That pretty much sums up what we have been doing of late, or so it seems.
Grant and I have signed up for the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour, a 177Km ride to Kingston, where you spend the night in the dorms at Queens University, and ride 177km back the next morning. So, since the beginning of April pretty much every week-end has been filled with biking.
Grant has done this ride once before, in 1997 I believe, and for the past few years we have been talking about doing it together, on our tandem. So this year, being the first year since 2003, that I am not pregnant or nursing a little one, I thought it would be a good year to try this out! Who knew it was going to be such a commitment? :)
My mom committed early on to watch the girls one morning a week-end, so that Grant and I could do our long training rides together! Without her help, I would have to do my long rides solo, which likely means they would not be happening!
A couple of weeks ago, I did my first 100km ride. I was completely exhausted and drained by the end, but I think lack of food and water played a huge role in that! Last week-end, we did a 145km ride to Merrickville and back, and despite the crazy winds and 2 hours of rain, I felt pretty good. My legs were sore, and the 32km family ride, pulling Maya in the torrential winds, surely didn't help the situation!
The girls seem to be enjoying our 'shorter' family rides. Maya seems to love riding on the trail-a-bike, and from day one rode the 32km route without complaints, and with energy left over to 'push' me home down Sunnymede!!
So, am I enjoying all this biking? Well, yes and no. It is so nice to get outside and get fresh air and exercise, and yes, be away from home and the kids for a while! I am finding it is taking up a lot of time, and energy, and I don't have nearly enough time to get organized at home. So while I am really looking forward to doing Rideau Lakes, I do find myself looking forward to the week-end of June 13th, to enjoy some 'free' time.
Stay tuned for more May updates...and maybe even photos of the girls! :)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sugar Shack
You know spring in near, when the sap starts flowing. It was the perfect day for the outing, the weather was great, and it wasn't too muddy, so the kids didn't get too messy.
We made our way out to La Ferme du Terroir for a great meal at the Sugar Shack, Maple Taffy on snow and a walk in the woods to check out the buckets of sap.
As far as the meal goes, it was a little expensive, but it was definitely the best meal that I've had at a sugar shack, and with all the people we didn't feel rushed or short changed in the service department. I would definitely go again next year.
Check out our photos
Thanks Alyssa for organizing this year's outing!!
Friday, March 13, 2009
She picked up a new skill...
After spending so much time in the water in Mexico, she picked up a new skill...
Check it out!
Check it out!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
How time flies...
March 3, 2008....it was one year ago, that I left my girls and started my 'cushy' government job. Can you believe how quickly time passes.
Jaida was a wee little baby, just 3 months old, probably around 10 pounds.
Looking back, I wish I'd negotiated a later start date, I know now how nice my manager was, and he would likely have said Yes, at least to the part time portion being longer, and I should have negotiated a better pay as well, for the same reason.
I still wish I didn't have to return to work, back then, (it is not often you get such flexibility, along with an offer for a permanent position.) and I couldn't imagine having the time to keep with the job applications being at home with all 3 girls!
Jaida was a wee little baby, just 3 months old, probably around 10 pounds.
Looking back, I wish I'd negotiated a later start date, I know now how nice my manager was, and he would likely have said Yes, at least to the part time portion being longer, and I should have negotiated a better pay as well, for the same reason.
I still wish I didn't have to return to work, back then, (it is not often you get such flexibility, along with an offer for a permanent position.) and I couldn't imagine having the time to keep with the job applications being at home with all 3 girls!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Winter Party, Fever, Croup and Ear Infection
This past week-end, we hosted a fun little “Winter Party” this week-end, in lieu of birthday parties, we thought it would be nice to have the kids together and treat them to something fun. We had 15 kids and likely about 30 adults. So off we went “Dashing through the snow…” (I, along with a few others, and babies, did not go on the sleigh ride, I stayed in to set up the food, not to mention it was really cold outside, but I’ll use the set-up as my excuse.)
After the sleigh ride we had some hot chocolate, a nice warm lunch and treat, the kids played, coloured, and some had their faces painted! It seemed as though everyone had a good time.
Then the downhill slope began. Shortly after getting home, Maya and Sofia were playing, when Maya comes to me quite teary eyed and says that her ear was REALLY hurting her. Now, I remember, oh yeah, she told me the same thing this morning! Hmph. Anyhow, I gave her some Advil and hoped it wouldn’t persist. By the time dinner time came, she is terrible pain, the clinics were closed, and our only option was CHEO.
