Keeping Up With The Poelmans

Thankful beyond measure

2011-12-04T22:02:00.001-08:00

As i lay here in bed the Christmas lights streaming in through the window i can't help but feel thankful. Christmas always seems to bring the thankful out most. Tonight i am thankful for having a warm house, a warm bed and my husband snuggled beside me. My two babies sleeping soundly just down the hall and the beautiful new life growing inside me. sometimes life is simply about being thankful,and being thankful to our powerful Savoir who makes lives biggest and smallest things possible all praise and thanks to our Lord!

How i Know...

2011-10-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

How i know I say "NO" too often:

MAYA: Hey Mom, can i play a game on the computer?
ME: sure, one game.
Maya: Really?
Me: sure, but one game
Maya: really?
Me: yes!
Maya: are you saying yes?
Me: hah Yes!
Maya: Are you tricking me?
Me: no, you can play..
Maya: you mean it?
Me: Yes.
Maya: (totally confused) ummm....ok... (sneaks away...)

the difference

2011-10-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

I have a serious post I've been working on for a while, but here's something funny:

Conversation with Maya at 2:

Mommy: Whats your name?
Maya: Maya Pisha (Patricia) Poelman
Mommy: Good Job!!

Conversation with Eli at 2:

Mommy: Whats your name?
Eli: Me!
Mommy: No, its Eli Poelman
Eli: Eli Poelman

Mommy: Whats your name?
Eli: Me!
Mommy: No, its Eli Poelman
Eli: Eli Poelman

Mommy: Whats your name?
Eli: Me!
Mommy: No, its Eli Poelman
Eli: Eli Poelman

Mommy: Whats your name?
Eli: Me!
Mommy: No, its Eli Poelman
Eli: Eli Poelman

****forehead smack****

SCCCREEEEECCCHHHH....back up the preschool train!!!!

2011-09-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

This is not my daughter.

This is not my daughter who is not super proud of her Dora backpack. and this is not my daughter that is not wearing an outfit she picked out weeks ago. She is not wearing meticulously chosen jewelry for her first day. nope. no shes not.

this is not my daughter who packed and repacked her backpack all week.. This backpack does not have new inside shoes, nor does is it packed with a new lunch kit filled with yummy snacks.

this cant possibly be my daughter running to her class so excited she cant even hold my hand in the hallway.

this is definitely not my daughter ready, willing, and super eager to start her first day of preschool.

And I'M CERTAINLY NOT the mother scratching at the door for one more hug..nope. that doesn't sound like us at all....please excuse me while i finnish off my box of Kleenex.

i may need one more....box.

PS: this is kinda a joke, I'm super proud of my newly independent daughter who was off playing with the other kids in 2 seconds flat. She was so brave and did great on her first day She even had fun!! can you believe she is in school already?!!? where did this time go?? :) :) :)

Kitchen Reno Part 4- THE REVEAL!!

2011-09-09T19:37:00.000-07:00

Before you look at all these wonderful pictures, i just want to take a huge minute to thank my hardworking husband and fatherinlaw. They worked SO hard to get this done for us, and i am so pleased with the results. They worked endlessly until it was all done, and they should be very proud of what they have accomplished!! Thanks again men, you did a great job!!!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE

AFTER:

Kitchen Reno- Part 3 putting the pieces back together

2011-09-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

after all the fun was done, it was time to start to put our life back together. Because Dad and Jon took some of the wall off the floor, we had to replace it with some laminate. Thankfully we had some extra boxes in the storage room. We found some really interesting flooring underneath..it actually would have matched our colors pretty well ;)

So, in order to put this 2in by 2.5 ft of laminate......

we had to rip out all our dining room flooring....Talk about a big job for a little reward...

but, it didn't take much time with the 3 of us...

We found this gorgeous stuff underneath, and we super quick to cover it up again!!!

The next morning, we started to get things ready to put the new counter top on..the kids were totally enthralled that they could peek up in to the counter. We had removed all the drawers so no dust would get in to it, and they totally loved it!!!

Myself and Jon loading up the new counter..IT WAS SUPER HEAVY!!!!

There she is..new counter and flooring looking great!!!!

***DISCLAIMER: Pretty much the only thing i helped with was loading up the counter..when i say "we we we we " i really mean "them them them"! :) :) :) :)***

Kitchen Reno- Part 2--- Demo!!

2011-09-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

This is the first day of demo. Jon had to work in preparation for his full week (YEA!!) off! So, Jon's dad did a little tester to see what could be behind the wall. I think he was Happy with what he saw, and got a better idea of what and how everything

had to be done.Saturday was the first day of real demo. Everyone was involved and loving the destruction! The kids had a "hay day" hammering holes in to the wall, and it were ensued with laughs and shrieks of delight.

Maya and Opa doing the ceremonious first swing :)

They first had to cut the wall down from the middle and top, then we began to swing!

Jon and Dad cutting the wall

Then it was time to start taking down that wall!!!Hooray! This was my favorite part, the kids loved it too!!!

Maya Taking a turn!

Then Eli

Even I got a turn!!!

Maya trying to keep the noise out..and yes...we did have the
"Don't put anything in your ears" speech afterwards..

before we knew it..it was all done....

Then the easy work was done, and came the hard stuff.... finishing, cleaning, wiring, reflooring(more on that..) countering, and lighting...

It was a fun time taking that wall down, something I'm sure we wont ever forget!! The best post is yet to come..!!

Kitchen Reno Part 1- THE BEFORES

2011-09-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

So, with out further adieu.

Here is the awful wall before. Here is our kitchen with full wall blocking the kitchen from the living room and the 1/2 wall "island" thingy which i might add is not good for anything besides holding the phone and misc junk that doesn't have a home....

looking in to the kitchen from living room

The inside of the wall with empty cupboard which held junk mail, candles, and picture board...can you find yourself?? :)

Kitchen Wall from Dining Room

I was so looking forward to getting started, and to open everything up. This wall especially blocked a lot of light from entering the rest of the house...

Kitchen Wall from top of Enterence

so, there you have it..what our house looked like "before" now, that its done, its hard to imagine when it was like this...be prepared to be amazed!!!!!

Photo Wall

2011-08-24T13:47:00.001-07:00

With the most exciting Reno to come, i thought i would share with you something special. My new photo wall.

It was so easy to do, and i just love the results! I originally got the idea from Deanna and instantly knew i had to do it. Well, its taken me months and months, but its finally done :) let me share with you how i did it :

first i bought a whole bunch of canvas' from the Dollar store. They were $1-$2 each. I then painted all the edges black and went around the outside just a little to cover any imperfection or crooked edges on the photos.

Then with a THIN coat of modgepodge on the front of each canvas and applied my photos. Once the pictures were on, i turned them upside down to dry and smoothed out any air bubbles. after the photos were completely dry, add one more THIN layer of modgepodge to the top of the photo to protect it from finger prints etc.

Then it was time to hang (the hardest part) talk about math problems!! anyways i was thanking God for my banker husband which numbers comes very easy!! I laid them out on the living room carpet to get the pattern and placement for each canvas, and then we started to hang

I am so happy with how it turned out, and its such a nice bright way to welcome people in to our home.

Get ready for some MORE reveals!!! Lots of exciting things going on this summer!!!

2011-08-24T13:45:00.001-07:00

With the most exciting Reno to come, i thought i would share with you something special. My new photo wall.

I am so happy with how it turned out, and its such a nice bright way to welcome people in to our home.

Get ready for some MORE reveals!!! Lots of exciting things going on this summer!!!

Could it be?! a new post about the best day ever!!!

2011-08-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun adventure yesterday, we first went to church, then headed out to our friends property. We spent loads of time in the sun, eating snacks and having awesome memories with friends. Maya loved the water a lot, and was in every chance she could. Eli was not a super fan of the water, but enjoyed driving the boat and laughing at us shivering in the water :) Maya and Reese had a fun playing together again and reconnecting. So cool to see!!!

22 Months

2011-06-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

Maya 22 Months Eli 22 Months

Find Madison Scott

2011-06-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

my little ballerina

2011-06-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

Maya had her 2nd recital on Tuesday, and it was amazing to see the difference a few months make. She was listening (more often) and following direction(more often) than before, and even looking like she was having fun!!
She did great!

the coolest guy on the block!

2011-05-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Jon's commute to work is becoming more fun and less commute.

life in fast motion!

2011-05-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

for Mayas 4th birthday i hauled my studio equipment out and was playing around with her...since when did she become a teenager??? for that matter...when did she turn 4! LIFE WILL NOT SLOW DOWN!!!

My life is good these days, when this is what i see in my rear view??

