I Miss my Mind the Most

Hello again out there in blog land.  I spent this last weekend entertaining a guest, my Best friend from back home, Tayna.  It was so great seeing her again, I virtually talked myself hoarse.  We live such different lives now, she's a police officer, single and Well, you know all about me.  We haven't gotten together for nearly two years so there was so much that was different and so much to talk about.  I was worried (like I always am) that she would have a boring time here because of the limitations of a two year old tagging along, and me being prego and 'crippled' but she assured me that she had the perfect time and if we had sat in front of the TV in our PJ's and watched movies all weekend that would have been perfect for her.  I was so relieved she had a good time.  The highlight of her visit was seeing the RCMP police boat (of course!) parked in the harbour downtown.  She is going to inquire about a ride-along in the boat next time she comes to visit.  Paige really took to her and cried on the way home from the airport "I miss Tanya!! We left her at the airport!"  she has never reacted like that and it brought a tear to my eye.  This morning she was the first thing Paige mentioned too.  She certainly has a charm with children, for a single broad. LOL!!
Now it's time to straighten out the house and start getting ready for christmas,  My family is planning to come out for the holidays which will be soooooooo great.  I miss them so much! 
Mr. Island and I are off to Vancouver tomorrow morning for my appointment at the BC woman's hospital to see the specialist.  I'm not exactly sure what the specialist is going to be doing but I'm sure it will involve tests and examinations and all that FUN stuff.  As far as I know, they are going to be keeping tabs on my liver funtion because it decided to crap out near the end of my last pregnancy.  I'll keep you abreast of any interesting developments.   
I also wanted to say thank you to my family and friends for coming over to wish me a Happy birthday!  That was so special and really nice for an old bird like me.  My birthday isn't until the 6th but hubby thought it would be nice to celebrate while Tanya was out.  I felt so special.

Anyway- I should get started on my day,  I'll blog a little more later on-
Hugs,

~jen

I was so busy being an idiot today (yes, it happens on occasion), I forgot to blog about the 'detailed' ultrasound we had yesterday.  Everything seems to be going great, at least that is what I gathered from the lab tech's facial gestures.  They won't tell you ANYTHING these days- it's so annoying.  She had alot of trouble doing certain measurments of the child's head because it was wedged very far down into my neither regions.  This would explain the chronic pain in my left hip/groin area.  This child is making itself comfortable at my expense LOL which should be the trend for the next 18 years or so. 
We were excited to find out if we have a boy or another girl, but of course she wouldn't tell us, "I'll put it in my report and your doctor will get it in 3 days"... blah blah blah.  What difference will it make if she tells me or if my doctor tells me the info that SHE wrote in HER report???  I don't get it, but I'm calling my doctor's office bright and early tomorrow to find out if they have 'the report' yet.
We were able to see the baby in action for a short 20 seconds as the tech whizzed through a tour of the baby's insides.  Everything looked great and HOLY SMOKES, did those feet KICK.  It appeared to be doing some sort of 'air tap' dance. LOL  I've got the bruising on my spleen to prove it. 
I was really anxious about this ultrasound, I've been worrying alot lately.  I'm so used to bad things happening during my pregnancies that I keep thinking every ache and pain is a potential tragedy waiting to happen.  This ultrasound was reassuring. 
Now, if I can find out if this baby is a boy or a girl- the shopping can begin!

Hugs & tiny toes,
~jen

Do you ever wish you could take back a moment in time when you acted really stupid?

I do.

