much...

Why I shouldn't Play:

I could get injured -(not really a concern of mine, but it's on here for Nick's sake... one of his arguments)
The season lasts all summer, and with games on Saturdays, there goes Waterton trips and spontaneous Summer fun like camping and weekend expeditions.
That's 2 nights a week I'm away from the fam (Nick) & most, if not all our Saturdays are planned for us
It will cost $300 for the team fees, plus I'll need new shorts and cleats... (money that could go to other fun stuff)
We have a reunion in Utah so I'd most likely have to miss games for that
Away games could be out of town -ie hotels... away from fam... (there's a pre-season tourney in April)
I'm teeny, there are some butch girls out there! I could get squashed!
I'm really trying to get my business up off the ground, it could interfere/take away my time.
We were planning to spend lots of time at our cabin in Waterton with friends and fam and possibly get a boat with Nick's brother. (not for use in Waterton... tooo cold!)

Ok, so there's my list of pros & cons... and I'm still nowhere close to making a decision. I love the sport, but that's a big commitment... it's only one summer, but it's a whole summer! What do I do? Maybe I should take it to the man upstairs. What do you think my faithful blog followers? To Play? or Not to Play?

Temples, Media, and the Truth

2009-03-24T08:41:00.003-06:00

So, I'm not sure if a lot of you have heard, but that T.V. Show, "Big Love" That talks about polygamy and references its main characters as Mormons recently aired an episode about Temples. In this episode, it apparently went through rituals and ordinances that we as Latter Day Saints deem to be sacred. I don't know the extent to their exploitation, or how accurate or inaccurate it was, but I do know that it was uncalled for, and that The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has issued many press releases and now a video in response. As a member of this church, and with an education in Public Relations, I must say how proud I am in the way this situation was handled. It was handled with grace and dignity. The brethren of the church did not lash out, or organize any sort of abrasive or forceful retaliation, but instead sought to bring forth the truth! This video explains Temples; why we build them and what they're for, in the most simple form. I am proud... no, grateful to be a part of this church, and have been thinking about blogging my testimony for some time, and I believe that time has come. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Mormon church, the LDS Church, is the only true church on this earth at this time. It's teachings are directly out of the Bible, with information to reinforce those teachings from the Book of Mormon. I believe in the Bible, I believe in the Book of Mormon and the other revelations that have come forth specifically for our time. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and was the instrument through which God's teachings, and gospel in their entirety were restored. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that he came, died, and lived again and that we all will live again as well. I believe that Christ suffered for our sins, that we may repent and come to live with Him. I believe in personal revelation, and that you can come to these same conclusions by praying and asking of the Lord. These things I know with all my heart, and I know that Our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ know each of us individually and love each and every one of us. I know that there is a plan in place for each of us. This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

hmm... can't think of a good title.. might be 'cause of my headache

2009-03-22T21:24:00.007-06:00

OK, so it's been awhile! And for those of you who have been checking back, that last post was started in January, but I never posted it, so that's where it came from! Anywho... there's still soo much that needs to be updated, but let's face it, I'm never going to get around to giving a detailed recall of my last however many months, so here's the memorable things that have happened:
We had an awesome summer, lots of fun, got closer to some friends, played with the kids, lots of trips to Waterton and Raymond. I don't think anything spectacular happened last fall, but for Christmas we got a puppy! Her name is Roxy & she's a Chihuahah shitzu cross. She was only like 2 pounds when we got her and sooo cute! She's now up to just about 4 1/2 lbs and won't get too much bigger. We got her the beginning of December and she was born in late September. It took a bit of training, and very stressful days, but she's litterbox trained, and soooo good with the kids! She also obeys a few commands like sit, shake, lie down, and beg. She'll also come when we whistle (unless she knows you're mad at her). After the novelty wore off, I started to regret getting her, but now that we've trained her, she's a wonderful dog, and I love her! Speaking of training... guess what?! OLIVIA IS POTTY TRAINED! It only took me how long hey? She's officially potty trained and has been for about a month or so now. (I was scared to blog about it, thinking it might somehow jynx it!)She's been really good, and no accidents, not even when we go shopping! She's not night trained yet, but I'm not ready to venture into that quite yet! One less poopy diaper to change! Sooo great! So, I think all in all that's about all the new and exciting things with us... oh... Friday, I GOT A NEW COMPUTER! We've been talking about getting one for some time now 'cause I've been doing a bunch more graphic and website design for people, and my old computer was having trouble keeping up with all the Huge files & programs I was running, so, I got the brand new Macbook Pro with 4gb of ram, and a graphics card that's 5x faster than the last one I had, and this week I'm getting the new Adobe CS4! I'm sooo excited! I know... I'm such a techno geek, but I love it! Well, that's it for the updates, now I can blog about the more fun things again! Like all of my rantings and ravings and whatever else pops into my mind. Scary place that is.. my mind!

