Weekend of HARD work!

60th Anniversary!

Kent's Mom's side of the family were all in Ontario celebrating his Nanny and Papa's 60th Anniversary on Saturday! They were all together having a big celebration so Sheri called for all of us here in Alberta to say we loved them and we were thinking of them. We SO wish we could have been there celebrating with them all.

HAPPY 60th ANNIVERSARY Nanny and Papa!!

Friday, June 11 2010...new roof!
We have been fighting with our insurance company since last August when our house got hit hard with hail. It damaged our roof and they of course didn't agree. It has been 10 months since the storm and they didn't give us much, but something is better than nothing...right?!

Kent up on our roof Friday afternoon trying to get a head start on it before all the guys show up. It is going to be A LOT of work...BUT it needs done badly! In the pictures you can see on the side of the house on the ground there was A LOT of garbage!! This accumulated all around the house throughout the weekend...my poor plants got squished.

As you can see our house is 2 colors...nice eh! The darker color is the one we are going to be painting the whole outside of the house. Kent painted the whole side last year to show me what it would look like LOL...and it has stayed that way ever since. Sooooo, our hope (or should I say MY hope) is that it will finally get painted at some point this summer =)

Cole and Tyson were up there helping as much as they could...Cole helped, Tyson was dancing to the music on the roof more than anything ha! Daryl (Kent's cousin from Carstairs) and his brother Jeff were the first ones to show up to help Friday afternoon.

So, I went outside to look up on the roof to see how the guys are doing....and this is what I see...Cole looking like...well, for a lack of better words a hill billie LOL! Cole had ripped his sleeves off his shirt and so now it looks like a "muscle shirt" so to speak...but a horrible one.

Cole was laughing as he knew what I was thinking...he thought it was great! I just shook my head and walked away.

By 5pm Friday Kent had all his help there...his cousins Daryl, Derek and Dean, his brothers Jeff, Mike and Gary and brother in law Darren...and of course Cole and Tyson. We were SO thankful for all the help! I BBQ hamburgers and hotdogs for supper for everyone. They worked until about 10 p.m. that night. They got WAY more done than Kent thought they would so he was so pleased that they got such a good start on it all. Our neighbor to the back of us (whom we have never met) saw Kent on our roof and asked him if he would like to borrow one of his roof nailers...Kent was so shocked, but was grateful as they needed another one for sure. And it was put to good use!

Saturday, June 12 2010

Kent was up by 6:30 a.m. and in Airdrie picking up some supplies that they needed for the day.

Everyone slowly started filtering in throughout the morning. Saturday was actually Jeff's 30th Birthday so we appreciate him doing this for us on his big day.

Sheri (Kent's sister) was brave and actually got up on our roof. It took her a couple of tries (and people helping her) but she did it! I asked her once she got up there how she was going to get down and she laughed and said she wasn't sure LOL! She was up there the whole time working and helping out. Her and her 2 boys Taylor (10 years old) and Josh (9 years old) came and helped all day Saturday as well.

Brynley had a good time playing and dancing on the plywood that was on the ground. She kept trying to climb up the ladder as she wanted to be with everyone on the roof.

Almost done...

This is all of our hard workers on the last peak of the roof. Everyone was SO hot and tired! Our neighbors to the North of us brought over popsicles for everyone...so nice!

The 4 boys little boys (which I guess aren't so "little" anymore) were happy to be up there and helping...that is until they got yelled at every now and again. It is nice that they are all at an age where they can be good helpers....and they really were a BIG help!

The front view of our house and all the mess!

Much to our shock, they were ALL done the roof by 5 p.m. Saturday. It looks great! The weather cooperated finally, so therefore everyone was exhausted sore had sun burns. It was a long couple of days of hard work...and we are SO incrediably grateful for ALL the help!

Brynley's "trampoline hair"...

She is a beauty!

