Disney Weekend

Growing up, I LOVED Disney movies. Once I moved out on my own, even though we didn't have kids I told my husband, I really want to start collecting my own Disney movies. I can't even begin to guess how many Disney movies we owned as a kid.

(True story, I've told my mom I'm claiming the Disney movies when she dies. Yes, we're kind of morbid, whatever. What I'm going to do with them now since they are all VHS, I have no idea. But, they have been claimed.)

So, we have a great Disney collection. And, we have this super magical thing coming up called a trip to Disneyland.  Yes, Disneyland!!! Squee!

Of course I am being irrational that we are going to get there and Austin won't know who everyone is (let's be honest, Mackenzie probably won't know) and I want him to get the full magic of meeting
people from the movies. So I thought we should start watching the movies.

It started Friday night. We watched Beauty and the Beast. Then Saturday I was still nursing my injury from Friday so we hung out and watched some more movies. We started with the Lion King, then Cinderella, rounded off the night with Tangled. Sunday we started with the Little Mermaid, finding Nemo, then moved onto Cars and Cars 2. Finished off our night with Lilo and Stitch.


Now, I am SO looking forward to seeing Carsland. I have heard it's an amazing view and it's like stepping into the movie. Watching Austin watch Cars this weekend, I was thinking about Disneyland and the magic he's going to encounter in just a few short weeks. The inevitable excitement when he gets to meet a real size Lightning McQueen and Mater. I mean, he loves seeing books or cars of those 2. Meeting them IRL? I'm thinking mind=blown. And I'm going to be the mom taking a million pics and being sappy.

Since having kids, anything can make me cry. It's ridiculous and kind of embarrassing. I'm betting it will be about 2 minutes inside the park before I start to cry, if I even make it that long.  Seeing the park and the magic and excitement from Austin...... Tears, there will be tears.  I can't wait.

The time goes by

It's funny how just one moment sends you through a million memories.

 

This picture here. Was my moment.

 

 

Sure, it seems like nothing much. A kid looking in a door. It's just so much more. See, this deck, it's my dad's back deck. Right about where I'm standing to take the picture was where this seemingly big kid crawled for the first time. We had just finished a babyville class and our friend came back to my dad's with us. We sat the kids on a huge blanket on the deck and chatted away. Then Austin was up on his knees and crawled across the blanket. Just like that. It was almost a blink and miss it kind of thing he did it so fast. Now, 3 years (and a bit) later seeing this image filled me with all the memories of him growing up.

 

I can't believe how big he's gotten.  

Malibu!

For those avid readers of this blog, you may remember me talking about my mommy message board. Those ladies have been there for me, and for everyone else on the board whenever anything goes on. I could not have asked for a better group of e-friends. Seriously, words escape me.

 

Anyways, we started talking and decided we needed to get together on the West side of the country. Let's be honest,  the states is way more exciting than Alberta. Finally, a destination was chosen and the rest of the planning commenced.

 

We were going to California. Specifically, Malibu.

 

This was amazing to me since I haven't really travelled much. Plus, it was a weekend away with the girls to relax, in a mansion.

 

September 7th arrived and we all congregated (Some had gone the day before, but I was going on the 7th.) in LA then Malibu.

 

We did not go to see the Hollywood sign, but luckily for me I did get to see it. While we were descending into LAX I saw it. I swear this is the Hollywood sign. I swear it people. lol. Yes, it's blurry, but it was zoomed in on my iPhone.

 

 

I thank heavens my fellow message board friend from Jasper was on the same flight. She was familiar with LAX, I would have wandered around like a lost puppy for a while.

 

Our ride to the rental house was a California Native with a 7 seater. We were the Kristin/Kristen Car. There were 3 Kristin/en's a Megan and Michelle.

 

 

On our way! Top and bottom left, the View while driving down the PCH, top right, Sunset Blvd, bottom right, view of the hills opposite PCH

 

 

The house!!! Top left - pulling in the driveway, middle left - the view from the dining room, bottom left - the view from the living room. Right - the view from the rooftop patio

 

 

 

Friday we all just hung around the house. It was crazy to see all these real life people I have talked to online for all these years. We lounged around the pool and hot tub for a few hours before getting ready to go for dinner.

 

We had an amazing dinner, and an even more amazing waiter. The margaritas were very dangerous.

 

Back to the house for more pool time, more drink time, and more talking.

 

 

I love the bottom left pic. What else do you expect a group of internet friends to do? Of course we were online.

