That went by quickly!

It has been a while - I kept thinking "What can I blog about?"... But with all the busy-ness that is our life, I couldn't think of a single thing when the opportunity arose to blog!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with their families and friends! We had a very busy time!

I hosted my 3rd Annual Cookie Exchange. It was FANTASTIC! We had such a great cookies!!! Everyone brought 14 dozen cookies and we all left with different kinds! It really does help get the baking done for the season. Unless of course your husband loves them and eats all of one kind..... Not that it happened here or anything. ;)

We went to London at the beginning of the month for a day with our friend the Williams! It was so fun to see Angela playing with Kaite and they were having fun together! She doesn't really have little friends around here to play with so that was a real treat. She woke up the next morning and said, "Can we go play with my friends now?" Jamie had a good afternoon discussing "hot" topics with Zach and Mary and I did what we always love to do.... Cook. We made rolls (her rolls and bread are the BEST I've ever had.) and helped the kids decorate a gingerbread house. We also made hot chocolate with sweet potato puree for a little kick of healthy. It was super good too!

While there for the evening, we got to go to the London 1st Ward Christmas party and see some old friends! It was a really great trip and the weather was amazing!

We had a lovely Christmas Eve hosted by my aunt at her house. It is so nice to be with all the family at this time of year!

Unfortunately, while I remembered to pack double sets of clothing for the girls, in case of any accidents... I didn't think to pack clothes for us! Let me explain.... My aunt has a boston terrier and Angela is terrified of him. So, she was being carried around and played with by my little sister Ciara who is 10. She loooves Ciara! But, the poor girl is little and had to put Ange down for a break! Ange saw the dog, and she was so scared she peed...... Everywhere. Jamie picked her up and ran to the bathroom because he thought she was done, but she wasn't and it trailed all behind him. Big. Mess. So, while we could change the kids clothes, we couldn't change Jamie's and he was soaked to the skin down the left side of his body. Gross? Yes. So that ended our night early at 9pm!

The girls came home and hung up their stockings by the bed, put out cookies and milk (chocolate milk!!) and carrots for the reindeer. They got to open 1 present and say "Merry Christmas" to Jamie's mom and then off to bed! Angela was very excited for Santa to come!

We set up all the gifts and went to bed! The kids slept in until 8 (we wake up most mornings at 7 to drive Jamie to the train so it was a nice sleep in!) and Angela came running in with her stocking! It was so cute. The presents were opened and all was well until the girls started to want each other's things. And then the morning ended in screaming. :D What else can you expect?!

We went to mom's to give everyone their gifts and spent a little time with them. Angela got "Tinkaboo" from Britt and she looooves it.

We came home and made our turkey dinner and had my family over for a fun night! We also played Pictionary and really wish I'd taken pictures of some of the drawings! They were great.

I'm so grateful for all the wonderful family we have that spoiled our kids! We are so blessed and grateful for this wonderful time of year that makes everything seem so special and life so bright!

Best wishes for 2010 to all of you!

Painting.....

Before Jamie went off to Ivey, we were painting the house. Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of starting projects and not finishing them.... Well. I painted the main floor (with help from Jamie and my parents) and we have a high ceiling going up the flight of stairs so there's no way I could do it. And at the time I was 6 or 7 months pregnant with Audrey. So. I painted to the banister and stopped. lol Now when we do paint that part, I will have to paint the whole wall along that side, which is fine because I love the paint!

Now, the problem I have is that no matter how many different types of painters tape I use, they all LEAK! I even go along the edge with my nails to make sure it's stuck down to the ground.

So tonight I painted some of the baseboards because they still had the browny paint on them from last year and oh my heck... When I ripped it all up, almost the whole way around there is paint that leaked under the edge. I am so frustrated! Luckily it's the tile, so I can just wait for it to dry and then scratch it off.

What the heck do I do in the future!?!

On another note, we are all doing well. The girls and I are healed of the 3 week cold we had! So annoying, but gratefully Jamie didn't get it. Poor guy had to sleep on the couch for a few nights!

We bought an H2O Mop as well! We have stains on the carpet like crazy. I take full responsibility for letting the girls eat their food anywhere they want... Eek! Anyhow, we spent a bit of time on one patch of bad marks where Angela had fallen over with a cup of juice and because of the impact of the fall the sippy-ness of the cup didn't work and it squirted out everywhere!! This morning I gave it a little vacuum and it was lovely! The marks are almost gone!! Quite amazing I think for something that uses no chemicals and only steam! And we did part of the tiles last night, and it took off marks that I couldn't get off on my own! So awesome.

Other than the usual, we are keeping busy with the Christmas season! Lots of planning in order! We put up the tree today and Angela was so excited to help. Audrey came down the stairs and just stood there staring. She did say "Wow" as well. So cute!

We have some new friends who moved in to the area and they came over today to play. Angela is so loud, the poor girls were probably scared for the first while!! But they had lots of fun and I'm so glad the girls love to play and their mom is wonderful too!

Well, I need to figure out how to make a big Christmas bow so I'm off to learn!!

Lessons learned: This week - Macaroni

Angela LOVES macaroni. (AKA Kraft Dinner) But, when you don't find it on sale for $0.67 a box like I did *this* week, it runs for a dollar more and I'm not always willing to pay for it now that it only lasts 1 meal with Angela and Audrey eating it as opposed to the 2 or 3 when it was only Angela. So, while I was getting some treats at Bulk Barn (Best place ever. Love it.) I saw a container of Mac and Cheese powder. I thought, this is excellent. It's KD sauce and I can buy my own macaroni and make it for cheaper!!!!

Now, in the past, I have learned that there are just certain things that you do not try to replace. Like using "no name" shortening instead of Tenderflake or Crisco... FAIL. Do not do it. When we go shopping together and I say "I wonder if I can use "such and such" instead..." Jamie usually says, "Don't do it. Just pay for it or you will regret it." And at least half the time he's right. (It's probably more, but we'll just give him the 50% so I feel better!)

Anyhow, I thought for sure the cheese sauce would be fine!! I bought "ABC" pasta's and Ange and I journeyed home to prepare our new delicious meal..........

Well. I made it. I tasted it. I hated it.

I gave it to Ange thinking she won't care and she took 1 bite and spat it out and said "Mommy, it's 'isgusting." LOL I laughed so hard. So I failed at the processed cheese powder and luckily found some KD on sale for this week to make up for the failed event.

There are just some things you cannot replace!!

Hmm...

There were 2 beautiful baby boys born last week to friends of ours. They are just perfect little babes!

We found out this week that we will be having another girl. I am glad to know that we won't have to put a boy in a pink girls room! lol I was a little worried about that..... We haven't decided on names or anything else at the moment. I don't think we can even believe this is still happening. I certainly didn't think we would be having any more children! I guess it's a reminder that our plan isn't always going to go according to "our" plan.