~jen

Recently i read blog postings by Roxgirl and Suzoates about having the great fortune of getting something for nothing.  The only incident I could think of was sitting in the drive through at Tim Hortons and after approaching the window, I was told by the lady that the gentlman in front of me had already paid for my Iced Cap and Muffin.  It simply blew my socks off.  I'm not used to getting something for nothing.  That was probably 3 years ago and it always sticks out in my mind.  Today something very pleasant happened to me and I'm going to go through a convoluted path to tell you about it.
a couple weeks ago I asked Mr. Island for a new coffee pot, after this baby arrives i will be wanting some Good quality coffee, and LOTS of it.  I had seen advertisments on TV (and read some blogs too) about the new 'pressure brew' coffee makers that used 'pods' and brew one cup at a time.  They claim it's like having a coffee house in your kitchen or something like that.
So you see, in this house, All a person need do is mention these things to my husband and not too long after you'll have the afore mentioned item in-hand.  He went out for a cup and came home with the entire pot.  Black and decker to be exact.  We preped the machine, tried it, tried it again, changed some things, and tried it again.  The coffee was HORRIBLE.  It was worse than horrible actually.  It was weak, and had absolutely no aroma to speak of, not to mention the plastic/styrofoam aftertaste it left in my mouth.  NOT IMPRESSED, we returned the machine. 
I hopped on the net and started searching out coffee pots to find out if those pressure pots are really all they are cracked up to be.  After reading several reviews (coffeegeek.com & coffeecrew.com) I found out that the preferred method of home brewing is actually the vacuum pot.  I did more research and found out that I can order the pot at several websites but they would only ship to the states.  Frustrated, I emailed Colin- one of the reviewers of the Bodum Vac pot for Coffeecrew.com to ask him where I could purchase the pot in Canada.  He emailed me back with a few names of retailers that I could look into.  I thanked him and set off on my quest.  This is where my story comes to the 'Random act of kindness' Point. 
This morning he emailed me again and offerred me his test pot, that he has used ONCE, for FREE.  Can you believe it?? 
It turns out that the guy actually lives on the island, somewhere nearby and was willing to meet me somewhere to give me the machine!!  This is an expensive machine so I offered him 50 dollars just so I wouldn't feel like such a shlep.   I am pinching myself at my good fortune.

Good things Do happen to good people.

~jen

These days I have the tendency to feel like a large bloated whale most of the time.  With every movement, my joints and muscles scream in protest.  It's hard to enjoy anything about being pregnant, and in all honesty I tend to forget about the little miracle i have growing right below the surface. 
One day, a couple weeks ago I woke up from my nap to discover this lovely painting sitting in the studio.  Mr. Island has always been a busy body and is attacked by fits of bordom on a regular basis.  In the last year he has taken up painting to keep his hands and mind busy.    & nbsp;
Yes, he captured my shape perfectly (I wish my ass was that shapely).  I also love the soft colors and Apple he used to represent our 'baby in waiting'.  It's very relaxing just by the nature of the colors and smooth compostion.   I think the painting is precious and it made me feel a little better about my 'condition' at the moment. 
All of this pain and discomfort is for a very short time in the grand scheme of things and there is a very beautiful little creation waiting on the horizon.  Staring at this painting seemed to help me remember that. 

Thanks Honey.
Love,
Jen

When i cook I always keep a secret weapon close at hand.  My pantry always contains a selection of different soup bases.  I use these for EVERYTHING, gravy and sauces, stews, flavouring meats, and yes, even soups.  The main one i use is an Onion soup base, because it is so tangy and when sprinkled on frying ground beef adds a delicious smell and taste that cannot be denied (even by onion haters).   
Some of you, the more health-concious readers may say "But soup base is so salty...".
Yes, it is, but let me remind you that salt= FLAVOUR!!  And when you use a FLAVOURED salt (ie: like a soup base) you simply cannot go wrong.  To slightly redeem myself, let me also say that I use a lot of other herbs and seasonings that are SALT free (Like, Ms. Dash, thyme, rosemary etc.) and these also add so much to the taste and aroma of your food. 
What initially started me on this blog was the fact that while shopping for groceries the other day I found some vegetable soup base that was on sale- REALLY on sale.  I didn't really need it, but the ingredients intrigued me so I tossed THREE of them in my basket (they were THAT cheap). Also, it was a Vegan soup base (no meat ingredients) which is different than any of my others. Tonight I put together a stove top beef stew and used one of the new Vegetable soup base I purchased- The smell of nutmeg hit me immediately and I have to honestly say i wasn't impressed. 
Nutmeg reminds me of 'Boulletts' (French for Meatballs) that my mom used to make us eat when we were kids.  They were heavy in cinnimon and nutmeg and gawd knows what else.  ICK- I've been scarred by that experience.
  ANYWAY... as I stirred up my stew sauce I noticed a bouquet of scents that seemed to actually compliment the nutmeg so I let it slide.  I also added a spoonfull of my trusty onion, and a half packet of beef soup base. The taste was really pleasant and I enjoyed every last bite. 
Another masterpiece.

