*Bliss*

Good morning Blog readers,

So. Here we are. In the stunned, worn out, holiday void between christmas and new years eve. For me, 'worn out' is an understatement. I am actually brutally ill. Too much craziness, too little sleep = upper respiratory infection, breathing tube infection and a left lung that 'doesn't sound good'. :( So it looks like I will ring in the new year in a drug induced, hacking, wheezing, feverish stupor....waiting for the antibiotics to kick in and kill these germs! I can't say I am all that sad. It is kind of nice to have a great excuse to not have to suck it up and find one last burst of energy just because it's 'New Years Eve'. I'm thinking some Thai take-out, popcorn and maybe the new Harry Potter with my favorite people is just the thing I need this year. Can't say I'm evening planning on seeing midnight. Sounds perfect, don't you think?!

I have to say, though, even being sick now, it was so worth it. 'It' being the christmas craziness of course. What a wonderful time we had. How lucky, blessed, spoiled I am to be surrounded by such beautiful people in my life. Even better?! The most 'beautiful' of said people? My own kids! How I marvel what fantastic little beings they are each and every day. While another year slips away, and I brush tears aside remembering what stages and memories are coming to a close with it, I can't help but smile, beam even, over the FUN, LOVE, LAUGHTER we have shared. To make such memories with such wonderful people is pure bliss.

MADISON - Girl, you ROCK. I am so proud of the lovely young lady you are becoming. Your thoughtfulness, humor, and huge heart are an inspiration to me everyday. You see, and appreciate, the little things. You take risks and challenge yourself. You are a great big sister AND great friend. I love your inquisitive mind, the fact that you question things, your zest for reading. I think it's great how you love to play games, and look forward to playing many more with you. So often I look at you and think, WOW, are you SMART. Continue to be you. To grow in, learn from and question the world around you. You are beautiful, inside and out and I couldn't ask for a more awesome daughter. 'To the Moon and Back' XO

LAUREN - My favorite 6 year old. You are the coolest little being. I love and admire how you take on life, 100%. My heart swells to hear and see what a thoughtful, helpful, kind person you are becoming. You have such a tough shell...who would know what a gooey center was inside?! Man are you a super cuddler! I am so proud of how hard you try at everything, even if you find it a challenge. That's an admirable asset. You are awesome at being the middle child. Such a great little sister AND a great big sister. Good job. You are fun, loving and add humor to every day. Keep on attacking life with such vigor, you will reap the rewards. 'As Big as a Mountain' XO

LANE - Dude, what a cool little man you are. 2 years old and so, SO smart. I marvel at your vocabulary and skills. Wow, are you learning a lot from your big sisters. They, too, learn a lot from you. You are an awesome baby brother, and so adored by the whole household. Your curiosity is contagious. Your memory amazing. I know I enjoy reading to, and teaching you, as much as you enjoy soaking it up. You are so FUNNY for a little guy. You just get it. That's awesome. I love that you have introduced 'big trucks' 'monsters' and 'tools' to our world; it is better for it. Continue thriving, wee man, you have only just begun. 'To Infinity and Beyond' XO

So, goodbye 2010. You have been good to us. We have blossomed in so many ways. We are so lucky and honored to be surrounded by such amazing people in our lives. To share, grow and experience this life together. I know I have it good. I know I am blessed. I am truly humbled.

Bring on 2011! Onwards and upwards.

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal

The broken finger incident....

Hello!

So...I have had a lot of inquiries about my broken finger. Yup, that's right, for those of you just finding out, I broke my finger. How would I sum it up? I'd have to say draining. About 24 hours following the actually incident and all the drama that followed, I was totally wiped out. (and, no, it wasn't just the pain killers!) Here's what happened....

