Clan Cameron

one happy CAT!

2007-01-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

Last post was one happy baby, this post is one happy CAT!

Owen always chases George around the house and wants to cuddle him SO badly. Owen is getting so much faster these days and is finally able to catch the kitty! Thank heaven George is such a mild cat, we are so lucky. Check out George's teeth!

happy baby

2007-01-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

So happy....

CHELSEA!!

2007-01-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

Chelsea Leslie left a comment on my last post. This was totally unexpected! I haven't been in touch with Chelsea in three years; the last time I saw her, to be exact, was on my wedding day! She was pregnant at the time and I never even found out what she had!!

Chelsea: please leave me your email address in another comment. I often wonder about you and how you are doing. It sounds like you're doing great. Are you still in 100 Mile? What an exciting morning it is for me to open up the blog and to hear from you!

Funny, but you and Vicki (Conti/Rogall) are the only two people I wish I was closer to from my past. We have so many good memories together.

For all the ups and downs about blogging, this has made it all worth it; reconnecting with a dear friend!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

We are still alive, I have just been enjoying some much needed time away from my computer and with my boys! We had a great Christmas here in Lillooet with my parents and my grandma. I am sure glad it is all over though! Back to the 'real' world on Monday when all my classes start up again...

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

The Month After Christmas

'Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house

Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse

The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste

All the holiday parties had gone to my waist

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!

When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber)

I'd remember the marvellous meals I'd prepared;

The gravies and sauces with turkey all paired

The wine and the rum balls, the pate and cheese

And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please!"

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt

And prepared once again to do battle with dirt--

I said to myself, as only I can

"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So, away with the last of the sour cream dip,

Get rid of the chocolate, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished

'til all the additional ounces have vanished

I won't have a cookie, not even a lick

I'll now only chew on a long celery stick

I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,

I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore---

But isn't that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot -
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

to tie you over...

2006-12-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts but school is draggin' me down these days. This week is crunch time, all my finals and essays are due by Saturday so the pressure is on. It doesn't help I spend this week in Kamloops working with the after-hours emergency response team in Community Mental Health - the shifts are 4:30 - 1:30 am...what am I thinking?!

We took Owen to see Santa today. It went about as well as expected! He cried and screamed and didn't want anything to do with Santa, which we knew would happen, but as the torturing parents we are we had to have the photo for a keepsake. Speaking of the 'photo' lets talk about the dark ages. In Lillooet Santa sets up in Millwood Plaza a.k.a the mall. Let me tell you, not much goes into the display but to top it off the photos are taken with a POLAROID camera! Can you belive that? Can you believe they don't have a digital in this day and age! Oh well, we paid $12.00 bucks and got four POLAROID pictures. I did manage to take some on my digital to uplaod for you (and to send to grandparents of course).

Christmas is right around the corner and I am feeling on top of things. Well, I did just send my last parcels this morning, but rest assured the postal empoyee said they would arrive to their destinations Wednesday, thank heaven. Christmas cards will be going out on Monday to all those who are wondering if I forgot them this year - I didn't! School is making me crazy.

Our Christmas party last weekend was a success and everyone had a great time. Owen ate and ate and ate all night - because people feed cute babies constantly - after which he threw up right in the middle of the living room during the gift exchange...mother of...

Next year we are going to put a sign on him that says "Don't feed the baby".

Tis the season to indulge I guess! But when your stomache is the size of a walnut and you don't each much junk food, you should take it slow.

Here are some photos to enjoy. This will be my last post until probably Saturday, the day I will be breathing freely and smiling constantly. Even though I don't update my own blog I still log-on and check out all of yours so keep it up. Good entertainment for study breaks.

Santa 2006

Coloring - a new favorite past time

My party outfit

I used these place card holders to let people know what the food dishes were at the party - it was a huge hit. We had yummy food like maple spiced pecans, carmalized onion dip, wings, meatballs, ceasar salal w/homemade dressing, quiche, sausage rolls, stuffed peppers....mmmm....

Shoveling with daddy - he is starting to like the snow more.

traditions...

2006-12-08T15:19:00.000-08:00

Our intent with Owen is to have 'family traditions'; some we will be passing down to him from previous generations, others we will be starting new with him. One tradition that Grady and I both have memories of is going out and cutting down the Christmas tree. Often this was done with many people, and included tobaganning and hot chocolate.

Being the naive parents we are, we bundled up Owen last Sunday and ventured Whistler way for a tree. Did I mention Owen hates snow? Minor detail...After looking and looking for a tall and slender tree this year we finally had found 'our gem'. We 4X4 up a mountain, park the Jeep and get ready to cut the beauty down. Did I mention Owen hates snow yet? Anyway, we are good parents, really. Owen was bundled up in snowpants, his jacket, toque, mittens - he had just woken from a nap, had some snacks - we thought we were ready to roll. Out we get - so far, so good.

"Owen let's watch daddy saw the tree!" says mommy.

Owen looks a little concerned at this point, but hangs in there. Did I mention he hates snow? I must have by now...

"Look, lets go up in the snow bank and help daddy" silly mommy

*mayday - mayday*

INSTANT TEARS...tears that wouldn't stop. The minute I sat him down he screamed, loud enough I am sure that hibernating bears were woken up. So, I carried him. Silly mommy, Owen weighs 30 lbs...not good.

So, we played in the Jeep while daddy did all the work! Owen had good fun once we were there! I said to Grady it is the Spanish blood in Owen making him hate the snow. He needs hot and he knows it.

We'll try again next year, that's the beauty of traditions!

Clapping to go home :)

Beauty!

Holiday edition of getting to know you...

2006-12-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?
Grady’s homemade hot chocolate…..mmmm…..

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Wraps with shiny bows and ribbons too!

3. Coloured lights on tree/house or white?
Coloured.

4. Do you hang mistletoe.
You bet – in a well used doorway!

5. When do you put your decorations up?
I’m always ready for December 1.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
TURKEY! Sorry, not too adventurous.

7. Favorite Christmas memory as a child?
Having huge family dinners. I miss that a lot.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
Sad, but I can’t remember.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Never; my husband is a bit of a scrooge in that department.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
No real order, just lots of ornaments, lights, tinsel and an angel of course.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it – but hate driving in it.

12. Can you ice skate?
You bet and I never let Grady forget it, he’s terrible! His mom said he never skated as a child because skates were always too tight around his ankles…maybe I should lighten up on him as it looks like Owen was blessed with those same ankles.

13. Do you remember your favourite gift?
Probably my engagement Christmas morning 2002.

14. What's the most exciting thing about Christmas for you?
Maintaining traditions and being with family.

15. What is your favourite Christmas Dessert?
Homemade reece peanut butter squares.

16. What is your favourite Christmas tradition?
Decorating.

19. What is your favourite Christmas Song?
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer & Rockin around the Christmas tree.