It's been an emotional week as well. I mean, this has been the most emotional of all my pregnancies... I get choked up during the On-Star commercial when the pregnant lady gets in an accident and her husband says "I'm on my way!!" Haha. But while these beautiful babies are being born, I have learned of a few other friends who were not as fortunate and lost their sweet babies. There are only so many words that can be said to comfort. I cannot imagine the feelings that are going through their hearts as they had to say goodbye to their sweet angels.

I am lucky enough to have two healthy girls who I get to tuck in every night. And when they are asleep, I go back in their rooms and re-cover them with blankets and watch them dream. I rub their faces and memorize the contours of their face. I always walk out of the room and say to Jamie "I love our girls". Those few simple moments to watch them peacefully and dream and hope for them are so precious. I now understand why my mom used to come in to our rooms late at night and kiss our foreheads even as we were young adults.

I am so grateful for the beautiful gospel that we have. I can only imagine how my friends are feeling, and sympathize with them as much as I can. And I know that through the gospel, and the sealing blessings that are available to us, we will see these angels again. I wish them all the strength and love that I have that they will be comforted. I do not know the answers to why but I have been reminded for the last two months of the scriptures Isaiah 41:10. "Fear not, for I am thy God. Be not dismayed for I am with you." I wake up in the mornings thinking these lines. I keep it with me and it is most cherished. I am grateful that there is someone who knows how we feel at all times and that we can go to Him and lay these feelings at His feet, and He will help us carry them. I know I cannot do it on my own.

Another day, another story...

.... Actually, that's not really accurate because my days are pretty repetitious!

Everything is coming along! Jamie is working and enjoying it. He is such a great dad and spends time with his little girls whenever he gets the chance. Some days they only get to see him on the rides to and from the train and it can be difficult on them. More so for Angela because she misses him so much! She loves when they go on walks or to the park or play soccer. She always comes home with a leaf or a rock for me! :) And she is so excited to tell me what they did. She talks so much these days and sometimes I can't figure out how she learned to say what she did! :)

Audrey is a crazy girl! Way more active than Angela ever was. She opens every drawer and pulls everything out! She constantly plays in the toilets if the doors aren't locked!! Good thing they're always flushed....... Haha! And Angela always closes them in to rooms. Like a dark closet, or their bedroom or she closes all the doors and they are stuck in the hallway! It is really funny sometimes. Every time I find them in the closet, Audrey is sitting in the wicker basket wrapped in my super fluffy and soft robe. It is really cute how she'll just sit there rubbing the softness! She looks like she will doze off even if she's just woken up. She also climbs everywhere! If she is on our bed, she'll crawl backwards until she slips off. Or if she's on the couch and the ottoman is in the way, she'll just slide backwards over the arms! She is a nut!

We find out on Thursday what the gender of the next little one will be. We've had a few friends have babies this week and it brings back all the memories and feelings of the previous ones. I start to feel anxiety! I don't like not having control and I have a hard time relieving it when it's inevitable! We are planning another home birth so we'll see how it goes.

I am very excited for Christmas!!!! I have already planned a Pampered Chef party just for fun! Woo hoo! And a friend and I have planned a cookie exchange for the last 2 years so we are on to our 3rd and I hope it's a good turn out! It's fun to hang out with friends and get a nice assortment of cookies for entertaining! I plan on making homemade fondant chocolates again this year. They will be way better than last year! Last year we didn't boil the fondant long enough, so it will be easier this year after going through the trial period last year!

Oh, and we are having Audrey's 1st birthday party, so I have to go do the invites!!!

Magic Bullet!!!

Ok - For years I have watched the infomercial for the Magic Bullet... And loved it!

The funny actors they get to come in - LOL - So funny. And how easy is it?! Oh heck! Now, I don't fancy all the microwaving they do, but that can be replaced with proper cooking!

Well, one wonderful day this week... We were at Costco, and they had the regular deal for $50!!! SWEET! So, Angela was the deal-breaker. We asked her, and at first she said "No" because it didn't look so exciting to her. And then she saw the coloured cups and says *gasp* "GREEN!!!!!!!!" And that was it.... SOLD!

So..... Tonight..... I am making quesadillas for dinner. We'll see how it goes guys! We'll see how it goes.... I made an omelet this morning, but I had the wrong blade on so it didn't break up the peppers. Oops! Still tasted great though!

Oh, baby!

Well, life has been eventful as always and we can finally take a breath! Almost...

Firstly, we are having another baby. This one is due February 24th, 2010. 3 babies under 3!! Good work Jackie and Jamie.. Sheesh! lol

Also, Jamie is going to be HOME all the TIME! YAY! Jamie has changed jobs and got a job in Toronto with RBC! He is looking forward to it and is grateful for this new opportunity.

Angela is quite the chatterbox. She was talking to dad on the phone the other day (They went out to Alberta to visit with my mom's family) and she told him that she was eating a hot dog and grapes and she spilt her water on the couch. lol I got on the phone to help him understand what she'd said and he said he understood it all!! lol She loves to call Jamie when he's not home and tell him what's happening at home.

Audrey is a crazy girl! She crawls super fast. and she took 7 steps this week!

This baby is making me as sick as I was with the girls. Some days are great and some days I just want to sleep allllllll day long. I had a dream the baby was a boy! I kind of hope it is so that Jamie can have a little guy to play with.

And other than that, we are just enjoying having daddy home for all of August!! We got a zoo pass and we're going to take the girls to the temple to see it. It is going to be great.

There is only one thing that I want right now..... My passion for cooking. It has disappeared!!! I just never want to cook! I just stand there and stare at the food thinking "What should I make?...." or "I do not want to cook....." Which is so not me!! I love to cook!! I think it's the summer. I just hate cooking in the summer. Winter is so exciting. Soups and roasts and mmmmmmm.

AND CHRISTMAS! I am getting ready already!! Can't wait!

July!

Holy camoly I cannot believe it is the end of July!!

(Before I begin, I do not remember if I wrote about my finger injury that happened the day before my birthday.... But if I did, I'll check later, lol, the finger nail has finally fallen off!! It is a sad looking finger, that's for sure!)

Time flies!! This summer has been busy and fun filled for the kids. Going to the parks, swimming, zoo.... Angela is sporting a lovely tan!

It has been nice and cool and quite frankly, even though everyone else hates it, I am SO grateful. This is our second year in our home and we do not have air conditioning, so it has been a real blessing for us. We keep the windows open at night and the house is cool until about 3PM, and by then it's cooling off outside again! I hate to jinx it, but I hope the rest of the summer is just as beautiful!

Angela is getting so big. Oh my goodness. She says so much! She knows several books off by heart - Goodnight Moon, Pajama Time, The Going to Bed Book, Hippos Go Berserk, to name a few. She is potty trained as long as I hide the diapers from her! lol She will totally put on a diaper so she doesn't have to go on the potty! What a baddy.

