Phantom Of the Opera...

Recently I saw on our local television station that "The Phantom of the Opera," was coming to Calgary, a city 2 hours away from where I live. I have been in love with Phantom for a very, very long time. I remember hearing of it when I was a young child and falling in love with the music and the story. I have listened to the tape many, many times and have all of the songs memorized. I even learned to play a few pieces on the piano. I also remember my dad plunking out the tune on our old piano as well. I can still hear the melody in my head as I type. I also remember back in high school that Phantom came to Calgary. I was jealous of those you were able to go. I even recall some boys taking girls on dates to see it. How I wished that I would have been asked to go...Unfortunately I was not.

Now is my chance to go! I spoke to Tyler about it and I could clearly see that he would rather give his right arm than endure a few hours sitting through this Broadway. So I called my mom and sister and they were happy at the opportunity to join me. So it is official, I am going to see The Phantom of the Opera on July 27th! I can't wait. What a fun time the "girls" are going to have. A chance for us to bond, get dressed up all fancy, and enjoy a truly remarkable entertaining event!

Hope you enjoy watching the movie trailer on the right hand side of my blog. For those of you who haven't seen the movie...DO IT! It is wonderful. Which reminds me...I haven't watched in a long time.

Playing Around In...

Photoshop. I have had Photoshop 7 for a long time now. I have used it lots to edit photos, but never really anything fancier than that. Today though, I did some research on how to create photo collages/storyboards. I'm hooked! I think this is what I am going to do for my Mom for Mother's day. Now all I have to do is get some ADORABLE pictures of my boys. It has been awhile since they have had portraits, they have had plenty of snap shots. So hopefuly over the next few days I can get some good head shots to make a storyboard for my mom. Here are 2 that I did tonight. I'm happy with they way they turned out. They are 14 x 8 size. So pretty big. I am hoping to have the printed in the next day or two to see what they look like IRL.

It is hard to tell in the upload, but on the right hand side of the picture it says the date. Love these pictures of Tyson playing with his 2 very best friends at the park.

I also LOVE these pictures of Tyson & Lizzie exploring in the back yard trying to find lady bugs.

Another beautiful day today! Supposed to be nice again tomorrow. SPRING is here and I am HAPPY! Short entry today...gotta run and watch Survivor.

p.s. My sister may be coming to Chicago with me! YIPEEEEE!!

American Idol! SHOCKED!!

Just watched the results show of American Idol, and I was SHOCKED! I can't believe that Ace was the contestant voted off. I thought he would go farther than he did...not to mention his great voice, but he is such sweet eye candy as well. My favorite though is Katherine. I love listening to her, she makes me smile :) She is very talented and I believe she will go far in the music industry. I guess we will have to wait and see how far she goes in A.I.

Today was the most beautiful spring day we have had so far. There was just a very light breeze blowing, and the sun was shining brightly. We spent the duration of the day outside doing yard work, and playing with the puppies. Both of the boys just love being outside! Carson is happiest when he is pushing a car around in the sand box, or playing with Maggie. Tyson enjoys exploring and looking for lady bugs to put in his bug catcher. I have noticed lately that his imagination is really beginning to show. I find him talking to himself and making up stories and situations and being so creative in his thinking. I am loving this stage of life that my kids are in. Live is so good, and we are so blessed!

Oprah...HERE I COME!

I have been a devote Oprah fan for as long as I can remember. She is a woman I look up to, a woman who has done so much good in this world. A woman who realizes the importance of Motherhood, even though she isn't a mother herself. I remember watching a show of hers where she had Phil Keoghan from the Amazing Race, and he was mentioning his list of things to do before he dies. He inspired me to make a mental list of things that I wanted to do before I die. Well I am going to be able to cross one of those items off my list because...on May 3rd, I am going to a taping of the Oprah Winfrey show in Chicago! I am SO excited! This will be my 3rd trip to the Windy City, but my first time to really experience it. The previous times I visited were for business, and our days were so busy that we had no energy at the end of the day to explore the city. This will be the "break" that I SO need! I am anxiously counting down the days until I am headed on a jet plane to Chicago. Another SWEET thing about this trip is that we don't have to go in debt for me to go, so I will be able to enjoy it even more knowing that I won't have to pay for it when I get back :)

Greys Anatomy...what can I say but I LOVE IT! I have only caught on to the show the past few months so I wasn't quite up to speed and was missing a few key episodes. I found out yesterday that my SIL is also a devote fan, and she has the complete 1st season on DVD. So I borrowed it, and haven't been able to stop watching it since. So many ups and down, learning curves, laughs, cries etc go into this amazing show. It has made me smile more than a few times, and choke up as well. I only have 2 more episodes to watch and then I will be caught up! For those of you who haven't watched it, I recommend it!

You Grew Up In The 80's If...

I just HAD to share this with all of you. I know you will get a kick out of this and have a good laugh! Man those were the good old days...

