HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!!! Hope you got to celebrate it with your sweetheart; whomever they may be!!

I was thinking about a comment a friend once said about how Valentine's Day is just a typical "Hallmark holiday." OK I will admit, Valentine's is severely commercialized. I mean, as soon as Christmas is over BAM out come the hearts and cupids and all that other lovey-dovey crap. I mean c'mon you guys, I'm still digesting the huge turkey I snarffled down a few weeks ago... now you want me to eat a 50 pound box of chocolates? Ummm okay; but only because it would be wrong not to.

The one that gets me is Sweetest Day. OK that is the biggest bunch of crap ever invented. Valentine's Day actually is symbolic and has historical meaning... I mean it's because of this Saint Valentine guy (FYI: No I will not get into the whole background of how VD came to be; not just because I don't know either... LOL I'm sure it's just boring fluff to add to my post). But Sweetest Day IS a true Hallmark contraption. I mean they have a couple of slow months - gotta stuff something in that slot between wedding season and Canadian Thanksgiving. So if you're asking, no I refuse to buy a card on that particular day. I told my hubby he only has to worry about February 14th.

But anyways... I must admit I do enjoy Valentine's Day. Yes I like the cards, and yes I like the flowers and whatever else get's thrown in my direction for the sake of the holiday. This is not to say my husband is only romantic on one day of the year. He's a great guy year round (disclaimer: he might be reading this!!). You can't really argue with a day dedicated to love. It's a good thing, and much more practical than "national elephant tusk day" or "armpit stain day." (I made those up - I hope!).

So in closing, give your sweetie an extra big hug today. It's okay to be a hypocrite that hates the commercialism of it; but enjoys the snuggles!!!

THERE IS TIRED... AND THEN THERE IS TIRED

UGH, I think now would be an excellent time to start drinking coffee. MamaLee are you there????? Pass it down the screen baby.

So last night I wake up to the familiar bark of Jenna again. If you are thinking, "Wait did that kid have croup about a month ago?" the answer is YES. So I get to bundle her up at midnight, get in my van (did I mention it was -26 outside). Notice I have no gas. So I go to the gas station, try three pumps before one will accept my debit card; freezing my digits off and other things that aren't nice to mention. Get in the van and then my ABS light comes on, and the little light that says, "Service Traction System." OK last Friday I took in my van for a routine oil change, tire rotation and some other things. When I left the lot the same thing happened, and they did a scan and said it was fine. Apparently it isn't, because all of a sudden I have absolutely no traction control in icy weather. LOVELY!!! But onwards I trudge to the new children's hospital.

Get there to find the pay station is buggered... so I go to the others and same thing. Finally I say screw it and just go into the ER. All the machines are frozen (doesn't that foretell that it's too cold to be outside?). Of course it's not even bsuy in there but does that mean we get in soon? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I sat there from 12:30 until 3:30 until we finally got to go back. Ever try sleeping in waiting room chairs? Not happening. I had to listen to Elle MacPhearson and Patrick Duffy talk about some pilates machine 3 times!!! Get back finally and they leave us there for another hour. Doctor comes in and says, "Yup croup" and leaves. Wow all those distinguished years of medical training... for that. They go and get Jenna the standard med, which she WON'T swallow. She holds it in her mouth like a chipmunk. After 5 minutes we finally had to hold her down and pinch her nose and make her drink it. Talk about bedside manner.

Got her bundled up again, it's now 5:00 am. I don't have command start on my van by the way. We bought it when we lived in Indiana and let's face it, they don't even have that there. When would you use it? Ohhhhh but you need it in Canada my friends!! So of course I can't figure my way back to the main road. Never been to the new Children's Hospital. After 10 minutes I figure it out, and slide (literally) back onto the main drag of the City. My traction control is still buggered in case you are wondering. It's a miracle I made it home. Thank God no one was really on the road. Got home at 5:30 and fell into bed: just as hubby turned off him alarm to go get ready for work. My mom is visiitng and had no clue I was even gone. My sad croaking from upstairs made her pity me, so she told me to go back to bed. Except my doorbell rang twice, as did the phone. Sleeping is futile in a house like mine. Therapists playing annoying Winnie the Pooh games with your child, the other two fighting... not happening. Don't feel too bad, I passed out on my couch for 2 hours later that afternoon.

Waited for the delivery guys with our stuff. Between noon and three really means 4:30ish by the way. They bring it in: only after they scraped the top of my leather couch, and forgot the coffee table at the warehouse. I call and complain, they are sending me a new couch on Wednesday, along with the missing table. Honestly *sigh* it just wasn't the day I had envisioned.

