Wednesday, May 22, 2013

And So The First Long Weekend Ends

And then along came Monday.  Up early to check out on time and out to do the last bit we could before getting on the traffic laden road home. 

Our first stop was breakfast at Timmie's yet again, then the Ferris wheel, which I got out of going on this time, then a stop at Fantasy fudge for a treat.  Mylee decided on a huge lollypop and the rest of us got candy apples. 

It was time to say goodbye to the falls for the weekend and we were all a little melancholy at the thought of family time being over.  We get so little of it and on weekends like this we spend as much time together as possible.  I was ready for a horrendous drive home, yet the roads were clear.  An hour and 45 min later we were home and unpacking the car. 

Then it was off with Jenny and Mike to see Star Trek: Into Darkness, which I must say was really good.  Love Chris Pine and the guy who plays Spock, their connection to each other is quite dynamic and really does remind me of the connection that William Shatner and Leonard Nemoy have. Would recommend anyone who likes the old ones to watch this one too.

So that was our crazy family weekend, and I loved every second of it.  Looking forward to the next one!!!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Sunday was our lazy day, we really didn't get going until after noon.  I went to get breakfast with Mylee who seems to like getting up at the crack of dawn on vacation but hates getting up for school at home. We decided to do some more shopping, so we went to the outlets on this side.

A trip to the body shop, Claire's, Sirens (I needed a shirt for dinner) and a contemplation about the Coach store and we were off again.  Should I mention that I was a good girl, Coach had 50% off this weekend and I resisted. Darryl keeps laughing at me, I think he would buy me the world if he could, but really do I need another purse, I have 10 and no room to store them, and no they are not all Coach.

Another shoe store and sandal purchases for the girls and we were off to the hotel again.  With a couple stops on the way.  Darryl said lets check out the tattoo places, and yeah was going along for the ride.  Was curious how much mine would cost though, I had one all planned just not the "balls" to actually sit in the chair.

I was impressed with one place but they were booked until june, then another that I didn't trust, so back to the hotel we went.  Darryl asked the front desk and the lady said she gets hers at this place.  It was a short walk away so we went to try it out.  Low and behold, they had time, and the cost was comparative so off I went to sit in the chair taking deep breaths and trying to relax. About 45 min later I was done, only wanted to punch him a couple of times but the deep breaths helped and I love it. It is exactly what I wanted and the artist was great, very patient, very clean and felt like I could trust him. 

So after a visit to the tattoo parlour, we went to dinner at the keg.  So yummy, even Kiya ordered steak.  And then a visit up the Skylon tower, and a guilt trip from Mylee.  I figured I could get away with staying inside the tower, unfortunately Miss Mylee didn't want me to be alone so I had to go out on the observation deck and brave the craziness of my brain.  It is beautiful up there but still very leery of the heights.  We stayed up there for the fireworks and it was a totally different vantage point.  And another thing to cross off the bucket list.  Everyone by this time was full and tired, so back to the hotel we went for some cuddle time. 

Shopping in Buffalo

Well this was a first for me, I have never cross border shopped.  Yes I have been to Florida but that was a vacation not a shopping trip.  So we got up on Saturday, got breakfast at Timmies and away we went to the Rainbow Bridge. 

Our plan was the Walden Galleria, and that was our first stop thanks to the GPS, I would have gotten us completely lost. Darryl was so comfortable driving in New York State that I wasn't worried, we just had to keep an eye on what the speed was in each section we travelled.

Well we shopped till we dropped each of us picking up something new.  I happened upon some Star Wars cookie cutters that I can't wait to try out. Mylee ended up with clothes, Kiya it was shoes and Darryl got....ummm...actually I don't think Darryl picked up anything for himself at the mall. Due to time constraints we couldn't stop at the Cheesecake Factory but drove by and got a good picture for the girls to say they came, they saw, they got the picture.  It will have to be a next time adventure.

Our next stop was lunch, and well after getting us lost we ended up at The Anchor Bar, home of the Buffalo wing.  This place is nice, the atmosphere is a family restaurant and the wings were amazing.  There was flavour in the wing itself not just in the sauce.  I recommend that if you go to Buffalo stop in here.  We even picked up a bottle of their suicide sauce to dip some fries in, it wasn't as hot as some we have tried but it was so full of flavour. And then Darryl bought me a cannoli, yummy, it was a great lunch, the girls were stuffed, we were stuffed and yet fully satisfied. 