20. Candy Canes?
Only on the tree.

21. When do you take your Christmas decorations down?
About January 5 ish.

For Julia

2006-11-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

who is becoming addicted to checking out blogs! Says she might need to make her own, but this coming from the girl who JUST got email...

Thought I would post some of her wedding photos (sort of without her permission, but I don't think she'll mind). The wedding was September 2 at the Lakeside Resort in Penticton; it was a perfect day, filled with beautiful flowers, pretty dresses, good wine (vodka for some), singing, and Elvis. I was her matron of honor and couldn't have been happier to fill the roll. Julia and I have been friends since about grade three or four, we've lived in seperate cities for years now and still manage to stay close. She is really one of the nicest, funniest, most sincere girls you could ask to be your friend. Travis (Weir) is one lucky guy!

The happy couple saying their vows

Aww...

Ok, not a good one of my face, but a beautiful shot of the dress!

I told you Elvis was there...

Julia's friend Katie made this cake - beuaty and yummy!

She also made this cake for Julia's stagette. It was filled with unmentionables!

uh oh....

2006-11-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

I think our baby is a tv junkie, actually more of a Blue's Clue's/Barney junkie. He woke up from his afternoon nap, proceeded to push the ottomon in front of the tv, climbed on top, got comfy and watched Joe find clues to help figure out what Blue's favorite thing to do at bed time was! (Brush his teeth - in case you haven't seen that episode). So, here Owen is, in his glory. I know I am in control of his tv watching, at this particular moment both Grady and I were busy getting dinner on the table. Don't fret, he doesn't watch 8 hours a day, maybe 1.5......

hee hee

2006-11-25T18:37:00.000-08:00

shucks it snowed and I didn't get a chance to rake the leaves. darnit. hee hee.

leaving.....

2006-11-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

off to Kamloops I go, again. I am leaving early today because the roads aren't looking too pretty. I hate leaving early because it means more time away from Owen and Grady. I know I have said it out loud 100 times that I must keep my eye on the prize, but it is so hard to stay focussed on school when I know it takes me away from my family so much. I know Owen won't remember me being gone and in the end I am doing this to be a good role model for him; I want him to see successful, happy, fulfilled parents. I want him to know he can do whatever he wants with his life, and that we just want him to be happy (and to hopefully he will find love like Grady and I have). So, again, in the grand scheme of things, being away each week is only temporary. I need to remind myself over and over and over...I love my family very much.

I will blog again on Friday. Promise.

This is just the beginning people...

2006-11-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

of light up Lillooet 2006!

We are determined to deck our house right up this year, this is just a little preview of the lights we had time to put up yesterday. Picture it with a big Christmas tree in the front window, that's the beauty of vaulted ceilings. More throughout the Christmas season will follow. And yes folks, I am already turning the lights on!

Family Photos

2006-11-19T10:31:00.000-08:00

I don't think I've shared these yet.
In Ocotober we had our "yearly" family/Owen photos taken in Kamloops at Riverside Park. (It's only our second family photo of course!). Our photographer was great and she managed to get some good snaps. This is a challenge with a one-year old! I am trying to choose one for our Christmas cards now. Here is a little preview: (she took 100 photos....)

2006-11-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

This looked pretty interesting.....that being said, it took a long time. Time I should have used to finish a paper! Oh well, this was more fun.

1. I am off Spanish heritage.
2. Can’t speak Spanish though.
3. I have a baby boy
4. His name is Owen Hugh Dwane Cameron – named after his grandpa’s
5. My middle name is Christine.
6. Christine is my mom’s middle name too.
7. And my grandma’s middle name.
8. And my great-grandma’s first name was Christina.
9. I have been happily married to Grady Cameron for three years.
10. We dated for four years before we were married.
11. I have 1 biological brother and 1 biological sister.
12. I have 1 stepsister and 2 stepbrothers
13. I really want another baby.
14. My heart says “Right now”.
15. I am a full-time student.
16. My brain says “No baby now”.
17. A lot of my friends had babies this year.
18. I am at my computer 7 hours a day, at least.
19. I check my email and my blog obsessively.
20. I also obsess over my health.
21.Which isn’t great.
22. I miss Summerland.
23. Sadly, I probably will never live there again.
24. Grady is a Fisheries Officer.
25. There is no Fisheries Office in Summerland.
26. The closest is Armstrong.
27. Grady eats a lot of spicy food
28. I eat no spicy food.
29. I will never not be married to Grady,.I love him so much.
30. I love Christmas.
31. I also love Christmas baking. Mmmmm.
32. I really miss some of my old friends.
33. Especially Vicki and Chelsea.
34. I saw someone get Electric Shock Therapy the other day. Not nice.
35. I love my baby’s voice.
36. I really need new carpet.
37. I have great neighbors.
38. And live in a great neighborhood.
39. I love Rob Thomas.
40. His music I mean.
41. I think I have seen every episode of Dora. For real.
42. We drive a Jeep.
43. But are looking to upgrade, maybe to a van…..
44. Maybe to another Jeep……
45. Or maybe to a Honda Pilot……
46. Owen knows how to use the remote control.
47. I miss Jim and Helen in Terrace.
48. They were our old neighbours, but really more like pseudo parents.
49. I am puzzled as to why all the good tv shows are on Thursday nights..
50. I’m writing an essay right now about long acting anti-psychotic meds.
51. I graduated from high school in 1996.
52. My parents live in Summerland.
53. So do my in-laws.
54. Sometimes this is convenient.
55. Sometimes it isn’t.
56. Grey’s Anatomy rocks.5
7. I have lost about 10 highlighters this semester.
58. One of my favourite stores is Home Depot.
59. I want to learn how to ski.
60. And snowboard.
61. I love craft magazines like Better Homes….
62. I think I am destined to have all boys.
63. I miss my missing kitty.
64. Making this list takes a long time.
65. I don’t have much time these days.
66. I tried to blog everyday.
67. I wasn’t successful.
68. But I did improve.
69. Our friends from Terrace moved to Lillooet and bought the house next door.
70. I have a ggg-rr-ee-aa-ttt daycare lady.
71. I enjoy reading other peoples blogs.
72. I want to take a tour of my old highschool.
73. I missed my 10 yr. reunion this summer.
74. Because of school I miss a lot of things.
75. I want to learn to be a better cook.
76. I had $19.00 in library fines this week! Ouch.
77. My favourite movie is Pretty Woman.
78. My grandma is 94!!
79. I grew up on an orchard.
80. Just about time for Santa photos.
81. My knees crack all the time.
82. I sleep with a body pillow.
83. This sometimes annoys my hubby!
84. I think Owen is a lefty.
85. I would never bungee jump.
86. Our computer is 1 year old.
87. My auntie Rene is coming from Saskatchewan next week.
88. I am “this” close to being done my Christmas shopping.
89. I want it to snow soon.
90. I am addicted to Young and the Restless.
91. So is my other grandma.
92. I had a visit with an old friend the other day, it was great.
93. We are putting up Christmas lights today.
94. Hooray for chocolate.
95. Grady makes the best homemade hot chocolate.
96. I am a knitter and a quilter
97. I was born February 23, 1978.
98. I went to all the World Junior Hockey games last year. Awesome.
99. I want to go to Science World in December to see the Body of Life exposition.
100. My maiden name is Fernandez.