We got a little picnic table a few weeks ago, and the kids would eat EVERY meal out if they could!

i don't think i did a blog about Easter. Anyone who has read my blog for a few years, or knows my family at all, you know that at Easter the Dekens house is the place to be!!! Each year is more fun than the last. Curt surprised us all by coming for the weekend..it was so great to see him and spend some time with him again! and Maya was thrilled to bits and didn't get her uncle out of her sight for 1 min the whole time :)

We had a little celebration for Mayas birthday (May 1) and for "Opa Opa" (May 2)

Did i mention..........my husband was the Easter bunny for the local elementary school down the road?? hilarious!!

thought process???

2011-05-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Try to remember back to when you were a little kid, pen in hand, wall in front. no paper to be found..the uncontrollable desire to draw on something.....

as a kid i remember that when ever one of us kids would draw on something that we were not supposed to...you would NEVER EVER write your own name..if you wrote you own name mom and dad would FOR SURE know YOU had done it..so we always wrote Keris name.. and then we thought..."if we write Keri's name...they will totally think it was her..i just know it!!" and, truth be told, i only remember it happening one time..we all got sent to our rooms until someone confessed... could have been anyone really, but i know **i think** i didn't do it, and i vaguely remember my brother confessing even though he didn't do it just so we could get out of our rooms...why did this memory come to my brain?

well, there is only one little lady in this house... who can write two words.... her name..and mine.

and we all know SHE WOULD NT WRITE HER OWN NAME...OR I WOULD KNOW SHE DID IT.. do you think she thought that if she wrote my name...that i would think I did it???

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Happy 4th birthday Maya!

2011-05-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

what a great day we had yesterday celebrating our little girls 4th birthday:)

She is the sweetest smartest girl on the planet...right?

We started out the day by opening presents from mom and dad and Gramma and Opa, she was completely spoiled (as per usual)

We then got ready for our princess party. Look at the GREAT costumes gramma made for Maya and Eli. Gramma even wore HER Princess dress!

Then our friends came over had did a craft, had lunch, jumped on the tramp and had cake!

Maya then led her friends over to the backyard tree, and we had a great time with the pinata..Jon is such a kid, he COULDN'T WAIT for his turn...so, once ALL THE KIDS had a turn, Jon got his turn to knock it down..

Then we finished the day off with some great hugs from great friends! This is Mayas BFFFF for life, Autumn. (read about their beautiful family here)

hip hip horray for the Grandparents!

2011-04-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

as you may or may not know, Jon has been in Toronto for the last week and will not be returning home until Saturday. To split some of the time up, we headed out and went to Gramma and Opas for a very long weekend. Although i am doing pretty well by myself with the kids, the help from my mom and dad was priceless. They are so great with Maya and Eli and totally take charge just when i need it most. They are great!

We had a fun weekend, Maya was surprised with a TV in "her" room at Gramma and Opas which she was totally thrilled with! She got to watch movies and even watch a movie before bed!

Sunday we went to church and grabbed some groceries Eli was very stern that woman are not good enough drivers, and refused to sit in the passenger seat. I am glad Maya is a little easy going and didn't mind to share. We headed home and Opa and Maya did some baking! what a special treat! Here Maya and Opa are getting ready to bake! Maya was such a big helper! :)

Maya was super proud of her muffins!

Monday morning we decided to head home again. What a rude awakening to open the front door and see this!! GASP!

Maya was able to help Gramma in her restaurant making soup, setting tables and chatting Grammas ear off. She loves to be able to sit on the counter and help her Gramma make soup.

Thanks again mom and dad for all your help this weekend. we sure enjoyed ourselves and cant wait to see you again real soon!!

First spring adventure

2011-03-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

this morning we headed on our first spring adventure. We got picked up by our good friend, Janina and went to see where her husband Trevor works. We couldn't have picked a more beautiful day... the sun was shining Eli could not get enough of the views and excitment that was out his window he sat quietly in the back mouth dropped and eyes wide as we traveled up the old logging road. The kids did great and Trevor was nice enought to even take the kids for a ride :) She loved it and quickly asked for another turn. Eli tried, and did well at first but as soon as the noises started he got nervous. it was a great morning spent with great friends. We are so thankful for the strong amazing friendships we are growing here in Vanderhoof.

Spring has Sprung???

2011-03-17T11:35:00.001-07:00

we tested spring on a warm and windy day. what blessed noises to hear laughter and "weeeeeees" coming from my daughter!

alas, spring is here and could not have come at a better time :)

tutorial #2 SUBWAY ART

2011-03-01T19:28:00.000-08:00

I saw this tutorial a while ago on my most favorite website and knew i had to do it. I just didnt know what i was going to do..then I heard this quote at church last week, and new exactly how i wanted to display this in my home, and exactly where i wanted to put it.

I wanted it to be the first thing that my kids saw when they woke up, and the last thing they saw before they went to bed.

I started out by going to the dump (gasp!) its a great place to find exactly what you want..FOR FREE!! so, i went to the wood pile and found the exact size board i wanted, loaded it up and took'er home.

Jon trimmed it down a bit to make the edges square and i was ready to go

I then printed the saying off the computer, and spray glued the words to clear shelf liner (mac tac) and layed it out on the board

Then i pained the board blue-grey. The color that i wanted my letters to be in the end.

I then cut out each individual letter. EACH ONE. Yes, I'm nuts. It only took me a few evenings, and was really mindless...

Then i peeled the backing off, and they come sticky from the mac tac still under the letters. I then placed the letters on the board. Would you believe i only made on error on the whole board? one word two letters mixed up. Easy fix. I was quite impressed with myself! I didn't take a picture of the next step..i don't know why, but once i had all the letters straight i went over them with my rolling pin to make sure they were all stuck well.

Then i spray painted over the entire board and letters. so, the whole board looked black.

once the spray paint is dry, peel off the letters that you worked hours on cutting and placing "just so..." yes, peel off all your hard work!

I am SO pleased with the results! now, when my kids go to bed each night, this will be the last thing on their mind.

The one where i accept the fact that i havn't accepted.

2011-02-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

sigh.
where to start.
this post has been on my heart for a while, the type of post where you are completely honest, bare, true, vulnerable.

I am not over it.
WHEN MY SON WAS 10 MONTHS OLD, I WAS TOLD I HAD CANCER.
how do you move on from something like that? how do you check back in to "normal" life? When all is said and done, what happens next?
my life has once again become wake up-feed the kids-do the laundry-feed the kids-clean the house-put the kids for a nap-feed the kids-do groceries-have nothing to wear-do laundry again.
there was a time, just a few short months ago, all i wanted to do was laundry and feed the kids..instead i had to do tests, find SOMEONE ELSE to feed my kids so Jon and I could got to a million Dr appts out of town...be emotionally out of touch from my kids..have my kids ask me "mommy, why are you crying all the time?"
i longed for the day when all i had to worry about was laundry and feeding my kids...

a mothers roll is not to be taken care of, its to take care of others.
i had to be helped
i had to be helped out of bed
i had to be helped and lowered on to the toilet
i had to be helped to do my housework
i had to be helped to walk to the kitchen
i had to be helped in the car
i had to be helped out of the car
i had to be helped to lift my kids

I couldn't lift my kids, i couldn't be the one to help them, i couldn't change diapers, i couldn't life Eli out of this crib, i couldn't rock him to sleep, i couldn't snuggle him while he drank his bottle.

all this happened to be in two months.
two months.
all this happened to be in two months...then it was over.

over?

you'll never have to think about this again, you can put it behind you said the Dr...

behind me?

its never been more in font of me, never more current.

I am struggling, struggling with my life going back to normal...

yet, i look in the mirror every morning before i go in the shower, and want to or not..i see 6 gigantic scars across my stomach. for one scar, i cry out of thankfulness. The scar that brought my two beautiful children in to this world.
then i see the 5 scars where they removed my disgusting cancerous kidney. and i think...my life was perfectly normal until i said non-chalantly to my mother-in-law while visiting.."I'm not really feeling all that well I'm so tired.." she reassured me its probably just my iron levels, its nothing, and told me she would watch the kids if i wanted to go get checked out...

Thank you. its about all i can say really. thank you.

what would have happened had i not got check out?

So much has happened to me in the last few months, and in March i go for my 6 month check up with the urologist. I'm praying my heart out for the appointment.

I could have never gotten though this rotten time with out BOTH our families. for support and prayers, and physical help, financial help, and help with the kids.

WE WE WE WE WE are eternally grateful.

most days i really pray that my feelings and insecurities about my cancer coming back, about not being fully healed would just go away. I thank God eternally for healing my physically, but i do pray he would heal me emotionally from this also.
I wish the thoughts would just go away...
but, really, i wouldn't be the same person today if they did.

Modge Podge Paint Chips..