This is what happens to Bryn's hair when she plays on the trampoline...major static! I took this picture and then showed her as she wanted to see it...she looked at it and furrowed her brows and said, "Ewwww!" LOL Brynley was having fun on the trampoline with me while Kent and his cousin Daryl were on our roof Friday afternoon starting to reshingle it.

Brynley can do a new "trick"...she can swing from the bar of the trampoline ha ha! She is quite pleased with herself and giggles as she does it. She also thinks it is pretty cool that she can run right under the trampoline...she is at a perfect height where she can do that. One of these days she will all of a sudden be too tall and smoke her head on the bar!

Brynley kept looking up on the roof as the kids would yell to her and wave throughout the day Satuday...

I love this picture I captured of her looking up at them!

Afterwards we went over to Jeff and Melanie's to celebrate Jeff's 30th Birthday. Everyone had brought appetizer's and drinks, so there was lot's of good food. The guys all planned on watching U.F.C. (Ultimate Fighting Championship) together. Us girls hung out downstairs and visited while all the kids played outside.




THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE FOR ALL THE HELP!!

"Try a little harder to be a little better." -Gordon B. Hinckley

I received an email the other day that had all of these saying and quotes that President Hinckley had said in the past. I was thankful for that email as I received it when I was needing to hear the things that were in it. It also made me realize how much I miss this man...he was such a great Prophet!

Kent came home the other day with these flowers for me...

"just because I love you" he said!

I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to say the least. He can be VERY thoughtful! He knows I have been struggling with some things lately...he is a good guy.





My 3 little Angels...

We left the kids home one night as we went out to a movie. This is what we saw when we came home in our bedroom.

It warmed my heart to see the 3 of them like this! Cole has been SO good with Brynley since he as been able to babysit. Brynley LOVES her "boys"! That is what she calls them whenever she sees them..."boys"!

"Get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work."

-Gordon B. Hinckely

New hairdo

I went and got my hair colored and cut shorter about a couple of weeks ago. And man, does it ever feel WAY better. I am still trying to figure out how to do it ha ha! But I am having fun playing with it.

My Mom wanted to see what the back of my hair looked like...so here it is Mom!

Cole took these pictures of me...he did a good job! Kent told me that Cole said he thinks this is the best my hair has looked in a long time ha ha...point well taken!! I haven't liked my hair for a long time so I usually have a hat on...so anything is better than that =)

Someone from my past...

Last Saturday, May 29th we were in Strathmore for our nephew Roel's 3rd birthday party. Hopefully his Mom doesn't mind that I took this picture from her blog page since I didn't have an up to date picture to put on here of Roel (Rule is how you pronounce his name)

Roel is Kent's brother Gary's first child.

The birthday party was at the Strathmore church since it was snowing outside. It was a fun party and Brynley and Tyson had a blast. Cole was over at his friends house (Tyler Boyd) as he had stayed the night and we were going to be picking him up once we were done there.

As I was in line getting some food I could feel this lady looking at me...she was sitting at a table off to the side of me. I glanced at her and smiled and then looked away and quickly looked back at her as I realized I recognized her but wasn't sure why. She too was smiling back at me.

I walked over to her and she said, "I know I know you, tell me your name."

I told her who I was and she told me who she was (Sister Seely) and we both laughed and hugged. You see, this lady had a HUGE impact in my life when I was a young Mother for the first time.

An answer to my prayers...

Kent and I were in the Calgary 15th ward with the Seely's when we were first married. We had just had Cole (our first baby) and I was in a very dark place. I had this precious newborn who was EXTREMELY colicky and I was suffering from depression and didn't know it! At the time I thought everything I was feeling and going through was normal for when you have a new baby. Kent and I had Cole one month before our first wedding anniversary...so LOT'S of changes within a year's time! I didn't realize it at the time but I was totally secluding myself from the outside world. I was keeping all the blind shut and I never answered the door and avoided people for the most part.