Olivia just ADORES Roxy, she carries her around everywhere and plays with her, and just loves her to pieces! And Roxy's such a good sport about it too! They really are the perfect match.

-(after her first bath) She was sooo NOT impressed!)

My new computer!!!!!

A night out with the girls!

2009-01-31T21:40:00.006-07:00

So, it's not tomorrow.... big deal! lol. Being sick took a whole lot out of me, and then working like mad didn't help. I did manage to get a girl's night out though which was absolutely awesome! We had sooo much fun! I am absolutely LOVING my ward and all of the wonderful women in it! I became much better acquainted with a few women that I've been wanting to get to know better but jusn't haven't. It was also nice knowing that I'm not the only fake extrovert out there! (I may appear all outgoing and such on the outside, but inside I'm really fairly shy...) Anywho... there was food, laughter and chocolate... all the things that constitute fun with women! I loved that we didn't even have to really be doing anything, just sitting and gabbing was amazing! It has helped me to remember how much fun being social is... and is causing me to want to break out of my hermit shell again lol! So... I vow to throw parties and have a good time with good friends! Nick & I used to have parties and get-togethers all the time.. but not since we moved here.... I mean, we still have people over for dinner and get together with our best friends, but I want to get to know more people! Anywho... that's what I've been up to, but I did promise to continue to do some updating, so, let's see... where were we? Ahhh... Livi's birthday.... so last August!
Well, we got Zoo passes last year and spent a lot of time there... here are a few pictures from some of the times we went:
Ganesh... and Livi with her finger in Ganesh's belly buttonThe Baby Elephant!
Feeding a Giraffe!
At the Zoo with the Hughes:

A house full of sickies

2009-01-27T21:59:00.007-07:00

So, we're all sick! (hence all the work on my blog). Right now, I'm in bed with watery eyes, blowing my nose every two minutes and a headache while Nick is out cold and I can hear at least one of my kids coughing while trying to sleep. Poor Sickies! Oh well, every cloud has a silver lining right? On the moments I feel somewhat Ok, I've been cleaning, working and BLOGGING! I do want to express a formal apology to all my faithful blog readers out there (I'm quickly learning that there are many more than I thought) about my lack of blogging the past oh... 6ish months. So once again, I'm sorry. I will try to continue writing as for some reason you seem to be enjoying my random musings, rantings and ravings! So... we're sick.. and I think Livi has Roseola again... poor kid! But somehow Nixon's managed to avoid getting the baby measels.... but we'll just wait and see... he has been warmish and the poor kid has such a runny nose and HATES it when I even look at him with a kleenex in my hand! But, like I said, I've had more time to slave away on my computer and play with the kids. So, since it's been so long, here's an update of what has happened in our lives since July 29th 2008:

Well, August 2nd we had a birthday party for Liv who turned 2 on August 3rd. My buddy Tess was such a help! We made a homemade piñata and everything! Here are some pics from the awesome event;

Yummy hotdogs! Liv, Ky and Bailey/Lincoln lol! She thinks of them as a package deal! The Fancy Cake! It had awesome pink polkadots but it was too hot and they slid off! I still think it's pretty awesome for my first attempt at a fancy Birthday Cake... and Ingrid, you're right... an awesome toy on top and you're good to go! lol!