You grew up in the 80's if....
1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word "SIKE"
2. You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and can do the "Carlton".
3. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.
4. Two words: Hammer Pants
5. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
6. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
7. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
8. L.A. Gear...need I say more?
9. You remember reading "Tales of a fourth grade nothing" and all the Ramona books.
10. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF"
11. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe)
12. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
13. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.
14. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. (and probably in neon colors, too)
15. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?" 16. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
17. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
18. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.
19. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
20. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.
21. You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement.
22. "Don't worry, be happy"
23. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.
24. You wore socks scrunched down (and sometimes still do...getting yelled at by "younger hip" members of the family)
25. You remember boom boxes.
26. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
27. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool.
28. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.
29. You just sang those words to yourself.
30. You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.
31. Homemade Levi shorts.. (the shorter the better)
32. You remember when mullets were cool!
33. You had a mullet!
34. You still sing "We are the World"
35. You tight rolled your jeans.
36. You owned a banana clip.
37. You remember "Where's the Beef?"
38. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' about Willis?"
39. You had big hair and you knew how to use it.
40. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head, aren't you!!!

I was most definitely a child of the 80's!

Dying Eggs & Field Trip...

It has been a few days since I have blogged, I guess nothing too exciting has been happening. Tyler hasn't been working the past few weeks, just a few days here and there. It is Spring break-up time in the oil patch, which means lots of days off. But thankfully the ground is drying up and he will be back to work within the next few days. Funny guy was contemplating getting a 2nd job as a delivery man. LOL! We have enjoyed his time off, but now I say, "time to go back to work!"

Today is Good Friday. What a great day to take time to reflect on its meaning. To think that today, so many many years ago Christ was hung on the cross to suffer for the sins of the world. What a monumental day in history, a day that I will be eternally grateful for. The atonement is something that I hold dear to my heart, an act that I don't fully comprehend the magnitude of, but yet I am thankful for my savior's unselfish devotion to human kind, and for his sacrifice. To think that 3 days later, on Sunday he rose from the tomb to declare that he is the resurrected Christ. I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have that I too may be resurrected one day.

With Easter brings other traditions that are more "worldly." Dying Easter eggs, egg hunts, the Easter bunny, candy, new Sunday clothes etc. One tradition that Tyson and I love doing each year is dying eggs, and we have been doing it since his very first Easter. Tyson especially loved the bright colors we managed to produce this year, I finally read the directions on the package and learned that vinegar with enhance the color of the dye. Tyson's favorite color is blue, and we couldn't get enough blue eggs! He had fun putting stickers on them, and placing them ever so carefully in his Easter basket.

I remember as a child getting a new Easter dress. We didn't get many new dresses but we always got one on Easter and one for Christmas. I remember inparticular one year both my sister and I got matching polka dot dresses for Easter. They were so "girly" and I loved mine. It was white with pastel colored polka dots on it. We also got new white shoes. It seemed the rule was once Easter came we could wear our white shoes, and the after labor day, they were put back in the closet for another season. It is funny the things you remember from your childhood.

Yesterday (Thursday), Tyson had a parent pre-school field trip where we went to a neighboring town to take a ride on a mini train. They also had farm animals that the kids could feed & pet. The kids LOVED it! What child doesn't like trains, and what made it more special was that they each got to have a ride or 2 on it. It was large enough to fit 6 children in the small car behind the engine. The train track ran through the property of the residents, and it was complete with a bridge. Even Carson enjoyed himself. He wasn't scared or shy at all when a little goat came right up behind him. I was amazed at how well behaved & friendly those little goats were, they were SO cute! It was a GREAT day, the only thing that could have made it just a bit better was if the wind wouldn't have been blowing 100mph, but that is what we have come to expect here in southern Alberta.

For The Birds...

Today was a GREAT day! We spent the whole day together as a family. It was especially fun because we started the day off by going to Home Depot and building an adorable Bird Feeder. They have a kids workshop that runs once a month and it is completely FREE, and they supply everything! Who could pass that up? Not us. This was our first time attending and we are signed up for next months project. Tyson had a blast, and was so proud of his finished project. I have to admit that I loved helping him pound those nails. I would definitely recommend it for any child!

Carson is in LOVE with the puppies. Today he was more brave than he has been in the past. He was crawling into the box, and even picking them up! We couldn't keep him out of there. Needless to say, these puppies are going to be tough! It is great to see the kids interact with these little creatures. I am so happy that they were able to experience this. I am already so attached to them...all 7 of them, although I have 2 favorites. It is going to be so HARD to let them go, but we know there is just no way we can have more than 1 dog. Tyson is partial to the brown one, and I love the fat white male. We still haven't named any of them, and if you ask Tyson what their names are he says, "It's a secret." He is so funny. thank goodness we have 5 more weeks to spend with these little puppies. The time will go so fast, I know!

I decided to be brave and do a scrapbook resume, in hopes that by some miracle a design team, manufacturer or magazine might notice me. I SO badly want to be more involved in the scrapbook industry. I am also going to participate in more contests. I think it will be the push that I need to try new things, and just "get out there!" This is a hobby that I am so passionate about. It is more than a hobby for me, it is a way of preserving all of our most precious memories. I hope that my boys will appreciate them when they grow older. I already enjoying looking back and seeing all of their milestone. Only time will tell if this was a good decision for me or not, but I figure it can't hurt to try.

