Day 301 - Shermanators In The Elbow & Oh Baby(s)!!!!

It was a quick zip over to the mechanics to pick up the car & then to the grocery store... We were having company in a few short hours & we were supposed to be having a picnic! As my timing would have it, we arrived home, only to have our company call - they were 3 minutes away! Oh dear! Panic! Thankfully they were patient enough to wait while we finished getting lunch ready.


Kerry & Shawn, Alina & Mason were coming for a visit today. They have an Aunt & Uncle in Calgary & would visit them after our time together. Doing the traditional 'Tour', we headed down to Elbow Falls & of course, as luck would have it, the weather turned cold as we drove up. That didn't stop Mason! He ran around & raced Alina up & down the paths. Kerry, Shawn, Jaco & I enjoyed more lunch while the kids burnt up energy! We walked the path around the falls & I managed to find a few raspberry patches to share a few bites with the kids. 


After our visit at Elbow Falls, we headed for Forget-Me-Not Pond. We strayed off course to the river & Alina & Mason had a blast hopping over rocks & trying (somewhat successfully) to stay dry. We picked a few wild strawberries along our way & they were deeee-lish!


Naturally, the Tour ends at the Scoops & Snacks for ice cream. Everyone enjoyed a big dip of the good stuff before the Shermans were on their way...


When we returned to the house, I discovered that Collet had her baby! A boy! We were supposed to visit for the birth, but the newest Stephan wasn't going to wait any longer in there! He made his entry swift & there would not have been time for us to get there! Mom was exhausted, but tickled pink with her newest son. 


After my chat with her, Jaco & I skyped with Ross & Krystle & Baby Dash... Awwwh!!! What a cutie pie! I'm excited for all of them! But yeesh, I'm going to have to watch what I eat/drink, all these babies... only means trouble!!! Valentina is enough for now!


Lekker slaap
xxxxx
Maria, Jaco & Valentina 

Elbow Falls!

The Shermans

The Happy Couple

Great to see you!!!

Mason burns off some energy!

Alina strikes a pose

The boys talk shop

Our little monkey for the day!

Mason chases Shawn

Throwing rocks in the river

Mason walks on the water

Blowin' in the wind

Flower feathers

Yum yum on the ice cream cones!

Day 229 - Supernanny to the Rescue!

As all my mornings start with a BANG (not really) this was no exception. I did have that phone call from the Medical Registry at 0900. It was reassuring to know that I wasn't being ridiculous for inquiring about the number of years a Physician has been practicing. In fact, I discovered that Dr. Lategan graduated in 1988 from Stellenbosch & arrived in fair Canada in 1988. If you ever want to check out your Doctor's credentials, you can go the the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta & look them up! 


I was going to take the car to the mechanics to have an appraisal done on the damage. I phoned & he was going to be around. Duane is a local fellow that Mom uses all the time. He said he would send me down the road to his 'Body Man'. Hmm, think he could work on this 'body' & take out a few bumps & lumps here & there? :o)


It always takes me awhile to get up & running, so by the time I left the house it was 1430. I stopped in at EVIC to say hello to Shauna. I miss working with her & Joe, so I slip in on their working days & catch up on what I've been missing, which is mostly just them! :o) Shauna had a delivery shortly after I arrived & since I was already late, I left for Duane's. 


As my luck would have it, he wasn't there! I gathered he didn't go very far, as he said he was going to be home all day, so I settled in on the lawn with the dogs & my book. Sure enough, just as I got settled, he drove in the yard! He gave me Warren's number & directions to his place. I thanked him & away I went. 


Warren lives on top of a huge hill. I have no clue how they get to & from the house in the winter. Maybe they have a ski-doo they take up & down. The hill is so steep my car was spinning out on the gravel! But what a view from the top of the hill! Wow! I guess that would make the treacherous trip up the hill worth it! He took a look at the bumper & the trunk, license plate backing, latch, etc... He couldn't give me a quote on the spot, but he took my details & said he would fax me a quote after he'd looked up the cost of parts & so forth. For now it's a bungee cord!


