Shannon's Northern Adventures

Down South ya'll

2011-07-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

Friday brought us back to southern Canada. We took two planes on three legs of our journey, each location the weather getting colder, wetter and windier until the inevitable happened; Thing 1 threw up on the plane.

We arrived at our final airport and walked the long cement tunnel to the carousels only to be told our luggage didn't make the last connection and will join us shortly (this is the advantage to a plane being held for you - at least the next "on time" plane isn't long following). The adventure to wrangle 2 kids to the car counter, wait your turn, take the bathroom break, wait your turn again at the car counter then begins which means that by the time you put your carryon in the car and go back to the luggage carousels you are not only an hour and a half past bedtime, but still have 10 minutes for the luggage to arrive.

We eventually go the luggage, journeyed back to the car and began the car seat fiasco that only some one with arthritis ... or maybe a broken hand ... can truly understand. Car seats were not designed to be put in by someone like me. I pull and pull with all my might, put myself, or Thing 1 for "extra weight" to bear down on the strap behind, I yank all I can on the seatbelt and then have to pray to god that it is in good enough.

All of that follows the argument about which side of the car is better to sit on.

Then begins the "trust in Google Maps" saga. Google Maps is great in that it gives you all the names 16th St/TC1/AB 737 the downside is it gives you ALL the names - sometimes too much information is not a good thing. So between trust, memory and a deep breath we began the drive from an airport I've never driven to or from to a hotel I've never seen along a road I've been on as a child (or 14). Things like "turn right onto AB2" are not really required when the road is a dead end and turning is your only option, but eventually we found our road, found our exit and found our hotel. Though the U-turn that had me concerned turned out to be unnecessary.

The hotel attendant says "you're later than your late check in time" which give me my first real indication of how late we are, because I put a 10 pm check in time just in case - and since Thing 1 & Thing 2 should have been in bed at 8 I'm in for a LOOOONG night, as you might guess if you knew that we still didn't have supper. Leg 2 of our airplane ride does offer food - though T1 & T2 were not terribly interested in Shepherd's Pie ("the meat tastes funny") or the Chicken on rice with a bbq type sauce ("I'm NOT eating that") so after check in we walk to the conveniently located Pizza 73 to order and wait for pizza.

At that point I get to turn on my cell phone - which has only been dormant since my med trip in June, not too long ago, and I have messages. It seems strange to be asked to confirm an appointment I booked myself and be told that 48 hours notice is required to change or cancel the appt - so if I don't want to cancel, but I don't confirm will it still be there....I left a message just in case.

After eating the pizza in front of family channel (2 weeks without seems to have been an eternity for Thing 1) Thing 2 actually thinks we're going to go the pool....um no, it's almost tomorrow already.

The only advantage to keeping them up this late is that they actually slept till 830 - the downsides all revolve around the fact that they only slept till 830. Shrek movies at relatives homes become opportunities to fight, wagons at the zoo lead to stomping on feet.

All of which is fine because the whole reason we came was so we could go to the Zoo....something most of my memories of Stampede city revolve around - though usually it is walking through the plant and butterfly areas walking behind my family while they do the Peter.

Last time we spent our time in the Canadian Wilds - which is a large number of Northern animals. This time the plan is more about Prehistoric park for the 7 year old - who enjoyed himself but seems to have been hoping for more Tyrell Museum and less Zoo....

We went off to "Africa" where Thing 2 had fun yelling "Hi zebra" to the Zebras - and then did the same with the other animals - though Ostriches became "birdies". We wandered and looked at other animals, found snacks, played on climbers, looked at the Elephant's big butt until it was finally time to do the shopping - Thing 1 "had to have" a dinosaur shirt and Thing 2 wanted a stuffed bear.

So by 2 pm I was "zoo-ed" out. Well I had learned from auntie that there was a "lego" store in town, so we went up to the LRT and went to the mall. Turns out it was the 1 year anniversary of the store and there was a free play time - which means tables set up with buckets of red lego for anyone to build. After you finish your project you get a coupon to go up to their store and get a certificate of participation.

After we finished up at the mall, we began the process of heading back to the hotel and to the pool as per Thing 2's request.

Sunday was all about Stampede - it doesn't seem right to come this far, this week, and not go but that evening my feet did not agree. The process of getting to the Stampede was much the same as Zoo day. The entrance was easy and the games were aplenty; Fighting the frustration at "can I have" was never ending. In the end when looking back, it was a good day. Now to hope for a good night sleep.

Thing 1's Christmas

2009-12-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

Thing 1 with his "Harold" the helicopter from Thomas

Thing 1 with his book from the Barnards

Thing 1 with his train set from Santa

Thing 1, Christmas evening

Thing 1 with dad building a monster truck from Gigi with dad

start of summer

2009-06-28T20:36:00.001-07:00

Thing 2 playing in the park at Jackfish Lake.
We went up for supper on Monday night.
I had an extra day off work for the long weekend.

Thing 2 playing in the park at Jackfish Lake.
He loves to play on the swings!

Thing 2 on a loader at the Quarry.
We were out for a drive and saw the Loader parked.

Thing 1 wanted to climb up.

Then Thing 2 got sad, so up she went.

Thing 1 on a loader at the Quarry.
Way too cute a picture.

How unlike him :)

Thing 1 getting ready for Liam's 4th birthday party.

Thing 2 getting ready for Liam's birthday party.

Wearing the beautiful dress from Grandma & Grandpa.

Father's day

2009-06-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

This year Father's day was also National Aboriginal Day which is always on Summer Solstice. There is a long standing tradition of a Hamar Mountain trip via Canadian Helicopters. Some people hike one direction and then fly the other. We flew both ways.

This is the kids getting in the van to head to Canadian Helicopters to get ready.

Derek running around.

The "helper" up the mountain (a Canadian Helicopter's employee) took a family photo, but Derek didn't want to be in the photo.

2009 preschool graduation

2009-06-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Every year the preschool has a graduation for all the kids going into Kindergarten. This year it was called the NWECS Summer Celebration.
Sadly it rained.
We 4 attended, there were 5 graduates in attendance; Mikayla, Henry, Kole, Aidan & Derek. There will be 13 students in Kindergarten this year...pretty good for a town of 700.
These are a few photos from the Celebration

This is Derek with his two friends, Henry & Liam McGuigan,
two brothers we love to hang out with.

Mr Derek.