Thurlin Bunch

2006-11-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

Grady's sister, Kristen, married a great man on Saturday, November 11. To shorten the story, Kristen has four beautiful children, Hayley, Isabella, Grace & Ethan. Eric has three beautiful daughters, Taylor, Tula & Jayden. As you've probably by now figured out.....there are SEVEN kids! and poor little Ethan is the only boy! This family manages to live in a moderate size home, with only one bathroom! You heard it! One bathroom! (They might want to think about an addition before all those girl hit the teenage years). Kris and Eric are really happy together and all of the kids are so happy they decided to get married.

Here's some photos from the wedding.

Beautiful Bride

Bride and Groom

Whole Clan plus Grandma Cameron and Grandma Thurlin

Daddy & Owen

Alex & Lindsey

Welcome McKenna!

2006-11-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

Baby Burns #3 arrived Sunday, November 12. She is healthy and beautiful. Proud new daughter to Jocelyn and Brad, and little sister to Kayla and Cassidy! Everyone thought this was going to be a boy, but Mckenna is a very welcome addition to this ever growing family.

competition.....

2006-11-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

what competition?!? Ok, sorry to all of those who started to read my blog on a continuous basis this month. I was challenging myself to blog everyday in November and, obviously, that hasn't happened. I will update people tomorrow on why I fell behind. Right now I need to snuggle with my husband and forget about life for awhile.

p.s....big congratulations to Jocelyn and Brad, (Cassie and Kayla too)! Baby McKenna Burns (hmmm.....Gartrell for some of you) was born on Sunday and she is beautiful (8lbs 15oz!), with a megga head of hair. Pictures to follow.

p.s.s....a huge congratulations to the new Kristen and Eric Thurlin! (Grady's sister). The wedding was beautiful and the whole family (all 7 kids!!) seemed pretty happy to forming this new family. Pictures to follow.

My new personal goal is to update this site every second day. I am still proud of myself for getting semi back-on-track.......talk tomorrow.

Emily and Zach

2006-11-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Some pictures as promised....

I love these kids. I could post 200 more photos. Can't wait to see them again, maybe in the spring.....sniff, sniff.......until tomorrow!

Joey

2006-11-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

Last week on my way home from Kamloops, after finishing up some clinical hours, I started thinking about how busy I am with school, how much I dislike my baby going to daycare (even though Heather is awesome, I am the kind of parent who wants to spend as much time as possible with her child), how my house is falling apart (because I am so busy with school I have no time to clean it), how I spend an unlimited amount of time in front of my computer contributing to sessions and writing essays (APA format, of course).....and then.....I experienced a mini-mental breakdown. In all the confusion that is my life these days, I totally forgot to even think, or shed one tear about, my kitten, who has been missing now for almost four weeks. I started crying uncontrollably. I am sure it was due to a combination of being over tired and emotional.

For those of you who don't know me that well, I love my cats. Love my cats. Love my cats. It all began in Terrace when we adopted two cats from the SPCA, George and Piper. Within two days Piper was pregnant and in August 2002, she gave birth to one sole kitten, Joey. As you can imagine there was NO way I was parting with one kitten. If she had birthed eight it might have been easier, but one! no way.

I am trying to keep my spirits up about Joey (and keep my mind off the coyotes in the back 40). Perhaps some nice neighbor is feeding him; sometimes missing cats reappear after months.

So, Joey, I think about you everyday. I miss you.
p.s. Your mom and dad miss you too. They have been extra cuddly since you left, so I am sure they would want you to come home as soon as you can.

Truthfully

2006-11-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

Tuesday posts are gonna suck. Sorry, but I am away in Kamloops and I have just finished a 12 hour shift and still have another tomorrow. So tired. Still need to shower. I will just acknowledge Marie. This woman, I barely know her, has welcomed me into her house each week. I am almost a complete stranger to her; only know her through association. So, thank you Marie (and you're family), for making me feel so welcome and at home, in your home. Each week I am so grateful that I have a warm bed to sleep in. Plus, you are so full of life and inspiring to me as a person and as a fellow nurse. I look forward to hearing your interpretations of my experiences at work. You challenge my views and make me reflect on personal experiences and how they affect me with patients. Thanks for the insight.

Until tomorrow everyone. Promise some pictures of Emily and Zach soon.

Like my own...

2006-11-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

I am the first to admit that my brother, Michael, and his wife, Jill, are pretty much my two best friends. Jill and I talk on the phone everyday and as time goes on I am realizing I am as nerdy as my brother. I should start with him.

Michael is pretty nerdy, but thats what I love about him. He graduated from Lakeland College a few years ago and received the Governor General's award for being the top post-secondary student at his school. His intentions were to continue with his education, but Alberta Environment (AE) snatched him up, so his original plans were put on hold. He started as an environmental Inspector with AE and worked his way up to Investigator. Just recently he received another promotion and is heading a special task force with 11 other people, which deals with serious environmental disasters. If you asked him to explain his job to you, he would go on and on and on....Michael is also on the Sherwood Park Library board (SPLB) which may not sound that important, but it is a huge deal. The SPLB is a multi-million dollar organization and many influencial people are either a part of it or attend certain library functions. In addition, Michael is Emily's soccer coach and is attending Royal Roads University, by distance education, to complete his degree. Could someone be busier?!?

Jill. Jill is crazy. She runs a day home in Sherwood Park and every morning her house is inidated with like six kids. Crazy. She is so good with them all and she really is a role model of a mother for me. She is stern, yet gentle. She loves her kids unconditionally and is constantly boasting about them. Jill manages to run her whole house and supports my brother and his crazy life. Jill is funny, her and I share very similar humour and have very similar taste in clothes, decor, movies, food etc. Jill has a big family! She has FIVE brothers and TWO sisters! BIG! She loves her family. Jill was my matron of honor when Grady and I were married. She really is a true friend.

Emily and Zachary.....I really love these kids like they are my own. I have noted them in my will, literally, and we have chosen Michael and Jill to raise our kids in the event something happens to us. This is how much we trust and love them.