Frustrated!

I love my computer when it works...and it hasn't given my any grief since we bought it almost a year ago. I loved watching dvd's while I scrapped and the last few times I haven't been able to. There has been an error on my media player. When there is a problem with my computer I can't leave it alone until it is fixed. So today...that was my mission, and I was so frustrated. I just couldn't understand why it wouldn't work because I hadn't changed anything or done anything different. My only solution was KIDS! I think I have been to lax on letting the kids play on the computer unsupervised. Finally after troubleshooting for a LONG time, I was able to get a download and now...my media player works! WOO HOO. So I am happy one again.

On another note, I was prompted my Heather to make a Scrapbook resume. I need to be more active in the scrapbook community, I feel I am out of the loop. I have been at a stand still for awhile now with the company I was designing for, and I am feeling the need to get involved again. So I am hoping that this will work. I guess we will see. I'll post the link to my resume once it is up and running :)

Choices...

Choices are everywhere, and me make most unconsciously with our day to day living. From the mundane choices of everyday life like; what to eat, what to wear, to drive or walk, shorts or pants, curly hair or straight, the pink lipstick or the brown, there are a thousand choices we make each day without even knowing it. We begin making choices from a very early age, and are taught right from wrong. We were given our free agency to choose what we want. And from those choices there is either a positive or negative consequence that will effect our life, some are more serious than others. Choices not only effect us, but also those around us, and there again have a positive or negative outcome.

There are choices we make that take some thought, consideration and preparation, they are more serious and the outcome has a greater effect on our life. From whom to marry, to which home to buy, a major career change, when to bring children into this world, to sucome to peer pressure of stand up for what we know is right. The choices we make will determine how prosperous we are, successful, or unsuccessful, happy or miserable.

You may be wondering where this entry is all going, or where the thought even came from. There has been a situation arise in my husband side of the family that has disrupted a family,and has in turn affected everyone. One wrong choice can change a family, disrupt it, and bring it to the breaking point. I would like to delve into all the details but I want to spare the person's identity and dignity. Needless to say it is going to be a challenge for the next few months. But through all this heartache and struggle I hope that habits can be changed, and that lessons will have been learned. We must make a more conscious effort to make right choices, ones that will enrich our lives, make us a better person, draw our families closer together, and keep us succeeding, and living happy, prosperous lives.

Now on a more happy upbeat note, I have been working on my project for Big Picture Scrapbooking, and it has been so fun, and a labor of love. I have loved reading stories about my ancestors, so many wonderful facts I never knew. Is it slowly coming together, I am having a hard time finding pictures for everyone. So I am completing as much as I can, with the intent of adding to it as time goes on. Here are a few pictures of the project. This is the front of Tyler's info card. I will put the info sheet on the back. Nothing fancy, and minimal embelli's because there isn't much room in the lunch pail for extra bulk.

I have also been working more on Carson's album. Here are a few LO's.

If you LOVE country music, you have to check out Rascal Flatts new CD called, "Me and My Gang." It is AWESOME!

April Fools Day!

I have never been a practical joker, I have the worst poker face ever, and find it very difficult to try and pull a straight face without breaking out into laughter. I have conjured up big plans or ideas in my head to try and attempt to pull of a prank, but have always failed due to my inability of fooling anyone. April Fools Day has never been a day that I look forward to, in fact it often comes and goes without even a thought. Well today...all that changed! Tyler and I spent the night at his parents ranch after staying up into the wee hours of the night playing cards and visiting. By the time we finally rested our heads on the pillow after settling a fussy baby, we were exhausted. Before I knew it, children were awake and ready to eat and play. Tyler is a morning person, and finds it easy to function with little sleep. I on the other hand will take every opportunity to sleep in, and take advantage of Tyler being home to get up with the kids so I can get a few more minutes of shut eye. While enjoying a peaceful slumber, I heard the words, "Jodi, where is the car?" I bolted up out of bed, not quite sure if I heard Tyler right, or if I was only dreaming. I quickly got dressed and ran downstairs, and looked out the window and sure enough our car was GONE! I had gotten into the habit of leaving my keys in the car when we visit the ranch, I never in a million years thought that it wouldn't be safe. My heart sunk, I began to panic, and a million scenarios ran through my mind. How were we going to pay for another vehicle? What about my purse, it had all my personal info in it, not to mention my credit and debit cards. Immediately I told Tyler to call his dad at work, he is a guard at the police station. Soon Tyler was on the phone and told his dad that our car was gone, and to notify the officer on duty. Very soon after an officer called and asked to speak to me. He began asking me various question about our car. What make, model, year, and color it was. I also told him that I had made the mistake of leaving the keys in the car, and he began to tell me that the insurance company wasn't going to look to kindly on that. He then informed me that earlier in the night another officer recovered a green vehicle from the Indian Reserve, but it was very beaten up, and he would have to read the report to determine if the car was ours. Then he proceeded to ask me if I had looked in the barn...and I said no! After that I knew this was a very cruel joke. After I got off the phone everyone yelled "April Fools!" Those little stinkers. They had me going, and were relishing in every minute of it. How very, very thankful I am that it was only a joke. I have no idea what we would have done if in reality our car was stolen. I don't even want to think about what a burden that would have brought to Tyler and I. So the joke was on me, and they pulled it off. I have to wonder though...was this just a way for Tyler to get me out of bed? I believe it was, and it worked!