An attempt at a family photo - hard to do with an angry Derek and a little girl who doesn't want up :)

Norman Wells spring

2009-04-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Thing 1 his birthday party on the saturday prior to his party, it was mostly the upcoming kindergarten class that was there - plus siblings and long time friends. We opened presents before breakfast, and again after supper. The shirt he is wearing was a morning present that he wore to WCC that day. We had a Thing 1 supper - hot dogs and cheesey noodles (aka KD), he was in heaven.

These are just a few of Thing One's favorite presents. He is still a huge fan of Cars.

April 4 was a beautiful sunny day we took the kids for a walk. Thing 1 loves to pull Thing 2 in the sled, and she giggles and giggles at him. Then they want to rest and ask me to pull the, but instead Daddy had another turn.

January 28

2009-01-30T17:21:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

This is 4 pages. The first 3 are Derek, the 4th are just other pics.

Derek plays hockey

2009-01-07T19:12:00.001-08:00

Derek is registered for hockey this year. We really wanted him to learn how to skate.
This is Derek's first practice.

This is Derek today. He still doesn't like to let go of the "push" and prefers to wear the red jersey, but he was so proud of himself, it was a great smile!

happy new year

2009-01-02T16:44:00.001-08:00

Joe & I went to the Legion for New Years.
We didn't go out until after the kids were in bed.
But it was so nice to go out just us!

Before going out I went to a friend's house.
She spent 3 hours straightening my hair for me.

Merry Christmas Derek

2008-12-25T18:30:00.000-08:00

Derek got a cars book in his bag. They each got a Lands End bag embroidered with their names.

Derek showing his "regular" McQueen which came in his stocking.

Derek opening a tub of cars from Grandpa.

The summation of Derek's dinner ... a roll.

Merry Christmas Kate

2008-12-25T18:19:00.000-08:00

We four opened presents after waking up (the last was up about 715). It was just us till after breakfast, then Grandpa Joe came over for a bit, went home for nap time, and came back for supper. It made a nice quiet - pj wearing - day.

Kate got a dolly set from Grandpa - a newborn baby, a stroller, rocker and feeding chair. She held her from the moment she opened it until supper!

After Kate got the dolly, Grandpa kept asking to hold the doll. Kate would only agree if she was there too - such a protective mommy!

My cute girl!

Kate cuddling with daddy after supper.

Merry Christmas Eve

2008-12-25T17:44:00.001-08:00

We decided to spend this christmas, and probably our last, here in Norman Wells. As a general rule we hate travelling this time of year, and with all the crazy weather, we're so glad we did!

Kate December 23 hanging out in front of the tree and presents. She insisted on changing her shirt part way through the photo shoot!

Derek is showing his favourite decoration. It is a ceramic pick up truck with a christmas tree - Auntie Jen made it for him a few years ago.

Kate is grabbing at the stars on the tree.

Every Christmas Eve Santa delivers presents to any family who sign up for a visit. Kate has been talking about seeing Santa since her last Santa melt-down, at the Legion. When he arrived she tried desperately to get close to him, but her own fears kept her away. She managed to get this close, but was shaking the whole time.

Derek's turn.

Derek didn't like the flash from my camera!

The tree after "Santa's" midnight visit.

Kate

2008-11-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

New pics of Thing 1 and Thing 2

2008-11-12T22:40:00.001-08:00

We dressed up for the open house / grand opening of the Woodland Children's Centre aka Norman Wells Early Childhood Society aka "Derek's School".

We were playing with the camera and decided to take a few pics.

Derek wouldn't let go of the toy sander, hence the thing in his hand - which in some pictures I took, were in his mouth.

Kate's dress isn't shown to it's full beauty; Auntie bought it for her birthday for an Easter dress...it's too pretty for words!

2008-11-05T20:29:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Summer....Fall....Winter

2008-08-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

When summer comes to Norman Wells, it comes with a vengeance, spring doenst really exist, winter is there, then the river breaks and the barges start. Well summer heads out the same way.

We came home on August 6 and there was a tree on my street with yellow leaves - I had hope that it was really just too much sun that had faded the colour. But it happened. There are yellow leaves all over the place now. My husband and I realized that summer was nearing its end and we still hadnt been up to Jackfish...for those who don't know the Wells by its names, Jackfish is a small lake up in the mountain beside Norman Wells, you drive up a small road to get there, there are camp sites and a path down to the lake.

We dressed warmly because the wind was howling in town and we had originally intended to go for a walk, but it was so windy we decided to go for a drive instead. We ended up turning up Jackfish road, and only saw one car en route, it's a small road and we pulled over to the side to pass this vehicle. We also saw a few snow flakes, which was shocking because today is the 30th of AUGUST.

We arrived at the campsite, got out and played with the swings and slide. Thing One was getting cold hands, so I went back over to the van and got his gloves. When I got there, I called my husband and gave him the bad news. I found a flat tire. So in the cold temperature, on the slant we were parked on, on the muddy ground from 3 weeks of rain...he had to change a tire. Luckily an ENR guy happened by with his family, helped get the tire changed and followed us back to town.

..what a day.

On the road - Day 15-19

2008-08-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

We had a quiet night in Golden, stopped by Greyhound to pick up the items we forgot in Armstrong which Gma H & Papa D sent to us overnight. Then we went to Smitty's for bkfst... the slowest place I have ever eaten....ever. We were finally back on the road at 10:50 and headed east. We stopped at Field and played in the beautiful playground they have there.

We also stopped at the Spiral Tunnels, but sadly weren't there when a train was going through... Thing 1 would have loved that.

We stopped and took a drive through Banff, then had lunch in Camrose. We arrived in Calgary about 3 pm and found Auntie S's house quite easily. We hung out there for a bit and went for a walk for an hour. Then we went back out to the car to head to the mall, but visited with Uncle J for a bit then to the mall.

Day 16 started early for daddy ... Thing 2 was up early. At a decent hour we all were up and dressed and drove to the Brentwood Park n Ride. We got on the LRT and went to the Heritage Stn, took the bus up to Heritage Park. We rode around there for a while, had lunch at the Wainwright Hotel, went on a carousel and had a train ride. Thing 2 didn't survive the train ride, she was asleep before the next station. We did a bit of shopping then took the bus back to the LRT station and back to Brentwood. We went up to the Northlands mall and wandered Walmart for a while.

We had a quiet evening in Auntie S's back yard.

Day 17 put us back on the road. We drove to Olds and wandered around there, had lunch, went to Timmy's and on to Sundre. We found Auntie S's other house easily too, it had been quite a few years since I'd been there, but whoo hoo me, my memory still works. We arrived just as the Mayfield's were finishing lunch and stayed till just before supper dessert. It was after dark and Thing 1 was asleep before we got back to Calgary.