TICKING THE IVORIES... AND ALSO THE BELLYSIDE OF VISA

You ever wonder how much you need to spend before your credit card company will call you to ask what is up with your daily purchases? I have to laugh... I remember Visa calling us to ask us about a $2,000.00 purchase just before Christmas. Yesterday I spent probably ten-times that and no call. Good to know the good folks at Visa are paying attention.

OK so just to recap: we went on a spree of sorts yesterday and YES we did burn the plastic. Since we got the money back off the house, and it already came off our home equity loan, why not purchase some equitables to put into it???? Is "equitables" even a word?? You get my meaning; as un-Websters as it may be. So we went to the piano store first. OK I just about had a cardiac arrest. Seriously I LOVE pianos. Played since I was a little girl; made it to the Royal Conservatory levels by the time I was 13. Just never had the room since I moved out of my mom and dad's to have one. So hubby took me and my mom to look at pianos!! I found the PERFECT one. Essex and it's beautiful! It's an upright; although I drooled all over the Steinway baby grands. Those make anything else sound like a monkey grinder's organ. But I don't have $64,000.00 (there was a full grand there for $126,000.00!) to spend on a piano you know!! I played my little heart out; it was a great thing to feel the keys again. I bought the girls some beginer books so I can start to teach them, and of course some new sheet music for myself. Jarrett even partook in it: I got home and found a book of all The Simpson's musicals in there as well. He loves The Simpsons... so I guess I'm learning the Stone Cutter song too.
We didn't tell the kids; it's going to be a surprise. Jarrett told me he thinks he's covered for Valentine's Day now. I jokingly asked him about the Louis Vuitton purse; no amusement there on that man's face!!

After that we moved to the furniture store to get the rest of what we wanted for the house. Since we finished the lower level off fully now, we had some of the furniture moved around. Everything that was in the family room, is now in the kids' rec room/playroom. We had movers come on Thursday to help us move it all around. We have this amish solid oak entertainment hutch... it made clearance of the doors in the walk-out by less than 1/2 inch!! I'm serious it was so close. We had to rip the screen door off because it was too tight. The girl at the furniture store was the same one who helped us two years ago; she actually remembered us. Now shopping with me and hubby, we don't screw around. We know exactly what we are looking for and never hmmm and hawww. I think we were the easiest sell to ever deal with in life. After about an hour we had it all. So the list includes: Bedroom set for guest bedroom, 26 cu in. side-by-side fridge, 42 inch flat screen LCD t.v., accent chair for the living room, leather couch set for family room, coffee and end tables, a woven rug, a painting... I think that's it. Ever read the book, "Confessions of a Shop-a-holic?" If you have, it was probably a perfect exerpt from that book. OK my house is now fully finished; I felt like I pimped my house. Think MTV will come knock on my door? I'm getting some of the things on Monday, some of it is on backorder though for a month. At least the fridge will be here soon. We still need to shop around for a new treadmill since mine is now possessed by demons and speeds up for no reason in an attempt to kill or possibly just maime you. We threw it into the rented dumpter we got Friday. Did I mention all my neighbors are calling to ask if they can throw stuff into this dumpster now? Didn't realize our drive way is now the community dump.

The end of the evening we went to Murietta's for dinner. Never been but it was awesome!!! No kids, calming atmosphere and all the crab cakes you could stuff in your face. The desserts there are divine as well. I'm sure my butt is thanking me for it.

PICTURE PERFECT... FOR A PERFECT PICTURE

Oh this is my youngest girly: Karis. She just turned three recently and being the procrastinator I am, I just took her for her 3 year old portraits today. I'm trying a different chain this time: I'm sick of Wal-Mart and Sears. Yes I will probably be paying a highly inflated price but after the photo-shoot, I think it'll be well worth it!!

Karis is a natural born poser - LOL. She was in her ultimate groove, striking a pose every which way you could think. I have to admit, she looked pretty cute in her outfit (which I bought at Gymboree for a price that is too embarrassing to admit. Can I just redeem myself and say I bought the sweater today for 1/2 price just before the shoot?). I am a total picture monger. I probably have taken more pictures of my children during the past 4 years than most people take in their entire lifespan. I figure there are only moments in life that last so long; so why regret never having them captured? Hopefully if these turn out well, I'll be dragging the twins in for theirs in a few months. Don't know if I'll do another Gymboree run though; I might have to take out a bank loan or something. Anyone else love their clothes but have a hard time getting over the sticker shock of them? Personally I love Children's Place; I can sleep better at night after buying something from there. Which is exactly what I did after the pictures were done LOL. OK yes I have a serious shopping fixation... I need an intervention please.