*Disclaimer! It turned into a really LONG story...my apologies!*

I had all three kids in the van and was rushing off to the grocery store. (Note - I don't think we ever head anywhere NOT rushing) I was dressed for work, and had little more than an hour to grab something for Brad and the kiddies to have for dinner, pick him up from work, drop them all off and get to work myself. Not really a bad time frame under normal circumstances...as I said, I'm used to rushing! As leaped in the van myself I simultaneously went to close the door with my left hand and put my seat belt on with my right. Well, the seat belt got stuck. So I let go of the door and grabbed the belt near the top with that hand, giving it a good yank. As quick as a flash the seat belt let go, my hand (with thumb and first two fingers gripping belt and second two sticking out) shot up and out the door, and the door, which apparently was still slamming shut, did so on my ring finger. Wait....give me a moment....deep breaths....deep breaths.....! Okay. Obviously I instantly exclaimed (no profanities, I'm proud to say), opened the door, looked at my finger and almost vomited. Tears sprung to my eyes as my kids asked in worried voices 'what's wrong Mama?'. Said finger was bent backwards and to the side at almost a 90 degree angle. My first thought you ask? Funnily enough it was 'I don't think I can work'! I told the kids to stay put, hopped out of the van, my hand held up and to the side because looking at it made it so much worse. Quickly I ran inside, grabbed a bag of ice, a baggie and called work. My stoic calm evaded me upon having to say (sob) out loud 'I can't come to work, I think my finger is broken....(more gasping sobs)....it's CROOKED!' That dealt with I returned to the van, more composed, but tears still streaming, and asked Madison to 'put some ice in the baggie for me please'. She had the best view from the front seat and looked at me, quite pale herself, and said 'But Mama, where are we going? Your finger is crooked!'. To which I calmly replied 'Yes, I know honey, but we have to pick up Daddy'.

Needless to say, upon seeing Brad, any calm demeanor I was clinging to flew right out the window. I held up my hand and sobbed. He jumped out of the truck he had just pulled up in, looked at my finger and got me in the van, heading off to seek treatment. (I will mention our friend Brant offered, with a barely concealed grin, to straighten it for me, to which I declined in horror) We dashed off, me crying, Brad driving, Madison texting (upon my request) my Mom to let her know they (the kids) were on their way. By now the finger was basically numb, kind of pulsing, but nothing too terrible. Any time I looked at it, it brought on fresh tears though.

So, with kids dropped off, we headed for a walk in clinic. (Not until after Brad mentioned he was starving and hinted at stopping for food though! Needless to say, without so much as a word, we kept on towards the clinic!) Upon getting in to see the doctor he asked 'So what happened?' I told him and held up my hand for him to see. Do you know what he did?! Without a word of warning?! He grabbed it...and STRAIGHTENED it!!! Oh man did I cry, and scream, and cry. I'm pretty sure the words 'I'd rather have another baby than THIS!' escaped my mouth. lol After binding (more tears and whimpers) it to part of a tongue depressor, he sent us of to the ER. Cause guess what?! Not only was it certainly broken, he thought the tendon was off. Oh goodie.

Now we found ourselves at the Royal Jubilee ER. About 5:30 at night. With no hope of being there less than 3 hours. (It ended up being 5) :S Brad dropped me off and went to fill the T3 prescription from the first doctor for me and grab something to eat. After being admitted, and watching/listening to all the stories and characters only the ER seems to attract, I took a seat to wait. And wait, and wait, and wait. Happily Brad returned with the pills and I slept on his shoulder for part of it! Finally we were brought through the doors....to wait some more. Totally tricky. After being called into a room to see a nurse and tell my story again, we were sent to X-ray. Guess what I did there?! Yup...waited some more. By now my Mom was with me, since she and Brad had swapped jobs so the kids could get home to bed. Being a total Mom and seeing how I was starting to hurt again, but how loopy I was after the first round of pills, she went to get me a sub. After my X-rays, I again waited. What a group of people there were there! One old, likely homeless man kept asking for rolling papers claiming 'this place would be SO much better if we just got high'! Another young mom of a 2 year old kept yelling at the same man to 'stop talking to my son'! Ahh....good times. Finally! I saw the doctor. Guess what he did?! Unwrapped my finger while I stood there, in front of everyone and cried again! He then started trying on various splints....yes, as I continued to cry. Yes, still standing beside waiting room, in front of everyone. Eventually it was splinted and taped and he took me to see the X-rays. Want to know the good news he had for me?! He thought I may need surgery(!) and a pin(!) to put it back together properly, and was sending me to a plastic surgeon in the morning. Fack!

Round three. Next morning. Plastic surgeon's office. After more waiting, more X-rays and another drug induced nap in the waiting room, I saw the surgeon. Who had good news! The bones were lined up as good as he'd hope to get them with a pin! Prognosis? 3 weeks in a splint (awkward, but doable) then one more visit to him after 4 weeks. If all has gone well I should be good to go. Maybe with a little physio to regain mobility.

Whew! There you have it. Sorry it was an absurdly long story.

Smiles, be well,

(Mallet finger!) Crystal

Coyote Ugly.....Toddler Style...

Morning Blog readers!