Day 18 was zoo day! We took the LRT to the zoo...big mistake, they had the city centre line down for maintenance so we had to transfer at Summerside onto a bus (crowded!) to Centre street station, then onto the NE LRT and to the zoo...then the same return. We left the zoo just as the thunder started and hid in the shelter waiting for the train to avoid the rain. Thing 2 fell asleep on the bus. She awoke at Brentwood and we went to the mall for one final time in Calgary.

Day 19 is today. Finally we have internet access again! Today was packing day, we got everything into the car (eventually...yikes maybe too much mall) and headed north. We stopped in Red Deer for lunch then continued on to Lacombe...which we liked...Ponoka...not as much... Camrose..we liked - we went to Timmy's then to the park there. Then on to Edmonton. We are currently resting and refereeing in our hotel room in Edmonton.

Photos

2008-07-30T21:27:00.001-07:00

Derek and Kate

Derek Kate and Zach in Winfield

Derek with Grandma Helen and Papa Dana

Joe in Revelstoke.

Kate and Derek at Roger's Pass.

On the Road - day 14

2008-07-30T21:17:00.001-07:00

It's funny, how on days when I think I'll get up early, I sleep in instead....I was awoken this morning at 845...I never sleep till 845...which when you want to get on the road by 10 means you need to boogie.

Try telling that to my kids ... yeah right. Thing 2 was not interested in daddy dressing her, nor in getting dressed in general actually. Finally we are on the road...and actually at the hoped for time. Leaving Armstrong ...bye mommy :( ...leaving Enderby...where hubby realizes he forgot his other shoes in Armstrong...but on we go...leaving Grindrod...leaving Mara...leaving Sicamous. Trans Canada here we are...on to Revelstoke. We arrive, play in the park, wait for dad...phone mom to check on dad...and I'm told I forgot my bathroom bag in Armstrong...yikes...finally there's dad...whom I hit up to put my bag on the Greyhound for Golden tonight.

We had a nice lunch with Dad (aka Papa Dana) then continued en route for Golden. We stopped at Rogers Pass (rain of course) and arrived in Golden around 330 bc time...somehow we missed the sign to change our clocks so actually arrived about 4 30. We ...after a small detour... found our hotel and checked in. It's a nice enough sized room, with a small table for 2, 2 beds and a bathroom...and a bar fridge.

We went to the attached restaurant for supper with two friends from home. Pud and Chris left the Wells over 2 years ago and never got to meet Thing 2...Thing 1 was younger than Thing 2 is now last time we saw them. It was so nice to visit, I've missed seeing them, unfortunately 2 kids after travelling are not a whole lot of fun in a restaurant.

It is now 1025 Mountain time and Thing 1 is about to drive me crazy by not sleeping still. Well at least its a short drive to Calgary.

In Pictures

2008-07-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

Katie and Grandma walking down the hill on Friday after supper.

Finally Joe was at the beach on Okanagan Lake

Our time at the cottage......sans children!

At the cottage.

me.

We three at Kal Beach.

Kate at the beach.

Derek at the beach.

On the Road - day 13

2008-07-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

Busy day. I love to visit while on holidays, mostly with family, and I normally have 6 weeks to see everyone and get really good visits in. But this trip gives me 8days in Armstrong...so its a bit of a mad rush to see everyone.

So this morning we took the kids to Memorial Park, and invited Gigi to join us. The kids played and ran in the pebbles on grass while hubby visited with Gigi. Then we drove Gigi home and headed for Vernon. Hubby had errands to run at the mall and the kidlets and I went to Gma May and Gpa Field's house for a visit and lunch. We stayed until 1245 to go meet daddy then returned to Armstrong for naps. I was awoken by Gma H to say call Auntie C. We then got Thing 2 up from her nap and back into the car to drive to Winfield to go to the park with Auntie and the kids, then we went to Timmy's for a drink then on to home.

It was bittersweet to say goodbye to Auntie C, it's really hard to leave, but I love coming down to see them....sigh.

When we got back to Armstrong, Papa D started up the lawn mower "tractor" and took the kids for a ride down and back up the driveway! lots of fun.

On the Road - day 12

2008-07-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

I awoke to the quiet this morning....why is it so quiet...right cause my children are absent...we left them with Gma H and Papa D...whoo hoo!

We decided to not bring groceries for the morning, but just to drive to Vernon and have breakfast. While there Gma H called to see what our plans were. We arranged to have her bring the kids to us with their beach attire. So off to Kal Beach we went. My plan was to watch daddy play with the kids on the shore while I lazed under a tree in my sundress...that didnt happen, I was in the h2o with Thing 2 for quite a while...which resulted in quite a burn...again...sigh.

We stayed there until about 130, had lunch and returned to Armstrong.

About 530 Gma H and I headed to Vernon to meet a friend of hers for supper at Wrap Zone then head for a movie. I've never been to a Wrap Zone before this, I assumed it was similar to Subway, but I was wrong...the music has a dance club feel, the colours scream coffee house, and most of the wraps have rice. I went with a nice safe Ace of Clubz and a coke. Then off to the movie we went. I will acknowledge that I have been to the theatre twice this trip and both times to see Mamma Mia! however, totally worth it. I have been singing Honey Honey since the last time.

When I got home daddy said the kidlets had been great, had a great bath, no troubles...darn kids, why not for me??

On the Road - day 11

2008-07-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

Day 11....this is the day I have been waiting for. We have been planning this trip for a while, but this was the day I have been waiting for.

It starts off as any other day, we got up, had breakfast, went to church...a lovely start to a Sunday. It was the Feast of St James, so there was a luncheon after services. Very nice.

Then it happened, our children went down for quiet time...and we ran, we ran as fast as our Toyota Hybrid would take us...and if you know me, that's pretty darn fast.

We ran away to the cottage, we ran away without our children!!!

The Mayfield clan has had the cottage property since the 60s ? They built the cottage per se in 1975...which I know due to an unfortunate story involving me which led to my teenage uncle sitting on a bee...My hubby and I went out there for a mini honeymoon 5 years ago, and that was the last time he was there before this trip.

It is quiet, there is no cable, no phone, no internet...there are neighbours and running water ... or else I couldnt go. We went down to the lake, and Joe got to finally go the beach ...TG no more whining about the beach:)

And we never returned....well not today at least.

