Yes, she is mine. I own her.
I love having sisters. I don't want to think about how my life would be different if I had brothers. Boys are icky.
Growing up we had our days were we really got along and played well, and of course we had our days that we didn't. It was completely normal sibling behaviour. Although, maybe being the youngest she got picked on and teased a little bit more than Carmen and I.
Some of my favourite memories of growing up with Shelley was when we wrapped her up like a mummy. We took a big white quilt, and then several ties from play housecoats, and tied her up in sections. It was quite darling. Then we leaned her up against the wall to try to take her picture, and for some twisted reason we still laugh at the panicked cry of, "I'm slipping" as she slowly started making her way down the wall completely unable to move any inch of her body. I don't think she remembers it as fondly as Carmen and I do.
Another wonderful thing Shelley loves, is to be loved. Lovied in fact. Shelley's seat was the middle seat in the car, with myself on her left and Carmen on her right. Periodically, especially on long trips, Carmen and I would look at eachother with a mischevious grin count to 3 and then hug her extremely tight and go "loovvveeeyyy". Somehow.. although she "felt" the love, she wasn't feeling the love. We still try to do it occaisonally as adults, but she can fight back a little more now.
In the last couple of years as we have been pregnant together and had our babies, we have grown even closer. We were able to spend more time together, and its a rare day that we dont talk to eachother. I love having a deep friendship with her, even though we are more than a little weird together. I am extremely thankful that we only live 5 min away - although farther than the 5 seconds it used to be, it could be a lot worse.
I love my lil sis.
And Shel - I'll grape you later.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
My Mommy
What little girl doesn't need her mommy? For that matter, what grown-up girl doesn't need her mommy?
I am very thankful that I have such a wonderful mother. Growing up, she worked nights so that she could leave when we went to bed, (I think she usually left and dad put us to bed) and then come home in the morning to sleep. By the time we got home from school, she would be awake and spend time with us. It also worked well because she was able to drive us on field trips. I could always count on her to be willing to drive as well. I would get a field trip notice, and it didn't seem to matter if it was driving right downtown Vancouver to Science World, I knew that going home, 99% likely that mom would sign right up.
Mom was always really good and keeping a tidy house growing up. Well, she still is. I'm not sure how I didn't quite get all of those skills and desire to wash dishes every night, but I didn't. Don't worry though, she is still trying to work on me.
Of course there are our favourite things to tease my mom about, like when she bought mustard and baking soda, when she already had several extras in the basement. Or really if she said anything wrong, she could never live it down. I think it was because we see her as this beacon of near-perfection, so when its altered even slightly we are in disbelief.
Another one of our favourite stories to recall is one not to distant in the history books. For mothers day, she had asked for a wind chime. She had told us where we could find them. We went out and got her a metal and wood wind chime that the notes were tuned to Amazing Grace, and it was a nice medium size. We knew she'd love it. However, we also decided it would be amusing to get her a little more decorative one, with blue glass beadings and small chimes. We hid the "real" one under the couch and beautifully wrapped the small one. She openned it up, and you could almost see her face twist in turmoil. She forced a fake smile and tried to sound exuberant with comments like "oh, thank-you, what beautiful colours..." It was painstakingly hilarious to watch. You could see she was thinking, "How stupid are my girls to not be able to follow very clear instructions, this is not what I wanted at all, I'm so disappointed". We then proceeded to give her the real one, and laughed for quite awhile. We weren't 5 anymore and could fall for the "oh what beautiful macaroni art work" as the parents scramble to discreetly throw it out when you aren't looking.
I'm glad I still live less than 5 min away from my mom. She was with me in the birth of my daughter, she has helped in so many ways with Zoe, and even helped out when I was sick a couple of weeks ago.
No matter how old you get, your mom should be an invaluable friend. I know mine is.
I am very thankful that I have such a wonderful mother. Growing up, she worked nights so that she could leave when we went to bed, (I think she usually left and dad put us to bed) and then come home in the morning to sleep. By the time we got home from school, she would be awake and spend time with us. It also worked well because she was able to drive us on field trips. I could always count on her to be willing to drive as well. I would get a field trip notice, and it didn't seem to matter if it was driving right downtown Vancouver to Science World, I knew that going home, 99% likely that mom would sign right up.
