Ok, I totally lied. I said I'd be back at the end of last week... not so much. Even as I write this post all I can think of are the gazillion of things I still need and want to get done.
It has been a crazy few weeks (I know I've been AWOL for almost 2 months) but we have moved and settled into our new place quite well. We're still tweaking here and there but the bulk of things are done.
Even though we're close to the same square footage we had in our previous place it's in a totally different layout and somehow we needed more furniture. We've added a sectional sofa, a 52" TV (it's in Danny's "man cave"), another kitchen table, and 4 stools (which, to be fair, we could have used in the last place).
We're currently figuring out the little details of getting a deep freeze and dining hutch (little detail being how do we pick them up?).
It's been fun trying to find new homes for everything; although I'm a little annoyed with the kitchen as a whole. All the shelves (in cupboards, the fridge, and pantry) are all just too short to fit in standard things (milk cartons, cereal boxes, bottle of oil). It also has 2 awkward cupboards, you know the ones where there's a standard cupboard door on it but it's about twice as long with no way to get to the items in the back? I've managed to set it up fairly well (I've only rearranged everything twice so far) but once we get a hutch then it'll all change again.
I've also had a chance to go through things and purge a lot. Now I get to organize the rest, which will be SO much easier with my huge walk in closet. I've already invested in boxes for the kids rooms to get their closets under control and I've decided to do a lower hanging bar in their closets so they can access it and have the normal bar and shelf for storage. With both their bedrooms being smaller we have to use the space wisely.
Thank goodness for Pinterest (and Ikea) for ideas. It's helped already and once we start focusing our attention to the yard it'll help even more.
Speaking of the yard, it's one of the highlights of our new place. At the last house we had a Massive yard but because we were on the top floor the kids had to go down a steep stairs and I couldn't see it from inside the house. Now we not only have a yard that is level but it can be seen from the house, and between the kitchen and yard is an enclosed sun deck.
It's been hectic but it has been completely worth it. We've been here less than 2 weeks and I've noticed a change in everyone. I'm a lot less stressed (the light helps a lot), Danny's loving his "man cave", and the kids are adjusting well. They love being able to go into the yard or when it's raining head out to the sun deck (we've put a lot of their bigger toys out there). So helpful during our rainy season (9 months of the year... I joke... it's only 8) because it'll be like they're outside but staying dry, which should help with them getting antsy from being inside so much.
So, while I have a few posts prewritten, I may still be sporadic while I'm in the final stages of setting up house. I'm hoping the bigger things are done by next weekend when we have our "come check out our new digs" party.
My version of life & motherhood
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Wordless Wednesday: Karate Kids
So, I know this is "Wordless Wednesday" but I should explain a bit.
As I've mentioned before Lynden started karate last month (he LOVES it). Alyssa is right into it as well; when Lynden practices at home she's right there with him, punching, kicking, bowing, etc. During classes she pushes a chair right up to the counter so she can watch Everything Lynden does.
A few classes ago Alyssa was the centre of attention at one of her brother's classes when she was participating in the viewing area.
Last night, during Lynden's class, the kids were practicing palm thrusts and kneeing and one student yelled "kias" loudly and the sensei commented on what a great "kia" that was. So, all the kids started hollering "kia" while beating up poor Bob (the dummy).
Alyssa, not to be left out, also called out"kia", a few times, loudly. The sensei was impressed with her that he awarded her with her own belt.
To say she was thrilled was an understatement.
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| her belt |
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| "KIA!" |
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| This is an old picture you can tell by Lynden's hair |
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| my karate kids |
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Kindergarten Decision
Danny and I went back and forth about registering Lynden for French Immersion or sticking to English.
There's a lot more perks to being in French Immersion but we were worried about us not speaking any french, about hearing about how a lot of French Immersion students have a hard time with basic English skills (granted, I think most of us aren't grammatically correct 90% of the time), and how Lynden would adjust to it.
Another issue we had was with our move we change catchment areas for our French Immersion school, which is beyond ridiculous since the one that's not in our area is 1.5 blocks from our house and the school we could get into is 14 blocks from our house. The school in our area does not have the best reputation. While talking to many different people I heard nothing good about our catchment school - it's over populated, in a not-so-great-area, and has a lot of problem children.
The Friday before French Immersion registration started I asked Danny, for the umpteenth time, what direction he was leaning.
We didn't leave it until the last minute at all.
After more discussion we decided to put our name on the French Immersion waiting list for our desired school (the one next to our new place) at our catchment school (you have to register there). We were expecting a waiting list at our catchment school since I was not willing to camp out the night before.
