Monday, October 31, 2016

If I Don't Have A Phone All Weekend, Did The Weekend Even Happen?

So on Friday, my phone stopped working. In order to try and get it to work, I took it out of the lifeproof case and dropped it and smashed the screen. 

So...that sucked. 

I immediately went to make an appointment at the Apple store and the only thing that was available was Sunday afternoon. So started the weekend of non-documentation. 

We actually got home and changed right away as we were having a re-do of some family pictures. We had originally gotten some taken but the lighting and out boy didn't co-operate and we were not able to get even one picture! But thankfully, the sweetheart of a photographer offered to stop by our place and try again! Sam was way more comfortable at his own place and she was able to get some great shots! 


Ryan left immediately to go for a boys night at the hunt camp so Sam and I ate our supper while watching Paw Patrol and then he headed to bed. I practiced piano and then finished our Halloween costumes. Then early bed and catch up on PVR! 

Saturday Sam was in an amazing mood and it might have been because he slept in until 7:30. We ate breakfast (french toast, his request) and then headed to pick up groceries and pizza! Got home, had a quick lunch and then Sam went down for his nap. And then Jilly arrived for our annual Scary Movie marathon! I was so excited but scared of all the spooky movie's to come! 

The first one up was Conjuring. Ryan's choice. And this one was SCARY but I loved the story line and how it was based on a true story. 


Sam woke up and during his snack we watched Mickey's Halloween Treat! 

We had supper and a visit and then Sam went down to bed and we finished off our marathon with Donnie Darko and Signs! 



It was a super fun day and really got me more into the Halloween spirit! It is one of my favorite days of the year! 

Sunday morning we relaxed at home and then the boys headed out to Home Depot to get the last of the supplies for the green house and I headed to a meeting. After the meeting I headed to the Apple store to finally get my phone fixed! It was a super busy spot and I had to wait about 30 minutes passed my appointment. But thankfully, one look at my phone and the rep said "Good news, you're getting a free new phone". Woo hoo! It had something to do with batter swelling and so I got a new phone for free! He set up my phone and I was so glad to be back in the world of tech. 

I grabbed a coffee and then headed home! Oh and my first picture on my new phone was new lipstick I picked up from Sephora called Deep Plum. Seemed fitting for the Fall/Winter. Darker then I'm use to but I love it! 


I got home just as Sam was getting up from his nap. We actually all got dressed into our costumes to 1. Make sure they fix properly and 2. get a picture! I decided it was a perfect opportunity to grab a quick family photo and less rushed then doing it today! 

That evening I finished getting treat bags ready for Daycare friends and a special bottle of wine for our wonderful daycare provider! 


Happy Halloween! 

xo

Friday, October 28, 2016

Five On Friday!

Happy Friday everyone! I couldn't believe my eyes when big fluffy snowflakes started falling from the sky. Snow. That time of year is here...wait, it's still only October? The weatherman was calling for enough accumulation that Ryan went in for his first night shift. Thankfully, I woke up and looked out the window to rain! Woo hoo! I guess they still experienced snow in some places but not in my little neck of the woods! 

I had a great blog all ready and just needed to attach pictures on Wednesday and then I got a message that I had to go pick up Sam. The daycare was having a personal family matter to deal with so I ran back and got my boy. It was a cold day and any work I had to do, I could do from home. So, I got to relish is spending the day with Sam. A non sick day! It was awesome! We marked trees for making Maple Syrup next spring, played outside, watched Paw Patrol! It's days like this that I really appreciate and get to know a little more about Sam. He is quite the character and is now using full sentences! 

Anyways, onto the 5 things on this gloomy Friday morning!

1. Halloween prep is under way. And here's a little Lindsay fact, I LOVE Halloween! L-O-V-E it! Part of that love is dressing up and costume planning. I would start planing my costume early and Mom would get to sewing that years creation and pray that I wouldn't change my mind! 

