It's Always About Deedee

Wednesday Night GIF - On a SNOW DAY!!!

2012-01-18T22:33:00.001-08:00

School Lunches Part 2:

2011-12-05T22:38:00.001-08:00

"Build-Your-Own" Mini Pitas, Kale Chips, Grapes & a Cookie.

Rice Pasta Salad (with Cucumber, Feta & Olives), Nectarine & Cookie.

Mini Bagel Pizzas, Melon Slices, Baby Carrots w/ dip & Cookie.

Ham & Cheese Bun, Kale Chips, Nectarine & Pudding.

Turkey Sandwich, Fruit Snack, Baby Carrots & Mango Chunks.

"Build-Your-Own" Taco w/ Tortillas, Cheese & Beef, Grapes & Cookie.

Halloween Lunch!
Ezekiel English Muffin "Mummies" (w/ String Cheese & Olive Eyes), Lizard Eyeballs (Grapes on Skewers),
Troll Fingers (Baby Carrots) & Jack Skellington Rice Krispie Treat.

Vegas!

2011-11-26T11:41:00.001-08:00

You know the slogan: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Thus, I can only share the some of my pictures from the City of Sin.

But you didn't really want to see the pics of me dancing on the blackjack table, did you?

Wdnesday Night GIF

2011-11-16T21:34:00.001-08:00

Yeah, I am just in this kind of a mood tonight. Mega Post to follow.

Wednesday Night GIF

2011-10-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

My beloved team is having a goalie controversy right now....or at least the media and the fans are. Less than a month into the season, and I am already sick of listening to it.
This one is for all the Luongo haters out there. Yes, he's letting in goals - it happens. Chill out people.

Emma's 7th Birthday

2011-10-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

Over Thanksgiving weekend Emma turned 7. She's my heart. My one baby. And growing into a great kid. I just love love love her.

First came Party Day! Emma had an art class party at 4 Cats Art Studio in Langford. Emma takes weekly classes here,it's a really great place - always fun and cheerful.

The next day was Em's actual birthday, and we did whatever she wanted. We opened gifts, played, went for breakfast in our PJ's, went on a shopping spree (she's so my kid),

and went and got candy at the store - the really bad kind that I always say no to.

Emma's gift from her Dad & I was tickets to see her idol, Selena Gomez, in concert. She and I went a few days after her birthday, and we had a blast.

Being Emma's Mom is great.

Wednesday Night GIF (is late again)

2011-10-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

Much has happened during my silence. So much.

Birthday mega post will follow soon.

xxoo

This is a Juice Post

2011-10-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the 2011/2012 NHL season. I am so excited. I love my Vancouver Canucks.

Love. LOVE. Adore. It's a bit of an obsession.

I am especially partial to a certain d-man. #3. Kevin Bieksa. He's really popular at the moment (maybe because of the western conference winning goal he scored in double overtime), but I have taken some serious heat for loving him the last few years. Oh, and the trade rumors....*sigh*.... Luckily for me, he signed a new contract this off-season, and he will be a Canuck for a good long time.

Oh, and he can really wear a suit......

This will never, ever, ever will get old:

I would some how like to put this on a t-shirt:

Happy New Season to all fans - it's going to be a great one!

I can't wait to get home, put on my jersey, and see that puck drop.

Wednesday Night GIF

2011-10-05T20:26:00.001-07:00

Birthday Inspiration

2011-09-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Emma's birthday party is next weekend. She's having an art party, called a "Pop Art Party" at the local art academy where she takes classes. She wants cupcakes, and she wants this cupcake kit.

Okay. I can work with this.

Wednesday Night GIF

2011-09-28T22:13:00.001-07:00

Summer 2011

2011-09-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

I miss it already. The sun, the lake, my family, my friends. It was a good one.

The dock, viewed from the deck.

The deck, viewed from the dock.

My angel.

Me & my Dad

The kids.

Me & my honey.

Campfire!

Me & my Shauna

Mere minutes before a tipsy late night swim

Wednesday Night Gif

2011-09-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize it's Thursday. But last night was Survivor, and I forgot. But it's a good one, and totally worth the wait.

School Lunches

2011-09-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

I have been diligent.

Too early each week day morning I stand bleary eyed in my kitchen, wearing my housecoat, wet hair wrapped in a towel (try not to picture it - it isn't pretty), as I pack Miss Em's school lunch.

And I mentioned in my last school food related post that I would try to post about lunches regularly, and so I have remembered to snap a picture of each day's lunch to post here.

I have been keeping my camera in the cupboard with the wee fruit & veggie cutters and the reusable napkins - it's a great reminder.

And so.....TA-DA!!!!

Sushi - just rice and seaweed, with some soy sauce on it, sliced red peppers, star shaped pieces of cantaloupe and a cookie.

Mini pitas with ham, cheddar cheese cubes, sliced strawberries with heart shaped mango, cookie.

Veggie "chicken" nuggets (ketchup in dip container), heart shaped melon, baby carrots (ranch in other dip container), and a cookie.

I know that cookie keeps popping up - but with my kid, I find if I give her one in each lunch, it's never a hassle to get her to eat all her fruits and veggies, because she has had her "treat".

Now, this one is a Friday lunch - usually I try to make these a little more of a surprise.

Hot Dog! (organic & natural - nitrates suck, ketchup on side), orange pepper slices, sliced strawberries, and a fruit snack.

Ham sandwich, mango slices, pepper slices, cookie.

Simple & quick - I think this was a Thurs. lunch...I am always most tired on Thurs. mornings.

Another Friday lunch, and the last picture for today...

Homemade chicken strips (you know where the ketchup is), cantaloupe stars, chocolate pudding, and goldfish crackers.

I must again shout out to Laptop Lunches, because their products rock, and help make me look brilliant.

And since I am in a food state of mind, it`s time for me to spend some time working on the meal plan for the next week or two. I use this menu planner, because it it just the cutest thing. I have one for lunches and one for dinners, and they look so perfect up on my fridge.

Oy. Thursday.

2011-09-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Work has either been insane, or deathly quiet. I like the dead quiet - it gives me time to play on the interwebs.

Some Thursday inspiration - one deep, the rest shallow.

I saw this cartoon on a random blog ... I meant to jot down which one ...but then work got insane.

But it's so true. So. True. And not in a "Arg, my partner is a blahblahblah and I hate him/her because he/she makes me feel stupid like I did in elementary school"

I think it's more about how the right person makes you look at yourself.

(That was the deep. On to the shallow!!!)

I must have this bag from the NHL Store. How perfect will it go with my fall weekend wear? Me, jeans, sweaters, and scarves - at the grocery store/swim classes/birthday party, and I am totally representing for my team.

Another covet, this dress and I would have so much fun together...with or without tights, but def. with some cute boots. At Lulu.

Something to know about me: I am Team Jenn. 100%. So I haven't been too impressed with Brad Pitt for the last few years. Does it really matter? Meh.

But lately...mmmmm. How great is he looking?? He's on this week's Entertainment Weekly, and I honestly can't wait to get my copy in the mail.

If this was 1996, I would tear out this cover and tape it to my wall next to the poster I had of him. He had long hair, and was super scruffy, and oh so dreamy. V. and I are searching the Internet like mad (workin' hard!) to find a picture of that poster, but no luck. It's going to drive me nuts. When I find one, it will deserve it's own post.

Wednesday Night GIF

2011-09-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

The First Day of School

2011-09-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

Can you see the cheeky? That's my girl.

I have been packing school lunches for a long time. See here. I have had 4 full years to develop this skill, and we are heading into the 5th. Packing good food for Em is important to me - she starts class at 8:25am, and is usually at after school care until 4 or 5pm every day. And it's my job to keep her healthy and happy, even if she's not with me

This is Emma's newest lunch kit - It's a bento from Laptop Lunches, who I have been using for years, and they're great. It's durable, you can mix and match, and I am still using pieces I bought 3 years ago.

The lunch bag:

The bottom unzips, and holds the bento box (the white you see is an ice pack):

Today's Lunch: A ham & cheese croissant, raspberries, heart shaped slices of nectarine, an Oreo cookie, and baby carrots with dip in the tiny container at the top.

It's pretty - sometimes I even impress myself.

The top of the bag opens too. This is where I am storing her "snacks" - for classroom snack time and after school care. Today had fruit & veggie juice box, cinnamon scone, cheese string, fruit snack, and apple sauce.

I hope to keep on top of things enough to post lunch pics regularly. I don't know if they will do you any good, but it will be fun for me.

I am pretty sure she had a great first day.

Wednesday Night GIF

2011-09-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

Emma starts school tomorrow. Grade two. TWO! I can't handle it.

Child bathed, in bed at decent hour? Check!

Uniform laid out for morning? Check!

Gym clothes, shoes, muddy buddies, rain boots - labeled and packed? Check!

Well balanced, healthy lunch and After School Care snack? Planned and prepped? Check!

Tomorrow I will wake up early, get dinner started in the slow cooker (also already prepped), pretty myself, pack lunches and snacks, drag my family out of bed, make sure Emma is dressed and brushed and fed, brave traffic to get her to school for 8:20, take lots of pictures, and kiss her goodbye.

Sounds amazing doesn't it? I am Super Mom! I plan to revel in it, because it won't last. My organization will fall apart in a week or two. And I am okay with that. Because even the frazzled Moms are Super Moms.

Wednesday Night GIF

2011-08-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

Song of Ice and Fire

2011-08-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

This book series has taken over my life.

The first novel, A Game of Thrones, was published in 1996 and there are currently 5 of the planned 7 books in print. I am currently mid-way through the 4th book, and I can't put them down.

For me, it started with entertainment gossip (you know how I love it), and there was much being said in the gossip world regarding HBO's series based on the books. The show looked cool - kings and knights and HBO-style nudity struck me as a sure thing. So we watched. And were in awe. The first season of the show (10 episodes) encompassed the first novel (834 pages) and I was hooked.
The book series was immediately uploaded onto my Kobo, and I have been reading them ever since. And I am not the only one - 4 other members of my life posse are reading them as well, and encouraging others!
It's been lovely. I find I spend much more time on these books than I do most of the ones I read. Not only is each book huge in length (800-1000 pages), they are full of detail that you have to enjoy at a slower pace. So that your imagination has time to develop the huge world for you.
With there having been a wait of 5 years between the 4th book and the 5th, I am just not sure what I am going to do when I am finished. Other than harass you to read them too.

I think I will first celebrate with a themed dinner, thanks to the ladies at Inn at the Crossroads - a blog dedicated to recreating the food of Westeros and the Free Cities. But I can't decide between Breakfast at Winterfell or Honeyed Chicken. Mmmmm.

Then maybe I will do a little shopping for GoT related merchandise at the HBO Store, and maybe get into a little Role Playing - the game kind, not the kinky kind. Or maybe I can do both kinds. (Can I be Ygritte?)

As for the show - don't count it out either! I highly recommend the first season. Even before reading the books. There's eye candy for all.

Look at how cute Kit Harrington is as Jon Snow:

And you can't beat the awesomeness that is Sean Bean/Boromir/Eddard Stark:

And thus ends my gushing. Time to go read some more. Winter is coming.

Nom Nom Nom

2011-08-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

One of my must-visit-daily websites is Celebitchy which features lots of celebrity gossip, with a nice dash of snark. They used to do this weekly thing called "Hot Guy Friday", which I faithfully shared on Facebook, much to the delight of many female friends. Sadly, Hot Guy Friday has become much more sporadic, and I miss it.

