2-3 Sleeps to go...

Until our Christmas holidays...and opening gifts from Santa! Can't wait to see Drayden's face even if he's though he's young and won't really understand. I think Christmas is more for the parents than anything else. I can just see myself get all emotional about it. I took pictures of our tree but keep forgetting my camera to post it. The best gift of all would be if Drayden could start walking. I mean he's almost there but not quite...Hopefully his new walking shoes will help a little. Poor kid; he's one of the tallest (for his age) in his daycare group and still not walking. Lazy little bugger.

Drayden with our Tree

It's going to be quite busy over the holidays (even if I have to work a few days in between) I work on the 24th...then go straight to my mom's for dinner and the next day we'll do our little family thing then we go to Derek's parents. The 26th is the Bouchard Family Reunion and a few more little visits from friends in between. So even with being busy and running a little late, I'm all ready to go...decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking etc. Santa here we come.

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas!

Tanya

December...off to a great start???

It's finally December and there's barely any snow. Trust me I'm not complaining but the cold winds that we've had lately is absolutely insane. Terra and I worked an event last night and almost got blown away with our things by the vicious wind, not to mention the "almost" frost bite on our ears. All to find out that we parked Terra's car in an underground parking that closes at 9pm. It was 10:30 at night in the freezing cold, downtown Ottawa with event "gear" and no car. (I know your laughing...because it is funny but ...not at the time). So we called Derek to pick us up and had uncle Nick babysit Drayden. Poor us...Terra's stuff was in the car as well as some of mine like my make-up for the next day. GRRR...it was frustrating...but funny. It didn't stop there though...Terra was supposed to meet me at my place for 7am to car pool to work since her car was still in underground parking...And Nick's car overheated. LOL so she called me and asked me to pick her up and luckily I didn't need to in the end because they borrowed Nick's mom's van. All the while, Nick left the water running in the kitchen at their place and had a mess to clean when he fell slipping on water. Sorry Nicko-lai-lei but that's funny! It's obviously been a rough couple of days but makes for great stories. By the way...Derek got Terra's car from underground parking after work...since it was in the same building and it only cost 17$. WHAT a DEAL!!!

So the lesson in all of that is...READ the sign before you enter in a parking lot.

Have a great night.

Tanya

It's the final COUNTDOWN...till Christmas!!! 1 month BABY!

OK...so I usually don't get excited for the Holidays because I find it completely commercial and tacky in some cases (have you seen those ugly Xmas sweaters they sell in stores) but since Drayden's been born it's brought it to a different meaning. Up until I met Derek I didn't really have a Xmas tree (except for one year when my roommates decorated my tropical plant/tree with my ladybug knick-knacks) to really celebrate like at my mom's house. I always worked or did stuff for everyone else on Xmas; Derek would call me Scrooge because I was miserable although he'd still make it special for me/us . So a few years ago my friend Kim gave me her old tree and we bought ornaments to decorate it. It did us for a few years until 3 years ago I bought a PRE-LIT tree...OMG those are awesome; every year we buy a new ornament for our awesome tree (already bought 2 for this year...). 
Last year was our first family Christmas...and it was great. Especially since Drayden was home in time from the hospital. This year...he already "helped us" (watched) put up the outdoor lights and sneaking into mommy's Christmas gift stash looking at everything one by one.  I can't wait to see his face when the tree goes up this weekend and opening gifts now that he's able to all by himself. I'm sure our tree won't as nice as usual due to Drayden touching everything! We shall seeeeeeee...I'll keep you posted.

Tanya

Last HUNTING Weekend!!!

Glad to say that it's the last weekend of hunting. Honestly it gets a little long without Derek around, I have no one to pick on. LOL  My house is a mess because of all this hunting crap lying around; battery packs charging, dirty boots, coolers, gear, etc... I need my house back to "normal". I mean what's normal these days? Derek put Christmas lights up last night (they're not on yet for those who are wondering) and the storage bags are in the living room...But in all seriousness, once hunting is over it's full blown Christmas mode. Crazy... it's mid-November on Monday and I'm not even close to having my shopping done. I'm still working on my own wish list let alone figuring out what everyone else wants. But I told myself that this year we are sticking to our budget...we have a wedding to pay for in 9 months...9 MONTHS!!!

Other than Derek hunting this weekend and hoping for him to "catch" something..it should be a really nice relaxing weekend; maybe watch a movie, catch up on laundry and some cleaning too. Drayden and I are also going to the Church Bazaar; Nana is volunteering this year and needs a ride in so...while I'm there I'll get some nice homemade relishes. I might get some Christmas shopping done too.

Have a great weekend all...

Tanya

Mania-Mondays!!!