She loves to sing and dance. In the car we almost always sing: Book of Mormon Stories, I Wiggle, Popcorn Popping, Sunbeam, Fun To Do, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle Twinkle. Those are some of her favorites and she'll say "Song?? How 'bout..... Hmm...." While she puts her finger on her lips. lol

She is very helpful with Audrey. She will run and ask her if she's okay, she'll say "Audrey! What're want?" lol Every morning and after naps she throws open her arms and says "OOD MORNING!" (Yes, the G is supposed to be missing!) She brings her food and treats or shoves her soother in if she wants it. She also says "Shhh. Audrey, be quiet!!!" If Audrey is crying.

She has learned emotions as well. If you look sad she says "Mommy sad? Are you okay?" And she'll come give you a hug. She loves to hug during the Barney song too. lol She also does "squishies" where she hugs you really tightly!

Audrey is a nut!! She's still taking a couple steps. She crawls up the back cushions of the couch in my bedroom and grabs ahold of the bar on my bed and pulls herself up! Crazy girl. She still has no teeth. She looks so cute because she has such a huge smile!! The lack of teeth however do not stop her love of food and eating. This kid could eat for HOURS if there was an endless supply!! She ate a taco the other day courtesy of Grampa. She ate those lemon and orange gummy slices that are covered in sugar, you get from Bulk Barn?? Anyhow, she just gnawed and the piece came off!! lol She loves food. She is very good at ripping it apart with her little gums.

The kids are also on a schedule which is totally amazing. Audrey was never on a schedule other than the fact that she'd go to bed every night! lol For a couple months she would only take 2 1-hour naps in the day and it drove me crazy!! Finally she started taking naps and now she's usually awake by 8am, nap from 10-1, nap from 3.30-6 and then she goes down for the night at 8.30-9! It's fantastic since Angela didn't start a routine until she was 1!!

Anyhow, everything is great. We are doing well. We love our family and friends and have had lots of fun this summer!

We are also excited as David gets home from his mission in November and Sarah will be getting married this fall! Lots of exciting things happening!

Summmmmmmmmer!

Goodness, I cannot believe how time passes! 

We had a lovely family birthday party for Angela's 2nd birthday. It was great to have our family in our home - Even though it was a bit smushy! 

She is such a character, our Angela. She can make you laugh hysterically or grab your face and say "I lub you" when you're feeling down. She has tea parties with her dolls and Audrey and puts her toys to sleep in the drawers of her dresser. She sings songs and does actions to many church songs. She is a smart little cookie! She counts to 20. She loves wearing eyeshadow if she sees me putting it on and makes sure that all her fingers and toes have nail polish on as well. lol 

The other day in the pool, Amber sprayed her with some water, and she said "Oh no! My hair!!" Haha, she is my daughter, that's for sure!

We had uncle Ben come and visit for 10 days and she loved sitting next to him and playing on his computer! 

When we drop Jamie off at the train station, she always says "Wave to daddy!!!!" And she shouts "Bye daddy!! Lub you!!!!" And when we go to get him she anxiously says "Where daddy?! Ohhhh he coming!!!"

She tries to pick Audrey up if she sees her crawling, and she hugs her (often around the neck so Audrey doesn't like it much!!) And she takes great care of her by giving her treats, her soother if it falls, and blankies when she's asleep or in her car seat. If Audrey cries she says "It's ok, sweetharr." and kisses her. 

Audrey is already 8 months. I cannot believe how fast the time flies!!! She's just my little baby and now she's standing and trying to walk!! She is so active and she is definitely a mommy's girl. She wants to be held all the time now! 

The girls often lie awake  and giggle and laugh together. Angela throws her toys into Audrey's crib and Audrey just laughs. It's so cute. 

If Angela is in the bathtub, Audrey stands next to it slapping the edge. Angela will start splashing her and they have such a fun time together. It's so great to see them love each other so much.

I love my family so much and I am so excited for everything to come! 

It's summer!!!

The poor blog was neglected there for a bit.

Life got super busy as Jamie graduated. We had to move everything home and clean out the apartment. As well as getting Jamie settled in his new job.

We are staying in Oshawa for the meantime. Jamie commuted to London for 3 days a week and he works in Toronto the other 2.

Angela just turned 2! We had a party with all of our family and Uncle Ben was visiting from England, so that was nice!!

I went garage sale-ing with my mom one Saturday morning at 7 am and found the sweetest little girl crib set for $10!!!! Amazing, I know!

As Angela got a bed from gramma and grampa for her birthday, we set up the crib for Audrey with her lovely new set!

She always used to fall asleep in her cradle, and would rarely fall asleep if we were holding her. So, I thought that the crib would be easy peasy!! Boy, was I wrong!

Because she had this cute new set, I decided to let her fall asleep in her crib for nighttime. The first night she cried for quite a while, and eventually succumbed to sleep. The next couple nights were hard too, but now she goes down in about 5 minutes and usually no crying. Angela would just lie there and listen to her cry and then go right to sleep. Not bothered by it at all!! What a great girl. The one night we didn't put Audrey to bed at the same time, Angela was so sad and cried for her. lol

Audrey started crawling up the stairs at 7 months. She's a little speedster too!

I finally got a double stroller, and thankfully Angela loves it and WANTS to be in it! We go for walks in the mornings and Audrey falls asleep and Angela points out the cars, trees, birds, etc.

Also this month, my sister-in-law had a baby boy!! It was June 9th, mine is the 10th and my older sister's is the 11th. Makes for a fun month!

Happy 4th Anniversary to us!!

Today is our 4th anniversary. OH MY HECK! It does not feel like we've been together that long!!

We have certainly had lots happen. Time flies when you're having fun, right?! Well, this time certainly did! Let's review some of the things we've done this last 4 years.

Jamie immigrated to Canada. This was an interesting time. We lived in my mother's basement. Jamie could not work or go to school for a loooong time and spent his days helping my mom keep the house clean and tidy and daily going to teach English to newly immigrated Chinese neighbours.

I worked at BMW Canada. I don't think I want to relive the experience....

We got pregnant with Angela, fall 2006. We - Really "I" drove across the US (30 hours) to Utah for General Conference!! And his mom and younger brother were there as well. It was an uncomfortable trip, especially since I hadn't clued in that I was pregnant... DUH. I was sooooo queasy (but never sick) and couldn't even look at food. David brought over like 4 packs of "Shots" from England, and they were my favorite but I did not even eat 1!!

Jamie began working full-time at RBC. He was also doing full-time university at UOIT in the evenings.

We bought our first house and moved in May 11, 2007. Angela was born 3 weeks later, June 1, 2007 at home!