 

 

Now the house, was beautiful. However slightly ecentric in the decorating. For example, Instagram Jesus (no, that is not an instagram filter used on the picture, that is the picture in all it's glory) and the random chandelier in the Movie room.

 

 

 

Now, let me tell you about dear Caroline. She is a bucket of Awesome. Lover of music and the best person to have around. Saturday morning she was one of the last ones sleeping. So we decided to wake her up in the best way ever. We sang to her:

 

 

Saturday we went to El Matador beach. It was beautiful. The waves were dangerous and nearly took some people out. We did lose a pair of sunglasses. Hope some sea creature is enjoying them.

 

But, it was nice to just sit on a beach, and only have the worry about the sand in your own butt crack, not that your kid is eating sand, oh look one is peeing on someone's beach towel, do not put your head in there.... ahhh It was glorious.

 

Top left - the view from the top of the cliff we had to scale down to get to the beach (oh yeah, and climb back up. ugh) Top right - My feet in the ocean!!!! Bottom Left, my view from the beach towel

 

 

After the beach we went to Neptune's net. A Biker Sea food bar. There was security in the parking lot. Not going to lie, was slightly scared. However, it was awesome. Loved the casual relaxed feel, and the non-seafood food was pretty good too. Then back to the house and back to more booze, conversation, and a slight bit of online stalking of Patrick Dempsey (who lived down the street from our rented house!!!) but he wouldn't come play with 25 random internet moms. What a party pooper. lol

 

I mean, who wouldn't want to come party with this:

 

 

Another highlight of our weekend were the most AH-MA-ZING cookies ever. They came from Salsa Sweets and seriously, the pics speak for themselves.

 

 

 

So, overall, an amazing weekend and I had the best time ever. There is already a malibooze being planned for 2013. Such a great and much needed getaway. I seriously love all the girls I met (and all the other's I've yet to meet, but it will happen I promise!) and this weekend will go down in history.

 

 

Left - the lineup of empty bottles saturday night. Sans 98% of the beer bottles. Top right - Saturday morning champagne and sorbet. Best way to start the day! Bottom right - Doing whip cream shots out of a mini cod pitcher. Super classy!

 

So, that is all I have for this post. But a post about Malibu just won't be complete without a final

Fuck you, Cookie indeed.

The fair!!

This past weekend we went to the fair! Reminded me of going to the Lindsay ex and the orono fair. Oh the days.

But anyways, the day started out nice, then the storm rolled in. It.was.crazy. If you looked up at the sky you could actually see the clouds swirling. Off for cover we went. I managed to get 2 pictures before the storm:

 

Finally about 7 it was still raining so we left to get dinner. Finally the rain cleared so we went back. We played games, watched some chuck wagon races, (holy crap they are crazy!) and finished the night with some fireworks. 

I love this after the rain shot, it's so pretty! 

I wore Mackenzie in my MonkeyWrap and she loved it. She also was in awe of the lights. 

Death of the CD

I feel a little bad for the youth of today. They won't know the joy of making mixed tapes or mixed cd's. Especially the mixed tapes. The agonizing skill it took to hit record at just the right time to get the song but not the radio host talking. How you would memorize the beginning to every song so you could know in the first 2 seconds if it's one you wanted on your tape or not.

But, I think the best part of my musical youth, is now. Coming across my old tapes and cd's. Especially the tapes because I remember sitting on the floor in front of my stereo with my finger hovering on the record just in case the next song was a good one. Then not hitting stop in time after the song was done so I would have to rewind the tape to the end of the song to stop it for the next one. Or not getting the song started in time and having to stop, rewind, and try again next time it played. Oh the memories.

While I don't often play cd's anymore, I did take all my awesome mixed cd's and put them onto my ipod. Some days when I'm in a nostalgic mood I will play them, and laugh and think back to highschool. I have a cd titled Kristin's mix 2002. There are so many different songs on there. Country, rock, rap, easy listening, songs I thought would be hits and turned out no one knew who they were. I can't believe it's been 10 years. Feels like yesterday sometimes.

The kids of today won't be able to come across a cd and have the memories. They won't be able to sit in their living rooms in their 20's with their highschool friends laughing at the ridiculous music they listened to.... while drunk.... and dancing around.... Not that I've ever done that. *whistles and looks away* (ahem, boy power cd anyone haha!)

Who knows maybe by then they will just find their old iPod or iPhones with their playlists on it. And they will mock our mixed tapes and mixed cd's, just like we mock our parents records and 8-tracks.