I bet you miss it too. I know Andrea Jabs misses it.

So I am proud to present my own humble version...it doesn't have a name yet (and I am open to suggestions). I am trying to feature the men YOU think are the hottest - Can you guess which ones are just for you?

Let's start with some Trueblood stock. Werewolf Alcede is very well played by actor Joe Manganiello. You all know I am partial to Vampire Eric, but you can't deny Joe has a certain something. And he has range! Look at how well he plays shirtless, wet, and clothed! I mean, damn. He can really wear a suit. And he's got this look in his eye...like he's going to take a giant bite out of you, and you are going to love it.

Did anyone else watch Breaker High? Man, I loved that show. Ryan Gosling played the wisecracking sarcastic one. That was before he moved on to greater things, such as Young Hercules - do you remember that show?!? Anyway, He's grown to be such a delicious piece. Which I must commend him for - most of the "pretty" ones don't age well.

Adam Levine. (by special request)

Makes great music, has great tattoos, and strikes me as lots of fun to party with . But still, not my type. He's got some great definition to him, but I think he is smaller than me, and I don't like that. Can't get past it.

Jason Statham. The Transporter. Handsome Rob. Tough guy with a charming smile and an accent. And probably the only guy on the planet who can get me hot for a hairy chest. I want to get my fingers all up in that.

Jason Momoa. Mmmmm. I like him best as Khal Drogo on HBO's Game of Thrones (2nd Pic). All big and dirty and barbarian like.

Christian Bale. What can I say? My sister really likes him. I think he's too serious. And a wee bit scary, what with those eyes that look innocent but are really staring into your soul! NEWSIES IS AWESOME THOUGH!!

The Rock. So big. Any time my Nana goes anywhere, she reminds me that if she finds him she won't be back. I hope that one day she finds him and they spend the rest of her life going to the gym and having beers.

Okay, lastly I am going to hit you with a bunch of quickies - it's way past time I finished this up and got back to work.

Let me know if I missed any guys you want to see - I will include them next time. xo

I love August.

2011-08-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

Pacey Thursday!

2010-09-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this movie? If not, you should! Why? Because it's GREAT, and it's Canadian, and it centres around one cute boy the whole time - that's right, JJ!!
In all honesty, it's a pretty serious movie, I admit I shed tears myself. The basic premise is that JJ takes 1 week to go across Canada on a motorcycle. He's finding himself. I don't want to give away too much though, so if you're interested in more details look here.

AND IT HAS THE STANLEY CUP IN IT! You can't go wrong.

Pacey Thursday.

2010-09-02T12:38:00.000-07:00

While I was driving in to work this morning I was listening to Team 1040 on the radio (Yes, I listen to sports talk radio - it's almost hockey season you know!), and there was a heated discussion about hockey in the movies, and one called Youngblood which I now want to see.

You know what I thought of? Mighty Ducks.

You know what I thought of next? Pacey Witter and bowling shirts.

Oh, Joshua Jackson. 31 years old, born and raised in Vancouver, hockey fan.....How are we not raising babies together? Why? Because he is a ridiculously devoted, beautiful boyfriend to his long time love - he even wore an ascot for her, and looked so good in it. His devotion makes him hotter, doesn't it?

Anyway, once I got to work I logged on for my morning fix of Celebitchy, and they were chatting about Joshua/Pacey too (here), and I thought about how my day had been brightened with these dashes of JJ, and so I made the snap decision to declare Thursdays as PACEY THURSDAY!!!

So every Thursday (or when I remember) I hope to brighten your life with a little Joshua Jackson tasty bit. Because every week needs a little.

*this last one makes me want to lick my computer screen*

15 DAYS AND COUNTING!!

2010-08-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

It seems like only yesterday that we booked it and it was just a fuzzy fantasy - beach, sun, fruity drinks with wee umbrellas...and TIME ALONE. That's right - Emma is staying home with Grandma!!

The Royal Cancun (in Cancun, obviously) - 5 star, all-inclusive - my dream vacation.

I'm really not trying to rub it in - but bear with me while I do anyway...See the pretty room? Mmmmmm......

Lounge chairs by the pool...looking over the ocean...and you get little flags you can put up when you need ANYTHING.

As Shauna so correctly said to me on my birthday "Dee, you were born for a life of leisure."

I stole this picture from Trip Advisor, where I obsessively check reviews/pictures/weather daily. This is a picture someone who was at the resort last week posted.

I have promised myself 2 full days of laying in one of these loungers - my Kobo is already loaded with books to read.

In the sun. Not having to do anything for anyone else - no laundry or packing lunches or dishes or real life.

Insert witty blog post title here

2010-01-10T22:37:00.000-08:00

Oh, 2010. Nice to meet you. Although you are dangerously close to that nasty 2012 year, you do have your charms.
The Winter Olympics for one - I am quite excited about the hockey, and have already booked the day after the gold medal game off work to make room for merriment.
Also, the dawn of 2010 has brought something I didn't expect (though I should have, I just didn't give it any thought) - "Best of the Decade" lists. They seem to be everywhere. And by everywhere, I mean on all the pop gossip sites I love to haunt. Glorious things. Best movies, best TV, top hotties...I enjoy them all. Especially the music ones. There is always at least one song on the lists I have seen that gets me all excited and remembering and running to my iTunes to download. For example, Billboard's list of Best One-Hit Wonders of the Decade includes Crazytown's "Butterfly" and I got soooo excited. I love that song. So much that I am not at all ashamed to say I love that song! And I totally forgot the love, so didn't have it on my playlist. That problem has now been solved.
Anyway, if you are interested you can find the rest Billboard's best of the decade lists here and Entertainment Weekly has some good decade lists here.

My end of 2009 was fantastic, though hectic.

Christmas was fun. We gathered on at my parents' new house on the Kemp Lake, which in musch smaller that their old place - in my family "small" gatherings run 15+ people, so things were cozier than usual, but it was great. My mom and dad are pros, and food, drink and company were perfect.

Waiting outside in the yard for a surprise visit from Santa, who came by on a fire truck on Christmas Eve. It was insane - someone came down our street with a bull-horn, declaring that "Santa is coming!! Come outside!!" Emma spazzed, because Sana was coming, and she wasn't asleep yet - she was so upset. But she calmed down when I explained Santa comes AFTER she falls asleep, that he knows just the right time, and that this visit was special because the people on our road were extra good this year. She then happily came outside in her PJ's, Santa came and gave her a candy cane, and told her he'd be "back later".

Emma, Christmas morning, discovering that Santa did indeed come back.

Fur Real Kitty!! (Freaky, moving, meowing toy cat - this year's must have)

Me, attempting to free the freaky kitty from the box.

This is my gift from Emma (special kudos to Chris for both idea and execution). The box contained a coupon for a day just for me, and some of my favorite things. Clockwise from top right: chocolate covered cherries, iTunes card, The Hangover (soooo funny), new PJ's, gift certificate to Bolen books, and one for my hair salon. I am a lucky, spoiled, happy girl.

Over the holidays, Chris and I had a week and a half off, and it was great to have time at home with Emma. The holidays also mean Shauna's birthday! This year we had a little dinner, then hockey and drinks and celebrated Shauna's awesomeness. Oh, and the new year.

The confetti was a bitch to clean up.

Do you watch Trueblood? If you don't, you should. I love Vampires (and Faeries, Dragons, & Weres - already spent the Bolen $$ on them), and though I am Team Edward my heart belongs to Eric Northman. He's a 1000 years old vampire, and he was once a Viking. I love him in Charlaine Harris's "Sookie Stackhouse" series of books, and he is deliciously portrayed by Alexander Skarsgard on Trueblood.

So I have to have this.

That's all.

Photopass Pictures

2009-12-17T20:45:00.000-08:00

When you go to a Disney Resort, there are a million places for a photo op. And there are many, many lovely photographers who will gladly take your picture for you - with your camera, or with theirs. Once they have taken pictures of you with their camera, they link it to a "photopass" card which you can use over and over. Once at home (or at designated areas in the resort) you just log on to the website and view your photos, edit them, and order prints, picture mugs, mouse pads - whatever you fancy. I ordered the photo cd.

Sadly, this method isn't totally fool-proof. When we took the girls to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on Emma's birthday, we sat back and let the photogs take most of the pics. And most of those were somehow lost...maybe tagged to someone else's photopass, or maybe still floating out there in digital land. Thankfully, Chris videotaped the whole Boutique experience, and we did get some beauties of the little princesses.

That was a pretty emotional day for me. My baby turned 5. Not a baby.

But we had so much fun. It was fantastic.

And NOTHING says Disney like character greetings!!

Disneyland Plans:

2009-10-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

Mhmmmmm. Let's not talk about how long it's been. Let's just enjoy our time together now, okay? Okay.

Disneyland. Again. The plan started hatching in my brain back in April, when my Mom suggested to me that she and my Dad would like to take one of their many grandchildren to Disneyland. It wouldn't be Emma, because she had already been, but would we like to go?? It was all very abstract, a lovely thought.

But my squirrel brain started chewing on that nut.

October? Yes. Emma's birthday? Perfect! Can we do it? Yes, I think so.

And now it's here. We leave Wednesday. Chris and I were very careful - paid for each step of the way, so that now all we need is our mad money, and Emma has no idea.

She will spending her 5th birthday in the Magic Kingdom. No clue.

We have oodles of plans for her birthday day. No clue.

And Grandma, Grandpa, and Emma's cousin Riley are coming too! Did I mention she has no clue??

We will tell her when it's time to go to the airport, early early Wednesday morning. It is possible she will pee her pants. And no one could blame her.

Oh, and it's Halloween Time while we're there?? Yup. And Emma's birthday we are going to a Halloween Party at California Adventure all dressed up...

Can you tell I'm excited????

2009-06-04T10:31:00.001-07:00

Yeesh. Someone asked me today how long it had been since I posted. I guessed...maybe 1 month??...Nah! More like 2 - my bad.

The time just keeps flying by. I don't know where it's going. Emma finishes up school for the year in 3 weeks, and then she will be spending the summer in daycare 3 days a week, and with a combo of Mommy/Daddy/Grandma for the rest of the days. Kindergarden comes in September, and we ordered brand spankin' new uniforms for the new year. It's a long way off, but will be here in no time. Emma is, as always, rocking my world. She's great.

Other than Emma, there are some other things brewing...I am planning a day all for myself next week, which I am really excited about, and I really need. It will involve shopping, and dinner, and movie, and drinks. Emma will sleep over at Grandma's.

LOVELY.

I also have some big plans for Emma's 5th birthday brewing in my brain. Nothing set in stone yet. But it could involve Mouse Ears and Princesses. Again, it's a way off, but I'm a planner!

Most exciting thing to happen for me lately is that I GOT AN IPHONE!! It's white , with a hot pink cover, and I can't put it down. I had an iTouch, which is almost the same, just minus the phone and camera features, so I didn't expect to be so OBSESSED with it. The ease of texting, the applications, getting internet anywhere. Amazing and Awesome. And I get phone reception at my house, which I didn't before with Telus. Booo Telus.

That's all folks!!

This gave me the warm fuzzies.

2009-04-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

This is amazing. Seriously. As per Celebitchy:

"It starts out with the typically unflattering shots the “American Idol,” “X Factor,” and “Got Talent” producers love to use. A homely woman eating. Then giving an interview where she comes across as dowdy and out-of-touch. Then 47-year-old Susan Boyle walks out onto the stage, and gives an awkward interview with the judges. Simon Cowell asks her several questions in that persistent manner of his which demonstrates that – while he’s technically being polite – he’s trying to goad or otherwise embarrass Susan.
Everyone braces for her to start singing, just imagining how horrible and awkward it’s going to be. And then she does this:"

It won't embed, but follow this link. Seriously.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXX_gMFeWlc

What are you reading??

