Brand New Car

A few weeks ago Jason was at lunch and jumped back into the car to go back to work and the car wouldn't start.  I drove down and tried to give him a boost and even that wouldn't start it.  A few hours later we were able to get it started.  Jason took it into the mechanic.  He told us it was something in the ignition system that was intermittent and the best thing to do was to replace the entire system - probably around $600.00 - $800.00.  We decided it just wasn't worth putting any more money into this car.

We did a bunch of research online and visited the car show a couple of weeks ago and today we brought home our new car.  We decided on a KIA Rio.  We're happy with the decision and feel it will be a good car for us.  It's really just a commuter car to get back and forth to work - but is big enough if it needs to fit us all.

The boys are hoping that if we treat it right it will be their car in a few years!  Scary!!

Spring Break Day 1

The boys enjoyed their 1st full day of spring break.  I'm not counting Friday as we went to student led conferences and then sat in a lab for over 2 1/2 hours waiting to have my blood work done.  The student led conferences were great by the way.  Both boys had great report cards and I heard terrific things from their teachers.  I'm very proud of the good work they are doing.

I'm looking forward to a laid back week with my boys.  We're going to tackle the playroom and get their old toys packed away.  Happy Spring Break!

Double Trouble

Yesterday I got to babysit a couple of my sweet little nephews.  So of course this crazy auntie had to drag out her camera to annoy the children with.

Baby Bennett (as big brother Dane calls him) was so good for his auntie.  He played on the floor and showed off his rolling over skills.  When he got a little sleepy, I just wrapped him up and rocked him for a bit and he went right off to sleep.  I enjoyed my baby cuddles and got my baby fix.

Dane is such a good big brother and kept bringing toys over to Bennett he thought he might like to play with.

Come visit anytime boys - auntie loved having you!!

What I Love About Ashton

I can't believe I have a "9" year old!!  Almost double digits!  Sunday, March 17th was Ashton's birthday.

9 Things I Love About Ashton

1.  Ashton is a good big brother.  He includes Bowen in his play and they are great friends (most of the time ;) )
2.  He's inquisitive.  Ashton loves to learn new things.  He's always watching the Discovery Channel and asking questions.
3.  He's mature.  He loves to be given adult responsibilities and does his very best to fulfill them.
4.  He loves babies.  Ashton is really gentle with little kids and babies and loves to spend time with them.
5.  He looks up to his Dad and wants to be like him.  I can't think of a better person to emulate.
6.  He's loving.  Not as many hugs and kisses as Bowen - but he tells me he loves me at least once a day!
7.  He's handsome.  Such a cute face!
8.  Ashton has a great sense of humor.  He's funny and loves to make others laugh.
9.  He made me a mom!!  My greatest gift!

After school on Friday Ashton invited a couple of friends home with him for some birthday fun.  They played for a bit and then we headed to Empire Theatre to play some arcade games.

Bowen has a hard time letting someone else have the spotlight - this was as happy as I could get him to look.

We got to the theatre and discovered that about a month ago they got rid of their arcade machines - WHAT!!  Luckily Ashton was really good about it and we headed back home.

So Ashton opened presents instead.  He got some great gifts and was really grateful for them.

The kids then made their pizzas and we had some supper.

Then it was time for birthday cake.  Ashton requested cheesecake.

After cake the kids played games, the Wii and had lightsaber wars.  I was worried they weren't having a good time.  After Ashton's friends were picked up I shut the door and Ashton said to me "best birthday party EVER!!" - what a great kid!

More birthday fun continued on Saturday.  Events included going to the car show.  It was good timing as we are currently looking for a new car as ours is on its last legs (tires).  The boys had alot of fun looking at all the cars.

A scary glimpse into my future!!

A trip to the Cheesecake Cafe (Ashton's request).  He was in cheesecake heaven!

The big surprise was we took the boys to a Hitman Hockey game.  We all had a great time!!  A live game is so much better than watching on TV.

One last present for Ashton to open.  He was thrilled!

Last but not least Ashton took cupcakes to his class on Monday so his friends could celebrate his birthday with him!

We're glad you are part of our family Ashton.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - WE LOVE YOU!!

Indoor Shoes

The other day Bowen gets home from school and informs me that his teacher told him to bring his indoor shoes home.  "Why?"  I inquired.

Nuff said!

In Like a Lion

Not everyone is upset by the huge snowfall this March!

Creative Kids

I love that my kids are creative.  I love that they enjoy making crafts.  I love that they are not always needing to be plugged in.  However - what I don't love is the mess they make!!

Bowen made a ship - I'm not going to think about how much paper and tape he went through!

Ashton made a self portrait in his oilers jersey!

We'll hang Ashton's portrait on their art gallery wall in the playroom.  Not too sure what to do with Bowen's creation.  How long do you keep your kids art?

8 Week Challenge - Week 3

This week was a struggle for me.  I had such little motivation.  I exercised 4 times - so that was good!  But my eating was bad - I ate treats every day and didn't pay attention to my portion sizes at all.  So of course, to no surprise I lost ...

0 lbs

I was happy at least I maintained.   My sister is doing awesome on the challenge and lost 4 pounds last week.  She's inspired me to try harder.  I also need to increase my intake of fruits and vegetables.  So that is my main goal this week - to eat more fruit and vegetables, and to decrease my portion sizes.  See you back next week - hopefully with better success.  Continued success to all my teammates!  We can do it!!