Mom was always really good and keeping a tidy house growing up. Well, she still is. I'm not sure how I didn't quite get all of those skills and desire to wash dishes every night, but I didn't. Don't worry though, she is still trying to work on me.
Of course there are our favourite things to tease my mom about, like when she bought mustard and baking soda, when she already had several extras in the basement. Or really if she said anything wrong, she could never live it down. I think it was because we see her as this beacon of near-perfection, so when its altered even slightly we are in disbelief.
Another one of our favourite stories to recall is one not to distant in the history books. For mothers day, she had asked for a wind chime. She had told us where we could find them. We went out and got her a metal and wood wind chime that the notes were tuned to Amazing Grace, and it was a nice medium size. We knew she'd love it. However, we also decided it would be amusing to get her a little more decorative one, with blue glass beadings and small chimes. We hid the "real" one under the couch and beautifully wrapped the small one. She openned it up, and you could almost see her face twist in turmoil. She forced a fake smile and tried to sound exuberant with comments like "oh, thank-you, what beautiful colours..." It was painstakingly hilarious to watch. You could see she was thinking, "How stupid are my girls to not be able to follow very clear instructions, this is not what I wanted at all, I'm so disappointed". We then proceeded to give her the real one, and laughed for quite awhile. We weren't 5 anymore and could fall for the "oh what beautiful macaroni art work" as the parents scramble to discreetly throw it out when you aren't looking.
I'm glad I still live less than 5 min away from my mom. She was with me in the birth of my daughter, she has helped in so many ways with Zoe, and even helped out when I was sick a couple of weeks ago.
No matter how old you get, your mom should be an invaluable friend. I know mine is.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
If you eat too many beets..
does your pee turn pink?
My sister has started a blog http://tickledpinkshelley.blogspot.com/. How is her tickled pink blog and peeing pink have anything to do with one another?
Well, when she first set up her blog and sent me the link, it was tinkledpinkshelley
So really I was using this opportunity to poke fun at her typo, and her hubby's proofreading skills.
But it did lead me to question... could you pee pink (blood excluded)
My sister has started a blog http://tickledpinkshelley.blogspot.com/. How is her tickled pink blog and peeing pink have anything to do with one another?
Well, when she first set up her blog and sent me the link, it was tinkledpinkshelley
So really I was using this opportunity to poke fun at her typo, and her hubby's proofreading skills.
But it did lead me to question... could you pee pink (blood excluded)
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
My Daddy
I've always had a great relationship with my dad. Except for those awkward teen years that you don't have a good relationship with anyone including yourself.
My dad and I have a similiar personality and the same sense of humour. [Please insert your sympathies here].
My dad is funny, wise, and indulged my craziness. Of course if I crossed the line, he would reprimand me. Unfortunately, half the time he thought it was hilarious even though I shouldn't have said it, so it came out as a "Niccccoooleee" in a tone that meant that wasn't a nice thing to say about your sister but he tried so hard to cover his smile that always crept up. Later on he would just start to admit "Nicole that wasn't nice, but it was funny".
Looking at people around me and how they interact with their families, there is a lot of things my dad could have said "don't be ridiculous to suggest something like it wont happen". A lot of people would. Instead - my dad said sure lets drive up to Kelowna at 5am in the morning, have Granny cook us bacon and eggs and visit for an hour and come right back home and be back by noon in the same day. That was probably $40 of gas and $20 toll booth fee. Or sure lets take you and your best friend to Saskatchewan and back in one weekend visiting as many friends and family as possible on the way. How about rearranging my aunt & uncles furniture when they left their door unlocked on a way to a family wedding. He took the time and created memories. Although my other theory is he is as crazy as I am (or am I as crazy as he is) and he was more than happy to have someone to pin these hairbrained ideas on.
One thing my dad always used to do was sing to us. He'd sing, "Goodnight Nicole, goodnight. And have a very good sleep. Jesus loves you and so do I, so goodnight Nicole, goodnight." every night. Another one of my favourite memories is that he would always take us out for breakfast on our birthdays - I think its time to start that one up again :)
Even now being married, and with a child I love my daddy daughter moments. Whether its convincing him he needs to take his granddaughter out for icecream so she can have it through mommy's breastmilk, or going to the rodeo with him, I'm very grateful for the wonderful relationship that him and I have.
