Christmas 2006 Photos

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!! We are spending Christmas Day at home this year, and I think I could get used to this! Everything is so relaxed - no rushing around. It's quite nice.

We had our turkey dinner last night, and for my first bird - I have to say it turned out pretty good!! Yum!! Today we're having the leftovers and tomorrow morning we leave for Regina.

2006 has been good to us. The year was busy - but fun!!

In January I was promoted to Specialist at my work, this is an entry level management position and while challenging - I find it to be extremely rewarding as well. I really enjoy each and every one of my co-workers and couldn't have a better work environment.

In May Allan went to a Design/Build studio in Minnedosa where he helped in designing & building a park and developing the school grounds of the local Elementary school, he had a lot of fun on the project and was recognized for his hard work.


While Allan was in Minnedosa, the girls and I spent a week in Regina, had lots of fun!!

Allan spent the summer working in Saskatoon at Stantec - an Architectural firm. He had a great time and learned a lot. His work was even on the front page of the Saskatoon Star Pheonix in November.



Allan came home every weekend in the summer, as well as we had lots of help from his family. Jennifer and Haylee came out for a week, Joan came out for a week and Laura came out for a week. Then Madison spent the last week of the summer in Saskatchewan at Granny & Grandpa's cabin. We couldn't have survived the summer without you guys!!

In September Madison started Kindergarten! She absolutely loves it! Her teacher is wonderful which helps a lot. Madison is already reading about 20 words and can sound out even more.

In November Allan received an extremely large bursary which paid off his Manitoba Student Loan. *phew* What a load off of our shoulders!

Allan also won 3rd place in a Design competition for Barkman Concrete last month.

Annika is doing great - very outgoing and friendly. She loves to sing and surprises us with all of the songs she knows. It seems like she only needs to hear something once to commit it to memory.

We are looking forward to 2007 and what it will bring. Allan graduates this year - which is exciting on its own!

Happy Holidays,

Love Sarah, Allan, Madison and Annika

Saskatoon vs. Winnipeg - Take 1

What $169,000 will buy you in Saskatoon.

Beautiful 1800 sq ft. two storey Open Concept, Kitchen/Dining with island, upgraded kitchen and trim package throughout, 3 bathrooms, professionally finished basement, excellent street appeal.

In a neighbourhood I would want to live in I must add!







What $165,000 will buy you in Winnipeg.

Just move in and enjoy this unique 1 1/2 stry home in River Park South close to all conveniences including schools and parks. Main floor features large living room or could be combination living-dining room, spacious eat in kitchen with oak cabinets plus built in dishwasher, closet and 4 pce ensuite, upstairs, with 2 bedrooms and 4 pce bathroom. Full basement is unfinished and awaits your finishing touches. Extra's include central air, shed, garden area, apple tree, patio area, fenced yard & 2 car parking.

Again, in a neighbourhood I would want to live in.

The Holiday

Last night I went to see The Holiday with Anita and Rebecca.

The movie seemed promising, with a great cast of Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black. It's about two woman who are trying to get over past boyfriends and find themselves in the real world. They decide to switch homes over Christmas in hopes to not feel lonely having nobody to share the holidays with.

The movie was good, it really was. A good tear jerker of a film. However - so many parts just did NOT make sense. Without ruining the film for those who haven't seen it, Olivia and Sophie having their own telephone numbers, really? Staying at his sister's after nights out at the pub a few times a week?? Driving in the car for 3 minutes and then having to run across the town for 30 minutes when you get out??

Maybe I am putting too much thought into what was a good movie. But many parts just did not make sense!

If you see it - let me know what you think!

Jobs, Jobs, Everywhere!

Allan received his second job offer today.

Three months away from being finished with classes, about 9 months away from being finished his Thesis and done with school COMPLETELY and he already has two firms wanting him when he's done.

Thank God the past six years of University have paid off.

