Fur! Pink! Plaid! Oh my!

A few weeks back I hit the road for Edmonton to shop with my gal pals. While I've already told you about all the fun we had, I haven't actually showed you what I bought.  Some years I have a little luck, some years I have a lot.  I'm happy to report that this year was one of success, much to James' dismay.

Let's start with this furry vest.  I've been hunting for one since last season but I didn't find quite the right one. Until now. I grabbed this bad boy off the shelf even though it was a medium and I suspected that it would be too big.  I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't.  I wore it with the tag the first day to make sure it was a keeper and hands down this will be well worn this winter!

This was another item I was looking for, a dusty rose sweater.  What the heck is this color called anyway???  My friends and I called it Carmen purple all weekend.  Now Carmen has a color just like I do, Christy blue!  I scored this one at Simon's for $40 ad haven't looked back since  The color, the fit, the length is all perfect.  I should really go back and get a second color because at that price they are practically giving it away!

This next one is one of my pricier items from Aritzia.  Candace came out wearing this over a blue dress and I really wanted to try the blue dress, of course.  The sales person came back with this green guy.  I said I wanted the dress, and she looked at me like I was crazy, this is the dress.  So apparently this can also be worn as a dress.  Truthfully I liked it better as a dress but I forgot to take a picture.  If I were to wear it as a long cardi again I would wear a more fitted shirt.  I felt very shapeless in this ensemble the way it is.

This plaid jacket from American Eagle is by far my favorite find of the weekend.  It was also the second winter jacket I purchased.  Before you judge, don't forget I live in the frozen tundra!  We were walking by AE, a store I usually don't go into, when I saw this coat out of the corner of my eye.  I stopped, I tried, I bought, no hesitation.

Just a side note on American Eagle.... Have you ever tried their shorts?  They are perfection, perfect amount of stretch to make them flattering and comfortable.  My sister tipped me off a few years ago and I haven’t looked back since. 

This sweater was another one I kept the tags on the first time I wore.  I actually wore it home on the Sunday of our trip with the tag hanging down my back and the waitress told me how cute it was.  So it came home with me and stayed! I'm a sucker for an animal with glasses, what can I say?

Finally, let's talk about these sneakers.  Four of us bought them.  Love, love, LOVE.  Except it snowed on the way home and I haven't worn them since.  They didn't have mine in the camo print but I did walk away with a pink pair.  I love them!  Thanks for the tip Abbie and Lana!

While these are not all the items that I bought, these are the ones I remembered to take pictures of.  I love shopping, but  better yet, I love shopping with my besties who share that same passion.

Shopping is my Cardio!

seven on monday

Today I am breaking the rules.  Does it have to be Friday?  Or five for that matter?  Heck no. This is my blog and I'll do what I want.

{one} The kids have found a new obsession with Peter's Drive in. It's a Calgary icon and their milkshakes are epic.  Not to mention the burgers and onion rings.  So when our Nexus renewals came up and we all had to go to the airport we decided to add supper at Peter's to the trip.  It did not disappoint. I love seeing the kids enjoy something that we have enjoyed for years.

{two} I love seeing Grady find a new love for board games.  He really wanted to play Monopoly Jr but we were missing a few pieces so we pulled out James' Calgaryopoly from when he was a kid.  Grandma started the game with him and thankfully after dinner he lost interest and we packed it away.  We all know how long one game of monopoly can last...

{three} Last week brought parent teacher interviews for both kids.  I love the opportunity to take a step into our kids world and see what they for the hours they are at school.  Academically, both kids are doing great. No complaints here.  I loved seeing the pride that Grady has in his work at school.  He showed us all his coding on the ipad which is his elective this term.  It is nice to see Cooper engaging as he will be heading there in 2 short years.

{four} Christmas has arrived at our house!  Technically, I am not 100% done.  Our schedule no longer allows a full day dedicated to decorating so I broke it up into what I wanted to do solo vs what I wanted to do with the kids.  Friday night I put on my mickey ears, poured a glass of wine and cranked up the Christmas music.  I did the banister and the fancy tree solo while the kids and James were out and about.  A wild and crazy friday night around our place I tell ya.