Introducing

The newest addition to our family!

Blog Readers, I am pleased to introduce Mackenzie Annabelle.




Tuesday March 6th off we went to the hospital to be induced. We had to be there at 8am. I think Dave wanted me out of bed and dressed by 6:31 when they called to tell us what time we needed to be there at 6:30. I'm not going to lie, I was so nervous. I'd heard about induction horror stories, failed inductions, c-sections, etc. Who knew what would happen.

We got all checked in and settled into a room. The dr came in to check and see if ANYTHING was happening on it's own (I had been about 1/4 of a cm dialated for 3 weeks) and sure enough, nope, it wasn't. Cervadil was inserted just before 9am. The monitored me for about 2 hours. I was then sent to a room in the mom and baby unit instead of labor and delivery. I was put in a ward room with 3 other women. All who were on bedrest so there were no babies in the room. (funny enough the girl beside me lived around the corner from us) We hung out. I was on facebook and twitter. Austin came to visit us in the hospital around 3pm. He was very hesitant when he came in and wouldn't come sit with me on the bed. While Austin and Dave's dad were there I finally started to feel some contractions but it wasn't very consistent.

About 5:30pm I decided to start timing the contractions. To my surprise and excitement they were 4-5 minutes apart. Around 6:30/7 I let the nurse know that I was having contractions and she said I was going to be scheduled for a Non-Stress test around 9pm so they would check me then. at 8:30 they came to get me for the test. I walked over to labor and delivery, got all hooked up, they monitored me for just over 30 minutes. The nurse checked to see if there was any progress from the contractions.

I was dialated to 1 cm.

1 cm. sigh. The nurse left the room and I looked at Dave and said "Only one motherf^*$%& centimetre?!?! You have to be kidding me!"

The nurse consulted with the dr and they suggested I have some morphine and a sleeping pill. Then I could get some rest in case I went into full blown labor during the middle of the night. I reluctantly accepted because I knew I would be exhausted if I didn't get some sleep, but didn't want to because then I would admit that this baby? Didn't want to progress, even after about 6 hours of contractions. Stupid me, thought that something was happening for sure after those 6 hours of contractions. So, off we went to the mom and baby unit. Still having some very steady contractions causing me to stop in the hallway to breathe through them. A nurse stopped to tell me that the morphine/sleeping pill wouldn't be so bad, it will help me rest and if I go into active labor my body will wake me up anyways. Of course I started crying. I was a picture of lovliness walking back to my room.

Because I was in a ward room, Dave wasn't allowed to stay the night. He was supposed to leave by 9pm, so once we were done the NST he had to leave. Of course, I was crying and blubbering and didn't want him to leave. I was worried about him making it back in time (It's about a 25 minute drive to the hospital from our place) and I didn't want to go through active labor alone, in a room with sleeping women, trying to be quiet so I don't wake them up. But, he had to go. So off he went and the nurse gave me my meds. I fought sleep, tried to stay up and watch the duggars. I was also sweating. The nurse came in to check on me and found me half naked, sitting up with my phone in my hand, (I was on my message board) one headphone in, and passed out cold. Finally I gave in and laid down.

Sometime around midnight I woke up to contractions. I pulled out my iPod and started timing the contractions on my app. (It's called Full Term. It was free and worked well!)They were so mild though that I was falling back asleep and forgetting to stop the timer. About an hour of this and I had the brilliant idea to just start then stop the timer when I got a contraction, then I would at least know how quickly they were coming. They were every 1-2 minutes apart and getting more painful. This was about 1:45am. I buzzed the nurse and asked if I should call my husband to have him come back.


She took me over to labor and delivery to see what was up. They checked me at 2:30. I was starting to get to the point that I couldn't talk comfortably through the contractions. A whopping 2cm. Frustrated,(but I didn't swear this time) she offered me more morphine to try and go back to sleep. I agreed thinking if they were this bad and I only progressed 1cm, I was in for long night. Got the shot, finished doing the monitoring. The contractions, omg they were getting so hard and painful. So bad the morphine had no impact. I was trying to sit up and the pain was so bad down below that I was trying to push myself off the bed with my arms to try and ease the pain. This was 3:45 and she checked me again, a 4-5cm. I was freaking out that we needed to call Dave NOW! However, when I went over to labor and delivery I didn't take my phone so I had to wait for someone to go get it for me. (I swear it felt like an hour for them to bring me my phone.) Finally called Dave to come in at 4am.