Registration day I headed to the school 2 hours after registration started. When I arrived there was no line up, not even another parent registering their child, so I was quite shocked when I was told there were still spots left and we were guaranteed a spot (at our undesired school).
After speaking to the administrator I enrolled him (listing the other school as our #1 pick; we're on the waiting list but I'm not holding my breath for this year).
So, Lynden is enrolled in French Immersion. We will do Kindergarten at our catchment school and come next spring we can put in a transfer request for Grade 1, at which point there are more classes and we will most likely get in.
It will be so much nicer being able to walk to and from his school every day than having to a) take public transit every day, twice a day or b) having to buy a second car in a rush (we want to find the right vehicle for us this time).
That's how we decided on French Immersion; basically left it up to the universe. If he was suppose to get in he would. If we didn't we would have happily enrolled him in English (at the other school within 2 blocks from out new place).
There's a lot more perks to being in French Immersion but we were worried about us not speaking any french, about hearing about how a lot of French Immersion students have a hard time with basic English skills (granted, I think most of us aren't grammatically correct 90% of the time), and how Lynden would adjust to it.
Another issue we had was with our move we change catchment areas for our French Immersion school, which is beyond ridiculous since the one that's not in our area is 1.5 blocks from our house and the school we could get into is 14 blocks from our house. The school in our area does not have the best reputation. While talking to many different people I heard nothing good about our catchment school - it's over populated, in a not-so-great-area, and has a lot of problem children.
The Friday before French Immersion registration started I asked Danny, for the umpteenth time, what direction he was leaning.
We didn't leave it until the last minute at all.
After more discussion we decided to put our name on the French Immersion waiting list for our desired school (the one next to our new place) at our catchment school (you have to register there). We were expecting a waiting list at our catchment school since I was not willing to camp out the night before.
Registration day I headed to the school 2 hours after registration started. When I arrived there was no line up, not even another parent registering their child, so I was quite shocked when I was told there were still spots left and we were guaranteed a spot (at our undesired school).
After speaking to the administrator I enrolled him (listing the other school as our #1 pick; we're on the waiting list but I'm not holding my breath for this year).
So, Lynden is enrolled in French Immersion. We will do Kindergarten at our catchment school and come next spring we can put in a transfer request for Grade 1, at which point there are more classes and we will most likely get in.
It will be so much nicer being able to walk to and from his school every day than having to a) take public transit every day, twice a day or b) having to buy a second car in a rush (we want to find the right vehicle for us this time).
That's how we decided on French Immersion; basically left it up to the universe. If he was suppose to get in he would. If we didn't we would have happily enrolled him in English (at the other school within 2 blocks from out new place).
Friday, January 25, 2013
Isn't That Pinteresting - Moving Edition
Now that we're moving I've been looking to Pinterest for ideas on furniture ideas. We have an extra room that we can use as a media room and a small dining area we can put out table, but that leaves a large hole in the kitchen.
Of course you get quite sidetracked while looking for things on Pinterest, but here are some ideas I like for our new place
My ALL time favourite and I am making Danny makes this for me, just a bit shorter to go in our kitchen. This way the kids can play playdoh, paint, crafts, etc. And when we do our holiday dinners we have extra seating for the kids or to put food on.
So many ideas and I'm super anxious to move in to see how much room we actually have to do some of these things.
Of course you get quite sidetracked while looking for things on Pinterest, but here are some ideas I like for our new place
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| mason jar toothbrush holder easy to clean |
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| crate coffee table |
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| storage from bookcases We have a space for this, but I think it'd be better in a kitchen |
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| Picture Wall Love this! |
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| Pallet Sofa Love, but it would take up too much room |
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| Laundry Room The shelf and rods are great |
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| Night Stand Put a power bar in the drawer Declutters the top |
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| Ruler Growth Chart I WANT this |
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| Shelves for cars Love the idea but it could cause fights with the kids I might just do one for Lynden's Cars cars |
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| Toy Storage So clean and crisp looking |
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| Hanging Shelves Would be perfect for a little girl who is all about her babies |
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| Closet Ideas The kids have smaller rooms so we have to plan better for storage |
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| Outdoor Race Track PERFECT for Lynden |
My ALL time favourite and I am making Danny makes this for me, just a bit shorter to go in our kitchen. This way the kids can play playdoh, paint, crafts, etc. And when we do our holiday dinners we have extra seating for the kids or to put food on.
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| Play Table LOVE everything about this |
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Different Thoughts All In One Post
I've been a bad blogger and I'm going to continue to be for the next bit. We're moving at the end of next month so we're getting ready to start packing (I need my lists don't you know). However, there have been things I've wanted to blog about, just not enough time (or energy). I'm going to give you the cole's notes version instead
**We've enrolled Lynden in karate. Danny got on this band wagon a few weeks ago and after watching a class and meeting with the sensei twice Lynden officially starts on Thursday. He's pretty excited and it's nice to see him excited about starting something new.