Since I knew it was just an ear infection, I figured that she could sit at home and cry for 5 hours instead of in a hospital waiting room, so that is what we did. The combination of Advil and Tylenol was doing nothing for her, as she was more than just crying.
Thankfully, through some luck and connections, we were able to get a prescription filled over the phone. About an hour after taking finally she fell asleep, for about 1.5 hours, woke up screaming, again. At this point, I decided that she may as well sleep in our bed instead having to get up every hour, and Grant went to sleep in her bed.
Around 2am, Natasha starts crying. I hear her and think, oh good Grant got her to stop. Next thing you know, she has climbed into bed with me, she is laying on top of me, and burning up! Oh no!!! Anyhow, she was awake and squirmy, until about 5am or so, at which point I figure it was better that Grant was sleeping and rested for the day ahead.
It gets better. Sunday morning I got myself out of bed to realize that we had traded Jaida in for a seal! She has croup. She sounded just awful…poor thing. Then, I was getting Maya cleaned up for the day, to realize that not one but BOTH of her eardrums had burst, yuck, which would explain the incredible pain she was having!
So there we were, Sunday morning, I was exhausted, with 3 sick kids…I have to admit I did get a chuckle out of it.
Anyhow, the Winter Party was a success, but the post party happenings I could have done without...I'm hoping for a quick recovery, though I just got work that Maya threw up this morning....sigh...
After the sleigh ride we had some hot chocolate, a nice warm lunch and treat, the kids played, coloured, and some had their faces painted! It seemed as though everyone had a good time.
Then the downhill slope began. Shortly after getting home, Maya and Sofia were playing, when Maya comes to me quite teary eyed and says that her ear was REALLY hurting her. Now, I remember, oh yeah, she told me the same thing this morning! Hmph. Anyhow, I gave her some Advil and hoped it wouldn’t persist. By the time dinner time came, she is terrible pain, the clinics were closed, and our only option was CHEO.
Since I knew it was just an ear infection, I figured that she could sit at home and cry for 5 hours instead of in a hospital waiting room, so that is what we did. The combination of Advil and Tylenol was doing nothing for her, as she was more than just crying.
Thankfully, through some luck and connections, we were able to get a prescription filled over the phone. About an hour after taking finally she fell asleep, for about 1.5 hours, woke up screaming, again. At this point, I decided that she may as well sleep in our bed instead having to get up every hour, and Grant went to sleep in her bed.
Around 2am, Natasha starts crying. I hear her and think, oh good Grant got her to stop. Next thing you know, she has climbed into bed with me, she is laying on top of me, and burning up! Oh no!!! Anyhow, she was awake and squirmy, until about 5am or so, at which point I figure it was better that Grant was sleeping and rested for the day ahead.
It gets better. Sunday morning I got myself out of bed to realize that we had traded Jaida in for a seal! She has croup. She sounded just awful…poor thing. Then, I was getting Maya cleaned up for the day, to realize that not one but BOTH of her eardrums had burst, yuck, which would explain the incredible pain she was having!
So there we were, Sunday morning, I was exhausted, with 3 sick kids…I have to admit I did get a chuckle out of it.
Anyhow, the Winter Party was a success, but the post party happenings I could have done without...I'm hoping for a quick recovery, though I just got work that Maya threw up this morning....sigh...
2008 Wrap up
We spent an entire year in OUR house! It was so nice to have a whole year without moving. Though we moved back in April 2007, we had construction workers in and out pretty much right through until December of 2007, with a little break around the time Jaida was born. So, 2008 was a peaceful one in that respect.
There is a LOT from the first half of the year I can’t remember. The year started off pretty low key, as Jaida was a wee little baby. With school, skating, swimming, dance lessons, and birthday parties, we still kept ourselves quite busy. The girls’ social calendar is more booked than ours! We did take in the canal quite a few times with the kids, Maya even skated the whole length and back with us, with the help of holding on to us, of course!
In March, I headed back into the work force. Certainly not my first choice of things to do with a 3 month old at home, but such is life. At least I started off part-time. Grant was able to enjoy 8 months at home with the girls, teaching them all sorts of life lessons!
In April, we took the plunge and purchased a mini van! For me, a BIG step, but a necessary one. The challenge of getting the girls in the car and buckled up in their snowsuits was becoming too much of a pain, as well, my mom couldn’t travel with us in our car.
May came along, and Grant and I got tired of washing so many diapers, so we decided that Natasha was done with that stage in her life. She was fabulous and really took a liking to being a big girl.