The Piñata -it's all in the details!
My little man and his Mohawk! lol! He had no hair on the sides and a bunch on top and at the nape of his neck... what did you expect me to do?
Blowing out the cake, Tess & Nixon

All our hard work! But it was fun!
Tinkerbell dress & shoes from the H's

PRESENTS!

More party pics:

Well, that took much longer than I anticipated so I will continue with updates tomorrow!
Goodnight! And hopefully the I will no longer have a house full of sickies!

I'm a designer

2009-01-27T21:32:00.002-07:00

So.. I figgured since I am a designer that maybe finally my Blog should reflect that, so here it is, my new blog designed by me. I only changed a few things because I liked the overall look of my previous blog, so.... tada! haha. Anywho... speaking of me being a designer, I have been soo busy lately and I LOVE IT! I was recently doing a website for an investment company, but am no longer working on that, I am however currently working for a Mompreneur doing her website and business/logo design. It's been a lot of fun! I'm also working for my new client, Heritage Pointe Medical Aesthetics and their Medical Clinic! It's been a lot of fun too. I went in to get my eyebrows done and came out with a job! I've been doing ads, posters, I created a new logo for them and am also in the works of redesigning their website. I've also been doing some wedding announcements/thank-you cards, baby announcements, christmas cards, blog headers, plaques for the Town of Coaldale and all sorts of fun stuff! The only bad thing is my computer is acting up, but I'm so busy, I can't take it in 'cause I don't want to lose working time with it! Oh well... when I hit a slower time I'll get it checked out. I think it's just the power cord anyway. I've also been working on my own website (I change it frequently) for Keshia Larsen Designs as well as a few other companies I've headed up and some philanthropical work too. I love how busy I've been, yet I've still been able to be with the kids (they have been watching a lot more Dora lately... but I haven't heard any complaints from Livi...). It's nice that I'm back in the swing of things! And I'm so glad that I'm developing my talents, helping with our fiances and that my main talent is that I'm a designer!

Long Time No Blog

2009-01-22T21:25:00.002-07:00

So, I think this has been the longest I've gone without blogging! I know... life's been crazy and I haven't felt like recording much of it... also just haven't felt much like myself in a while either. Well, I've made some changes. I have been working out nearly every day and have been taking a little more time for me. I've also spent a lot of time contemplating... what I want out of life, and what life can expect out of me. A friend recently shared a question that her pastor asked their congregation, or rather, asked their congregation to ask of each other;
"What do you expect out of life, and is this the best we can expect from you?"
It really makes me think... and no, this isn't the best that I can offer, so I've been working on that too. I've also been developing the best friendship that I have ever had before, with the most amazing person. I feel like I have finally found what I've been looking for for a very, very long time. I found someone who cares for me as much as I care for them, and she values our friendship just as much as I do. The kind of friend that you know will have your back no matter what, one who won't judge you, but at the same time will tell you what's what. Ever since I moved here, I've been pretty sad, because I felt pretty alone, and then I got postpartum depression with Nixon (more details in another blog... not to dwell on it, but because it's such an important and common issue that is considered taboo when it really should be discussed and taken care of). So, I had some problems, and then I started praying... I prayed to find someone, a friend, a confident... a sister. And I am sooo unbelievably grateful that I have found her. And all that comes with her... including her absolutely amazing family, and my two new little sisters/nieces/cousins/friends lol. (inside joke). Anywho... lately life's been pretty good, I mean we all have our issues and problems, but I feel like I'm doing so much better at handling what's been thrown out my way.... learning to make the lemonade from the lemons! All in all, to sum it all up, I've learned that our Heavenly Father knows exactly what, and in my case, who we need to succeed, and we need to go to Him, with all of our problems, no matter how big, or small... if it's important to us, it's important to Him. I am soo grateful for the answers to prayers, and the testimony building experiences I have been offered. I do hope, that with my life a little less hectic, that it will be a long time before I "no blog" again!

A Flash From The Past... Deja view?!