**Speaking of starting something new, Danny and I have been back-and-forth and then back-and-forth again on Kindergarten. English or French Immersion? We cannot decide. Every time I think I've decided on one I get swayed the other way again. It's not like I'm waiting until the last minute or anything (French Immersion enrollment is Monday at 7:30). What did you decide? Why? I need all the help I can get.
**Alyssa's vocabulary continues to astound me. Every day she's picking up more and more. My current favourite is she calls Lynden "nee-nee" and Alyssa "aha", and when you tell Lynden to say sorry she says "sorry nee nee". Even Lynden's started to tell her she's not the one who needs to say sorry, but it's still adorable.
**Alyssa is getting closer and closer to starting potty training. The only things stopping me from doing it now is her fear of sitting on the potty and the move next month. We've decided to start in April.
**We went and saw Cirque Du Solei's Amaluna last week. We had Fantastic seats and the show was incredible. It's amazing how talented the performers are. The swimmer was unbelievable, the tight rope walkers are crazy (I can barely walk on solid ground with heels on, forget on a tight rope), the leaping men we're spectacular, and that was the most intense stick braiding. Ever. Seriously. If you get a chance to go, go!
**Lynden's been practicing his letters lately. That kid astounds me; we hadn't worked on them since before Christmas and he's just about mastered them. We just need to work on his patience (we had a small meltdown over them not being perfect. I never thought I'd see a kid so upset about having to take a break from writing)
** My orchid bloomed. I was quite relieved to see a flower and not some egg sack hatch.
Seriously though, does anyone know what I should be doing with it?
**Danny and I went to school with a guy, Kurtis, who has 2 kids, around our kids ages. He's an incredibly talented artist and he's recently started a Tumblr page about the funny things his kids say. If you want a good chuckle, check outs Kids, Eh?. It's so nice to see it's not just my kids (my favourite has to be punching the poop out - Lynden tells us it's eating, which is why it takes so long).
Other than that, I've got nothing. It's been pretty laid back, which is nice because at some point I am going to have to start going through things, purging, packing, and cleaning. So, please forgive me while I post sporadically over the next 5-6 weeks.
**We've enrolled Lynden in karate. Danny got on this band wagon a few weeks ago and after watching a class and meeting with the sensei twice Lynden officially starts on Thursday. He's pretty excited and it's nice to see him excited about starting something new.
**Speaking of starting something new, Danny and I have been back-and-forth and then back-and-forth again on Kindergarten. English or French Immersion? We cannot decide. Every time I think I've decided on one I get swayed the other way again. It's not like I'm waiting until the last minute or anything (French Immersion enrollment is Monday at 7:30). What did you decide? Why? I need all the help I can get.
**Alyssa's vocabulary continues to astound me. Every day she's picking up more and more. My current favourite is she calls Lynden "nee-nee" and Alyssa "aha", and when you tell Lynden to say sorry she says "sorry nee nee". Even Lynden's started to tell her she's not the one who needs to say sorry, but it's still adorable.
**Alyssa is getting closer and closer to starting potty training. The only things stopping me from doing it now is her fear of sitting on the potty and the move next month. We've decided to start in April.
**We went and saw Cirque Du Solei's Amaluna last week. We had Fantastic seats and the show was incredible. It's amazing how talented the performers are. The swimmer was unbelievable, the tight rope walkers are crazy (I can barely walk on solid ground with heels on, forget on a tight rope), the leaping men we're spectacular, and that was the most intense stick braiding. Ever. Seriously. If you get a chance to go, go!
**Lynden's been practicing his letters lately. That kid astounds me; we hadn't worked on them since before Christmas and he's just about mastered them. We just need to work on his patience (we had a small meltdown over them not being perfect. I never thought I'd see a kid so upset about having to take a break from writing)
** My orchid bloomed. I was quite relieved to see a flower and not some egg sack hatch.
Seriously though, does anyone know what I should be doing with it?
**Danny and I went to school with a guy, Kurtis, who has 2 kids, around our kids ages. He's an incredibly talented artist and he's recently started a Tumblr page about the funny things his kids say. If you want a good chuckle, check outs Kids, Eh?. It's so nice to see it's not just my kids (my favourite has to be punching the poop out - Lynden tells us it's eating, which is why it takes so long).
Other than that, I've got nothing. It's been pretty laid back, which is nice because at some point I am going to have to start going through things, purging, packing, and cleaning. So, please forgive me while I post sporadically over the next 5-6 weeks.
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