Anyways, I will be going to see the proofs tomorrow. They took about 74 shots, so it'll be nice to have the opportunity to pick and choose from the ones I actually like (unlike some chains that make you choose your package picture first and then everything is extra. $9.99 is not a good package deal when your kid is crossed-eyed or picking her nose). Hopefully I'll have some pic's of my cutie-patootie to share in a few weeks. Until then... ENJOY!!

DOLLAR SIGNS AND SIGNS OF THINGS TO COME

Do you hear that? It's the sound of months of aggrivation coming to a steadfast halt!!! Take one good guess at the reason why I have the stupist looking smile on my face... you got it in one guess no doubt!! We signed the release from the contract this afternoon and from now until forever will NEVER have to deal with Peter the Builder from Hell again!!!! Hooray for me!! Hooray for humanity!!!

So we go pick up the cheque tomorrow. I was so happy I had to celebrate. I went to Linens N Things and bought ourselves a new bedding set. Very purty!!! We could use it to pay down the mortgage but we figure naw!!! We're going to use most of it to do some things for ourselves, get some new furniture and of course, the cous de gras - central air. Now don't ask me why, but the good folks in Calgary have this stupid notion that no one needs central air. I would like to say these people must have their cowboy hats on too tightly... because there have been plenty of days we could have benefited from one! Plus, my neighbors will be beyond delighted we are staying. I was surprised they didn't stage an intervention to make us stay.

Poor dh was a little sad to sign away on the house, but he knows it's for the best. I rationalize we can build this same house, or even a better one later down the line if we want to. It's not like this was the once in a lifetime opportunity or something. So barring this cheque doesn't bounce from here to Timbucktoo - we should have it floating around our bank account shortly.

Can I get an amen please?

YOU'RE FIRED... (WELL NOT OFFICIALLY)

Well if this isn't the picture of affluence, prestige, bad tie choices and hair that is beyond unmentionable... Be careful Elle - don't want The Donald to read your blog and sue you with slander or something (Note: All comments I make on this blog are covered under the freedom of speech act and are my own personal opinions; oh and let's be honest... I'm not the only one that thinks the exact same thing ;) ). ANYWAYS, my humor is not top notch... it's 5:22 am and I've been up for an hour. Something about my bronicile infection and severe laryngitis that barely allows me to squeek anything audible. But hey, it doesn't stop this big-mouth from typing now does it?

I digress... this happens alot. So no I wasn't plugging Donald Trump's show (although I admit I have watched it... well the first 2 seasons and then it got pretty redundant), but I'm actually refering to my contract/builder. You say, "OH THAT again... doesn't she ever shut up about that house?" No. I don't. Hopefully that day will be coming soon though. Here's the scoop: We saw him this week-end, where he gave us the cost breakdown. A lot of bogus charges on there; I mean who charges you for the property taxes on land when he would have had to pay anyways? Who charges you for a building permit that has a transfer fee of $200.00? A real *-hole. But whatever, as far as we've ever been concerned, nothing is set in stone unless you are Moses with the Ten Commandments or something. So of course the builder did the hard sell of why we would be nuts for backing out. You know the typical, "no one wins," "it's an investment opportunity," "we're in the 11th hour," and "I hate to loose out on a deal,"... pretty much everything short of "you'd be idiots if you did." I'll mention a good jab though; he was going on and on about the money, and I finally retorted in my high-pitched lack of my fleeting voice, "It's not about the money, it's what's in the best interests of our child, and there is no monetary value on that." Well of course he shut up after that. What can he say? Yes your autistic kid has a price, and it's somewhere around the sum of $935,000.00? Not unless he wants my Guess purse swung to the upside of his curly scalp. Of course he told us there were no hard feelings, and he could work with us no problem. Told hubby that it seemed that he was a smart business type of guy, and knew these situations always have their moments, but in the end, everyone comes up smelling like roses. Failed to look me in the eye and ask me what I though about our business arrangement. Probably a good thing... meeting might have gone a little South then. I think he knows that I'm the final say. Jarrett told me that he could go either way, and has hinted it might be better for us to pull out of the deal. So basically the final call is mine. SHEESH, no pressure at all right?