June was a difficult month for me. I started back with full-time hours. Leaving the kids for so long was hard for me. I had been home with them for the better part of 2 and a half years. I did manage to get to work early so that I could make it home in time to pick-up Maya from school and get some play time in, before supper. This proved to be more and more challenging and Jaida was ‘unable’ to let me sleep through the night.
In July, we drove to Fredericton, and Shediac for a family reunion. Grant’s brother, Craig and family, came from Calgary, and we spent the week at a cottage in Shediac, with them, and the rest of Grant’s family. It was so nice for the cousins to get quality playing time.
In August, we had a little family adventure. My mom joined us, and we rode in the MS Rona Bike Tour, to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research. It was a 165 Km, two day bike trip from Ottawa to Kemptville. Maya and Natasha has a blast, Jaida was just shy of 9 months, so was pretty indifferent to the experience, provided I stopped to feed her! I for one, was surprised at how exhausted I was at the end of each day. I suppose pulling about 100lbs of Chariot, kids and diaper stuff, would explain some of that!
September was ‘Back to School’ for Maya. She started Senior Kindergarden. She is doing French Immersion, and loves it so far. She has been reunited with her buddies Sofia, Alex and Hannah, among others, but I hear the 4 girls are quite the crew! Her teacher loves her and can hardly believe she could ever be a mis-behavied girl!
We began our search for a caregiver in October. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I was going to be really picky about weird things. I think in the end I just wanted someone that the girls were really comfortable with, and I really liked! We are so fortunate to have found Melissa. She is great with the girls, the girls love her, they are keeping busy with library, playgroups, baking, crafts and so many other activities, and to top it off she is organized and super tidy! :)
In November Grant returned to work, after being home for 8 months with the girls. It took a little getting used to for everyone, but I think we have adjusted. The laundry situation got out of hand at times, as did the groceries and baths, but we have worked those kinks out, for the most part! We also celebrated Natasha’s 3rd birthday as well as Jaida’s 1st birthday!
After only 5 weeks of the 2 parents working, we headed off to Mexico in December, for Jen and Scott’s wedding. Here we celebrated Maya’s 5th birthday! Maya and Natasha had a blast at the pool everyday, where Maya picked up some new swimming skills!! A really great vacation!
All in all 2008 was another good year. We welcomed new babies, made new friends, and remembered lost ones. We are thankful for our family, to Melissa and to our friends who support and encourage us through all the ups and downs. We do, lead a very fortunate life.
We are looking forward to the many adventures and challenges that 2009 will bring!!
There is a LOT from the first half of the year I can’t remember. The year started off pretty low key, as Jaida was a wee little baby. With school, skating, swimming, dance lessons, and birthday parties, we still kept ourselves quite busy. The girls’ social calendar is more booked than ours! We did take in the canal quite a few times with the kids, Maya even skated the whole length and back with us, with the help of holding on to us, of course!
In March, I headed back into the work force. Certainly not my first choice of things to do with a 3 month old at home, but such is life. At least I started off part-time. Grant was able to enjoy 8 months at home with the girls, teaching them all sorts of life lessons!
In April, we took the plunge and purchased a mini van! For me, a BIG step, but a necessary one. The challenge of getting the girls in the car and buckled up in their snowsuits was becoming too much of a pain, as well, my mom couldn’t travel with us in our car.
May came along, and Grant and I got tired of washing so many diapers, so we decided that Natasha was done with that stage in her life. She was fabulous and really took a liking to being a big girl.
June was a difficult month for me. I started back with full-time hours. Leaving the kids for so long was hard for me. I had been home with them for the better part of 2 and a half years. I did manage to get to work early so that I could make it home in time to pick-up Maya from school and get some play time in, before supper. This proved to be more and more challenging and Jaida was ‘unable’ to let me sleep through the night.
In July, we drove to Fredericton, and Shediac for a family reunion. Grant’s brother, Craig and family, came from Calgary, and we spent the week at a cottage in Shediac, with them, and the rest of Grant’s family. It was so nice for the cousins to get quality playing time.
In August, we had a little family adventure. My mom joined us, and we rode in the MS Rona Bike Tour, to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research. It was a 165 Km, two day bike trip from Ottawa to Kemptville. Maya and Natasha has a blast, Jaida was just shy of 9 months, so was pretty indifferent to the experience, provided I stopped to feed her! I for one, was surprised at how exhausted I was at the end of each day. I suppose pulling about 100lbs of Chariot, kids and diaper stuff, would explain some of that!