Then it was off to the outlet stores.  Where Darryl found his purchases, new clothes, new shoes for both of us, and some clothes for the girls.  This is about when Mylee started getting extremely tired so we decided to head back.  And well wasn't that interesting.  A toll to get back into Canada and then duty at the border, but considering being witness to customs pulling apart people's belongings....I'm going to pay the duty. 

So with that we took all the purchases upstairs, changed into bathing suits and went down to the pool for an hour, the girls had a blast in the swimming pool and Mylee is getting really brave at testing herself, as long as mommy is close. After our swim we decided to walk the hill, Daddy wanted to surprise the girls with a night at the midway and Mylee got so excited.  This is her favourite place to go.  So after winning 2 new webkinz, we decided to head back for pizza at the hotel, none of us were really in the mood to stop for dinner.  But before we went back to the room we stopped at Sugar Mountain, can you say oh boy.  A couple of bags of candy and some chupa chups for mommy and we were heading back. 

And that is when it happened.  Miss Mylee's feet had given out on her, she was exhausted and ready to crash.  So she tripped and fell face first to the cement, giving herself a fat lip and a bloody nose.  She was so good though, she got up and then started to cry.  We headed back to the room and got all cleaned up and then she crashed, next thing I know it is morning and she is in bed with me.  Overall it was a great Saturday.

Long Weekend Friday

Friday finally came, the weekend we go to Niagara to escape the world.  Niagara is like a second home for us.  Each of us finds something magical and wonderful there to escape the pressures of everyday life.

So with everyone packed and ready to go, we headed off for an adventure. Thinking the traffic would be horrible I packed every type of activity for the girls to keep them quiet for Darryl.  Driving over the Burlington bridge scares the crap out of me so I try to remain calm and peaceful.  And I discovered something new, I love the 407 we got to Niagara falls in about an hour and a half on a long weekend Friday, with no stop and go traffic.  I guess everyone was heading north this weekend for some cottage time. 

We got dinner at Montana's that night and then walked down to the falls.  We had just missed the fireworks but it was okay because dinner was so yummy.  Mylee loved seeing the falls all lit up and would giggle every time they changed colour.

On the way back up we stopped and blasted some ghosts, Darryl scoring the most of course, and then played a round of cosmic mini golf.  Mylee scored her best ever with a 79, Kiya got 3 holes in one, and well of course Daddy won.  I decided to be score keeper and just watch everyone have some fun.

It was a Friday night to start the weekend off properly. And after a glorious soak in the tub I was off to dreamland to await Saturday's adventure.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Wearing Blue

Tomorrow is blue day at my house and at many others across Canada.  May 15 is dedicated to Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and my family will be wearing blue to raise awareness. 

I am hoping that any of you with a view of the CN Tower will take a picture for me as it will be lit up blue as well.

So I hope to hear that you have worn blue too tomorrow!!!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Adventuring Today

After work I decided to go to the STC with Mylee and just venture around a little bit.  Some days we just need to get out of the house and do something fun.  And well did we ever have some fun.

After I stopped to get a coffee to see if it would ease my migraine, we visited the bathroom and stood in line forever. Then I asked Mylee where she wanted to go.  She said the pet store, so off we went to see some animals.  Now this is always a neat experience with my kids because Kiya loves the cute little fuzzy creatures and Mylee loves the slimy, squirmy reptilians.

Having worked at STC I remember most of the people from PJ's because they always used to come in for ice cream on their breaks.  And one of their team members has been there for a number of years.  John is a pretty cool guy and is always no great with the kids that come in there with questions.  Mylee and I were looking at the snakes and frogs and lizards and he asked if we wanted to see the chameleon eat his lunch.  Mylee of course jumped at the idea, me not so much, but off we went.  John pulled out a bag of crickets and held one between his fingers, while I was shaking in my boots terrified one would jump at me and land in my hair, and he held it up about a foot away from the chameleon.  We patiently waited, and about 20 seconds later, out popped the tongue and the cricket was chewed, eww gross, but it was pretty neat and Mylee loved it.  John fed the chameleon 2 crickets and then switched to a gecko. 