2008-07-29T21:59:00.006-06:00

THEN

So when I was in Winnipeg, I got to hang out with my friend, Aryn who was my best friend from kindergarten until sixth grade. It was awesome hanging out with her, but what was really neat and such a weird coincidence was that she has a daughter a month older than mine! So we had a little play date! Soooo cute! We had such a good time, we went to the park at the school that we went to together and it was so weird. I mean it was way fun, but the last time I was there with her, we were just kids, and now this time we have our own kids! Our little girls were just so much fun together! They were just like us, instant BFF! haha. It made me miss my friends from childhood and it even ALMOST made me want to move back to what I once called home. It was a great time and I'm excited for when we can do it again. It makes you reflect on life, and realize that the world keeps on going, time repeating itself over and over... just with different people and different hairstyles, but the gyst of it.... the expereinces had and the lessons learned are always the same. So do we really ever experience anything "new" or is it all just a blast from the past or someone else's Deja View?

NOW

It Only Took 23 Years & 2 Kids!

2008-07-27T09:25:00.005-06:00

So last week, I went to Winnipeg with the kids and one of my best friends, Sarah. If any of you know me, I was really quite worried about the whole thing... being without Nick in a not very childproof house, and not to mention that my mom and I often butt heads when in close quarters for too long, but it was amazing! I can't believe how great the trip was, I actually found myself thinking "If I had to stay longer... that's be OK!" Now that's a HUGE deal! It's not that I don't like my mom or anything, it's just kinda weird, it's like when I'm back in that environment i get really defensive & regress back to childhood. It's like I know she's going to try to mother me, so I have to be obnoxious and a brat to let her know that "I'm a big girl now" and can do it myself! And of course when I do that, she sees the twelve year old snotty kid that used to say that and of course the mothering gets laid on even thicker! But this time... this time the heavens opened and my prayers were answered! It truly was an anomaly... Nothing short of an act of God! This time, my mom looked at me still as her little girl, but as a grown up version whom she finally realized was completely capable of raising her own family, making her own decisions and was a full fledged adult! It was an actual friendship! We went shopping together and asked each other's opinions on things and it was just soo refreshing! I am really looking forward to the next time I get to go to Winnipeg -with or without Nick! And you know what else? Since I've been home I've called my mom about a million times to tell her about my latest finds and bargains and just to chat. It's been absolutely awesome and it only took 23 years and 2 kids!

There's Pee on My Kitchen Table!

2008-07-27T08:17:00.004-06:00

So, a few weeks ago, I decided to potty train Livi.. AGAIN! So, for the umpteenth time we set out! I decided to just stick her in panties and take that route... well, let me tell you, this kid could care less if she's drenched in her own urine! She would spread her legs, look down and watch herself pee on the ground! Now, I know that she knows the feeling when she has to go potty, because every time she asks to go, she does it immediately. She's just a little stinker! So anywho... we were eating dinner, Nick was away, and I went to the bathroom and when I came back, she was squatting on the kitchen table doing her business! Yes, yes, this sounds quite entertaining to you I bet... but that's not the full extent of where my little "angel" has marked her territory! We were in the basement and I was doing who knows what... probably on the computer and she started to go, so I told her to stop and we ran to the potty & she finished. Then about 40 minutes later, she was on the couch and decided that this time, she would put her feet on the coffee table, her hands on the couch and balance between the two and go on the ground in between them! So... once again, I yell stop, run her to the potty and she finishes. (Yes, I have been cleaning up the little puddles in between accidents and giving the "talk" about how we need to go on the potty each time.) Now.. let me tell you, I have been sooo good during all of this! I warned myself before we started this that it would take her a little while, and that she's not being bad, it's just a part of her learning and all that. SO I am being kind, compassionate and surprisingly patient. So then an hourish later, she goes on the ground again, and we go through the routine and then within an hour she'd repeated the squat and look 4 or 5 times, each time finishing on the potty and going quite a lot. So then I put two and two together and remember that she's been acting funny when she pees lately, like crossing her legs, and she's even said she has an owie, and that's just too often for her to go, so I take her in to the doctor to get checked for a UTI... it came back clear, but the doc gave me a small dose of antibiotics for her anyway because what I was describing sounded like a UTI. I'm still not sure if it was, but unfortunately, she's still not potty trained. Of course, we had to have a few more incidents before we gave up for the time... like when she peed in the little cup in Nixon's exersaucer!... Yes.. she took off her diaper, carefully positioned herself over the little cup and let er rip! And then shortly after that she made her way back to the kitchen.. and yes.. for the second time, There's Pee on My Kitchen Table!