{five} I survived Black Friday without buying a single thing.  I just don't need anything right now.  With that being said I ended up benefiting from the sales without intending to.  After pulling out the Christmas decor I realized I need a few things.  So... I hurried over to Michael's to pick up a few small things and ended up in the middle of the weekend long Black Friday sale extended over the weekend. . 60% off all Christmas decor!  I walked away with this new wreath among other things.  So maybe I didn't exactly not buy anything on Black Friday after all.....

{six}  Grady's team had a Christmas skill comp over the weekend.  The coaches are such good sports and showed up in festive attire.  The kids came ready to battle.  Grady took home 2nd in the fastest skater comp then got last in accuracy. You win some you lose some!

{seven} Cooper scored the heart and hustle award for his defense skills yesterday. Despite a 8-4 loss he hustled out there and I was happy to see him walk out sporting the tiger hat.

Have a great week!

Dos and Don'ts of Holiday Preparation

Today on TBB we are talking about prepping for the holidays. Can I just say I don't feel ready for this.  Despite being done 75% of my shopping I just don't feel ready to get the tree up and to decorate my home.  Don't get me wrong, I love my house after it is decorated, but the thought of dragging out all the boxes and trying to get my family to help just seems like a big job.  Where is one to fit this full day activity into an already full schedule?  I've put together some tips on how I plan to get through the preparation with out pulling my hair out.

DO schedule your decorate time in to your calendar.  If your calendar looks anything like mine (FULL!) then finding free day will be next to impossible.  For me, once it is in the calendar it generally does get done since I don't plan anything else for the day.

DON'T underestimate how much time it takes.  While I wish it only took an hour or 2, generally it take a full day on and off.  This year I couldn't find a full day so I've allocated a half day to do the memory tree with my family and a half day to do the rest.  By myself, on my day off.  There will be Christmas music, singing, an maybe even a splash of bailey's in my coffee!

DO get your family photos taken in early so the are ready for your xmas card.  We had ours done at the end of September so we didn't have to fight the elements like we did last year.  They don't have to be professional but get dressed up and even have a friend or even a neighbor snap a few pictures. 

DON'T expect the pictures to be perfect.  Choose the one that represents your family best.  If that means the youngest is sticking his tongue out, that is okay!

DO use mailing labels you can print year after year.  This make your Christmas card list so easy.  I generally look at the list yearly add a few address and take a few off.  You know exactly how many cards you need and you just print them out.  Let's face it, no one can read my hand writing any way.  I use the same labels for my return addresses.

DON'T worry about writing anything on the card.  It only causes extra work and no one reads it anyway, they just want to see the pictures of your adorable family.

DO shop ahead.  My goal is to be done the majority of my shopping before December 1 so I can enjoy the month instead of stressing over what to buy.  Generally I don't get officially started until after Cooper's birthday so that goal has been stretched the past few years.

DON'T buy things just to finish early. If you need extra time, take it!  Also write what you already bought so you don't over buy.  I tend to keep buying small things right until Christmas and end up with too much!  Better than too little I guess.

DO order online.  I've ordered many of my presents from amazon lately.  It is at my house in 2 days and most places offer free returns.  Often the price on amazon is better so it never hurts to look!

DON'T forget to look at return policies when you buy online, or anywhere for that matter.  You'd hate for the receiver to be stuck with a gift that doesn't fit or they don't want.

DO attach the receipt to gifts.  I hate the idea of someone keeping something they don't like just because they are too shy to ask for the receipt.

DON'T be offended if your gift is returned.  It is the thought that counts.

DO plan festive outings with your friends and family.

DON'T be afraid to say no if your schedule is to full.

These are just a few things that I do to make Christmas a little less stressful.  It is a busy time and lots of work but it is always worth it when you wake up on Christmas morning.

Cooper's Birthday Interview - 8 years old

In honor of Cooper's 8th birthday last week I sat down and had a little one on one time with him asking him our annual questions.  As always, my comments are in italics.

Who is your best friend? Levi and nick.  And Bechar.   The first 2 are no surprise, they've been his BFFs for years.  The third is new in his class this year and apparently the funniest kid in his class.