On the Road - day 10

2008-07-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday is a nice relaxing day...isn't it?

We were up, however it turns out Thing 2 was up way way before us...like midnight, poor Papa D and Gma H.

We went for a later than expected breakfast at a local restaurant. Then Gma H took Thing 1 for a haircut (again), while I took Thing 2, daddy and Papa D to the Farmer's Market. It was nice walking around, I thought Thing 2 might fall asleep in the stroller though.

We returned Papa D to the house and headed for Vernon, met up with Gma H and Thing 1 and watched her buy him a combine harvester...yeah Wheezy :)

We continued en route to Kelowna...so much for 10 am en route, it was about 1130... ah well, at least Thing 2 was sleeping. We met up with Auntie C sans family to get my glasses fixed then walked to Orchard Park. I have permanently swollen fingers so my rings need an adjustment, so we stopped to get that done, and wandered the mall. We drove to Westbank and picked up Mickey D's to eat at the house...darn restaurant screwed up our order for the 3rd time this trip. Uncle G went to do some work and was gone for a while, Daddy was busy watching a sleeping Thing 1 while I visited with Auntie C and Thing 2 played with Z...which was nice to watch.

After Uncle G returned he took Daddy down to the pub with his friend and we picked him up about 730 en route to Armstrong. We arrived back in Armstrong about 915, so it was a short good night with Gma H and Papa D before bed.

Tomorrow is another day.

On the Road - day 9

2008-07-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Friday started off as a usual day. We had kids up early, fed and dressed in order to be off and on our way to Vernon for my 930 hair appointment. I know all the Norman Wells ladies are jealous, I got to go see an actual hair dresser! However, due to the lack of anyone to maintain it, I went with just a trim. My husband and children went to the barber across the street, so Thing 1 could stop being a mop top and look like a nice little boy. Apparently he did great until he sat in the chair, then the toy flew and the attitude appeared.

We decided to stay and have lunch in the mall so we wandered and wandered until lunch then headed for Armstrong. Thing 2 fell asleep en route, but was awoken by Thing 1 while daddy surveyed the bakery. I tried to put Thing 2 down for a nap again, and daddy took Thing 1 to the park. However, I was the only one who slept.

For supper we went to the chinese food restaurant we always go to and ate with Gigi, Gma May and Gpa Field. It was nice except Papa D was expiring after a very long very hot week of work, so he went home early. When I returned for my boys, I stood and talked to Gpa Field for a while and found out that Thing 1 remembered losing a ball in Gpa Field's yard back in September.

It was a quiet night except for the fact that Thing 1 and Thing 2 were very tired by bedtime. Good night all.

Day 7 and 8 in pictures

2008-07-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Kate and Derek out for a walk at Killiney. Day 7.

Uncle Brian playing airplane with the kids. Uncle Brian did a great job playing with the boys, it was hilarious watching him chase Derek around!
Papa Dana. day 8.
Uncle Greg, Zach, Derek.
The boys playing Train.
Grandma Helen and Ian.
Lauren with me....my only niece!

On the Road - day 8

2008-07-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

Our days in the Okanagan continue. Our beautiful sunshine returned.

Today was my day. One thing I love to do when I'm out is get photos done. I had to do some fast talking but I managed to convince 5 adults to bring 6 children to Walmart to get photos done. And they did great! The first photo we took was my package. We took a few more of the 6 plus the 2 babies plus my 2 monkeys....unfortunately we have to wait until mid-August for our pictures to be returned.

Once we were done at Walmart we drove to Davidson's Orchard. What a great spot. I took the kids last year with Gma May and Gpa Field and had a great time, last time we spent most of our time in the petting area, this time I didnt make it to the petting area, we played in the playground, went into the shop and went for a tractor ride (I was an apple riding in an apple cart). Thing 1 had a fabulous time (so did 2 but 1 loves tractors!).

We drove around with just Thing 2, Gma took Thing 1 in the car with her. When we arrived back at the house Aunties and Uncles and Cousins were all there before us. We had a short visit then Gigi and G-Auntie and G-Uncle arrived too. We had 11 adults and 6 kids for supper (and boy were they tasty lol) Uncle G bbqd chicken and smokies, plus salads, veggies and buns made a great and easy dinner. We ate early so the entourage could head out before too late. I hadn't seen G-Auntie and G-Uncle in ages so it was nice to see them.

It was such a hot day I feel like I'm melting and might just go to bed when Thing 1 and Thing 2 do.

Goodnight all :)

On the Road - day 7 - the Okanagan

2008-07-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

From the depths of my sleep I heard what I thought were tiny feet coming down the stairs to the main floor, I had visions of Thing 1 being lost and sad and looking for mom, so I awoke, and went up to the main floor...imagine my surprise when all there was to be found was Grandpa watching a Wesley Snipes movie at 6:30 am....but now I'm up.

Everyone else joined us about 7:30 and we fed and dressed the kids, packed the car and headed for the beach...I have been having visions of lazing on the beach in the sand while my children play so nicely with their cousins...well hello reality. It was raining. We had 5 adults and 6 kids in a 2 bedroom 600 square foot cottage. We stayed there about an hour then braved the clouds to take 5 kids for a walk to the end of the block then played in the driveway. Auntie had brought paper airplanes to make (biplanes) and it was a big hit. Uncle and Daddy stayed at the cottage and bbqd hot dogs, we had lunch (including a huge platter of fruit) then said our goodbyes. We hadn't even gotten to Westside Road when Thing 2 passed out in her chair.

Thing 1 however never fell asleep, which would later prove to be a problem.

We all returned to G&G's house and mom ran away to see the dentist. I love my time at the dentist, nice clean teeth, no cavities and nobody asking me for anything but to open my mouth wider:)

After the dentist I went to the dollar store then drove around with the family for a bit. We returned to the house a bit after 5 and Gpa was cooking up spaghetti for supper. Gma returned with Gigi and I was able to see her pictures of Saskatchewan and the clan there.

Daddy put Thing 1 and Thing 2 to bed while I ran Gigi back to her place and I again left Daddy when Gma and I went to Vernon to pick up the hard working boy.

After all that driving, and then staying up watching "Angel Eyes" it was quite a late night for mummy.

On the Road - day 6

2008-07-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

And here it was. Tuesday morning. July 22. 8 years ago I wore a pretty red dress. I had my hair done up nice. I wore my still favorite shoes (if only I still owned them). All for my sister's wedding.