I tell you...Mondays at my house are crazy! Between rushing to get Drayden to daycare and setting him up for the week, forgetting your lunch due to only having 2 hands, working like a mad-man trying to get caught up from stuff that lands on your desk because you were off Friday (which is normal), forever waiting in line at the cafeteria for a stupid sandwich..(I absolutely hate that!!!), rushing back home in traffic to get Drayden "on time" to his swimming lessons to then do the bedtime thing with Boo-Boo and then sit down have dinner with my honey!!! Thank god Derek picks Drayden up from daycare and feeds him dinner!!! Lesson in all this...Not having classes on Mondays at 5:30pm ever again!!! It's just too stressful..but Drayden loves to swim so the stuff we deal with. Oh well...Part of parenthood I guess, it's all worth it...I wouldn't trade it for the world. I mean, look at this precious face...

Dradyen had his appointment with the cardiologist on Friday and his heart murmur is completely healed which is great news...Now all he needs to do is gain a few more pounds that he lost due to being sick in the last few weeks. He's 100% now...which is a nice change. Happy happy Dradyen!

PS>...Derek didn't "catch" anything last weekend...Maybe on the third weekend...Sure glad for him to be home though.

Tanya

Lil' Stinker!!!

Drayden; Our Skunker-roo!

Meet my famous skunk that's been hanging around my house lately...he sure is a lil' stinker! Poor little buddy was sick with a stomach flu this weekend so we didn't get to do much but he's feeling much better now. Thank you mom for your advise and Pedialyte for making him feel better!

For Drayden's second Halloween (his first was in the hospital) he helped mommy give out candies to all the Pirates, Zombies and scary Ghosts...he had so much fun taking the candies out of the box and looking at them one by one making a mess in the living room. I had him all dressed up, playing with his toys at the door until the bell rang; he sure thought it was a hoot seeing kids all dressed up. Thanks to those who visited with their costumes (Kim & the gang, Anna & the gang) and Terra who babysat while I gased up last night so we can get to work without walking. Too bad daddy missed it all due to hunting...maybe next time!

P.S. Daddy called last night ...so far they've got nothing...Derek said he saw 2 big does as well as a beautiful fox and Andre also saw a doe. Obviously there's activity so maybe they'll get lucky after all. Never know!


Tanya

Country Kick?

Lately I've been stuck on Country music...am I getting old or something? I mean it's still "new country" so I guess it's considered cool. Loving the Billy Currington, Kellie Pickler, Lady Antebellum and believe it or not Darius Rucker...So far the hardest part of my wedding planning is picking songs ...like the father-daughter one. There's just so much to choose from and I really want something that suits our relationship. Any ideas???

Not much on a Thursday...It's usually TV night  with some of our favorite shows like Vampires Diaries, American Chopper Sr. vs Jr. and not to forget...Jersey Shore; tonight it's the reunion show. Can't wait to see that!

I was also thinking that I should really get going on my Project 101, Mandy is kicking my ass! This weekend I start on crossing things off. I promise.

Shout out to Jackie!!! Thinking of you sweets!

Got get home...ttyl

Tanya

Mandy's questions

Mandy TAGED me a few weeks ago and I never got around to answering her questions...

 

1. If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

Madonna-I wonder how crazy she really is?

 

2. What is your favorite recipe?

To make-Spinach Dip because everyone loves it

To eat-all sorts of things!

 

3. If you could be anything you wanted to for a day what or who would it be, and why?

A Flight Attendant-for the experience...to see if it's what I really wanted to be when I grew up!

 

4. If you won 1 million dollars in the lottery how would you spend it?

Wisely! Not too much of one thing but enough to live rich.

 

5. What is your favorite book, and why?

I don't really like reading books but if I had to choose...Anne Frank

 

6. If you could be granted 1 wish, what would it be and why?

To be debt-free...because I have everything else.

 

7. Where is your favorite place to be and why?

At this moment in my life...the cottage. It's inexpensive and relaxing!

 

8. What would be your ultimate date night with your significant other?

A flight out to somewhere hot and enjoy the beach. Or maybe a cruise.

 

 

Tanya

No Hamburger for Drayden!!!

OK, so I haven't been blogging much lately; with Drayden being sick, trying to catch up with work, housework and even some sort of sleep things are pretty good considering. It's crazy cold outside and I'm still not sure what my plans will be for the weekend...Derek's going up to the cottage for more hunting stuff...and so I might get some Christmas shopping done. I'm still pretty stumped on what to get him. A new jacket perhaps... And poor Drayden I still have to buy him a Halloween costume. I really wanted the Hamburger suit from Old Navy but unfortunately they're sold out!!! So now I'm back to square one. There's so much more choice for little girls and boys it's always the same thing...Spiderman, Batman, Vampires or Pirates!

I forgot to mention that last Monday, Drayden went underwater for the first time in his swimming class. Daddy usually goes with him but I wanted to have a turn. And it's pretty fun; not that I've never swam before but it's doing it with your baby makes the experience pretty cool. Drayden loves it...what a fish!!! The next Michael Phelps perhaps???