We were lucky enough to be able to spend Christmas 2007 in England with Jamie's family! It was great to see them all we miss them. I also gained 10 lbs because of all the AMAZING food in England.. Mmm, I love.

Feb. 14th, 2008 we found out we were pregnant AGAIN. "So, basically............. I'm pregnant." That was how I broke the news to Luke, dad and Britt one day... I didn't know what to say!! Haha

Jamie was accepted into the intensive 1-year MBA program at The Richard Ivey School of Business in London, ON. Not only was he accepted without having an undergrad, but he also received a scholarship!! What a smarty pants! :)

Jamie began his full-time program, and Angela and I lived between Oshawa and London until September when I was too afraid to travel anymore!

Audrey was born October 22,2009. After 3 false starts over 3 weeks, Jamie just stayed home for the week and she came! She too was born at home.

Jamie graduated May 8, 2009. We are so lucky to have done this program.

And he got a job at the business school as a manager for EMBA recruitment. I don't know the exact title, etc.... :)

And here we are today! Jamie starts his new job and we celebrate all the events that have led us to where we are today.

I am so lucky to have Jamie. He takes such good care of me and he is a wonderful father to our girls. I could never have asked for a more wonderful, loving, compassionate (the list goes on) husband. <3>

Glimpse into Eternity

I remember a few years ago at church, a lovely sister gave this beautiful talk about her girls. She keeps journals for her girls (I have tried to follow her example, but I am failing miserably) and she read a few excerpts in her talk of the glimpses into eternity she had experienced. That was before I had children, though I think I may have been pregnant with Ange.... Anyhow, I have never forgotten it because I was so touched by what she'd experienced and I hoped that I would be able to share such precious experiences with my children. 

This evening while I was getting Ange ready for bed, we made a whole big deal of it since she has been off a routine and with her soother, and I have been trying to wean her off it and get her back into a routine. 

So, we had a bath, and then we powdered up and put some nice lotion on, and then we did pj's and I french braided her hair. She had a banana, and we read books, then said a prayer and as she was about to jump into bed, (without argument or crying!! *shock*) I asked her if she wanted to sing a song. She said yes, so I scooped her up into my arms and held her as she hugged me tight and I sang "I Am A Child Of God". 

I felt so much love as I sang it to her. I am not a particularly good singer, but when I sang it this evening, it was like I was not singing. As I got to the end of the first line and then the second etc.  and thought quickly "oh dear, I don't know the words" they came straight out without thinking. 

She is growing so quickly, it makes me sad. I cannot believe she is going to be 2. I can't bear to think she is some day going to move away and begin her own life. I hope that I can do my best to teach her and let her know how much she is loved. 

Audrey is growing too fast too. I just had her.. She is my little baby. She is almost crawling, she has such a happy personality, and she is really becoming quite the little girl. 

One of the best things to see if the girls laying side by side and laughing together. They play together, and just love each other so much.

I truly do hope they are best friends for ever. That is something I definitely missed until I met Jamie. He is the only true best friend I have ever had and I am so lucky to have him as my husband and the father of my children. He is so wonderful to them. When Ange was having a hard time going to sleep and would cry when I put her down, he would go in there and sing to her and soothe her and she would go right to sleep. He is so loving. 

I am so grateful to be sealed to my husband and my children and to know that I will always be with them, even when we are apart. 

Not Me! Monday

OK - I ran into MckMama's blog, and she does this, and it's pretty funny. I hope mine provides a little laughter.

I did NOT sleep in and let Jamie take care of the kids for a while. And I did NOT thoroughly enjoy it. 

I did NOT let my daughter sit in the back of the Wal-Mart cart and eat McD's to keep her quiet while I got groceries.

I did NOT put my 6 month old to sleep and did NOT find her 40 minutes later sleeping on the floor. And I do NOT think it was absolutely adorable.

I did NOT take soothers away from both children on the same day. And did NOT ignore them when they cried for what seemed like for EVER. 

I did NOT let my 2 year old throw a tantrum and did NOT ignore her until noticing she fell asleep. And I did NOT think it was cute she too was sleeping on the floor. 

And I did NOT seek a few minutes peace once the children were in bed on the balcony where I did NOT scream at the 5 toonie-sized spiders that stared while lusting to bite me.

And I am NOT going to make a nice cup of dessert tea and indulge. And I am NOT going to get emotional over my babies growing up too quickly. 

Rogers.....

Oh hecker....

With all the products we have, ie: banking, gas, electric, phone, internet, etc... Life does not get easier...

When Jamie worked for RBC, they managed to botch up every product we had with them... Chequing account... VISA... MORTGAGE! Everything. It was a disaster.

And then.............. When you think everything is going smoothly and there's nothing to compain about....... It happens.

I apologized to the person who got my call and told them to hold tightly before I continued. She ended up being incompetent and offered answers such as: "Uhm.. I can't actually tell what happened here." "So, I don't know why they changed it." Finally, since I was getting nowhere, I asked her who I should call for help. Here's how it went:

Rogers girl: You have to call customer care and billing.
Me: OK. Where do I find those numbers?
RG: They don't have numbers. You have to be transferred. But... I can't do that.
Me: There is no 1-800 number? Then how do I talk to them?
RG: Oh... I can transfer you.

LOL She did 3 failed transfers, and finally I got to speak to Customer Care where I told them that even though my family has a grduge against BELL, they were looking pretty good right now!

And thusly, complaining works. I got $10 off my services, 15% bundling and more promotions to come when we move home.

On the home side of things:

Angela is so cute. Oh my heck. I love that she is putting sentences together :) This morning, it was 6.45, and I had ignored her crying for about 10 minutes. Now, she has not cried to get out of her crib in months. She just calls "Momma" until I get her. Well, this morning she's crying, and she's crying my name, and since she is in our room here at the apartment (which we move out of in T-6 days!!!!) she can see me. And see me peeking at her in hopes that she'll go back to bed. Then I hear her say "Poo" And I look up and say "Food?" and she shakes her head and says "Poo". The reason for the crying. Great. It's not even7am. I am so tired.

And now, like most days, she just sits here and blabs to herself and it is so cute. I LOVE how she says "Thank you Momma" every, yes, EVERY time I give her something!! It's great.

We went out last night to Jamie's graduation formal, and it was great. I wish I'd had a camera to take photos because he was called up to the podium and everything! We have hardly any photos of us together too.... Gawsh!

He's made some great friendships and the program was full of really wonderful people. One of the profs got up and said that this is the best class he's ever taught, followed by "I've never said that before." It was a fantastic night at the Hilton!

The End is Near

Here we are - April 30th..... Jamie's last exam is tomorrow. And he graduates May 8th.

We did it.