We've had a lot of fun dressing up since Sammy was born. First year he was a lobster and we were the fishermen. Last year he was was Staypuft and we were the ghoustbusters! This may be one of the one of the last years that we are able to convince him to dress up as what we want, and I'm going to take full advantage. 



We thought of something to be over the summer and ran with it. It's required me to get my sewing machine out to make it. I've really enjoyed sewing again and think I may take it up again and working on some projects this winter. 


2. Ryan always jokes that it's not really Halloween until Lindsay goes and spends 200$ on candy. It's true. We go over board but I love making up treat bags for the 10 or so kids that visit our house dressed up. I even try to make them extra special since we can't hand them out ourselves. I made them up Wednesday night and Ryan was sad I didn't leave out any candy for him. 



3. My brother and I work very closely together day in and day out. A lot of people assume that it would mean many horrible times for us. Fights and disagreements. But it's not our nature. We are kind of odd balls but we also have the same sense of humor and stupid stuff that no body else understands, we laugh our asses off at. Case in point, the minion Tic Tac's he surprised me with this week. We have a thing about the Minions. 


We've been working in the same office for probably almost 10 years and yet we've never had a fight. We have our disagreements but it never escalates. We both hate controversy so if we disagree on something we go home to our families and re-evaluate the next day.  And I am very thankful for this because it makes it easier to operate a business together. 

Every morning Sam and I stop at the office to say "Good morning" to Uncle J. They have a really fun relationship and it's not a work day morning if we don't see J before going to daycare! 


Sometimes we see Daddy too before he drives out with sod. 

4. Can't believe that I have a 2.5+ year old! My tall and lanky boy won't blow over in a wind storm from his giant feet! He is obsessed with Paw Patrol, is completely day potty trained, still loves being outside. Speaking of potty trained, new clothing problem. He is so tall and skinny but at least sometimes his diaper would keep his pants up because he had a little "junk in the trunk". Now with just underwear the slide right down his little bum! 

He is pretty co-operative with pictures right now for me and his favorite pose? Hands in the pocket! He is such a little man now! 


5. God knows I love my husband but one of his habits is driving BANANA'S! He has this thing where he goes and opens a cupboard either in the kitchen or bathroom and then doesn't close it! How does one not take the 2 seconds to close the cupboard door? So over and over I go around and close them behind him. He can't be in THAT much of a rush to not close doors? Right? 


Bonus: 


Looking for honest opinions. Saw this little short bob on Pinterest yesterday and thought it was so cute! Wondering if I should chop my hair off to this length. So sick of my hair right now and feel like I need a change! What do you think? 

Have a great weekend! 

xo 

Monday, October 24, 2016

A Quiet Weekend That Turned Busy!

Happy Monday! The weekend flew by! Looking at my October schedule back in early Fall, there was nothing happening this passed weekend except for the Harvest supper. But things for planned and it ended up being a very busy weekend but so fun! 

Friday night I joined friends Jill and Brenda to experience some Japanese! Ten Sushi located in Ottawa gives you a tablet at the table and you order what you want. It's basically a sit down buffet! 


It is little servings but you can order as many as you want. You end up with a lot of dishes at your table! 


My favorite part was having some Sushi! I haven't had Sushi in years and was so glad to have a taste! 


I ended up sleeping in by accident on Saturday. Went downstairs to get a coffee while we cuddled in bed and discovered Mickey had taken my place in bed! 


We loaded up and headed to the city. Ryan needed to go to Home Depot to get a door for my greenhouse and I REALLY didn't want to go. I wanted to stay home alone and work on Halloween Costumes and treat bags and re-organize some of my kitchen drawers. Well he insisted, so I went. Which I think ended up being good for him because while he was checking out Sam had to use the washroom and I got to be the runner....yay! 

"Rubble On Double" hat gets worn everywhere but especially appropriate for Home Depot.   


We all rested (and napped) during that rainy afternoon and then I got up and went to the local Legion to my grandpa's Irish Wake. Sam and Ryan joined me after Sam's nap and it was great to sit with family. Sam loved playing with the Duplo with cousins. 