2009-03-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

I love reading vampires. Especially vampires in love!

Also anything paranormal/romance/funnyish/chick lit.

That's what I am reading these days, and I had the urge to share some of the series I have on the go - I am pretty anal about them, and I make lists keeping track of when the next releases are coming out.

After you take a look at mine, you should recommend some of yours - I am always looking for more to read!

So the most obvious example of vampire love is Twilight....Edward and Bella's story is so delicious. I am planning on finishing up the book I am currently reading and re-reading this series, just to taste it again.

Have you ever seen/heard of that HBO show Trueblood?? Well, The Sookie Stackhose series by Charlaine Harris are the books that show is based on. And while the show is good, the books are better. Trust.

The series revolves around a telepathic Louisiana waitress, Sookie Stackhouse...and she knows a vampire or two.

This series has a wee bit of everything...dragons, fairies, vamps, and humans too...

"Meet the D'Artigo Sisters--three half human, half-Fae, wild and sexy members of the OIA--the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. Camille, a witch, Delilah, a werecat, and Menolly, an acrobat extraordinaire turned vampire, are sent Earthside to keep them out of trouble by their superiors, who consider the girls nothing but a bunch of bumbling half-breeds. But the girls soon find themselves smack in the middle of Demon-Central when Shadow Wing, the leader of the Subterranean Realms, decides to attempt a coup on both Earth and Otherworld."
A little darker fare...

"Part human, part otherworldly, the Breed has lived among humankind for thousands of years, maintaining a tentative peace built on secrecy, power, and the dark justice carried out by the formidable warriors of the Order."

Much darker fare...

"The Black Dagger Brotherhood is an erotic paranormal romance series by author J.R. Ward. The series focuses on six vampire brothers and warriors who live together and defend their race against Lessers, de-souled humans who threaten their kind."

The newest series I have been devouring is the Aisling Gray series by Katie MacAllister - it's really fun, though with only 4 books there looks like there may not be any more - there are spin-offs though! (Which are on my list!)

"...a sexy, humorous paranormal thriller series featuring Aisling Grey, an apprentice Guardian, and her sometimes boyfriend, sometimes foe Drake Vireo, wyvern (leader) of one of the four dragon septs."

Lastly, I leave you with Glory. She's the most user-friendly of the bunch. And she's a size 12, just like me, which I like. Not all vamps are skinny!!

"What-did you think all vamps were pale, thin and brooding? Don''t I wish." Plus-sized vampire Glory St. Claire has a new business venture and an old, on-off boyfriend. Blade wants to protect her from the techno-freak vampire hunter stalking the streets of Austin, but it's time for Glory to explore her own powers.

So there. I shared! Thanks for reading!

3 Months?!?

2009-03-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Yes. That is how long it has been since I updated ye ol' blog.

Shameful. Truly.

So...uh...how's it going?? Whatcha been up to?

Me? Well, where do I start? I had Trevor night, Christmas, rang in 2009 (rather quietly), worked, played, blah, blah, yada, yada...and that about brings us to the present.

March. SPRING!!

I am on the tail end of 10 days off work, home with Emma while she has had her 2 week spring break....back 6 weeks ago when I booked the time off it seemed brilliant for me to take the first week, throw in some days with Grandma, and then let Chris have the last few to spend home with Emma too. Well, now I am back to work the day after tomorrow and I am kicking myself for not just taking the full time all to myself. We have had so much fun just being together and doing things like swimming and walks and crafts and staying in our PJ's all day and watching TV. It's easy to forget how nice it is. Exhausting too, but a good kind.

And so, to ease myself back into this blogging business slowly I will quit the chatter. I leave you with these pics from my first weekend of Spring. Expect another update soon. I promise.

The Last Couple of Weeks - In Pictures.

2008-12-14T10:27:00.000-08:00

NKOTB was a wickid concert, and I had oodles of fun with my sisters.

Next came Chris' Birthday. Yay Chris!!! Emma picked out the princess decorations and Barbie cake.

Santa brunch at Bear Mountain.

...we made a stop at Costco after....

Emma's school Christmas Show. They did the Nativity, and she was an angel.Today we have been blessed with a snow day! (though the snow canceled Aidan's birthday party - boo!) We bundled up and went out to play. There is a huge pile of dirt near our house which made the perfect snow hill, and we paid the neighbor boys $5 each to shovel our driveway while we played. Awesome.
I know I have been really bad at updating the blog lately, but stay tuned!

Coming up in the next few weeks is the Trevor game and assorted Christmas fun. Weee!

I AM GOING TO SEE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!!!!

2008-11-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

The crazy fan-girl inside me is screaming like the 12 year old she is. Only one more sleep and we will be under the same roof as Jordan, Donnie, Joe, Jon and Danny!! And yes, I did just rank them in order of my favorites.
Back in the day I was obsessed. My bedroom was plastered with their pics, torn from BOP Magazine, and they even adorned my ceiling. That way I could look at them as I lay in bed under my NKOTB quilt. They tought me about hangin tough, as long as I got the right stuff..I even bought solo albums when they released them in later years. AND they awoke in me my passion for boys, which has become a life-long obsession in itself.
When NKOTB decided to re-unite for a new album I was unsure. I mean, all their greatest hits already lived in my ipod, but NEW New Kids?? I should have known I would love it - and I do. So much. Here's a sample of the delicious goodness:

It's hard to wrap my head around. I mean, of course I wanted to go as soon as I heard they would be in Vancouver, but there seemed to be no way that I could swing doing the trip to Vancouver twice in the month before Christmas (I will be in the same building as Trevor on Dec 17th, remember?).....So a GINORMOUS thanks is due to Shauna who decided to just buy us the damn tix, to Serena who is letting us crash at her place (and who is coming to the concert with us), and to my Mom who is slipping some $$ my way as an early Christmas present. The women in my life rock - and not just because they give me things!!

Coughs and Colds

2008-11-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, Emma is eating pancakes while sitting in her carseat under an orange parasol in front of the TV. It was a precious half hour of chill.

This past week Emma got knocked out with a combo cold/cough/ear infection, and I juggled caring for her while suffering the same and trying to go to work.

Throw in a case of raging pms bitchness on my part and there were a few dicey moments. Poor Chris had his head bitten off once or twice, though being a man he likely deserved it.

Then we shared our cold with him, which he didn't deserve.

With the holiday on Tuesday Emma has a long weekend off school, and I have one from work, so we're all laying kinda low. It's nice.

A glimpse of my Halloween

2008-11-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

The pumpkin patch and a Halloween party.

2008-10-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

4 years?!? Has it really been that long?

2008-10-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

That's right folks - she's 4 years old.

It's not how fast the time has flown though (and woooo has it)....what really gets me is what a PERSON my baby is now. And she's amazing. She's all sugar, spice, sass and a big sprinkle of cool.

Her birthday parties went well. One was just a low key dinner at Grandma's (Thanks Ma!), and then on the weekend was her first real kids party - friends from school and cousins from both sides of the family were in attendance. It was a gymnastics party, which made it pretty simple for me, because the kids (and Chris) blew off steam running and playing supervised by coaches, and I just fed them snacks after. Easy peasy. I had help too (again - Thanks Ma!).

She was so spoiled too! So many gifts. She loves them all, and she will be making Thank You cards this weekend with Mommy. Even the cool kids must say "Thanks!".

Opening Presents at Grandma's - this one was from her Daddy.

Princess Cake - Chocolate, of course.
The day after her b-day was a pro-d day at school, so Emma spent the morning enjoying some of her birthday riches: new ariel pj's, wickid new ikea chair, new make-up, and her awesome birthday hat from her class.

Along with the make-up, Emma had another request for her birthday. A necklace. A Rainbow Mermaid necklace to be exact. So of course I made sure she got one. Jana did an AMAZING job with it - Thanks Jana!! Also, you should all go check out more of Jana's beautiful work at the Out of Hand craft fair the weekend of November 20th.

This is where we had the party - a giant room of gymnastics fun....there are about 4 more trampolines and more not pictured...the place is huge.

Emma, mid bounce on a trampoline.

Birthday Party Cupcake Cake.

The party crew.

Blowing out the candles.....

I had originally planned to add pictures from our Thanksgiving dinner too. It was yummy.(Thanks Ma! AGAIN!) But I think there's enough for you to chew on in this post without me adding more. It was fun though - I always like to chill with the family. If you can call a house full of 20 people chill.

WAIT! I will adds one more picture, because it's my favorite from Thanksgiving Day. Then I'm outie.

Just too funny to not show you. And whether you're a Dad or a Mom - IT IS SO TRUE!

2008-10-03T22:47:00.000-07:00

Writing Exams and Planning Birthday Parties.....

2008-10-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

No pictures today. I'm at work, so I don't have access to them. Oh, and I am totally working ;)

Life has be continuing it's same busy pattern. Chris has been splitting his time between work and studying, and he is just about finished his first round of exams. In fact, he is writing one as I write this (Go Chris!). I have been splitting my time between work and Emma (Go Emma!). So we're rarely home, and always busy, yada yada yada....

In just under a week my little baby girl is going to turn 4. It's so strange. This year she will be having a real kid party, and has invited her cousins and kids from school....looks like it will be 14 kids total - eek! Luckily she wanted to have a gymnastics party, so I am paying someone else to deal with all the rug rats for me. This doesn't mean I am entirely off the hook however, as I am still having to snacks and treat bags and all of that....You can bet there will be lots of pictures from that.
On Emma's birthday day we will just be having a quiet dinner with gifts and cake. Then hockey, because the hockey season opener is that night, so we have been working for weeks to get Emma excited about that one. It's also Thanksgiving weekend, so there will be lots of family time and pictures.....

Alright, this is the end of my little update. More good stuff to follow soon!

I got my Christmas present in September!!!

2008-09-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

Captain Canuck. He owns a big chunk of my heart, which is a bit cheesy, but it's true. I am still unsure if hockey will be the same for me without him. December 17th against the Edmonton Oilers they will retire his jersey number at GM Place. I got my tickets today, and I am stoked.

A birthday post?

2008-09-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

It could be. But in all honesty, I was really drunk, not many pics were taken, and the ones that were are pretty unflattering. But here's a nice one of me and Emma at lunch at my Mom's place on Sunday:

I had so much fun though. Birthday night was intoxicated fun, the next morning wasn't painful, I shopped, saw a movie, and slept. It was perfect really.

After that it was right back to life, and we've continued the fun. With Chris studying so much, Emma and I have been having girl time. Over the long weekend we went to the Saanich Fair...

This week was back to school, and Emma was excited to go back. Her cousin Riley is at the school this year, and the girls are in the same class in the mornings. I think they're going to have some fun. Frankly, I think they're adorable together.

I leave you with a picture from my nephew Max's 1st birthday today. It was sunny, we were at the park, he was cute, and Emma, Ethan, and Riley are obviously about to swoop in on that cupcake cake. (Which was crazy yummy BTW)

It's my birthday tomorrow!!

2008-08-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

I love my birthday. I mean, who doesn't?? Okay, ya, I am turning 29, which has a certain "EEEEK!" factor, but still I am excited.