We managed to endure the 1 year (intensive!!!) MBA program at the Richard Ivey School of Business. (#2 business school in Canada!!) http://www.ivey.uwo.ca/

Jamie was asked to do a blog post on his being an "MBA Dad" and here it is!
http://www.mba.com/mba/service/blogarticle.htm?var1=blog&var2=7265831754

It has been a major learning experience for me. We had to manage 2 households for a year. Often times being apart. I was unable to work even after Audrey was born, so I have seen how the Lord has blessed us and answered our prayers.

I will be very happy when we only have to run 1 household!!! And I can finally finish furnishing my house! It's been 2 years this May since we moved in. :)

Knitting

Who the heck knew knitting would be so hard?! lol

I crochet. My mother taught me to crochet. Why not teach me to knit?!

OK - Here's why I want to learn to knit.

For Christmas 2006, Jamie bought me this perfect book for knitting baby clothes. And, because I didn't know how to knit, I never used it!

So, for over 2 years, I have had this book staring at me. And it only goes up to 2 years old. SO. I made up my mind to knit.

After 5 hours of failure, I turned to Jamie red-faced, exhausted, on the verge of crying and nearly ripping my hair out because of the headache I had built up. :) Quite the picture, ain't it??

Now, a few months later, I gave it another go. 2 knitting how to books and youtube later and we are GOOD TO GO! I have 11 of 24 rows completed for the back of the little......... I have sat here for 3 minutes trying to remember what it's called.... Oh my hecker, I have to go look in the book - SHRUG! lol I am making Audrey a shrug. I sized it for 9 months. She is already wearing 9 months clothes and she's 6 months this week, so I hope that it will still fit her!! lol That is, if upon completion, it looks like it CAN be worn! Haha This is going to be great. Seriously great.

Cheerios!!

Angela looooooooves her Cheerios.

She also loves to share with Audrey.

1+1=2.

Need I say more?

Haha. Okay, so Audrey tried grape juice the other week, thanks to Angela shoving her sippy cup into Audey's mouth. It was pretty funny. It looked like she'd tasted lemon!

Well, now that Audrey is almost mobile, Angela needs to stay further away with her food. Unfortunately, she has not come to grasp this concept yet.

Angela sat down this evening with her little bowl of Cheerios and Audrey kept reaching for it. I really wish I could find my camera because it was really funny. Anyhow, Ange slowly moves back each time until finally, as she lifts her spoon, Audrey pounces like a cat and smacks her hand scattering Cheerios all over the floor. Ange yells "CHEERIOS!!!!!!!!" and moves out of the way so I can see the damage.

Audrey is sitting there with her excited little hands and she is scrunching milky wet, soft cheerios in her hands and into the carpet. It was quite hilarious.

I really wish I'd had my camera!

To Apartment or Not To Apartment?

That is the question.

While I have many a  thing to complain about apartments, I have come to see how they could be slightly beneficial too. I think if we had lived in a new nice apartment like down on Kipps Lane, I would have been happier to stay and visit in London.

All in all however, I do not think I would ever live in an apartment again. Unless it was like at the Ritz and I had a private entrance and all the amenities. And we were older and had no kids to lug around. That... Would definitely be excellent living!! 

I am definitely very excited to finally be able to live in my house again. Jamie graduates May 8th, have I mentioned that? Hee hee

Whenever I go home and cross the threshold, I get a sweet whiff of the new house smell. And it's like buying a new house every time! Until you unpack and realize you left garbage under the sink for a month. And veggies in the fridge..... And didn't do the laundry before you left last time so you have to pile that on to the other loads you brought home..... But! I get to sleep in my very own lovellllllllly bed. And shower in my clean, new shower that no other random unknown people have used before! And I'm not afraid of any hidden cameras because no one else lived there! <--That is one of my biggest fears...

So all in all, house living is my preference. 

Beautiful April!

I just love the spring. I love the fall more, but spring is all full of happiness and excitement for a good year. I think the new year should start in April! Who feels renewed and excited for a new year when it's snowing and cold outside?! In April I love to open all the windows and air out the house and clean, clean, CLEAN! Everything feels new and great!

Even though it is only April, I feel like so far this year has already been a roller coaster! I hope the rest of the year is more like sailing on a sunny and breezy day. :) Knock on wood.... Now it's never going to be like that! Haha

The newness of spring also makes me feel like doing service for others. I have had some opportunities to help others in the last couple weeks and I am really grateful for it. I feel so blessed that I am able to help others since so much service was given to my family while I was pregnant and while Jamie has been in school. We have such wonderful neighbours, friends and family who have taken care of us without hesitation.

I am overcome with gratitude for all that we have especially in these times of trouble.

There is a show that was aired in the winter and it was called "Secret Millionaire". Now, these millionaires would leave all of their luxuries for 1 week and spend it in a chosen area of poverty. They would live off of the normal welfare amount for that area etc. Often times they would have to find odd jobs to make enough to sleep in a roach infested motel. Anyhow, they were to find 3 people who they could help. They had to donate at least $120,000 of their own money. It is such a great show!!

Back to life - Jamie is finished on the 25th of April. His last class is a Saturday... Weird! He has learned a lot and this experience has definitely been a trial of faith for me. And I think I have only come to grasp everything the last couple of weeks. I have to say that I think this experience was totally for my benefit! In my whole life I have never had a better understanding of faith. And after the experiences we've been through I will never be able to say that I was forgotten.

My gratitude is kind of sickening so I will stop! lol

The girls are doing great. Audrey is getting so big! I miss my little babies. Angela is so awesome. She is so fun! We sing the Wonder Pets theme together and I say "What's gonna work?" And she says, "TEAM WORK!" Haha, it is so cute. She tries to dance with Audrey. I have to hold Audrey though because when she's done she just lets go!

We were walking through the mall and Angela was pushing Audrey in the stroller. We went in to Garage, and the girls thought Audrey was a doll! Haha, they were all gushing over how cute they were. Ange loved being in the spotlight and she LOVES Garage! Definitely my child.

I am now in the process of cleaning the apartment. We have to have it all cleaned when we leave, so I figure if I get all the heavy duty stuff cleaned it will make it easier in the end!

Wish me luck.

Lovely time of year!

I just love this time of year! Even though this morning it was chilly and there were some random flurries, it is my favorite. It's warm enough to get away with some jeans and a sweater and cool enough not to be uncomfortable. It is my favorite! <3>

I am so grateful this week. I have been having such a wonderful year and I am so grateful for so many things. I have not felt so happy in a long time. Even though I've fallen off course a couple times, I am able to jump up and get right back on! 

I have the most wonderful family. Jamie is such a hard worker and I cannot say enough how much I love him and how grateful I am for him. :) He has helped me be a better person in many ways and he is such a wonderful example to me. 