Madison's Parent Teacher Interview

Yesterday was Madison's first Parent Teacher Interview. Well, I guess it was Allan and my's first Parent Teacher Interview, not Madison's. But, it was about Madison, and it was great!

She is right on track, if not a bit ahead, with the rest of her class. She can write her name, write all of the letters A-Z and numbers 1-10. She can count to 100 and pick any letter out of the alphabet. She can write about 10 words and can read around 25.

We got to see the things that she has been doing this year in school - wow, what an eye opener! I really am old ROFL!

One thing was the self portrait that they drew of themselves in September. In June they will draw another beside and compare how they've changed in skill, like drawing fingers, etc.

Well - I can remember doing this in Kindergarten MYSELF and now my DAUGHTER is doing it. Wow!

Allan was a bit worried about her shyness but the teacher says she always volunteers answers and asks questions and is very involved with her peers. Daycare has definitely done her a lot of good. When she started Daycare in September 2005 she wouldn't talk to the teachers at all. She would talk to 1 or 2 kids and that was it!

Tuesday is the Christmas Concert - I can't wait!!

Sarah

The Holidays are here!!

We had a weekend full of Christmas parties!!

Friday night was the Children's Christmas Party for Canwest. It was held at the Children's Museum and was a lot of fun. (And a lot of work to organize!!!)
The girls had a blast though, and that's all that mattered!!
Annika got a jumbo Dora and Madison got a My Little Pony and a Littlest Pet Shop set.

Saturday I held a Christmas Party for a bunch of girlfriends from a Mom's group that I am in. We had a lot of great food, drinks and company. We also did a Secret Santa exchange. I recieved a watch, necklace and fuzzy socks!

Sunday Madison had dance and then we took the girls swimming. At first Annika was terrified of the water but she quickly warmed up and was a regular old fish. We're going to go again soon.

We will be in Regina over Christmas, from December 26 to January 3rd. So if you'll be around drop us a line! We'd love to visit.

Sarah

Great Deals for Canucks

I found this really great blog that has tons of freebies and discounts available to Canadians.

Bookmark it and check back often!

http://www.smartcanucks.ca/

Christmas List

Here are our Christmas Wish Lists

Sarah
-Scented Oil Burner from the Body Shop
-Fireside & Marshmellow scented oils from the Body Shop
-Dishes (solid colour, deep purple, black, cranberry)
-Serving dishes (solid colour, deep purple, black, cranberry, hunter green)
-Red toss pillows for couch
-Tassimo coffee maker
-Gift Certiifcates for Rickis, Reitmans, Giselles, Shoe Company, HBC, Sport Chek or The Running Room.
-Angel perfume by Thierry Mugler (Available at The Bay)
-Wicker baskets (medium in size for on top of hall closet)
-Glass dessert bowls
-Martini shaker
-Martini glasses
-Coffee maker with timer
-Baileys Mint Chocolate chip
-Baileys Caramel

Allan
-Battary and Charger for camera (Battary goes into charger and plugs into wall, it's a kit. Our camera is the Kodak EasyShare DX4530)
-Subscription to Landscape Architecture magazine, not to be confused with Landscape Architect.
-Blue and White 3in1 jacket from Superstore, it was something like $59 dollars.
-Pocket watch

Allan and Sarah
-Costco membership
-Water Cooler (especially one that dispences hot and cold water.

Madison
-Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses dolls and accessories. (We bought Princess Genavieve)
-Bratz dolls and accessories
-Build a Bear giftcard
-Disney Princess Monopoly Junior
-Skirts and dresses (Size 6)
-Warm tights
-Pajamas (size 6)
-Makeup
-Lip gloss
-Craft Kits

Annika
-Dora the Explorer Shopping Cart (Toys R Us)
-Anything Dora the Explorer
-Anything Backyardigans
-Colouring books
-Build a Bear giftcard
-Pajamas size 3

Videos

Here are some videos from Madison's dance class.


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Dance Class - Click any image to see full size!

When I grow up ...