I look forward to making many more delicious recipes with my Bargain, Vegan, Vegetable soup base!!

If anyone cares for the recipe, let me know, I can tmail or email you a copy if you wish.  It's easier than pie, delicious and very flexible, so you can make it taste how YOU like it. 
Today was such a good day to blog about food.... aaaaaahhhh.

Hugs & spoons,
~jen

I'm so proud of my latest acheivement.  For anyone that knows me and my liberal- free spiriting ways- will realize what a total feat this acheivment really is.  Either that or I have completely gone MAD. 

I sat down the other day and printed off a two week calendar.  For each weekday i wrote a menu and neccessary ingredients for that day. after I was finished I compiled all the ingredients into my MASTER grocery list and took it with me shopping.  I actually PLANNED something.  I know, it's breathtaking isn't it??
Now, somehow I had gotten it into my head that a certain SUPER large grocery/department store in town was the cheapest place to get groceries so I rarely strayed from that store. BUT, Due to the onslaught of Braxton Hicks contractions- i am limited to how long I can spend strolling through the aisles, so today I thought I would try an experiement.  I went to the grocery store that is near my home, it is not only smaller and easier to navigate but they also have free grocery bags.  Halleluja.
I bought every single item on my preplanned- menu oriented- grocery list.  I strayed only a few times for items that I needed but forgot to add to my preplanned- menu oriented- grocery list- plus one emergency yogurt smoothy because my sugars were running low.  I had it in my head that the grand total of all the groceries I bought was going to be astronomical because I was not in my usual CHEAP store.  I was ultra pleasantly suprised when I saw that the total was close to 100$ less than my usual expected total!  I bought EVERYTHING on my list, several times opting for the 'warehouse' packages which I don't normally do and it turned out cheaper!! 
I'm still amazed and very proud of myself. 
Now, if I can manage to stick to my preplanned menus- We'll be GOLDEN.

I'll keep you updated...

Hugs and Hotdogs,
~jen

Remember the dick (or dicks) that broke into my hubby's car to steal his snowboard???  Well we found out this morning that they stole something else... and we were shocked to learn that they actually sprouted a brain cell (it seems). 

This morning while looking at the bank statement online we noticed several charges for small amounts over the last couple days.  I asked Mr. Island what he was buying and what store was listed.  He thought that I had made the purchases!  I started to think about what the transactions could be and I couldn't think of anything (I don't buy much!!).  I immediately started freaking out.  Mr. Island called the bank and found out that someone had opened an account with an online site (probably Porn) and they were automatically taking payments out of our BANK account- by using the account numbers on our checks!!  We had the entire book of checks cancelled and the woman at the bank said if it happens again we are fully covered because we have already reported it as a fraud. 

I never thought that any idiot stupid enough to steal someone ELSES belongings would actually be able to figure out something like this.  HOW RUDE.  So the moral of the story is- Keep your car empty so vandals will find NOTHING within!!

That was my excitement for the day-
It's enough for the next year.
~jen

**BTW it seems a little vague now that I reread this entry but the 'dicks' stole a CHECK book from the glove compartment and the mayhem ensued.

Today Paige and i went into town to shop for some new clothes.  This time the new clothes were for me and my belly.  I have been wearing the same 3 shirts and 4 pairs of pants for the last 2 months (and some of it for LONGER than that) and there is only so much I can take. 