2011-02-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

Well, i have been craving a project for SOO long, and i stumbled across this awesome craft so i thought i would share with you what i did, and how i did it.. it was super easy and fun and i really enjoyed it, even better? I'm SUPER happy with the results.
First Sneak to Homedeopt or paint supply store and grab (GASP!) lots of paint samples..they are free, but my heart was POUNDING! My covert assistant (my mom) also grabbed a bunch.. we left the store with a mighty pile of paint samples...

I trimmed off the info on the card..paint color and number etc then cut them in half to make squares.

I then layed them out, and found out that with as many chips as we grabbed we didn't grab enough so, i found some metallic cardstock and used that to fill in a few holes. I LOVE LOVE THE METALLIC! IT FITS PERFECT!! I then put them in a bowl because i didn't want to have a pattern, so i thought that if i mixed them up i would just use which ever i pulled. turned out i still had to go though each color to make sure there were no side by sides or colors too close

i used the sold sign that was left in our front lawn when we moved in..its corrugated plastic but you could also use wood. this sign is double thick so it lays nice and flat. I sanded it to take the shine off in hopes the glue would stick better..if you use wood you probably don't need to sand.

then i got busy. turnes out the chips didn't stay flat so i tried to cover everything i could with books..it worked really well.. by the time i was ready to move the books up, the bottom rows were dry.

once your board is dry, fill in the corners with scrap pieces and trim off the excess.

once all the modgepodge is dry under neath you need to modge podge on top. i did it in a "X" pattern to it wouldn't be perfect smooth.

once the first layer of modgepodge is dry"ish"(i totally have NO patience) i used a glue gun to tack down any sides that werent stuck totally flat.

then a second layer of modgepodge. you can do as many layers as you want. when the modgepodge was dry "ish" (see above comment) i got ready to stain..

i also learned its better to add the stain to your cloth rather than the board..but, it all worked out.

i wanted it to look not just like they were paint chips, but more earthy..

then i added some ribbon on the edge with a glue gun so you wouldn't see the edge of the plastic.

I am totally thrilled with how it looks. and it will look even better when we paint our blue-grey walls..eventually.

Total cost for this project? $6.99(and a 50%off coupon for Michaels.) because i dint have any Modge Podge.

otherwise?

FREE!!!

seriously....

2011-02-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

i just found this video while i was unloading my memory card. I must confess, i did think that when i started dating this man, he would grow flourish and mature one day...i never thought i would be sitting here 8.5 years later, still waiting for him to grow up. on the other hand, it does make for a really really fun dad! He made masks with Maya, but i had no idea he tried to scar my son for life with them...

from the mouth of babes...

2011-01-25T10:14:00.001-08:00

here's a funny thing from this morning:

Maya was playing with her barbie and was taking off her clothes:

Maya: look mommy, i can see her boobies..

me: ya, you can

Maya: but i thought you said that was private...

me: i did

Maya: is it because you cant see her "dots" on her boobies? i have dots on my boobies but they are private... wanna see???

VLOG: FAIL

2011-01-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

so, i really did put effort into trying to do a VLOG (video blog) for today, i had it all ready, camera set up perfect height and it just wasn't happening. i must have tried 100000 times, and either the kids would start screaming, someone would get hurt and most of the time, i just wouldn't know what to say...
I started talking about this course Jon and i are taking called: GROWING KIDS GODS WAY..we have only just taken the 2nd class and its about the parents love..
some pre-info: although Maya is 31/2 she still ends up in our bed at some point every. single. night. most of the time, its around 2 or 3am.
its not the she has nightmares, or that she cant sleep, she just wakes up and i always let her in.
we have been trying to work with her and talk to her about staying in her own bed..she says she gets "yown-ye" (lonely) and since birth has probably only spent a few hand full of whole nights in her own bed....

So, last week(we do it each Sunday) at the course Raising Kids Gods Way they spoke about the importance of the kids KNOWING AND FEELING SECURE that their parents were truly in love. They suggested that if you do "couch time" ie: sitting on the couch (or somewhere else..) but, make sure you are talking, and engaged in one another and make sure the kids see you and...when the kids come to play with you, you are to tell them "this is mommy and daddy time, and you need to go play with your bother, or by yourself"...

you need to do 10 min of "couch time" each day....
and they say that if you do this couch time your kids will become more secure in YOUR relationship as husband and wife and will feel more secure in themselves. THEY ALSO CLAIMED THIS WILL MAKE THE CHILD SLEEP THOUGH THE NIGHT. ya right i thought, the whole thing sounds kinda hokey and 'out there'...

for us, Jon and I only really get a chance to really talk when the kids are in bed, so its a nice change of pace for us to have visiting time in front of them...

and the weirdest things about actually doing 'couch time' each day...

Maya has slept in her own bed and all night since Sunday.

Prima

2011-01-13T13:55:00.000-08:00

let the applause begin.

yes, i am back.

i think i am back and more committed to blogging. it was ONE OF MY MILLION new years resolutions...to blog more.

well, e are now on the 12Th day of Jan, and this is my first blog.

so..we shall see how long it lasts.

Christmas was GREAT filled with lots of fun and excitement. but, alas, my memory card is in Telkwa, so you get no photos about that..yet..

Maya got a dress up kit from Gramma and Opa for Christmas, and its been quite a hit! The kids (yes, i say both) kids have been crazy about dressing up. Maya has allocated the blue fairy costume to a "prince" costume because its blue. and Eli has a sheriff hat that he wears to "man" it up.

they really do have a great time playing dress up

Maya started Ballet on Tuesday, and can you believe we are not allowed to watch?! LAME-O!

the smartest girl in the planet can write her name!!

2010-12-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

a few of our new home..

2010-12-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

stay tuned for some exciting changes over the next while...

enterence:

Kitchen:

the color swatch i tried and hated!

dining room:

Advent days 5-10

2010-12-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

(yes, i know she has peanut butter on her face...sigh...thats life)

day 5 she was allowed to rent whatever movie she wanted and we did beading necklacesDay 7 we got to spend breakfast with Gramma and Opa and then we had a picnic lunch in the livingroom and read a special story.
Day 8- we played house and store. We then played outside (hense the rosy cheeks)

Day 9 we made window art and christmas tree decorations.

day 10- we are getting ready for our games night with our house fellowship group. Maya helped me with some baking and setting up. She helped with baking and decorating.

ADVENT ACTIVITY CALENDER - day 4

2010-12-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

Advent activity day 4-

today we built a gingerbread house. and when i say "build" i mean, "eat" Jon thought it would be cool to do a Disney gingerbread house, and for just a few dollars more, we did..until we opened it and realized the only difference was the paper cut outs that go on the front gingerbread lawn...well.

...there are your $3 Whinny the Pooh cut outs.

Wonder what the Advent Activity Calender will hold for us tomorrow...

ADVENT ACTIVITY CALENDER - day 3

2010-12-04T09:57:00.001-08:00

Today was a great day again,

Maya is getting the hang of opening the scrolls with great enthusiasm! Today we brought some baking up to some people in Vanderhoof that we love. We are so thankful for the Bylsma family, they are the most wonderful people ever, so we brought them a big box of baking. we also brought some baking and a coffee up to Daddy at work, he was pleased, but i didn't get any pictures...booo-urns.

Then we got all bundled up and headed out for the light up parade. it was great fun, we met the Blysmas and watched the beautiful parade of lights. It wasn't too cold and we had a great time getting some candy ad watching!

It was also Midnight Madness, and the stores were open till midnight..duhh.

well, i got to go with Katie and shop the night away! how fun!!!!

cant find jon?? look under the white beard :) hehehe
We hit up neighbour link afterwards for some hot chocolate and some cupcakes!!

ADVENT ACTIVITY CALENDER - day 2

2010-12-02T14:13:00.000-08:00

another exciting advent activity.

Today Jonathan is away for work today, so we had the whole morning and didn't have to rush home for lunch.
I love days like today, they make me appreciate my kids and remember how much fun it actually is to be a mom!
we started out the day by finding #2. then when we were all ready we headed up town. first we had to buy Maya new snow pants. After our activity yesterday we realized Mayas c~~apris~~ i mean snow pants are way to short! then we got the mail and headed out for a special snack. Maya was allowed to choose WHATEVER she wanted!!

ADVENT ACTIVITY CALENDER - day 1

2010-12-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

so, today was the first day of our ADVENT ACTIVITY CALENDER and what a fun day it was. we started out by letting Maya look closely for the #1 then she found it and went right for the scroll.
we have been talking about it for a few days, so she knew what to expect.
today, was snowman day. but, it wasn't good snow so we just played and made snow angels. Maya enjoyed shoveling and thought it was hilarious that Peanut would always try to bite her shovel.

2010-11-29T08:36:00.000-08:00

another day i thought would never come!!