Guess what? Wait for it.....! I have sick kids! Yup. Again. With 3 (notice I am kindly not including the hubby) it seems there isn't a lot of time between bugs. Add in this super hectic, extra activity, energy, angst time of year and consider yourself weakened. Especially if your 'self' is wee. It started with my 6 year old. Runny nose, mild fever, cough, sore throat. She is on day 3 home from school. (Although this morning she tried to INSIST she was okay to go. While simultaneously gasping she was going to throw up and coughing up a lung...very effective! lol) Saw the doctor last night. Been swabbed for strep. Fun times. :S Now, though, it has become worse. Little man is sick. Poor, 30 pound, 2 year old Laney Bug. :( Toddler sickness TRULY sucks. So far his, too, is the head cold kind. Not too bad you say? Hmmmm....maybe you should sleep over. He is too young for decongestants, to young to stay propped up on pillows to keep his head elevated, too young to even blow his nose properly. So guess where that leaves us? (and I do mean US literally) Together in MY bed, (snoring hubby is there too....but he probably couldn't tell you which two kids are sick if pressed), propped up on MY pillows, in the crook of MY arm while I keep a constant vigilance to keep his head elevated. Throw in the occasional boob fondling (Lane, not hubby!) and you can imagine I'm not sleeping much! Hey...while we have the 'boob' thing out there...what is with my now 2 year old's new found obsession with my boobs?! He has been weaned for a year, but is intent on slipping a hand down my shirt whenever he gets close enough to. He actually has SAID, while coming into my bed on some other wakeful night 'Me hold boobie....please'!!! Seriously?! But that is a whole other topic...lol. So, this morning found me slipping said arm out from under poor sickie #2, ever so carefully, covering him up, fluffing the pillows upright and creeping out of the room. Hoping to buy some time to get Madison off to school, Lauren settled on the couch and at least one cup of coffee into me before my day starts being dictated by my sick toddler. Should be a long one!

On the up side? Two out of five isn't THAT bad. Keep your fingers crossed that the germ spreading stays minimal!

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal

A much needed battery recharging....

Morning readers!

First of all, please excuse any typos in this post. I am typing with a broken ring finger (a whole other blog!) and while I try to catch them....some do get by. :)

So....12 days 'til Chirstmas?! Yup. Wow. I sure feel out of it this year. Thus far we have no tree, no decor, no gifts. Yikes. I feel so much worse seeing it in type! Today IS the day it's coming to an end though. Lights are going up, decorations are out, going to buy a tree. Even have a baking/crafting date this afternoon with my cousin and her son. I'm also going to find our christmas dishes! So soon, my dear children, we will be feeling festive. Sorry 'bout my lack of enthusiasm to date. :S

Why? You ask? I think it's a combination of being drained, over whelmed, stressed and having a conflicting work schedule with Brad where 5 days a week we literally high-five mid day as one of us gets home and one heads out. Then through in dance, homework and day to day chores.....you get it, right?!

In the past week, though, we have been lucky enough to have not one, but TWO, perfect, re-charging evenings. No kids, no work, no chores. Just us, and some much loved adults in our lives. It sure helps put things in perspective and to feel in tune with your partner again. More appreciative.

Lovely evening number one saw us out to dinner with some dear friends we have made since moving to Victoria. It was filled with great food, great wine and great conversation (minus the iPhone googling of a couple nauseating phrases). A 3 hour check-out of day-to-day craziness, kids (we have 7! between us) and work. Of course, we talked about our kids, day-to-day craziness and work....but in the silence and calm of a candlelit restaurant. No 'Mommy' 'Daddy' 'No' 'Why' 'It wasn't me' or other random shrieks, screams or whines. Bliss. We came home happy, full, slightly drunk(!) and recharged. Content. Thank you, dear friends.

Lovely evening number two was a birthday party. A 'Party Like a Rockstar' birthday party. Where we left Brad and Crystal behind and attended as 'Brett Michaels' and 'Lady Gaga'. We joined a group of friends who have been part of my life for going on 15 years and Brad's since we have been together. Surrogate family for sure. A great time; ALWAYS! My awesome Mom took the kids to her house overnight. So we had a fantastic time dancing, eating, drinking until the wee hours of the morning. Then got to come home to an empty house (we still tip toed and shushed each other, it is such a foreign situation!) AND slept in. Not even just a little bit, as we feared might happen as we are so used to being early risers after 9 years of parenthood, but until after 11 o'clock!!!! Wow. What a treat. What a great way to feel re-connected. To remember why we are living the life we are in the first place. Thank you surrogate family and Mom. It was perfect.

So, now, I go into this week leading up to the holidays happy and healthy. Ready to decorate, bake and shop. Re-charged. Re-invested. All thanks to those special people in my life. I love you all.


~Happy Holidays~


Smiles, be well, Crystal

'Tis the season......