Now for a wonderful recipe I thought I would share.

Decedent Triple Chocolate Desert

1 c. Oreo cookie crumbs
1/4. margarine
3 squares Bakers chocolate
1/4 c. Eagle Brand Milk
2 pkgs. Chocolate Instant Pudding
2 c. milk
1 tub Cool Whip

1. Melt margarine and add to cookie crumbs. Place in bottom of 8x8 pan to make the crust.
2. Melt chocolate and then add Eagle Brand Milk. Pour over cookie crumb crust. This will be the fudge layer.
3. Combine pudding with 2 cups milk. Whip with wire whisk, Pudding will be very thick. Spoon & spread 1/2 the pudding over fudge layer.

4. With the remaining 1/2 of the chocolate pudding, mix it with 1/2 the cool whip. Spread onto of chocolate layer.

5. Spread remaining cool whip on top.

6. Refridgerate for 3 hours. ENJOY!

New Arrivals!

Last night we had 5 special arrivals in our home. New additions to our family, atleast for the next 6 weeks. Maggie, our lab/border colie dog had puppies! I kind of had my suspicions that she was going to have them yesterday because of the way she was acting. She couldn't get comfortable and she just didn't seem herself. After having friends over to watch Survivor & play cards, I asked Tyler to bring Maggie into the garage. I didn't' want her to have her babies outside in her dog house. So he went out there to bring her inside, and sure enough she had her puppies! There were 5 adorable baby puppies. There was a white one, 1 brown one and 3 black ones. They are SO CUTE! After moving them all into the garage and making sure Maggie was comfortable we headed back inside for bed. We were so excited to tell Tyson in the morning that Maggie finally had her puppies, we knew he would be thrilled! In the morning Tyler had the video camera ready to get Tyson's first reaction to seeing the puppies. Sure enough he came back in with a big smile on his face and said, "Maggie had her puppies, now she is a mom!" How cute is that! Then we asked him how many puppies there were and he began to count, 1 2 3 4 5 6! 7! WHAT she had 2 more in the night. Holy Cow, 7 puppies, that is quite the bunch. In addition to the 5 mentioned above, she added another white, and black puppy to the litter. Now they are all settled and Maggie is a very good 1st time mother. Tyson was happy to call his grandparents and tell them his exciting news. He also said another thing while speaking to my dad, he said, "Maggie is a mom now, but who is going to be the dad?" Kid, they think of everything don't they. Tyson was ecstatic to go to pre-school and tell all his friends about his new arrivals. It was great to see the excitement on his

face, and also see the other kids happiness when he told them. There is just something about new born puppies or kittens that

attracts kids. After pre-school today some of the kids came over to see the new puppies. Tyson was so proud of them. He already

has a favorite, the brown one. He doesn't' have a name for him

yet, but I'm sure he will before too long. Even Carson is intrigue by these new creatures that make so much noise. Of course he doesn't understand the concept of being gentle yet, so we have to watch him very carefully when he holds a puppy. I love

this picture of him giving the puppy a kiss. AWWWW! It will be fun to have these new babies around for awhile. Tyson will love them! It will be sad to have to give them away which we know will have to happen. But for now, we can enjoy them, love them, and take care of them.

Favorite Things About...

There is this blog that I read, as well as get ideas from a friends blog, and it is titled 10 on Tuesday. So I jumped ahead and decided to do next weeks topic. It is "10 Favorite Things About SPRING!"

1. Easter! I love reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice my Savior paid for me, as well as all mankind. That because of his great love for us he paid for all our sins, although he was a perfect man, and lived a perfect life, and was and still is the perfect example to us. He sacrificed his life so that one day we may return and live with him again.
2. Seeing the first signs of tulips and daffodils poke their heads through the ground after a long winters nap.
3. Spring showers.
4. Easter candy & chocolate. Especially Mini Eggs. YUMMY!
5. Baby animals on Tyler's parents ranch. There is just something about holding a baby chicken, or feeding a baby goat that I look forward to and love each spring!
6. Dying Easter Eggs. I have been doing this with Tyson the past couple of years and he LOVES it! Can't wait to do it again in the next week or two.
7. Getting out in my yard and doing spring clean up.
8. Finally being nice enough to go out for a walk or a bike ride. The LONG winter is hard on the kids being cooped up without any fresh air.
9. BBQing
10. Planting sweet peas, and other flowers in my yard.

I guess from this list of favorite things you can see I like Easter a lot! I have never really thought about it, but I guess I really do like this holiday. I get excited when I go into Walmart and all the Easter candy is out, and all the other fun Easter knick knacks are on display. I have to admit that I have already boughten my kids Easter presents. They had the cutest baskets at Walmart, and I caved and bought one, although I already have one for Tyson, you can't have too many Easter baskets can you? LOL!