2010-11-26T08:31:00.000-08:00

what a nice day me and the kids had yesterday. its still super cold here, and so I'm struggling to find "inside" things to do. but, what better to do on a cold day then clean?!

the other day at the dr, my poor baby bit though his tongue. the blood was still pouring long after the crying stopped...hes doing great now though, but poor little guy!

This is our new "advent activity" calender. each day has a "cone" with its number (DEC 1) etc..and inside each cone is a paper rolled up in to a scroll with a special activity written on it. IE: sledding, walk to the library, bake Christmas cookies..etc

big boy!!

2010-11-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

the day has come, that our little lazy boy is starting to walk!

honestly, Jon nor I Actually thought this day would ever come, but its so great. i see him sneaking from the corner of my eye walking around the living room!

Th-air-wa (Sarah)

2010-11-12T13:12:00.000-08:00

yes. this is Sarah.

she is ugly

she has matted hair

her face is brown from too much love

and she gets lost EVERY 20 MINUTES!

and every time she gets lost, and certain girl cries.

Sarah is like the lost sheep. and, Maya will always look for Sarah, and wont go to sleep without her. She is SUPPOSED to be put in Mayas bed and not be moved. but.

So, yesterady we decided to make Sarah her own bedroom. Maya picked out all the decorations out. i simply cut and glued. Sarah now has her own bed, dresser and lamp. She has curtains and customized artwork on her wall. i hope she will live happily in her little dream house and NOT GET LOST ANYMORE!!

just untitled

2010-11-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

although i feel as if i have just gone thorough what just may be the most stressful and life changing event, i still seem to have daily stuggle as what to blog about. I know at somepoint people get tired of the same thing over and over, and even though i may have to deal with lifes implications every day...you do not. and so to have you read my struggles seem pointless and self seeking. just to let everyone know how bad my day was or how bad i am feeling one day just doesnt seem benifical.

but

most days are good, and so i thought i would share how good my days have been :)
I recently had my bfffffffff come up to help me with the kids. it was SO great having her here, i so wish she lived closer! but, having friends live far away not only means you get to visit them, but its all the more special when we do get to reconnect. I'm missing her big time.

Life is starting to go back to normal, as normal as life with the Poelmans can be..life seems to be quite for a minute..and im basking in it. Vanderhoof is such an amazing place and we feel so blessed to be here. We are meeting so many great life long friends here and have been trying to put effort in to building those friendships long term. We have also been attending a great church.
We miss our friends and family from Smithers, but got to see mom and dad this past weekend, it was a great reminder what a huge part they have in our daily lives, and makes us sad we only get to see them every couple of weeks. but, we will make it a point to not make the visits too far apart :)

Soon, my folks will be jet setting on a huge holiday. you know what that means? we get the dog.
yup, little Peanut will be arriving at Casa Poelman in 8 days. It will be really interesting to see how Maya will be with having Peanut here all the time, i hope she does really well so we can make the plea to daddy to maybe..one day...perhaps...puhlease!!! get a dog one day..:)

I have been feeling pretty good most days, waking up with some energy and being able to get though the day with only a few meltdowns.. once dinner is done, so am i. it feels like once i sit down at the table and Finnish the meal, i cant take one more step/ my energy depletes as quickly as the food i spent the entire afternoon preparing.
Went to do the Dr. last week and he said my white blood cells are still a bit high which means my body is still fighting an infection..somewhere... and that is why i am so tired..

its been a bit disturbing how long it has taken me to get life back to normal..I thought because with both my c-sections with the kids, i was "up and at'um" right away, that if i could get one good week of rest in after my surgery i would be golden... didn't turn out that way, and still almost 2 months..yes, i said MONTHS later i am still deal with surgery repercussions..I that God every day my mom was able to be here for as long as she was, i cant imagine how far behind i would be now with out her. I know i sing her praises a lot, but you have no idea how awesome she is...seriouslyTHE BEST!!..i am ready for this all to be behind me. sometimes it feels that the more i wish this away the longer it seems to be making its self at home..

our new abode.

2010-10-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

here are just a few pics of the new house....~~some of them were taken as we were moving in, so don't mind the boxes :)~~

i changed my mind.

the House looks really different from when we first moved in. so.

here are a few pics of the kids room, and when i have more time, ill take some new pics of the rest of the house. or. you will just have to come see it for yourselves!

Elis room

Mayas room before:

Mayas beauty station...the whole room is pink..just have to take a picture of the other side of the room, i have NO idea why we didn't...

you are all welcome to come visit anytime!

if you want an autograph, you may need to stand in line.

2010-10-17T17:00:00.001-07:00

BCTV news did a feature of Telkwa this morning on the Sunday Morning news. One of my images was shown!

here is the link. you need to watch the advertisement, and then watch or fast forward to 1:16 and there it is!!! hooray!

http://www.globaltvbc.com/video/index.html?releasePID=Fx9IKTOcEGQGSSAQwWSaLjYgIsOlqOcv

thank you Beth

2010-10-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

here is a little sneak peek as to what my kids have been up to...
here is my sister-in-law Beths blog, and she is keeping tabs on my kiddies :)

please check it out, and please please leave her a note! she is new to blogging and i would love for her to keep the "love"!!!!!

Beths Blog please click and read!

still the shock of expected news.

2010-10-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

i went back to see my Dr urologist yesterday, i had my staples taken out and he said things looked good. I got the lecture about how i have to be so careful with one kidney and what i can do and cant do, i took it in as best i could. we got the results from the kidney tests.

it was cancer.

hearing it actually 100% definite for sure no questions that i did have cancer was surprisingly hard to take. It was always just "maybe, or probably" and there was always a glimmer of hope that it would be negative.

the shock of expected news is sometimes harder to take. we knew that there could be a possibility that it was cancer, and now hearing that it is... is hard. I'm unsure about how i feel about it. its scary, but its over. its life changing, but the hard part is over. its all over. to think i am a 25 year old mother of two and have been "cancer free" for 1 week is just the wierdest thing i thought could ever come out of my mouth.
but.

its over.
its over.
its over.

life. in the slow lane.

2010-10-05T12:12:00.001-07:00

sigh. that's the only way i think i can properly start this post.
i am lighter, a whole kidney lighter.
The surgery went well (or so they say) When i woke up from the surgery the only thing i remember was wanting to know the time, the nurses kept saying "honey, it doesn't matter, just relax" "I REALLY JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS...." 3:15 they say.
so, lets start from the beginning.

Tuesday morning we pack up and head to prince George. we arrived at our hotel after a fairly drama free trip and load in to the hotel. The first thing on Mayas agenda was hitting the pool. She wore her swimming suite with built in life jacket and her water wings and was swimming all by herself, she (and i) were so proud!

Jon soon left to go pick up Beth (his sister) from the airport and just as he left my mom made it to the hotel.
Everyone arrived back at the hotel just in time for supper, which i couldn't take part in because i wasn't allowed to eat 24 hours before surgery. so i pouted and went to bed.
Woke up ( i use this term loosely, as i really didn't sleep) early wed morning, we got dressed and headed out the door, we had to be at the hospital for 6:15am. Myself, Jon and my mom waited for about 1/2 hour and i was called in the prep room. They took my info and gowned me up, and I was waiting again. We waited in the halls until around 7:15 and i was called in, it was time to say good bye to my mom, but jon came with me.

I remember being in a room with lots of people, all sitting in chairs all in a line, all with blue robes, and blue hairnets, all scared... it reminded me of something that would happen in the war or something, everyone taking their turn to see the nurse or something.. The Dr came for a quick chat and wrote a doodled "YES" on my right leg as to not remove the wrong kidney. and it was time for me to say goodbye. Jon gave me a big hug and assured me he would be waiting for me when i was done.

then i walked off with the nurse. This is where things get blurry. I remember meeting the nurses in the OR i remember sitting on the bed, the bright lights were familiar, but each time i have seen these particular bright lights they have been accompanied by a swollen womb and smiles all around, then the sound of a beautiful cry is soon followed. not this time.

i was crying a lot, i felt alone, and vulnerable. i dont remember laying down on the bed, but there i was staring at the ceiling.. I remember my feet feeling really cold and the nurses comments on my shaking hands, then they gas mask...i think my eyes were closed, but i remember the feel of the chalky mask.

then
i
woke
up

it was noisy, and i wanted to know the time. they wouldn't tell me...i had to ask 5 times. its 3:15 they said, OK. that's all i wanted to know..i wonder why?

they were moving me a alot, i could feel anything. My stomach was numb, but my shoulders were on fire. i couldn't move my shoulders..i kept saying "my shoulders, my shoulders..."
i fell asleep again.