So we left it as me and hubby would consider it all over the next two days, and get back to him on Monday on our decision. Friendly handshakes all around, hope we can get back on track... blah blah blah. So here comes Monday, and that's actually a few hours from now. We talked, and decided we are firing him. That's right, "Take a hike Mike... don't look back Jack... give us a partial refund you ....." We'll have to sign a mutual release of course. Stipulation he addded was we can't build or buy anything around here for a year. So with with our cheque in our hand (finally), we'll run giddily to the bank like people who won the lottery. Now you may ask me what is my price for peace of mind. Well I'll spare you the actual numbers but say it wasn't loss of all invested, it wasn't even half, but it was enough for me to decide it was a wash, and totally worth getting some decent sleep and getting rid of these pesky stress headaches. Hopefully nothing new comes up: he likes to pull rabbits out of his hat, well out of somewhere anyways. But if all goes well, we'll sign the paperwork and be rid of this locust from our lives forever. I'd say wish us luck; but you know I've learned it ain't over til it's over; and luck has nothing to do with it!! So here's to unburdening ourselves, and being satisfied in knowing that some lessons don't come cheap, but they are well worth getting out of.

GOTTA TAKE CARE OF THE GIRLS

Okay on a serious note: It is always a good idea to consider your breast healthy. I think a lot of women tell their doctos they do their monthly self-checks but honestly now... how many of you are fibbing just so you don't get the speech? OK OK, I'll admit, I'm not always on top of it. I mean I do every so often but not as often as I should. And on a more serious note... the woman in the picture up top... she must have had some morphine before she took that picture, because NO ONE is happy to see the dreaded mammogram machine. I have it on good authority to make that statement.

Long story short: I have a family history of some crazy breast cancer. I also have very cystic breasts. So last week I went for an ultrasound on the girls to make sure everything looked good. I had to take Karis with me. She decided she had to show the technician her boobies as well (LOL Moment). We all agreed they were probably ok. After the scan, the doctor said they looked negative (great news), but let's just get an old titty-squeeze to be on the safe side. It wasn't the first one I've had; because I had a baseline about 2 years ago; at the age of 29. Did I mention I get pain in mine? PITA totally but it makes me paranoid thus the early scan recommended. So we get to the room, and I swear to God, the woman administering it was trying to re-enact some form of torture or something. I don't have the hugest chest, a full B cup, but she crammed those puppies in there. After my mom told me they got my lymph in there too; but I could have screamed at her when she did the compressions. I was told it should be uncomfortable but never be painful...kay that was painful!!!!!!!!!!! I tried not to make a fuss since I had Karis with me, but she must've thought it didn't look right either because she told us, "No dank you boobies please." Yeah kid, I don't blame you!!! Did I mention I was probably the only woman in there that wasn't in menopause? LOL they all looked at me like, "What on earth are you doing here?" One old gal couldn't even figure out where she was best I could tell. I'm hoping for her sakes, having boobs to your knees means the compression isn't as uncomfortable.

Well they said it looked fine, final results in 3 days to my doctor. I tried not to give the mammographer a dirty look when I left the building. I mean I know it's her job but sheesh!!!!! I was so sore the next three days, it felt like pregnancy breasts! BUT even in spite of it all I just have to say the discomfort of it is worth it. I rationalize this because I think would I rather have sore boobs for a few days, or have them removed and have my hair fall out from chemo? Not a hard decision when you look at it from that standpoint is it? So to all of you that are in that age bracket that haven't gone (but know you should have by now), or anyone with a family history of it, especially if it's your close relative like mom or sis; get your boobs in there and get your mammi!!!!

ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE *

Yes that's right the *. You are probably wondering what exactly the * is. I am here to tell you. It's the little mark that tells you that look for the fine print in any offer someone is handing down to you. Often it's in 1/2 font and very tiny and you might miss it even with a high powered microscope. AHHHH but believe me, it's still there somewhere!! If you ask me it also oddly resembles an asshole... which perfectly describes the person who gave us the *.

Our builder Peter has offered us numerous times to give us a refund of the deposit we put down on our construction. Until now, we didn't really think we needed to exercise that option. But due to recent events, we found that maybe it would be good to take him up on it. After all we finally found a school for the girls nearby, we wouldn't have to move, and Kierra would still have access to her specialized services. We figure no harm, no foul... we'll take Peter's buy-out... simple. WRONG. Herein comes the * - Peter tells hubby he'd be MORE than happy to refund the money MINUS THE EXPENSES ACRUED TO DATE!!! So we figure how much could that possibly be? Oh to the tune of $25,000.00!!! Don't adjust your glasses. He figures he deserves $25,000.00 for doing absolutely nothing!! He says it for blueprints and permits. OK, he owns the blueprints, I have no rights to them - so why am I paying for them? The permits are in HIS name, for a house he'll build with or without us, and we are expected to pay? I don't think so.