I went into this hoping I could avoid an epidural. It wore off with Austin so I knew I could do the pushing without one, plus for months afterwards I had back pain that I *think* was from the epi. The pain was so strong though that I was throwing up (which was hell because pain was shooting through my uterus when I threw up) so I said yes please! to the epi. By the time Dave got to the hospital at 4:30 I already had my Epi. Shortly after Dave got there the Dr came in to check me out, I was at 7cm and she was going to break my water.


Water broken and Epi in I laid in bed and dozed off and on. About 5:30 I started feeling the painful contractions and actually saying ow. 2 of these painful ones then I felt a whole bunch of water gush even though I wasn't doing anything. I Told Dave he needed to call someone to come check me because I think I might have to push. Sure enough, the nurse checked and I was a full 10cm. She told me not to push so they could get the dr.

The dr told me to do a push to see how I was doing. After the first push I asked if they had a mirror or something so I could watch. It was something I never thought I would ever ask for, but after Austin I was rather curious and thought it would be an amazing thing to see. I was told that there wouldn't be enough time. I was a little confused but pushed again, was told to do just a small push that time, then a big push and out baby came.

That's right, 3 pushes.


They took her over to the monitors to check her out and I just looked at Dave in disbelief and kept saying "did that really just happen?" and "3 pushes? are you kidding me?" Due to her super speedy delivery she was pretty bruised in the face and scored low on her 1 min apgars. The dr and nurses decided it would be best to take her over to the NICU to make sure she was doing ok, they figured it was just because she was in shock still from the quick delivery. Finally finished in labor and delivery (managed to escape without any tearing!!) and was on our way back to my other room and they asked if we wanted to stop by the ICN (what they call their NICU) and feed her. We did and she latched right on like a champion. I fed her for a while then had to go back to my room because I was exhausted.



Our little girl in the ICN


I attempted to text everyone and update my facebook and message board, but just kept falling asleep. I kept dozing off while talking and doing anything. It was a long long day of very little sleep. Baby finally joined us in our room after about 3 hours of monitoring in the ICN and Dave and I looked at each other and said, "ok, what is her name going to be?" We had been leaning towards Caroline but something in my gut wasn't saying "yes! That's it!!" so we didn't tell anyone. I am glad we didn't because she just didn't look like a Caroline to me so we finally decided on Mackenzie.

She's now almost 2 weeks old and we're all so in love with her. Austin is an amazing big brother and loves to help out (whether we need him to or not. lol) and make sure she has a blanket.

Finally, enjoy some cute baby pictures!










Austin meeting his sister and giving her kisses

The day before his life changes

Before I get into my post, let me just say that I'm posting this from the blogger app on my iPhone. Yes, I know there is an app for everything, but it never occurred to me to find it. Or that it might just be slightly easier then using safari. (mainly I'm hoping it will be easier to upload pictures. Fingers crossed here!) so, this is my first post on the new app, let's see how it goes shall we?

Anyways, yesterday I kind of knew there would be no progress in baby land. But, even if there was, I wanted to try and give Austin a fun day. After all, his life was about to change drastically and he had no idea. We loaded into the car (grandpa stayed home because he had to work since he was likely not working today) and headed into the West Edmonton Mall. We left a little later then planned, so we had to re-arrange our schedule.

We grabbed a quick bite at the food court, where I had people asking me how far along I was and couldn't believe I was due last week. Then, we took Austin to see Dr Seuss' the Lorax. Dave was hesitant about going, but once I got him in the theatre he suggested splurging for the IMAX 3D version instead of the plain. It was awesome. Way better then just 3D. Very cute movie and Austin even sat through it.

Then, off we headed to do 18 holes of professor WEM's mini golf. Austin had fun despite a few moments of not listening, but he was excited that he got to choose his own green ball.

Finally, we headed home. A super tired little boy passed out cold on the way home. I'm sure he had a great day out and with me being induced today I hope he doesn't mind that he now gets to share mommy and daddy with his little sister.

Father son bonding

I have a picture of my husband years ago shaving. When I was doing my Christmas shopping last year I came across a lightning McQueen shaving kit. I wanted to capture a picture just like the one of his daddy shaving. Today we finally broke out the kit.

First daddy had to teach him how to shave.

Step one, lather with shaving cream


Then he has to check and make sure he's all covered


"this is how you shave"


"don't forget under your chin!"


Now it's Austin's turn!!

A smile

Who knew something so small could make a smile so big.