I woke up on the surgery ward, Jon was there, my mom was there, my shoulders hurt. all i wanted to do was sleep. i think i did sleep, but the people next to me were being sooo loud.
my mom gave them a talking to....wish i could have been awake for that :)

The next couple of days blur together..i was hooked up to tons of wires and tubes. Things were going well until Friday night....everyone left around 8:30 or so, Jon went back to get the kids to bed, and i was totally ready for sleep too. We said goodnight and he left. I was feeling good.

who would have known that in a few hours i would be going through the worst pain i have ever (or ever hope) to feel.
around 10:30 i started to feel more pain, i asked for some Tylenol, they said i could have some in a few minutes....
suddenly the top of my gown was wet...i look, and the port for my epidural (which staying for a few days) had unhooked the epidural was running down my chest and not though the tubes... i call the nurse and she runs over, at this point, my pain which i ranked about 2 min earlier as a 3 has now turned in to a 10. i cant breath. i cant move... i remember yelling "i cant breathe" over and over... it felt like hours that the were working on the tube and port...they were giving my all sorts of needles and then suddenly i was over. i went from having total pain relief to zero in a few short seconds. it was scary. think that sounds bad? just a few hours later i happened again.

The rest of the hospital stay was pretty uneventful. My dad came Saturday after non, and i was ready to go home.

Jon had been working so hard to get our new home in vanderhoof ready, and he (along with lots of help) has done an amazing job! the house is so beautiful.
My wonderful friends in Prince George made my family supper and lunch for the entire time they were in PG and even brought it to the hotel. all i can say is i am in awe of people generosity and willingness to do whatever. i hope soon that i am in the position to pass the help on!!!
Vanderhoof is SUCH an amazing place and we have been welcomed with such warm open arms. We had supper brought to us last night from someone from our new church, and our neighbour brought us dinner as a welcome to the neighbourhood! we have been more welcomed by people we don't even know that we could have ever asked or expected!

To just say thank you to the people that are helping us now, would never be enough...but Jon's sister Beth is taking care of the kids like one could only wish. They are going to the park all the time, and to the library, and on all sorts of adventures. Maya is having lots of stories about all the adventures she is going on with "super princess aunt Beth"

My mom has been a saint for me, she is taking such good care of me and helping with my every whim.
I would be totally at a loss without her. she was only supposed to stay until tomorrow, but is now staying until the end of the week...I only wish everyone single person out there could have a mother like mine. the world would be a much happier and loving place.

and for me.
i am doing alright, i would say.
I got way better the first few days and now feel like i am regressing a bit. I Haven't been eating much and simple tasks are becoming harder. I still need help getting in and out of bed, and help to the bathroom. i can walk alone for short distances but need help for basically everything. last night and today i am feeling really nauseous. I don't feel like eating, the thought of it makes me sick, but always seem to feel a bit better when i do. I am trying to keep a positive attitude but its hard when the only thing your little guy wants to do is snuggle with you and kiss you and you cant even hold him breaks your heart. I showed Maya one of my small incisions to say "this is why you can jump on mommy" she looked at it, and started to cry...she said" i don't want you to have any owies" it broke my heart,
but she is being a tough little girl.

we are all for the most part doing well, and we are loving our new home.
come visit anytime and we would love to hear from you! send us an email!!!!

thanks for all your prayers and thoughts during this time, and we hope we can put this all behind us!

things are happening...

2010-09-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

whether we like it or not, things are happening. days are passing and events are starting and in a blink of an eye they are over.

Wednesday we celebrated Elis first birthday, and yesterday we had a great birthday party. I have MANY photos to share, but our computer is packed away along with the rest of our belongings.

Tomorrow we will leave from Telkwa to Prince George. We will pick up my sisterinlaw from the airport, and she will be with us for 3 weeks. Wednesday is the big day and I will be heading in for surgery. its looming, and soon it will be over too.

We will get possession of our new home in vanderhoof on Friday, and Jonathan will move us in while i am still in the hospital. Its the plan that i will be in the hosptial for 5 nights and home Monday sometime. I hope to be able to be home sometime on Sunday because Jon's first day at his new job is Monday, and it will be really nice if i could be home for his first day.

I am looking forward to having lots of rest, and putting this whole debacle behind us, and moving on with life.

it has put a stomp on our life for long enough and i look forward to putting it to rest.

pray for peace, strength and courage for everyone.

look forward to posting about a great and successful surgery soon!

Our Summer 2010

2010-09-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

this summer has held some major life changing scary events, both good and bad.
but, amidst all the bad and scary life changes, we still managed to have some wicked fun.

July 1, 2010 Canada day! "Opa Opa" (Mayas great Opa, my opa) made a float. for the parade. "A town of many nations." Mom was a dutch woman, Eli and Maya were Cubans and Jonathan was a Mexican. Hilarious.

We spent time at the fair!

Eli learned to play "peek a boo"..its honestly the cutest thing in the world!!

We learned that 3 teeth is enough teeth to eat corn on the cob..

Maya was such a big girl on all the rides

Eli re-established his nick name :TROUBLE!!!

We had a million or trillion crawling races

"YOOK MOM, ELIS MY HORSEY! DO YOU LIKE HIS SADDLE?"

We enjoyed summer fruit!

eli loves to splash in Mayas baths

we had a great summer, but are looking forward to fall. Life will be changing in many ways, but its all welcome and we are continuing to stay Strong and positive.

another update

2010-08-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

i have lots of cute pictures of the kids to share, but just thought while i have a sec, i would update everyone on our new situation.

some of you already know, but we will be packing our bags and moving again. this time we will settle in Vanderhoof. Jonathan got an excellent opportunity there to be financial advisor at the CIBC there. We are both excited about the possibilities this gives us as a family and also the desire jon has to further his career.

In news with me, we got a call from the urologist/surgeon yesterday. They are going to be taking my entire kidney. sigh.
wow. this is in its own way scary news. It will be done laproscopic (SP) so there will be a shorter hospital stay but still the same 6 week recovery, then a life long journey of living with 1 kidney. Its fine for now, but i just need to take EXTRA care of it for when i am older. which will mean a complete life change in the eating department. we have always (much to our dismay) tried to eat healthy, but usually we slip back in to old habits...I'm sure we are not the only ones, but sometimes picking up pizza is just so much easier than cooking.

we are looking forward to Jonathan's sister Beth is going to come for 3 weeks and take care of the kids so i can rest and recoup. She is such a blessing and we are looking forward to having her!

so, thats all for now...

thank you...

2010-08-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

We finally have some news, after many long and tiring days and nights, quick trips to Prince George and back, and after many thoughts and prayers we finally have some news its not great news, but its what we expected.

just thought we would let everyone know my status. We now have surgery booked for Sept 29 in Prince George. They will either take the tumor and part of the kidney or the whole kidney they will decide when they are in there..both surgeries will land me in the hospital for up to a week and 6 weeks on my back to recoup. but, then we should be good and in clear :)

thank you all for your support and prayers and kind kind kind words of encouragement. I truly feel completely blessed to have such great family and friends near and far!

Chels and Jon

the "C" word

2010-08-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

She wasn't feeling well

she thought she was pregnant.

she wasn't

she went to the Dr

they ordered an ultrasound

she got a call to go over the results

the nurse calls her in

she goes in

she sits down

she over hears them trying to get ahold of her husband

her heart sinks

she starts to cry

she goes opens the door

the nurse says the Dr will be right there

she sits down

she cries again

the Dr comes in

they are friends. they go to the same Church, they talk, they have kids the same age, they go to each others birthday parties.

she sits down

they hug

she says they found something

she cries again

its on your kidney

its the size of a golf ball

they pray

and hug again

Dr leaves

shes all alone

she is only 25

she has 2 babies that need her

she has a husband that needs her

her husband comes in

they hug

the Dr comes back in

she explains all to her husband

Dr leaves.

they leave.

they go home.

they cry

they pray

they cry more

they are off to Terrace in the AM for a CT scan

she is scared

but they are together

she does the test

its the worst

they pick up their kids

she looks at her kids.

they are the sweetest things on earth

they need her

her husband needs her

she needs to be here

she will be here

they go home

they cry

they wait for the results

nothing

they go to church

she is in line for the nursery

talking to a friend.

she sees her other friend, the DR

they lock eyes as if to say to each other, "Ive been looking for you"

they find a quiet Sunday school room

Dr says they still don't know

its a bit bigger than they thought

we have to do more tests

it still could be cancer

she cries

she is only 25

she has 2 babies that need her

she has a husband that needs her

they hug

they part ways

its a long few days

they wait

she cries. again. and again.

she tries to take a nap

the phone rings

her husband comes in with a smile on his face

he gives her the phone

its the Dr.

i have good news she says,

they don't think its cancer

she smiles for the 1st time in a week

she feels good. relieved. that was close.

they still have to meet with the urologist.

a week goes by.

they make the 8 hour round trip

they meet with the urologist.

he says he doesnt think its cancer.

but, he is going to talk to the radiologist

"have a seat for 5 min" ill call you back

they leave

they wait

they are called back.