By the obvious lack of maternity clothing in department stores I'm guessing that pregnant people are very rare thing to find these days.  The shop we went to today was nice, BUT I refuse to pay 57 (yes, fifty seven) dollars for a T shirt.  A fricken T-shirt.  I don't care how badly I need it- that is just ridiculous.  
I am seriously thinking of breaking out the sewing machine and attempting to sew something for myself.  If i had the energy to do that, I really would.  As it is, If I started a sewing project, I would have sewing notions and half completed projects kicking around the house until the child was nearly 18. 
I know it, I get easily 'distracted'.  But I'm so doggone CHEAP I can't bring myself to fork out that kind of money for clothes that I'm only going to wear for a little while. 
The tough part is that I'm plus sized with the added appendage of 'The BELLY' (larger than a chocolate belly but not as large as an ELEPHANT).  I find that most Maternity shirts don't cover my belly the whole way and leave a lovely 'Homer Simpson' belly button view of my stomach (or elastic panel of my pants).  So attractive.  I need to bribe some of my aunts or MOM to sew something for me, and quick!
I'll probably ride out the next three months with the same few items of clothes and then have a giant BONFIRE* when it's all done. 
Wouldn't that be nice!?!

You are all invited. I'll even provide the weenies and buns.

~jen

*This would also mean that I have NO CHOICE but to lose the extra baby pounds.  I do not want to be wearing maternity shirts for the next 3 years, again.

Paige has started a new trend of saying "Thank You Mom, Gracias!" I would like to think this is from her sheer intelligence and not the massive amounts of 'Dora the Explorer' she watches. 
Perhaps I will comfort myself by thinking it's a little of BOTH. 

Buenos Dias,

~jen

I went to have my hair resuscitated this morning and I was even brave enough to take my daughter.  The hair looks fabulous, Thank you again Micco, and Paige was a very good girl!  By the end of the appointment she was in the back helping the assistant fold towels and put them on the shelf.  I risked being banned permanently from the establishment by bringing her but I think we made it through with my privileges intact.  
Don't worry i actually phoned before hand and asked if they would mind if i brought her along and Micco assured me it was NO big deal.  I would have prefferred to have some time away from the child but I needed to get my hair cut, I was willing to sacrifice a few relaxing moments for it.

I realized that the absolute best part of the hair salon experience is the hair massage that accompanies the wash... ohhhh my heavens.  I think I even caught myself drooling.

Anyway-  I think it's nap time in the island household,
Hugs and shampoo,

~jen

For those times when you have made a casserole and are left with all the 'baked on' crusties that require alot of scrubbing, I've discovered an absolutely brilliant way to make those dishes sparkle.  I'm really proud of this discovery since it requires NO elbow grease or dish-pan hands!! 

Simply leave the casserole dish on the floor and the dog (if you have one) will lick and nibble until every last piece of baked on goodness is gone.  After that, all you need to do is soap it up and rinse.  Or better yet, drop it in the dishwasher for disinfecting.

Who said Dogs can't do the dishes???

~jen

***This will probably mark the last time any of my neighbors will eat MY potluck casseroles...oops!***

I just noticed that I forgot to blog yesterday... wow the first day I have missed in a couple weeks.  Not too shabby.  I have been taking advantage of my hubby's days off and sleeping in till nearly noon.  It's been nice, and MUCH needed. 
As of Friday i am officially 6 months (24 weeks) prego and things have been changing alot.  The itching that was once keeping me awake at all hours has now subsided, only to be replaced by alot of hip and lower abdominal discomfort. Okay, not discomfort- PAIN.  Just when I thought things were going a lot better in the sleeping arena. 
Another strange thing that has been happening; when I lay down, i hear my heart beating loudly in my ears and feel it pumping in my neck and head with the sensation that something is slowly tightening around my neck.  It even feels like my eyes are bulging out.  I'm worried that it may be early signs of hypertension so I'm calling the doc on Monday.  
I was reading another blog recently (can't remember the name!!) but the woman was documenting her experience with TRYING to get pregnant.  She explained how it has effected her life and her state of mind on a daily basis.  Then there is me.  I can get pregnant without a problem and then I talk about how much I HATE being in this state.  I just felt bad for her and a bit like a jerk.  

BUT this is my blog and it is my place to lay out my feelings just like her blog is HER place to lay out her feelings.  I hope she does get pregnant and I hope she has the absolutely most natural, smooth and blissfully radiant pregnancy and delivery, because she deserves it as she has suffered enough.  As for me, I am doing my suffering as we speak- so I'm going to go and get back to it.

