Birthdays, Mustangs and Lego

A was so excited to give Rob his shirt and Mustang Hot Wheels (which she wrapped herself) and a card that read "You are the best in the wordse". So cute. She spotted the Mustang months ago at the grocery store and insisted we buy it for him. Spaghetti and meatballs were followed by coconut cream pie and a little Lego.

Happy Birthday to the man I love more than I ever thought possible. You are now officially older than me. Enjoy your beard trimmer...I hope you never shave it off completely again, I love it. xo

Cake Boss, The Project and Shape Ups.

The Cake

Have you ever watched Cake Boss on TLC? I love it. Something about the way Italians interact with one another and the insurmountable love for family...not to mention the amazing talent. Tomorrow they are throwing a baby shower at work and I volunteered to make the cake. I had seen pictures of a really cool fondant covered cake that looked like a pregnant belly and boobs. Above is the picture I found on the following blog (http://www.flickr.com/photos/retrobakery/3431721283/). Below is the cake that I made. Most definitely would not pass through the doors of Carlos Bakery, but not too shabby for my first fondant attempt. Have you ever made marshmallow fondant? Now that's a full body workout!!

The Project

A has a Social Studies project due tomorrow. She had to choose an area of Nova Scotia that she had visited and either make a poster, a pamphlet or a story to describe this place. Keep in mind, she is in French Immersion. She was assigned this project a week and a half ago. The thing with A and projects is that they are AWFUL, she totally malfunctions. She creates an image in her mind of what she is going to do and how she is going to do it, whether it is following the instructions set out by the teacher or not. She decided that she was doing a booklet on Cape Breton. Fine. She was supposed to work on the English rough draft with her dad, but all they accomplished was the gathering of photos (they visit his family in Cape Breton in the summers). So Sunday was designated project day. Rob had volunteered (maybe slightly voluntold) to help with the project as A and I working together is not the nicest scene.

Just as I had predicted, Project Day was a disaster. Rob is a far more patient man than I and I that about him and more appreciative than he could ever imagine. She sulked her way through it, Rob took plenty of deep breathes and I sat at the table reading a magazine trying my best not to say a word and make the situation worse. I really wanted to scream and tell her to just get the project done, follow the instructions and stop the whining. Once she finished the rough draft, I told her she could take a break. At break time, she stomped off to her room, lay on her bed to cry and fell asleep....it was only 6 o'clock!

I should have probably woke her up and finish the project, but I didn't. I sat at the table and continued to read my magazine while Rob quietly sat across from me watching Jay Leno's cars on YouTube. We sat there long enough that I think I read every word in that Glamour magazine, neither of us spoke. We were enjoying the silence and taking deep breathes after the project experience.

I hope he knows how much I appreciate him doing homework, especially projects, with A. I know that one day A will look back and be thankful that she has the skills necessary to do a proper project. Here is a pic of her practicing her presentation, or as she says " I am going to presentate to you now".

Shape Ups by Sketchers

Have you ever seen the commercial for Shape Ups by Sketchers? Are these things for real or simply a marketing joke to see what they can convince the consumer to buy? The concept is interesting, but they are so ugly...I just couldn't imagine walking around them without feeling like a goof. I hope I don't see a friend wearing them, I don't think I would be able to keep a straight face. :)

My Shining Star

Auna has decided to give acting a try and so far she seems to be enjoying it. In May we signed her up with a local casting company and in June she auditioned for her first gig. She had a small part and some voice over stuff for an upcoming new series on CBC Kids titled ArtZooka. The premise is pretty fun, kids being creative and finding things to make stuff out of. You can check it out here: http://www.villagegamer.net/2009/03/31/everyones-an-artist-with-artzooka-new-childrens-series-gets-greenlight/

A few weeks ago she auditioned for a thesis project for some local film students titled Whatever it Takes. Rob and I took her to the audition, she ditched us at the door, marched to the front of the room and gave them her all. I just love that little girl, so confident yet not arrogant. She was cast the lead role of Courtney. This is a short film and the entire cast are children. Once complete, it will be submitted to numerous film festivals. One of the directors won at the Sundance Festival last year. The pics above are from yesterday shoot. The first is one of the crew members goofing around with the kids and the second is her in action (she's the one in the green jacket). This was as close as I could get while they were filming. On the way home she said to me "I had so much fun and I think the crew really likes me". She will have one more day of filming next weekend.