Emily has been bringing light into my life for 4 years and Zach for just about one! They are fantastic kids, so loving and funny. I miss them everyday and almost count sleeps until I get to see them.

So, thats a little more insight into my life. Enjoy.

Dammit, blogger won't let me upload pictures right now, so I will try again soon.

Deal or....no deal?

2006-11-05T18:47:00.000-08:00

I think everyone should follow this link: http://www.canada.com/globaltv/dondcasting/index.html and apply to be a contestant on the Deal or No Deal. The best part is you get to make up a rap about yourself. Awesome.

Thats all for today folks, busy doing laundry and cleaning because I leave again tomorrow for Kamloops.

little plug

2006-11-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

about my cousin Brian.

He's awesome. I can't explain him. It almost sounds too lame to describe him as funny, kind, loving, devoted, smart......he is so much more than that. He is a true friend. Someone I can talk to maybe only 12 times a year, yet we are still on the same page. His wife Colleen has allowed me to maintain this awesome relationship with Brian. (By the way, I friggin' love Colleen, she has taught me many things - I know she thinks I'm crazy sometimes but still loves me). When I was attending OUC in Kelowna I spent many a night on their couch - poor Colleen would go to bed and Brian and I would stay up and play "smack your bitch up...." (a made up card game). Neither of us can remember how to play it now, but we do remember laughing our tooshes off and having a blast. We also, are both serious Simpson watchers. No laughing please.....watching Simpsons is a serious good time if you let it be.

Why am I talking about Brian? Over the past, I'd say, five years or so, Brian and Colleen have truned to God. They have become Christians and in my opinion, have never been better. They are both leaders in their church and it seems to have been a very natural transition for them.

I have been struggling with finding that something to believe in. Something to help me make it through the hard times, as I have learned over the past few years, they do exist. I am not immune to heartache. Is God the answer for me? I am starting to ask myself some very difficult questions. Questions which involve looking inward and facing my true self. This is hard. However, having Brian and Colleen as role models is inspirational for me and I know they will be (and have been) helpful in guiding me to answering some of these hard questions.

Everyone who reads this should check out Brian's blog at www.manvsbook.com. He reads a book a month- something recommended from a friend. He is challenging himself and enlightening me at the same time. His writing is inspirational and thought provoking.

Happy Birthday Grandma Lidster

2006-11-03T17:52:00.000-08:00

Grady's grandma turned 84 today! She is one of the greatest ladies I know, I am so lucky to have her in my life too. Not only has she raised four of her own children, she was instrumental in the upbringing of Grady and Alex. She (and grandpa too) are the kind of grandparents every kid dreams about. They went on trips, always had nequick and candy on hand, saw them almost daily, took them to "wishdonalds" and burger king, constantly dote on them and believe these two boys can do no wrong.
Grandma also is exteremely talented. She is a beautiful painter and the proof is in the pictures. She was 81 when Grady and I were married and still painted a portrait for us. She can also weave baskets out of pine needles, sew like only few can do (she made my wedding dress) and is incredible at keeping keepsakes safe and has made an invaluable scrapbook for each of her grandchildren. She gave me Grady's scrapbook at my wedding shower. It had every picture he ever drew for her, air plane ticket stubs, every newspaper clipping from his birth announcement to our wedding announcement, pictures upon pictures, school ribbons, birthday cards, cashed cheques she wrote him for $2.00 for mowing their lawn...you get the picture; it was Grady's life history.
She is a truly amazing woman. Her entire family loves her. Happy Birthday Grandma!

Come home soon daddy...

2006-11-02T19:30:00.000-08:00

Grady is away in Terrace until tomorrow night. He only left yesterday, so I am not complaining that he is gone for too long, but it breaks my heart to see how sad Owen is when Grady doesn't come home at the end of the day. As you can see in the first picture, Owen has been carrying around his two favorite items today: a Barney video and a picture of "daddy". He literally takes his daddy's pictures everywhere with him. As you can see in the second picture, when he was dismantling my kitchen cupboards today he had his daddy's picture on the floor beside him! We really have a sweet baby.

p.s. I miss Grady too, we have had a couple of hit and miss weeks lately where I arrive home from Kamloops on Wednesday night and he has had to go out of town the same day, making it a whole week apart. Another "bonus" about being back in school. Until tomorrow everyone...

Happy Halloween (belated of course!)

2006-11-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

You heard me, Happy Halloween, I hope your day was filled with kit kats, aero bars, twix bars, caramilk bars, jersmey milk squares, smarties, reece peanut butter cups, & skittles! Mmm, that makes for a good day.

Our little man turned into a cowboy and appeared to love every minute of it. He didn't want to take his costume off, so I am sure he will continue to wear it for fun. Let the good times roll.
I of course missed all the festivities as I was in Kamloops continuing my practicum hours. Many stories for my month full of blogging.

For now, because it is late and I just arrived home from working three 12 hour shifts and drove 2 hours home, I will leave you with a picture of the cutest cowboy ever. Honestly.

new leaf

2006-10-29T15:50:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am really challenging myself this time! I am commited to blogging once a day in November. Everybody out there is thinking I am crazy, me included, but maybe this is what I need to get back on track. Plus, some time spent at my computer for reasons other than school seem like a blessing in disguise. I have been crazy about school lately. Here goes nothing! See you all November 1!

Finally Able to Sit in Comfort

2006-08-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

When Grady's parents babysat Owen last weekend, they broke one of our kitchen chairs - for those of you who don't know, our table and chairs SUCK! So today his mom phoned and described this table to me and asked me if we would like it.....like it? It's a thousand times better (and nicer) than the one we have now and did I mention we're living on ONE income these days, so purchasing a new table on our own isn't in the cards for the next two or three years! So compliments of Sandy and Suzie we have a whole new dining set! Can't wait to pick it up at the end of the month.
Patricia

p.s. thats my mom in the green, grady's in the white!
And in the first picture, the chair is not lop-sided, its in my parents gravel driveway.....just to clear it up!

A year has come and gone

2006-08-01T22:41:00.000-07:00

Our baby is a baby no more. Toddler-like really. I love it (and secretly hate it a little). He is so awesome, full of smiles and laughs. Walking around like crazy, "talking" like crazy, steam-rolling the cats, sleeping with a stuffed bear, going to daycare, brushing his teeth, climbing on the furniture...I really am happy, but a little sad too. These feelings make us both want another baby, but our plates are too full right now. We are enjoying every moment with Owen, I know I need to take it all in, because soon, he will be two, then three, then four, then sixteen, then twenty, then married, then moving away.....AHHH slow down Patricia......sniff, sniff. How do other mom's handle this? I just want to squeeze my boy all day long and never let go!
Some photos to reflect.....