I guess I am going to post about 10 Things That People Do That Annoy Me, (this weeks topic).

1. Leave there cell phone on in a movie.
2. When people take their baby to a movie and won't leave the theater if the baby starts to fuss.
3. Swearing. I remember going to a movie quite a few years ago and there were some people sitting behind Tyler and I and one guy was using the "f"word after every word. I was fuming! Finally I couldn't take it any longer and turned around and politely asked him to stop using that kind of language. He quickly apologized and didn't use profanity any more. I could elaborate more on this subject...but I won't...I just don't think that using profanity is an appealing characteristic for anyone. I'm not 100% perfect, but I try to watch what I say. I need to do this more, because I catch Tyson repeating things that I have said. In fact the other day I said to him, "Tyson come out side with mom, I have a job for you to do. You can help me pick up all the pinecones in the front yard." He replied by saying, "That is a crap job! I don't want to pick up the pinecones." WOW did that open my ears. We have to be ever so careful with what we say, we never know who might be listening and who might repeat it!
4. Drive SLOW in the FAST lane, or don't go the speed limit.
5. People who don't signal when they are turning.
6. People who answer their cell phone and hold a conversation when you are in the middle of something. (I have to admit that my DH does this...and it BUGS me SO BAD!) Probably the 1 thing we argue about the most.
7. Compulsive liars. People who lie and don't even know they are because they do it all the time! There is NO good time to lie, at least that is what I have found in my experience.
8. People who are pessimistic about everything and everyone.
9. When people can't put something back where it belongs, and then they ask you where it is.
10. People who don't hold doors open. This bugs the heck out of me. What happened to people's manners?

One more thing to mention...sorry I know this has been LONG! Yesterday my sister and I enjoyed a beautiful day taking the kids to the park for a picnic and then on a bike ride. While at the park I heard Tyson saying, "I have to go pee!" Then I turned around and he had his pants around his ankles and was attempting to "do his business." I quickly stopped him...before he got started and pulled him away and closer to a bush when he was a little more inconspicuous. BOYS! This was the first time he has ever done that...and I didn't teach him HOW to do that. Then....in the afternoon we went across the street to try and fly a kite, there wasn't a breath of wind. But we tried anyway. We were all at the bottom of the hill and Tyson was standing on top of the hill. I turn around and look at him and what do I see? His pants around his ankles again...and he is peeing! Then he tries to run down the hill with his pants around his ankles and his little bare butt mooning everyone! When he reaches me he said, "I went pee." We all had a good laugh over my little exhibitionist! In a way it is nice to have boys for this reason...it is very convenient when they HAVE to go. But on the other hand...you never know WHEN they are going to go, of WHERE! LOL!

Star Light...Star Bright...

As we drove home late last night from visiting family, I looked up at the most brilliant night sky I have seen in a long time. I have often taken for granted the beauty of the world I live in. Last night though, I marveled at those beautiful stars shining so brightly in the sky, a million miles away. I noticed the big dipper and wondered how many others were seeing the same thing I was. I began to think how blessed I was to be able to see this awesome sight. With nothing but night sky that stretched for miles and miles, as far as the eye could see. I thought how others around the world were not as lucky because they wouldn't be able to enjoy this beauty as I was. There night sky was filled with towering skyscrapers, street lights, and pollution. Some would think that I was the unlucky one because I live in a place where there isn't all that hustle and bustle. But for me, to live on the wide open prairie of Southern Alberta is what beauty is to me. For my children to be able to look up and wish on a star like I have done so many times in the past. For them to be able to drive on a highway where they may not see a city or town for miles, where they can run free in an open field of wheat, where they can ride a horse with nothing but wind blowing through their hair. That is where I find beauty, and peace. The saying really is true, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So whether you view the night sky from a 50th floor window, or driving on a lone highway going through the wide open prairie, there really is beauty in all things! It is all in the way we look at things.

A Resurrection...& Puppies!

From my previous post you would have know that we had a death in our family. Tyler's PDA was dropped in a tub FULL of water and wouldn't turn on, thus it suffered a tragic loss! Well last night we had a resurrection in our house! The PDA came back to life. Tyler was totally dumbfounded, and couldn't believe it when he put the battery back in and the thing lite up. He was ecstatic, and so was I cause now I don't have to fork over the money for a new one. It is great to see a smile back on my husbands face. Now I HOPE he learned his lesson, and realizes that little hands will find anything, and will put it anywhere!

Tyson had is skating carnival on Saturday night, and I was SO proud of him! I was smiling from ear to ear as my little Coal Miner skated on the ice, swinging his pick axe as he went. I can't believe how far the little guy has come. The first time we put on his hockey skates there was many a tear shed to get him to where he is now. Finally persistence and determination paid off! He enjoys skating now, and we love to go as a family.