So basically everything seeming so easy had a * catch to it. He thinks we should walk away from the $25,000.00 for our "peace of mind" while we think he's hit the crackpipe one too many times. We told him that we won't be walking away from the house then... he can build it if he wants to force our hand. So now he's deliberating over it with his partner as to whether we get the "FULL" refund he actually proposed to us. All I have to say is he's a real *.

School Dazed

I never quite understood how stressful it could be trying to enroll your children in Kindergarten. I don't know why I thought it would be something easy peasy. Anyways I digress before I even start...

So hubby and I found out that there is a school nearby that is not in our designated zone, but is accepting children for Kindy from our area. So of course, we call about it and find out that in fact it is true!! This would have been a wonderful tidbit to know about say last April. So hubby and I have been deliberating about a lot of things: A) Do we just move to the new house whenever it is ready and enroll the kids there (I drive them 80 min's every day), B) Do we keep them in the school they attend for JK right now, and then transfer mid-semester, or C) Do we take out the buy-out option from the builder, stay here and enroll the twins in this school?

So after a course of long deliberations we decided that it might be in the best intersts of Kierra especially, if we keep all our options open. While we'd love to integrate her into a typical class, what happens if she's not ready next fall? She'll lose her funding from her specialized program and then what? If we stay in this house, she can go to either school. So we talked to the principal who assured us that a specialist from the Board of Education would do an evaluation to determine if Kierra is ready to attend an integrated program. If not, she can go to Kindy at her same school, and Jenna goes to the new school. If shes' ready, both twins are signed up for the afternoon program!! I would have to drive less than 10 minutes to get them there (far better than the total 80 at the new place). SOOOOOOO all that's left to do is talk to the builder and hope he honors his offer of the buy-out. We should know by the end of the week. Personally, I'm happy that the stress is almost a thing of the past. All things aside, we can build a house any time. But doing right by our kids is something we can do only once. Hopefully we made the right decision.

DRYWALL FOLLIES

You know, I hate drywall. I mean the stuff that was already installed and painted when I bought the house is fine. Who wants to look at load-bearing 4X4's? But seriously the moment we decided to finish out the rest of this basement I knew it was going to be an issue.

First off, J drywalled the basement with mostly his dad's help. I can't take any credit for that. They did an ok job... J shouldn't quit his day job essentially but it works. We hired a guy to come texture the ceiling and tape and mud. That went well except now I have to clean all the dust up. Do you know how annoying that is? I got the brilliant idea to use some dry cheesecloth to clean off the walls BIG MISTAKE!! I think I have permanently filled my lungs with drywall dust. Between letting the air settle, and using a huge shopvac of my neighbors (that smelled very bad - how does a shopvac smell horrible?) my back is really sore. We were supposed to have someone come in to prime and paint for us. She gave us an astronomical figure; and neither of us trusted her. So I somehow ended up with painting duties. I can paint but I hate to paint. Seriously - most hated thing you could ask me to do besides cleaning a toilet. But if it means saving $2,000.00 I'm going to do it.

Back to the drywall dust... so I get the cloths wet and start to clean off the dust so I can begin to prime the walls. J was helping at first, and then mysteriously disappears. I'm wondering but keep going. Then I can smell the aroma of popcorn. I go upstairs and he's sitting on the couch, watching The Simpsons and eating popcorn!!! At that point all you can do is roll your eyes. He actually had the cojones to ask me if I was going to start priming tomorrow!!!! Husbands - don't you love them? All I have to say is I can't wait for this basement to be done. And even though I've said it before, we are never finishing another basement again!

BEING CROUPY IS REAL POOPY

Ah, nothing like lying in your awesome bed eating chips with your husband, watching t.v. on a Saturday night. Until you hear the distinctive coughing of one of your children. You know that sound ... how can you not? Heard it 4 times since she was born. Sure enough, go into the twins' room and Jenna is barking like a seal. J and I looked at each other, sighed collectively and said, "Croup." Look out the window to see blustery snow, and it's COOOOOOLLLLLLLDDDD outside. I use the excuse I've never driven to the new children's hospital before. J volunteers graciously to take her. So at midnight off they go to the ER ... again... to treat Jenna's croup... again.

So they get there, no wait thank goodness. Yes in fact she's croup. The nurse asks if her color is always like this. J replies, "pasty? Yes she's always that way." They have a good laugh and try to give her the liquid steriod. For some reason, Jenna holds it in her mouth but won't drink it down. They can't figure it out. It doesn't taste vile or anything. Finally they give her some juice to wash it down and presto, med's are in. She's instantly better, comes home yapping away at 2:00am (doesn't she appreciate we are tired?) Yes I didn't go to the hospital, but I was up the entire time. I watched an info-mercial for Core Secrets with that Gunnar somthing-other guy that trains celebrities. Long story short, ended up ordering the work-out DVD. I figure; something to do and I could use the exercise. Thank goodness I wasn't watching something more expensive right?