DARE - OLOGY!

2006-07-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, this could be fun: I found this via randomly searching other peoples blogs and connections....is that weird???

Dare-ology:For this last section, if you would do it for less or more money, indicate how much.

Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
Absolutely not. I would need at least $500,000 - but some people would want to be paid if they had to see me walk down a public street naked!

Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
Can I pick who it is? Like maybe a nice, loving kiss for my sis??? hmm. maybe.

Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
Absolutely not. Ouch. reminds me of a Sopranos episode......oh, that Tony.

Would you never blog again for $50,000?
At this point in my life, yes! But I would have to keep reading about everyone else. And maybe, in a few years I would start blogging again under an assumed name.

Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?
Never!!!! (not only b/c of my lack of self-confidence, but morally, I cannot do this). My nakedness is for my husband eyes only!

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
I can't even eat pepper! Never!!

Would you shave your head and get your entire body waxed for $5,000?
It's only hair. Sure. Why not.....

Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
Would I ever! Think of all the school work I'd get done.....hmmm....

photos

2006-07-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

only three months have passed....

2006-07-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

unbelievable! I never thought I would let my blog get this outdated. Alot has happened in three months!

I spent six weeks in Terrace (working), Grady used up 7 weeks of my parental leave, Owen has started at daycare (already pulled from one!), I am back at school full-time, we had a tragic death in our family recently, my mom shattered her elbow at the end of May, I have been super busy helping Julia with wedding things (Whistler, here we come for a super-fun stagette!)..........
I am not sure if that sums it up, I am feeling overwhelmed trying to remember everything.

I have had the odd chance to peek at everyone else's blog, I still quite enjoying reading a few of my fav's.

Basically, school and Owen are taking up more time than I have these days. Believe it or not, our tv doesn't get turned on until evening now (not even for Y&R) and I go to town for the mail about every five days! I have six, 3000-5000 word essays due from now until September 1. Our library is less than stellar, so I am patiently waiting on inter-library loans for research.
Grady is full on busy season at work. He works two weeks nights (4pm-4am) then two weeks days (4am-4pm) from now until end of September. I should also add there are very little days off in there. He has July 22 and 23 off, thats it for the whole month!
I am also trying to arrange for overnight daycare for our little one, as I have to be in Kamloops for face-to-face sessions the 7/8 and 14/15. (Doesn't help Grady is on nights these weekends).

I recently found out how hard it is to find a good daycare. My first experience was NOT good. I politely requested that her home be baby-proofed (I even offered to buy the supplies like a gate and cupboard locks etc), but she insisted she didn't need those items, and that Owen would never be out of her sight!
For those of us with kids......yah right!! How can you watch a fast-moving baby all the time???? Get real lady.
So after day three of trying with no success to baby proof the place, I said he would not be coming back! She appeared shocked!!! whatever.
I have found a new daycare that is "woderful!", and Owen is having no problems there, thank heaven. An added bonus, is that it is just down the road from our house.

Owen is doing gggrrreeeaaattt!! He will be one year on the 26th. He is holding stong at 25 lbs and has grown to 31.5 inches. He is on molar number three, making that 9 teeth in all! His personality is developing more and more everyday. The just loves to talk and laugh, and his favorite activity is still chasing the cats! He also loves his swimming and being in the garden dirt! He is also WALKING!! about 10 steps a day, so not much but he is catching on fast.

I hope I will update this sooner rather than later. I hope this helps a little.

easter bunnies coming

2006-04-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

and he's bringing all my friends 'home' for the weekend! Yahoo!
He's bringing Julia, Travis, Andy, Chuck, Nicola, Alex, Janine, Devin, Jocelyn, Brad, Dawn, Chad, Kristi, Bianca......
This is going to be soooo fun!

tryin' to keep up

2006-04-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hangin' with Joey
grumpy pants

Hello to all,
I feel like I am lagging behind in the blog department, but (there's always a but)....I have been super busy with school and mommy-ing and wife-ing. Plus, the weather has been fantastic, so we have been working in the yard in our 'spare' time. Let's just say the previous owners weren't so into the yard.
Owen is awesome. 8 1/2 months now, 23 lbs and 28 1/2 inches long. He's still not a great eater. We offer tonnes of food, but he hardly eats anything. His favorite is steamed veggies, so I guess I shouldn't complain. He is creepin' and crawlin' like a mad man and pulls himself up to standing all the time. He is changing so much.
Grady has been getting very busy at work (he's a Fishery Officer), and tis' the season to fish! He's always happy to see April 1, 'cause with it comes the season of short sleeve uniform shirts and no more ties!
I just have to say with all this yard work, I've seen a side of Grady I've never seen. He knows all about plants and gardens and burning to "keep a buffer" in case of a forest fire. Plus, he likes being in the yard even though all Owen and I do is watch him! Grady is a hard worker and he is taking pride in our home and enjoys making it ours. I'm a lucky girl.
(psss...he's probably extra good at yard stuff 'cause he was in 4H club when he was younger and had a garden...too cute).
So thats our little update. Although not regular, I still enjoy blogging. I check out my fav sites daily. I almost get annoyed when other people don't update, but then I think about myself and forget all about it!
Talk to you all soon. Can't wait to see lots of you at Easter!

you're it

2006-03-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Residential Support Worker
2. Waitress / Hostess
3. Flipped Chicken at KFC
4. Student

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Pretty Woman
2. Cocktail
3. Can't Buy Me Love
4. Thomas Crown Affair

Four places I have lived:
1. Terrace
2. Lethbridge
3. Edmonton
4. Summerland

Four TV shows I love to watch: only four...hmmm....
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Amazing Race
3. The O.C
4. Desperate Housewives

Four places I have been on vacation:
1. Disneyland - Anaheim, CA - sooo fun :)
2. San Diego, CA
3. Miami, FL
4. Does Sas-kat-che-wan count as a holiday?

Four websites I visit daily:
1. msn. com to find celeb gossip
2. my blogger friends
3. royal bank
4. some university, always looking for classes

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Chocolate
2. Nachos
3. Steak
4. Halibut

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Somewhere hot, anywhere.
2. with my little Emily and Zach in Sherwood Park
3. out in the yard - 16 degrees today!
4. in Summerland

cute and happy

2006-03-20T20:44:00.000-08:00

There is nothing better than a sweet, happy baby.