I'll keep you abreast of anything new I find out at the Doctors Office.

Hugs and More Hugs,
~jen

Yesterday, Mr.Island and I went through the laborous task of painting our bedroom.  Actually the painting was the easy part.  Unfortunately for us, the previous owners felt it necessary to flock a 'feature wall' with wall paper.  It wasn't the worst wall paper I had ever seen, neither was it the best paper to ever grace a wall.  We should have known something was up when wall paper remover was barely effecting the super glue that adhered it to the wall.  We had soaked the paper until it could be soaked no more and still it wouldn't come off the wall!!  The few pieces we did remove actually started to take the paper layer of the sheet rock off with it.  It appears that due to the fact that the wall paper was applied over primed gyprock it allowed the water to penetrate deeper than it would have with a layer of latex paint in between.  Mr. Island eventually developed a technique involving copious amounts of elbow grease and an 8 inch scraper, that left the majority of the wall intact, sans wall paper.  But what a job!!  We are now left with a wall that will either HAVE to be re-papered or textured with drywall compound.  We are choosing the latter.  We are going to attempt a venetian plaster technique, wish us luck.  We are letting the wall thouroughly dry out before we do it though.  I'll be sure to post pictures when it is all finished, if the rest of the room is any indication- it will look SMASHING!

The color we chose for the room is called 'Calm Air' (by Behr paints) which appears to be almost the color of butter, a muted butter color.  It's so nice and creamy and sure to match whatever future decorating ideas i throw at it. 
One room down, and only 3 more to go...
I'm sure everyone that has ever bought a home has similar redecorating nightmare stories, I for one, would love to hear them.

~jen

Tonight I made something for dinner that I have never attempted before.  Tater Tot Casserole. I read about it last week on Suzoates blog and thought it sounded like it was worth a try.   I made a few changes, Instead of ground beef I used ground Turkey.  Instead of cream of mushroom soup, i used cheddar cheese soup.  I also added carrots and green pepper to the meat mixture. Also, I forgot to put the shredded cheese on top- but with the cheddar soup in there, we really didn't miss it.  Ken said it was the MOST delicious thing I've made in a long time.  Everytime I walked past the dish sitting on the stove I stole another spoonful.  It was really, really dang good; possibly the easiest thing I've cooked too.  It's definitely going to be on our regular menu from now on.

If you have never tried this casserole- you really must give it a go.  It's cheap and easy, just like me (just kidding Mom & Dad!)!

Thanks Suz- it was DEEELISH!

Hugs and Tater tots,

~jen

Some may think that it is impossibl e, but I'm sure it is possible.  I've got the world's MOST UNcomfortable exercise bike. It could be the fact that I paid 10 bucks for it at a second hand store and it's at LEAST 20 years old, but it definitely takes a certain 'technique' to ride.

The seat has a strange lean to it that causes you to slowly 'work' your butt right off the front as you peddal away.  The handle bars are so low that you HAVE to lean forward and put ALL your weight on your arms just to keep yourself on the bike. 
It's more than a stationary bike, it's a torture device.

For some reason i still enjoy riding it.
When I can stay on the seat that is...

~jen

The other night I sat in front of the Tv and ate nearly an entire Honeydew melon.  I love honeydew Melon but recently have started having a weird reaction to it that causes my throat to become so scratchy that it becomes nearly impossible to swallow.  This time was particularly bad so I'm permanently cut off the melons. 
It first happened Many years ago with Cantaloupe.  After mentioning my reaction to a nurse I was told to STOP eating cantaloupe because I was having an allergic reaction.  So I haven't touched cantaloupe for YEARS.  I'm soooo sad that now, Honeydew is now on my list of 'forbidden' fruits as well.

Poo.

Mr. Island has a similar reaction to Almonds.  i love Eating raw and Roasted almonds but he says his throat goes scratchy after he eats them.  Sucks to be him LOL!  Do you have any weird food allergies??  What kinda symptoms to you have?