Woke up the next morning, 3 kiddos and J made me breakfast in bed!!! Sweet huh? Karis ate most of my omelette. She's a big mooch. Jenna is crabby all day, as we drag her to buy carpet for the basment, and to Home Depot for painting supplies. Go to Burger King where she constantly complains that she's tired (no kidding, you got 5 hours of sleep the night before). We settle down for a nice sleep last night and at around midnight what do I hear? Miss Jenna barking again. UGH seriously. I dragged her into bed with us, to keep an eye on her. She was fine, but don't ever sleep with a Jenna. They kick, and they cling to you like velcro, and even though they are about 35 pounds, they take up the entirity of a queen size bed. By 3am I was done with her, and put her into her own bed. She slept the rest of the night no problems. Me, on the other hand, woke Jarrett up frantically around 5am saying he was laying on Jenna and crushing her. He thought I was mental. I probably am; I forgot I put her in her own bed. He had to tease me this morning before he left for work ... I would've done the same.

Here's hoping to a night of peaceful breathing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARIS

Happy third birthday to my baby girl!! I can't believe she is 3 years old!! How can that be?

We had a great party for her today. She picked Strawberry Shortcake as her theme. Can I just say I couldn't find ANYTHING for it? I had to handmake paper strawberries and hang them around. The things we do for the kids huh?

She must think she's more mature. When I told her it was time for her nap, she told me, "No nap, it's my birthday!" Sorry kiddo - that doesn't work that way! But after naptime, she donned her pretty peach dress, and welcomed her guests! Kids had a great time, great presents. We scarfed down pizza and cake - yummy!!!

When I put her to bed, I could remember 3 years ago lying in the hospital bed with her sleeping on my chest. Dark hair fuzzy and soft. So amazing how they change and how quickly. I don't miss the painful recovery from the c-section (LOL), but I do miss those first quiet hours by ourselves where all I could hear was her breathing and think, "I'm so lucky to have you."

ROCK ON BABY GIRL!

OK, as a parent, we all have these moments when our hearts stop beating and try to jump out of our chests. Yesterday was a prime example of said moment.

I was visiting a friend and we were sitting having tea while the girls were playing in the playroom. Doesn't it sound lovely? Teatime and lovely adult conversation? Apparently the bliss of the moment was something much too foreign because it was abruptly interupted by the huge bang and screaming of one of my children. I had no clue what had happened until my friend said, "OMG, Karis just went downstairs on that rocking horse!" I just about pooped my pants! Apparently the babygate on the stairs wasn't closed so Karis slyly went upstairs, got the rocking horse out of a bedroom, dragged it to the top of the stairs and rode it down!!!! I know - visual would be unbelievable but glad I didn't actually witness it. She made it down the entire curved stairs, hit the hardwood at the bottom and slid into the kitchen, where she collided with the island and finally fell off to hit her head!!!
That horse was still right-side-up!!!!

Don't worry - she's completely fine. She has a bump on her forehead, which I think was getting off extremely lucky!! She cried and then asked for a cup of juice. I thank God nothing worse happened. I mean that was a pretty crazy stunt!! Would you be surprised to learn her father did the same thing, at the same age, with a plastic tractor? Genetics I tell you - can't escape them!!! Gotta wonder though .... what was she thinking going down those stairs?

AND THE NEW YEAR BEGINS.... WITH LAST YEAR'S PROBLEMS

This picture I posted has absolutely nothing to do with this posting... but when you are at a loss for your fleeting sanity, you post whatever the hell you find floating around on your JPEG files.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO, might as well just come out and say it... the developers of the property we bought LAST April are complete morons. Recap: Bought spectacular property in April, 2006, Designed my own house which is totally awesome and got all of it approved in June, 2006. Day before house was supposed to be dug, 40 foot retaining wall collaspes in an section. People this was a WHILE ago. We are talking August. Since then it has been "yadda yadda yadda" when the wall would be repaired. It is now January, 2007 and *shock* the wall is still under construction.