What is your favorite animal? Dog.  Cause they are furry.  I think they are over this question.  Note for next year.

What is your favorite subject at school? Math.  Recess.  Gym.  No, just gym.  Math... a future accountant maybe?

What do you want to be when you grow-up?  A billionaire.  From what? Oil.  Hopefully the economy turns around for you little buddy.

Who is your favorite teacher? Ms Patrick and Ms. Mottershead.  His Grade 1 and Grade 2 teachers.  Ms Patrick is my fave teacher if you are asking me.  Which you aren't.

Who is your favorite hockey player? Crosby 

Favorite team? Trails west.  And Vegas.  Cooper we have the same taste in teams.... my fave team is Trails West to!

Favorite trip this year? Kelowna, because we stayed in a mansion and all our friends came.  Insert eye roll.

What is your favorite TV show? Ricky, Nicky, Dicky, and Dawn.  My kids watch this all the time. As annoying as it is, it is a great show for kids.  Reminds me of saved by the bell for middle school.  I think Cooper just likes to say Dicky.

What is your favorite book? Guinness Book of World Records. And Big Nate.  He made that up.  He looked around the room to find a book before responding.

What makes you happy? When I get money.   So being a billionaire will make you really happy.

What makes you sad? When I get hurt.  It makes me sad to.

What is your favorite food to eat? Spaghetti and burgers.  He eats his spaghetti with only Alfredo sauce.  Yuck. 

Fave restaurant? - Sushi.  So I think Kinjo will be my new favorite restaurant.  It is opening near out house this month.  Sushi... he doesn't get that from me.

Favorite treat? Original Chips.

What games do you like to play?  Dunk Shot.  Never heard of it.

Favorite Sport? Hockey and baseball.  My favorite position is defense.  

A food I don't like is? Peas.  No carrots.  I'll summarize, he does not like anything that is healthy.

What are you scared of? Wind.  I had to help him here but this kid is really scared of the wind. I was to as a kid. So was Grady. I hope he outgrows it soon.

Do you have a girlfriend? I'm not answering that.  Answered after so many giggles and verifying that was actually a question written on the list. Mini teenager I tell you!

Some of his answers shock me and others not at all.  The best part is that they still love answering the questions and hearing what they said last year.  As long as they keep answering, I will keep asking!

Eight is Great!

This weekend we celebrated Cooper and the great young man he is growing up to be.  

This year after much deliberation he decided to have his party at Absolute Baseball and can I just say that it was the easiest party I've ever hosted.  I literally brought the cake, the candles, and the loot bags.  That is it.  They took care of everything.  The pizza, the plates, the utensils, EVERYTHING!

Cooper hasn't yet played organized baseball, but this year may be the year. Man that kid can swing a bat!

His party falls in the middle of hockey season which means a lot of kids couldn't come.  They had games, tournaments and practices. 

   Despite having fewer kids than usual, this kid was so happy to be celebrating with his friends.

Even James got in on the fun.  Like father, like son?

As always, this year's cake was made by Nana!  We are so lucky to have her make the boys cake since I am not a baker, nor will I ever be!

If you have boys, you know that getting them to pose for a picture is easier said than done.

Cooper was all smiles waiting to blow out all 8 of his candles....

...until he blew the candles out and 5 remained lit.  Who are these 5 lucky girls I wonder....?

After his second attempt there was still one candle lit. 

Cooper is definitely better at baseball then he is at blowing out candles!

The party was a huge success. The baseball, the mini sticks, the bouncy castle, the tag, the cake, EVERYTHING.  I hope that Cooper's day was a special to him as he is to us.

Happy 8th Birthday Cooper

Dear Cooper,


Today, at 4:19, you turned 8 years old. We've had 8 years to watch you grow into the little person that we all know and love. You are a smart, active, confident, silly, and amazing young man that we are so lucky to call our son. When I look back at this black haired new born baby, it is hard to believe that so many years have passed.  While I loved to hold you while you sleep and kiss your precious head, I am equally as happy to watch you play a hockey game and succeed at school.  I will never forget the day you were born, but I equally treasure all the memories we've created and all the ones left to be made.  I hope the next year brings you all the happiness you deserve.

Let me tell you a little bit about your 8 year old self.