Angela is such a delight. Just today Jamie asked her a question and she stood up, put her hands up and out and said "Why not?" Where did she learn that from?! Haha. She is so wonderful. If Audrey is crying, she tries to help her by rubbing her back or playing with her hands and feet and tries to make her laugh. It is amazing how she can be so young and yet so completely in tune with the emotions and feelings of other around her. She sometimes cries when others cry, and tries to soothe when others are sad. Or she'll come and laugh and play with you if she sees you're happy. It is so wonderful. She is growing up so fast and yet it seems like just yesterday she was born and held in our hands.

Audrey is getting so big. She is over 17 lbs and she is now 5 months 1 week. She is so happy. Last night she sat beside me on the couch for an hour and for 35 minutes we just laughed together. She is so fun!! Even when we went to bed, she just lay beside me and smiled until she finally fell asleep. It is the most wonderful age. And it is such a blessing to be trusted with these sweet little spirits to raise and teach. I hope I can measure up and be a good mother. 

Jamie is finished in 1 month at Ivey. It is miracle we have been able to make it through this program maintaining 2 households and having a baby at the same time. It truly is. We have been so blessed to have had this opportunity for Jamie to further his education. And as he is completing a phase of his, I am starting to regret not continuing with mine when I was younger. I will go back to school but not right now! I think I'm exhausted just from watching Jamie do his! 

Anyhow, this time of year, and new growth springs forth, life seems to brighten up after a dull and dreary winter. I can't wait for the fun we'll have this summer! 

Potty Training

My life consists of cleaning, feeding, playing, reading, driving, crafts and all sorts of baby related items. I need to get out more.

But that's not the point of today's blog. That is just a reminder to myself of why I write about things such as potty training!

Angela was fully #2 potty trained in November 2008. And then we moved more permanently to London, and she was like "HECK NO!" and refused to go potty. Considering the move and change of things I did not pressure her. Occasionally we would have a successful potty go.

So, I went out yesterday determined to make this work. This week = Potty training. We had our Princess potty seat, so we bought a DORA step stool. We bought chocolate treats that are taped on to the wall across from the potty. We bought cute panties!! Her first little panties, I'm so proud. And we bought DORA Pull-Ups. So, we're set!

After discussing the issue with Jamie's mum, I felt confident and ready to go!

So, as soon as she woke up from her nap, she went on the potty. 5 points.

I gave her copious amounts of water, and when she would have no more water, we moved to juice! 2 cups!

I asked her every 5 minutes if she needed to go potty. She started to get annoyed and would run away when I asked - Haha!

I threw her on the potty every 30 minutes. And when I walked away at 7PM to get something, I heard the tinkle!! WOW! I was so proud! Never was hearing a tinkle such a delight. 5 points!! And she got to pick her treat off the wall and flush. That's the best part, she flushes and waves and looks into the toilet and says "Byeeeee"

30 minutes later, more harassing and on the potty, and tinkle!! YAY! 5 points.

Well... That's when it all went downhill.

She was playing in the kitchen (Thank goodness) and just started to pee!!! lol She was running around stark naked for easy potty accessibility and she just peed.... Oh my hecker, it was funny though. Good lesson too, haha! It was easy to clean, so no problemo. - 5 points

Well.... Not 5 minutes later, whilst sitting on our hand made wedding quilt on the couch, does she pee AGAIN!! -5 points lol I am actually happy she did because otherwise she would have peed on the futon and that would have been a disaster, but still..... It's our favorite quilt!

So, that is pretty much what my life is like right now.

In other news, I am VERY excited to be making Ange some dress up clothes. Just wish I had my sewing machine here!

You know, back in the day, patterns were .50 cents! 50 CENTS. Now, they are $15!!! 15 BUCKS!! It is actually cheaper to buy the clothes than make them yourself. Unless you stocked up on fabric and patterns in the 80s. lol

Oh, lack of sleep makes me laugh at everything.

We are all great. Well, maybe not Jamie. Poor guy has been up late every night this week, 1AM, 3AM last night, working at school with his group on their project and presentation due Friday! And then he wakes up at 5.30 to go to seminary. He is going to sleep in on Saturday, that's for sure!

Audrey is getting so big. She is 17 weeks and she is wearing 6 month clothes!! :( Makes me so sad, and want another baby! lol I loved hugging her and snuggling and smelling her little cheeks and hair and kissing her little nose and chubby cheeks. I have the best girls. She is so fun to play with too. When Ange went to sleep last night, we hunkered down for some American Idol and she was smiling and laughing and I was kissing her cheeks really fast and she was just hysterical! It was great! I miss it already. Why do they have to get bigger?! :(

Anyhow, I have a list of things to do today while I am confined to the apartment potty training Angela. Better get started!

Oh, and here are the cute costumes:

Lent

Now, I do not observe Lent..... But! I have an addiction to chocolate. Really, I kid you not, it is an addiction!

So, I have decided this morning after eating some macaroons for breakfast, that even though it started last week, I am going to be a late-Lent observer.

Clearly today doesn't count, so I will begin fresh tomorrow! I wonder how many people actually go all 40 days without cheating....

Now, traditionally lent was when the people gave up milk, butter and eggs. They needed to use up all those ingredients before Lent so that's where Fat Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday, Mardi Gras, etc. came from.

The people fast and pray for 40 days leading up to Easter. The 40 days is symbolic of the 40 days and nights Christ spent in the desert. Different churches calculate the days differently.

I am not going to concern myself with any logistical things other than until Easter day, I am not going to eat any chocolate!!

Crafts!

Okay. Anyone who knows me knows that I loooooove crafts! I love baking, which is why I'm starting my own cake business, and I love all sorts of unique, innovative, hands on things!

So, here's what I've been doing in this category:

I make baby bows. Butterflies, dragonflies, ladybugs, bees, regular bows, curly bows... All sorts! They are SO cute and fun. Just yesterday I found ribbons that say "Li'l Sister" and "Big Sister". Ask me how excited I am..... VERY!

Next- I crochet. Haven't done it in a couple months, but I do. I am teaching myself to knit right now. It's taking some time, but I'll get there eventually!!

I love sewing! I made a whole bunch of blankets when Angela and Audrey were born. So cute! My mom made them matching dresses for my aunts wedding last weekend - OH MY GOODNESS! So cute! And I made them matching bows! I really want to make a 50's (a couple actually) style apron!! I would have LOVED to be a mom at that time! Wearing cute dresses and aprons. Love it! 

Haven't done any scrapbooking for a couple years, but I still love it. My friends actually just gave me a great idea for the girls' room. I bought their names in letters from Michaels and cut out scrapbooking paper and hodge podge it on! And then decorate with bows, ribbon, jewels, etc. I am looking forward to finishing their rooms with those!!!

Oh! And a fun idea for hot dogs, I discovered the other day for lunch - Cut up the hot dog lengthwise in half. And then cut those lengthwise in half. And boil them They curl up and are fun to dip in ketchup! Oh, being a mom gives you all these creative ideas!! Love it!

