Great Things are Worth the Wait

At the very beginning of the January '12 Daddy joined a rock band. He has been in a variety of bands before from touring top 40 style to original bands. Then there is the stuff we do together not to mention the library of songs he has written himself.

The band he joined at the beginning of the year has a twist. They are a cover band. More of a full on act covering the Ramones, Blondie, and Cyndi Lauper. They also have their sights set on a big goal. International touring. Yup. That's right. Think tourist destinations. Think Vegas. Think HUGE hotels with clubs and bars where the band plays every night to a different crowd because the crowd always changes. Keeping the people entertained is priority #1.

Daddy was recruited into this band project by the frontman who has quite an impressive track record of rocking himself. They have known each other somewhat for a while and sometimes paths cross because they are meant to. The frontman of the Ramones act also happens to be married of the amazingly talented woman who portrays both Blondie and Cyndi (who she can pull off being a dead ringer for).

So what do you get when you combine years of hard work, major talent, and committed band members? You get something destined for great things. Something that is going to ROCK!!

Now the band started jamming and practising in January. Then in the early spring practices became more like rehearsals (like wigs and outfits style). May rolled around and they played a very specific show. It was a music video shoot really. The band ran through their act and it was taped on HD cameras and would be eventually edited.

So we waited. And waited. And waited. Finally the video was done. Aaaand it sucked. Don't get me wrong, the band didn't suck. The person who did the video editing sucked. Not only did it take longer that it was supposed to but it was a product that no one would be willing to put their name on.

The mastermind behind everything (who I will just keep referring to as Frontman) took it then upon himself to reedit and remaster the video and synched audio. I don't know if you have ever taken it upon yourself to edit a little movie or video or use iMovie but frustrating doesn't even come close. I have huge respect for this man for everything he has done with this band project.

So we waited. And waited. And waited. When you start waiting so long it becomes hard to keep faith in the project but I never let mine falter because I knew that is when I needed to have it the most. FINALLY the new video was finished. Aaaand it was AMAZING. I can not say enough what a fantastic job he did on everything. Since a picture says 1000 words imagine what some videos can say...

BLONDIE by Atomic Blondie

CYNDI LAUPER by True Colors

RAMONES by Maroons NYC

In addition to the videos being complete the web site is also up and running. You can check them out at Top Tier Tributes where there are a whole load of still shots as well as song lists. These rockers truly Rock the Rock. 

Now as you can maybe guess now we get to wait some more. It is time for the DVD to be farmed out to a variety of different booking agencies. See who bites. See where this goes. 

Summer and almost fall are over and the video is finished (which means Frontman's time is back available) the band will be back to rehearsing. That means normally a few nights a week and a weekend day are devoted to practice (not to mention the constant practice that Daddy does here around home). It may put some extra strain on me but I figure it is good practice for when the band has to travel and we don't go with them (although we hope to go along for a lot of it). 

With all that being said I'll close now. I think I'll give the videos another watch (Evelyn loves dancing to Blondie and Cyndi and fist pumps for the Ramones).

The Fair, The Farmer's Market, and The Forks

If this weekend was sponsored by anything it would have been brought to us by the "Letter F". It wasn't even planned out that way but just sort of happened.

THE FAIR

On Thursday evening Daddy was home from work a little earlier than usual and we decided to head out for a little drive and pick up something for supper. Little did I know that Daddy had a trick up his sleeve. We picked up a few coffees and headed west. It wasn't long until I could see the ferris wheels and roller coasters in the distance. What a wonderful surprise it was that Daddy was taking us to the fair. The boys were simply beside themselves.

We don't go too crazy anytime we go as things are ridiculously expensive there but since the kids' admissions were free (yes, for all three) we didn't mind indulging a bit. This was the first time either of the boys had been on any real rides. They simply had a blast. We also got to have a few fair treats (mini donuts, ribbon cut potatoes and beef on a bun anyone?).

Having some fun in the agriculture exhibit...

Time for some rides...

The sights and sounds kept Evelyn well entertained...

THE FARMER'S MARKET

Saturday was a very packed day. We began our afternoon here: 

Well, not in the parking, but you get the idea. We went to the Farmer's Market :) Our plan was to pick up a sweet treat and some fruit to pack with our picnic for later in the day. There wasn't much for fruit yet but we made up for that in extra sweets (kettle corn and sugar cookies). Our local (15 minute drive away) Farmer's Market has a nice variety of things from woodcrafts, knitted or crocheted or sewed items, soaps, baked goods, meats and of course fresh produce. This is really some place I need to go without Daddy (he never lets me buy anything fun, lol) so I was excited when I discovered they are open on Wednesdays too. It will make a great outing for the kids and I. Plus I really want to take a better look at a few things (okay, maybe a lot of things).