I may be a nut, but my dad is the tree!
My dad and I have a similiar personality and the same sense of humour. [Please insert your sympathies here].
My dad is funny, wise, and indulged my craziness. Of course if I crossed the line, he would reprimand me. Unfortunately, half the time he thought it was hilarious even though I shouldn't have said it, so it came out as a "Niccccoooleee" in a tone that meant that wasn't a nice thing to say about your sister but he tried so hard to cover his smile that always crept up. Later on he would just start to admit "Nicole that wasn't nice, but it was funny".
Looking at people around me and how they interact with their families, there is a lot of things my dad could have said "don't be ridiculous to suggest something like it wont happen". A lot of people would. Instead - my dad said sure lets drive up to Kelowna at 5am in the morning, have Granny cook us bacon and eggs and visit for an hour and come right back home and be back by noon in the same day. That was probably $40 of gas and $20 toll booth fee. Or sure lets take you and your best friend to Saskatchewan and back in one weekend visiting as many friends and family as possible on the way. How about rearranging my aunt & uncles furniture when they left their door unlocked on a way to a family wedding. He took the time and created memories. Although my other theory is he is as crazy as I am (or am I as crazy as he is) and he was more than happy to have someone to pin these hairbrained ideas on.
One thing my dad always used to do was sing to us. He'd sing, "Goodnight Nicole, goodnight. And have a very good sleep. Jesus loves you and so do I, so goodnight Nicole, goodnight." every night. Another one of my favourite memories is that he would always take us out for breakfast on our birthdays - I think its time to start that one up again :)
Even now being married, and with a child I love my daddy daughter moments. Whether its convincing him he needs to take his granddaughter out for icecream so she can have it through mommy's breastmilk, or going to the rodeo with him, I'm very grateful for the wonderful relationship that him and I have.
I may be a nut, but my dad is the tree!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
My Daughter
My daughter is the most wonderful little baby girl I know. Although I may be slightly biased. She is smart, she is adorable, she is loveable, and....
she is also a menacing, destructive force that needs to be supervised constantly!
Zoe does not like to sit still and cuddle. She just wants to move non-stop. She rolled over at 3 months, sat at 5 months, belly crawled at 7 months, and crawled at 9 months and is furniture walking quite well at 9.5 months! Every since day 1 she has just wanted to move - the fact that she hated being swaddled should have told me that.
She eats everything she can get her hands on. She chews on board books until they are destroyed, she is very fiddly with her fingers and pulls at everything those little chubby fingers can find. ie: Grandma's carpet
She is very comparable to the destructive nature of a cat. We have coined the term in our house "Zo-eed" meaning Zoe has gotten a hold of it in some way and it is ripped, chewed on or crumpled.
But despite how much I have to chase her down the hall, I know one day that all these features that can make her such a handfull will be turned into positive traits for her as long as we are diligent in our parenting. Except the putting everything in her mouth.. I'm hoping that one is a phase unless she plans on being a champion pie or hotdog eating contestant.
I love my little Zoe so unbelievable much, and I wouldn't change a single thing about her.
she is also a menacing, destructive force that needs to be supervised constantly!
Zoe does not like to sit still and cuddle. She just wants to move non-stop. She rolled over at 3 months, sat at 5 months, belly crawled at 7 months, and crawled at 9 months and is furniture walking quite well at 9.5 months! Every since day 1 she has just wanted to move - the fact that she hated being swaddled should have told me that.
She eats everything she can get her hands on. She chews on board books until they are destroyed, she is very fiddly with her fingers and pulls at everything those little chubby fingers can find. ie: Grandma's carpet
She is very comparable to the destructive nature of a cat. We have coined the term in our house "Zo-eed" meaning Zoe has gotten a hold of it in some way and it is ripped, chewed on or crumpled.
But despite how much I have to chase her down the hall, I know one day that all these features that can make her such a handfull will be turned into positive traits for her as long as we are diligent in our parenting. Except the putting everything in her mouth.. I'm hoping that one is a phase unless she plans on being a champion pie or hotdog eating contestant.
I love my little Zoe so unbelievable much, and I wouldn't change a single thing about her.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
My Husband
I love my husband. I also am in love with him, and I like him.
Those are 3 very different things.