"we think its cancer"

just like that, their world has changed again

she spends the trip crying

she is only 25

she has 2 babies that need her

she has a husband that needs her

a few days later they are off again for the 8 hour trip for an MRI

She does the test fine.

She is scared more than ever

she doesn't cry as much these days,

but, she cant stop when she does, and cant tell when she will loose it.

She is strong

she is only 25

she has 2 babies that need her

she has a husband that needs her

she is tough

she has faith

she has support

she believes

she is me.

brought to you by the word "FANCY"

2010-07-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ever since Gramma came over last week and read Maya "Fancy Nancy" she has been doing everything "fancy" and so, fittingly, we decided yesterday we would have a fancy day. Maya just loved it and i tried to do everything fancy for her :) to make it even more fancy we were going to do Mayas room and, Gramma called and said she had found some things to make Mayas room fancy!

We started out with a special fancy breakfast! fancy sprinkles and Apple juice in a wine glass! veeeery fancy!

Next we had fancy heart shaped grilled cheese in a plate with a fancy katsup holder. We cracked open a "bottle of wine" (sparkling Mango) and sipped away...with our pinkies up of course!

We then got started on Mayas fancy room. She spent a good while painting her canvas. "mom..does this look FAN(th)CY!?"

Mayas boring messy room. it HONESTLY doesn't look like this very often! i promise :)

We were all very thrilled with the fancy makeover! Maya couldn't wait to sleep in her "Fancy" bed! I made her a feather pen which was her favorite part of the whole day "ooohhh mommy...very fancy!! I love it! I JUST LOVE being fancy!!!"

Thanks for such a fancy day Maya! hope we can do it again soon!!

The kind of day....

2010-07-22T09:49:00.001-07:00

when no one listens and bad things happen?? that was me, yesterday.

kinda defeats the purpose of "fresh rain" detergant!

I resorted to this corperal punishment. dont clean up your toys? im going to sweep them up! and you would think she would learn!? nope. she sweet talked me and told me she would ALWAYS LISTEN and ALWAYS PICK UP HER TOYS WHEN I ASK HER and then...10 min later..her train set ended up in the garbage.

My growing boy!

2010-07-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Eli 1 month

eli 2 months
eli 3 months
Eli 4 months

eli 5 months

can this boy look any more like his father? Eli 6 months
Eli 7 months Eli 8 months

Eli 9 Months

Eli 10 Months
Eli 11 months

comparing at 10 months

2010-07-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

I'm surprised how different they look, and how Eli really looks like a boy..how can a baby look like a boy or girl? I'm not sure if its his lack of hair or that he is wearing blue, but in this picture for sure, i just think he radiates boy.
Eli is growing so much it makes me sad that he is no longer a baby, but closing in on toddlering. He is walking a long furniture and standing for seconds on his own. He is still pulling more than crawling, but prefers to stand. He is smiley and laughing all the time, and is sleeping like a champ!

nose dive.

2010-07-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

This blog is taking a nose dive. fast. and hard.
sorry.
but to keep things looking alive around here..
heres what we have been up to:

We were spending ever day at the beach when it was hot. a few weeks ago...now its cold, but tuesday is supposed to +30! horray!!

My view is quite great these days!!

Maya has started setting the table

Eli is on the move..i need to search for him sometimes :)

Eli 9 months

2010-06-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

I do still want to keep doing this until eli reaches 12 months..
but, it seems i have good intentions and never follow though. life gets busy and things fall by the wayside. this picture is on his 9 month birthday, but sorry its taken so long to post.

...but better late than never!

Eli 1 month

eli 2 months

eli 3 months
Eli 4 months

eli 5 months

can this boy look any more like his father?

Eli 6 months

Eli 7 months

Eli 8 months

happy anniversary to us!

2010-06-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

this us, as babies. 5 years ago. today. we married eachother. best friends. forever. bound by law.

now presenting.....

2010-06-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

AFTER MUCH MUCH MUCH HARD WORK...
i am super duper proud to present my new website!!!
.
.
.
chelseypoelman.com!!!

What do you think???

ps: i have elis 9 month pics taken, this is just taking priority at the moment! :)

with all the trouble he has caused...

2010-06-13T19:45:00.001-07:00

This kid still rocks my world, big time!

hes on strike!

2010-06-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

so, it all started on Monday. Eli decided he didn't want to nurse. at all.
i couldn't even hold him in the "feeding" position before he would scream, push away and squirm. for 7 night, it took Jon and I switching off for 3 hours before he would finally settle enough to fall asleep. then he would sleep for an hour or two and we would have to repeat the whole cycle again... he would not nap during the day and would not nurse, or take a bottle. all he would do, day and night is....yup, you guessed it..scream.
save me.

He was not the only on crying, Maya was either jealous of his getting all the attention, or just tired of all the noise and decided she would start crying too. so, with 2 crying kids for days on end, i too started in on the chaos. all three of us..crying non stop. it was not fun.

to add to all this fun, as stated before, Eli was on a nursing strike. which meant my supple boobies, had turned in to hard sore bocce balls. it hurt to lift to turn, to breath. they were full and not happy about it. I tried to pump, but after 1 hour and a little less than an ounce i quit. i tried to self express in the shower which worked for about five minuets..by the time i had dried off from the shower, they were full again.

One day, i even called my mom..i had just had enough. enough of the pain, enough of the crying, enough of this.
she came over, let me take my 3rd shower of the day, and held the crying boy for a while. She is such a saint!

I then went in to the Dr to see if i could get something to dry up my milk. he said take some Advil and call me in the morning. except don't call me.

now.

life is semi back to normal. Eli still is not nursing, and most of my milk has dried up. I tricked him in to nursing for about 5 min last night while he was on his way to sleep, it emptied me enough to get me by, but he had a look of horror when he woke up and saw my hard swollen boob in his face and started to cry again. i thought i was over the days of rejection.

he is taking a bottle fine, and even slept though the night last night. he is napping now and Maya is doing a puzzle. life is back to its good ol' self.

....we're done having babies and never doing this again... right?

my sweet big girl

2010-06-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

when we got back from holidays (which i still haven't blogged about) man, i really need to get my act together on this thing---anyways. When we got back we made a trip[ top the salon and got Mayas super long hair cut off. she had almost 8in cut off.

before:

after:

2010-06-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

the days seems to blur in to one another, and i realized i have long missed Elis 8 month photo. so, here it is.

...but better late than never!

Eli 1 month

eli 2 months

eli 3 months
Eli 4 months

eli 5 months

can this boy look any more like his father?

Eli 6 months

Eli 7 months

Eli 8 months

Mayas birthday

2010-05-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

I was thinking abotu soemthing to blog so that i dont loose the blogging thing all together..i was looking at pictures to see what i could blog about, and found pics i never shared about Mayas birthday and our trip to Ontario..so, 2 things toblog about that happend almost a month ago. i rock. sigh.

the morning Maya turned 3 and her best buddy eli

a little elbow grease!

2010-05-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

a little elbow grease!
Before: yellow walls everywhere! Its not that we didnt like the way the hosue looked, it was fine..just not "us" so we put our stamp on it and love the way it looks!!

before living room:

After living room:

and yes, i was watching Rachel Ray and Regis was on..should have shut the doors..oh well.

Kitchen after: i dont know why i dont have a before picture of the kitchen, but here it is after:

Dining room before salmon-ish walls:

Dining room after **MY FAVE!!***

2010-05-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

B -to the- ALD

2010-04-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

my kids were born with hair, lots of hair...
then they went bald.

our sweet maya was born with dark black hair. its was longer in the back then the front, but it was there in all its dark glory!then it happened. her hair line turned in to an old mans, and started to recede. i thought it was cute then...but, shortly after seeing the pictures, i vowed to shave it if our next child ended up with hair like this!

next was bald. bald. bald.

Then our sweet Eli came along..

Eli was born with lots of shiny blond hair!

then the inevitable happened, and all the locks started to go....now we are seriously talking butt shining baldness... you can see some fuzz, if you look close. in the sun. and really concentrate. and imagine.

but, its there!! i promise!!

a few days late...

2010-04-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

...but better late than never!

Eli 1 month

eli 2 months

eli 3 months
Eli 4 months

eli 5 months

can this boy look any more like his father?

Eli 6 months

Eli 7 months

just another sunny day at the park...just another sunny day

2010-04-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

A blissful day

2010-04-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

Maya spent the day with her "Munna and Opa" and like any grandchild she is spoiled to the core. I hear a car pull in and go out to get Maya. shes not there. moms says "look down the road" and what do i see. this little girl on a brand new big girl bike. spoiled brat.

She then had to show me all the tricks she could do.