Today however, we checked out of our hotel (yikes 4 nights in a hotel is pricey). Then on the road...and down 3 blocks...whoo hoo! Breakfast at Mcdonalds. Then back on the road...to Agassiz (sp???) for gas - which for anyone keeping track is only our second fill this trip! Finally we're making time, and we did - gotta love the Coq, I was easily going 130 most of the way. Then a turn into Merritt for a drink and onto the connector.

We arrived into Westbank about 1130 (left hotel about 730) and arrived at my sister's house before she did. I finally found the key and let myself in to a very happy dog, she was so excited to see Auntie that she was bounding almost in full circles. I put the very happy but very large dog into her kennel before letting my dog fearing children into the house. We phoned mom to say we arrived safely and waited for my sister. ...who I was so thrilled to hug when she arrived 20 minutes after us.

Her kiddies (including my one and only niece) were sleeping in the truck so I went and helped bring them in. My 3 year old nephew whom I havent seen in 10 months said when asked if I could help him out of his seatbelt "sure", he showed me which buttons to push and let me carry him out, gave me a hug and told me all about his Diego shoes.

Once inside the house...where he was thrilled to see Thing 1...I stole my 10 month old niece... who mearly whimpered. I walked away from mummy and hugged her tight (but not too tight:). It was nice until mummy offered me something to drink and she saw mummy and auntie was not good enough any longer!

We had a nice visit over lunch, though the boys were too busy playing to eat. Then about 2 we headed back on the road. Thing 1 and 2 were sound asleep by Kelowna and Thing 1 didnt wake up until Vernon downtown, Thing 2 at the fruit stand when we stopped for daddy's cherries!

We arrived to Grandma and Grandpa's house and had a nice visit, the kids were a bit quiet around them at first, but had smiles. Then we had homemade pizza for supper and things were great by then. After playing outside with the excavator, dump truck, pond, wading pool and hose it was time for bath, movie and bed.

They were both so exhausted they passed out no trouble.

I however didnt stay to see that, I stole Grandpa's new truck and went for a drive. It's been a while since I drove a stick shift and did not too bad if I do say so myself!

Good night from Armstrong!!!
which as usual smells like manure downtown lol

On the Road - day 5

2008-07-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

Monday was once again a beautiful sunny day. My sister in law's husband had to work, but she, along with the kids and my mother in law, met us at IHOP for breakfast. Seating for 7 is a bit of a wait. We had a nice breakfast, with the exception of the two oldest boys making mean faces at each other.

We drove to my sister in law's after breakfast and started doing some laundry. We had a nice visit in her dogless back yard before decided to go to the water park. I returned to the hotel for the bathing suits and back to the house to change the kids. 40 minutes later we arrived at the waterpark. Ironically, my kids don't really like the water. Thing 1 was convinced by dad to try it, but Thing 2 stayed in the playground instead. I enjoyed laying on the blanket on the grass...however the sun enjoyed my chest too much and now it is a lovely shade of pink.

Joe decided to buy himself a shirt (with his own silly quote) and had to go pick it up, so we decided to head for the mall around 1 to pick it up and have lunch. My sister in law and nephews joined us after checking on sleeping Nana. We rented a double mall stroller in the shape of a school bus and Joe had to wait for his shirt which wasn't done on time. We had a nice lunch then I took Thing 2 back to the hotel for her nap while Thing 1 and daddy hung around the mall then walked to Auntie's house.

Thing 2 slept late (430) then we went up to Auntie's house for a beautiful bbq steak dinner. Uncle Jeppy joined us and for the second time Thing 2 went right up for a hug!

We said our goodbyes, I yanked Uncle Jeppy in for a hug...yeah right you're getting away with a handshake...plech. Then back to the hotel to pack the car up for an early departure.

Thing 1 fell asleep on the drive to the hotel, but woke up once in the hotel, which meant a LATE night.

On the Road - day 4

2008-07-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning was nice and quiet, we had a quiet breakfast in our room, then we drove over to his mom's apartment and I stayed to visit for a bit before leaving the entourage to head to St Matthew's Anglican Church. I went their once before - back in about 1991. It was nice to be in an Anglican communion again, but don't get me started on the sermon!

I returned to the apartment to pick everyone up and we drove over to his sister's house. She had been busy since the end of Mamma Mia. She had strawberries, pineapple and watermelon all cut up...she had made hashbrowns and bacon and sausages. She had the mix ready for waffles and had eggs on the go. It was a delicious buffet!

After lunch I took the kids back to the hotel for a nap, while they all went to the mall. After nap for thing 2 but not thing 1 we went to Walmart for a bit. Dad got a ride back from his brother in law and followed us into the parking lot. We wandered there and then decided that we were too full from brunch to go out for supper, we called and cancelled - which worked out for them too - and after I went swimming in the hotel pool - mostly alone, but part way through a man and his son came in - the man looked remarkably like Hugh Grant.

After swimming, we went to A&W for a light supper then Joe napped while the kids and I went to the playground again. Thing 1 was desperately sad that we didn't feed the ducks!

On the Road - day 3

2008-07-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday arose to sunshine. My early rising husband had coffee at A&W then called his sister regarding breakfast...she had suggested we all eat together, but our kids are on NWT time still and were ready for breakfast at 7, her family was still in bed. We decided to go to Walmart and have McDonalds. We also decided to leave the car and walk...one thing I've noticed about the south is you drive your car somewhere and then walk there...I'm more used to Norman Wells where I walk to get places.

We had breakfast then told the kids we were going to walk around the store, but weren't buying anything...such liars we are...$50 later we left Walmart. We went back to the hotel and lazed around watching tv and playing. I dozed in front of the tv, then off we went to Auntie's house. We were there maybe 15 minutes and back in the car heading for Zellers. Which ironically means drive back to Sumas Way and turn south rather than north...Zellers is maybe 10 minutes from our hotel...I did contemplate driving for the border instead :)

We were at Zellers so Nana could buy the kids new shoes...for one of 2 reasons a) she buys the cousins things regularly and wanted to buy my kids something not from a catalogue or b) she thought they didn't have any shoes...which reason it is depends whom you ask.

Thing 1 got Cars shoes an outfit and a toy. Thing 2 got 2 pairs of shoes and 2 outfits. We took the kids home for naps after, only Thing 2 slept. We went back to Auntie's house a bit later and had pizza for supper with them...Auntie's downstairs relations have a dog ... a very cute sweet, excitable dog...Thing 2 decided to scream everytime said dog came within breathing range.