I'll admit, I've been in a funk the last little bit. I've started to wonder if my anti depressants are even working right now because I have felt sad and depressed for the past few weeks. I just tell myself that it's just the end of pregnancy and I will be better soon. At least I'm hoping. But anyways, I've been in a funk. Yesterday I was going through a bucket of old stuff. I kept the pictures an things I really wanted, tossed the rest but didn't really notice my keep pile.

This morning while eating breakfast the pile was beside me. I looked at the pictures. One of me in my brownie outfit at the age of about 6, the picture of my aunt's wedding where I was a flower girl, my grade 8 school picture, and then this:


My best friend robin and I in highschool. Just looking at this picture made me smile. It made me grin, in fact, I'm sure it pretty much turned my whole day around. Just being carefree and silly with my best friend in the world.

And then this one:


This was us at our school dance in grade 9. It was a black light dance. The date on the folder said February 27th 1998. That is pretty much 14 years ago to the day. So weird. If you had told me 14 years ago I would be living across the country, still friends with robin, and patiently awaiting my 2nd child, I would have called you crazy.

A wonderfully happy day

Today, there are lots of tears being shed across north America. They are all tears of sheer happiness.

Today, baby Layla came home.

For most people bringing a baby home from the hospital is a happy and exciting time but not an amazing event. Why is this such an amazing event? Because little baby Layla was born at only 24 weeks gestation. She weighed under 2lbs. 2 lbs!

Layla's mom is also part of my message board i'm on. I am so thankful for 'meeting' all these moms through this board. When they created a board off the bump (which is how I found all these wonderful ladies when I was pregnant with austin) I thought that maybe I wasn't 'cool' enough to join them, but I took a chance. I signed up anyways. Let me tell you. I am so glad I did. I check in daily to see what is going on. There are just over 300 of us on the board. I don't think we could have found any greater 300 women. We are snarky and sassy. But we are also compassionate and there for each other. Heaven forbid you wrong one of us, there are 299 more who will fall in line to make it right. We're like a crazy sorority, we'll be there for each other until the end I'm sure. When Layla came into this world we rallied together. Layla's mom went into the hospital with pains she thought to be her galbladder and foud out that it was not, it was HELLP. Hearing all this and knowing that Layla was just at the cusp of viability we joined hands virtually. We sent out positive thought, we prayed, we reached out to others to help keep them in Their thoughts and prayers. We took up donations to help cover some of the expenses that come with having a baby in the NICU. We sent cards. Austin sent big sister Alaina a card saying congrats on being a big sister. Gifts were sent. I'm sure their mailman wondered what was going on because I'm sure there was a sudden increase of mail for them. Nothing made me feel more proud to be part of an online community as I have been the past few months. Some people just don't get online friendships (like some of our husband's and mine as well in the beginning) but I can say I would feel lost without my friends. Sure we may not go out and hang out weekly, but we talk every day.

This whole thing has stirred up so many emotions. Layla was only 2 weeks further along then our little girl. Hearing about her birth scared me, I'm not going to lie. I could just as easily be in her same shoes. And while I know the fear and worry I had, it was likely a million times worse for her family. Our board has been rooting for both Layla and her mom (both were given only a 50% Survival rate after her birth) and many of us wait impatiently for updates. We've helped with advice and to just be an ear of support when things got overwhelming. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's day would brighten seeing new pictures of precious Layla, or hearing that she gained another ounce. I started sharing with Dave all about Layla and her journey and he started asking me daily for updates on her. I would take a screen shot of the newest pictures and send it to him so he could see her beautiful face too. As soon as I get news about her I text Dave to let him know too. I cried when I found out that Layla was finally going to be coming home. I wish I lived in Oklahoma so I could get some Layla snuggles in, but I will have to do that from afar.

So today, Layla finally came home. Just shy of 3 1/2 months after her early delivery. She has beat the odds and is growing and fighting. She is an unbelievably amazing little girl who will do amazing things. If the past 3 months prove anything, she will be for sure. Please join me in welcoming home this amazing little girl! Leave a comment here and I'll make sure it's seen. This has been a long time coming and I am just bursting at the seams with happiness and pride that this tiny girl has overcome so many odds that were stacked against her.

The mom bath

Last night I had what is known as a mom bath. I got Austin into bed, ran hot water and bubbles, and settled nicely. He was nice and quiet in his room, so one would gather he was sleeping. Then...

Footsteps. He goes into our bedroom and says "mommy, me have more water? Mommy?" then he finds me in the bathroom. The following is what happened next.

A: what you doing mommy?