One day I was struggling to soothe Cole. He had been crying for quite a while and I just couldn't get him to stop...I was EXHAUSTED physically, emotionally and spiritually. ALL I remember is sitting on the couch in the dark in our living holding a crying baby and I too began to cry. In my head I was pleading with Heavenly Father to help me...there was a knock at our front door. Now, normally I would have ignored it but for some reason I stood up wiped my tears (so that whoever was there wouldn't know I had been crying) and answered the door...it was Sister Seely! She was standing there and had such a calming and peaceful presence about her. She explained to me that she was my Visiting Teacher (I knew who she was, but I didn't really know her). She came in and told me how she had been at home when she kept getting the feeling she needed to come and see me and that I needed her (now, remember, we didn't know each other at all). She stopped what she was doing and came straight over to my house. As she was saying all of this I was holding a hysterical baby and I too began to cry as I was so relieved she was there...I knew Heavenly Father had heard and answered my prayers!

She took Cole from my arms and told me to go have a nap and that she would take care of Cole. I didn't even hesitate...I thanked her and went up to bed. I slept almost 3 hours!!! When I woke up I couldn't believe how long I had slept for. When I went down stairs there was Sister Seely sitting on the couch with Cole laying on his tummy across her lap. He was calm and looking around and checking things out!!! She explained to me what she was doing and how to do it so I could do it when she was gone. She figured he had gas so by laying him across her lap on his tummy it was helping relieve that pain. And she was patting his back and swaying her knees from side to side. It clearly helped as he was quiet...I couldn't believe it! She told me to call her if ever I needed her and she would come if she could (she had 8 kid of her own)...I never did call her as I didn't need to. She gave me the biggest hug and handed me back Cole. Sister Seely told me I was a good Mom but that I needed to take care of myself. She felt I needed to go and talk to my Dr about how I was feeling as it seemed like I was suffering from Depression...so therefore Cole could feel my anxiety...poor Cole! She was right as the Dr checked me out and we had a good talk and she felt strongly I was suffering from Post Partum Depression...not a fun thing to go through!

Back to Roel's birthday party...while Sister Seely and I were visiting I felt strongly to tell her about the impact she made in my life. I asked her if she remembered showing up on my door step that day and helping me with Cole...she couldn't remember for the life of her. I laughed and was amazed as that just goes to show how wonderful she is as she did it and didn't think anything of it. Her husband at this point had come over and I told them the story...they were both amazed! I hugged her and told her how thankful I was for her compassion she showed me that day. I explained to her how it changed me...and probably saved our lives as I was literally in the depths of despair (or at least at the time it felt that way). I was SO glad to run into her like that and tell her how she had impacted my life...as it mattered and I wanted her to know!

I wish Cole had been there to meet her. I have told him of this story before. Depression is a scary thing to go through. I have had it on and off through out having babies. I don't wish it upon anyone. It is something that is truly misunderstood, but people are so quick to judge and label someone when they find out "they have depression." I hope that others after hearing this will be more compassionate and mindful of those around them.

I have never forgotten that day, as it was truly life changing for me! God knew I needed her and I am humbled that he answered my prayers that day. My testimony grew in many ways. It changed the way I looked at Visiting Teaching as well. I realized that it was so much more that what I had understood...the importance of it!

Man time seems to be flyin'...

We have been busy the past few weeks going to our Nieces and Nephews Birthday parties, preschool grads and dance recitals. I loved being invited to all those...it is nice to be included. They are all so fun to watch! Thanks for the invites =)

We were down in Cardston the May long weekend helping my parents move out, clean and organize their home. They have renters that have now moved in. My parents don't leave for their mission until September 13th, but they have made other arrangements until then...in the end it has all worked out. It is always easier to clean someone else's home and throw things away. Anytime my Mom was hesitating on keeping something or when she was keeping something we didn't think she needed to we would say, "Mom, when was the last time you used that and why do you need to keep it?" She was really good about it. Now I need someone to come help me do my house =) I am glad we were able to help, even though I don't feel like we did too much.

Alberta weather...ENOUGH ALREADY!#$?