Uncle came by the hotel after our return and kiddies were very excited. Uncle used to live near us and we saw him infrequently, but they remember that and were very happy to see him...big hugs and smiles. Daddy and Uncle went for coffee until 9 when Daddy had to return cause I went to the movie with Auntie. We went and saw Mamma Mia! Very funny, entertaining!

We went to the late show, so it was after midnight when I returned to the hotel, but as all you mom's know that doesn't matter to Thing 1 and Thing 2...he decided to get up before 7!

On the Road - day 2

2008-07-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Friday morning I woke up in the beautiful quiet mountain town of Valemount. I felt very much at home...then I realized I could hear a train...wait, Norman Wells doesnt have train tracks...then I could hear a transport truck...wait I can hear transport trucks in Norman Wells, but not that many of them...right....I'M ON HOLIDAYS!!!!!

We had breakfast in the cabin, then packed up our stuff and stopped at A&W for the worst coffee I have ever paid money for. We continued on our way...stopping to double check we didn't forget the computer. We stopped only a few times, until Clearwater, then stopped for gas...we only had used 3/4 of a tank by then, and it only cost $65 to fill it.

We continued on to Kamloops and had Wendy's for lunch...well 3 of 4 did, Kate fell asleep on the outskirts of Kamloops...right about the time I stomped on the breaks since I was going 20 k over the speed limit and I saw an RCMP vehicle laying in wait, luckily he was generous and ignored me. When we got to Wendy's Joe stayed in the car and ate while Derek spent more time commenting on vehicles driving the #1 than he did eating.

We got back in the car and headed off for the Coquihalla. Other than a minor accident with the window we headed for Merritt with no major issues. We stopped in Merritt to strech our legs and look for a belt. We spent $15 in Extra Foods - no belt and $50 in Marks Work Wearhouse but at least this time got a belt ...lol

We had a minor detour to Princeton looking for a bathroom and arrived in Abbotsford about 4. However, Abbotsford proved tricky. We found Sumas Way no trouble, we could see the hotel no trouble...however, getting in the parking lot didnt work. Instead we were in the A&W parking lot...turn around, back north onto Sumas Way, thinking I'll do a square up South Fraser Way and around again, but no, South Fraser Way ends up in the same parking lot, just by the grocery store. After 5 lights we finally get around the corner heading south on Sumas Way and into the hotel after another detour...

We have stayed at the Coast Abbotsford Hotel before. The first weekend I met Joe in Abbotsford and met his family we stayed there. The second time was the night we got engaged ...New Years Eve 2001. This is the first time with the kids. We have a lovely 2 bed room. It is bigger than the one in Edmonton, but doenst have a balcony.

Joe called Jen right after we arrived, but I needed a rest before manouvering to find Jen's house. We arrived at Jen's about 530 and had a bbq supper. Derek was playing with the cousins right away, Kate took a bit to warm up. Max had a soccer game so Jen and Ben and Nana went with us to Mill Lake Park where we went to the playground then walked to the lake. Other than the crazies it was a nice time.

Then back to the hotel and an attempt at sleep.

Tomorrow is another day :)

Days 1-3 in photos

2008-07-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

Derek and Kate at Ramada hotel first night

Shannon before leaving home

Derek at BC border

Joe Shannon and Kate at rest stop
Joe at Valemount cabin

Derek playing at park in Abbotsford

On the Road - day 1

2008-07-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Because I am me, I have a file folder all organized by date with mapquest printouts of our entire journey from Norman Wells to Abbotsford to Calgary and back.

We woke up Thursday morning, packed our bags and were headed into the car before 9. We stopped for breakfast at the Pantry then headed on our way. The directions say take Kingsway to 118 which turns to x which turns to y...I don't know what we did, we decided to follow the big green signs that said Jasper...and we got where we were going. I think the first "I want to go home" came before the Anthony Henday, and the first "are we there yet" came before Stony Plain.

We stopped for lunch in Edson - which I didn't really like...the food or the town. Then we drove to Hinton...which we did like. We continued on into Jasper Park and stopped at the Robson Tourist Info booth...this is not taking into account the times we stopped so Derek could pee, nor the time we stopped after Derek unbuckled himself in the car!

We left the parks and continued on to Valemount. We found our hotel right away... it helps that its on the East side of Valemount. We checked in, and found that it is the cutest little spot. There is a log house with a managers office, then you go up a round curve in the hill and there are 3 log cabins and a house. We stayed at the first cabin named Bear. You walk down a cement block path and up 2 steps into a beautiful wood door with a stained glass window. You then are in the foyer, there is a small bathroom with a beautiful white curtain to your right, forward is a bedroom with a double bed and bunk beds...old fashioned hanging from the ceiling bunk bed...to your left is the main room, a kitchen/living room idea. A fake wood gas stove, a plate hutch a hanging tv a table for 4 a couch and a bed in the wall. We put Thing A in the bottom bunk, Thing B in the double bed and we slept on the bed in the wall.

After we arrived we enjoyed the deck and hung around the cabin, then drove into town and drove around for a while. We had supper at a large log restaurant called the Caribou Grill. I had a steak that was the most fabulous I have had in ages! Joe had the special and the kids had KD Delight...which lucky for us was just regular KD not fancified.

We went to the grocery store for some cereal and bread then back to the cabin for bath and bed.

Have a good night:)

Shannon's no so Northern Adventure begins...

2008-07-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

Well here I am, sitting in civilization. I am in a very quiet room, listening to a lot of traffic...I heard 3 ambulances in 7 hours...which really isn't too much - though I may have slept through a few :)

I came to be here because it is holiday time. I love to jokingly say that I am currently unemployed...which is not untrue. I had my last day at the daycare on Tuesday...and not a full day at that. Then I begin my new job in mid August...so until then...unemployed I am.

Since my husband is on holidays for July we have flown on a small company jet to the big city of Edmonton. The flight left 40 minutes late, leaving our beautiful and warm (27 degrees) home and friends to fly towards projected rain shower. We had a turbulent landing in Rainbow Lake and due to extra passengers had our 2 year old on our laps for the second leg. The 4 year old chose to nap, the 2 year old refused.

The second leg was more turbulent than the first, I was in the front row which means no window....which seriously irritated the 4 year old. I could however see out the pilots' window. I saw clouds....I saw rain....we all felt the hail. On our descent into the Edmonton area we hit a patch of hail...which I later saw on the Global news...and did a fast up and over to get away from...which almost caused my lunch to reappear...or would have if I had had lunch.