Hello Lovelies,

Well, it has been awhile. I'm sorry about that. I seem to have all these thoughts go through my head of what I intend to blog about while I am driving or falling asleep, but they are all but gone when I find a chance to sit at the computer.

I have had a lot on my head lately. This time of year is such a win/lose time for me. I LOVE christmas. My kids' excitement, visiting with family and friends, the beautiful decorations and, of course, the baking. Even though it all sounds wonderful, I do find it stressful too. Mainly financially. Don't get me wrong, we are not the 'over the top' foolish spenders. We don't spend what we don't have, and certainly don't purchase gifts on credit. I can only imagine what sort of stress it would add to open all those credit card bills in January! Thanks, but no thanks. We do have 3 kids though, and of course I want to see them light up when they discover Santa DID know what they were thinking. Obviously, it adds up though. My family does an 'adult draw' where each adult draws another's name and buy's a gift (within a limit) for them. I like that idea, and it seems to work well and provokes thoughtful gifts. So, even though I feel I am in control of what we spend, it is still and unavoidable cost to an already tight budget. Of course, it is going to happen. We will manage. We always do. Just wish it could be complete enjoyment for once, without all the annoying 'real life' issues spoiling it!

On another note.....a person can't stay stressed long when they are blessed with 3 amazing kids. I fall in love with them all over again on a daily basis. To have Lane randomly shout out 'love you Mama' or say 'hug me' or 'cuddle me' at any given time throughout the day makes my heart swell and melt. To see what a thoughtful, kind, confident and beautiful young woman Madison is becoming brings me such pride. Lauren becoming such her own person, a blossoming student and good friend to so many is about as good as it gets. To have them all scramble for a blanket and pillow and cram themselves on the loveseat with Brad and I for 'family movie night', leaving the larger couch empty fills me with such contentment and joy it makes life's little stress' seem pretty insignificant. After all, they, WE are life. All that matters. All that we need.

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal

Just a BAD day.....

We all have them, right? A plain old, miserable, terrible day? I hope so. I'd hate to think it was all me. That might point to more deeper issues than I care to acknowledge.....! I had one of those days yesterday. Woke up pissy. A few miss guided comments on my other half's part.....and BAM! That was it. I was angry. Then just mad. Then resentful. Then sad. Spent the morning feeling totally incapable of coping. Not caring to even try to cope. Just wanted to lay down and weep. Of course, upon calling my Mom, who can HEAR such drama in my voice, I was asked what was wrong. I barely got off the phone with her before the floodgates parted. Oh how I cried. Gradually I got myself together. A well timed texted picture of a sticky, smiling sweetheart helped. Couldn't resist laughing out loud. Even after the flood slowed....it didn't take much to start up again. Lane was just being typical, almost 2 year old him, but it was almost unbearable. He didn't want to be changed, didn't want to get dressed, didn't want to eat anything I made him. All of which brought on more tears. Poor kid. He must have wondered if I was losing my mind. I wondered if I was losing my mind. By lunch time I was more worn out than anything. Didn't have the energy to feel anymore. Just didn't care. Put Lane down for a nap after lunch and promptly fell asleep on the couch....crying headache thudding away. The afternoon was definitely better. Went to the school for the girls, sat in the sunshine and enjoyed the warmth for awhile, then brought them home for Nutella Crepes as an after school treat. No one could not smile watching them enjoy those! Again, they probably thought I was losing my mind letting them have Nutella, but they weren't going to question it! My afternoon nap restored some of my spent energy, so I was able to pick up said other half with a proper dose of attitude again. I think he was pretty wary of me, and glad to be dropped off and see me drive away to work! The mindlessness of making coffee, cleaning the store and chatting with customers restored me to my usual cheery self, bringing me back to a decent mindframe. Still. The day sucked. Whew. Hope those are far and few between! What a BAD day.

Smiles (today again), Be well,

Crystal

Ahhh......Autumn.....

Happy Rainy Friday,

Well, it's the second day of Autumn. While I do lament the end of hot lazy days spent in little else than a bathing suit and flip flops, I am still ready to embrace the current season upon us. I feel more motivated. More alive. More into doing what has been put off while we swam, BBQ'd, camped, traveled, built sandcastles and blended drinks. Time to put the sandals away. Vacuum the sand out of the van. Add another blanket to the kids beds. Time for scheduling and organizing. Time to bake and use the slow cooker. Time to think of Thanksgiving.....and all I have to be thankful for. Speaking of Thanksgiving, I am hosting my family's dinner at our house this year. I cannot wait. I so enjoy spending time with my wacky relatives. It is always a good time. Full of laughs and good food, games and such fun! So far I am expecting around 20.....so I will have a houseful, to say the least! With so many people ranging from 2-77, I am trying to think of something fun we could all do together. Perhaps a neighborhood scavenger hunt. I planned one before during a family reunion/wedding celebration/75 birthday party, and it was a hoot. I will keep you posted on what I come up with.

