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.


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

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!