Gotta get some work done here so...until Monday!


Tanya

Look at me...I'm a big Boy!!!

My Boys...and their toys!

Just thought I'd mention Drayden's joy for ATV's...his face when he hears or sees one is precious...and when he goes up the laneway with daddy at the cottage it's gold to him. Derek surely enjoys that special time with him too!

Tanya

Happy Tuesday...

Our weekend went fairly well. Weather was a little cold but nice and sunny. Our photo session at MacKenzie King Estate was awesome. We had a great time and a few funny little stories to tell...AKA Tanya the Leap Frog. The photographer was extremely funny and personable.
For those who wish the view our pictures; visit the photographer's website. www.michelgauthier.ca/boivin It was well worth the money.


Sunday Drayden started fevering again...little bugger doesn't seem to want to go to daycare. LOL We are now Tuesday and daddy is home with him this time. Hopefully he'll be better by tomorrow. But for now it's a few doses of Tylenol for Drayden and lack of sleep for daddy and me!


Tanya

Another day, Another dollar!

It's finally Friday! Hopefully we get better weather for the weekend, I still have to decorate for Halloween (I know I'm a little late). Derek, Drayden and I are are driving up to the cottage Saturday morning so daddy can put apples and carrots out for the deer. Derek's proud of his new watch that he built for this years' hunt! Not really my thing or any of my girlfriends' either but we get a good laugh about our men talking about it!
Sunday morning I planned a family photo session at the MacKenzie Estate in the Gatineau Hills with a photographer...and if he's good enough I might book him for our wedding. Then we're going to Moore's to check out suits and color schemes available. I'm pretty sure I've found/decided on my color scheme....are you ready?...Charcoal and Berry. It's getting close and exciting too. We'll see what we decide.

Have a great weekend to those that are following!

P.S. Mandy...it's too bad you can't come tonight! :0(

Tanya

10 Months and 6 days??? Are you kidding me!!!

Yesterday I figured out how to put a Wedding Ticker for our wedding countdown on my blog...and OMG! I just realized that time is ticking realllllly fast. Our planning is getting done...slowly. I really have to start checking things off on that wedding list. I'm still debating on our color scheme; because of the color of my dress (seashell) it's making it harder for me to choose! Any suggestions? Things are getting exciting but there's really so much to do. I have a lot of the big things to figure out and book before all the small details come in. I'm also inquiring on invites...holy cow do they ever make it complicated for nothing!

Mandy...you stole my dinner idea for this weekend...spaghetti. My plan is to also make a batch this weekend sometime, we'll see!

That's it for me for now...

Tanya

Gobble, Gobble!!!

What a gorgeous weekend!



Sunday morning Derek, Drayden and I went pumpkin picking at our local farmer. I mean obviously Drayden is too young to understand what it is but he sure looked cute sitting around a bunch of pumpkins. Trying to take a picture of him smiling was a different story...he was too busy playing with dirt and the twigs on the ground. I think the exciting part for him was the wagon/tractor ride going to the patch, just to see that precious little face was all worth it.

Our first "real" first Thanksgiving as a family...last year Drayden was still in the hospital. Boy did he ever enjoy turkey dinners at his Oma's as well as his Nana's house! He played with his cousins, uncles and aunts...showing off every second he could to Oma. Thanks Mom for a wonderful dinner, I had a great time. I didn't have pumpkin pie...is their any left?

We also visited the CHEO Dream Home on Monday morning...seriously guys....It's a must see! It's gorgeous! The little details make the house a home. Hope you can get out there to see it!

P.S. Drayden had a doctor's appointment yesterday and he's 22lbs and healthy!

Tanya

Project 101 in 1001 days!

101 Things to do in 1001 days…that’s a lot for 2.7424657 years!!!

Really? Am I really going to achieve this? I most certainly will try!

Otherwise I should call this My BUCKET LIST!!!