I didn't get a picture of her and gramma, but she had big hugs for everyone.

After gramma and opa left to go home and recoup from a busy afternoon, we spent the rest of the evening riding bikes. and of course the inevitable thing happened.

Maya was very excited about her certificate. Mom-mom take a "pit-ere" of my "award"

while my lucky daughter got to gallivant all day with her grandparents, I got to spend the afternoon with this crazy kiddo. hes so sweet!

we then ended the day in pure bliss fashion. i would have it no other way.

wife first or mother first?

2010-04-09T08:40:00.001-07:00

As i was cleaning up supper the other night at around 9:00 after reading Maya bed time stories, i asked myself...Do i consider myself a wife first or a mother first? then i asked Jon and we had a lengthy discussion on which we both put first, and which we should...

on being a mother first:
I am really torn on which i think is more evident in my life right now. i have 2 babies and they take up my every waking moment and for that matter every non waking moment too. They are needy right now. She needs me to make her lunch and he needs me to give him lunch which means sitting down and concentrating on him. She needs me to read to her and he needs me to coo at him. She needs me to make sure she has clean clothes and so does he. I clean up their toys, and make sure they are fed and bathed. this takes time. and effort. and time. Jon was saying that it may not be like this for long, they wont need us for long. it made me sad. I like brushing her teeth and feeding him. teaching him to sit and teaching her to peddle her bike. being a mom is good. great. what i need to do now.

on being a wife first:
I was a wife first and a mother second. but, i am tired from being a mother all day. ..from taking them places, to trying to act like i am not about to loose it at the grocery store and leave them in the produce section "by accident". Being a spouse is being a friend. being there for one another and to work together. I try to have the house clean when Jon comes home from work, but it rarely happens. i try to mop the floors but that is an even rarer occurrence. He has clean clothes for work, and that's about it. but, he does ALWAYS have supper waiting for him. I try. that's all i can say. Being a wife is very important to me. but, is it more important than being a mother? I love Jon and want to be the best partner he has. I think being a good mother helps me be a good wife. they work together, they have to. I must say, Jon is on the list for being the best dad in the world, and when i see him being the best dad in the world, it also makes him the best husband in the world.
I took a few pottery classes the past couple of weeks and like most moms, i NEVER EVER EVER get to go out and do anything, so i really enjoyed doing it. and when i returned, i felt refreshed like i could be a better wife and better mother just by having a couple hours to myself. the kids were in bed, and i was out being creative. it was blissful.

it was a very good conversation and we didn't come to any steadfast answer. i think they lead in to one another and become one in the same. some days i feel like i am crappy in both departments. but some days (like yesterday), i just feel blessed that i am doing my best at both jobs. and hopefully people around me can see the same.

spring is here!!!

2010-03-25T12:04:00.000-07:00

We are a few days late...

2010-03-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

...but better late than never!

Eli 1 month

eli 2 months

eli 3 months
Eli 4 months

eli 5 months

can this boy look any more like his father?

Eli 6 months

Eli 7 months

an Eli update

2010-03-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, and from the posts a while back i mentioned a few times that we were going through some medical issues with our little Eli. I thought, that since now things have calmed down a bit and we are coming in to some answers i would share whats going on.

Eli was being tested for "craniosynostosis" which is a premature fusing of the skull (he was born with no soft spot) the problem occurs when the brain tries to grow and the skull can't expand to accommodate the growing brain. solution: surgery to open the skull lines and create room for the brain. After much prayer time and tears we found out that he doesn't have this. But while being tested for this he had an x-ray of the skull and a CT scan. the results of the x-ray shows he did have the sutures (skull separations) which is good. BUT the CT scan showed that his brain is smaller than it should be. this is where the scary comes in. his brain is not as big as it should be, so its not putting pressure of the skull to grow..

Eli has a biggish head and smallish face...its not always noticeable to everyone, but this is what our paediatrician is worried about.ANYWAYS...his brain is small and he has quite a bit of fluid around his brain. the only thing we can do at this point in time is take sure Eli's head keeps growing normally so we will go see our Pediatrician once a month, we are going to work with the Child development centre to track his growth and development( he is meeting all his milestones now: 5 months he is smiling, talking, rolling front to back, grabbing and keeping eye contact and sitting), he has to have an MRI in Vancouver before he is 1. which will give us a better look at his brain. this brain thing doesn't mean that he will be delayed in anyway, and it doesn't mean he will have learning disabilities or any intellectual difficulties its just something we have to keep track of. our Dr. thinks it is caused during pregnancy in the 5-6 month by a virus.

Eli and I both have been for blood work to scan for ANY type of virus that connects us: measles, rubella, tetanus, STD, etc. and they all came back negative. The Dr. thinks maybe i had a fever during my pregnancy to cause this. We are still not sure, and we may never know.

As of now, we are just to take him in once a month and moniter him. which is great that nothing Major like surgery needs to be done.

Eli is doing great though, hes really starting to come in to his own personality and is smiling non stop. He especially loves his daddy and Opa and always has extra smiles for them.

We are doing good too, just keep going to appointments and get ready for a big one in Vancouver sometime in the coming months.

not the wine glasses and fine china a dreamed of.

2010-03-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

This picture sums up my life.

its not the wine glasses and fine china i dream being an adult would bring.

we are a family.

2010-03-08T19:56:00.001-08:00

we haven't had a family photo taken since Maya was 6 months old. I take family pics for people all the time, and never get them done ourselves. so i was thrilled when my cousin Jen said she was coming for a visit. she is a great photographer and took some great shots of us this past weekend! Thanks Jen!

Things have been slow once again here on the blog front...life is busy and still goes on day to day even when i dont blog. shocking, i know.

The Prince and The Pea

2010-02-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

Eli 5 months--SAY WHAT?!?!??!?!

2010-02-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

I cant even explain, but this month has flown by in the blink of an eye. here we are already at 5 months. this is almost 6 months which is half of 12 months.

this month eli learned to roll, and coo and sit for a few seconds. he LOVES his jolly jumparoo and loves to smile. he is sooo pleasant and happy what a welcomed change.

Eli 1 month

eli 2 months

eli 3 months
Eli 4 months

eli 5 months

can this boy look any more like his father?

my babes

2010-02-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

I'm still trying ( a year later) to figure out manual focus of my 1.8 lens. its hard. very. very. hard.

but, i did get some cuties of my cuties. yes, you may come over and snuggle them they are really as cute and special in person.

Elis a jumperoo

2010-02-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

eli in his jumperoo. its a little long, but i bet the grandparents wont think so :) :)

great weekend

2010-02-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely weekend. We went to visit my Opa who is in the hospital in Prince George. that, was not so lovely of course. its so hard to someone you love in pain and uncomfortable. Its hard to someone who you have always seen as a pillar of strength and courage, be tied town with wires and tubes. he wasn't enjoying the hospital, and for good reason.. but he did have a great support system this weekend. Our family went, 2 aunts and 1 set of cousins. it was soo nice to see everyone again.

When we weren't at the hospital we were spending time with our great friends Mandy and Reese. Its so amazing these two girls always seem to pick up where they left off. They don't skip a beat before they are playing hide and seek and tag. Its wonderful to see how such little girls can be such great friends. I love to see Maya playing and interacting with kids her age, and getting a long and laughing hysterically!

Thanks Mandy for a great weekend!

if you look closely at this next picture, loooks like Maya has been to one to many ultrasounds, look at the perfect little fetus Maya drew! sooo funny!

the girls got in to the bath fizzers and look at their "green" water! "Soooo tool Mom, been wadder!!!"
Then it was out of the tub, and the girls decided they needed to floss their teeth

because we were leaving early the next morning, they got to see their Valentines day surprise from Chelsey and Jon! They were so excited...they walked around the corner and "GASP!" they both replied! cute!

We finished the night by letting them choose as many tattoos as they wanted. Maya is simply covered from her waist down in tattoos. they played so hard that day, that bed time was a breeze. what a great visit with great friends.

2010-02-10T20:05:00.001-08:00

the same but different

2010-02-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

.Can you guess who is who? i was thinking today that eli was kinda looking like Maya, so i thought i would put this together and see how it turns out. They are alike, but not the same, both cute, but different from each other. Its so neat to see the different ways they are growing and becoming great little kids:)

Eli ....................................................................................Maya

****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

.Eli .........................................................................................Maya

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************Maya................................................................................Eli

Maya.................................................................................Eli

Maya..................................................................Eli

we are hanging in there

2010-02-09T14:24:00.001-08:00

first off...thank you to ALL who are reading and commenting on my moms blog!

we are having a rough time... many health issues both in our little family and in my extended family. pray for us.

but, we are growing in love as a family. times are hard, and stressful but God is always there...