Well, I'm off to organize the girls' room. Add those blankets I mentioned! Oh, and laundry.....ALWAYS laundry!

Enjoy your Friday everyone.

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal

Sometimes I just have to ask myself 'why?'!

Good morning!

Thought I'd try to sit for a moment if I can, (you will get why I may not be able to shortly), and jot down a new post. Twice now, this week, I've had added two extra kids to our midst. A friend asked me a favor and I quickly responded yes. Didn't really think it through. Not that I would have said 'no' even with more time to think....but I probably would have come into it with the proper amount of apprehension! All that ran through my mind in a matter of seconds was 'my girls will be at school, my van sits 7 for pickup/dropoff, Lane is bored without the girls so will enjoy playmates and as long as we are around the house for his naps, all should be fine'. Well, that IS basically it. Except I forgot Monday was a Pro D Day. So I had all 5 ALL DAY. :S It wasn't exactly hard....just BUSY! Yes, the more playmates, the merrier, I tend to figure. I didn't really take into account that more playmates also means more mess, more food to prepare, more fights to subdue, more whines, more screams, more trips to the toilet, more buckles to buckle, not enough room beside or on me for 5 and generally lots more chaos! All in all though, it went pretty well. I slept like a baby myself that night, but no real complaints. I am currently 1 hour into day 2. Minus my girls. So far they have thrown blocks (which are still everywhere), dropped stuffies from the second floor landing down to the basement, played tambourine (god help me!), 'cleaned' a TV with wipes, played trucks (including the one that turns on and honks), had a snack and drink, chased each other, tickled each other, jumped on the couch and argued about what and when to clean up. They are here until 5. My girls join us at 3. Only 1 will nap. HELP! Did I mention I get to go to my actual job tonight at 5:30? Yup, that's right. Plus I will have dinner on for Brad and the girls, since he has to go to 'Meet the Teacher Night'. I may lose my mind. Check back later to find out!

With a forced smile, I bid you farewell,

Crystal

Back to school, back to routine......back to the blog?

Happy Wednesday morning all! It's me! Do you kinda remember me? I know I've been negligent. I'm back. I'm trying. Okay? Stick with me!

I'm thinking it is going to be easier to commit to blogging now that we are settling into the routine of fall. It helps that 2 out of 3 kids are out of the house full days now too, and my youngest is developing (cross your fingers!) a small interest in TV that is buying me a few minutes here and there. So here I go! :)

As I mentioned, we are back at school. Grade 1 and grade 4. FULL days! Yippee! So far, so good. Both girls love it and are sad when it's a weekend. Yes, I know it is only day 7....but I can dream, can't I?! Lane is feeling a little lost left in the wake of his sisters commotion. I'm finding myself having to entertain him a whole lot more than when they are around. I can't complain though. Who isn't happy when simple games of 'animals' and 'cars' make him light up? Or to have a baking helper who isn't throwing out elbows to their nearest sibling and insisting it's THEIR turn to stir/add/measure. Pretty easy. Pretty peaceful. He may be my current favorite. ;)

Not that I want to pick favorites....but while I'm on the subject you should have seen the morning I had with Madison. It was epic. Not is a good way either. She has decided to once again join the cross-country running team. (I knew my athletic prowess was just waiting to emerge through one of them!) I am totally thrilled she is eager to join school groups, not to mention the health benefits it brings with it and hopefully a life long commitment to health and exercise. (No, I don't think I am investing too much in grade 4 cross-country!) So, as it happens, this years practices are 3 days a week BEFORE school. Yup, that's right. We need to get up earlier for it. 3 days a week. I've got my head around that part though. I'm committed. So I wake her up early today. I make her one piece of toast and wrap up half a pb&j sandwich for after. Thinking I'm avoiding stomach cramps. I pack her extra water and even make her some tea; why not enjoy our early morning time alone together, right? Bonding maybe?! Wrong apparently. Even with the extra time, and this being all for something SHE wants to do, I have to stay at her to keep moving. 'Eat up, get dressed, pack your bag, brush your teeth, EAT UP already, where are your socks?, what do you mean the shoes you have been wearing ALL WEEK don't fit and you need new ones RIGHT NOW?!!!!!' Yup, that's right, the battle is on. Her shoes don't fit. (All of a sudden, mind you) I ask are they good enough for this mornings run and then I will buy you new ones today. 'I don't know' she answers. All while sitting like a lump on the stairs. 'Well....are you going or not? We need to hurry if you are.' No answer from the lump. 'Did you hear me?! If you are going, we need to go NOW!' 'Madison???!!!' 'What? she responds. 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!' 'I don't know....you are forcing me to do this anyways.' Is her answer. Yup, that's right, I am FORCING her to do this. Getting up early, making her tea, filling her water bottle, extra breakfast for after the run.....all to force her to take part in the group she INSISTED I sign the permission slip for 24 hours earlier. I'm done. Keys are set down, I pour myself some coffee and sit to watch the news. She starts crying (but still not getting shoes on). 'I want to go!' Okay then....let's GO! Quite honestly I am totally pissed off and somewhat hurt that my obvious effort at her special activity is being completely disregarded. Nevertheless, we get her in the van and have a drive full of stony silence to the school. I'm mad and hurt. She's frustrated....or something else I don't quite understand these days. Both of us barely containing ourselves. She hops out of the van with an 'I love you Mommy' and promptly bursts into tears as she heads to the group of runners. I respond with my own 'I love you' and drive home blinded by my own tears. So, there you have it. Madison is in cross-country. Hurray! :S Please let this not be the norm for the next 6 weeks.