Anyhow, we are 2 months from Jamies graduation. I am very excited! I have enjoyed London since being here permanently and there are wonderful families here. I guess it would be different if we didn't have our home in Oshawa. Having our house has made it very hard to be here. Too bad we couldn't have rented it out and made finances easier! But it's okay. We have managed this far!

We are all doing great and can't wait for lots of fun this summer!!

Happy Things :)

Don't you just love reminiscing? Remembering hilarious things you'd forgotten? 

I am so grateful for all the wonderful friends and family members I have in my life. And the great memories that have been made over the years!! 

A few I love:

In Ottawa, my friend Carolyn Graham used to sit on the portable steps in grade 3 before school. I was new to the school and scared, and I went over and said hi because she looked lonely. She had this cute little plastic bear that wore a hat and coat and she asked if I wanted to play with it. She was my first friend there and she gave me that bear when I moved away at the end of grade 8. 

Girls talks with Sarah Russell and Kristina Farmer. lol Always had something about N Sync in there!!

BSB fun with Karina Danic. lol We loooved them. 

Britt and I would *miss* the bus so we could walk to school. lol Mom never let us walk even though we were super close! 

Sarah Henderson and I would switch going to each other's houses on Wednesdays after school. That included movies, talking about cute boys, and BSB, and eating yummy food. The best ever was our traditional pizza sandwiches!!! 

Again with Sarah, driving around in her van on Friday nights. Woot woot!! 

Oh my heck - Ghost Road with Amber and Kyeshia. Hilarious!! HILARIOUS! 

Shopping trip with Tara, Krista and Loretta. Soooo funny. Love it! 

With Jamie:

Spontaneous vacation to Boston! Soooo fun. I didn't want to go and I put up a fight, and finally agreed. And it was the funnest time ever. Even though it was freezing cold! Can't wait to go back.

Going to Warwick castle on my first trip over to England. It was so lovely and he knew I wanted to go to a castle, so Rach drove us all! 

Also in England, I asked Jamie if we could pull an all nighter. So, we stayed up playing LIFE and watching movies. We promised at the beginning of LIFE not to cheat. (Since I was the banker and wanted to feel honest. lol It's always tempting when you're the banker!!) Jamie probably would have won even if he hadn't cheated. lol

There's so many, I can't remember them all.

Also, going to Wasaga Beach when we were little. That was always soooooo fun. 

Going to Centreville!!! LOVE IT!! 

Skating on the Rideau Canal and eating beaver tails.

The last 10 years ever - Every December we go out with the family and the missionaries and sing carols. Then we read a Christmas story, drink hot chocolate and eat cookies!

Anyhow, I could go on and on. I am grateful to have such wonderful memories. :) 

Crazy tire!

We were very lucky this week! 

When we were home in Oshawa last week I noticed that the passenger front tire was a little flat. So I filled it up before we left and it was all good. 

Well.. On our drive home on Sunday, the car was WILD! It was shaking everywhere. I thought the car was going to FLY APART!!! It would lag when accelerating. At random points the steering column would start shaking and the keys would vibrate like CRAZY!! I was having a little anxiety attack because we definitely cannot afford a new car or an expensive repair to this one! 

So. I go out Monday afternoon to the bank and as I'm driving I hear a flipping noise and I realize that the tire is FLAT. Oh my gosh! I drove very slowly to the gas station and filled it up and went about my day. But the shaking and vibrating was still there.

I spent yesterday debating whether to bring the car somewhere or drive to Oshawa on Thursday and fix it there.

Finally, I just got up and went! lol That was a very random moment. I took the car to Wal-Mart since I don't trust Canadian Tire. I used to work for BMW and have heard my share of Canadian Tire moments, and trust me... They are money grabbers.

Anyhow, we go there and the mechanic hunts me down and says "Your tire is dead. I thought I could repair it, but it's beyond repair and I can't let you leave with this tire." He showed me the tire, and OH MY GOODNESS. We are so lucky we made it to London!!! Part of the tire was gone! You could see all the threading of the INSIDE! The tire was all bent out of shape and crooked... Oh my gosh. I almost cried right there because of how lucky we were.

I got in with the new tire and she drove like a gem!! What a great little car. We are so lucky to have her!! 

In other news, Audrey is getting so big. We often sit on the floor in front of Jamie when he is working and she just stands there smiling at him. It is so cute. She is also rolling around and she rotates herself in circles. If I put her on the floor with Ange, she will rotate herself until she is facing Angela, the toys or the TV. Such a smarty pants!!! 

In the mornings when she wakes up she makes her little goo and ahh noises to wake me up. Again, so cute! She is happy ALL the time. Always smiling and batting her eyelashes. OH! I LOVE HER! Gotta go smush those cheeks now! 

Food Allergies

Okay, so I honestly have no idea how people who develop food allergies DON'T eat the food anyways! (Unless it's life threatening of course) 

After delivering Audrey, I have become lactose intolerant. I used to eat a bowl of cereal EVERY morning without fail. 

I loooooooove eggs and toast. 

I loooooooove ice cream.

And I LOOOOOOOOVE CHEESE! 

(I never liked yogurt, or cottage cheese - Basically, the things that taste sourly nasty, so they don't matter.) 

Since I've developed this condition, I have steered (mostly) clear of these foods that cause me great pain and agony. 

But for some reason.... I just cannot go a week without trying a piece of cheese and seeing if I am cured yet.

So last night.... After working out..... (At midnight) I figured I'd grab a piece of cheese for a little energy. 

Big...... Mistake......

I was in bed feeding Audrey and I got the most gut wrenching, unbearable pain in my chest. Oh my gosh, I couldn't swallow, I had to keep my mouth open to draw in breath..... It was awful!!! And very painful!!!  

And yet..... My passion for cheese continues and I would still try a piece again today! Maybe a teeny tiny little piece. Haha  

Miracle of Life!!

Okay, when I was younger, I said I never wanted children. Growing up in a family with 8 children, and 19 years difference between the oldest and youngest, gave me a broad perspective of raising children! 

So, I really wanted to have my "life" and I had all my goals set up. Successful career, with all the right things that would make one happy in life. That was my main goal. I was completely set on having everything I wanted to live happily. 

I married Jamie and was so completely in love with him that I just really wanted to have a family. All of my goals changed and I no longer cared about the things I *thought* would make me happy, when in reality, I would never have *really* been happy as that person. 

Anyhow, so after having 2 babies, and the wonderful experiences that the births were, I realized that having a baby truly is a miracle. Firstly, being trusted with these precious little souls to raise and teach and help in every way possible is an incredibly responsibility. Secondly, the very fact that our bodies build these babies. Ever single intricate part of the human body that is so complicated, is grown inside of us! And lastly, that moment when they are born, and watching the breath of life enter into that precious little body is a moment never to be forgotten.