A little screening event will be put on for the kids and their families once it is complete. I can't wait. I will probably cry through the entire thing as that is what I do when I am feeling proud of Aunaka. Poor teachers at parent teacher, I cry every time and they are telling me wonderful things.

I am so proud of my little shining star. Whether this is something she wishes to pursue further or something she wishes to pass on, I am so glad that she can add this to her list of experiences. You go girl!

Turkey, Pumpkins & Apples

I love Fall in Nova Scotia, definitely my favorite time of year. The colors are amazing, the weather is perfect and there are so many fun things to do. For Thanksgiving, we headed to Deer Country Hideaway for some family fun and to introduce Rob to Mockford family get togethers. THough this year was extremely tame, not even half of the usual crew were there. My sister in law and some of her family were in Australia for her brother, Jeff's, wedding (congrats Jeff). While there, we also celebrated Mum and Dad's 37th wedding anniversary....WOW...I hope I am fortunate in this life to experience love such as this. As we were leaving on Monday, we spotted a deer...how perfect.

This weekend we decided to head down to the Valley for some fun in the corn maze as Rob had never been. It was coooooold down there too. I must say that the maze used to be much more fun, they seem to have made some changes...and not for the better. I guess this is what happens when a business grows quickly. We did not complete the entire maze, Auna was bored. Sometimes I feel sad for her that she is an only child, it must make some family outings boring. We need to find a friend that we can take with us sometimes, though she did run into a few friends.

Once through the maze, we decided (well, A decided after much begging and pleading) that we would venture off on a hay ride into the orchards to pick some apples. I think a good time was had by all (despite the cold). There were so many apples to choose from....russets, macs, golden and red delicious, northern spy.....mmmmmm.

I can't wait to finish October off with Halloween on....Rob's first adventure in Trick or Treating as an adult. Here are some pics of our October thus far:

September....falling into new routines.

I can't believe it has been a month since I last posted, I was on such a good posting schedule. It just seems as though one week has kind of melted into the next. September always brings so much excitement in our household as Auna heads back to school and back to dance, the true love in her life. It also brings a sense of order back to my life, don't get me wrong, I love the summer, but I will be the first to self-disclose as a type A personality. I like routine, it gives me a sense of being of organized and with that comes comfort. I usually spend the first two weeks of September feeling completely overwhelmed and toward the end am breathing again.

So this year is a bit more hectic than I usually like, but honestly, I am finding that I seem to be at my best when I am this way. Auna is in grade 3 which brings with it a lot more reading homework (luckily her teacher is not a big believer in other homework) and a lot more attitude. The latter of which is bring much chaos to our house in the mornings....I am sure our neighbors curse us sometimes. Auna also is in her second year of an intensive training dance program, this means dancing four - five hours a week and practicing at home as well. I have always believed that if it is something she loves, I will support her in any way I can to make it a reality for her. I have told her that as soon as she starts complaining about the practice involved, we take a step back and re-evaluate if she is indeed mature enough for such a committment. I don't want her to be one of those overscheduled kids!

After a year off, I am also back to the books this year. I have just begun the Strategic Supply Chain Management Leadership Program (SSCMLP) through the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC). This is the accreditation program for the Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP) designation. I love it, I get to purchase and study, two of my favorite things.:) Today I worked way my through the rough draft of my first assignment, a supply chain map for my organization. This might sound simple, but am I ever glad I got an early start on it as it is actually quite complex. The majority of the course is actually case study analysis, yuck. I will do my first one next week and am quite nervous. I know that once I get the first few under my belt, I will begin to feel more confident.

On top of the above mentioned activities in our lives, September seems to be the birthday party month! Auna has been to 6 this month and three were this weekend!!!! Can you say expensive! I used to buy toys, books and games whenever I would see them on sale and put them away for bday gifts....I definitely need to start this again.

Must go and put the attitude infused princess to bed (wish me luck) and get back to the books. Happy Fall everyone.