I want to be Mommy!!

Madison was dressing up in my jacket and Allan snapped a few pics!

Carving Halloween Pumpkins

A True Princess

Annika was locked in the dungeon this morning. (Well, if a warm, comfortable bedroom full of toys can be considered a dungeon.)

I was woken at 8:00am by Madison shouting "Annika's stuck in her room!"! Not on my top 10 list of ways to be woken up...

The doorknob on the bedroom door had a lock on the back, but it was broken and *really* hard to lock (I couldn't do it without a lot of effort) so we never bothered to take it off. Guess what? Annika's middle name is Houdini. She managed to get it locked and because it's the kind of lock that takes a key, there was no getting that thing open.

Allan convinced Annika to go and sit on her bed. (Far away from the door!) and then used a sledgehammer to get the damn doorknob off. Thankfully the door stayed fully intact. (He was a little too quick at it if you ask me, I wonder if he has any experience in break and enters ......)

Within ten minutes the princess was out of her dungeon and free to sit on her royal throne (the couch) and watch the court jesters (aka The Backyardigans).

Again, not my favourite way to wake up.

Another Weekend Come and Gone!

We had a busy weekend, but a great one!!

Saturday was our 2nd Annual Halloween Party!! I think we had around 15 kids and 7 adults. A little crowded, but a lot of fun!! Unfortunatly I forgot to take pictures, sorry!

The house was full of princesses, tinman, scarecrow, monkey, minnie mouse, spiderman, Mr. Incredible, a unicorn, the list goes on ...

Saturday evening Merina came over to babysit and Allan and I went to Applebees for dinner (mmm!!) and then to see Man of the Year. (Great movie btw- very funny!) After that we went to the LC and bought the new Baileys Mint Chocolate liquor. Wow - sooo good!

Today Madison had dance and then we went to Boo at the Zoo. We've never been before but would definitely go again. Great weather, the lines weren't too long (they had pony rides, a Merry Go'Round, etc.)

All in all, a great weekend!! We're looking forward to Halloween and pumpkin carving tomorrow.

Pepsi Gods - Smile on me ...

I have been entering the Pepsi Giveaway every hour for the past 2 weeks. Well, it feels like every hour!! I think I counted 160 entries so far. I still haven't won (obviously) but am praying the Pepsi Gods will smile down on me and send an Xbox (or even better a 40" HDTV) my way.

www.wineveryhour.ca if you don't know what the heck I'm talking about!

Yesterday I drove to Fargo with 3 girlfriends of mine. We had a blast!! The shopping .. ooh boy, why don't we have some of those stores? (Oh yah - because I'd be bankrupt!)

I think Allan and I are going to go back and do our Christmas shopping there, or maybe just in Grand Forks. The savings are unreal. We planned on getting Annika the Dora van and Dora cash register for Christmas. Well, the van here is $40, at Walmart in Fargo it is $18! The cash register is $60 here and $40 there!! It's insane. The Barbies Madison wants are $29 here and $14.99 there!

So yes - I'll be making another trip down South before Christmas.

I am fighting a nasty cold, as are the girls. We all seem to be losing the battle. Blah. It sucks because we have a busy week ahead of us. No time to be sick!! Saturday is our Halloween Party, and then Allan and I are going out for a date night. Sunday is Boo at the Zoo and of course Tuesday is Halloween.

I have officially started Slimfast. Wish me well! I have a Weight Loss blog, if you're interested send me an email and I'll send you the link.

Ciao,

Sarah

Movie Review

Last night I went to see The Departed. It is an excellent movie - the ending was a bit disappointing, kind of like they thought "wow- this movie is 2 and a half hours long, we better end it quick!" and there were a few scenes that seemed important at the time, but were never brought into the story line again. However, overall I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone.

If you see it - let me know what you think!!

My Wins

I've had a 3 small wins lately .. nothing big, but better than nothing at all!