It was an early night for us and after Sam went down Ryan and I watched "Froning" on Netlfix. A really cool documentary! 

I set my alarm correctly Sunday morning and woke up to relax, peel potatoes for the harvest supper later that day and get breakfast prepared for guests! 

We had friends Rebekka and Josh over for a big spread of breakfast! It was a great visit over a few cups of coffee and brunch. 


Sam went down for a sleep, Ryan went out to help with sod and I got cooking my 20 lbs of potatoes. Over the years I have learnt that if I use all 4 pots that I own and all 4 burners, I can cook my 20 lbs at the same time. You mash them and put them in Ziplock bags in a cooler and they stay hot for hours! 


Our church hosts a fundraiser supper annually called the "Harvest Supper". It's a delicious turkey meal with all the trimmings including meatballs, coleslaw and homemade pie for dessert! Every year it is a great success. 


Sam was very insistent on sitting beside grandpa for his supper which was meatballs, bread and the whip cream off of my pumpkin pie. 


Ryan and I love to help by either clearing plates, serving tea/coffee or serving the food but it is getting harder to help the whole time with Sam. I helped at the start and then we switched and Ryan helped in the last half while Sam played and then went home to bed! The highlight of the night for me was the park with some other kids from church! They are all so good and kind to Sam making sure he is O.k and having fun. Making little games to make him giggle. The favorite was a human tunnel as he went down the slide. 


The men serving the food in the evening. Ryan's favorite job! 


It was a jam packed weekend and unfortunately not a lot got done around the house. But I got our Halloween costumes half sewn and so we are almost ready for a week from today! What are you being this year? 

And just because I think he looked so cute, I took this warm knitted sweater out for Sam this morning. It was made by Ryan's mom and Sam loved wearing it knowing that his Dada use to wear it too! It is pretty tight but hoping he'll get the rest of the Fall out of it! 


How was your weekend? 

xo

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

My Birthday 2016

Happy Wednesday everyone! 

It has been a full week since my birthday! As most know, my birthday usually lands around Thanksgiving time. But this year Thanksgiving was early! My boys, family and friends did an amazing job at making me feel really special! 

This birthday I turned 29! My last birthday as I like to joke. But really I don't have any sad feelings with it being my last year of my 20's. Some actually question me and asked if I was lying because most think that I am older than that. But yes, I am only 29, I just have an old soul.

I have been raking my brain as to whether or not I would do a "to-do" list of things before I turn 30. I am just struggling with it because I have already done so much in my short 29 years. Sure, there are a couple of things but 30 things is hard to come up with! What would be on your list? What do you think should be on mine? 

As I mention, a lot of people made me feel special on my birthday but specifically my boys did. I'm not going to lie, Ryan hasn't been the best in the birthday department in years gone by. There has been 2 years in our short time together that he's forgotten my birthday (and I never forget to remind him of this fact ha ha!). He has also forgotten to buy me a present/card/token in years passed because he didn't make time. I actually think these were actually forgotten years as well but he hid it well. 

This year though, he was on his game! I'm not sure if someone was in on reminding him that the day was coming but he didn't forget this year. He even made me some tinfoil numbers! Something that usually gets forgotten or my mom does for him! ha ha! I was impressed last Wednesday morning when I saw them hanging there! 


I had gone to work like normal and then the girls in the office surprised me with a spread of my favorite snacks! Spinach dip, tortilla roll ups, cheese dip, chips and even some desserts! It was heavenly and that ended up being my lunch for the day! And for supper Ryan lucked out because I only wanted chipstand! 


My MIL got me a gift card to The Keg (yum!) and Ryan also got one for me and a gift card to the movies! So it looks like a date is in order for us soon! Woo hoo! 

"Sam" got me a gift card to iTunes! I gift I request all the time because I love to use it now not only for music but also for the apple TV to order special movies or shows! 

