Run for the Cure 2011

Today I participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer run for a cure. It was the first time I had done something like this and when I was approached by my co-worker to join I jumped on the opportunity. We walked the 5 kms and it was a beautiful day. Our team was called the Cameco YellowCUPcakes and we raised $4500.00.

I am fortunate that I have not lost someone close to me due to breast cancer, but this cause does have a special connection to me as Mark's aunt was diagnosed this year. She has completed her last treatment, and even though it was an aggressive cancer and had spread to her liver, her diagosis is very good. I am sure if this was 5 or 10 years ago, she may not have been so lucky. But due to extensive research I believe she has been given a second chance.

It was overwhelming all the people who came out to this event. I even got teary eyed when we started. Surprise surprise - Mrs. Emotional.

It was awesome, close to the finish line I was greeted by Mark, Karter and Juice who walked the last bit with us.

Thanks to everyone who supported me in participating in this very important cause.

The Lake

Our area is surrounded by the most beautiful walking paths and we are one block away from the lake. Our family loves going there. Especially at this time of year when the geese and ducks are swimming around before their journey down south. Here are some pics of our walk today to feed the birds.

If a Tree falls in the Forest ... Does anybody Hear

We just got back from holidays and had an awesome time. The first two nights we headed out to Turtle Lake to Mark's brothers cabin. It was awesome. The weather was perfect, days filled with family, Karter was happy and Juice was very well behaved. We went tubing all day, made bushpies over the camp fire, and Karter got to go for a couple quad rides.

On the last night we were woken up by hail. We looked outside and the lightning and thunder was insane. It honestly looked like a strobe light. Then the power shut off. The winds were intense and the hail was extremely loud as we were staying in the loft. All I could think of was pictures I had seen on facebook of previous storms this summer and the damage caused by fallen down trees. I kept praying "please don't let a tree fall on the cabin". I hate storms to begin with and to be staying in the loft and all the kids on the top floor as well did not help my anxiety.

Well, trees did fall, all around us. Funny thing is that we did not even hear them fall. I think the intense hail and thunder had something to do with it.

Pictures are of what we woke up to the next day. The neighbor had a tree fall on his truck and cabin. Behind Blain's cabin there were numerous trees on the ground.

Just thankful no one was hurt. We drove by one cabin and their car had a tree right down the middle of it. We talked to a lady that said the cabin owner told their son to get out of bed and move to the front of the cabin and as soon as he did a tree fell on their bedroom.

New Sandbox

After a lot of work by Daddy and a lot of sand the new sandbox is now complete. Karter is so smitten with it and I think Mark is enjoying it just as much.

Now Karter just needs some friends to come over and play.

Where's Karter

I consider myself to be a protective parent. Karter is 2.5 years old and I find when he is in my care I am pretty much by his side. I will leave his side only for a short second and just prefer to have him in visual distance from me.

This weekend we had a 60th birthday party for one of Marks uncles and there was a lot of relatives in town. Today we went over to Marks parents house for brunch and I was exhausted and decided a rest on the couch was necessary. Not sleeping but just relaxing. Karter was downstairs playing with his cousins and would pop up occationally to say hi. He even asked me to come down and play but I was just too tired.

I was sitting there for awhile and decided I should go check on him. I started upstairs but no Karter. Went downstairs and the kids said he was not down there. I started calling his name louder and louder. I could feel panic setting in. I rushed upstairs and informed Mark that Karter was missing. We checked the house again and nothing. I ran outside and was shouting his name. I was scared. Others started helping us look. Marks parents house is four houses in from a busy street. He does not know how to cross the street by himself.

Thankfully - our search ended soon. Karter was in their backyard by himself picking dandilions. He must have just walked out the front door all by himself and no one noticed. Daddy gave him a stern talking to.

I found it to be a wake up call that he has no problems leaving the house by himself and am just thankful he did not go far.

Daycare Week 1 a Success

Ok - I promise this is my last post about daycare for awhile. I am just so thrilled about Bonnie I have to share my excitement.

Karter loves to pick dandilions and give them to me. More often then not when he was at his old daycare he would pick dandilions and hold them in his hand until I got home from work and then he would be so excited to give them to me. I Love getting flowers from Karter - even if they are squished and shrivelled from being in his palm for who knows how long. He has continued his flower picking at Bonnie's house. BUT - today when he gave them to me they were in a ziploc bag. When Mark picked him up she handed the bag to him. She said that she felt bad for him bc he would be holding the flowers for a long time and would only have one hand to play with. Point being - she pays attention to Karter.

Today she took the kids to the school by her house. I am not really sure what the program is but the kids do crafts once a week and he also played soccer in the school. Again - I just love how she takes the kids places.

On another note - I am truly enjoying the 2.5 year stage. Karter impresses me daily with his vocabulary. He is in the "what is this for" stage. I really like explaining things to my inquisitive son. The other day he picked up my bra and asked "Mommy - what this for"? My reply - "It is to help Mommy's fight against gravity".

Daycare Day 2

Karter had another successful day at daycare. His day included a walk to McDonalds for lunch and a play in their indoor playground, then they went to Extra Foods and got an ice cream sandwich for dessert, then they walked to the library where they read some books and checked some out to take home to read. I LOVE how she takes the kids out and about. I think it will really help Karter open up and become more familiar with socializing in public and the proper way to act.

One thing Karter will have to get use to is the walking though. We always take him in a stroller or wagon. Bonnie said he decided he was done with walking yesterday and she turned around and he was sitting on the sidewalk. So he got to ride in the stroller the rest of the way home.