M: having a bath

A: a bath? *looks at me weird because I am just laying there*

M: yes buddy, a bath.

A: *picks up step stool* me watch you. *sits on step stool right beside the tub.*

M: no Austin, get a drink of water and go back to bed.

A: me watching you! You play my toy?

M: no, I don't need a t.... *he drops the toy in the bath* toy. Sigh.

A: you play with my toy! You play more?

M: mommy doesn't play in her bath.

A: look, a dolphin! *plop goes the dolphin in the tub*

M: just get your water and go to bed, mommy doesn't need toys.

A: duckie!! *in goes the duck*

M: stop putting toys in the...

A: turtle! *splash*

M: stop throwing toys in the tub, just go back to bed!

A: rabbit? *holds the rabbit up for me to decide*

M: no rabbit in the tub. Mommy doesn't play.

A: rabbit blast off! 1,2,3 blast off *blasts the rabbit off the side of the tub nearly landing it in the toilet.*

M: do not throw your toys in the toilet!!!! Time for you to blast off to bed. 1,2,3, blast off! *starts to leave with the rabbit* and leave the rabbit.

I then wash my hair, get out of the tub, take him the water he originally came in for, tucked him back into bed and told him to stay there.

So much for a peaceful bath. Sigh.

The day my heart went mush.

Tonight let it be noted that it's the day my heart went mush.

I was reminded just how awesome my husband is. With him being gone so much for work I truly worry about Austin having great "daddy and me" memories. The day started out with cleaning out the new baby's room. We emptied the closet and came across 2 sleeping bags. We put them in the kitchen to go out to the garage. Hours later Austin drags the sleeping bag into the living room and asks daddy if they can go camping. Now, it being January and rather cold out, Daddy said no, we're not going to go camping. I thought about it for a while and about an hour later I went into the living room and suggested to Dave that maybe the boys should "camp" in the living room tonight. He tells me he's already ahead of me. They were going to sleep in the sleeping bags in the living room. (and this is when I'm kicking myself for not going to get the kids tent when it was on sale before Christmas for $25, because sleeping in the tent in the living room would have been even more awesome.)

Tonight the next door neighbor and I went to bingo. I had fun. I got home just after 9:30. There in my living room was daddy and Austin laying on an air mattress in their sleeping bags. As soon as I walked in the door Austin said "mommy's home!" then despite cars 2 being on, he rolled over and went to sleep. Dave figured he was just waiting for me to get home before falling asleep. Very shortly after I got to snap this picture:


When I first got home I excitedly asked Austin if he was camping with daddy tonight and I could tell he was happy that him and daddy got to camp out. Like I said I worry about him having memories of his dad because he isn't around all the time. I know my son and I can guarantee he will be talking about this night for weeks if not months. Yes, the bed would have been comfier and easier, but it melted my heart that my husband knew this would be the type of thing that would make a great memory and gave up sleeping in a bed for a night to make a great night for his son. (especially since we've both sworn off sharing a bed with austin. He is a tosser and wiggler in his sleep) Melts my heart so much.

As I was getting ready for bed I came across this. Seriously my husband and son are so alike in a million ways, but this just cracked me up!

Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream

Oh how I love thee.

We went and bought some for desert tonight. I was slightly sad when I realized they didn't have cotton candy at the store we were at. I am cotton candy's bitch. Mmm so good.

Funny story. The summer between grade 8 and grade 9 we moved to Bobcaygeon. Since I stayed with my dad and moved up there once I finished school, I didn't really know too many people. Shortly after I moved up there I did get a paper route, but that was only 2 days a week. I didn't know anyone to babysit, so I hung out. I came to love the Kawartha Dairy factory. It was less than a 10 minute walk down my road. Yes, we were on the same street. oh so dangerous.

I may have scrounged up money in the house *cough* my mom's and brother's *cough* to walk down the street and get my Kawartha Dairy Ice cream cone. Cotton Candy of course. While I miss being so close and having it every day, my waist is thankful.

However. to the point of my post. Desert was delicious and anyone in Ontario NEEDS to try Kawartha Dairy Ice cream if they haven't yet. mmmmm.

4 years

It's hard to believe that 4 years ago I was sitting in my grandma's kitchen getting my hair done. I was the ultimately calm bride, coloring while getting my hair done instead of freaking out.

4 years ago I married my husband. The man who has been there for me and means so much to me. We have been through so much and it hasn't always been easy, but we still stick together for many years to come.

Happy anniversary dear husband. Even though we can't be together today you are with me in my heart.