The gecko was pretty cool too.  As the crickets got thrown in the terrarium, the gecko waited patiently (probably counting) and then took off at running speed to catch the crickets and yup, mmmm gulp they were gone.  Again ....ewwww gross.

I must admit though, the frogs were the best to watch because they didn't use a tongue.  The Vietnamese frogs just scoop up the crickets and chew them up whole.  Okay really ewww gross, but fascinating.  They pounce like cats and even wipe the excess from their mouths like a child would do. 

It was really great to have an opportunity to watch this today and watch Mylee's brain take it all in.  When she described it to Daddy she was really excited and explained everything in detail.  I can't wait for our next adventure and see what it brings us!!!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Hockey Playoffs

Okay seriously now, this series is killing me.

It seems every time I walk away from the tv the Leafs score, should I take this as a sign?

I am a Bruins fan, always have been, but I love a good hockey game.  And this series has given me more anxiety than anything should.

I will gladly lose, gracefully even, if it is deserved and I must admit that there has been some awesome game play in this series. But it is killing me and I am not sure my heart can take any more.

I said from the beginning, ask Darryl, the Leafs will take it in 7. 

Happy Mother's Day

Today was a very interesting day for sure.  Mom and Dad arrived safely back from Trinidad after attending a funeral for an absolutely wonderful woman and the matriarch of the family.  This was the first blessing. 

Then I decided to get up and bbq.  Um yeah, not such a great idea today.  As I put the chicken on the que, wouldn't you guess its starts to hail.  So yep, standing outside for an hour while bbqing (I also made steak) with a hoodie on. 

Thirdly, we had attended the STC's birthday party and I got an incredible deal on Argo's tickets so that is my Mother's Day present!!! Best part is Daddy will be able to attend with us, so it will be a true family affair.  Count this as my 2nd blessing.

The girls also gave me 2 wonderful gifts, but they are wonderful in themselves and the best gifts I have ever received. Mylee planted me a beautiful flower at school and it bloomed in a two tone, reminded me of my wedding bouquet, and a beautiful card with words she wrote herself.  Kiya gave me a pretty paper flower and a coupon book full of "good for's"  which I fully intend to use for matching socks!!!! I am counting these as 2 blessings so we are up to 4.

We spent the evening at the movies.  Darryl and I have been dying to go see Iron Man 3 and finally we got to go taking the girls with us.  Would you believe Mylee feel asleep?  I loved it and won't spoil it for anyone, but as in all Marvel movies...make sure you stay past the credits.  Our family time is very limited and every second we can spend together I count as another blessing.  So lucky me, I received 5 today and I am incredibly greatful.

So from me to you, I wish you all the blessings of Motherhood because each one brings its own joys and/or confusion/frustration, but in the end you will look back and remember just how lucky you truly are.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Blue Houses

I am beginning to believe that I inherited my initiative from my family.  Both sides of my family have very strong women in them. 

The month of May is Tuberous Sclerosis Month.  And in light of that my aunt is trying to turn her street blue, the colour associated with the complex.  It started off with her house, then as the month has passed into it's 6th day there are 28 houses lit up blue.  Some may think it is for the Leafs but it isn't.

This is my cousin's story:

http://youtu.be/1Lh-Xw-2PAI
And May 15th the CN Tower will be lit blue as well. 

I have made a conscious effort this month to don something blue everyday in support as we don't put our outside lights on at all anymore.

So think blue this month and if you would like to help and turn your house blue as well, my aunt has posted the pictures of the blue houses on facebook and I can send her yours as well.  I think you can pick up the blue bulbs at Walmart!!

                                                    This is my mom's house at dusk. 

Sunday

Okay I am sore today.  My legs are yelling at me and my knees are screaming for mercy, but it is all worth it.

Remember the play set?  There are only a couple more screws to go in it and it is finished.  The main structure is just about done, the slide is on and so is the ladder.  Who knew that hex bolts and washers and split washers could be so menacing to one's hands.  Which by the way are tender too. 

I say all this now, but in the end it will be totally worth it because my kids will have some fun on it too.  And my kids look at me with total admiration knowing that mommy can do just about anything she sets her mind to.  I think I surprise my kids more than I do myself when it comes to construction of stuff.  