How can you love someone so much?

time flies

2006-03-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

Sorry to all who read the blog, I have not done a great job of keeping it updated.
We spent three nights in Summerland, then were only home one night, then we were off to Terrace! We just got home yesterday, and I am leaving for an overnight trip to Kamloops today for a school orientation. To all who know me well, yes, I will be returning to school.....again!
Inside joke is that I am pretty much in school all the time. Some may say I change my mind often, but thats not it. All (many) of the courses I have taken in the last five years are health related. I will soon be enrolling in a Psychiatric Nursing program which all along has been my goal. Finally, I have found a way to do it mostly at home, maybe traveling a smidgin' to Vancouver and attending practicums in Lillooet and Kamloops.
On to better and cuter topics.....
Owen is CRAWLING. Full-on crawling. He has also learned to pull himself up onto his knees and has once pulled himself right up on his feet. He is pretty proud of himself and we are sooo proud of him! He appears to be right on track with 'the book'. I always laugh when I'm referring to 'the book', because all moms out there know exactly what I mean.
I will add some photos soon, maybe even a crawling video.

must have items....

2006-02-27T21:33:00.000-08:00

top 7:
jergens lotion.
chocolate milk, and lots of it.
sunglasses, stylish of course.
satellite radio, (not many choices in Lillooet and I love music!).
a bath tub.
a computer.
bottled water, I really dislike tap water.

I think I have more the 7 items I couldn't go without, but this is a good start.

McDreamy

2006-02-27T17:14:00.000-08:00

FYI:
Travis (aka, my own mcdreamy) picks his furtue wife tonight! And it better not be Moana, or I may cry. Sad, so sad this tv addicted life of mine.
Angella, I know you're gonna watch.
To all of those who don't know what I'm talking about, yeah for you! You must have more constructive things to do on a Monday night other than watch reality tv.

time flies

2006-02-25T08:32:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, I just looked at Jenn's (Dykstra) blog and she posted some pics of Caleb in his jumper and it brought back so many memories. So, of course I have to post some old and new pics of Owen in his jumper to show you all how fast time flies (as if you already didn't know). The top two are of Owen's first time in the jumper, the bottom two were taken February 5. He jumps like a mad-man now and squeels with delight while jumping! I think the first time he went in the jumper was in September and he weighed 14 lbs. Now, Owen will be 7 months on Sunday and weighs 23 lbs. I get teary eyed packing up old clothes. And, to all you newly-pregnant women out there, STOP IT! You're all giving me the baby bug!

just for Vicki

2006-02-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have not been a very great friend lately. My 'little' Vicki' is pregnant, moving and living without her Dono at this time and we haven't even been able to chat on the phone AND I haven't returned emails. I have no excuses. I am so out of touch. I spend everyday with Owen and in the little down time there is, I do laundry, houseclean, cook, shop and try to spend time with Grady, plus I like to relax and sleep a little. I used to be a phone-a-holic and would talk on the phone 3000 minutes a month. Since having Owen the minutes have been cut to about 900 and probably 80% of the calling is to my mom. The other minutes are to Jill! (I do talk to my sister-in-law a few times a day). I am sorry to all the others that I am not getting too, especially Vicki.
With that said, Vicki, I am coming to Summerland this weekend to see you before you move. I just have to.

please enjoy...

2006-02-19T20:49:00.000-08:00

Enjoy a few of the 103 photos we took this weekend.
You heard me, we took 103 pictures of Owen this weekend, which rounds us up to probably 1500 in six months. Is this normal? The beauty of digital cameras, I guess. I am sure all you other parents know exactly how easy it is to just keep clickin' away....'oh, look at him now..quick he's smiling..what a cute outfit..thats so funny..he's just so darn cute'...please sympathize/empathize with me.
So, please, do enjoy! (and yes, in one of the pictures Grady is trying to teach Owen how to play video games).

Owen's First Haircut

2006-02-15T07:57:00.001-08:00

Owen had his first haircut today! He didn't lose any hair after he was born, it just kept getting longer and longer. And he has a headfull! (This is a Fernandez trait not a Cameron one).
I did trim it up once before, but I am NO hairdresser.
He sat almost perfectly still in the chair, just a watchin' the ladies. I think we may have problems with him when he is older!
Anyways, he is now comb-over free and cute as a button.

me in a nutshell

2006-02-13T14:25:00.000-08:00

You should do it next!

1. What is your occupation? Mom and Wife
2. What color are your underwear? boring WHITE
3. What are you listening to right now? Owen playing with rattles while jumping in the jolly jumper!
4. What was the last thing you ate? Cheerios
5. Do you wish on stars? Yes
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Blue
7. How is the weather right now? Windy, snowy and chilly
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes, Jolanda. I got this from her Blog. (I know her a smigin' better now)
9. How old are you today? 27....but only for a few more days...
10. Favorite Drink? Diet pepsi
11. Favorite sport to watch? Hockey
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes
13. Do you wear contacts or glasses? No
14. Pets? Three kitties: George, Piper and Joey
15. Favorite Month? July
16. Favorite Food? Ribs or steak
17. What was the last movie you watched? Crash
19. What do you do to vent anger? ramble on and on, complaining of course
20. Fall or Spring? Spring
21. Hugs or Kisses? Hugs
22. Cherries or blueberries? Neither
23. Do you want your friends to comment? Yes! Love comments!
24. Who is Most Likely to Respond? Angella (and I've NEVER met her, so its cool)
25. Who is Least Likely to Respond? everyone else
26. Who do you live with? My husband and son (aka Grady and Owen)
27. When was the last time you cried? About two weeks, heard some very sad news from home.
28. What is on the floor of your closet? Laundry, clean and dirty
29. What friend have you had the longest? Julia and Kristi, then Vicki
30. What did you do last night? Finished painting the kitchen
31. Favorite smell? My auntie Rene's scent
32. Who Inspires you? My family
33. What are you afraid of? Car crashes
34. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? plain
35. Favorite car? dreaming of a honda odyssey.....one day.....
36. Favorite dog breed? golden retreiver
37. Number of keys? about 6, but I only know what 2 are for...
38. How many years at current job? mommy for six months, wife for two and a bit years
39. Favorite Day of the Week? Sunday
40. How many States have you lived in? 0
41. How many Cities have you lived in? Penticton, Summerland, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Mannville, Terrace, Lillooet
42. Favourite TV Show? Grey's Anatomy and The Bachelor (I really love reality tv, sick, I know)
43. Favourite Activity? Being with family and friends.
44. How many siblings do you have? One big bro, and one little sis...plus 2 more brothers and one more sister (blended siblings)
45. Favourite Icecream? Chocolate

Handsome Devil

2006-02-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

Look at my teeth!