We landed safely. We got our luggage. We got in a taxi...and almost had a car accident as our taxi tried to turn into another lane which was currently occupied by a car. Minus that little scare, we arrived safely at our car rental...we got a Toyota Corrolla Hybrid...I love the idea of driving a new vehicle...but driving a Hybrid is super cool!

We found our hotel, checked in, and then found the mall. It was almost 6 and we hadnt had a real meal since breakfast. We had A&W....which doesnt sound interesting, unless you know I'm a fast food junkie, and I haven't had a fix since October! We wandered the mall and did some shopping...couldn't find what we were looking for...can you ever? Returned to the hotel, watched some TV, put the kids to bed...and 90 minutes later the 2 year old was finally asleep!

I however, had a fitful sleep, as I usually do in a hotel.
But I'm thrilled to be here.
And we're heading for BC in 2 hours......whoo whoo!

Patience....

2008-07-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

Patience is a gift, patience is logic, patience is harmony....
yet I have none.
I have no patience for slow drivers.
I have no patience for lound noises.
I have no patience for rudeness.
I have no patience for this.

How did this happen, how did I end up without patience? I have parents who are much more patient than I am, and were more patient when they were my age, and when we were my children's ages.

I have no patience to wait.
I have no patience to listen.
I have no patience to empathize.

This sounds worse than it is (I hope). I have patience while you cry after being hurt. I have patience while you struggle to understand. I have patience to rock a sick baby for hours.

I do not have patience for repeating myself.
I do not have patience for the same errors again and again.

I try to learn.
I try to grow.
I try to stay calm.

God grant me serenity.
God grant me patience.

Mackenzie River

2008-06-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

The Mackenzie River originates in Great Slave Lake flowing to the Arctic Ocean. It is 1, 738 km in length and the longest river in Canada, and the second longest in North America. It ebbs and flows in its height, and generally breaks in Norman Wells in early June.

This year it broke on Mother's day, and had the highest rise in 50 years - I have often said Norman Wells doesn't need to worry about flooding (like places like Hay River) since the river banks are so high the river never crests that high. However, this year I actually worried.

We very often spend time at the river throwing rocks and sticks. It is one of the kids most favorite things to do.

Summertime - and the living is easy

2008-05-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

The story starts with the fact that it's mothers day. I was awoken to breakfast in bed and when I joined the noisy crew I received a movie and mothers day cards. After a few hours we decided to go for a walk (quite windy) and went to the store then to the coffee shop for latte and fries. When we were leaving I was standing on the deck talking to a friend and I saw that there was a bump in the ice on the river, I told everyone I think the river has broken. We continued our walk home and put the kids down for naps. Joe ran errands while I watched my movie present (27 Dresses - quite girly and predictable but good), while Joe was out he saw the river moving and came to see if Kate was awake so we could go watch....35 minutes later she was and we did.

This year is a great year, not evey year is, one year it rose and sat there and melted. This year its high and its a mountain!

Kate and Daddy standing by the edge.

Derek, me and Katie standing next to the piles.

Daddy and Derek sitting on a log that floated from BC last summer...or maybe a few years before that, they just sit along the waters edge.

Kate's beautiful face

2008-04-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it.
I'm biased.
I have a beautiful daughter. She is as cute as can be. When she was a newborn we were approached by a couple asking if she was real or a doll. She is usually a quiet girl who watches everything. She still gets comments about her eyes, her curls, her petite size.

Then the other day that poor darling fell. The hows are up for discussion, but the end result remains that she got a fat lip and blood all over her snowsuit. The brave thing that she is she only cried a small amount, and was up and playing with her friend not long afterwards.

The next day she was crawling through a tube at the playground, her hands went out and her face went down, and there was more blood. She was even braver this time. However her end results are a scar that looks like a Hitler Moustache.

Spring....?

2008-04-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

While the calendar says spring March 21, we Canadians know that that is not always the truth. Now you spoiled Okanagan people can find the real truth. Today is Earth Day...April 22 and while I did not (for a change) wake up to new snow, there is plenty to spare (just let your reservoirs know we have extra). However my children will not be deterred, bike season has arrived.

We pulled the bikes out of storage April 21, and carried them over the snowy driveway and after taking pictures rode the bikes to the end of Marten Ave and back up 5 houses past, then home....with pink cheeks.

Derek turns 4

2008-03-25T20:02:00.001-07:00

Derek will turn 4 on March 30, some days it seems like ages ago, trying to rmemeber details from so far back is hard, but I remember how he looked the first time I saw him, the first time after he came back, the first christmas, the first day he met his new sister....things that bring tears to my eyes. Now he is a Mater obsessed, preschool/daycare going boy. He still has his own opinion for everything, and hasnt yet learned that he isnt the boss, but he is without a doubt my favourite little boy in the whole world.

On Easter Saturday we had our playgroup birthday party for him. We had a few people not there that he may have been upset about not showing, but luckily those who did show up made up for it and he had a great time.
Even dad stayed till the end:)

Easter

2008-03-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Easter is a weird holiday for me. I don't understand the concept of the easter bunny. Why do we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ with chocolate? What is the point of hiding and seeking eggs (chocolate or otherwise)? So I'm not sure what to do with the kids. However, the 4 year old wanted to know when the bunny was coming...our answer was sometime Sunday. Sunday came and again he wanted to know when the bunny was coming, so dad took the kids to Grandpa's and when they came home the bunny had been to visit. The eggs (chocolate foil) were not well hidden, sitting on chairs and shelves, but their. The bunny had also magically brought baskets (Mater for him, Dora for her) to collect their eggs in.

Then Kate and I went to church to show off her beautiful new dress from Auntie. She was an angel, you barely knew she was there. She wanted to stand when others stand (while holding my hand) and sit when others sat, and she tried to sing along.

That night we all went for a walk, I love the pics of my family together...they are so adorable.

Kate's big day

2008-03-01T20:45:00.001-08:00

Somehow its happened, I don't know how. But Kate has become a big girl. Today was a big day in Katie land. She had her second birthday party at playgroup this morning, partied with all the friends...or lots at least. Had cupcakes, crackers, cheese - all the c-foods

Then tonight, she's now decided that she does not want to sleep in her crib, but in the toddler bed. So, we'll see how it goes!

see below

2008-02-25T05:52:00.001-08:00

Because of my husbands job, we arent always able to celebrate on the day of actual events. Today is his fly day so yesterday we had Kate's 2nd birthday party. Joe made us a roast, yorkshires, mashed potatoes, carrots and gravy. I added a salad and juice. The cake was done at the Yamouri.