So this is what we were getting for a couple of days this past weekend..my poor plants and trees don't know what is going on. I tell ya, my sister Emily keeps telling us to move to Utah to be closer to them and I am SERIOUSLY thinking we should cause I have had it with this weather. Mind you, now that I say that I think they just recently got snow as well....crrrraaaap!!! LOL We need to move somewhere nice that is all I am going to say about that!

Drum roll please...I have been waiting almost 4 years for a screen door to be put on my back door and it has FINALLY happened. I received this lovely screen door as my Mother's Day gift. Kindof made me laugh when I saw that I was given a screen door for a Mother's Day gift, but hey, it is something I really wanted for the house so I will take it ;) It is nice as the screen part is on the top of the door instead of the bottom.

The left picture shows the screen open and the right one is with it shut.

It really has made a BIG difference having this screen door as it let's in so much sunlight and helps circulate the air. There are all these little hand prints all over it at the bottom from Brynley banging on it wanting out LOL!

Kent has actually been doing lot's of little things around the house when he has time. It has really surprised me, but been so nice to FINALLY be getting all of these odds and end jobs done. I had the cutest pictures of Bryn helping Kent do a job and some how I deletd ALL my pictures on my computer. So I am trying to figure out how to restore them all...I need someone to come in and help me as I am freaking out about losing all my pics...DANG IT!!!

No more crib...as of last Thursday (May, 27th) Brynley is now out of her crib. She wasclimbing out of it and we were worried about her hurting herself. Her crib is one that can grow with her (the sides turn into a head board and foot board for a double bed). We bought a double mattress, box spring and frame and it is all set up. We (Kent and I) have been having fun (or should I say I have been having fun) decorating her room into a "big girl" room. Kent has been wonderful about helping out with it all. When it is done I will post pics...not yet though as it isn't quite done. And I will explain her reaction to it all then =)

Our shoes

I had taken off my shoes and then Brynley's and didn't realize I had put them next to each other like this. Once I had her down for her nap I walked back into the kitchen and glanced at our shoes...for some reason it made me smile!

Seeing "new things" through her eyes...On Friday, May 28 2010 I went into Airdrie with Brynley before the boys came home from school. It had started to rain out. When I took her out of the van rain was falling on us and it was the neatest thing to see her react to it and really notice the rain for the first time. She was squinting her eyes looking up at the sky trying to figure out what was going on. She smiled so innocently and started to giggle as the rain was lightly touching her face, she then put her hand out to try to catch the rain. It was like slow motion watching her do this...it made me realize simple things like that makes me SO happy!

Cole got his stitches out a couple of weeks ago and his thumb is healing nicely. He thought is was cool that the Dr. let him actually pull each stitch out....GROSS!!

His thumb without the stitches...looks much better now than it does in this picture.

Cole is a big "picker"...he can't NOT pick at his scabs whenever he has some. His poor arms are a mess from him picking his scabs whenever he gets them. It looks AWFUL!

I am a big "picker" when it comes to zits ha ha...sad, but true! I get that precious gift from my Mother....so my kids can thank her for that =). Cole is at that age where he is starting to get zits. Let me tell you it brings me great happiness when he has some ha ha ha...gross I know, but so true! The poor kid gets a "check" done on his forehead atleast once a week (ok, I will be honest probably more like twice a week). He lays his head in my lap and I carefully check out his forehead and face. When he is done it is the funniest thing cause Brynley will come and lay her head in my lap for me to check her ha ha ha...she has no clue what we are doing but wants to be apart of it.

Cole also got a slap shot across the face in school about a week ago playing floor hockey in gym. The side of his face was very sore he said...poor kid! He didn't cry and he just shook his head and kept playing he said...OUCH!?#$

The mark on his face where he got hit...hard to see as this was taken with my cell phone.