Just happy

Always something in the mouth

Owen the dardevil

He loves it!!

update

2006-02-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

I want to blog, but I have little to say! We've had a great week. Spent yesterday in 'the loops' (thats Lillooet talk for Kamloops...) and spent way more money than we should have. But, we enjoyed our day together and have one full pantry! I love having a full pantry; it makes me feel safe and warm to know we have a roof over our heads and food in the cupboard. I know these are luxuries that not everyone can say they have.
Our little man was a trooper yesterday. He went through a phase where he would frown and scowl at people the second we left the house. I am happy to report he is now talking and cooing in public and will even flash the occasional flirty smile at the ladies! Let's hope this is the new trend.
On Wednesday night we left Owen with a 'non-family member' babysitter for the first time. We decided he needed to see other faces as we do not want our child to be the one that screams everytime we are not around, plus, soon I will be returning to work and he will be with a sitter much more than he ever has been.
It has been hard for us because we don't know too many people here so Owen is with both or one of us at all times. There is never a reason to not be with him. Also, Grady and I don't want there to be a reason to not be with him. We both just love hangin' out with him. As for the babysitter, she said she would return in spite of the endless crying!!
Patricia

just some snaps!

2006-02-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

yummy toast...

Nice hair...

Comfy as can be...

Wher'd it go??

So good...mmm...

Keepin' up with the Jones'

2006-02-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

or should I say 'Dykstras'....man, Angella, you put us all to shame when it comes to this bloggin' stuff! Kudos to you, I enjoy your blog and your 'hot topics'.
Meanwhile, I am doing the first bog I've done in weeks. I have been sooo busy, seriously, here...in Lilloooet....really busy....

With what you may ask? Well, I joined the badminton club and the women's indoor soccer club and have been playing squash two or three times a week, plus doing my usual day-to-day things, PLUS enjoying quality time with my two men. They are still wonderful. All you other women talk about how great your kids and husbands are and although I may not say it often, my husband is a keeper. I couldn't have physically made him any better if I had created him myself.

Owen is keeping us busy these days. He was six months on the 26th and weighed in at 21 lbs 2 oz and is 28 inches long. He wants to crawl so badly, but his little joints can't quite hold him up yet. He finds this very frustrating. I am sure in good time he will be just a movin' machine.
We have been taking advantage of the spring-like weather and walking to town everyday. We are slowly learning of some hiking trails too, which is an ideal activity in this part. However, carrying Owen in the backpack SUCKS!! He gets a touch heavy after a while.
The biggest news....Owen is up to five teeth! He is loving veggies (unlike his mother, but much to his father's desire). Grady envisions Owen and him making culinary masterpieces in the kitchen one day! Did I mention my husband does ALL of the cooking? Couldn't have created him any better myself.....until next time.
Patricia

we're finally home

2006-01-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
We're so glad to be home, finally. We both feel like we haven't spent much time in our house since we moved to Lillooet in the summer. If the weather keeps up we will be doing yard work next month, (by the looks of it outside I could be raking today but.....)

Our little man was a trooper over the weekend. He was in and out of his car seat a dozen times in two days and lasted through a four hour dinner at Fieney's on Saturday night. We're so proud of him.

Grandma Cameron bought him some new swim trunks so we took Owen into the hotel pool. He loved it! It was his first time swimming in a pool as Lillooet's is only open May, June and July. Small towns. Needless to say, we will be swimming our buns off (literally I hope) come May.

Just gonna put this out there, but who still can't believe they're a mom? I still feel so weirded out (in a good way) sometimes when I look at Owen and think of the road ahead. I have three good friends having babies this year (one a first timer) and when we talk about babies/children I still feel the wow factor. Creating life is unreal. I am so in awe of him....We feel so lucky to have Owen, even if we are blessed with only one baby, he is awesome. We'll take it!
Enjoy the photos! Patricia

Canada wins GOLD!!

2006-01-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

and the title says it all! The hockey was fantastic. We had a blast! It's so fun being with so many cheering fans and to WIN GOLD!!!
We had a good time in Vancouver; in spite of Owen having a 103 degree fever on and off for three days! It then travelled to Grady, then to my brother and sister-in-law and then to my little Emily. Poor girl was so sick, but handled it like a trooper. From reading some other blogs it sounds like other people had it over the holidays as well. Hope everyone is feeling better.
Our time in Summerland went so fast, as always. Vancouver was that little extra time away to make us feel like we had a holiday. Staying in a hotel and having someone clean up after you is always nice and appreciated! However, we did spend five nights with Julia and Travis, which was fun too. They will soon be moving into a house as they just sold their condo; big step, plus they are busy planning the wedding. Which brings us to......
Happy New Year to all! 2006...this means I have been out of highschool for 10 years, OMG!!
Where has the time gone? I still find it hard to believe that I am a wife and mom. Mind blowing really. This year should be great. We have a couple weddings to go to, plus are planning to holiday Feb 2007 for Sterlings wedding in Mexico. I need to start saving now!
We are off to Victoria this weekend for a rugby tournament. My brother-in-law (Alex) works for the BC Rugby Union and scored some tickets for us. Grady is all over that! We will be home on Monday.
Pictures......Owen and Zach in their hockey jersey's (Zach is so little!).....Owen is his hockey 'helmut'...... auntie Tricia and Emily......all four of us at the GOLD MEDAL GAME!!.....
Talk to everyone soon.

We're home....for 24 hours....

2005-12-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
We hope you all you had as wonderful of Christmas as we did. We really enjoyed our time in Summerland, although brief. This year our hockey plans are taking over. We will be heading to Vancouver tomorrow morning bright and early.
Owen did so well over the holidays with meeting many new people, and of course everyone wants to hold a cutie pie! He is kind of playing shy these days, but it doesn't seem to take him too long to warm up. He was SPOLIED ROTTEN this year. Grandparents go way overboard. He's five months today and has toys and clothing for the next two years, I swear.

I've enclosed some pictures. One with his Auntie Erica, she is in love..... our nephew Ethan covered in Chocolate (Grady's mom had a chocloate fountain set up on Christmas Eve, so cool).....Owen and Zach, my new nephew, look at the SIZE difference!! My child is a monster......Owen opening a Christmas gift; it came in a pink bag and the tag read 'pink is the new black'!...... Auntie Kristi sniggling with Owen.......Tannis holding Owen; hard to believe I starting babysitting Tanis when she was SIX MONTHS OLD!! Now look at her!......

Enjoy the snaps! I will blog again after we are home on the 6th.
I hope to read about everyone else's Christmas.
Take care, Patricia

Cameron's can't skate!