I have been lucky enough to have been able to have this past week off of work, which has just flown by. I have just spent time at home with Emma, and the most exciting thing we have done this week is go swimming this afternoon. I think just staying home and hanging out was something that Emma needed just as much as I did.

Tomorrow I plan to just be spoiled, and hang out some more. Then Emma is going for a sleep-over at Grandma and Grandpa's place that is for 2 nights! Weee! I have never before been able to shake off my Mommyness for more than one night at a time, and as Emma is nearly 4, I feel that this has been long overdue. I am so excited about it really. 2 nights! To just be Deedee again - good lord, look out!

Lately Emma has been all about playing pretend, dress-up, and all of that. She has really come up with some fantastic looks. I have taken some pictures for your enjoyment.

...and one of Riley too!

I am a neglegent blogger.

2008-08-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

You know the drill -I've been busy, yada, yada, yada.....

It's been the usual lately - eat, sleep, work, Emma - with one exception. Ya, there's always one exception.

This past week my super fantastic hottie Mama turned 50. That's right, 50. I am 29 in 2 weeks - you do the math. So, to show her how much we adore her, we (meaning me and my insane-o clan) threw her a very lovely surprise party. Not only did we pull off the surprise bit, but I think most of the attendees had fun, which is really the best you can hope for when my family gets together.

Now look at some pictures:

The righteous decorations.

The crowd.

Emma, hitting some golf balls at the driving range (the party was held at a golf course).

My Mom and (some of) my sisters and me.

Cake!

Me and my Grandma Joyce.

My Mom, her brothers, and their parents.

Shauna is pretty funny.

Take a good look at this picture - does this not completely describe my sisters and I? I think it does.

I've got some fun and funky things coming up in the next couple of weeks, including a whole 10 day stretch off work, when I will be having some time with Emma, as well as what is shaping up to be the best birthday weekend ever. Maybe I'll blog about it ;)

Emma's busy, busy summer....

2008-07-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

Trolly rides.

A new bike! With training wheels!

Dishing out some attitude.

Spent a day as a flower fairy who rode a majestic steed...

...and fought a pirate!

The weather has been perfect for bouncy castle on the lawn.

Going to soccer class.

Another dose of attitude.

Ouch! Emma tripped over a bathmat and hit her face on the toilet. A bath with a can of foam soap to spray makes everything feel better :)

Sunday.

2008-06-29T23:31:00.000-07:00

2008-06-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

I am on the hunt for a new look for my blog - it's time for a change.
So check back often, as things will likely change several times over the next day or two, as I test some options.
Feel free to leave opinions too!

2008-06-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

Didn't I promise a long, detailed post about our trip when I got home? Ya, I did. And seeing as I am home now, it seemed like a good time.

I don't think I have to say how great of a time we had, but I will. It was AWESOME. For me the best part was Emma's reactions. Her awestruck face when she met the Princesses, her squeal when she went on her first roller-coaster ride (a small one, in Toontown), how she threw her hands in the air and yelled on Splash Mountain (which, she says, was her favorite thing on the trip), her giggles when she was sprayed with water during the Pixar Play Parade, and her excitement about being able to ride the Monster's Inc ride 7 consecutive times. Yes, 7. There was no line, and she loved the ride, so we would just get off at the exit, and walk back to the entrance. We actually went on the ride 14 times total, but maxed out at 7 in a row.

So that was my favorite part, which really shouldn't surprise you. Emma is my favorite part of anything. Oh, and since you know my fave, and Em's (Splash Mt, remember?), I should tell you Chris' - it was when he and I went on the Grizzly Water Raft ride and I was engulfed by a neat little wave that managed to only get me in our boat of 6 people. You should have seen his face. Pure joy.

We had originally planned to start with 3 of 7 days at the Disney parks, then do things like the San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, Universal, etc... Things didn't work out that way at all. We ended up upgrading our passes to 5 days, and then adding a 6th at the last minute. We were just having too much fun, and Emma loved it. We still didn't manage to see everything. We did do one day at Universal Studios, as you saw in my last post. Good fun.

Having my Mom along was fantastic. Mostly because I love my Mommy like crazy, and it was so nice to share the time with her. She's so fun. And the third set of hands really made the whole experience easier. She was Super-Grandma - making sure Emma had Princess hair, babysitting 2 nights so Chris and I could play, and rally racing the Disneyland rent-a-stroller through harrowing crowds.

Chris' parents are owed a big shout-out too. We couldn't have done this trip without them, and they were great about being dragged around, all in the name of kiddie fun.

At the centre of it all was my Miss Emma. I had honestly thought she was a little young for Disneyland, and we were quietly planning a trip for when she was closer to 5. I was wrong. This trip was perfect for her. She truly believed what she saw, and was in awe of it all. As a bonus, Emma behaved beautifully - she was an angel, and we had no issues. Even when we woke her at 3:30 am and dragged her through airports. Of course, now that we are home we have had a struggle getting back into routine, but such is life with a preschooler. Time-outs have been necessary.

Hmmm...I think that covers everything. Except more pictures!!!!!

Fountain, outside the Monster's Inc. ride.

Me and Ems, on the ride.

Ursula float in the Parade of Dreams.

Emma and her Grandma.

We got a chalk portrait done of Emma. It's beautiful.

Chris and Mrs. Incredible.Paradise Pier.Snow White's wishing well.Emma at Universal.Grandma with Scooby and Shaggy.Teacups!

Universal Studios

2008-06-12T21:24:00.001-07:00

It was all about 2 things - The Simpsons ride (which just opened last month, and was really the reason we went), and the Curious George Area, which is something we discovered when we got there.

There were no photographs allowed once you got inside to The Simpsons ride, so all of these are from the outside of the ride and in the line to get in. FYI - the ride was AMAZING. And we were lucky, as the ride usually has a 1 -2 hour waiting time to get in, but the park wasn't too busy today, so we only waited about 15-20 minutes each time we went on (we went a few times!)

We were a little wary of going to Universal, as there didn't seem to be anything for Emma to do there. But when we arrived we found a new area for kids, which consisted of a play park, a water park, and a large indoor foam ball park. It was great. The water park area was so irresistable that Chris and I walked away from it just as soaked as Emma - though only she had a change of clothes!

The Parades.

2008-06-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

We have seen and done so much in the past few days. We have spent all of our time so far at Disneyland and California Adventure and we still haven't done it all.

I have so many great pictures, and I will post them on Facebook (take a look!). I also promise a good long post when I am at home and have more time.

For now though, here are some pictures from the Disney parades we watched yesterday and today.

The Electric Parade:

The Pixar Play Parade:

Disneyland!!!

2008-06-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

(That's right. We saw Dog the Bounty Hunter.)

Yesterday Emma got a bit of a princess makeover at the Princess Pavilion - hair done up up with flowers and ribbons, face painting and an Ariel crown. Today, Super-Grandma recreated the hair-do so that Emma could be decked out in her Ariel dress too. And all the staff at Disneyland are amazing - they have been calling Emma Ariel when they see her decked out - even Princess Jasmine did, and Emma is over the moon.

We're here!!

2008-06-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

I have been awake since 2:45am this morning, and it has been a long day. Fairly uneventful though. We were checked into the hotel by 1pm, which lots of time for playing in the pool and going for dinner and a walk. Not quite enough time for Disneyland though - we'll be heading there in the morning.

Emma was AMAZING. She was ready to collapse by the time I got her into bed, but she was never a bit of trouble, and she never complained once, even though she was awake as early as I was. She did have a little snooze on the plane though.

Expect oodles of Disney pictures soon!!

my next post will be from disneyland.

2008-06-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

I am trying not to think about the huge "to do" lists I have, waiting for me to start prepping for our trip. Nor how busy we have been the past few weeks. There seems to be something going on every day, and there has not been a day of rest. I have to try to have some early nights this week though, as I have a feeling that a week in Disneyland with an almost 4 year old is not going to be a restful situation!! I am super excited though.

Here's some things that have been going on in the meantime:

I can't wait to get Emma down to Cali where I can bust out all the summer clothes - she's got some cute ones! Exhibit A:

On the long weekend, Grandma and I took Riley and Emma to the new indoor play place here in Langford. It's great. And they're just finishing up a mini golf and water park connected to it. Have I mentioned I love where I live?

Last weekend was my nephew Jacob's 2nd birthday, and there was a party. Yay! He's a pic of Jacob in an Emma headlock in the bouncy castle.

And just a cute one of Emma and her Grandpa.

Okay, so remember that Canucks bedroom of mine? Well, it's undergone a bit of a transformation. It's now Emma's room. (I do believe she was laying on the floor having a bit of a temper when I took this pic) Emma wanted to keep the life size Roberto on the wall, but Mommy wanted to keep it. So we compromised, and she got to have the large Canucks symbol.

We decided to combine Emma's bedroom and playroom into one, and it is working out much better all around. She has more space to play, and everything is in one place. The other rooms have become our bedroom, and the office, and that's working out great too.

Now, these days a family function for me consists of various siblings, their mates, and their offspring. It's always a zoo. But for the first half of my life my family was only 4 people. Me, Mom, Shauna and Serena. And family functions threw in a few more people, my Mom's brothers and parents - the Carnegie's. Yesterday we had a BBQ with only us, and it was really nice. There are more of us now, thanks to more mating and offspring-making, but that's cool.

My Mom. With a sticker on her nose.

Serena, showing off her new tattoo. I am slightly jealous.

Me! I am so sassy!

Uncle Blair and Emma making music.

Uncle Ben!

Shauna made some art.

We like to chat.

My Mom and her little brother.

Uncle Blair and his little Lexi.

Blair's fiance Amber (Lexi's Mama) gave Emma a pack of stickers, and Emma sat and played "sticker store", giving stickers out. Hence, how Grandma got a sticker on her nose.

Grandpa playing music! The best ever music!

Great Grandma with baby Lexi.

Good times were had. Unfortunately Nana wasn't able to make it - I missed you Nana!!

Okay, now I better get to those lists.

Some Things.

2008-05-17T23:45:00.000-07:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love the city of Langford?? If you know me at all, then I am sure I have. I LOVE IT. I grew up here. I went to Belmont, worked at Western Speedway, will always call it Canwest Mall, and once had a vicious crush on a boy who wore flannel and had hair longer than mine. It's in my blood.

Wednesday I came home to yet another reason to love where I live....

Can you see it there? Just down the road a ways....here's a close up....We got a trolley stop!! Now, if you don't know about the Langford trolley, here's the lowdown: A program, started by the city, the trolley is a ride by donation service, which runs a 1 hour loop through the Langford area. Last year the route serviced a route from Canwest Mall to Bear Mountain and back. This year a 2nd trolley has been added, one which will service the outer areas of Langford on a 2 hour loop. This is the route I am on. Emma and I are really looking forward to hopping on for rides this summer, as the trolley will make stops not only at the mall, but at the library and Langford and Thetis lakes.

Yesterday, Friday, Emma's class put on their Spring concert, titled Children Around the World. The group of preschool/kindergarten kids were divided into groups, each one representing a different continent. They all sang songs for each continent as well. This explains why Emma has been singing songs in Japanese and French around the house the past few weeks.

My boo represented Australasia. I think I spelled that right. I think the hat looks great on her, and when they sang their song (something about a dingo?) they did a little dance.This was my favorite part of the show, for obvious reasons, but Emma doing a little boogie-wiggle was the cherry on top.

After the show there were refreshments, and Emma ate many cookies.