I had called the owner of the development company back in the begining of December. He fed me some crap about the weather being an issue. I would say the greater issue is them not having enough machines and people out there. I mean one compactor and one backhoe? WTF? For a high priority project, that seems pretty low-scale to me. So we refused to go out there until after the New Year. We went on January 1st and do you think that wall is done? NOOOOOO. So we call our builder who says, "It's scheduled for completion in two weeks; before January ends." Hubby told him I don't think so, and then also told him when I talked to the developer, they told me that they would have to shut the project down until spring once January came (Jan and Feb are our cold months). So hubby told him he's not getting his second payment as scheduled. Needless to say we have an appointment to go see him this Saturday. I'm sure it'll be very informative. @@

So I know people keep asking WHYYYYYYYYYY don't you pull the plug and run. Well my friends, there are several reasons. #1: We are locked into a contract, #2: The price is locked on our house, it cannot be inflated with rising costs of materials. Did I mention that our house is a phenominal deal right now? #3: We could not pull out and build this same house for the price it's locked at now. Calgary is totally insane in property prices. #4: I still don't have my school district redesignated for our sub-division and it still stands as the inner-city school. Sorry but no thanks. I'm not having my children attend a school that is next to a high school with a reputation for drugs. #5: The private school is $7,000.00 per kid a year. And I have twins starting next fall. #6: The view is totally spectacular. I mean seriously, it's insane how beautiful it is. This doesn't mean we still might not try to get out of the contract. We have a loophole and will use it if necessary. Builder doesn't know that but actually, he'd be screwed if we played that trump card. Goes to show: Don't give us paperwork with a promised date of completion. If he can build a house in less than 7 months, and hasn't started it yet, kuddos to him. Highly unlikely. I will post after our meeting though. Should be interesting.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Well I am back from my vacation. It wasn't "National Lampoon-esque" but it had it's moments. What can I say? It's good to be amongst family.

Long story short... the girls did remarkably well on the plane trip. I was still under the weather on the first part. I "may" have infected my sister-in-law and her husband. He basically spent all of Christmas Eve and day hugging porceline. Not pleasant by any means. The girls were very excited to open their gifts. My darling husband bought me a brand new digital camcorder, which was great since the old one crapped out for the last time! Other news: my other sister-in-law is preggers again. My sister has a beau named David, who seems very nice. All in all, it was a good visit. Glad to be home, but also have a million and one things to do now. Kierra is very stressed that school didn't start when we got home. She has to wait until next Monday (yikes!).

So I hope everyone had a great time welcoming 2007. Here's hoping this is a great year filled with many great things!!! Cheers!

WORST POSSIBLE WEEK-END

I don't say that "worst possible week-end" as an over-exageration either. I mean I've been known to over-exagerate from time to time but that's pretty much accurate for describing the last 3 days.

Friday was okay. Went out to a lovely dinner with friends sans kids. Had a wonderful time. Did I mention on the way there I saw a guy on the c-train mooning us from his window? Lovely. Our meal took forever and a day to serve, but that's what you get when they also have 2 Christmas parties they are cateering. Even so, great steak. Did I mention on the way to the parking lot, we saw a guy pick up a hooker? Not a word of a lie. Did I also mention when we left the parking lot he dropped her off just where he found her? Must not have liked the terms of the agreement. That or she was really a he.

On the way home, I started to feel off. Like indigestion. I figured too many rich foods...take some Tums when I get home. By midnight I was puking in my bathroom sink. And I pretty much stayed put for the entire night and most of the next morning and all that afternoon. So guess who caught Jenna's flu? Oh did I mention Kierra also started to vomit about 3 hours after me? Like a sailor I tell you. Hung her head over the side of the bed and let loose on the carpet. Poor hubby, he got to tend to her. About 5am, the twins were up so he brought them downstairs where Kierra continued to puke. As did I. By 9am, I was so dehydrated, I had about 4 consecutive charlie horses in my calves (seriously), and couldn't keep a thing down. Had to cancel my hair appointment (can't puke and get high lights you know), but the worst was I couldn't go with Jarrett for our appointment to have our sweetie Roper put to sleep. I can't really talk about it more than that. He went peacefully though, and he no longer hurts. Us, on the other hand, can't say the same. We've lost someone special in our family.

Saturday filled with more of my incessant vomiting, plus add Jenna back into there. Finally Kierra stopped though. Poor Jarrett is a wreck - tired plus a traumatized day. I'm useless. Can't even open a bottle of water for lack of energy. Plus have the chills constantly. Slept until 11am Sunday morning. Every muscle in my body aches. But hey, not puked in a while (knocks on wood). We had to cancel our dinner with our friends to help them celebrate Hannukah. Second year in a row we got ill and had to cancel. Must be the devote Orthodox in me trying to keep me in line(that is a joke btw). Felt so badly. First the twins miss their school xmas party, then this. We did let the girls open their gifts early though, since we are flying to the folks for Xmas. Jenna was delighted with her My Little Pony Castle, Kierra was instant smiles with her talking Dora house and Karis was tickled pink with her Little Pet Shop amusement park. Plus they got some barbies and other things. My sweet hubby bought me a brand new Sony digital video camera to replace the old one that went kaput.