Trips to this particular Farmer's Market also kill two birds with one stone as right next door is an outdoor FREE splash park. When we set out for the day the kids were already in their attire for getting wet so on the way to the van we all got to have a great cool off. The day was hot and sunny so it was just what we needed. I wanted lots of great pix but because of the heat it was so busy and keeping an eye on all three kids was priority. There will be many splash pad outings this summer so next time, next time.

THE FORKS

We have a place in our city where two rivers connect. This place is called The Forks. It has a lot of historical value. It was a gathering place for the plains Aboriginals, it was a hub during the fur trade and it was really what spread out and eventually grew into our city. Today it still acts as a gathering place. 

This weekend was the Aboriginal Day celebrations so it would only be fitting that it were to be held at The Forks. We took a tour around the grounds and saw all sorts of vendors. It was kind of like the Farmer's Market except aboriginal style. There were dreamcatchers, pottery, moccasins, beaded wares and more. If you had gone back in time a few centuries it would have been a very similar affair. 

After a little walk around we settled down for our little picnic. We brought along our own juice, pork sandwiches, and of course our treats from earlier in the day. Daddy also grabbed some fries from a chip truck to round things out. No fruit though, dang I wish the Farmer's Market had had fruit. 

By this time everyone was beat and had reached our sun quotient. It was time to call it a day. Had we stayed though there would have been live music (traditional and non traditional) and fireworks. While the boys were asleep not long after their heads hit their pillows Daddy and I could still hear the music long into the night.

So that was our busy weekend. The Fair, The Farmer's Market, and The Forks. 

Evelyn Turns One!

A year ago today I received a most amazing Mother's Day gift. On this day I was holding my brand new baby girl in my arms. Cuddling her. Loving her. Taking in every little sweet detail of her. Family and friends trickled in and out of my room and it pained me to have to relinquish her to anyone else. Daddy brought the boys by and it felt perfect having my little family together. A few days later we were released to go home and start a new kind of normal as a family now of five.

We celebrated her birthday this past Sunday with a lovely tea party. A few close friends, my parents and my sister were in attendance. I put on a spread that is reminiscent of a high tea with sweets, breads,  sandwiches, and some fruit and veggies to round it out. I had three teas offered (Organic Breakfast, Birthday Cake and Life Long Ooling) all from Davids Tea. Evelyn received some very lovely gifts including some very pretty outfits, a ball, a ride on toy and a tea set (got to get them young).

Yesterday my husband and I reminisced about the day I spent in labour. That day we started out with some shopping at 9 am for things to put in my hospital bag. After dropping off our boys at their Granny's we went to Babies R Us and ended up making a registry for the free bag of goodies (yup, that's procrastination for you, making a registry WHILE in labour). We walked around and popped into various eclectic stores (something you can't do with two rowdy boys). Then we had a lovely afternoon lunch date with each other to eat some spicy wings and chimichangas then for dessert I had a massive Dairy Queen Banana Split Blizzard (that's all some serious labour fuel there). After a bit more shopping and then a warm bath I finally decided I had walked enough. Only for the hospital to tell me to walk more. Evelyn was born May 8th, 2011 at 12:29 am at 6 lbs 11 oz. I had an amazingly easy labour (med free/intervention free) and was no worse for wear. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

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My how this year has gone by. Too fast in my opinion. I have enjoyed my time at home so much. Even to the point where I made the decision mid mat leave that I would not be returning to work. The dynamic of my family shifted and the bond with my children became greater and I was feeling a stride I hadn't felt in years. I don't mess with the Universe. When in line, I don't shake it up.

So fast forward that year to now. Evelyn has grown. She walks! She babbles. Shakes her head no. Points to what she wants. Loves music (listening to and making it). Equally loves dancing. Wraps everyone in this family around her little finger every single day. What a little personality she is developing. A lot of sweet with a little bit of sass in there too. What can I say, she is like her mamma! We continue to be amazed by her every day.

                                                                 

 

                                                                

Besides walking and almost talking Evelyn is getting a nice set of chompers (4 on top and 1 on the way, 3 on the bottom and 2 on the way). She is quite a little vacuum with food. Evelyn continues to enjoy nursing for food and for comfort but baby girl can pack away a meal of steak and corn and potato when she wants. She is also now figuring out the sippy cup so I am foreseeing in a few months that we will begin to wean out full nursing sessions. I don't think about that though. We will cross those bridges when they come.

Evelyn has had a few adventures over the past year. She has been to our favourite lake several times. Visited my parents' farm on a number of occasions. Attended a homeschool conference with Daddy and I. And most recently Evelyn and I jetted off to Toronto to meet some exceptionally amazing friends.

Over the past year her and I have made some discoveries together. Like how awesome baby wearing is. I invested an Ergo carrier which is amazing, then I added a gauze wrap and most recently a Baby Hawk Mei Tai. LOVE BABY WEARING! We also stumbled into cloth diapering (well more like fell into the gaping black hole of cloth diapering). While it has it's drawbacks I am still happily spraying poopy diapers and washing and drying and stuffing them. It's the fluffy bum, either you get it or you don't.