Hurricane Bill

I must admit that I am suffering from deep storm disappointment...not that I wanted to blow away or anything, but expected a bit more than I received. The best part of the storm was our journey to Lawrencetown Beach at supper time last night for a little wave watching. When we left the city, it was sunny blue skies, but a mere half hour later at Lawrencetown Beach, it was foggy, misty, we could hardly see anything. Here are some pics from the amazing waves......the power of Mother Nature amazes me....so cool.

A man's idea of a surprise

On the drive to work Thursday morning, Rob tells me he has a surprise for me that evening and it includes supper too. ...... mmmm....a surprise, supper....what will I wear? I smiled all day at the thought of my guy surprising me, how romantic.

He picks me up at 5(ish), tells me we are going home to shower and get ready. Should I wear a dress or a jean skirt and flip flops I ask. "skirt and flip flops" he says with a smirk. I like the element of surprise...and of course, I have told the girls at work that my guy has a surprise location for us and they will be eagerly awaiting the scoop in the morning.

Showered and changed and he recommends that I bring my camera as I may see a photo op (and he knows how disappointed I am when this happens and I am sans camera). We take off into the beautiful evening...how romantic.

What happens next is typical of a man...I should have known. We pull into the parking lot across from the A&W on the Dartmouth waterfront. "we're here" he announces with a cute boyish grin. I look around and all I can see is CARS!!! My romantic surprise is a car show!!!! Now, if you know Rob, this is very romantic to him...luckily one of the things I love about him. The A&W was hosting a fund raiser "A&W Dartmouth Super Cruise Night" attempting to capture the North American record for most vintage cars attended at a regular A&W cruise night.

We walked hand in hand through crowds of people and checked out old cars and trucks. He was in heaven.....cars, trucks, girl he loves. He looked like a little boy in a candy store. I loved this surprise.......the evening light was perfect for photos, I got to listen to him tell me what make and model each vehicle was and share with me memories of him and his dad and car shows. I fell in love with a pink Thunderbird....I might just want one of those one day. I also fell more in love with my car lovin' guy.

Once we had checked out every vehicle there (and there were lots), we headed to the A&W for some Teen Burgers and Root Beer which we enjoyed at a picnic table in the light of the sunset. Romance at its finest. I love that guy and apparently I love cars too .... who knew!xo

The Fat and Skinny of being a woman.....

Last night I watched "More to Love", as I do every Tuesday eve, but for some reason it bothers me. I have to ask myself why? I have been what is considered plus size (not what I consider plus size, but what America considers plus size) and I have been skinny, really skinny. I feel for the girls on the show that have never been on a date or have never been kissed and for the girls with self esteem so low that they think that when a guy is showing interest it must be a joke. The part I don't get is why some full figured women think it is so much easier to be skinny, so much more fun, guys like you and your body. I think the part that is getting missed is that it is not easy being skinny and that the definition of skinny differs from person to person. Skinny girls might possibly get more dates, but in most cases it is not the girl's personality that was asked on the date.....it's the body. A skinny girl really just wants a man to see her for who she is inside and fall in love with her personality, just as the plus size girl wants.

Whether I am having a plus sized moment or a skinny moment, I always wish I looked more like someone other than me....I think this goes for most women. My ultimate goal in life is not to be skinny or fat, but to be happy....to be able to confidently be in love, to confidently go to the beach in my bikini. I love a bikini and I love it when I go to the beach and not worry about what anyone else thinks or sees (this does happen from time to time).

Bottom line: skinny and fat are words that should be banned and replaced with "perfectly you". Love you, enjoy you.

ps...the pictures below don't have much to do with this post, I simply like them and wanted to share. Please note the woman in the sand drawing.......perfectly perfect.

Can't buy a memory like this one......

T-Shirt $15, Raffle Ticket $10, Picture with Sidney Crosby and the Stanley Cup ... Priceless!

Summer

Summer 2009

* watching my daughter learn to swim confidently and to dive off of a diving board

* discovering PEI with our very own travel guide. I love that island...and the guide.

* camping

* Tall Ships

* learning to jog efficiently and effectively

* beach days with Aunaka (usually followed by a hot n ready and some Crazy Bread from Little Caesars:))...I love that little girl.