Off to a fantastic start!

2008-07-26T21:57:00.002-06:00

So I wrote that last entry and then "creeped" on fceb00k for an hour! Looking at wedding pics and baby pics and wholy... I swear EVERYONE is preggo! Crazy! So I won't be doing a ton ...or any updating tonight as everyone in my house is asleep and my eyes are starting to hurt, so goodnight, see you in the morning and it looks like we're off to a fantastic start!.... lol. i know... not one of my better posts, but my shoulder's gonna fall off 'cause I'm lying in bed with Nixon asleep on my arm, and I'm attempting to somewhat sit up and type... very uncomfortable, but what can I say... my public awaits and I'll painfully type for you guys!... That's how much I love you!

Let's Lock & Load!

2008-07-26T20:36:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I know I've been pretty bad... OK absolutely horrible at keeping my blog updated, so for the next few hours and whenever I have spare time (with 2 kids under 2 that's all the time!.. .HA!) I WILL BE BLOGGING! That's right folks, you heard it here first; I, Keshia pledge to update my blog, including, but not limited to adding pictures of the kidlings (that one's for you Ashley!), witty entries (well.. I'll try) and well, pretty much whatever else pops into this complex and crazy mind of mine. So here we go... entries in absolutely no particular (or logical) order.... let's lock and load!

I'm so busy I'm eating Pizza Pops!

2008-06-12T12:42:00.003-06:00

Hello all my faithful blogging audience members! I know I know.. an apology is in order! I'm sorry that I haven't been blogging much.. or at all! But I haven't fallen off the planet... my kids haven't driven me to a loony bin.. close, but we dodged that bullet! lol. no.. I have been INSANELY busy! I've been doing design work and I've been doing some independent learning (website and e-commerce stuff) and we've had a plethora (haven't used that word in a while... can you tell that I'm reading books again and not just talking to a 2 year old?) of activities, meetings and appointments! Not to mention I'm a full time mommy to 2 teething children! Yes.... I am sooo busy that right now for lunch, I'm eating pizza pops! ewwwww! (sorry if you like them.. but I'm one of those make-it-myself kinda ppl and so they're kinda sickly to me.. I didn't even buy them... nick did!) Anywho... I just wanted you all to know that YES I AM STILL BLOGGING... just not lately... and probably not again for a week or so... but I love you all and all of your comments so I PROMISE I will blog as soon as I get a handle on my life again! But until then... it's Pizza Pops for me!