My parents surprised me with the pewter nativity scene I've had my eyes on for over a year! When Sam, Ryan and I went to Nova Scotia last year we visited Peggy's Cove. There was a small Pewter shop there and I saw this beautiful nativity scene. I added it to my Christmas wish list. It was a little confusing as there are many stores at Peggy's Cove! The wrong (and still beautiful) was purchased at another store but wasn't Pewter. I was surprised to open it on my birthday this year but really glad because now I can display it all Christmas season long this year! 


The next day after my birthday Jill and I went to one of my favorite restaurants, Montana's where I got to enjoy all my favorite treats, including 2 pickled Caesars! YUM! 

Part of Sam's gift and Ryan's is a greenhouse that they have been working on over the last few nights! It's going to be awesome and I can't wait to get my plants started a little earlier and keep some items like herbs much longer! 

Similar


He also gifted me with a surprise weekend away to the states to finish our Christmas shopping! He even went and booked the hotel! This is so out of the realm for my husband! He is not a planner at all! I later found out that friends Amanda and Josh had some help as they will be joining us for the fun! Which Amanda and Josh told me when they came over with a surprise visit including wine, supper and dessert! 


Turning 29 has been pretty great! It really isn't a scary thing for me because I think I feel so settled in where I am in life. Life for the most part is pretty great and I am reminded of that many times throughout the year but especially on my birthday! I think that turning 29 is just another age and I am excited to see how this year and into my 30's looks like. 

Happy Wednesday! 

xo 

Monday, October 17, 2016

Car Rally 2016 Weekend

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! 

I actually got a long weekend because Sam's daycare was closed on Friday. It has been SO long since I got a day off at home with him and FOREVER when he wasn't sick. Usually I am the one that stays home if Sam has to but usually he is miserable and sick. Such a treat this time! 

We started our Friday morning with relaxation. Cartoons and breakfast. I have to laugh at my boy looking like an "old man" sitting in his lazy boy in his underwear. 


We had to the head to the city to pick up some groceries and since it is an hour each way, so begins the joys of packing a potty everywhere we go! At least we were right along the Ottawa River and had a beautiful potty spot when he did have to go! 



Sam and I just relaxed for the rest of the day and played! Really put things on hold and get down on the floor to play together. I really don't do it enough. 

Saturday morning Ryan left to go get supplies for a birthday gift for me. A new greenhouse he has started build. I can't wait to use it to to start some of my plants early! 

Sam and I did laundry, got a cooler packed with food and drinks and then my parents came to get Sam so Ryan and I could meet friends and do car rally, one of my most favorite days of the year! We have gone with Amanda and Josh for 3 years now and we really have a routine down and know personalities. We always want top 10 and were very happy with our 6th place! It's always a good day driving around the back roads visiting and searching for clues. 



When Ryan and I got home we actually started into Stranger Things and were hooked. Finished the whole thing by last night! It was freaky yet captivating. SO looking forward to season 2. 

Sunday was a miserable rainy day. Ryan had to work and Sam wasn't home from my parents yet. It was kind of amazing having 2-3 hours of alone time in the house! It felt weird but was also so nice! Get things done all over the house! 

Sam and I headed to cousin Sophie's 3rd birthday! It was a great party but unfortunately my boy wasn't feeling it. And eventually I just threw in the towel, packed up our things and left. Sometimes it's just not worth dealing with all the tantrums and all the other people too. 



There were a lot of other moms there with toddlers and as I went to leave another Mom threw up her hand and said "May the force be with you". Ha! Totally made my day and made a shitty situation even better! Totally reminded me of this Meme! 



Sam napped for a few hours and was back to his normal self! Oh the necessity of sleep time! 



I decided to roast a big chicken with all the fixings so Ryan could have meat for his lunch and I could make stock for next week! I also was able to make 4 loaves of bread for the freezer to replenish my stock! Between farm fresh chickens, garden preserves and made ahead items, our freezer is full! Something about a full freezer and colder temperatures that make me feel so cozy! 

