puppy training over here...

I don't have a minute to spare...all eyes are on KAYCEE...I am on poop patrol and must keep her within my sight at all times making sure to avoid any accidents.....and let me tell you....its been a full time job...I found myself watching TLC's Baby story Monday morning while watching KAYCEE...it reminded me of my newborn days with the kids....instead of going for a run or taking a shower...I was watching Kaycee....thankfully the crate has been a lifesaver allowing me to take a quick shower or make dinner...yep just like having a baby all over again!

our little girl turns 6 today...

Its funny....6 years ago today I had no clue what child I was going to meet when I went into labour for the 3rd time. During my pregnancy I kept hoping I was having another boy since I already knew how to manage boys....besides what did I know about girls....I was a tomboy as a child beating up all those girly girls who played with dolls and wore pony tails. The last thing I wanted was a girl in my life who would be sensitive and squeamish. I liked being the only girl in the house and I certainly didn't want a little girl to mess things up with her pink purses, barbies and lip gloss...but all that changed when Katie was placed on my tummy...screaming loudly to be heard and scrunching up her bright red face in anger announcing to the world that she had arrived and was not a girl to be messed with. She had a fire in her belly that made me proud and I knew she would be a lot like me. Living up to that reputation over the past 6 years her independence has served her well. She can handle her brothers with ease...parenting them when they need it, she can pack a punch with the best of them and do it when no one is looking while at the same time showing her maternal side grabbing a Kleenex or band aid when some one needs it...yes..she turned out to be exactly the girl we needed in this family and even though she does have a room full of pink stuff we are thankful for her life. Happy 6th birthday Kaitlyn!

feeling green...

Maybe it has been so long since I have seen the grass but doesn't it look greener than usual for April...must have been all that snow this winter!..We open the pool in 4 weeks so here's hoping for a long and warm summer.

Birthday wishes....

Katie turns 6 this week so we invited her class to celebrate her birthday at our local trampoline centre. Since these are "my kids" I supervise at school it really was just like a typical school day with me "Mrs. K" in charge.. comforting those who needed a Kleenex for their runny noses, making sure they had a water fountain break, and ushering those who needed to the bathroom with my " make sure you wash your hands when you are done".The two hour party went by quickly. The kids were exhausted after jumping for an hour and gladly welcomed the pizza, veggies and cake. I have never seen kids eat so much at a birthday party but I guess all that jumping worked up an appetite! Katie received a ton of gifts including dolls, coloring books and a diary. We headed home and I could see that Katie was starting to get sick. Jamie had been home from school Thursday and Friday so I knew it was only a matter of time. Then Justin came home from his 8 hour work shift and the cough and chills had started. We all headed to bed. Thankfully Katie wasn't sick for her party. So another year has passed, another birthday celebration, and my kids just keep getting older!

Dog daze

The kids finally convinced me that we should get a dog. I agreed only because I am NOW ready...lets face it ...the majority of the responsibility will fall on me......the kids although old enough to be pet owners will have to be pushed to poop and scoop but I am sure the feeding, playing and exercise will need less nagging. I started researching breeds last fall before deciding that a backcross labradoodle would be perfect for our family since they are non aggressive,easily trainable, love kids and are non shedding and hypo-allergic.The next task was finding a responsible breeder since this breed is quite popular and a money maker for those without good intentions. Contacting several breeders I felt most comfortable with Tammy at Doodleacres. Her dams and sires live on her property, she only breeds a few litters a year, the pups sleep inside a heated garage, have the run of the house and fenced in backyard during the day but most importantly she loves animals which is why she moved to a 15 acre hobby farm so she could raise chickens, horses and dogs. She spent an hour on the phone with me screening our family to decide if WE were puppy ready before inviting us up to her farm the following weekend. A 2 hour drive lead us to Kaycee. We were greeted by a dozen happy dogs...labs, poodles, labradoodles....before Kaycee was placed in my arms and at that moment I knew she would come home with us in 4 weeks. She was so small and adorable still crying for her mom and littermates who were in the nursery. We spent 2 hours playing, petting and learning about Doodleacres and glad that we chose this breeder since it was evident how much time, love and effort she has spent will all of her dogs. When we left Tammy gave the kids and I some homework. We had to watch a video she recommended on how to be a good pack leader as well as read some books about puppies. Tammy follows the dog whisperers motto....that a dog should be raised in this order.....exercise, discipline and then love. Driving home we headed to the pet store for our research and then spent the rest of the afternoon watching videos about pups. Later that night Justin and I curled up together and read " puppies for dummies".. it was like studying a crash course on dogs learning about grooming, discipline,tricks and crate training..kind of like preparing for a child and thinking about all the books I read before Justin was born..........so our due date is in 10 days...and we are anxiously anticipating our new addition....the crate is set up and ready, her bowls waiting to be filled with food and water, blanket and toys are bought...just need to have Kaycee...here's looking forward to 15 years of enjoyment and hoping that my kids were glad that as a family we decided to get a pup!

MS WALK

It was a cool and sunny morning as our family headed to our community centre for the Annual Supercities Walk for Ms. A crowd of 500 is gathered around the start line with our local radio station booth jamming out the tunes. The kids head inside the centre to get their faces painted while I grab my Starbucks coffee. An annual tradition once again upon us. We head back outside to hear Katie the personal trainer miked and demanding warm up commands to the crowd...the song " let's get this party started" blaring in the background. The runners head to the start line ahead of the walkers...dogs, kids, strollers and wheelchairs also line the area. I see some familiar faces including the lady with the greyhound dog. She has MS and now participates in the walk from her wheelchair...only a few years ago she walked with her cane....a sad reminder of how this disease can change one's life. The whistle blows alerting me back to the start line and the mayor cuts the ribbon.....we are off. We head down Main street our usual way and see the library, Carl's house and all the old century homes. Jamie makes sure he does the annual photo op laying on the usually busy road that is now closed for the walk. Talking and laughing we walk...and I think about how the kids have changed over the years. Katie no longer is in her stroller being pushed to the finish line.... Jamie easily walks the entire 5kms no more shoulder carrying the last lap of the walk... and Justin the team leader ...still compassionate about the cause and at the same time still enjoys the midway refreshment break. The kids are bigger but the reason we do this walk is still the same...we have family that have suffered from MS and walk to raise money to find a cure. As we make our way to the finish line...Jamie runs to make it monumental yet again...and I look at Brian and say...we are so lucky for our kids and their health. We walked for MS because we CAN! Patricia you are in our prayers always.

vegas and me don't mix.......

I know I know....what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...but having a blog I must tell....and its not what you think.............because not 24hours after arriving in the city that never sleeps...I found myself yearning for sleep trying to make the nausea and headache go away between the puking and diarrhea episodes.....somehow the romance of Vegas vanished and I was thanking Pepto bismo and Tylenol for making the best of my visit...Brian and I managed to see a Cirque production at MGM GRAND, and take in a comedian show at the FLAMINGO but most importantly took our HELICOPTER tour to the grand canyon.... nothing like seeing a bird's eye view of the hoover damn, the Vegas strip and the canyon from the front seat of a helicopter before touching down for a picnic lunch in the middle of the canyon! I admit I can understand why people like Vegas...it was impressive with the large scale themed hotels and endless shows but the constant barrage of Mexicans pushing prostitute cards in your face and the toxic smell of cigarettes turned me off and had me ready to go home after 2 days......don't get me wrong I am glad I went to Vegas and checked it off my "bucket list"...but it is not my idea of a vacation...too much action...not enough relaxation....BUT I WILL NEVER FORGET my day in the GRAND CANYON to celebrate my 40th!!! ya baby!