We had the four of us and my father in law for dinner. The kids love to hang out with grandpa. Kate will actually be two on Thursday, so she'll have a mini party at day care and will have another mini party at playgroup on Saturday - what a party girl!

Derek's a big boy.

2008-02-23T19:57:00.000-08:00

Today is the day. Finally after months of procrastination, months of waiting and planning and stress it has finally arrived....and what do we find? a broken board. The brand new mate's bed that we have been waiting for, finally arrives and it has been damaged in shipping.... which in the south would be fine, but in the north, that means improvisation or waiting months. In the end, Sears agreed to send a replacement board, so we've temporarily improvised - now its just a frame bed until the new board arrives. However, today Derek is officially a big boy. He is sleeping in a big boy bed!

Play Day

2008-02-23T11:36:00.000-08:00

One of the things I've learned about the north is that houses are small. I'm used to the Okanagan's need to show off to each other. Here people live in trailers - atco trailers that I'm used to looking down on - and duplexes, and prefab or what are called hab houses. I currently live in my biggest home in the wells. It is a 2 story a frame house. We have 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The kitchen is too tiny, and there isn't enough storage, but I love it. The catch is, with -40 being the average temperature for the month of January we were getting a bit of cabin fever. Luckily we have a playgroup. We are just a bunch of parents who hang out and have coffee while our kids run in the in the community hall - graciously donated by the town. The community hall is a room the size of a gym, we have a storage area for bikes, balls, tables and all sorts of other stuff. My kids have their favorite toys that they play with every time to start the day off, then they vary with what they change to. Today is a playgroup day, we played with the bikes, the shopping cart, the keys, the hop scotch and much more. It was such a busy day for playgroup, there were 4 boys under the age of 6 months there. Plus a bevy of girls, and 3 more boys. In total there were 15 kids. This is not a drop in group, so I had lots of parents to talk to and drink coffee with.

Katie's show

2008-02-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

In Thursday's mail we received many parcels - birthday gifts for my growing gorgeous almost two year old. One of the things we received was shoes I'd ordered for her. Since my first child was still in utero we've bought Robeez shoes, a cousin gave me my first pair, the first pair I bought were maple leafs, we bought white bows, sailboats, even knock-offs with the Canucks logo. My sister and I share the Robeez as the kids grow, as a result we've had crabs and lady bugs. Robeez recently added a new like called Robeez Tredz, just in time for my children to start at day care. Kate has been wearing Robeez slippers but in Thursday's mail she received her first pair of Robeez Tredz. These adorable pink shoes with coloured circles to decorate. She tried them on right away squeeling with delight, clomping around the house with her new pretty shoes. I got the camera and said "Katie I want a picture of your pretty shoes" and this is her pose.

Mean Moms

2008-02-20T19:53:00.000-08:00

I received this in my email and had to share it with the world.

Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them, as my Mean Mom told me: I loved you enough to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.
I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.
I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes.
I loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Children must
learn that their parents aren't perfect.
I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.
But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.
Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too.
And someday when your children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them.
Was your Mom mean? I know mine was. We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast.
When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat soup and milk.
And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from what other kids had, too.
Mom insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.
We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, empty the trash and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do.
She always insisted on us telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds and had eyes in the back of her head Then, life was really tough!
Mom wouldn't let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16.
Because of our mother we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault.

Now that we have left home, we are all educated, hard-working, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was.
I think that is what's wrong with the world today.
It just doesn't have enough mean moms!

Thanks Mom!

My Christmas present

2008-02-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

Since our town is a small remote town with only fly in abilities for most of the year - currently you could travel on the winter road - an ice road only open from 8pm to 8 am - shopping is not readily available. When we moved here with our new born baby we were furnitureless. Luckily this is such a generous town people are always willing and ready to share their extras. By the time I got home from the hospital we had a table and chairs, a couch, a recliner, and a mattress. My generous mother felt that since we are in our 30s and we have children we should have a grown up bed. She ordered through Sears for Christmas 2005 a frame for the bed. The feeling of being up off the floor was amazing, I felt like such a grown up. This year we are further into our 30s, the parents of 2 and for Christmas 2007 we received a headboard. It makes the room look so grown up! Thanks mom and dad.

February 18, 2008 - Cold is a whole new word here

2008-02-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

I graduated from high school in the Okanagan of BC. There cold means snow, cold means -4. I moved to the North in 2001 to be with my now husband. Then I learned that cold means C_O_L_D. When you can feel the hairs in our nostrils freeze its cold; when your wheels turn like you are riding the Fred Mobile in the Flinstones; when the metal in the frame of your glasses causes marks on your face, then you know its cold. Most days I don't mind. Its the days when I realize I have taken my two preschoolers out and the school is closed because it is too cold for them is the days I wonder why I live here.

We are praying the Cold has ended; it has been a beautiful weekend, the sun is out, the wind is mostly gone, the weather is nicer so we've been out walking more - forget about the bears, the people come out of hibernation with the sun! While out for a walk the other day I brought the camera along and got these adorable pics of the kids.

February 18, 2008 - an intro to my life

2008-02-18T20:59:00.000-08:00

Hello world. This is my first attempt at a blog, so please have patience.

My background bio is that my name is Shannon Faith Hall Caidler. I am the eldest of 3 girls, and am married to the eldest of 3. We have decided to break this 3 chain and have 2, a boy and a girl. The Johnson & Johnson commercial about children changing everything is absolutely true. I learn more about myself every day with them than I ever did in a month before. Unfortunately I don't always like what I learn, but I work on changing things I don't like.

My husband is a wonderful man, a wonderful father. He works away from home and desperately misses being with the kids - and they desperately miss him. We call him regularly and have a map to show where he is, which the kids love.

My son is almost 4, he is totally into Cars and cars in general - he gets frustrated by me when I don't remember the truck we saw 10 days ago when he describes it to me. He loves his daycare/preschool, thinks its funny to give the wrong answer on purpose, and loves to chase his sister around the house.

My daughter is almost 2, she loves Dora Diego and Elmo. She is learning to run and loves to sing. We call her our little dub dub and she loves it.

I was until recently a mostly stay at home mom, I had a few casual jobs that took me out of the hosue when dad was in town. Now I am working at the day care and the kids come with me when dad is gone, and stay home when dad is home. It is new still, I haven't worked a full time out of the home job since I was 26 weeks pregnant with my son.