Tyson reading...We bought Tyson this book from the church book store a couple of weeks ago. We are trying to keep our kids reading (or should I say interested in reading) so finding books to keep there attention is a task in itself. BUT I am happy to say we hit the jack pot with this series as Tyson REALLY liked this first book. So I am going to go get him the next couple of books. There are 4 in total so he will be done it soon. I don't mind as long as he is reading =) When he was done this book Sunday evening he came upstairs so excited and shocked at how it ended. And says, "Mom, I can't believe it, it just ended....I need the next book to see what happens." I have NEVER seen Tyson get into a book like this so it is awesome that he is so excited. PLUS, it is teaching him good values and morals as well...YEAH!!!

This series is about 2 young boys (12 year old Ben and 10 year old Joseph) who discover there are strange happenings in woods behind their house. A large man in full black armour and holding a crossbow appears out of nowhere. When an arrow strikes a tree right above their heads, Ben and Joseph are forced to run deep into the woods, only to discover an old castle an none other than King Arthur, who offers them refuge. In fact, King Arthur has come forward in time in order to find new knights for his round table - Knights who will fight against evil and Choose The Right. However, defeating medevial black knights, ogres and dragons won't be what gets the boys "knighted." Instead, the real test comes by the choices the boys must make when faced with peer pressure. Finding the courage to do the right thing earns the boys a piece of magical armour (one piece of armor per book) and ultimatley makes them Knights of Right!



Movies...

This was a good movie, interesting story line. Unfortunelty for our boys they won't be able to see it as it is 14 A and there is a reason for that...it always makes me mad when they put in scenes that are so NOT necessary! It is pretty graphic in a couple parts LOL...grossed me out, but otherwise good.

This was a fun movie. It had us laughing out loud. It was fun to hear the little kids all around us making their comments and reacting to the movie...so cute! The boys really enjoyed it. We debated on whether or not to take Bryn as she likes Shrek...but we decided not yet.

Weight Watcher's

Starting back at Weight Watcher's

Me ready to go to work at Weight Watcher's tonight!

Cole took this picture as he said I needed an update picture of myself for my book. I have a "before and after" book that has my pictures in it. The after pics I have in it right now are me from 2007. So yes, he is right I do need to update it LOL!

For those of you who don't know this, I worked for Weight Watcher's for about 8 months after I had lost 125 pounds with them. I was pregnant with Brynely when I had to quit as I was having gall bladder attacks (not fun, very painful). They have been calling me asking me to come back to work for them...so I have decided to do it.

This me before I lost all (130 pounds) the weight...

It is hard to look at the old me...I can still feel how unhappy I was with myself. I debated whether or not to put my "fat pictures" on here as I don't like to see them myself...BUT, I have learned so much and each day is a new day. I am proud of myself for keeping the weight off. It is a daily battle for me...but a necessary one to keep things in prespective. Darn food...I enjoy it wayyyy to much!!




Advice that has changed me...
When I had lost 113 pounds and was still trying to lose about 12 more pounds, I recieved thee nicest email from Kent's Uncle Wayne (his Mom's brother) who at the time I really didn't know. We had been emailing back and forth and keeping in touch since we had met them back in 2005. They live in Ontario and I had only met him once...I hope he doesn't mind me posting what he said to me...but it had a BIG impact on me...this is what he said about my weight loss...

"Congratulations on your weight loss, I am glad you are happy with your accomplishment because the weight loss doesn't determine the person. You are a great person irrelevant of any weight and I want you to always remember that."

Uncle Wayne and Aunt Tanya Good

After I had read what he said it was like a light bulb went off in me...as I knew what he was saying was true. I was letting my weight over run me and who "I thought I was" and what I thought people only saw...which was my weight. I cried and cried as I was so touched by his thoughtful words. I then realized he was right that I am so much more than "my weight."

Thank you Uncle Wayne for your kind words back in August 28, 2007!

They have changed how I precieve myself and look at myself =) Every now and again I re-read his email to remind myself when I get to caught up in my weight issues and when I feel consumed...it helps me re-focus!