Hugs & Melons,
~jen

P.s. I just completed a NEW blog header, this time for my Cuz, Rainbowannie.  I think it looks really FUNKY, check it out!  Next in line, is my Sister's blog... it needs H.E.L.P.!!

You have all read about my passion for tea. There is nothing quite like, snuggling up in your favorite chair with a warm mug of tea in your hands.  Recently I have been put on to a new type of tea and it's simply too delicious to not SHARE with you! 

During pregnancy I seem to have an extra high sensitivity to caffine and even the slightest amount will set me off for a complete day.  I've been drinking tea but most of the flavours I prefer lately contain caffine.  But NOT this new one i found!  While perusing the pregnancy Message boards I heard mention of Rooibos tea several times.  It seems that it not only tastes delicious but it has many health benefits too;

As well as being a very tasty and refreshing tea, rooibos has also been shown to be good for your health. It contains no caffeine and is low in tannins which means it is suitable for children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. It also contains no oxalic acid so it is good for people who suffer from kidney stones. It is rich in vitamins, particularly in vitamin C, and contains many minerals including iron, calcium, fluoride, zinc, and magnesium. It is a very good source of anti-oxidants which have been shown to slow the aging process as well as boost the immune system. One of these is the flavonoid quercetin which is an anti-inflammatory and can reduce inflammation in airways as well as preventing the release of histamines meaning that rooibos can be very good in treating asthma and hay fever. Studies in Japan and South Africa have indicated that rooibos tea helps in the relief of nervous tension, headaches, hypertension and insomnia. It has also been shown to relieve stomach cramps and colic in babies. Due to its antibacterial and antifungal qualities, rooibos tea is helpful in the treatment of skin conditions such as excema if brewed and placed directly on the affected area.

The actual kind I've been drinking is Tetley (of course!) and it's been flavoured with Vanilla and a touch of pear.  The flavour is very light and very delicious.  The heavier flavored teas that I've mentioned in previous blogs have started to make me ill (ie:bengal spice) just because there is TOO much flavor and when you are drinking alot and PREGO... well, it's just not a good match anymore.  If you enjoy tea, especailly herbal teas- I know you'll love this one. 

I'm going to go and brew myself a large pot of it and have some lunch too if it fits.

Hugs and Tea,
~jen

My friend Suz recently changed the the image on her blog to a painting that I Did of her Daughter, Elizabeth. 

It's one of the 'cartoony' style pictures that I was doing for a short while.  It features several things that would help her remember Paige (like anyone could forget Paige??).  The red rubber boots, Paige loved her red boots and despite the fact they were 2 sizes too small, she wore them until she had GIANT blisters on her toes.  They loved to play in Elizabeth's Sandbox so I included the pail and shovel near the top.  Last but not least, we live near the ocean so i couldn't resist throwing a few starfish and seaweed in there to complete the 'beach' theme I had goin' on.  I think it's really cute and it looks great hanging on the wall too.  Thank you Suzanne for sharing it!!

Click here to visit her blog, and see the painting... Leave a comment and tell her how cute her daughter is (cause she is!!)  Thanks Guys!

I should go and pop something for this cold before my head explodes.

Take it easy,
~jen

While I was busy having my 'stormy' stomach last week, Paige had a sickness of a different kind.  I'm realizing this now, with my SUPER sore throat and runny nose.  Mr. Island just called home from work with the same funny sounding voice, sniffles and sore throat.  Ick! 

Wouldn't you know it, I get the flu shot last week and THIS week I'm sick.
it's just not fair!

~jen

I really do LOVE it when you actually remember to use a great coupon while grocery shopping and the cashier FORGETS to punch it in.  Not only that but she also KEEPS it. 
I can't tell you how much I love that. 
Can you feel the love??

Hugs & Coupons,

~jen

Recently I was watching the 'Wizard of OZ' with my daughter (for the umteenth time) and a line near the end of the movie, a line that I had never noticed before, really struck a chord with me.   

The Wizard, when handing the tin man his new heart says something like-
"...Remember, A man's heart isn't measured by how much HE LOVES but rather by how much HE IS LOVED."