- You are in Grade 2. You still have your best friends in your class for the third year in a row, much to Grady's dismay. You love your teacher and school in general. You don't like to be late for school or to miss any days at all.

First day of grade 2 with your besties

- You are finally a full fledged reader. You've wanted to learn to read since Kindergarten and given I had no idea how to teach you we had to wait until you learned in school. Your grade 1 teacher was phenomenal and had you reading in no time. I love listening to you read even if it is in bed when you should be sleeping already.

- You are in your second year of novice hockey and playing in the top tier! While you have mostly played defense last year you are are hoping for your first official goal after playing a full year last year and not getting a single one. This is your year to shine little buddy!

-You still don't flush the toilet and you still pee on the seat. I guess I've just gotten used to it living in a house full of boys!

-You (and all the other boys around!) are addicted to Fortnite. You have all your little friends over and you sit on the couch together and play the same game side by side. If I didn't kick you off you would happily play all day. I think you would choose hockey over Fortnite but some days I am not so sure.

- This year you started your own YouTube station. Most of the posts are of you playing video games, surprise surprise. You always thank your viewers and remind them to subscribe at the end.

-You still love your stuffies. Jasmin made you take them off your bed and store them in the closet. When I was cleaning your closet I suggested we give some away but you were a hard pass. I suggested to get rid of 3 and after much deliberation you chose 3 to donate.


-Bunny is still a big part of your life. While she doesn't always travel with us anymore you will always ask for her before going to bed. Bunny doesn't often leave your room but there is not a night that you don't have her tucked under your arm while you sleep.

I have more picture of you and bunny then I care to admit

-You are going to bed later and later. It must be a second child thing. You go to bed when Grady goes to bed somewhere around 9. The difference is that your head barely hits the pillow and you are out like a light. You are a dream to put to bed. Except the fact that you won't cuddle with me. Or hold my hand. Ever.

- You and Dad have your thing where you watch weird Instagram vids on his phone before bed. With me, I try to hug you. Sometime you persevere with a look on your face that tells me you are hating every minute of it. You want me on my own side of the bed with my own pillow. Sigh....

- You still love Jam sandwiches and would bring one for lunch every day if Jasmin would let you. You put up with the chicken and shrimp but you complain to me. You still don't like pizza. If you are really hungry you'll have a piece but otherwise you aren't interested. How could I have birthed one son that doesn't like pizza and the other that doesn't like peanut butter??

-You are a 10 year old stuck in an 8 year old boy's body. You keep up with the big kids and are accepted by Grady's friends for the most part.

Hanging with his team mate pre-game

- With the introduction of health class to Grady's grade you have learned a lot more than most 8 year olds should know about body parts and what to do with them....


- Your language is questionable. You are the one that pushes the limits and will say certain words for shock value. You get the colorful language from your Dad. That is all.

-You are a screamer. You are loud. You are confident. A hockey team mate said he was excited to be on your team because he screams all the time. Is that a compliment?

- Everyone is still amazed by your eyelashes. They are long and full and I wish they were mine.

I can't believe that you are already 8 years old. It feels like just yesterday that you were born on that rainy November morning. While many people would love to go back to when their kids were babies, I love the age you are right now. So let's freeze time right now, k?

Happy birthday to the baby of our family!


Love,
Mom

Le Weekend with my BFFs

I'm still coming off the high from my most anticipated weekend of the year, my girls trip to Edmonton. Many may be thinking, really, Edmonton?? Really. Us girls don't need much other than a mall and each other to have a great time.

I've known these ladies for more than 2 decades.  One I've known over 3 decades.  I've lived with 2 of them and went to high school with most of them.  One of always ate all the leftovers in my fridge in high school and slept over all the time!

We have history.

You can't recreate that.  These are my oldest friends and always will be.  We know each others first kisses and someone will always remind you of your most embarrassing moment in high school when you claim to have forgotten.

Along with the guarantee of being reminded of something you wish you could forget, there is always shopping. Lots and lots of shopping.  Full hearts and empty wallets!  Let's face it, when you eat, sleep, and live at the mall you are not going to escape without dropping some serious coin.