2005-12-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

We went to a skating 'party' today. Really neither of us are good skaters, but Grady is really bad. LOL. It was a pretty fun afternoon in spite of almost falling and skating at a speed of half a mile per hour! Owen doesn't look too thrilled in these photos, but he really did enjoy himself. Really. He is majorly eating his lip in one picture; I tell ya, he needs to be chewing at all times. He is constantly soaking, requiring bibs to be changed almost hourly!
Talk to you later, Patricia

Merry Christmas

2005-12-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!
I really didn't send out many Christmas cards this year, but that doesn't mean we're not thinking of you! Hopefully we will get to see a few of you over the holidays. We will be in Summerland from the 22nd-26th, then in Vancouver until the 6th of Jan.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for a stellar 2006!
Patricia, Grady and Owen

my baby...not so baby anymore

2005-12-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
I really don't have much to say but I really love this blog thing so I must contribute something. What I have noticed over the last few days is that my baby really isn't so 'baby' anymore. Owen will be five months on boxing day, time has really flown by. We have been busy not only with the baby, but with adjusting to life in our new town. Owen was born on a Tuesday and we moved to Lillooet on Sunday! In the midst of meeting new people, learning the town and unpacking (which we're STILL doing), Owen has just gone along his merry way and grown up! How dare he!! He is so big and squirmy now. He only likes to be held facing outward and really likes to 'play' with toys. He lives for his jolly jumper and even seems to enjoy alone time in his crib. The days of cuddling and falling asleep in my arms are fading. Now when we cuddle he giggles and burries his head in my neck, kicks his little feet. I love all this too, I am just realizing that the real 'baby' in him is slipping away. I now know why women have more than one baby! The need for a 'baby' is so strong. And let me tell you, I never thought I would have a second after giving birth to the first 10 lb 2 ozer! I guess all you women were right that told me the memories of the pain will fade and I will want another baby, because Owen makes us so happy! This picture is of Owen sleeping in my arms last night. I made Grady grab the camera asap to snap away as this is rare these days. He is so sweet.
Enjoy. Patricia

2005-12-16T21:30:00.000-08:00

Stay at home moms???

2005-12-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

Wow, as I read other people's blogs I notice so many moms just stay at home. I am still receiving mat benefits but am frightened to think of what our life would be like if I didn't have any income. This may sound selfish to some people but we really like to have the extras in life.
We like to take little weekend trips, buy new things for the house, spend a little extra on eachother; and an overnight trip to Kamloops in necessity at least once a month when you live in Lillooet and who doesn't like to eat out or order pizza? For instance, we bought tickets this year to the World Junior Hockey Championship in Vancouver. These didn't come cheap, but they are so worth it. We are really looking forward to our Christmas holiday because, in part, of these tickets. Will I have to give up these sorts of things? I know some people will say I am 'exchanging' one thing for another great thing and that we would not be giving up anything, BUT parents need fun stuff too.
How much am I willing to give up/excahnge to stay at home, full-time, with O? Also, I feel like he would benefit from daycare and eventually play school. He explores the whole room if we are at Mother Goose and loves to watch the other kids play at Kindergym. I suppose Grady and I will have some decisions to make in the next few months.
I would also have to think about my education. Do I have to retrain in five years? Return to college or university? What happens to my work experience? Hmm....alot to think about.

Anyway, here are some photos for your liking! We put Owen in his new snow suit and just went into the back yard, he sure doesn't mind the cold. What he didn't like was that his snowsuit prevented him from eating his hands, so it didn't last as long as we'd of liked. There is also a picture of my new nephew Zach, he is a real sweetie. And we too have our own princess in this family! My niece Emily is all about the princess lifestyle. When I was visiting her a couple of weeks ago she said "auntie Patricia, you're really pretty, but you'd be prettier if you were wearing a dress"......hmmm.....too funny. TTYL. Patricia

Oh yeah, and our family photo too.

I'm back

2005-12-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,
I made it back from Vancouver; did I ever miss my boys! That was the first time I was away from Owen AND....he rolled from back to front for the first time on Saturday! I missed it. It was nice for dad to have a milestone under his belt, I know it is hard for Grady to be at work all the time.
Julia and I picked out a great dress and fabric for her wedding (Sept.2/06). She's a pretty excited girl. Dawn Gartrell (Anderson) is a bridesmaid and she was with us for the day. In the evening we went to the new Earls downtown and had dinner/drinks with Kristi Rajacich and Bianca (bridesmaids). Then we went to True Confections for dessert....mmmm....huge pieces of cake. It was sure nice this weekend to have some girl talk, I sure feel out touch sometimes!
Time to start wrapping gifts and baking. I'm also trying tofind time to work on my biology classes. too much to do with not much time. Honestly, I have lots of time i just love hangin' with O all the time so not much else gets done! patricia

2005-12-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, here he is! We can't get enough of our little Owen. He was born July 26 in Terrace, that was tuesday. Our 'little' one was 10 lbs 2 oz and 21 inches! On Sunday, of the same week, we moved to Lillooet! It was all fun and games that week. Time has flown by since then, hard to believe he is four months already. He is doing many of the usual things, is now managing to put his toes in his mouth. He's full of smiles and giggles. Loves his jolly jumper like no other! I think he counts the minutes until I put him in it again. He is growing like a weed, is up to 19 lbs and just over 26 inches. We are looking forward to being in Summerland for Christmas. Will probably get to see some of you while we are there. We will be home from 22nd-26th; after which we will be in Vancouver. We bought tickets to the World Junior Hockey Championships which start on boxing day, 21 hockey games in 10 days! (Not my idea, mostly Grady). My mom will be joining us in van to help babysit! My brother (Michael) and his wife Jill (and little Emily and Zach will be there too). Zach is actually being born this morning, as we speak! Jill is in labour right now! Don't envy her. Still pretty fresh in my mind. Michael and Jill have hockey tickets as well, and really, the start of this was my brothers idea! It was later he found out his son would be born around the same time! They're gonna be busy!
Anyway, I could go on and on so I better stop! Enjoy the photos! More to come. Patricia

I think I got it....

2005-12-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I first added 'posts' as 'comments', so disregard. I have since figured it out!
I will post some photos of our little Owen, man we can't get enough of him.
I think he may be missing his daddy a little. Grady is in Kamloops all week for area meetings. When he gets home on Friday I am off to Vancouver to help Julia with some wedding stuff. Fun times! This will be the first time I am really away from Owen, but he always has such a fun time with dad. I also know dad takes such good care of him. He is really looking forward to his weekend alone with the baby. Must be hard to have to leave him for work; i'm not sure I could. What to do next year when mat leave runs out? Worry about it later I guess.
I've enjoyed reading other people's blogs, I still think this is pretty neat.
Talk to you again tomorrow.
Patricia

Are we on??

2005-12-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, I think this is the neatest thing ever. What a great way to stay in touch with people and to find old friends. I hope to hear from people as I share our life. Right now the light in our lives is Owen. Owen was born July 26, 2005; very hard to believe he is already four months. He makes Grady and I laugh and smile everyday. We have a whole new love for eachother; Owen makes our hearts feel like bursting. I still can't believe I am a mom. A mom. Mind blowing.
I will post some photos for everyone.
Too cool.