After the show Chris took off for a little road trip with Dan, and I drove Emma to Grandma's house to have a sleep-over with Riley, Grandma and Grandpa. I then was all alone. No Chris. No Emma. Just me. For the first time since Emma's birth. I mean, sure, Emma has gone away before, but those nights usually meant chilling with my homies. And ya, Chris has taken Emma out for a few hours before, or even a whole day, but those times usually meant I was cleaning the house or something. Not this time! Alone. For 24 hours.

First I went and got my hair cut. I have bangs! Weee! A totally spur of the moment decision, and I like it. No pictures yet though. Then I went shopping and bought oodles. I have been saving for this shopping trip for awhile, as I have been working really hard to lose some weight lately. I won't give exact numbers, but I will say I am sooooo close to the weight I was at when I got pregnant with Em. It's taken 4 years, but it's awesome anyway. I love new clothes almost as much as I love Langford. I slept in this morning, and was feeling fantastic and well rested when Emma came home this afternoon. Then I took her to Subway and took this cute picture.

Here's hoping this fantastic weather sticks around for a long while - Happy Long Weekend to you!

I had a very happy Mother's Day. I hope you did too.

2008-05-11T23:15:00.000-07:00

Blurg.

2008-05-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

It's the new word. Jana taught it to me. I was using "frack", but then Emma used it, and it totally sounds wrong coming from my 3 year old. So "blurg" it is.

I had a really busy day today, and I took oodles of pictures to document it, thinking I would do a "day in the life of.." post. Unfortunately, when I uploaded the pictures I noticed that the centre of each picture was blurry, due to a smudge on the camera lens. Blurg.

But, I do have something for you. Pictures from the weekend. Mostly Emma playing outside, because that's what she likes to do. I don't blame her. Playing outside is wicked.

Playing with her very first Barbie - she's a ballet teacher! :P

Maybe you have heard about me smacking my forehead on things lately? Two days, two boo-boos...The lower mark is from when I whacked the bathroom door into my face, and the higher mark if from when I stood up into the corner of open cupboard door. Look close - you can actually SEE the corner. Yes, it hurt.

Please note the amazing sweater knitted by Grandma. My Mom is the the best ever. I can not stress this enough. BEST. EVER.

Monday is a good day for a princess tea party.

2008-04-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

2008-04-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

How do you know it is finally Spring in Victoria??

Snow in April?? Nope.

Sunday at Beacon Hill?? Yeah!

Mom Night in Sunshine Room

2008-04-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

As you likely know, Emma attends Maria Montessori Academy, and is in the full day program, which means she attends regular school hours, 8:30am-3pm.

Here is some information about the Montessori method of teaching:

Montessori emphasizes learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Children in Montessori classes learn at their own, individual pace and according to their own choice of activities from hundreds of possibilities. Learning is an exciting process of discovery, leading to concentration, motivation, self-discipline, and a love of learning. Montessori classes place children in three-year age groups (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and so on), forming communities in which the older children spontaneously share their knowledge with the younger ones. Montessori represents an entirely different approach to education.

Emma's day is broken into 2 classrooms. In the mornings she is in Casa, which can best be described as a home play environment, and after lunch she heads to the Sunshine classroom, which is the educational preschool environment.

Tonight the Sunshine room invited the children's moms to spend an hour experiencing what the kids do. Sunshine room is filled with shelves of individual activities, each on a tray, and the children choose an activity and get to work. Once they have finished they put their activity away in it's specific place, and move on to the next.

It was truly fun doing this with Emma, but it was strange too. To see her so comfortable in an environment I don't know well, and to see her act so independently. Crazy.

First Emma showed me the "clouds" (her name for it), where she takes these cards and lays them out on a mat on the floor "You have to get a mat mommy..."

And then she takes a basket of felt shapes, and matches them to the cards....

Next we made "the maze". First we collected sticks, in varying lengths, from their station, and carried them over to where we had mats laid out (this activity required 2 mats)...Oh, and we had to carry the sticks "just like this mommy, so you don't hit anybody"...

Next, we lay them out like this...Until we build a maze! Then we take off our shoes and walk the maze to plant a mini flag at the centre.

Two of Emma's teachers - Miss Janelle and Miss Estuko.

We did some pouring exercises...

And cleaned up the spills...

We did some cleaning and polishing on a portable tabletop - an African mask, as the children are learning about Africa right now, so the class is filled with African themed items.

Stencils!

We ended our evening with circle time, and sang one of the children's "goodbye songs". It was awesome.

Next Thursday is Dad's night. Chris is going to have a blast.

Yo!

2008-04-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

It's time for a post!! Yaaaayyyy!!!! We're doing just fine here at Chateau Deedee, and hope you are feeling fine too. How are ya doing by the way??

Okay, so last week something nutty happened: A large construction truck ran over my lawn and knocked over my baby tree!! Although, as it turns out, this part of my yard is actually "boulevard" and belongs to the city of Langford, so they got to do all the fun of dealing with the bad driver and getting everything fixed.

We have been spending LOTS of time outside when we're home. The weather is getting nicer, and Emma has made friends with the kids across the street. On Sunday Emma was outside playing from 11am to 7pm - no joke! I had to drag her in the house twice: lunch, and dinner. It's amazing how the kids busy themselves and don't tire out. Me? I cleaned out my car, read a magazine, and even had a little nap (Chris was on outside duty for that part of the day). I am thinking I may have to start doing some gardening or something to keep me busy while I am on watch.

We have also had an unexpected opportunity - We're going to Disneyland!!! We leave June 7th.

I end this blog on a personal note. As you have likely heard, my team (the only good one) the Vancouver Canucks, have ended their season and have not made the playoffs this year. That's got me a little sad, but I can deal. What I can't deal with however is the very strong possibility that my man Trevor Linden has played his last game. While I started watching hockey because I thought Pavel Bure was hot (silly, young Deedee - tsk.), it was the fantastic magic woven by Trev that has kept me a fan all these years. We had our dark years - when he was traded away (and I didn't watch) - but he has always been the true captain of the team (thank god they brought him back!).

I know there are haters out there (Grandma Walters - you're dead to me), those who say he's too old, and blah blah.....but honestly I can't imagine watching my team and not seeing him. It makes my tummy feel yucky.

So I implore you - my pals - to please send some good ju ju out to the universe for me....I need ONE MORE YEAR....also, if any of you know Dave Nonis, please feel free to give him a call and have a chat about what an asset Trev's leadership is.....

OR...you can just follow this link and sign the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/1073/petition.html

That's all folks - Peace!

2008-04-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

They announced this morning on the Today Show that they have in fact reunited, and that a new album and a tour are both coming.

My 10 year old self is inside me, screaming in excitement. She quite embarrassing actually, squealing and crying like she is witnessing the 2ND coming of Christ. Which, for her, I guess it is.

I am really hoping that they come to Vancouver, because then she can go see them :)

Some Photos from Easter.

2008-03-29T10:44:00.001-07:00

I can't believe Emma's Spring Break is nearly over - she goes back to school on Tuesday. The time has just zoomed by, and we were busy bees.

We took the time to visit with all the people we don't get to see when we're in our usual, busy routine: Cousins Ethan and Max came by, as did baby Aidan, and we spent a morning with Harpaul, Raya, and Jana (that was my favorite). Emma also had a sleep over with Chris' parents, and so I got to be just me for a day, which was really nice.

I am back to work now, and that has been hard to adjust to. All those days off got me used to being able to stay awake past 10pm, and sleeping in past 5:30am!! My vow to break my coffee habit has been forgotten as I try to get back into the swing of things. I'll get back on the no coffee bandwagon after another few days - LOL.

Though I am tired, the days at home with my boo were great for my mental status. I have been making oodles of personal changes lately, ones that i will not be going into details about right now (ya, I know - so why say anything, right?). I have been setting many small goals for myself, and bribing myself to meet them. Last week I met my first goal, and so I claimed my first prize - I got my nose re-pierced! Weeee! I hadn't used the piercing since before Emma was born, and I was finding I was missing it as of late, so it's done now, and I am really happy about it. I haven't taken any pictures yet, but just imagine what I looked like with a little nose stud before...it's the same really.

Have you noticed the pictures? I bet you have.

Easter was lots of fun for me and mine. The Easter Bunny left Emma a trail of little chocolate bunnies, leading from her room to the living room, where her basket of goodies waited. This was a big hit. In fact, the basket itself paled in comparison to the little chocolate bunny left beside her bed. She was so excited about it. I literally was woken up Easter morning by her barrelling into my room, slapping my face and screaming 'THE EASTER BUNNY WAS IN MY ROOM!!". Oh, and maybe I should clarify that they were screams of excitement, not terror.

After a quiet morning, watching the new DVD that The Bunny brought (see what i did there?), we headed to Grandma's for the usual family dinner chaos. The kids were delighted to discover The Bunny had also visited Grandma and Grandpa's house, and there was an Easter egg hunt he left for them. There were also baskets personalized with photos of each kid, just so they would know which was theirs. I especially loved watching Emma open every single one of her found -plastic eggs and collecting the chocolate ones inside. The level of focus and concentration was fascinating.

Hmmm...that may be all for today. I am at work, so there are about 10 other things I could be doing. Cheers!

YAY SPRING BREAK!!

2008-03-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

A whole 10 days off work, and being home with Emma - It's fantastic. I don't have to start my day at 5:30 in the morning, and my house hasn't been so clean since Christmas - the last time I had an extended time at home.

We've had a fun couple of days, and I took pictures!!

Sunday we spent some time at home, and we cleaned out our garage. When we first moved in we set it up and organized it so that it looked lovely, but over the past months it became the place where everything got tossed. Thankfully, it is lovely and neat again.

Before:

After:

On Monday we hopped into the car and drove to Nanaimo on a whim. I had heard about a place called "Jumpin Jiminy's" that has a giant indoor play area for kids, and rainy Monday seemed like just the day for it. The place was fantastic - it had a cafe with lots of tables for the grownups, and the giant park structure is over 3000 sq. feet! Best of all, adults are allowed to play with their kids, so Chris and I had just as much fun as Emma. Sadly, I was having so much fun I only took two pictures....

Tuesday Emma and I payed a visit to my new baby cousin Lexi, and she was a doll. Congrats Uncle Blair and Amber!
Today Chris had to go into work, and Emma and I are home fending for ourselves. What to do? Keep busy!!

9am....We made brownies!! Yummy, all natural, low fat brownies....a myth you say?? Nope! It's a mix from the health food store. And they're yummy too. Check out Em's face - who says it's too early for a chocolate high??

10am....Emma decorated her "design your own" Starbucks cup in a Spring/Easter theme. You may not know this, but Em really has a thing for drink accessories - she had several Starbucks cups and 2 sigg bottles. Spoiled? Nah!!!

11:30am.....we've had an early lunch, and now it's time to do Easter eggs!! Emma had been waiting all day for this craft, and she did some truly beautiful work. She still has to decorate them with stickers and such, so there will be pictures when they're done.

AND....with my house clean I figured it was finally time take some pics of what I did in the master bedroom. Now, Chris and I don't really have that much in common (I know - you're shocked!), and we didn't share a bedroom at our last place, so when it came time for us to move into our new place we ended up with a master bedroom that had nothing in it but a bed, a dresser, and a TV. Then one day Chris said "I know what would look cool - a Canucks flag - and the Canucks are one thing we agree on." I scoffed at the idea of hanging a flag in my bedroom, but then I started thinking....