1- Lipgloss from Lou Lou magazine
2- 2 ringtones from playatmcd.ca

Happy Contesting!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

This afternoon Allan, Annika and I went to Walmart to buy the girls winter wear. I know from experience that if you wait until the first snowfall, all that is left is really big fugly gloves and mis-matched boots.

So, we bought Madison a pair of boots, toque and gloves. (Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses ... this princess would have no other!) and Annika a pair of boots and mitts. (Nothing but Dora for this little explorer!)

Apparantly it was a bad omen - because no less than 2 hours later it was snowing, and snowing HARD!!

At least we're prepared ... though I would be more than happy to see the snow melt and not come back for another month.

Happy Turkey Day

We are leaving for Regina early tomorrow morning. I haven't been to Regina since May, so I am excited to go and see everyone.

Have a *wonderful* Thanksgiving everyone!!

10 Things I am Thankful for ...

1- My family
2- My friends
3- Our health
4- A job that I love
5- Allan being 8 months away from his Masters degree!!
6- Having friends and/or contacts in high (retail) places who get me awesome discounts
7- Finally having the motivation and discipline to lose weight once and for all.
8- A great new season of Grey's Anatomy
9- Wonderful neighbours who do my yardwork
10- Allan being 8 months away from his Masters degree!! (This deserves two spots - it has been a loooong 7 years people!)

Y Neighbours Sale

A month ago, my good friend Anita asked if I wanted to share a table at the Y-Neighbours sale. (A local children's toy and clothing garage sale)

Since I had a basement full of toys and a storage room full of too small clothes - I eagerly agreed.

Unfortunatly the past few weeks have been hectic and stressful, so I didn't have a chance to get everything together until I got home from work last night at 10:00pm.

With only 9 hours before the sale - I was a bit rushed to say the least. However I managed to get a few boxes full of clothes and toys together.

I sat at the sale table for 3 hours this morning - and made over $150.00!!! WOOHOO!!

I am *totally* doing this again in the Spring with all of the too small summer clothes we have.

Thanks for the great idea Anita!!

Now - I must run. I am hosting a Girl's Night tonight and I have 40 minutes to tidy my house!

Canada Contests

A friend told me about the Canada Contests Yahoo Group in August. She had joined in the Spring and was winning contests left right and central. (Movie passes, gift cards, etc.)

So- I figured, what do I have to lose? And registered myself. I receive daily emails of contests going on that are open to Canadians. I downloaded "Roboform" which stores my information and fills out the entries with the click of the mouse.

I spend about 15 minutes a day entering contests .. and I've won twice in the past week.

1- Grill from Quick and Simple Magazine
2- Pet Prize Pack from Modern Dog Magazine (no, I don't have a dog, but my Mom is happy LOL!)

So - I urge you to sign up for this Yahoo Group, it's a great way to win!

Sarah

Try This!!

This is a new recipe that I tried and loved!! Even Allan requested I make it again soon.

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

1 can (19fl oz) stewed tomatoes, undrained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pkg. stove top stuffing for chicken
1 1/2lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized peices
1 tsp. dried basil leaves (we didn't have this)
1 cup mozzzerella cheese shredded
Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400F.

Place tomatoes with liquid in medium bowl. Add garlic and stuffing mix. Stir, just until stuffing mix is moistened. Set aside.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper to season

Place chicken in 13x9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with basil and cheese. Top with stuffing mixture.

Bake 30 min. or until chicken is cooked through

Enjoy!!!

If you try this recipe - let me know what you think!

*GROAN*

Why does something always come up just when you manage to get your loans paid off??

The brakes on the car went today. With no warning either. Sunday they groaned a bit, today they are officially crapped out. They sound *horrible*. Sigh .. off to the car doctor we go.

You're Welcome

I went through the girl's drawers today and took out all of their tank tops, sleeveless shirts, shorts, etc. I didn't put them far, but I wanted to make room for their fall clothes. And since there was frost on the cars the other morning - I think it's time to bring out the sweaters.

