Snow Day

Today I awoke to the sound of tires spinning and shovelling in our complex. I could not believe all the vehicles that were stuck, I could go from window to window and see stranded cars. As the day progressed, I enjoyed watching my neighbors come out of their houses to help everyone out. I even helped my neighbor when Karter was sleeping. In return, he helped me shovel out my empty parking stall that was buried in snow. I really felt a sense of community today as everyone was helping each other. Then the bobcats came out and all the commotion subsided.

Until ... I looked out the window and noticed the bobcat was piling all snow on my recently shovelled parking stall. I was livid. By this point my stall had snow packed higher than my vehicle. I went out and told the bobcat man that he was putting all the snow in my stall. Which I do not understand bc it was the only shovelled stall in the complex. He said that he was just putting it where he could and did not know when it would be removed. So ... I will be phoning the condo board tomorrow. It just ticks me off that we pay these guys in our condo fees to remove it and that I also paid for my parking stall. Also, if Mark was home one of us would have no where to park.

So ... for now I will watch the neighbor kids use my parking stall as a tobogganing hill. On the flip side, maybe tomorrow Karter and I will go tobogganing. Lol.

I have included two pictures. The top one is of everyone helping each other out. Notice in the bottom left corner my shovelled parking stall. And now the tobogganing hill.

It's a Girl

Mark and I are pleased to announce the newest addition to our family. We have decided to sponsor a child through Plan Canada. Her name is Rubiela and I think she is beautiful. She is two years old and lives in Yalaguina, Madriz. Some interesting facts about her family/community: Her father is a street hawker (travels around selling items) and her mother is a housewife. They live in an adobe (brick) house with a metal roof. Their family obtains water from an open community well ONE km away from their home!! Most wells are not hygenic. They share toilet facilities with their neighbors and relatives and the nearest health facility is two hours away.

Mark has always wanted to sponsor a child. I like the fact that we can help a child live a life where her basic needs can be met, including food, water, health care, and an education. I also like the impact this could have on Karter, growing up and exchanging letters with her. I think this is a good life lesson. I was a bit skeptical at first, wondering how much of our donation will really reach her. But, being the accountant that I am, I reviewed their audited financial statements and annual report. Approximately 80% of our contributions go to the children. Oh, and it is a tax write off. Lol. I am such a dorky accountant.

In deciding what child to sponsor, I chose a community where it was needed most. In Madriz, child sexual exploitation among girls is very common and there is a high degree of poverty and malnutrition.

On a person note, I really wanted to sponsor a girl. Just because if Mark and I are not blessed with a girl of our own, we still have Rubiela. I am very excited to start writing her letters and sending her pictures. I want to send pics of our family, the snow, maybe Mark will slip in a picture of the Roughriders. Lol.

Happy New Years!!

I remember when New Years used to be such an important event in my social calendar. Where to go? What to wear? Who will be there?

This New Years, I am sitting at home alone, Karter is sound asleep, and I am watching the World Junior hockey game. And you know what, I could not be more content. I am warm, snuggling on the couch with my Ryder, and will wake up with no hangover. Love it... Obviously it would be better if Mark was here.

Today I have been reflecting on what a wonderful year it has been. The birth of our beautiful son. I never could have imagined the true joy and love this little man has brought to our lives. I am so thankful for a wonderful fiance. Not only does he treat me with the utmost respect and love, I could not have asked for a better father for our son. Additional hightlights this year include getting to know my future in-laws better, I feel very fortunate for having such a wonderful and loving family-to-be. I also enjoyed spending time with great friends and the little boys club. Yes, I have a great life.

Oh, and Canada won in a shoot out!! So intense.

Engaged!!!

I am truly happy to be writing this post. Mark and I got engaged on our anniversary, December 26th. It was an ordinary day for us, and I wanted to go for drinks for our anniversary. We decided to go to Maguires, where we met. I truly had no idea that he would get down on one knee at the bar. It was a great surprise. His family met us afterwards for some drinks and we celebrated our engagement.

The last couple of days have been great sharing our news with friends and family and feeling the overwhelming support. Mark's niece and nephews even made us congratulation cards.

I feel very blessed to be getting married to the man of my dreams and spending a wonderful life together.

We are working on a date ... hopefully some time in September!!

Grandma's China

About four years ago my mom and Grandma lived with me. My Grandma had a beautiful set of china that she received when she got married, which we displayed in the house. I was honored when she wanted me to have them!! I thought this would be a great heirloom that I could give to my daughter one day.

Well ... when I moved to Saskatoon Grandma's china went missing. The last couple months I have been sifting through all the boxes in our basement. I was truly sad when I did not find these treasured heirlooms. Not sure what could have happened to them I kept replaying the move that took place three years ago. Did the movers lose these boxes, did I accidently donate them? I was so sad as these dishes hold a lot of sentimental value to me, especially since my Grandmother past away this year.

Tonight I was going through the last section of the basement and came across two unopened boxes. OMG, I screamed in delight when I opened the first one and realized it was the long lost china.

I am so excited for the day we move into a new house and I can display these beautiful dishes that remind me of my sweet Grandma.

These Boots are Made for Walking

Today I dropped Karter off at Mark's parents house and headed out for some Christmas shopping. Well my little man must have been pretty excited to see me when I returned. He was standing at the edge of the couch, and took two steps (unassisted) into my arms!! I was so proud of him. Who knows, maybe Grandma is right and he will be walking by Christmas!!

Daycare Day 1 - Success

I woke up this morning and thought to myself today is the day. How did it come so quickly, it seems like yesterday Mark and I finalized our daycare.

On the drive over it really sunk in, and emotions took over and I started crying. But this soon stopped as I got lost. Like seriously, I think I need a GPS. Anyway, we arrived and as Kathy greeted us my anxiety and sadness was calmed. We chatted for a bit then it was time for me to go. Kathy said give mom a kiss, and I started crying again. Like seriously, I cry way too easy these days.

So, I filled my day with an eye exam and picking out new glasses, as well as strolling through the mall. I thought about Karter a lot. I knew he was in good hands, but just hoped that he was happy and having fun. I wanted to call, but Mark reassured me that if there was a problem Kathy would call. So I DID NOT call, so proud of myself.

The anticipation was killing me as I drove to pick Karter up. I DID NOT get lost this time. I was greeted by a happy little boy. Kathy said everything went well, really well. And I could tell she was being sincere. She said he only cried for 5 minutes when she put him to bed, he loved playing with the toys and that he is a good eater. I felt so proud of my little man!! The funny thing was that when I was putting his jacket on, he didn`t want me, he wanted Kathy. She held him as I put on my shoes, and he just stared at her and smiled. Like, Hello, I only left you for 4 hours, you can`t fall in love with your babysitter that quickly. Lol, it was really great to see he is smitten for her.

So we will continue daycare once a week in December. It works out really well because Kathy has no kids on Tuesdays so she can focus on Karter. Then in January we can mix him in with the other kids.

All in all a successful day!!