I came home & shortly after, Jenn called. She needed a sitter. She wanted to take me up on my offer. Oh boy. She must be desperate! As I mentioned earlier, I haven't looked after a child since I was 14, let alone 2 children! But, I was determined to help her out. I forewarned her that I would have to go to the city for an ultrasound if I was to start my fertility drugs. I hung up the phone & packed my bags for 3 days of diapers, bottles & nursery rhymes... Wish me luck!


Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Waiting on the lawn...

Nice day for a drive in the country

The view from the hill

Note the steep road on the right!

Day 149 - Recycling, A Baby Boy & A PUPPY!!!!

OMGOSH!!!!


Today was a fairly exciting day when I stop to think about it! Of course I slept late after last night's 'bar scene' & the tummy ache. I am pleased to report that the chills, aches & belly ache are long gone! 


I was disappointed to have missed Jaco's call in the morning. I turn the ringers off at night because some of Mom's friends & family call VERY EARLY in the morning. I was a little bit paranoid that I was going to sleep too late & miss my ultrasound date!


I checked my emails & luckily there was an email from UC Baby notifying me of the password & username. I had one hour to go! I was so excited! I got a little breakfast ready & then prepped the computer for the show. I set up my little camera to record the video cast & Oh My Gosh! There it was! I could hear Ross & Krystle talking and I recognized her sister & her Mom's voices. It was so amazing to see the little baby moving about! Krystle had eaten a chocolate bar shortly before, so the baby was pretty wired! It was moving all over the place, waving it's arms around, sucking it's thumb, smiling, kicking, rolling around - it was brilliant! Ross' family lives in the UK, so it was pretty special that they could be a part of the pregnancy from so far away! The technician waited until everyone was online & we had all had a good look at the baby before he told us... IT'S A BABY BOY!!! I was crying like a baby! I was so excited for them! They are the most wonderful couple & I am so thrilled at the happiness they have found in each other!


The other exciting news was that her sister is having a baby too! Only 2 months after Krystle is due! How fun! A playmate already! Krystle & Ross are off to Mexico for 2 weeks for a 'Babymoon' - they haven't officially had a honeymoon yet, but now they're expecting, so a Babymoon it is.


Krystle & Ross met on ships & I'm a sap for a happy ending. They married last summer & it was by far the picture perfect wedding I've ever been to! Down to the tiniest detail, it was spectacular! Ross & Krystle are both photographers & Krystle shoots weddings when she's not busy being the most creative person I know! http://www.krystleimages.com shows a little of her creativity! I can't wait to meet the little fellow!


I had no sooner left the 3D ultrasound when the phone rang. It was Janis & they were on their way home from Banff. I made arrangements to meet them in Bragg Creek for a cup of tea. 


We met at the Cinnamon Spoon for juice & smoothies & conversation. They had been snowboarding in Banff for a few days & I was fortunate enough to catch a visit. Dustin entertained Caleb & their dogs while Janis & I had a quick chat. We always have a great time, but man, the world is small & it is crazy. 


Janis starts telling me about Dustin's friend from Calgary who has tickets to the World Cup in South Africa this summer. He's going by himself, but he has extra tickets & is wanting to trade them for accommodations. Since Janis knows I have a few links to South Africa, she wanted to know if I would be willing to help Dustin's friend out. Of course I would! But the funny thing is, the gal I met last night, Bronwyn, told me how she REALLY wanted to go to South Africa for the World Cup, but didn't have anyone to go with & didn't really feel comfortable going alone. I couldn't help but smile and the mysterious & marvelous way the world works! Unfortunately Bronwyn hadn't given me her details, so I had to do a little Facebook sleuthing, NOT stalking, to find her... We'll see if I get a P.S. bar or Grenadilla Twist this summer or not! :o)


I said goodbye to Janis, Dustin & Caleb & headed home to pick up the recycling. I thought I would stop by Jenn & Mike's for a quick visit while I picked up groceries & did my bit to help Mother Earth. I pulled into the recycling depot just as the fellow was closing the gate. THANK GOODNESS he let me in! One cardboard paper cut later, I was on my way to the Burnett's. 