So- tomorrow when it is +32 and I have to pull the clothes back down from the top shelf of the closets , you can thank me for the warm weather that Mother Nature threw our way just to spite me.

:P

Ballet/Tap/Jazz

Today was Madison's first dance class of the season. She is going to a new studio, Royal Dance South. It's nice and close and we went to Royal Dance at the Forks her first year of dance and were very pleased with the program.

She is in a ballet/tap/jazz combo class and she just loves it. She is also starting to really develop a taste for music. She always wants her CD player on ... and LOUD!

Her favourite song is Get Your Fash'on by Fannypack. (The jingle from the Old Navy commercial.) It is driving me crazy - but she LOVES it. I will try and get a video of her dancing to it.

Here is a link to the song so you can see what she tortures me with ;)

Click on LISTEN beside FannyPack Fash'On ...

Madison's Favourite Song

Videos

Just a few videos of Madison and Annika taken yesterday.





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Kindergarten Pictures

**Sniff** Madison is now a Kindergartener!!!

Today was Madison's first day of Kindergarten. She went for an hour to meet her teacher and do a few activities.

First, let me say that the classroom is *huge*! I have never seen such a big classroom. The Kindergarten class has it's own hallway, it's own bathrooms outside of the class, as well as two bathrooms inside the class, it's own fenced playground, all for 18 children!

In the classroom they have art centers, tables, a jungle gym, the list goes on. It is very impressive!

Her teacher is very kind and inviting, Madison warmed up to her right away. And those who know Madison, know this isn't always the case. She can be quite shy and reserved.

Madison has two of her closest friends, Kaylyn and Callie, in her class. She also knows about half of the class from daycare or dance.

And, so far so good, she is the only Madison in Kindergarten. There isn't even a Madison in the morning Kindergarten class. There are 3 Sierra's though! (2 in the afternoon, one in the morning.) I had no idea Sierra was such a popular name!

Tomorrow and Friday Madison goes for 1 hour with half of the class, same thing on Monday. Then Tuesday is the first official day.

They have phys. ed three days a week and music twice a week. I am quite impressed :)

Enjoy the photos!!

~Sarah

Annika's First Day!!

Ok, not really, but she was feeling left out that Madison had a big "first day" (those pics are yet to come!) so we took pictures of her before she left for daycare. I think she looks so grown up, definitely older than 27 months!! But she is tall, that's for sure. She's wearing size 3T and size 9 shoes.

Misc. Pictures from September 06

Madison and Annika washing the car. September 4th '06

Daddy came home from Saskatoon and the car was a mess. Madison and Annika decided to help Dad wash the car.

The Devil Wears Prada

Last night I went to see The Devil Wears Prada. I'd been wanting to see the movie since it first hit the theaters but with Allan being out of town all summer, I never got the chance.

Well, when I noticed it had hit the "cheap theaters" I knew it was time, so I called up a friend and we went last night.

Great movie!! I really enjoyed it. The movie is about dealing with a horrible, demanding boss and how your personal life can suffer. How far do you want to go, to get ahead? Being about a high fashion magazine publisher and her assistant, quite a few names were dropped. It was fun to see how many I knew. LOL!! I also walked out of the theater with a need to hit the Magnificent Mile in Chicago LOL!

If you're in the mood for a funny chick flick, check it out!

Trifle

I received this in email, thought I'd throw it on the blog ..

10 LAYERS OF YOU

LAYER ONE:
ON THE OUTSIDE
Name: Sarah
Birth date: June 27th 1982
Current Location: Winnipeg, MB
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Red
Righty or Lefty: Righty
Zodiac Sign: Cancer

LAYER TWO:
ON THE INSIDE
Your Heritage: Welsh and Polish
Your fears: Violence
Your weakness: Chocolate
Your perfect pizza: Meat lovers
Goal you'd like to achieve: Obtain my driver's licence

LAYER THREE:
YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW:
Your thoughts first waking up: Already??
Your best physical feature: My eyes.
Your bedtime: 10ish if I work days, midnight if I work evenings.
Your most missed memory: Being a hop, skip and a jump away from family.