In the beginning a lot of people didn't think we were a compatible couple and told me not to date him. I think that is part of the reason I did, because people told me not to. I even had my biology teacher tell me that if I dumped him, I would get an 'A' in the class regardless of my work.
Now dont get me wrong, my married life hasn't always been peachy, and for that matter I haven't even liked him the whole time. But as we have matured and grown as a couple, I have seen more and more of what a wonderful man he is. Besides being told not to, the reason I was first drawn to him was in those then very rare moments I'd get to see that deep down he was amazing.
I have been priveledged as the years have passed, that he has allowed more of those moments to surface as more of his self-guarding walls have been broken down.
So beyond the anti-social, uncaring, insensitive facade - who is he really?
Okay so he really isn't that social. He is introverted, but he will still be polite and he has learned to suck it up over the years as I have dragged him places. He does the group thing more for me, but he does enjoying hanging out with his friends one on one.
He is a logical thinker. So when he seems uncaring or insensitive, he isn't trying to be, he just doesn't get the emotion behind something, or more accurately why there is even emotion behind it. He has learned that silly little things that are important to me just are, and even though he can never understand why, he is getting better at accepting it.
My husband is a genius. He has a plethora of trivia and obscure knowledge that randomly comes about in conversations and games when you can convince him to play. Oh and when I say he is a genius, I really mean he is a genius. He scored in the "genius" catergory on an IQ test. No, it wasn't one of those internet ones where they text your cell phone with the answer and then use it to spam you either.
James works really hard for Zoe and I. He is doing construction which really isn't his passion. He has a boss who takes advantage of him, and he always seems like he is "babysitting" his co-workers. He learns very quickly and gets frustrated when someone tries to explain something to him and dumbs it down and treats him like an idiot. He rarely needs the explanation in the first place, and if he can't figure something out in a way to do it quickly and efficiently, he asks!
His hobbies, past and present, include rock climbing, reading, video games, fencing, paper hunting and skydiving - approximately 76 times. I bet you didn't know that!
My tall lanky geek has a lot more going on than meets the eye. And this is only the surface of what I have learned in the near decade we have been in a relationship. I can't wait to see what will be revealed in the next 10 years.
Those are 3 very different things.
In the beginning a lot of people didn't think we were a compatible couple and told me not to date him. I think that is part of the reason I did, because people told me not to. I even had my biology teacher tell me that if I dumped him, I would get an 'A' in the class regardless of my work.
Now dont get me wrong, my married life hasn't always been peachy, and for that matter I haven't even liked him the whole time. But as we have matured and grown as a couple, I have seen more and more of what a wonderful man he is. Besides being told not to, the reason I was first drawn to him was in those then very rare moments I'd get to see that deep down he was amazing.
I have been priveledged as the years have passed, that he has allowed more of those moments to surface as more of his self-guarding walls have been broken down.
So beyond the anti-social, uncaring, insensitive facade - who is he really?
Okay so he really isn't that social. He is introverted, but he will still be polite and he has learned to suck it up over the years as I have dragged him places. He does the group thing more for me, but he does enjoying hanging out with his friends one on one.
He is a logical thinker. So when he seems uncaring or insensitive, he isn't trying to be, he just doesn't get the emotion behind something, or more accurately why there is even emotion behind it. He has learned that silly little things that are important to me just are, and even though he can never understand why, he is getting better at accepting it.
My husband is a genius. He has a plethora of trivia and obscure knowledge that randomly comes about in conversations and games when you can convince him to play. Oh and when I say he is a genius, I really mean he is a genius. He scored in the "genius" catergory on an IQ test. No, it wasn't one of those internet ones where they text your cell phone with the answer and then use it to spam you either.
James works really hard for Zoe and I. He is doing construction which really isn't his passion. He has a boss who takes advantage of him, and he always seems like he is "babysitting" his co-workers. He learns very quickly and gets frustrated when someone tries to explain something to him and dumbs it down and treats him like an idiot. He rarely needs the explanation in the first place, and if he can't figure something out in a way to do it quickly and efficiently, he asks!
His hobbies, past and present, include rock climbing, reading, video games, fencing, paper hunting and skydiving - approximately 76 times. I bet you didn't know that!
My tall lanky geek has a lot more going on than meets the eye. And this is only the surface of what I have learned in the near decade we have been in a relationship. I can't wait to see what will be revealed in the next 10 years.
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