Jenn has begun training for her first triathlon & I heard her make mention of a particular book she was interested in to help her out. I was in Costco on Thursday, saw the book & thought it would be good encouragement for her. I also wanted to share my yoga DVD's with her, as she was inquiring about those too. She was thrilled to receive her very own copy of Jillian Michaels 'Master Your Metabolism'! Yay! I'm so proud of Jenn for taking action to make this dream a reality! Her triathlon is August 8th & I'll do my best to be there to cheer her across the finish line!


Harrison played with Valentina again & I tried my best to get Mike & Jenn pumped about a trip to the Mediterranean for next year! Jenn has always dreamed of Italy & seeing as it's my favourite country, I take it on as my personal mission to see her in Italy! :o) 


I left them just before supper & came home to another missed call from Jaco! Darn! If only I could call him back! I had also missed a call from Roxie, the lady I got Valentina from. I called her back & I asked her a little bit about the puppies. I had decided if the puppy wasn't TOO expensive, I'd try to find a way to make it happen. Roxie told me the one pup would be perfect for Mom, as she's cuddly & very pretty. She's not dappled, but black & tan. Okay, so far so good. I ask the price & Roxie tells me 'Your Mom can have her'. I am thinking, 'Have her for what? How much?' Roxie tells me, 'For free.' 'WHAT?! Are you serious?' 


Roxie told me that she was so happy that Valentina ended up in such a good home, she would love to see this puppy end up in the same loving hands. WOW! I was so excited! Wait until Mom hears this! I told Roxie I'd call her back tomorrow after I had a chance to talk to Mom & make arrangements to collect the puppy! Little Annie was coming home!


How much did my bubble burst when Mom wasn't elated!? She didn't know what she'd do with her when she had a photo shoot all day. Hello, excuse please? You take her with you & put her in a big kennel in the back of the truck or you leave her at home with pee pads for her. Problem solved! How many ALL DAY shoots do you have a year? 3? Just think of the unconditional love you'll get! Every single day! Without falter! Annie will never wake up & be mad at you! She'll always love you! No matter how bad your breath stinks or how crazy your hair looks or how much you burnt dinner (not that my Mother does any of these, just for example! Seriously!) So little effort for so much in return. Everyone should experience the unconditional love of a Dachshund. Mom wanted to think about it overnight, so here's hoping she wakes up in the morning with a warm heart & a desire for a cold nose.


What a day it has been! Babies, puppies, triathlons, I can't take much more action! I'm tired just thinking about what tomorrow will bring! :o) Not really, I'm excited!


Love & hugs,
Maria & Valentina & hopefully ANNIE!
xxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxxoxx

Janis, Dustin & Caleb on their way back from the Snow Trip!

Day 116 - Shake Your Groove Thang...

Hello everyone!


I hope this finds you well & enjoying your Tuesday morning. It was Family Day today in Alberta, so hopefully those of you celebrating it, were able to spend some quality time with your families!


I spent it with part of my family. Adios, Valentina & Mom. I woke up with what I like to call my Phone Sex Voice. My throat was nice & raspy & there were a few rumblings from my chest. I am guessing this is a chest cold & not a sinus cold, as my sinuses are fine! I've never had a chest cold, so this is something new. Again! Anyhow, after my mid-afternoon walk, I'd progressed, or regressed, depending on how you look at it, from my Phone Sex Voice to my Puberty Voice. I think I would rather have just lost my voice!


Mom mashed my back with some peppermint oil & the muscles are just about back to normal, although now the skin is nicely burned. Ah well, win some lose some. By tomorrow morning it should be all good. Just so you know, I asked for the mashing. No pain, no gain.