1. Finish the basement
2. Spring cleaning…get rid of a lot of useless things in my house
3. Not to complain about anything for a week
4. “Attempt” to build an Igloo (I’ve always wanted to do that)
5. Carve my name on a tree
6. Learn to speak German somewhat perfectly
7. Spend a week on a Cruise
8. Get married (already in the works…August 20, 2011)
9. Have another baby
10. Buy a new home
11. Horseback riding with my sister Terra
12. Take pole dancing lessons or a class (it’s not as dirty as it seems)
13. Buy my dream kitchen table (made of refurbished wood)
14. Laser removal (under arms only)
15. Lose 20 lbs.
16. Learn how to type faster
17. Give blood (I have a fear of needles)
18. Learn to drive standard
19. Go to a Guns’N’Roses or Lenny Kravitz concert
20. Make a birthday cake with fondant for someone
21. Make a wish on November 11, 2011 (11:11)
22. Eat lobster
23. Make a recipe book of my fave’s
24. Watch 26 movies I’ve never seen starting with each letter of the Alphabet
25. Tattoo my children’s name or birth dates
26. Buy a bike and use it
27. Go somewhere by train
28. Say YES to everything for a day
29. Keep a “My day in 6 words” journal for a month
30. Buy myself flowers
31. Write a personal mission statement
32. Go to a Montreal Canadiens game with Derek
33. Go a month without chips
34. Sell something I’ve created myself
35. Kiss passionately in the rain (with Derek) like in the movie Notebook
36. Write 5 letters to people who really changed my life
37. Go zip-lining
38. Buy an apron
39. Get a hot river rock massage
40. Make a wooden sign for the cottage
41. Learn to golf
42. Take a girls trip
43. Mow the lawn for a week
44. Bake a loaf of bread from scratch
45. Watch stars on the dock at the cottage with Derek and Drayden
46. Write my own vows
47. Go on a wine taste testing tour
48. Host a Christmas dinner
49. Go without swearing for 20 days
50. Go to Disneyland for Drayden’s 3^rd birthday
51. Write a letter to be opened when I’m 40
52. Write my will
53. Earn enough Pampers points to get Drayden a free gift
54. Travel with my Airmiles
55. Replace my make-up with natural and chemical-free stuff
56. Get 50,000 grains of rice on freerice.com
57. Have a “Snooki” poof for a day (weird I know…but it would be funny)
58. Ride on a Double-Decker bus
59. Stop using exclamation marks in my emails for a week!!!
60. Buy 1 piece of clothing a month for the next 1001 days
61. Order something different at Subway
62. Have a garage sale
63. Whiten my teeth
64. See a dermatologist
65. Go to a Halloween Party with Derek
66. Visit the Art Museum
67. File all paperwork
68. Organize junk drawer
69. Rent an RV
70. Go backpacking for a weekend
71. Become more proficient with word and excel
72. Have a bowling night with the girls
73. Payoff our line of credit
74. Buy a video-camcorder
75. Try downhill skiing
76. Improve my push-ups “skills”
77. Do 100 crunches a day for a month
78. Compliment a random stranger once a month
79. Finish my Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving (next year)
80. Watch every Tom Cruise movie ever made in order
81. De-clutter my mom’s house
82. Make homemade Christmas gifts for 2011 or 2012
83. Drink only water for 2 months and eat too of course
84. Have a picnic with Derek and Drayden under a tree
85. Buy or make a quilt
86. Eat everything organic for a week
87.  Go to the Drive-in
88. Get a PVR
89. Do Oprah’s Debt-Diet
90. Go to Loblaws only once a week
91. Take an education class…for work perhaps
92. Go away for New Years’ Eve
93. Buy a headboard for our bed
94. Make jams for our wedding favors
95. Save 3 months salary and not touch it
96. Take my vitamins and allergy pills everyday for a whole year
97. Make homemade Oreos
98. Drink a vintage wine
99. Milk a cow…I’ve never tried it
100. Get something named after me
101. Put something on You Tube

Harder than I thought!!!!

Gees...Mandy was right! This Project 101 in 1001 days is crazy. It's hard to make up a list that's realistic in such a short amount of time. Hopefully my list will inspire people to make one of their own...just like Mandy insipred me. I should have it posted by tomorrow; that's my goal.

I might take a walk with Derek and Drayden when I get home. Drayden's feeling a little better despite his ear infection...it should do him some good. It's so beautiful at this time of year with all the leaves changing color.

And I'm off...until tomorrow!!!

Tanya

Drayden turning 1 year old...

My son Drayden turned 1 year old on September 24th, and honestly I think I'm still in denial. It seems like everything went fast forward from the day he was born. And then...BOOM...I'm back to work.
For his birthday we went went all out and had an ELMO themed party. It was cute and fun too. We invited our family and friends to join us for a BBQ as we celebrated our son's life.  Even the party seemed like it went to fast at times...my favourite part was when he had his hands in that Elmo ice cream cake, boy was it cold. He also a the greatest field day with the huge cupcake with blue icing that his Auntie "RaRa" baked for him. Needless to say...he needed a bath before opening gifts. It's definitely a day to remember.

Thanks to those who shared that day with us...and those who wish that could!


Tanya

First post!

Who knew...that me (Tanya) was going to this. I've been meaning to have a blog for a long time now (since my son was born), but when my sister told me that my friend Mandy had one...I had to do it. I mean, I'm still trying to figure it out and it might take me a while seeing as I'm the most UN-computer savvy person you'll know. Which might make this whole blogging thing a frustrating experience at first! So bare with me.

I was reading Mandy's blog and I might just work on that 101 things in 1001 days...