The only bad part is, I don't know when to give in, so I push myself to aching too often.  What is that old adage " No Pain, No Gain", hmmm only time will tell.

Saturday!!!

Saturday is normally a fun day for us around the house.  We play outside, go for a walk to the mall or go up to the park with our bikes.  This Saturday, however, was a crazy busy Saturday.  Scarborough Town Centre was celebrating their 40th birthday and we decided to go down and see what was going on. 

It was a gorgeous day and so much fun.  Between the confetti poppers scaring Mylee, learning to do the updated hustle, and meeting some of the Argo Cheerleaders I would say the girls had a great time.  We also ran into some family and friends so it was quite an exciting morning. 

After lining up for a few minutes to get our picture taken with the Grey Cup (tee hee)

 
I decided to take a look at the Argo's table.  There was an incredible deal going on and I thought hmmm who would go with me.  So guess what my Mother's day present is!!!! Yep tickets to open the season with Argos and t-shirts for the whole family.  I was so excited when the guy said don't take the t-shirts now, I will have some in proper sizes for the kids at the gate on game day.  Let me take down your information and I will give you a call. So exciting.
 
 After some incredible partying with the STC, we hopped on the Go bus and headed out to Ajax to Grandma's house and a pain in the butt waiting to happen.  My plan was to go and get the playset set up.  Well in 5 hours I got most of the frame done, little did I know that there were 80000000 pieces to it. But I figured it was started so that was something. 
 
 
Then it was off to Caden's 7th birthday party! And what a great party it was.  The place where it was held is quite an interesting LOUD place, but it is meant for kids so it was perfect.  A castle of fun, swinging trees, a ball popper and so much more to play with.  We had so much fun and were so tuckered out but it didn't stop there.
 
 
Then it was off to the bar to watch the Leaf game and get Daddy some dinner.  What a great game! And to top it all off a gentleman named Jordan came over and did some magic tricks for the girls.  It was quite a Saturday!!! 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Still My Little Bumkin

Have you ever walked into your child's room just to watch the rise and fall of their chest when they sleep and notice just how peaceful they are?

This week, I had to go over and get Kiya from school after Dance Club.  It ended at 4pm so I got ready about 3:50 and Mylee was laying in my bed watching tv, something we do after a busy day just to rest our bodies and minds.  So I asked if she wanted to come with me,  she said no and wanted to stay where she was.  So I left her downstairs to watch tv and let Mom know that I was going over. 

There was a knock on the door and there was Kiya.  Now before you think badly of me, we live right across the street from the school and Kiya knows to walk with a partner, which in this case she did. I asked Kiya how her day had gone and she said "great".  Then I went downstairs again to get my nexus so I could read my book and this is what I found

My little bumkin was out cold and so incredibly peaceful.  I snuggled in with her and just watched her sleep.  I was sad to wake her up as she was so pretty just laying there.  There are lots of times when I look at my girls sleeping and they still remind me of the babies they were.  I miss them as babies, but love watching them grow.  I just wish they didn't do it so fast. 

Yum Yum

Monday night we decided to go out for dinner.  When this happens we go to one of two restaurants, either our Japanese restaurant Matsuda or our Vietnamese restaurant Pho 88.  This time we went to Pho and every time we go I always get the same thing.  Soup!!!

Monday night was not the friendliest night either so the hot soup made me feel really warm and toasty.  Not to mention it is so incredibly yummy. 

It happened to be just me, Darryl and Mylee this time as Kiya opted to stay home.  Sometimes she just likes having the option to make her own choice and though we miss her, we give her the option.  So as we are going toward the restaurant from the car Mylee pipes up and says " can we go to the owl store for a treat afterwards?"  So I guess this has become a bit of a tradition.  Every time we go to Pho we also go into Mac's for something sweet or a special slushy drink.  So Darryl turns to me and says "Ya know, I think she just likes coming to Pho so she can go to the store for a treat" it quite made me laugh because she is just that smart.

My favourite part of this evening though was when Mylee asked if we could go to the store she also asked if we could get something for Kiya.  My girls have started to bond a little better and think of each other when they are separated for whatever reason.  Kiya does the same thing when we walk to Woodside or Tim Horton's, she always asks what we should get for Mylee.  It warms my heart to know that they are becoming more like sisters than strangers.