We also discovered Baby Legs, knock off Robeez, Amber Teething Necklaces, JuJuBe diaper bags, Liv & Lily, Kalo Clips, Boogie Wipes and so so so so much more. Really, I have no idea how many fun and interesting things I have found, maybe it's having a girl or maybe it's having an online village of mothers that enable purchases of every kind. I guess I'll never know.

So here we are now. That first year is behind us. A year of many wonderful things. I can only anticipate on the edge of my seat the things my family will experience from this point forward. We have done some wonderful celebrating so far. This past year deserves it. Not only did baby girl grow but our family did as well, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Today, Evelyn's actual birthday, Daddy's parents are coming over for a BBQ and cake. Which means I need to tidy the house (again) and actually make a cake. Greek (one of my favs) is on the menu tonight. There will be laughter and celebrating. YAY Evelyn is ONE!!! On this day I am very very very happy.

Max and the Big 0-3

Three years ago today our Max was born. He came into the world via a VBAC and only 4 or so hours of labour. He was 7 lbs 14 oz and 21 inches long (I loved that-I have a thing for number patterns). Labour although short was hard and with virtually no medication it was tough. It seems so long ago yet only like yesterday. 

Max is now a strapping young lad with a love of super heroes (especially Ironman and Batman-Uh oh, DC/Marvel). I have noticed such huge changes in him even in just the last few weeks. I know they get older but every time I look at him I still see my little baby.

Max at a week old and at one year.

Max's 2nd Birthday and just under a month short of three.

We had quite a time coming up with what to do to make his day special. There were a few details that were easy. Batman cake? Check. Batman balloons? Check. Activities and Fun? Uh.....what?

Since we don’t do the daycare or school thing and we are new in the homeschooling community it meant that we didn’t really have anyone to invite to a party. Our house is small too so hosting a party here wasn’t really an option either. Making the decision to keep the festivities to our fun family of five was the easy part. 

We finally settled on spending time at the Children’s Museum (as per his gift from my mum) followed by a swim at a nearby YMCA followed by chinese takeout and birthday cake.

Our day started with some hearty blueberry pancakes and then we bundled up and headed to the museum. And bundle up we did as today also brought along a -34C windchill (-29.2F).

The Children’s Museum was FABULOUS. I hadn’t been in a few years in which time renovations took place. I’m not sure how much they spent to renovate the place (it certainly needed) but I feel as though my tax dollars were well spent. The boys were able to run and play and do all sorts of activities. They even had a special place for babies but we didn’t test it out as Evelyn was happy in the carrier. It’s such a nice clean and bright space now. The layout is fantastic too as you can see easily from one end to the other and not as many places to lose sight of a kid as the old layout.

Inside the optical illusions display. Lots of fun lights and spinning things.

 

The boys checking out some mighty machines. The Caterpillar actually fired up so the boys could control the hydraulics. They loved the train too, especially sitting in the conductor's chairs.

They loved spending time at the water tables.

These are pictures of the Lasagna Lookout. It's a jungle gym with a full on pasta theme which includes pool noodle "noodles" a sauce section and even meatballs (like a hanging exercise ball). 

I seriously love these pin things. I can not resist shoving a hand or a face in them. 

Fortunately my family likes them too.

Making some art at the PopArt centre. Vik got right to work drawing what else? Angry Birds. Max is quite the artist too eh? Daddy actually drew the car and then Max took over :)

After the Children’s Museum we headed over to the pool. We even lucked out as it was our first time there so they waived the family drop in fee. SCORE!!! The YMCA we went to also underwent some renovations a few years ago. Our time there was a great experience. The family change room was nice and roomy, important when you have five people to get changed and keep wrangled together. 

The kids all had a blast swimming. It was surreal though sitting in a heated pool while just a few feet away people were shivering as they walked past, separated from the frigid temperature by just a few inches of glass. It was lovely though. I would have liked to check out the hot tub but I thought it would be too hot for Evelyn. Daddy and the boys went in it though after Evelyn and I went to shower and Vik told me all about the all the bubbles after.


I wish I had pix of swimming but I find they never turn out. Something about the chlorine in the air. Too bad too because Evelyn got a very cute new swimsuit. I guess those will have to wait until summer.

After swimming we hit the party store to pick up a few balloons and then picked up the cake at Safeway. My sister (Auntie Rachael) came over and joined us for the chinese takeout and birthday cake.

Of course...the Bat Man cake.

Our initial plan had involved a trip to the arcade tonight but it is just too cold. Now with the sun down we have a -41C windchill (OMG!!) which comes with a wind chill warning. I just did not want to take the kids out into that and run the risk the van not starting after. 

We are spending the rest of the evening cozied up at home. I hope after such a big day the boys go to bed easy tonight. They should be tired. I wish I could make all days like this. Full of fun activities, but I know that just isn’t how it goes. Tomorrow it is back to the regular same old.

Celebrating family and special days. That makes this Mamma and family uber happy.