Welcome back to my blog. Ha ha.

Now, I'm going to make today's favorite some Play-Doh. Ah....the simple things.

As my Nana always says 'This, too, shall pass'. God I hope so! It's my daily mantra these days!

Be well,

Crystal

Summer 'holidays'.....really?

Hurray! The kids are out of school! Ummmm.....ya, right...'hurray'. I think I remember a small twinge, maybe tingle, of anticipation for this. Maybe, at some point, there was a slight bit of excitement. It's hard to recall, now that my stressful level is sky high, my nerves are raw and patience is a virtue I like to think I had at one time. My kids have become monsters. Whiny, spoiled, unsatisfied, squabbling demons. I foolishly took 12 days off of work, thinking 'we'll spend time together!', 'it will be such fun!', 'we'll do so many cool things!'. Wow, do I wish I had worked! Don't get me wrong, we did do cool things, we had fun, we spent time together. It seems though, that after so many days of jam packed entertainment, anything else is a let down. Nothing is good enough. No one (me) can just try to have a 'down' day and try to restore my house to some sort of order. No way! What do you mean, we aren't doing anything?! That just won't do! So now I'm stuck with a pack of brats. They roll out of bed with attitude, fight before breakfast and are in time out by 9. Such fun! Even better, we are going through this routine over and over and over. Every day. Please don't think that because we don't have plans that take us out of the house, they truly have nothing to do. We have a huge yard with playset and tons of outdoor toys. Closets, bins and boxes full of toys. Plus 2 computers, 4 iPods, 2 Nintendo DS's, a Wii and a PS3. There are TONS of things to do! Needless to say, I'm over summer holidays! Not truly over the fun and sun part, but over my kids being home all day long! You know the bright point in all this?! The daily drama drives me to drink, and what's better than enjoying fruity boozy smoothies on a hot summer day? Not much! (and after enough, not even the kids seem quite so annoying!)

Who else is LOVING summer?! :)

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal

Friends

I am so lucky to have a life rich with friends. I am surrounded by so many people who love me, and whom I love. I have a great group of 'old' girlfriends. Those who have been part of my life for many, many years. Some as far back as 3 years old. Some from elementary school. Many from high school. All of them cherished. We shared many 'growing up' times, laughing, crying, sharing, talking, consoling and listening. Many not so smart times, that shaped us and taught us, that I'm glad we 'suffered' through together! We've had babies, bought houses, found parnters, got jobs, vacationed, and put more miles and time between us and our visits. Through it all we remain close. So close I know I could pick up the phone at any time and each and every one of those who 'made it' to this stage of my life would be there. We pick up right where we left off the last time we talked, visited, shared. How special it that? How lucky am I? You know what's even more impressive? That I am lucky enough to continue to make new friends at this stage in my life. Friends who may not know my history, or I there's, but who are becoming as important, as special, as those from before. Friends who will share my current history, as it's made. Who will create a history together with me, intertwined like those of my past. Who will be there to enjoy, console and support me through this chapter of my life. Pretty impressive. Pretty awesome. So, so lucky and blessed. I love you, my friends. Those old, those new, and those to come. You are cherished.