How was your weekend? 

xo 

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Thanksgiving 2016

Happy Wednesday everyone! Everyone was back to reality after the last long weekend until next Spring. Boo! But it was a great one up North celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada! 

It started off pretty special with birthday celebrations for me on Friday at work! A yummy lunch and birthday cake! 


If I could describe this weekend in one word, it would be messy. Sam has been showing lots of signs about being ready to potty train and we pushed it off until the stars aligned and it was time. Especially with a long weekend, we knew it was a great chance to start. 

I picked up a pack of special Paw Patrol underwear as a "special gift" for potty training day 1 on Saturday! He loved them and I kept telling him not to get Paw Patrol wet. 


It was a rainy morning and combined with staying close to my boy, I ended up going into a baking spree! Pies, muffins and bread galore! 


Potty training was going good that morning! A few accidents but it was more because he would tell me too late and would go pee on our way to the potty! It was a messy morning but I felt encouraged by his progress. He really seemed to be getting it. 

I ordered our Thanksgiving meal for my family and commissioned my Dad on picking it up! We started this pizza Thanksgiving tradition last year. The kids are so excited to play together and visit that we didn't want to go through the effort of making a meal we couldn't really enjoy. It will be our tradition for a little while until kids get older and are more opt to sit and eat (Even if they don't like it) ha ha! 


As per tradition, I blew out candles on pumpkin treats. But had lots of little helpers! 


The kids were actually in a cooperative mood so I took the opportunity to sit them down for a few pictures with my good camera! 



We all crashed pretty hard after playing the afternoon away. So Nana and Grandpa had snuggles before everyone was off to bed! 


Sunday was a busy day! Church, where I taught Sunday school and continuing with the potty training which wasn't going so well on this day. We had read about telling or putting the child on the potty every 20 minutes or so. Well, this was making Sam extremely mad but we kept trying. There weren't many accidents but lots of fights. 

We tried to stay positive but not going to lie, it was a challenging parenting day. I was super glad to be getting out of the house and enjoying a meal I didn't have to prepare! Ha ha! We had thanksgiving with Ryan's family and enjoyed the visit! 


Monday morning I was up really early! I decided with my extra time to go ahead and make some cinnamon buns with Cinnabon replica icing! Yum! What a treat! 


Monday was a new potty training day and I had decided in the early morning to just leave Sam alone. If he had accidents then ok, at least he'd know why he was wet. And it went SO much better! He just wanted to be left alone and go potty when HE wanted to go. Not when we were telling him to. With this new approach we had only 1 accident all day! We realized just how ready he was to be potty trained. And how long he can hold it in! 

We were all up and dressed in our best clothes Monday morning and off to do some family pictures for a fundraiser for a local school. Sam wanted nothing to do with the pictures so how the photographer managed to get this picture is amazing! 


A sure potty training sign...Toilet paper is irresistible to toddlers! 


Before nap my parents came over for a quick visit and to plant 50 garlic bulbs! A bunch of cousins from Nova Scotia are into planting garlic and gave us some for our own garden. It was awesome to plant and we can't wait to have our own garlic next summer! 




Sam also played a lot of hockey Monday. His new favorite thing! He's getting to be a pretty good shot too! 


After nap we headed out on the RTV for a family drive through the bush and around the farm to enjoy some of the Fall colors. It is so pretty right now! It is my favorite time of year! 



After supper, bath and bed (for Sam), Ryan and I needed to tackle a very daunting task....laundry! Over the weekend we really let it pile up and potty training made a lot of laundry! Thankfully Ryan and I could do this task together. 


It was a not the most relaxing long weekend we have ever had. Ryan worked a lot this weekend and Sam was potty training. But being Thanksgiving we still got in a lot of time with our extended family! 

 I was happy and proud to hear his first day back at daycare and he had no pee accidents! Ryan and I talked last night about how we can't believe our little boy is wearing underwear now! How did that happen? 

Happy Wednesday! 

xo