Our dog Maggie is going to be a mother. We just found out or realized that she is very heavy laden with puppies this morning. Why we never noticed it before is beyond me. I guess I don't really pay attention to the dog anymore now that we have kids, and she is an outside dog. She has become Tyler's companion at work, he takes her most days. Today he came out and said "Jodi come and look at the dog, I think she is pregnant." Sure enough she is! She is huge, and her boobs (as Tyler called them) are huge and engorged. So it will probably only be a few days and we will have little puppies running all over. (insert eyes rolling here.) It will be fun, don't get me wrong, I love new puppies, and my boys will love them too. So now I am just trying to think of the perfect place for her to deliver. I think the garage is our best bet. I will be sure and take pictures of the little ones once the arrive.

Spring is definitely in the air in Southern Alberta. The weather is warming up, and I noticed today that my tulips are starting to peak their heads out of the ground. Here are some pictures of the kids at the park the other day. I love this picture of Carson discovering the pea gravel. He wouldn't STOP putting it in his mouth. Needless to say...we found some of those rocks later when we changed his diaper!

We bought a new BBQ today and I can't wait to use it! Tomorrow is the day, and I have the steaks ready to eat, along with yummy herbed potatoes. YUM! I am hoping tomorrow will be nice enough to get some yard work done. Our yard is in a shambles. Tyson is also dying to try out his new spider man kite that he got for doing so well in his skating carnival. Hopefully there will be a slight breeze tomorrow, but not a gale force wind that Southern Alberta is famous for!

On a sad note, my grandma had a minor stroke this afternoon. It came as a complete shock and it has had me very worried ever since. Apparently she is doing not too bad, and only has a minor ailment from it. She isn't paralyzed on one side, and is able to understand, speak, and stand with a bit of help. She isn't able to focus with her eyes very well, but the Dr.'s are hopefully that she will be able to recover quickly from it. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

A Death In The Family...

Today we had a tragic loss in our family! Today in the early morning TH55 was the victim of a tragic drowning accident. The suspect, is a 14 month old adorable baby boy, who claims he didn't know what he was doing. The witness, a 3 1/2 year old boy, claims that the suspect dropped TH55 from high above the ground, where he plunged to his death in a tub full of water. The owner of TH55 had his back turned for only a moment, and in the blink of an eye his best friend suffered a tragic death. Funeral services are scheduled for later this evening. Our condolences go out to Tyler, our prayers are with him as he goes through this terrible loss!

Now those of you who have read the above are probably wondering, "What the heck is she talking about?" Well let me explain it to you. Ever since I have know Tyler he has been a "write it down" type of person. First he had "Mr.Book," a day planner he took EVERYWHERE! He wrote absolutely everything down. It was his constant companion until I came along, and even then I had to compete. LOL! A few years ago we had our garage broken into and Mr. Book was stolen. Before hand Tyler had been thinking about getting a PDA, but was still skeptical, and wondered if it would do what he wanted it to do. So after Mr. Book was stolen I bought him a PDA for Christmas, and gave it to him early, because he was going to go out and buy a replacement for Mr. Book. Anyway that one lasted quite awhile. To make a LONG story short...we have been through 3 more PDA's. The last one got dropped in the toilet, and that was another death in the family. I swore I wouldn't buy another expensive one because he had gone through so many. Well I caved and bought him the exact model he wanted for Christmas. He was SO happy. I told him it had to last 3 years, so treat it like gold. Well this morning his luck and out when he left if on the night stand and Carson got a hold of it and dropped it in the tub! Oh man the look on poor Tyler's face. It was so devastating. I felt so bad for the guy, he was almost in tears. But he handled it very well, and said that it wasn't the end of the world, and he would have to use the old...old one. But I know that he was really upset about it. So yes we suffered another tragic death in our family.

Then to top ALL that off...Tyler came home from work and told me that his partner at work is quitting. Tyler likes him so much and they really get along, but they guy can't handle the crazy schedule and the unpredictability of it. So it has been a rough day for my man. He needs some extra hugs and kisses today. We did manage to get over to play some cards with friends tonight and that seemed to bright his spirits up a bit. Tomorrow is a new day, and things will seem much better. And who knows maybe the PDA fairly will be able to find another one on EBAY. I'm sure that would put the smile back on her husbands face!

10 Things I Worry About...

This was posted on another blog I visit, and I thought I would post my 8 Things I Worry About (I couldn't think of 10 & these are in no particular order.)