So, I realized I didn't write Audrey's birthday story. so here it goes:

I was very frustrated with this baby! I wanted her to come out on my terms because I didn't want it to happen when Jamie was in London. So, every weekend he came home, labour would start, and then sure enough, being stressed about him having to go back to school would stall everything. In the end, the weekend before she was born Jamie said, that's it, I'm staying hom this week and we're going to see this baby!

Feeling relieved and comfortable and hoping that she would come by her due date, we went to the midwives on Tuesday the 21st for our 40h week appointment. I asked her to check if I was dilated at all, and she did a sweep and said I was already 4cm!

So, I was excited since I was convinced the baby was never coming out! And I didn't think I was even 1cm! 

She told me to call her as soon as I felt any sort of pain. Now, after calling her so many times and not knowing whether something was happening or not, I didn't want to bother her again. Even though, bless her, she said it did not matter what time it was or anything, I could always call! I love my midwives for that. Through the whole pregnancy, MY midwives were available 24/7. 

Anyhow, so I went to bed, Ange kept waking up through the night so we brought her into our bed to sleep. Around 5, I woke up and sleeping on the mattress was just uncomfortable, so I went to sleep on the couch. I did not think I was in labour! 

I woke up just after 6am and felt a twinge. I didn't even think, I just shouted "Jamie!" and he hopped out of bed and got me up. I still didn't think I was in labour, but he made me call the midwives who didn't even question just said she'd be right over. 

So, I was feeling really bad because I thought what if they get here and all set up and nothing happens?! 

Mom picked up Ange just before 8am, and the midwives were there all set up. Contractions were manageable, and I was feeling good. They got more intense, and Jamie was very helpful, encouraging me and helping me through them.

I went in to the pool and just wanted hot! I wanted hot water on my back and then I wanted it hotter and hotter. I loved being in the pool, it's just a bit hard because even though there are handles on the inside, they weren't where I wanted them to be so I was getting annoyed. 

Lisa checked again and said that if she broke the water it would move along faster. Now, with Ange, my water broke in the pool and all I felt was a POP! So, I didn't know if this was going to hurt or not so I said no. I got out of the pool and went upstairs which was great because I could hold the bars of the bed through contractions.

I was fully dilated and finally let Lisa break the water on the next contraction. And a few minutes later, I said I needed to pee, and then all of a sudden I was pushing! 6 minutes later, Audrey popped out and that was it! 

Head full of dark hair, 22 3/4 inches long, and 9 lbs 4.5 oz! That is 2 pounds heavier than Angela!!!! I didn't think I could do any bigger than her! Yet, I did it in 6 minutes of pushing, and without any stitches!!! 

Now, a few notes on labour:

Firstly, with Angela, I was on my back for the delivery and it was painful on my lower back and quite frankly it HURT. With Audrey, I was on my knees. I only went on my back for 1 contraction when Lisa broke my water. And that was the ONLY contraction that hurt my back. Being on my knees and holding on to something was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better! Highly recommended.

And secondly, after she came out, the after pains in my stomach were a bit more painful (the pain increases with each children) but I honestly was doing kegels that night!!!! It didn't hurt!! So great :)

So, all in all, birth is really a miracle. 

I was watching a few shows tonight, one was a woman who had broken part of her spine in a diving accident and was paralyzed waist down, and she was pregnant and delivered  baby. To be able to do that in her condition was a miracle! And I didn't realize how I took my healthy pregnancies for granted.

And also, this show about a woman who has half a body. When she was born, her legs were all crooked and her feet were in opposite directions, and she was always getting cut open and infected so the doctors said the best way for her to have as normal a life as possible would be to amputate her legs.

This woman does more in a day that I do! I feel like I have taken all of my abilities for granted. This woman married a wonderful guy who loves her immensely and they had a baby!! Several doctors alienated her and tried to encourage her to about the pregnancy, but she was able to carry the baby, have a c-section and deliver a healthy little boy.

So, all in all, I feel very blessed to have my family, and to have my wonderful little girls. My only wish is for them to be healthy and happy and know how much they are loved. 

OKAY!! It has been a couple months, so I am finally finding the time to update my blog!

Firstly, after 3 false starts, and a failed castor oil attempt, we finally had Audrey Eliza Edwards on her due date -October 22, 2008! 

Labour was 2 hours, 7 minutes. I pushed for 6 minutes, and she popped out! No damage and feeling great! Baby #2 is a DREAM! 

Angela was hesitant for the first day. She refused to look at me or Audrey! She was completely a daddy's girl. :) 

She is very attentive and shares everything (almost) with Audrey. She asks to hold her and refuses to let me near Audrey when she is holding her. Angela tries to feed Audrey whatever she is eating or drinking, which makes for an interesting meal time. If Audrey is crying, Angela is always the first to hear and goes running to help her while saying "Oh no! Audey, Audey!!" She is so helpful! 

We had a lovely visit from Jamie's family as well. They were able to come visit for Audrey's baby blessing and spend the week with us! Ben provided lovely meals too :)

I was relieved to finally be with Jamie in London and not worrying about things to do and 2 households to keep. 

We had a nice break at Christmas as Jamie was off school for 1 month. We spent a few weeks at home and were able to meet up with friends and family, relax and enjoy the season! 

I held a cookie exchange at my home which was GREAT! If not for the cookies, then the company! The ladies are great to get together for a night of fun!

Poor Angela got sick on Christmas Eve just before dinner. Why do kids always get sick right at the most inopportune moments?! Poor girl had a fever and felt asleep like instantly! She got sick Christmas day in the evening, so at least she had a great morning and loved her presents!! 

We came back to London for school and Jamie is doing very well in his courses. He is teaching early morning seminary as well, so he is definitely a busy guy! He loves teaching the class though, so he doesn't mind. :)

Angela is getting so big! I cannot believe how much she has changed in just a few weeks. She can name and knows all of her body parts, she can count to 10 (she says 8 as 'ett' SO CUTE!) She brushes her teeth, and was potty trained until we came to London where it all kind of freaked her out for some reason! She is a great girl and brightens up every day for us. Every time we are in the elevator or at a store people stop and tell us how beautiful she is and what gorgeous blue eyes she has. Which is wonderful as her baby blessing said that she would brighten peoples' lives with her smile.

In other news, I am starting a cake business. "Slice of Heaven" I am working on the website right now, and my dad has registered the business name for me! It is so exciting. I loooooove making cakes! I would give them to people free if I could because I just enjoy it so much! I have so many great ideas!!

I have also been trying to be a "cool" mom. Not by Mean Girls status though! Haha. I (I had to come back and edit this an give credit to Marci!! I saw her post that led me to these lovely treats!!) found these great Valentine treats to make, so I'll post a picture when I get them done. They are pretzels, with hugs and m&m's! 

Anyhow, I have to get to bed, so I will keep up to date!