I thought that it was very profound, and daily, I've been finding several instances where it helps make those tough decisions a little easier to make.

It also is the Moral of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" which is a Christmas holiday Favorite of mine- a MUST watch if you haven't seen it. 
Tonight I watched the Terry Fox episode of "The Greatest Canadian" Series.  That small quote sums up why Terry is a great Canadian and why his heart is deemed with such loving esteem to this very day.

Think about it, and you should start to realize that you are LOVED.  We all are, and there are so many small ways in which we can spread that love around.

Hugs & Love,
~jen

I noticed today that my belly has gotten to a size that won't allow me to reach past my kitchen sink to close my blinds.  I have also had to buy a new pair of SLIP ON shoes so that I don't have to do any unnecessary bending.  Though some would consider shoes very neccessary... When you can't even really SEE your feet, the shoes become a little less important. 
Beleive it or not, I had kinda forgotten about having to deal with 'the belly'.  It's cute right now, but I can see the novelty wearing off in a very short while.

Aaahhh pregnancy, gotta love it.

~jen

I'm so excited this morning!  No, it's not because I'm up at 5 AM... but Mr. Island is coming home!!  He's been away for Emergency response training this week and Paige and I have certainly missed him.  I've already planned on spending the meat of my day finishing up the household chores and getting the house ready for the return of the King to his castle.  I have no idea what time he will be coming home or I would make him a specail dinner.  The special dinner will be a nice thing for tomorrow too I guess. 
Paige has been asking me all week, "Mom, Where's Daddy?" and I keep telling her he's at work, in Maple Ridge.  The other day we were driving on an errand and she asked me, "Mom, are we going to Maple Ridge?"  It kinda broke my heart a little.  She sure misses her Daddy.  I miss him too, that old saying about 'absence making the heart grow fonder' must have some truth to it.

Everyone in the house must be excited because we were all awake early this morning.  Paige had the worst nervous jitters, and I've been battling a very stormy stomach for the last couple days.  I found out last night my Neighbor, Suz, was home with the Flu, so I'm guessing that has been my problem too. Finally I just gave in and came downstairs for something to eat and an hour or two of cartoons (for Paige).  I figure that it will screw up our day less than tossing around in bed all night.  I am sure I had something else I wanted to blog about today... but when i remember it, I'll be back to post it.
Hope everyone is feeling well and Happy!

Hugs. lots of Hugs,
~jen

I'm sure you have been waiting on the edge of your seat for my next blog entry about my daughter Paige.  Here it is.  We've been doing the potty training thing lately, and everything is going great.  We only suffered a few accidents in the first week and nothing since.  Though my daughter has no problem doing #1 on the potty, she claims that she is 'scared of poops'.   What this essentially means is that she waits until bed time when I put a 'pull up' on her and then she fills her drawers.  Talk about frustrating.  She was holding herself all day and recently started complaining about her tummy hurting.  So I took the cue and put a pull up on to releive the poor child of her discomfort. 
What has started to happen lately is this:  She goes into her bedroom, takes off her pants and underwear, pulls on a pull up (the right way!), proceeds to do her 'job' and then runs to tell me, "Mom, I pooped". 
At first I was confused and had to figure out why she was wearing a pull up, how it got there etc.  But now that I know she's doing it herself I am left shaking my head.  I explained to her that it is A HELL of a lot easier to do her 'business' on the potty and it would make me so happy but she doesn't seem to be buying it. 
This morning she came to me moaning, "Mom, my tummy hurts.  I have a Poop headache."  Where does she get this stuff?????

You know, if you were to TRY and train your toddler to take her clothes off, put on her OWN diaper, poop and then REPORT it to you- you'd never succeed.  Kids are crazy.  Smart and crazy.

Hugs and Pull ups,

~Jen

I'd like to wish my Dad a smooth recovery from the eye surgery he had yesterday.  Last night he said it felt like somone had 'boxed' him in the eye.  Take it easy Dad, Enjoy that demerol while you can.