Yes, that is indeed a life-size cut out of Roberto Luongo on my bedroom wall. It's amazing what you can find on the Internet. (Also note; Emma has her tongue out in this pic, and 2 other pics in this post. My little lady.) And yes, I did indeed decorate mine and Chris' bedroom in a Canucks theme. What can I say? We're fans. It still needs a few homey touches, but I am pretty happy with it. I am also keeping my eye out for a life-size Trevor, as I saved a space just for him. (I love him you know)

Okay, that's all for today. I have 20 minutes until I have to wake Emma from her nap, and I am going to read my book a little.

A little older, a little wiser, but Deedee still has boys on the brain....

2008-03-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I was doing my usual lazy surfing of gossip websites, when I came across something that I think is truly fantastic.

This picture of 53 year old Dennis Quaid that is in last month's Italian Vanity Fair....I don't know about you, but I think Dennis is looking rather fine, and the fact that he is a quarter century older than me doesn't matter a bit.

So that got me to thinking about other older men who are super yummy, and I have compiled a few for your viewing pleasure. (I tried to stick to men who are over 40, otherwise my husband Trevor Linden's face would be all over this post.)

He's been a hottie since the 1970's, and he's nearly as old as my grandpa, but he's still rocking awesome. The new Indiana Jones movie comes out in May, and Harrison Ford is going to show all the young guys out there how to REALLY be an action star.

Russell Crowe wasn't going to be on my list originally, but we watched 3:10 to Yuma last night, and he intrigued me. Although he's often just a 43 year old pudgy Australian guy, he manages to hottie it up for movies such as this and Gladiator...Maybe it's the magic of digital editing? Oh, and Christian Bale isn't on my list - he's not at all my type, but Shauna likes him, so that's why I picked this picture. Holla Sista!!!

George Clooney, Ages 46. How could I not include him??

And I end my list with the finest thing on 2 legs.....you all know who I'm talking about - JOHNNY!!! Whether himself, Captain Jack, or a psycho barber, at 44 Johnny Depp is just delicious, and you can't dispute it. In fact, he's so fine he gets 2 pictures.

So, that's the end of this pointless post. What do you think of my choices?? Is there anyone I missed???

2008-03-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling a little bad about not updating like a good blogger. Sorry.

I have been working like crazy - I am actually working 6 days this week, which is going to be tedious. BUT there is light at the end of the tunnel. All of this work is leading up to 10 days off work! In a row! During Emma's spring break, which is going to be AWESOME!

I am so, so, so looking forward to some home time with my big girl.

I plan to take lots of pictures of our early Spring adventures, and will update my blog lots. Cross my heart.

And now you get a couple of pictures for being such a patient audience ;)

Today the mailman brought a package - summer clothes I ordered online for Emma. Emma was so excited that the box was full of beautiful things for her that she had to get dressed up in some of it and dance around the living room for 20 minutes.

Last week I went for lunch with Aidan. We had a lovely chat and snuggle. And I liked visiting with his Mama too.

One of the best things about owning a house? The weekend trips to Home Depot!! Emma loves them too.

Emma took me for a walk today.

2008-03-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

2008-03-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GLENDA!!!

XOXO

Anyone have any ideas??

2008-02-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

This is the entrance to my house. I have this lovely little dirt patch, just waiting for me to do something great with it. I just can't figure out what!

So I ask you - what would you do? Does this space inspire any ideas? I am looking for something low maintenance, though this are does have a sprinkler head, so watering isn't a problem. Also, because of where it's located it doesn't get much sun during the day.

THIS POST HAS BEEN APPROVED BY EMMA YAM!

I can't stop laughing. (Warning: a little crude, not suitable to watch at work.)

2008-02-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!!!

2008-02-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

My lovely, brilliant daughter finally sat down and actually WATCHED a Vancouver Canucks game last night.
Never mind she was technically layed out on the couch with a cold/cough/throat infection and a high fever. I think she truely absorbed and enjoyed the experience.
Here's hoping it happens again one day (the sitting, not the being sick).

2008-02-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

You know what? I have had a really rough couple of weeks. For the past few weeks I have just felt like I am barely holding everything together - work, home, Emma, Chris, family, friends - it all seemed to be getting away from me until my "to do" lists were too long, and I was in a constant state of bitchy.
I started slacking on things at home because I was tired, and that began to snowball, then I started staying up too late doing silly things (ahem, Rockband) while also getting up earlier to get some extra hours at work...then sickness hit our house, getting myself, Chris, and then Emma (not to mention Dan and Shauna), so that has been loads of fun. And every time I turned around there seemed to be something or someone else adding to my plate.
And just when I was ready to scream "F&*k you all!!", I remembered something. That being a giant stress freak isn't me at all, and that maybe I just needed to take a deep breath and chill. And so I did. I resisted the lure of Metatron (our band) and went to bed early a couple nights in a row, and I took Emma with me, because there's nothing that relaxes me more than snuggling to sleep with my baby girl. Then I didn't go to work an extra day and instead stayed home and cleaned my house while listening to really loud music. And I finally finished my master bedroom secret project, which I had been procrastinating on forever - I have yet to take pictures though.. I ignored my "to do" list on Sunday, and took Emma to the museum and downtown Chinese New Year celebrations. Then I ignored it some more and watched the Canucks finally win a game (major boost - Yay!!). And I did some thinking about what I am going to let be important, and what I am not. I have to foccus on my little family first, because they are what really make me happy, and the rest of it all can can fall by the wayside, because I am tired of stretching myself to please, and of putting effort into things that just don't matter to me any more.
Now I am feeling much better. I really like how life forces you to "get 'er done" sometimes.
And that's all I have to say today.

I'm gonna be a Rock Band Superstar!!!!!

2008-01-30T15:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes, it has been too long since my last post.

To be honest, nothing of note had happened, so I have just kept putting off updating until some interesting nugget presented itself. Lucky for you I found that nugget!!!!

Yesterday Chris and I purchased Rock Band for Playstation3 - have you heard of it? It's kind of a kick-ass better version of Guitar Hero....the game comes with a mic, a guitar, and drum kit, and you (alone, or with friends) sing or play and become a rock star. Fun, right? Hell ya it is!!!

I have yet to take any pictures of the game play, but I will - especially since Emma has really taken a shine to the instruments, and she has insisted on putting on "shows" for us. I think we should buy the bass guitar accessory, have Emma join the band, and teach her how to belt out "Black Hole Sun".

Some would call that bad parenting, but I call it family fun time ;)

PS - I am still finishing up my "not-so-secret project", so stay tuned for pictures of that as soon as I can drag my ass away from the video games long enough!!

Ya, I went to the gym, but now I'm eating Pop Tarts....they must cancel each other out, right??

2008-01-14T21:09:00.000-08:00

Last week we had to "get back into the swing of things" after 2 weeks off of school and work. It was a busy week, and very tiring. But yesterday we got to spend the day together, and that was nice. Chris and I took Emma downtown to see The Backyardigans Live, which is a stage show based on a cartoon Emma watches about 5 friends who hang out in their back yard and go on imagination adventure. They sing and dance too. If you ever get to catch an episode, I recommend it.

The first stop of the day was for coffee and snacks. Doesn't this hot chocolate look yummy??

Next was wandering through Chinatown, and stopping for BBQ Pork Buns to bring home. In case you don't know, Emma LOVES being Chinese, and we obviously don't take her down to Chinatown nearly enough - she was in heaven. She asked if we could "please come back to China World again?"

Souvenirs!!

"Your back-yard friends The Backyardigans...."

From L to R: Austin the kangaroo, Pablo the penguin, Tyrone the moose (my personal fave), Tasha the hippo, and Uniqua the uniqua (made up thing, obviously). The show was great.

Emma's cousin Riley was there too, sitting just across the aisle (flukey, huh?), and the girls had a visit during intermission. They boogied together in the aisle during the final song too, but my camera battery had died by then :(

I am finished my Pop Tarts now. They were yummy.

Deedee Says....I LOVE THE CANUCKS!!!!!

2008-01-04T22:14:00.000-08:00

You know I do. It's a big part of me. In fact, the depth of my love will be obvious when I complete my current "project", but that is another post, for another time. This post is all about me, Chris, and our trip to see the Canucks play Jaromir Jager and the New York Rangers.

Here's me, in our hotel room, getting ready for the game. I am such a sassy beast.

Before the game Chris and I went to dinner at a place called The Player's Chophouse, which is right across from our hotel. I strongly recommend never going there. The food was really great, but if you're not an urban peasant living in nearby Yaletown, the service blows. I swore I'd post this picture on my blog and bad mouth the joint, so here you go. Boooo!! Chophouse sucks!!!!

Louuuuuuuuu!!! Warming up before the game. Actually, the morning after the game we did a tour of GM Place (which we have done before, but it's super fun for the hard-core addicts like us), and the Canucks were having a mandatory practice. I wasn't allowed to take any pictures of the guys on the ice, nor were we to talk to them if we encountered them, but when we were getting toured around the dressing rooms area Chris and I ran into Louongo in the hall and Chris said Hey to him since the tour guide wasn't looking. He got a "Hey. How's it going?" in return. It was awesome. And Lou is really tall.

Me, at the game, rocking my new jersey, and enjoying a bevy - of which I had many.

The view from our seats, taken during the tour, that's why there's no one there. (The tour guide nazi let me take pics once the guys were off the ice.)

Chris, rocking his new jersey, sitting on the visitor's bench.

Did you know they have special, specific, game-only nets? Neither did I. This is me inside one.

So we had a great time, and are now saving to try to get to a playoff game this year. Oh, and we won the game 3-0. Yayyyy!

And because I haven't said it yet - Happy 2008 Everyone!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAUNA!!!!!

2007-12-31T08:35:00.000-08:00

My sister, Shauna, is the sweetest, kindest, funniest person I know. She rocks, and today is her birthday.

Obviously the world agrees with me, because every year, on this hallowed date, people all over the world celebrate. There are parties everywhere you go, and people wearing all sorts of birthday party hats and blowing noise makers - the chapange flows - and the Shauna celebrations culminate at midnight when revellers scream to Shauna "Happy New Year", which is their way of blessing the next year of her life. It's really quite the spectacle. But hey, Shauna is quite the girl!

I am luck enough to be having Shauna bless me with her presence for the festivities this year, and I can't wait. I love you honey!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

One week of holidays done, one week of holidays to go.

2007-12-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

Goodness. It's been so busy, and gone so fast. We're having some fun though.

On Christmas Eve we had Chris' family over to the house. Dr. and Mrs Yam supplied the food, Chris' brother in law did all the cooking, and we provided the house to party in. It was a tight fit, as my little home is only used to three of us, but we made do and everyone had a good time.

The kiddie table:

After everyone left, Emma laid out her cookies and milk for Santa.

And Santa must really have enjoyed the snack, since he left Emma quite the haul. He also brought Chris a Playstation 3. Me? I got a very official letter informing me I was placed on the naughty list this year, so no gifts from Santa for me. I can appeal the decision though. Luckily, Chris and Emma got me a new iPod, so I didn't go without.After a busy Christmas Eve, Emma slept until nearly 10 am Christmas morning, which was totally unexpected, but a very welcome surprise. Had it not been for Christopher waking us, who knows how long we could have slept! Once awake, Emma jumped right into things.

After we opened gifts and had breakfast we took Emma's new trike for a ride. Note the canopy....it's not just fancy, but also practical....the handles allow a parent to push the child on the tricycle when if the child gets tired. We've already made good use of them. Smart Santa.