September was ‘Back to School’ for Maya. She started Senior Kindergarden. She is doing French Immersion, and loves it so far. She has been reunited with her buddies Sofia, Alex and Hannah, among others, but I hear the 4 girls are quite the crew! Her teacher loves her and can hardly believe she could ever be a mis-behavied girl!
We began our search for a caregiver in October. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I was going to be really picky about weird things. I think in the end I just wanted someone that the girls were really comfortable with, and I really liked! We are so fortunate to have found Melissa. She is great with the girls, the girls love her, they are keeping busy with library, playgroups, baking, crafts and so many other activities, and to top it off she is organized and super tidy! :)
In November Grant returned to work, after being home for 8 months with the girls. It took a little getting used to for everyone, but I think we have adjusted. The laundry situation got out of hand at times, as did the groceries and baths, but we have worked those kinks out, for the most part! We also celebrated Natasha’s 3rd birthday as well as Jaida’s 1st birthday!
After only 5 weeks of the 2 parents working, we headed off to Mexico in December, for Jen and Scott’s wedding. Here we celebrated Maya’s 5th birthday! Maya and Natasha had a blast at the pool everyday, where Maya picked up some new swimming skills!! A really great vacation!
All in all 2008 was another good year. We welcomed new babies, made new friends, and remembered lost ones. We are thankful for our family, to Melissa and to our friends who support and encourage us through all the ups and downs. We do, lead a very fortunate life.
We are looking forward to the many adventures and challenges that 2009 will bring!!
Christmas 2008
Our tree was all set-up with lights on, by the time we got back from Mexico. (Thanks to Melissa!) All we had to do was put up some decorations! It was a little challenging keeping Jaida from taking down branches, while the girls were putting up decorations, but it was definitely entertaining!
Christmas Eve, we hosted dinner at our place, with my mom, and sister’s family. Usually the host makes dinner, but since I was working and just back from vacation, I didn’t have time, so I offered my mom to do the cooking. And of course, it was delicious!
It wasn’t a late night, as all the homes had to prepare for Santa’s arrival. So we got ready for bed, the girls put out carefully selected home baked cookies and a glass of milk by the tree for Santa, and headed to bed. It was easy to get them to bed, as they knew Santa only comes when you are sleeping!
In the morning, Natasha was a little wearing to go downstairs, in case Santa was still there, but Maya super excited to see what was left under the tree.
Of course, Santa delivered on all the requests, though the girls wish list was very small this year. Maya had asked for grey and black biking gloves, and a pink shiny wallet. Natasha had asked for nothing initially, and then settles on Crayons and a doll! I hope these short lists continue for many years!
In any case, Santa brought a little more than what the girls had asked for. The adults had asked for no gifts, instead spending time with together with our family this year.
So on Boxing Day we packed up and headed to a little cottage close to Algonquin Park, to spend a few days together with my mom, and sister’s family.
The kids had a great time playing, and goofing around. And YES there were arguments and it WAS loud, but at the end of the day, when the kids were all tucked into bed, the cards and the drinks came out, and good fun was had by all!!
Christmas Eve, we hosted dinner at our place, with my mom, and sister’s family. Usually the host makes dinner, but since I was working and just back from vacation, I didn’t have time, so I offered my mom to do the cooking. And of course, it was delicious!
It wasn’t a late night, as all the homes had to prepare for Santa’s arrival. So we got ready for bed, the girls put out carefully selected home baked cookies and a glass of milk by the tree for Santa, and headed to bed. It was easy to get them to bed, as they knew Santa only comes when you are sleeping!
In the morning, Natasha was a little wearing to go downstairs, in case Santa was still there, but Maya super excited to see what was left under the tree.
Of course, Santa delivered on all the requests, though the girls wish list was very small this year. Maya had asked for grey and black biking gloves, and a pink shiny wallet. Natasha had asked for nothing initially, and then settles on Crayons and a doll! I hope these short lists continue for many years!
In any case, Santa brought a little more than what the girls had asked for. The adults had asked for no gifts, instead spending time with together with our family this year.
So on Boxing Day we packed up and headed to a little cottage close to Algonquin Park, to spend a few days together with my mom, and sister’s family.
The kids had a great time playing, and goofing around. And YES there were arguments and it WAS loud, but at the end of the day, when the kids were all tucked into bed, the cards and the drinks came out, and good fun was had by all!!
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