1. The Health of my family. My family is all very healthy (the 4 of us), and so is my extended family, but I worry that we won't stay that way. My grandmother had breast cancer in the 70's and I worry that I will also get it. I worry about Tyler's health because he is SO healthy and in the back of my mind I have the fear that he might not always stay that way. He WILL NOT go to the Dr. for a check up because he thinks there is nothing wrong, but I keep telling him that prevention is better! I am beginning to think that it is a "man thing", not to want to go to the dr. My kids are also healthy, but with Carson's past issues, I just hope and pray they they both will continue to thrive, grow, and develop they way they should.
2. The safety of my children. Will all the evil there is in our world, I constantly worry about what my boys are being exposed to. I am already starting to dread when they will go to school. They won't be protected and sheltered for everything that is "out" there as much as they have been being under my watchful eye every minute of the day.
3. Natural Disasters. It seems that in the last few years there have been so many more natural disasters. It scares me to death! I know we aren't well enough prepared if something were to happen here. I worry for all those people effected by these disasters. I wish there was more I could do for them.
4. Money. We are almost out of debt, (excluding our house payments) and it has been a long hard road. I worry that we will get our selves into trouble again.
5. Identity Theft. It seems more and more people are becoming a victim to this crime, and I fear that maybe one day it might happen to me. I buy a lot online, and my personal info it probably out in cyberspace. Also we aren't very careful with out documents, and are careless to just throw things away in the trash. We need to get a paper shredder, maybe that would take away some of my fear.
6. Changing Careers. Tyler is happy and content with his job now, but in the back of my mind I often wonder and worry how long he will stay that way. He is at the top of the ladder with this company and there is no room for growth, so I wonder what happens when he gets sick of it.
7. Morals and Values. I worry so much about how the worlds morals and values are slowly decreasing. We see it everyday, from advertising, to the music and t.v. we listen to. What happened to those good old days when you didn't have to worry about what your children saw on television, or what they would hear on the radio. It seems that no one stands up for what they believe in, and we all just conform to and accept what is going on around us. Sure one small voice may not make a difference but many sure would!
8. Friends. I worry about the friends my children are going to have. With Tyson only a few months away from going to pre-school, I am finding myself worrying more and more about the types of friends he is going to make. Friends are so very important in a child's life, especially when they become a teenager. Friends can either build you up and make you be a better person, or they can lead you to do things you know aren't right, but through peer pressure they get you to do them. Maybe it won't be so bad with boys though, they won't be competing with each other over the name brand clothes, boyfriends, and all the petty things girls fight over. I guess only time will tell.

Now that seemed to me kind of depressing when I actually thought about what worries me. So on a lighter note I thought I would post some things that I'm NOT worried about.

1. What happens when we die. I have the calming assurance that death is NOT the end for us when we die. And that we will be reunited with loves ones who have died before us. Also that our families can be together forever. What a comfort that is to me!
2. The LOVE my husband has for me. I know that with every fiber of his being that Tyler loves me. That he would do anything within his capabilities to make me happy.
3. SUPPORT. I know with all my heart that my family supports me in every decision that I make that supports things that are righteous and good.
4. FRIENDS. I know that I may not have an abundance of "close" friends, but the ones I do have genuinely care about me and my families well being.
5. FREEDOM. I am not worried that my freedoms will be taken away from me. I am so happy and thankful to live in a country where people are free to choose. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to act for ourselves.
6. POVERTY. I am thankful that I don't have to worry about where my next meal will come from, when the next clean glass of water to drink will come from, and worry about if my children are going to starve. My heart goes out to ALL of those who have this constant worry!
11. I will leave you with a LO I did a few days ago. Here is Tyson, once again EXPLORING & being ADVENTUROUS!

Printer Jam...Not For The Weak!

I received an email from a friend and attached were these pictures! It gave me the willies SO bad! Sent shivers up my spine! I HATE mice, always have, always will. There is just something about a creature that can move SO fast, and fit into anywhere! I hope this NEVER happens to you or I! I feel so bad for the person who discovered this... they are probably scared for life! LOL!

You Know It Is SPRING When...

Tyler's mom and dad live on a ranch just west of Leavitt, AB. He was born and raised there. It is such a great place, it is your typical farm, complete with all the animals you would expect to find on a ranch. Ever since Tyler and I have been married, I have looked forward to spring on the ranch because there is always new baby animals. Yesterday when we went for a visit there were so many new babies. Baby chickens, baby budgie's, baby puppies, bunnies, and goats. Not to mention all other animals, horses and ponies, dogs, and cats. It is such a fun place for the grandkids. Tyson had SO much fun holding all the new babies. I think his favorite was the adorable lop eared grey bunny that he wanted to name "Jack in the box." Where he came up with that name I have no idea! LOL! I was kicking myself for not having my camera! Tyson was so adorable while trying to hold the squirmy baby chicken. He eventually found the "perfect" way to hold the baby. He kept telling me that he was being gentle. He wanted so badly to go to the barn and see the baby goats, but the weather was too cold and nasty to venture down to the barn. So we will have to go back soon and do that, and this time I will bring my camera!

Tyson is having a sleepover at my parents house for the next 2 nights. He was so excited to go! he was helping me pack his little bag, and wanted to bring practically everything in his room! He was way to funny! My dad is SO happy to finally have some little boys to teach everything too. He can't wait till the summer when he can take Tyson fishing, and camping. Next year he will be taking 3 boys with him, Carson and Hunter will be big enough to go by then. So he is going to have his hands FULL, but he has waited a long time to spend some time with little boys, so I know he is more than happy and excited to spend time with his grandsons.