Eli trying to wake up his big sister with not much avail.

follow my MAma

2010-01-31T19:48:00.000-08:00

I know i have talked a bit here and there about my mom going to be a volunteer at the Olympics, and it has always seemed so far off, but she is now in Vancouver and has started her own blog to remember her fantastic experiences.

you can follow her exciting journey by clicking here:http://myolympicdream2010.blogspot.com/
make sure you leave her a comment, shes a new blogger and we all know how exciting it is when you get lots of comments :)

so, please go and read her great stories ,follow her journey, add her to your feed reader, and most importantly leave her some great supportive comments!

Eli 4 months

2010-01-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

Things are a little stressful around here, so we are a few days late in posting. and i forgot the sign. maybe ill try again tomorrow, but for today. its a picture at least.

bare with us, if things are slow around here for a while. We've got some stuff to deal with and then, before we know it life will be back to normal. i hope.

Eli 1 month

eli 2 months

eli 3 months
times are a changin'...

adventures with Maya and Mommy

2010-01-18T21:38:00.000-08:00

When i sent Jon out to get some Christmas gifts back in September when he was out of town, i was surprised and kind of annoyed at what he found. "ages 8 and up" i say my brows furrowed.."Ill help her, she'll love it" he said defensively... turns out...he was right. What a blast this little oven is! Good find, Honey!

Maya and I thought we would give you a step by step instructions on how to properly make an easy bake cake.

Step #1-check recommended age level. hmm...we're off to a good start.

Step #2 Unload the goodies

Step #3- hug the goodies

Step #4-read instructions

Step #5- try get a portrait of mommy and Maya. (new years resolution #1 million-take more photos of yourself)

Step #6- Heat up oven for 10 min while you try entertain the 2 year old who keeps wanting to touch it

Step #7- empty packet and think, that's all? what a lot of effort for such a little bit of cake mix. this stuff is expensive for 1 little packet..start to feel pissed off about the price...

Step #8 add a droplet of water

Step #9 mix. watch your daughter mixing it and forget about the ridiculous price because she is having fun, and that's all that matters in this moment.

Step #10 put it in the oven

step#11- wait wait wait. think to yourself "this thing take FOREVER! but assure your daughter its almost done

Step#12- take it out

step #13- let it cool.

think to yourself: how is a 2 year old supposed to have patience for all this waiting when you, (a slightly older, more aged, more mature person) keeps touching it to see if its cool. When instruction#5 says "DON'T TOUCH METAL TIN, HOT!"

STEP #14- MIX icing

step #15- ice cake. try not to teach your 2 year old that its OK to put your finger in the icing and lick it and repeat.

step # 16- crown your brother king of the easy bake oven cake- and laugh your head off

step #17- show off your work!!!

Step#18- YEAH! daddy's home. welcome daddy home with smiles, even though you have cried the whole day for mommy.

step 18b-smile more

Step #19- eat all your supper and get dessert!!

step #20- SHARE!

jolly time!

2010-01-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

he cant seriously be old and big enough for a jolly jumper!?!?
we tried it a few weeks ago, and he wasn't loving it..now hes enjoying himself a lot!

hold on..

2010-01-14T21:40:00.000-08:00

so, i had this whole post about Maya and a very special Christmas gift..then i uploaded my camera and noticed something hilarious.
how many times does it take to get 4 people in a picture and actually have it turn out? your guess is as good as mine. let me set the mood:

New Years Eve 2009. We spend a lovely family evening eating pizza and drinking pop (Maya was thrilled!) Then we get everyone pack up and head to mommy and daddy's bed to read stories. "Lets take a picture of our first new years as a family of 4" i think..easier said then done. BUT it went something like this...

"OK, smile!"
"elis slipping"
"Maya, you're not looking"
"Jon, your eyes are closed"
"i have to big of a double chin in that one"
"this dumb.. here, you try"
"too blurry"
"your head is cut off"
"maya, don't touch your brother"
"my heads cut off"
"push eli up"
"maya, look at the camera!"
"you cant even see me"
"your fingers over the flash"
"ahh, just forget it..."

let me present you with exhibits a-o

10 for 2010

2010-01-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

me edition

believe it or not, this is the only picture i have of myself since i was in the hospital with Eli.
so, i have now made a new resolution: to be in more pictures.

1. I am creative, i enjoy anything crafty, anyway to use my creativity or craft with my kids

2. I stink at housework (new years resolution#2- stay more on top of housework)

3. I am unorganized (new years resolution #3- be more organized

4. I crave projects but seldom finish them ( new years resolution#4 don't start them unless I'm going to finish them)

5. I don't drink alcohol. nope. not a drop. and probably never will

6. i don't like coffee, but need the caffeine. so i drink diet coke (new years resolution #4 back off the diet coke)

7. I love to snuggle

8. I am a good cook, and enjoy cooking for others

9. I really care what people think, and say about me, my family and my kids (new years resolution #5 - don't)

10. I consider my mom to be one of my dearest friends. i love that.

10 for 2010

2010-01-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

My man edition!.

drool ladies drool, hes mine!

1. He has been my husband for almost 5 years

2. He is very kind and thoughtful, and so smart

3. He can sometimes act like he is still 15, and i love that!

4. He is a spunky, energetic, loving dad

5. He is musical, he can play 3 instruments

6. Its his life long dream to live in the Caribbean and speak Spanish

7. He helps around the house, sometimes i don't even ask :) how did i get so lucky?

8. He is a GREAT cook

9. He is someone young people look up to. he is a great role model, spiritually and in all aspects of his life

10. He loves to play x-box, and would play 24/7 if he didn't have a wife to nag him to stop.

I am truly blessed to have a great husband like Jon, I love him very much. he is a great partner and friend.

10 for 2010

2010-01-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

Maya "sweet Maya" edition

I havnt had a chance to play with maya in my stuidio. While i was going though the last recent pics of her, i stumbled across this beauty. the hurt eye..

1. she weighs 26lbs and is 31 incles long

2. she talks a mile a minute with favs like: "mom, i hab a 'nack?" or "i jus wanna shubble Opas driveway, its no big deal, Mom" "i yuve you" "mommy, you're my bes pend (friend)" "we doe to toffee bate? im donna see my pends."

3. she is very loving, and kind.

4. she loves her brother more than any child i have ever seen

5. life is good when she is at grammas playing with her "people"

6. she is potty trained and doing awesome

7. she loves to watch movies.

8. she can sing a million songs and loves to dance. her favorite right now is "O'Canada" whcih she refers to as the "horsy song" becasue the 1st time she heard it was at the RCMP march with all the horses

9. She likes to pretend talk on the phone. she will have a 1/2 hour conversation. goes something like this: "Oh, i hi opa, im maya, whats your name? oh ya, you're workin'? oh ya. you pump das? ohya. o'tay. bye bye

10. she is the sweetest like girl with the biggest heart. she cares for evryone around her. We are so blessed to have her as our daughter.

10 for 2010

2010-01-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Eli "Little Man" edition.

i will be posting 10 random fact for each member of our family for 2010. starting with our newest little man

1. he weighs 14lbs 12 oz which puts him in the 60% for his age

2. he is starting to "talk" coo and make cute noises

3. he has colic or "the purple cry"

4. he is starting to get over colic (knock on wood till knuckles bleed)

5. he has red hair

6. he loves his swing. and so do i

7. he needs (and i mean needs) his soother

8. when he is happy, he is the smiliest little guy and his eyes light up when his dad sings to him

9. he likes being in his car seat

10. even though he cries all the time, he is still the sweetest little blessing of 2009!

merry christmas to me!

2010-01-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

I received my Christmas present in the mail a few days ago, new studio lights! I got them all set up, but didn't have much time to play..until today :)

check out masterpiece #1

merry Christmas!

2009-12-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

I only have a few pics to share from our very first Christmas morning alone as a little family. what fun it was to have our first Christmas in our new house, and just us and the kids. We spent Christmas eve with my whole family which was wonderful! we opened presents, played games, has appetizers, and shared laughs and memories.

Christmas morning we spent here creating our own memories, and traditions. we started out by putting all the presents out while the kids were sleeping so when they woke up, they would see them all for the 1st time. maya was kind of unsure how to react, but soon was filled with wonder and excitement.

When i started wrapping all the gifts i soon started to feel very guilty as the ones with to:Maya started to pile up. How is Maya going to react to ALL these gifts? i didn't want her to think that Christmas was all about her, or forget the real reason for the celebration. Also, i didn't want her to think that SHE was the only one who got presents..etc.

To my (i hate to say this..)surprise... she was very gracious and thankful, she handed every ones presents out to them, and said thank you with out being asked. I should have more faith in my sweet girl i guess!!

3 months old

2009-12-22T10:32:00.000-08:00

eli 1 month

eli 2 months

eli 3 months
times are a changin'...