Emma then sat down and dug into her video game system Mommy and Daddy got for her. She wanted video games so bad, so that she could be like Daddy. Gaming must seriously be in her blood, because as soon as we plugged the thing in she was rocking it.

After all of this it was off to Grandma's house for family and food. All the kids looked so cute in their Christmas finery. Ethan asked Emma if they could hold hands. They did, and proceeded to walk around in circles. Very cute.Once all children were in attendance Grandpa passed out their presents.Each grand child got a sweater made by Grandma again this year. Emma's has her favorite Princess, Ariel. Good job Grandma!!

And then we all just ate, drank, and were merry. Shauna and I very much so.

This next week holds all kinds of goodies too. New Year's, the hockey game in Van, and Shauna's birthday extravaganza. I plan to get a little freaky, which I am really looking forward to. I am not promising too many pictures ;)

I wish you a Merry Christmas.

2007-12-23T23:07:00.000-08:00

This week has been a busy one: Em's last week of school before holidays, shopping, wrapping, crazy busy work, cooking, cleaning the house for holiday guests, and cramming in some Christmas activities for spice. And now the madness is really going to hit. We're having Chris' family to the house on Christmas Eve, and will be spending Christmas morning with Emma, and the evening clutched to the insane bosom of my clan.

But I am pretty sure I am ready, and am actually getting excited. Emma is excited about Christmas like never before, and Chris and I have the next two weeks off work so we can just enjoy it all.

Now I just need to pick up some mix to go with my JD, and I will be set.

We spent one evening at Veteran's Memorial Park, in beloved Langford, and were treated to a firetruck parade, hot dogs, crafts for the kids, and a visit from Santa during which he read the kids a story. Emma especially loved the hot chocolate and running around the park at night.

We also attended Emma's first Christmas concert. It was awesome. It was hard to get a good picture of her on stage, as there was quite the crowd of preschoolers, but she was dressed as a cow, and was easily the best of the group ;)

Emma and Ethan attended a preschoolers Christmas party at Juan de Fuca, where they did crafts, ran around, and got a visit from Santa. Here they are at the cookie decorating station.

Then Emma spent yesterday at a Christmas brunch at the Union Club with her Papa and Geegee. She was all dressed up and adorable.She had a great time at the party, where she ate lots and got another visit with Santa. Plus she posed for me like a little model...telling me she was "pretending" different emotions.

Mad:Happy (she's dancing):

Shy:

What have you learned by reading this post?? That Emma has a very full calender, and Santa is everywhere she goes!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!

Canucks currently up 4-0 in the 2nd.

2007-12-18T20:26:00.001-08:00

Okay, so all good Canuck fans remember "Trapper's Delight", a fan video done last season for the Ultimate Canuck contest. (If you aren't a fan, check out my blog archive - it's posted back in April.)
This one is made by the same people, uses one of my fave songs, and is some funny shit. I can't stop watching it.
Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.

Welcome to the posse baby!!

2007-12-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

Intent on coming into the world exactly as scheduled, little Aidan Potter kept his Mama is labor for nearly 2 days, before appearing today, December 15th, his due date.

He arrived by c-section and weighs in at 9lbs 4oz. And he looks just like his mommy, though Chris and I agree he has his Daddy's chin. He's beautiful and snuggly, and I love him. I think we should have lovely Auntie/Aidan days so that we can play and coo at each other. If I can get Glenda to let me have him a little....and get a babysitter for my own child....hmmmm....maybe I can get them to go spend some Auntie/Emma time...

But I digress.

From what I understand Glenda was a total trooper, and rocked the whole labor thing, and Nathan was her fantastic support. I think they both did an amazing job.

(Please note that Aidan was having his blood taken in the above photo, it wasn't me that made him cry!)

Something to keep you, until I post the pictures of Baby Potter.

2007-12-15T13:35:00.001-08:00

The first time I saw this, I laughed and laughed - then jumped over to you tube so I could watch it again.
I am not a player of WoW, but I have some pals who love, love, love their online RPG's, so this kind of thing holds a little place in my heart too.
Plus, who doesn't love some Shat??

Are there words? Only one. Yummmmmm.

2007-12-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

A very domestic day.

2007-12-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

Today was a very nice, quiet one. This morning we woke up to some lovely snow falling, so we decided to go for a walk.
Me and Emma.

Our little house in the snow.

Emma's first snowman.After that we decorated our house for Christmas. This is our Christmas tree. It's a little bit Charlie Brown, but in the best possible way - it's tiny and decorated with lots of paper ornaments made by Emma :)Other than that we didn't do to much. Chris and I played with Emma, Emma wrote a letter to Santa, we watched hockey (Canucks lost-boo), and now I am relaxing on the couch after Emma very nicely asked to go to bed at 6:30pm. Like I said before, a nice quiet day.

I leave you with one last pic - Chris promised Emma she could pick out his birthday cake, and this is what she chose. He, being the awesome super Daddy he is, was just as excited as she hoped.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!!!!

2007-11-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

Christopher,

Over the last 10 years you have been so many things: my best friend, my best enemy, my first love, my sugar daddy, my lifeline, and most important - my co-parent. Without you I wouldn't be the me I am today, and I am 90% certain that's a very good thing.
Thank you for taking such care with our baby girl and loving her so much. Thanks for always backing me up when she's having a fit and I am laying down the law. Thanks for always being there to step in when I need a break - whether it's 5 minutes or 5 hours. Thanks for co-owning our new house with me. Thanks for loving the Canucks too.
Thanks for being super fantastic, awesome, adorable YOU.
Happy Birthday Baby!!!

Emma is sick.

2007-11-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning I headed off to work, leaving Emma to enjoy a fun filled morning at home with Auntie Shauna, and an afternoon at Grandma's house. She had a bit of a cough, and her cheeks looked a bit rosy, but she was full of beans and in good spirits, so I wasn't too worried.
Man, what a difference a few hours can make. By 1pm Emma was rocking a scary high fever, and was totally listless, wanting nothing more than to lay on Grandma's couch...I asked that she get taken to the clinic, since it came on so fast, but I still wasn't too worried, since I knew she was in good hands and that Shauna and Grandma had it under control.
By the time I arrived to pick her up I was greeted with a very sick baby girl. It seems she has some kind of cold or flu that has her nose running and a nasty cough hacking...she also has an ear infection, which is interesting, because Chris and I were just speaking the other day about how she has never had a dose of this most common yucky that attacks the wee ones. And her fever? Barely kept in check by doses of Tylenol every 4 hours, and it kept shooting back up to hover at 103 degrees every time the Tylenol started to wear off. Ugh.
That was Saturday. Today is Monday. I am tired. I have had very little sleep, and the same goes for Emma, though she is sleeping now (see picture). I have been puked on - twice. She coughs, she cries, she whines, and she flails and screams like a banshee when I come near her with any kind of medicine. Grape Tylenol and banana-flavored antibiotics - YUMM!! She hasn't eaten, but has gone through an astonishing amount of OJ and Ginger-Ale. And she doesn't like being thrust into cool baths to help bring down her temperature at 3am, though I don't really blame her. All things considered, she's been an angel.
She is finally resting now, and it looks like the antibiotics are finally starting to get some mojo going as we are at 6 hours with no Tylenol and though her fever is still there, it's not high enough that I will wake her to force more on her.
And Chris has been fantastic back up, stepping in with wet cloths and keeping Emma happy so I can wash throw-up off of me, and making sure I eat something, even if she won't. But I don't want to say too many nice things about him right now, as it is his birthday tomorrow, so he will get a nice, mushy post then.

I love Tim Horton's coffee.

2007-11-21T21:29:00.000-08:00

That's my life these days - my love for the caffine that keeps me going.

I have been so busy it's sick. The move, setting up house, my BFF's baby shower, not to mention work and parenting. Thus, I haven't posted, and I haven't taken any pictures of how the house is coming along, and yes, I am full of excuses.

Want a few random pictures of what has been going on?

This is the building offices (empty lot) for the development I now live in. My house is right across the street from it, and we found out the day we moved in that it will soon be the site of a park and baseball diamond. Yay!! See the house in the top right? My house is directly across from that one.
And just down the street from our house, at the entrance to the development, is the galloping goose trail. We've already been for walks, which is a great way to burn some Emma energy.

On Sunday we had Glenda's baby shower, and a good time was had by all. Now we just have to wait for the little man to join the party...

And....that's all I have today. I promise to put my camera in my purse, and come up with something more for you soon.

I actually moved out of my Mama's house. Never thought you'd see it, did ya??

2007-11-05T20:47:00.000-08:00

There was lots of last minute craziness, but we got it done. We've been in the new house for four days now, and I love it.
As promised, I have pictures - though we're only about 1/3 settled in. I am honestly amazed at home much there is still to do!

Old apartment, boxes waiting to be moved.
Boxes going in the truck. It was $$, but I am soooo glad we got movers. So glad.The first thing at I did at the new house? Check out my new stove.
The current state of the living room? Bachelor chic. Don't worry, I'm working on it.

Same with the kitchen.

Emma's bedroom. She's settling in really well. A little cranky though.

The playroom just needs the pictures on the walls.

The bathroom is done, and I am very happy with it.

More pictures will follow as I make progress through the insanity.

It's moving day, and I am going to start freaking out in a second.

2007-11-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

But first, Halloween Pictures!!

Nana, looking scary.

The kids ready and waiting to get their trick or treat on.

Have you heard? I am really happy with how my pumpkin turned out this year.

Believe it or not, Borat was hanging out on my street. He wanted to make sexy time, but he wasn't wearing that sexy green thong, so I had to say no.

And the little hot dog slept through most of it.

Happy Halloween!!!

2007-10-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a spook-tacular time today!!

I am getting excited - Emma will be home from school soon, and she and her bestest buds (Riley and Ethan) will hanging out at Grandma's house and going trick-or-treating. I will post all the pictures tomorrow.

Oh, and just so ya'll know - the packing is going well, I have spent the last 2 days at it, and I am just about finished. Just a few details like some cleaning left. YAY!!!

I am avoiding packing. I am watching Canucks PPV and blogging instead.

2007-10-28T20:42:00.001-07:00

Okay, first of all: How cool is this?? This is a poster for Harold & Kumar 2, and if this is any indication of how good the movie will be then I already love it more than the first one. Fantastic.

Today Emma went to a Halloween party at JDF. She dressed as Tinkerbell and had a really good time. Crafts, games and candy kept Emma and her cohorts busy, it was really well done. They even had a "pumpkin patch" which was a room filled with hay and pumpkins for the kids to take home. That was my favorite.

My Aunt Cheryl sent me this. It's funny.

2007-10-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

I LOVE OUR NEW HOUSE!!

2007-10-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

Today was the house inspection, so we got to walk through the house for the first time since the walls went up. Yes, I have driven by and peeked at it, but it was so great to get in it and check it all out. There is still lots of detail work to be done, but it's all coming together quickly....

The house has grass now, and a few baby trees.

The front entrance.

When you walk into the house you are in a small hallway area...then to your left is the living/dining/kitchen....see the step ladder in this pic? That's where you would be standing.

A closer look at my kitchen....the lovely woman (don't know her name) was there cleaning...please note my built in dishwasher - wheeeeee!Okay, so if you head from the entrance down to your right you're going to encounter the bathroom. This is it.The master bedroom. The closet is FANTASTIC...though the doors are regular size you can actually step into it, and it runs the length of the room. Emma's room!
The hall is "L" shaped, so Em's room is at the end, then it turns right, and continues to the garage (door slightly open), and the 3rd bedroom, which will be Em's play room.