I had a GREAT idea! I am going to have a Easter party for Tyson and ALL of his friends. Friends from play school, and friends from church. The fun thing about the party is that my mother in law is going to bring her baby animals! So were are going to have a petting zoo, and an Easter egg hunt at the park. I think I am more excited than all the kids will be. I LOVE planning parties, all you have to do is give me an excuse to have one. So for the next 2 weeks I will be planning "Tyson's Easter Party." I'm sure it will be a BLAST, now all I have to do is pray for good weather!

Better Left Unsaid...

Sometimes in life there are things we say that would have been better to have left them UNSAID! I can't count how many times I have had situations like this. I find myself on a daily basis thinking, "Why on earth did I say that?" And of course it is always AFTER I have said it. I remember my mother telling me as a child that "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!" Why is this concept so hard for me to implement in my daily life? I find myself saying things to Tyler, my children, family members, and friends things that I know I am going to regret, but I say them anyway without thinking first. I have always admired people who choose their words carefully. My husband is very much that way. I can honestly say that he has never spoken an unkind word towards me, or said things that he has regretted. He is that way with everyone, and I admire that quality in him.

Then there are the times when OTHERS have said things that we wish they would have left UNSAID. We are so quick to get offended and let our feelings be hurt. I had one of those experiences today. I guess I was both on the receiving end and also on the giving end of things that I wish weren't said, and things that I wish I wouldn't have said. Needless to say both parties left the situation with hurt feelings and flames coming out of their ears. I wish I could have avoided this situation and handled it better! I find that my emotions get the best of me and I don't stop and think before opening my mouth. A bad trait that has gotten me into trouble more than once.

Then comes the process of forgiveness and letting it GO. Will it really matter tomorrow? Will it bring hurt feelings that really don't need to be there? In my situation it was over reacting on both parties. Looking back on it, it really was so stupid! So after a couple of hours when we had both had time to cool off, it was time to say, "I'm sorry." Things are fine now, and back to normal now., but wouldn't it have been better to have avoided the situation all together? YES it would have. So that is my goal for the coming week, THINK BEFORE I SPEAK! I found this cute poem and I think it sums it up pretty good.

“Before you speak, listen.

Before you write, think.

Before you spend, earn.

Before you invest, investigate.

Before you criticize, wait.

Before you pray, forgive.

Before you quit, try.

Before you retire, save.

Before you die, give.”

Tuckered Out...

Have you ever been so deliriously tired, where nothing, not even a thunder storm, earthquake, or 100 km/hour winds will wake you? This was the case with Tyson (picture on the left). He played SO hard that beautiful summer day that when it was time for supper he climbed on top of the picnic table and fell asleep. We tried and tired, but to no avail we could NOT wake him. We tried bribing him with his favorite "sour" pop, asked him if he wanted candy, but still nothing, no response. Tyler even tried to tease him by telling him that there was a bee close to him. The bees were SO horrible and Tyson and Tyler were both unfortunate and were stung. But even THAT didn't stir this sleeping child. As I scrapbooked this LO over the past 2 days...yes 2 days, (I know it isn't anything fancy, but I just couldn't get it to look right), I thought about times in my life where I have been so exhausted. There were many long nights while I stayed up studying for a test to get my Dental Assistants Certificate. Also many times I was exhausted from staying up all night hanging out with roommates, and then waking early to go to class. Then came the long nights while Tyler and I were dating. It didn't seem to bother us to stay up to 3 and 4 a.m. just to be together, and then wake up and go to work only a few short hours later. Those were the "good old days," when we were falling in love, and everyday was exciting. We would sacrifice anything to spend one more minute together. For me back then, being exhausted and tired all the time was worth it, and plus I was younger and my body adjusted to the lack of sleep. Then came marriage, which was and still is GREAT! Every day was a new day, finding out about each other, adjusting to being together all the time and learning each others quirks. There were many exhausting nights staying up talking, watching t.v. or going out with friends and family. Then there was work to add to all the "wifely" duties, and that took some getting used too. Then babies came along, and I finally got a clearer and more defined picture of what true delirious exhaustion was! Late nights, early morning, NO sleep for days on end, crying babies, sick babies, and babies who think that during the day they should sleep and at night they should be awake. But it was and still is SO worth it. I wouldn't trade in all of my lost sleep for anything. Those late nights spent rocking a crying baby are precious moments. Now my 1st baby isn't a baby anymore, and there aren't many moments when I can rock him like I did when he was little. I'm sure there will be many more nights where exhaustion will set in because of staying up late to fix the perfect snack for pre-school, or getting the perfect Halloween costume finished, or helping a child with a school project. I'm sure I will loose plenty of sleep because of worry for my children, and waiting up for them. But how important is sleep, or lack of when you are loosing it for a greater cause? Isn't there always another day when you can play catch up? My favorite day to catch up on much needed rest is Sunday. What a better day could there be to just relax? After spending the morning in worship, then to come home and contemplate how you have been uplifted by a Sunday service, then to have the whole family enjoy a peaceful, sleep filled afternoon. There is nothing better than laying on the couch with the sunshine coming in through the window while enjoying a peaceful, tranquil moment of sleep. It is in that moment, that makes the lack of sleep, and utter exhaustion WORTH IT!