LAYER FOUR:
YOUR PICK:
Pepsi or Coke: Coke
McDonald's or Burger King: McDonald's
Single or group dates: Like both
Adidas or Nike: Nike
Lipton Tea or Nestea: Neither
Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate
Cappuccino or coffee: Cappuccino

LAYER FIVE:
DO YOU?
Cuss: Not often, but yes.
Take a shower: Uh - yah. I prefer long soaks in the tub.
Have a crush: Does my husband count?? Or Mark Ruffalo?? ;)
Like(d) school: Usually.
Believe in yourself: Yes
Think you're a health freak: No.

LAYER SIX:
IN THE PAST MONTH
Drank alcohol: Yes. Had a rye and coke on Friday and Candy Apple martinis the Sunday before that.
Gone to the mall: Yes, to exchange some shoes I bought Madison at Gymboree.
Been on stage: No.
Eaten Sushi: Three times!
Gone skating: Not even in the past year!
Dyed your hair: Nope, not since last Christmas.

LAYER SEVEN:
HAVE YOU EVER
Gotten beaten up: Nope
Changed who you were to fit in: Maybe tweaked ;)

LAYER EIGHT:
GETTING OLD
Age your hoping to be married: I was 18.
Age you plan to retire: 40?? ;) Lets aim for 60.
Where do you want to spend the rest of your life? B.C.

LAYER NINE:
WHAT WERE YOU DOING1 MINUTE AGO: This
1 HOUR AGO: Watching Devil Wears Prada with Rebecca at the theater.
1 WEEK AGO: Missing Allan and Madison, and sleeping.
1 YEAR AGO: Visiting with my MIL Joan, Allan was out of town for University.

LAYER TEN:
FINISH THE SENTENCE
I LOVE: My family.
I FEEL: Content.
I HATE: Bugs.
I HIDE: In the closet when I play hide and seek with Madison.
I MISS: my Mom.
I NEED: to lose 40 pounds.

1 down ... 24 to go!!

I am doing a Christmas Weight Loss Challenge with some friends on a message board I visit. The goal is to stay active, eat well and eat less for the 18 weeks leading up to Christmas.

My personal goal is to lose 25 pounds by December 25th. (To gain them back between Dec. 25 and January 1st I'm sure LOL!!)

Week one has come to an end and I am down 1 pound. My goal for the week was to eat less, and I did.

Now, on to week 2. My goal is to continue eating less and to make healthy choices while I am at it.

So, wish me luck and tune in next Sunday to see how I've done ;)

End of week 1 (17 more to go) total weight loss: 1 pound (24 more to go).

Cheers!!

Ahh .. I sit down at the keyboard with a rye and coke and offer a "Cheers" to everyone who has made it through the summer.

For us it has been ...

60 days of waking up at 5:30am, getting the girls up, dressed and fed, walking them to daycare, walking to the bus stop and making it to work for 8:00am.

60 days of working with the day team at work and the unique frustrations and expectations that brings.

60 days of getting on the bus at 4:30 and anxiously checking the time as the bus crawls through the traffic on Pembina where a three lane highway is cut down to one lane during rush hour for construction.

60 days of getting of the bus, walking to the daycare, picking up the girls and walking home.

60 days of making dinner for two girls who don't eat a bite.

60 days of playing outside after dinner.

60 days of helping the girls learn to ride their bikes.

60 days of cuddling in front of Treehouse TV after bathtime.

60 days of reading bedtime stories to two tired girls who want 'just one more'.

60 days of bedtime hugs and kisses.

60 days of not sharing the bed and sprawling out each night.

Ahh .. summer has come to an end. It is September 1st.

What a challenging, yet wonderful summer it has been!!!!

Cheers!