Tired, sick and maybe a bit lazy

Hello all. Sorry it has been awhile. We last talked dance recital day, right? Well dance recital day led into 'Mommy is going out tonight'. Unfortunately, going out, no matter how much fun is had (and there was a lot of fun!) means I miss out on some of my much coveted sleep. That leads to me being oh so tired. Not just the day after, but for days it seems. Some might say I'm getting older. You may as well leave now. I don't need your negativity! Ahem....back to what I was saying. So I'm tired. That is bad enough in itself. Want to know the kicker? Two of my kids, and my husband is sick too! Now that's tragic! So, going out Saturday night, plus 3 sick 'kids' (He is worse than the girls, believe me!) makes for a tired, cranky and purely lazy household. So here I sit, finally feeling rested, and guess what I get to do?! Laundry! Not just one or two loads, but piles of laundry! With 5 people in the house it accumulates faster than you can blink. So, off I go. To sort, wash, dry, fold and put away a small pickup truck full of laundry. Oh happy days!

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal

Do Mom's EVER rest?!

So, it's Dance Recital day. Bitter sweet. So glad to be done with lessons by this time of year. So much to do to get ready and through the recital though. And guess what?! I get to do it ALL by myself this year. Why do you have no help you ask? Cause Brad is going to Van for UFC. He's leaving at 10:30, because they have to be there that early, right?! So I get to get Madison's hair done, make up on, costume on and find her missing ballet shoes (or run out to buy new ones) ALL BY MYSELF! With two other kids along for the ride of course! Fun times! I had plans to go out myself tonight. With some girlfriends from work. Now that Brad has taken off though I only have a sitter for EITHER going out tonight or working tomorrow. Great. Guess which one I HAVE to do? Keep your fingers crossed that some fellow Starbucks peeps will help a Barista out and take my shift for me! If not, my weekend already sucks! :) I hear it IS supposed to be nice out though. Perhaps I'll get a chance to lounge in the sun at some point. Oh happy days! I'm sure Madison will look darling, Brad will have a blast and I will work something out!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal

Cranky day

I'm having a bad day. A cranky, irritated, frustrated sort of day. Not sure why. The sun is shining; should be a solve all, right? It's my day off; should be happy, right? Well, I'm not. Everything is bugging me. The TV is too loud, kids too whiny, something smells weird, AND I had to sort the recycling! Should get out...WANT to get out...can't be bothered to get out. Maybe by myself, but I'm certainly not venturing out into public with kids today. Thanks but no thanks. Better to wallow in my misery here. Where the kids can watch TV, play, and avoid my mood from their bedrooms! Poor Brad is due home for lunch. Bet he doesn't see this coming! Don't worry, I'll be nice. May send him for wine though. Or maybe I'll nap with Lane. I'll keep you posted.

Hope all your days are going well. (sort of!) :)

No smiles, not well,

Crystal

Running...or trying to at least

So I went for a run this morning. Yup, that's right! Shocking, eh?! My friend Ali and I have been trying to get in the habit of it. So far, no go. Unless you call twice a month a habit! LOL I'm doing it for the obvious vain reasons, to lose weight and look better. I like how I feel when I do it too. As an added bonus, it will hopefully lower my super high cholesterol and help me to lead a longer, healthier life. It all sounds good in theory, but is SO hard to get doing on a regular basis. Doing it with a friend helps though. Makes me accountable when we set a time and place the night before. We meet at 6, am, not pm. It's is the only time I can guarantee I'm not busy with kids or work. We meet at Willows Beach, in Oak Bay. Nothing beats watching the sun rise and smelling the sea while you work up a sweat! So, here I go again, one run down. We meet again Friday morning. Now I'm accountable to you guys too! Hope that helps me strive (or stride?!) for success!

Happy Wednesday!

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal (the runner?!)

Who needs an alarm clock?!

Good morning! Hope it's as sunny where you are as it is here! Funny how sun can put a whole different perspective on things, isn't it? Just thought I'd give you a peek at how my morning started today. If Lane wakes up between 6 and 7 I usually take him into bed with me for a cuddle, while I wake up. It all is pretty sweet and special, his warm, small, lovely smelling self cuddled in close patting my cheek or back. His toes tucked between my thighs, softly chanting Mama or Dada. Who could ask for more, right?! It's all good, until he decides he's ready to be up. He then grabs me by my hair and rapidly yanks me, while shouting 'UP! UP!'. Then he drops off the side of my bed and starts throwing clothes at me while insisting I 'DRESS! DRESS!'. If I don't respond fairly quickly, and indeed, get UP and DRESSED, he lays on the floor and cries about how he wants to go up 'STAIRS!'. Good morning Mama! Good morning world! To have the energy of a 20 month old.... :)

Have a lovely, sunshiny day!

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal

Kids and bedtime...