So now I sit here with severe stomach cramps from what's left of the flu. Trying not to think of my dog, and hoping that the kids are done being sick, and that Karis doesn't contract it since she's made it this far. Hopefully the rest of the month goes a lot better than this.

PUKEAHONTIS

Somehow I don't think Disney would ever do a movie with that title. An epic tale of a 4 year old girl who spends the entire day throwing up around my house. Now here in my house, not a tale so epic. It's just one of those things that christen being a mother. Jenna woke up with a stomach bug. Apparently threw up in her bed unbeknowst to me. So I got to do two loads of linens, plus clothing and a few stuffed animals.

After that, she threw up like clockwork every hour. Very hard when you are trying to hydrate your kid. Nothing was staying down! Attempts to give her crushed up gravol tablets in juice came back up quicker than they went down. She did snooze on the couch for an hour. My couch covered with one of those plastic mattress covers. Let me just say; very glad the main level of my house is entirely hardwood flooring!!
So finally at 5:30 I got some Gravol into her and so far (knock on wood) no more vomit! I'm hoping this is the end. I'm just tired!! Plus we have a dinner date with friends tomorrow night at a fancy restaurant. It's been planned for weeks and I even bought a nice dress for the occassion. I'll be so bummed if we have to cancel on them.

So cross your fingers that my darling is done vomiting her poor little head off. I can only hope it is quaranteened to her.... God forbid the other two should start up!

MAKING THE HARD DECISIONS REALLY SUCKS

It's been a while coming now... and it's gotten to the point we can't avoid it any longer. Our sweet and beloved chocolate lab Roper has been having a lot of health problems lately. It's only gotten worse over the last year. As hard as it is, we've had the "talk" about the dog, and what our options were.

We took him to the vet where she told us both of his rear knees are shot and require surgery. But since he has major hip dysplasia, and arthritis... there wasn't much a point in trying. Besides that, his liver functioning seems to have taken a nose dive. We can't put him on pain meds for his knees because it'll screw with his liver. Anthetisia from the surgery could really be damaging. He's in a lot of pain, and he can barely walk around most days.

So today I made the call to have him put to sleep. I barely got through the conversation with the receptionist. I was crying on the phone the entire time. She kept asking me stuff like did I want an imprint of his pawprint and did I want his ashes seperate or mixed with other animals. Did I want to be in the room when he died. It was hard not to call it off entirely. I can't believe I'm doing this. I know it's for the best... but at the same time I can't comprehend letting go. He's a sweet dog and he's been through a lot with us. I don't know how it will be not seeing him anymore. I'm still questioning whether I can be in the room when it happens. They assured me it's not painful and is a very peaceful process.

I have one more week with my dog. One last week. It's going to be bittersweet. I only hope he can understand that I'm not trying to be mean... I love him and this is why I'm doing what I'm doing. So why do I feel so terrible?

HUMPTY DUMPTY'S WALL

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH, there it is. The reason behind my very aggrivated and annoyed mood. THAT my friends is the dreaded retaining wall holding back the ridge of the property we bought in April. Did I mention that the section of the wall collapsed 1 DAY BEFORE the scheduled digging of my house? Oh yes... because you know everything is coming up Elle! 30 feet tall - engineered by the biggest idiots this side of the Canadian Shield.

So the deal was the engineers would tear down that section and rebuild it - good as new - wonderbar! Not as easy. First they said it would be done in October, and then November 1st, then November 15th and then end of November and now they are saying end of December. Any takers it's not going to be done anytime in 2006? I finally called up the developers and asked what exactly the problem was. I was advised they took down a larger section to rebuild and that weather was being a problem. Apparently they can't compact if it's -10 or below. OK people I live in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta - you do the temperature math please. So THEN he tells me that if they can't get it done by the end of December they will have to shut down the project and start up in the spring. THE SPRING? I'm sorry but this house has been nothing but a pain in my keister since the moment we bought it. Sure it's prime real estate, the view is nuts spectacular and the house would be glorious... but how much do we have to take?

So here's the new deal... if the wall isn't repaired and the project delayed til spring, we are thinking about calling it a day and pulling out of the contract (which we can do I think). We figure if it's this much trouble - it's just not worth it anymore. Some may say someone is trying to tell us something - you know it would've been a lot easier if he had someone buy the lot from under us instead of dealing with all this bullshit! Anyways, stay tuned for another installment of "why crappily made retaining walls collaspe." I have a feeling the ending is drawing to a near people.