Mommy's Angel

2008-05-15T15:42:00.004-06:00

That's what I call her, "Mommy's Angel"; and now, when I ask her if she's my angel she says, "Yes, I mommy's agel!" it's cute. She really is.. and I feel so bad 'cause I get soo frustrated with her all the time. It seems like all I do is yell at her and she's really sooo sweet. I mean, don't get me wrong, she does break things and blatantly disobeys, she hits, or steps on her brother, she hits, on the rare occasion she bites, (yes, I am aware that I put she hits twice), she hits, she throws stuff.. yup... it's all there, all the qualities of an angel -each & every one! (did I mention she hits?) But all in all she really truly is my little angel.... even if she prefers everyone in the house over me! (She really does!) Lol... so now, when I go to get her from her room, whether it be from a nap or in the morning, the first thing she says without a second glance at me is "where's daddy?" and as I answer every time "he's at work" she just as bluntly asks "where's Nixon"! Yes, to be the novelty.. how nice! Daddy's not around as much as mommy, so naturally, he's the favourite... but I'm the one cooking and cleaning and playing ALLLLL DAY LONG! Oh well, just call me the invisible mom! (you like that play on words? yeah... I'm clever!) I know, I know.. every little girl just adores her father. but now it's not just where's daddy & Nixon... she goes through the family.... "where's stephnee, where's bridgey, where's snow white, kyanne's snow white, wheres.. " and the list goes on. Yesterday, I threatened to send her to her room (which works marvelously might I add) and she started crying and said "I want Bailey-Lincoln" (who are 2 of her friends) an then today she told me "I need Kelly-Weston" (who are 2 of my friends). (oh, and I hyphenate the 2 names because that's the way she says it, so fast that it almost sounds like one name). So it's true, she wants anyone.... ANY-ONE but mom! Oh well.. at least she SAYS she's mommy's angel... and I do have my little man who loves me MORE than his daddy and that's a real confidence booster.... maybe he'll be next in line for the title of "mommy's angel".

Mommy Wow!... I'm a big kid now!

2008-05-10T07:37:00.003-06:00

So Livi is almost potty trained! As of this week it's like a switch turned on in her head and she recognizes more when she needs to go and stops and tells me and we go to the potty! We've been very casually potty training for a few months... it was more like getting her comfortable with the potty and knowing that that's what we're supposed to use. I've been too lazy to actually full on potty train, although I've made many commitments to start (it just never actually happens! lol.)
Sad though, this means that my baby girl is no longer a baby, she's growing up... and fast too! Just like she told me yesterday..."Mommy, I a big gurl!" *sigh... well at least I still have one little mess maker that needs me to change his cute lil' bottom! -Not that I love changing poopy butts, I mean, I don't really mind all that much, but Liv's becoming so independent! Lately, I've been hearing a lot of "mommy, I did iiiit!" (referring to puzzles, getting up somewhere, the potty... everything!) It's nice to know that I'm needed...I know, I know.. .she's not even 2 yet but still...my lil' baby's a "Big Gurl"now... Wow!

On Belay!

2008-04-01T07:45:00.003-06:00

WOOOOO! That's all I can say! WOO-HOO!!! Last night was my first class rock climbing @ the Y! It was AWESOME! I haven't loved something brand new like this right off the back since I started Rugby! It was sooo much fun and such a thrill! I made it all the way to the top in my FIRST DAY! I got 3 climbs in yesterday... the first was a little scary 'cause the whole height factor didn't click in until I was pretty high up and then I wasn't sure if I trusted my partner/the rope but it was awesome! My next climb I got kinda tired and came down, 1/2 way up one of the harder walls but my third climb I scaled that baby! It's soo much fun and so exhilarating! And what's even more awesome is that Nick loves climbing too, so I think for a date we're gonna go and climb together during one of the drop0-in times @ the Y. It was soo nice to get out and do something solely for ME! I love my kids but momma needs a little me time! It was also nice to do some exercise.. I mean I do exercise now on a regular basis (I have a hip-hop workout and a belly dance workout DvD that are surprisingly fun! & tough!) but this is a different kind of exercise. And man is it tough! Your arms get such a workout! I've never felt some of those muscles before! I also met some really nice people there too! My class is called "Women with Altitude" how cute is that? So it's a women's class and it's a riot! My partner was this really nice lady from Manchester, UK! It was cool listening to her accent as we climbed. I can't wait until next week 'cause I've got a fever and the only prescription is more climbing! (and the occasional cowbell lol!) I bet you can see my enthusiasm in my extensive use of exclamation marks!!!! haha lol. Well, this woman's got a taste of altitude and I'm addicted... On Belay!!!

Ducks in a row

2008-03-31T15:04:00.003-06:00

Every day when Liv has her bath she lines her rubber duckies up in a row. It definitely makes sense when you look at her personality. She's quite particular about what she wants, but she is a girl who knows just what she wants.. and when too! I think its great that she has such a strong personality and I know she'll do great things in life 'cause at 20 months she's already got her ducks in a row!