* realizing that love is not something you can find for it finds you....lucky me, lucky us

* hanging out with Sheila (my Sister Cat) and my nephews (& Auna) .. swimming in the river, playing Carcassonne, eating

* I made plenty of decisions this summer as well as let go of a lot of stuff...I am much happier because of this

** last, but not least....I played with my camera A LOT as you can see....

I Love Weekends.....

Her Moment

Her moment to shine

To be in the spotlight

First time in a dressing room

Costume, bun and ballet slippers

Make-up too

She beams as she scans the audience

Searching for familiar faces

Ensuring the people she loves can see her

The look of concentration

My palms are sweaty

My heart is racing

I'm nervous, yet she is not at all

She dances her little heart out

Soaking up the experience of her first big moment

Applause

Flowers

Giggles

Friendship

So glad I was there

For her first big moment

I LOVE WEEKENDS, especially now that I have someone over the age of 8 to spend them with. We kicked off the weekend with Greek Fest in the pouring rain followed by the Stan

ley Cup game (with beer and nachos, of course) and finished with Aunaka's dance recital....Rob's first dance recital experience...I think he liked it. While Aunaka spend the in between with her dad, Rob and I explored some new places. We took a walk through Frog Pond, climbed to the top of the Dingle Tower and explored Dead Man's Island (which, by the way, is not really an island, but beautiful none the less).

As Aunaka digs deeper into the world of dance, it warms my heart to watch her shine on stage. It is obvious that she has found her passion, you go girlie, dance your way through life and don't let anyone stop you. I just love her, she is so full of life and attitude (as the last picture shows).

Life is good.

Music, Wine and Cookies

After a run with Aunaka (she was on her bike), I had a craving for soft chocolate chip cookies. After a few chapters of The Zack Files, I tucked the princess into bed, poured myself a glass of wine, put on some Fleetwood Mac and baked myself some cookies.

There are delicious. I only had two and am now going to go to bed so that I do not eat the rest. I think Rob will be going home with a batch of cookies tomorrow night!

The Kid Excuse

Yesterday was the perfect way to end the best month of the year. Rob and I enjoyed a sleep in, bacon and eggs and coffee, then it was off to check out Lawrencetown Beach. The day was beautiful and the company was delightful. Lawrencetown was beautiful but cold so we stayed long enough for a stroll on the beach and some pics. We heard the neatest sound at the beach. The tide was on its way in, it would rush up over the rocks and on its way back out, the rocks would rattle creating a sound unlike any I had ever heard before. I wish I could bottle that sound.This was followed by a waterfront stroll, a sausage and a Blizzard.

It was now 4:45 and we had to rush back to pick up Aunaka at 5. She returned from a weekend of fun at Daddy's complaining of a sore throat and an almost unrecognizable voice. I instantly thought strep throat. Yuck. Poor girl, this hurts. Poor me, it meant I was going to have to use a sick day and spend the morning at the clinic and the afternoon playing nurse.

Sure enough, this morning when I went in to wake her at 7, she looked so sick and tired. I let her keep dreaming and fired off some emails to work using the kid excuse. Rob is always joking about the kid excuse, how people with kids always have the ultimate excuse. "Sorry, can't be there/ do that....my kid is sick." I rarely use it (luckily), but today was a necessary one. Had I known this was going to happen, I would not have risen at 5:57!!!

She finally got out of bed at around 9 and was complaining about an even more sore throat. When brushing her teeth, I noticed that her tongue was coated in a thick white layer....grosssssss. Needless to say, we cleaned up and headed to the clinic. Diagnosis confirmed...strep throat and thrush. All I can say is thank goodness for a medical plan. We then headed to the office for a few minutes and then home for a day filled with "I'm bored"s.

It is now 3:48 and the worst part of my day (besides my daughter feeling crummy) is the pain of my sunburn from yesterday . She loves the taste of her medicine and kept herself occupied with writing and playdough. I was able to get some laundry out of the way, kitchen cleaned and some work on my latest course I am taking.

Thank goodness for sick days. What used to be dreaded when A was younger are now almost enjoyable...almost.

Happy first day of June.