A fairly uneventful day, I did actually get outside. I took the pooch for a walk, snapped a few happy ones while I was out & then came back to the house. I spent most of the evening trying to clean up the kitchen. Our septic tank isn't quite normal yet. We called for help, but never received a call back. Thanks! So hopefully we can make it through the night without the alarm going off! 


I have to share this little story about the septic tank alarm... Last summer when Jaco was visiting, Mom was away & we were sleeping in her bedroom. In the middle of the night, the septic alarm goes off. I knew the noise right away, but my poor foreign husband did not. He thought we were being robbed, broken into, vandalized... All of his limbs were moving simultaneously, as was the duvet once covering him, but he wasn't moving anywhere! It was priceless. I got up, turned off the alarm & told him to go back to bed. We'd worry about it in the morning. It was almost as humourous as imagining poor Gord in his electronically adjustable bed with it going completely haywire while he's in it. I know, it's cruel to laugh at someone else's misfortune, but there are times when it wouldn't matter if it were you or I in the scenario, we'd still be busting a gut laughing... Moving on...


I managed to get a few things on the Mexico To Do List checked off! I had planned on heading to town, but when I looked at the clock, it was already 1400. Then I remembered it was Family Day, so I ixnayed the trip to town. There's always tomorrow! 


I caught up with a few good girlfriends & I just have to say, I'm so blessed to have such wonderful friends whom I know support me. I love them all to pieces & how lonely life would be without them! Thank you for enriching my life! 


I have to put this out there & hopefully something good will come of it! A very dear friend of mine is in need of help. My best friend, Jenn, & her husband, Mike, recently moved back to Canada. Mike is from Texas & they had been living there. They moved back to Canada when Jenn's health insurance fell through & it would cost them $20,000 to have the planned Caesarean section Jenn needed. Adding to the mix that Mike had been laid off last March & was still unable to find work. 


Jenn safely had a beautiful baby girl in December & things were really looking up when Mike had a job offer to work close to Jenn's family in Southern Alberta. Unfortunately the company offering the job wasn't ambitious enough to properly fill out the paperwork & Mike came as close to being threatened with deportation. A long story longer, they are desperate to find work for Mike. As he doesn't have a work permit, there would be paper work involved, which is easily done, if you do it the right way the first time! (!!!!)


I'm asking, pleading, begging, if you know of anyone who is in need of a fantastic employee, please let them know! Mike is a wonderful man, a true Texas gentleman & wants desperately to be able to provide for his family. His work experience puts him in the line for Industrial Mechanical type work, but at this point, he is willing to do almost anything! He is a strong, intelligent & hard working fellow. If you know of anyone who needs any kind of help, please pass along the information! You'll be doing this family a great service! Jenn's baby is only 5 weeks old & it is nearing the point that she will be forced to return to work. Jenn also keeps a blog. Please feel free to send her a message if you know of anything! Thank you! Oh, prayers are good too!! :o) http://burnettbunchlife.blogspot.com


No news from Jaco yet. I hope the Air Hostesses weren't too cute. Perhaps he's traded me in. Wouldn't that just be the icing on the cake? On Valentine's Day! Mile High Club! Ha! Horrible thought, but I'm laughing, as I know it would never happen. I'm the luckiest girl I know! Maybe if we're ever in the same postal code, I'll even get lucky! Ha! I must be feeling better, no clue where all this 'talk' is coming from!


Anyhow, I better call it quits for tonight. I've got a big day ahead of me tomorrow! The city beckons me & I hope the roads are good! Sleep well & here's for exciting news tomorrow! 


Love & hugs,
Maria & Valentina
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Walking down the road.

The Valentina's Day trees! Is this the official definition of a 'Tree Hugger'?

Okay, fine. So winter can be pretty.

One of my many winter pet peeves. Socks coming off when you take off your boots. Then you step in snow to get the other boot off. (I know, it's almost Mexico time!)