These ladies can shop like no other.  We shop, we have lunch, we break mid afternoon wine, and we shop again.  This year we made plans to actually leave the mall, but when it actually came time to leave, we cancelled the reso and ate at Cactus Club in the mall like we have every other year.  A tradition is a tradition, right?

Over the years, I've even been able to peg their shopping style:

One has a mission that she attacks like a tiger

One always buy shoes

One does few purchases but big ones

One does lots of returns on Sunday

One shops fast with no regrets

I wonder what they would say about me.....?

Somehow on girls trip I always get caught dancing.  Again, I was caught flossing on video.  At least I'm good at it, or it feels like I am.  The video evidence says otherwise.  If you didn't see it on Deena's insta stories I'm not going to be sharing it here.  Dare I admit that we face timed one of our sons to ask if orange justice from  Fortnite was done with the same or alternate arms?  In case you are wondering, it is alternate.

This year we added an in room yoga session to the weekend.  Since we were there for a full Sunday and the mall didn't open until 11am AND it was time change weekend where we gain an extra hour, we had time.  Only 4 of us finished and honestly I can't believe I did because I got the giggles so bad that I couldn't hold my poses.  We make even yoga fun!

I laughed until I cried on more than one occasion.  I'm trying to remember why and I can't.  It doesn't matter anyway. I just know that no one can make me laugh as hard or as often as these ones do.

Over the years, we've lived in different cites, have different careers and interests, but none of that matters.  When we get together it is like we are gitty high school girls talking about their crushes and who is going to pull the booze for the 'it' party that weekend.  Well, except now we sit around in our matching PJs drinking wine and talking about parenting strategies and our kids hockey.

Who is the crazy one in the back???  I don't recognize her either.

These are the gals I lean on.  If I need them I know they will be there and they can expect the same from me. I am so lucky to be doing life with them.  Even if it is only one weekend a year.  It is totally worth it.

five on Friday

A very busy week meant no post this week. Sigh...  This post is for my siblings that I know are (not so) patiently waiting for an update.

{one}  Cooper and I headed to a hockey tournament solo since Grady had games to play back home.  James got to go to the last one tournament so now it was my turn.  We ended up travelling with a fellow hockey mom and her son and it turned out to be a great weekend.

 Expect for all the losing.  By the end of game 3 we had 1 goal for and 27 goals against.  It was bad.  Then we turned it around and won the B final.  The boys were excited and it was just what the players (and parents!) needed to start the season!

{two}  We got new wheels!  Which was a good thing since on the way home from Invemere there was a snow storm that ultimately led to a closure of the highway due to a major collision. Thankfully, I made it through before the road closed and that no one from our team was involved in the accident.  I was so so happy to not be driving the mini van since it was never great on ice.  The morning started with fog, then a little rain, then some snow, then a blizzard.

The criteria on the new car was AWD, a third row, and a trunk that would fit 3 hockey bags.  Check, check, check!  We've already tested it out taking 3 kids and 3 bags to hockey practice and it was a huge success.

(three) With Halloween sneaking up on us right after we got home from our weekend get away we had to squeeze in pumpkin carving.  This is the first year that the boys did their pumpkins 100% solo.  We found the idea for the toothpick teeth online and it was perfect for little hands that can't quite work with small spaces.

(four)  We had another successful year of trick or treating with half the neighborhood!

One kid went as a cool banana, complete with sunglasses and a hat. That costume put me back $60 at Walmart.  $60!!  And I still had to alter it to make it fit Cooper properly. 

The other dressed as a Fortnite character, skull trooper.  He was actually pretty scary.  Good thing skull trooper is a good dancer. 

Even I dressed up for our office party this year.  We were number jacks.  Get it???  See, accountants can be creative to!

(five) Finally, I am leaving for a weekend away with my besties tomorrow.  I can't wait to see them as it has been well over a year since we last got together.  We had tickets to see Justin Timberlake but he cancelled the concert due to 'bruised vocal chords'.  Mean while he is busy dressing up for Halloween and appearing on Jimmy Fallon.  He doesn't sound that sick to me... But even without JT my friends and I are going to have a great time.  Did someone say shopping?

Have a great weekend, I know I will!