My weight is not ME...I am still ME whether I am big or not...does that make sense?

I work every Wednesday evening in Airdrie. It was SO good to walk in those doors tonight and see the leader that taught me each week. It truly felt like I was home! She is such a positive person and I really need to get a picture of her and I together as she has been a big part of my success as well. They were so welcoming and made it so easy to be back there. Being a support person to people who are losing weight is such a GREAT opportunity for me...love being there for people!

Thanks to my wonderful husband for allowing me to be able to do this every week. It is a big adjustment, but we are making it happen as it is important for me to be there.

Silly boy!

I told Tyson to go get dressed Saturday morning and this is what he came upstairs wearing *sigh*. As a Mom EVERY morning I have to go through a list of things with my boys to make sure they have done it and check them both over...or they would wear the same clothes everday I swear!

2 words...Ohhh MYYYYY!!!!

This kid has NO CLUE when it comes to clothes and what goes and what doesn't ha ha! I wanted to capture his taste in clothing so I told him to pose for a picture and these are the poses he did...hmmm...his Dad was not happy about the 2nd pose LOL...I on the other hand laughed and laughed! He is such a goof =)

Morning check list I have to say with the boys to make sure they have done things:

Did you brush your teeth?

Did you shower?

Do you have deoderant on?

Clean clothes and socks?

Did you do your reading?

Is your lunch ready?

Do you have your homework and agendas?

ETC....

You would think that after years of asking the SAME questions that they would just do it already without having to be reminded...but NOOOOO!! I have to go through this run down of questions EVERY morning before school...I kid you not! And most times they don't have them all done and they they whine and complain...ugh!$%# And all I say is, "really? As if you don't know what I am going to ask you...so just do it and get it done!"

Monday, May 10
Today I needed to get out of the house and do a couple of things. Kent ended up meeting Brynley and I at Market Mall in N.W. Calgary and we went to Moxie's for lunch. Before Kent arrived Brynley played in the kids play area that is located in the middle of the mall and climbed and slid on everything she possibly could...she was one happy girl! Brynley was VERY excited to see her Daddy walking towards her in the mall! Lunch was really good.

Monday evening Jeff (Kent's brother), Kent, Cole, Tyson and I all went to see the movie Iron Man 2 in Airdrie. We got our babysitter Shaylin to watch Brynley. Bryn was happy to see Shay and so it of course always makes it easier to leave Bryn when you know she is happy to see the babysitter =)

The movie was good...lot's of action. The kids enjoyed it!

To be honest I sooooo enjoy movie theatre popcorn and having a big pop as well. Sometimes I even put glossette chocolate raisins in with my popcorn and eat it all together...YUMMMMM!! My sister Becky taught me that trick. The sweet and the salty together is great =) Mind you, I also have to have the Salt and Vinegar flavoring on my popcorn as well...DELICIOUS!! Seeing a movie is a bonus, but as long as I have my popcorn and pop I am one happy girl...sad, but true! LOL


Time for a bigger bed
Last night I put Brynley in her crib to let her cry herself to sleep as I had had it with her. I had been fighting her for over an hour in our room to get her to go to sleep and she was just too wired and she wouldn't settle down. She was hysterical when I put her in her crib and walked away. But I needed to do it as I had had enough. I let her cry for about 10 minutes and I went back in there...layed her down, gave her her blanket and soother and walked back out. She was gripping onto me so tight...I felt bad! I went into our computer room to wait for her to go to sleep...another 10 minutes passed and she was still going strong...stubborn little thing isn't she LOL! As I am sitting in the computer room all of a sudden I hear banging at Brynley's door...it is Brynley...she had climbed out of her crib!!!! HOLY CRAP...it shocked me so bad! There wasn't even a thud sound when she climbed out so she did it very carefully even ha ha ha! I opened the door and she was just sweating...poor thing. She wasn't going to let go...so needless to say we need to get her out of her crib and into a bigger bed now that she can do that...good grief!!