So there it is. I took a few more pics, but I didn't want to go insane here, so I will post them all on facebook. I move in 9 days. Eeeek!

I am so tired.....

2007-10-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

....but I am still trucking! There's just so much to do - work, Emma, packing the house, and all the other crap and busyness that life throws at you. I would kill for a day that I could just sleep in and not look after anyone. But I hate whiners, so that's all you're going to hear about it.

Sundays are the day that no one has anything to do in my little family. So we try to just hang out and spend time with each other. As I type this Emma and her Daddy are cuddling on the couch while Emma watches a DVD on the laptop and her Dad and I watch the hockey game (Go 'Nucks!)....our plan for after that? More laying around and some playing I suspect...luckily for us today's weather is supporting the lazy plans...it's pretty grey and wet outside.

Last Sunday was quite the different story though - it was a beautiful day, and we headed out to Galey Farms to have some fun....we rode the train, played at the park, went through the corn maze, visited the petting zoo, and capped it all off with a hay ride to the pumpkin patch....

Emma waiting very patiently for the train to arrive.

Hiding in the corn.

"Why do I have to sit and pose on this pumpkin? Awww Mom....."

This tractor pulled the hay trailer out to the pumpkin patch, and Emma and I got to ride in it on the way back.

Tuesday is the day we get to go through our new place, and I promise to take lots of pictures to post. Cheers!!

Any news on the house???

2007-10-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

I am getting asked. Lots. And the aswer is: Yup!
The mortgage is a go, the movers are booked, and the big day is November 2nd. Sadly, we haven't been able to get into the house as it is still a "building site", so we have to wait until our house inspection to get to walk through it. But we can drive by and peek in windows!!

Here's what the house is looking like:Here's the view from the kitchen window (the window to the left of the front door in the last pic). See Emma and Chris peeking through the back window?Here's a view from the back window. This is out living room/kitchen/dining area. Our "Great Room" if you will. Outside this picture, off to the left is the hall which leads to the bedrooms, the bathroom, and the garage. To the right, again outside the picture is a sliding glass door to a little patio area.So that's all I have for you on that today...I will take more pictures when i am able to actually go in the house.

And, as no post is really complete without pictures of Emma....

Here she is the morning of her birthday, moments before I woke her up for school....she is always so snuggly in the morning.
And here she is after school...I had to include this one because I love her hat. Her class sang her "Happy Birthday", presented her with the hat (note the 3 candles for turning 3), and gave her a candle to blow out. She loved it. Yay!!

Okay, now the Canuck game is on, so I am outie. xoxo

Happy Birthday Emma!!

2007-10-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

Emma, 1 day old.

I can't believe it's been 3 years since this little bundle graced the world with her presence.

This tiny baby is what I see every time I look at her. When she is 15 and totally embarrassed by me, this the face I will see. When she moves out, gets married, has kids of her own, travels to Africa, gets her first tattoo, comes home drunk for the first time....whatever she does, I will look at her and see my baby. She makes me all kinds of happy.

October 9th is my favorite day of the year. Happy Birthday Emma - Mommy loves you!!!

My Boo's Birthday Party

2007-10-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Emma's 3rd birthday party was today. This year Emma dictated how she wanted things to go. She wanted her friends, she wanted to play, and she wanted cupcakes, so I did would I could to make that happen :)

We took over Grandma's house this morning and set up for the party...I set up a couple of play stations for the kids. One with a painting craft, one with coloring, and one with play-dough.

My cupcake army (Em requested a Dora and Diego theme). Thanks Thrifty's!!Emma at the painting station...the kids all got little wooden boxes to paint and take home.Chris got creative too."Look Auntie Deedee!!"- Ethan taking a juice break
Emma, Riley, and Grandma rocking the play-dough table.After some play time it was downstairs to the suite for bouncy castle time. Shauna caught this pic of Emma mid-bounce, and I love it. The look on Em's face is both odd and priceless. I can't believe she's going to be 3 in just 3 days.After burning off some energy, it was back to Grandma's house for snack time. We had all of Emma's requests: Cheese, pickles, rice crackers, carrots, fruit, and juice boxes. It wasn't all "healthy choice" though - snack time was wrapped up with the above pictured cupcakes, which were a big hit. (Oh and around the table from L to R: Michael, Christiana, Emma, Riley, and Ethan)Finally it was time for a pinata filled with goodies for loot bags, and a wee bit more play....then the party disbanded due to all participants being in dire need of nap time. Especially the grown ups!!

Okay, it's twisted, but I kinda love this.....

2007-10-03T19:54:00.001-07:00

Looks like Vin Diesel and Paul Walker are getting in the driver's seat again.
The high-octane original stars of The Fast and the Furious are revving up for a fourth installment of the street-racing saga. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Diesel, 40, and Walker, 34, are in talks to reprise their respective roles as street gang leader Dominic Toretto and Brian O'Conner, the undercover cop sent to take him down.
The 2001 film, directed by Rob Cohen, was a surprise blockbuster, cruising to $207 million in worldwide ticket sales.
But Diesel resisted returning for the inevitable sequel, leaving Walker to headline the 2003 followup. The John Singleton-helmed 2 Fast 2 Furious fared even better, raking in $236 million overall.
Diesel made a brief cameo and Walker was MIA altogether for the third movie in the series, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, which starred Lucas Black and proved to be a disappointment with moviegoers, grossing just $158 million worldwide.
As with all the previous Fast and the Furious entries, the fourth edition one will revolve around—what else—dirty deals and hot cars. Chris Morgan and Justin Lin, the writer and director tandem behind Tokyo Drift, have come aboard the new film.
Shooting could commence on the yet-to-be-titled flick as early as next spring in Los Angeles, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

*Article from www.eonline.ca*

Remember the 80's ?

2007-09-29T13:31:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am finally posting something.

2007-09-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

It's 7am, and I am awake. On a usual day I would have been awake for over an hour already, getting up early to feed/dress myself before I wake Em at 7 to get her up and ready for school. Not today though. Emma has the sniffles, combined with a touch of fever, so I decided to keep her home today. I thought I would sleep in a little, but my body had other ideas, and I was awake before 6:30. Don't you hate when that happens?

Just as well. I needed to update the blog.

I went and saw the Canucks intra-squad game last Sunday. Canucks playing Canucks? How can you go wrong!? Ha! There was some insane carnage out there on the ice, as the boys got a little frisky and bashed each other around. By the end of the game 3 players were out - including the goalie Luongo, who took a puck to the throat (see picture of him down and out on the ice). He's okay now.

Then finally, after nearly 6 weeks of waiting my apartment was finished!! We were able to move back in on Tuesday, and it's so fantastic. We have new kitchen floor, newcarpet through the whole apartment, and Chris' and Emma's rooms have been painted the same color as the rest of the place. It looks so good we almost wish we weren't moving in a month (no new news on that yet btw).

My new kitchen floor:

Emma's room - no longer purple, and sporting new carpet.

Yesterday Emma and I went to her cousin Michael's birthday party, and had lots of fun. Michael is now 2, and they had a great craft for the kids - they made little bird houses.

Emma, crafting.

The birthday boy.Party!!

It is now about 7:30 am, and I hear Emma stirring. Time to fly. I promise I more interesting post for you next time. We should have all the new house details finalized by this time next week, so maybe I will be posting good news.

I Love Canucks!!

2007-09-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Seriously. I may even love the team as much as I love my child. So there I was at 8:30 am this morning, checking out the boys during their training camp at Bear Mountain Arena. The team was split into two groups - one group training in the morning, and one in the afternoon. I took lots and lots of pictures....

Emma was bored after 5 minutes, but we kept her as busy as we could....french fries, licorice, and trips to her favorite park just around the corner.Kevin Bieksa!!Alain Vigneault (the coach) likely thought we were crazy, but I had Emma pose a whole bunch of times when he was right in front of us....My #1 Canuck, Trevor Linden, was in the afternoon group and I seriously got tingles getting as close to him as I did.
Trevor's front...Trevor's back....He is Roberto. He is the goalie. Trevor and Roberto...stretching and chatting...something I could totally be into...

So yeah, there's a sample for ya. I didn't take the time to get autographs, as there was quite the crowd and Emma had totally had enough. However, I did get lucky and run into the team's General Manager Dave Nonis in the hall...words were exchanged and he patted Emma on the head as he walked by her. Shauna says that means some good Emma ju ju rubbed off on him and the 'Nucks will win the Cup this year. I think she's right.

Introducing Kiddie #6!!

2007-09-09T17:10:00.000-07:00

Maxwell James Walters came into the world Friday September 7th. He is the 6th baby born to our family in just under 3 years - yes, yes we have been a busy bunch ;)

Born to my brother Donovan and sister-in-law Sarah, Maxwell came into the world 2 weeks early, mere hours after Sarah was told by her Doctor that it would be at least that long until he showed up. Mom and baby are already home from the hospital, and though I have yet to see him in person I plan to snuggle him soon.

It's Always About Deedee

Wednesday Night GIF - On a SNOW DAY!!!

School Lunches Part 2:

Vegas!

Wdnesday Night GIF

Wednesday Night GIF

Emma's 7th Birthday

Wednesday Night GIF (is late again)

This is a Juice Post

Wednesday Night GIF

Birthday Inspiration

Wednesday Night GIF

Summer 2011

Wednesday Night Gif

School Lunches

Oy. Thursday.

Wednesday Night GIF

The First Day of School

Wednesday Night GIF

Wednesday Night GIF

Song of Ice and Fire

Nom Nom Nom

I love August.

Pacey Thursday!

Pacey Thursday.

15 DAYS AND COUNTING!!

*Insert witty blog post title here*

Photopass Pictures

Disneyland Plans:

This gave me the warm fuzzies.

What are you reading??

3 Months?!?

The Last Couple of Weeks - In Pictures.

I AM GOING TO SEE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK!!!!

Coughs and Colds

A glimpse of my Halloween

The pumpkin patch and a Halloween party.

4 years?!? Has it really been that long?

Just too funny to not show you. And whether you're a Dad or a Mom - IT IS SO TRUE!

Writing Exams and Planning Birthday Parties.....

I got my Christmas present in September!!!

A birthday post?

It's my birthday tomorrow!!

I am a neglegent blogger.

Emma's busy, busy summer....

Sunday.

Universal Studios

The Parades.

Disneyland!!!

We're here!!

my next post will be from disneyland.

Some Things.

I had a very happy Mother's Day. I hope you did too.

Blurg.

Monday is a good day for a princess tea party.

Mom Night in Sunshine Room

Yo!

Some Photos from Easter.

YAY SPRING BREAK!!

A little older, a little wiser, but Deedee still has boys on the brain....

Emma took me for a walk today.

Anyone have any ideas??

I can't stop laughing. (Warning: a little crude, not suitable to watch at work.)

MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!!!

I'm gonna be a Rock Band Superstar!!!!!

Ya, I went to the gym, but now I'm eating Pop Tarts....they must cancel each other out, right??

Deedee Says....I LOVE THE CANUCKS!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAUNA!!!!!

One week of holidays done, one week of holidays to go.

I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Canucks currently up 4-0 in the 2nd.

Welcome to the posse baby!!

Something to keep you, until I post the pictures of Baby Potter.

Are there words? Only one. Yummmmmm.

A very domestic day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!!!!

Emma is sick.

I love Tim Horton's coffee.

I actually moved out of my Mama's house. Never thought you'd see it, did ya??

It's moving day, and I am going to start freaking out in a second.

Insert witty blog post title here