I really don't enjoy bedtime. For the kids, that is, I, myself LOVE going to bed! Sleeping at anytime for that matter! I can and do go to sleep within 5 minutes of sitting or laying down. I nod off regularly if I sit on the couch in the afternoon, and even fell asleep sitting up at Shrek Ever After a couple weekends ago. I had Real D glasses on; so I'm sure no one noticed! Hopefully...! I go to sleep on my back at night and stay that way until at least 5 am, when I simply roll over and continue my slumber. Sleep, for me, is cherished!

Back to the point of this post though! My kids too, sleep well. Once they ARE asleep. The whole process of getting there can be exhausting in itself though. Each one has come in to his or her own routine, that varies from their siblings, but is oh so important to achieving slumbering bliss. It is kind of ridiculous I realize, as I come to writing it down. As silly as it seems, if followed they all drift off happily and remain that way 'til morning. Here's a recap of what each one (and us parents too, of course!) goes through EVERY night! Let me know if you think we are, indeed a bit wacky, or if you, too, suffer this evening trauma.

First off, Madison (8 1/2 years old):

Every time at bedtime, she announces she doesn't feel well. This is shrugged off completely by Brad and I now, except to suggest a drink of water. (Which she always has; it buys time you know!) She brushes her teeth and gets pj's on. If you don't actually SEE her in her pj's in a reasonable amount of time you better make sure her TV is off, or she is very likely staring at it vacantly, half dressed with pj's in hand. She ALWAYS sleeps with a stuffed dolphin. If it's missing, life ends as we know it. I keep constant vigilance on this stuffy to make sure, if at all possible, it doesn't leave her room. Once those things are in order we (Brad & I) each of in and kiss her and it's lights out, goodnight. One down!

Next, Lauren (6 years old):

Lauren, when asked to get ready for bed always protests, albeit half heartedly, with some whining and stomping on her way to get pj's and brush teeth. She brushes her teeth faster than you can blink, and usually is sent back to do more brushing at least twice. She sleeps with a stuffed puppy, and like her sister and the dolphin, drama ensues if it's missing. She's quick to go off the deep end and the puppy is often under her bed or covers even if she is in complete melt down mode. She regains her composure quickly though, and settles into bed once reunited. She needs a nightlight, and prefers to have a 'nightlite' style flashlight in bed with her. It is rechargable, but often gets forgotten in the blankets from the night before. We then plug it into the wall, with it turned on. This is second rate at best and is followed with a string of assurances and mild threats that it will have to do until tomorrow, stay in bed and go to sleep! You sometimes see her peek down the hall once or twice, but for the most part she is done. Two down!

Lastly, Lane (20 months): (depending on his nap he is in bed either before or after the girls, it varies.)

This is when it gets a little ridiculous. At bedtime, we change him and put him in pj's, obviously. That in itself can be challenging, but that is a whole other post! He LOVES to brush his teeth, and bedtime is at least the tenth time of day. We look for 'sugar bugs' and count his teeth. It is all happy and painless. He then shows Dad (and the girls if they are up) that the 'bugs' are gone. Next we read a book, usually more than one, usually more than once each. I'm a sucker for books! :) Now it's time to say 'night night'. He kisses Dad, the girls (again, if they're up), Gabby (our dog), Mama and any company we happen to have. He waves and says 'night night' and off to his crib we go. Once there, he checks to make sure his pillow is there and lays on his back on it. We then put his 'night night' Bear, puppy, froggy and alien at each edge of his pillow. He makes sure they are all visible and not covered by blankets when it comes time to over him. And cover him we do! He has 5, that's right, 5! blankets every night. We lay them on him, one at a time, and count out loud. He knows if you cheat. Make sure you don't. Then I kiss him one last time, tell him night night and I love him and leave the room. He goes to sleep immediately. Three down!

Whew! Now I'm exhausted! All this take less than 30 minutes in reality, when all goes well, but seems so much longer. I'm not sure how all these routines developed, but hey, the kids train us, right?! So, that's an evening in my household. Does it vary much from yours?

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal

Welcome...

I'm not too sure about this yet, but guess I could start with a simple introduction. So, here you go: hi, hello, hola, bonjour, aloha! Welcome to my blog! I've wanted to start one for awhile now, but have been unsure how to start, what to put down etc. Bare with me in these early stages as I get a feel for sharing, as well as using this site. I'm sure there will be many changes at first, all, I hope, positive and bringing improvement. I'd appreciate any and all feedback. Also, any suggestions on a 'real' name would be welcome too! Stay tuned for lots of upcoming posts and info, on me, my family, my life. Hope it's worth reading!

Smiles, Be well,

Crystal