Lots O' Love,
~jen

Has anyone out there even started thinking about Christmas yet?? I know American's traditionally wait until Thankgiving weekend to start their shopping but in Canada thanksgiving has come and GONE. 

Christmas is my favorite time of year... I love the lights, the tinsel, fine chocolate and family.  I also love giving gifts, but I'm the world's WORST gift giver.

I'm always trying to get something the person would USE.  But really Who cares, right?  They may like something frivolous that they couldn't bring themselves to purchase normally.  I'm going to try for more frivolity this year.  My Family has decided to trade names which frees up my time to find JUST the right thing for that one person.  I'm going to have fun with it this year.  Not that it hasn't been fun in the past, just a little hurried and we are usually on a tight budget. 

...and NO i haven't started yet!!  Have you?? 

~jen

My Condolences go out to all the Americans who didn't vote for Bush.  The next four years will be interesting.. and be documented by Micheal Moore no doubt.
You'll all be in my prayers,

~jen

The other day I decided it was finally time to install the fridge lock that I've had for 2 months. 
Paige loves to open the fridge and play with the button that turns the light on and off, as well as turn the 'coldness' knobs.  She seems to love the 'Frozen colder than the Hubs of Hell' setting.  I've lost more produce to frost in my own dang refrigerator than most farmers do in a season.  I didn't realize at first that this was also freezing my insulin which has to be kept in cold storage- this is BAD.  
So the other day, I installed the door lock, exactly as the directions state.  It took me a few tries to get used to having it on the door.  Yes, that will do the trick I thought.
Later that evening I was preparing a bottle of milk for Paige and she came up and said "Mom, I show you!" as I was about to open the fridge door.  She proceeded to push the button on the lock and simultaneously open the bloody door!!  I don't know when she 'cased' the door and figured out how to do it with such a smooth execution.
Damn those genious genes she got from me...

I need a new solution, any suggestions?

Hugs and Grey matter,
~jen

Paige just informed me that she had Licorice up her nose.
  It 'blew' out without a problem. 
One more for the baby book archives.

~jen

Our Halloween day went off without a hitch, well, without any BIG hitches.  Poor Mr.Island had to leave for a week long 'emergency responder' training course in Maple Ridge so he missed most of the fun and frivolity.  He sure was sad to go and I was sad to have to take him to the ferry. At least he had enough time to take Paige Trick or treating which she thought was the *GREATEST* Thing since Dora the explorer was released on DVD. 
"Trick or Treat-ing" is what she'd yell as she knocked on the door.  Too doggone cute!  After she'd had enough of that, we made it down to the neighborhood clubhouse for a Party that was put on my all residents of the community.  There was food, treats and a place for all the kids to get together and for the GRAND finale they let off a TON of fireworks!  British Columbia, the province where I live, is the only place in the world that celebrates Halloween with fireworks.  I wish they didn't because you here fireworks a week in advance and usually a week afterward and it can be terribly unsettling to hear in the middle of the night.  The fireworks were, hands down, Paige's favorite part of the night. All in all,  A really nice shindig. 

Yes, I took pictures- but since my Camera had very little juice left in the batteries- they are few and a little blury.  I'm going to say I did it on purpose to add to the 'spooky' feeling LOL.  Ya right.

After we arrived home, I quickly wrestled Paige into the tub and got all of the candy cleaned from her outsides and her teeth.  Then I came downstairs to make sure the doors were locked.  I realized I forgot to bring in my Pumpkin, so I opened the door and looked out on the bench where I sat him and he was GONE.  Some idiot had taken my punkin!  It was large too... I hope he's doing okay- the pumpkin and not the hoodlum who stole him.  I carved his face to look 'snake like' but Everyone else thought it looked like the grinch.  So it's my Grinch pumpkin- he was cool.  We had TWO large pumpkins to carve but Mr. island's pumpkin got left behind in the hub bub yesterday and it's still sitting on my counter- uncarved.  i should have sat it out on the bench last night, then I wouldn't have had to figure out how to dispose of it.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a fun and Safe Halloween-
I can't wait to see YOUR pictures!

HERE IS MY SLIDESHOW, ENJOY!

Hugs and candy,
~jen