Anticipation

2007-11-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

Keep up with us! Change your bookmarks and RSS feeds to point to our new and improved blog. Here. We love it. You'll love it. Life is a whole lot more fun over at Martini Momma's where we will be blogging from now on. See you there.

2007-10-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! I had to not blog for a few days until my hot temper had cooled it's jets. I came out of the gate waaayyyyyyyyy too fast as supermom and things got a little nutty. As you may or may not know my husband cancelled his Vegas trip to help with the kidlets and store and well, my chaotic life. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you !!! Being a good wife and always feeling guilty (why??????????) decided to make it up to him by being wife of the year so Thursday he headed out with his Business partners to Moxies for drinks.......Friday he headed to the neighbourhood mens poker night..........and well, Saturday night he headed to Ozzy Osboune with his business partner Brent.

Oh, to take back that "allowing" him out on Saturday night! Well, Brent I have blogged about before has had one hell of a crazy year - he has lost a child and fought off cancer so he deserves to whoop it up - my husband of course must help him along....I get this, but boys you are not 17 anymore....c'mon you can not keep up to the youth of today......

What happened? Well, I awoke from a deep sleep 2:30 am to a cell phone pocket prank.....finally boozy the clown arrived home around 4 am, and in the morning discovered he lost his wedding ring.......I officially blew a gasket. A GIGANTIC HISSY FIT! Now, don't get me wrong it may seem fishy - it isn't - my husband is the best but your wedding ring - seriously....I know it was cheap but I am sentimental and I am so sad. We have been dating since we were 15 and the symbol of that ring means the entire world to me - our vows I still remember how I felt - bllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Enough said , he feels sick, he has hunted everywhere and the ring is gone - we will move on but I am still using it in my favour now to get what I want ( I know sick but whatever works:)) Oh yeah, and one shot at Brent - not sick as in the sick you were all over your basement.

Seriously, boys - highschool has long since passed.

Now what - had lunch with the Gingersnaps and 3/4 of their kids - so much fun - they have a totally hilarious family dynamic - so much fun and energy. Thanks Girls.

We hit up the street in full force trick or treating today - Harris was a lion, Evy a puppy dog although she didn't even venture outside....I would post pics but our camera is in the repair shop - a reality of letting your 3 year old work the digital. What else - a welcome winter Fish Fry at the in-laws tommorrow and my momma will be there to celebrate her b-day! Hurrah.

Other than that watch for the changing blog link coming soon!

Oh ya, and no baby yet for Miss Crys.........

Over and out - K

2007-10-27T18:01:00.001-07:00

Ok, so in the last 10 days we officially decided to close the store, had a huge sale, packed up, moved out, dove back into family life. Brandi packed up and left the country for a long time in the works family vacation. Wow, when we set our minds to something - consider it done! Just be on the look out Winnipeg we are already thinking what's next? Are we insane? Oh, most definatley. The husbands well, they are of course our number one fans but last week, full time parenting put them both into a frenzy and well, if we cool our entreprenuerial jets for a few months minimum I am sure they will be happy.

I knwo my husband is happy to have is domestic wife back - I hopped into my housewife role with full force this morning....maybe a little too fast (he sleeped in, I cleaned, fed and played with the kids, reorganized, cleaned, and de-cluttered the house - can't sit still with all this time - ok it has been 1 day!!!) If I keep us this pace he will require serious re-training for my next venture...hmmmmm, something to seriously consider.

What is going on? Well, we are still sorting through the paperwork, wrapping up bookkeeping, paying bills, etc to finish up witht he store. The behind the scenes stuff...the stuff that when we had the store took up so much family time.....

Other than that life is good, my babies ar so great and I am so happy to be enjoying them 100%. Evy is wild and into EVERYTHING....9 month old crawling/standing machines are a mad force to be wreckoned with and the house self destructs every hour. Harris is great - learning about the bodya t pre-school at 3???? Today he touched my neck and asked if I knew what it was...I said of course...neck....no mom, it's your esphogas (Ok, i am 30+ with a degree and i can't even spell it) What is up with that??????? He also uses it in every sentence....if he were awake right now he would ask me " Does your wine taste good in your eshpo.....? Still can't spell it...

Anyhow, Kirb is out reliving huis youth at Ozzy and I am goign to curl up with a good book or movie....

Good night mommas - and stay tuned we weren't joking about the martini night!

Back to my Crazy life...

2007-10-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, enough with the self help. It's onward and upward. I am backing to blogging about my crazy life. Why, please tell me why, is it that moms are responsible for keeping everything together??? Remind me again, why we do almost everything around the house. That's working working for a living with 2 kids is just too crazy. Please don't write me and tell me that your husband does it all because that might send me over the edge.

So last night I worked until 8:00, home by 8:30. Now, let me say that Brent has a cold, therefor the world has stopped. I hope he isn't reading this. Anyway, Gage pooped all over his bath towel and Brent's shirt. Brent, being extra helpful, took the soiled items to the basement for HIS WIFE TO WASH. Yes, he left pooped on, rolled up - laundry in the basement for me to wash - imagine the smell!! Not to mention that I am organizing the childcare, did I say working full time???? and getting ready for Saturday.

Now, yes I could handle all of this and I do but here's where I lose it. He is actually upset with me - why? I have no freakin idea but I truly think in his mind he feels entitled to be upset because he has to take care of the boys for 3 hours while I work at closing down the store!!!!! Amber - yes I am ready for a drink.

It's 10:20 a.m. and I have to shower, change the wash, make some coffee - why because yes I get up in the night to feed our babe! Yes, that's right I am crabby!!! Now when is the Martini Club's first meeting. Move over Water Buffaloes here we come!

2007-10-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

So today I am writing about supporting small business. It's too late for us, but Adriana from Tiber River wrote us the most inspirational email - thank you Adriana. It is a constant struggle and especially as women, it is even harder to be entrepreneurs. So my blog to day - of course it's all about the store closing these days - is to ask you moms out there to sit down and think about your favorite stores and SUPPORT them a little more. We had a great chat with one of our customers today who said they wished they would have supported us more. They said that there is something to be said for being able to go and see and touch and smell products. There is something to be said for quality and for local economy and for supporting products that are made in here in Winnipeg and here in our great country - CANADA!! The sad thing is that if you are reading this blog you probably do so already. But if you don't support a little more local.

Now on to the women side of this blog... I told Kath that I now get why women try to find easy work from home jobs - do they even exist??? But I do get it. It's hard these days being a woman and raising a family and having a business or a successful career for that matter. BUT mamas go on and forge ahead in the workplace. Isn't that what we are trying to do for our babies. Aren't we trying to raise our little girls knowing that they can be ANYTHING they want? Yes we are.

One Flaw In Women
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have the compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Good night Martini mamas!

2007-10-20T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well now the healing can begin. I had Sushi for dinner from Yujiro - amazing and a bottle of wine. My kids are tucked in and my amazing husband has his feet up. I just got out of a HOT shower. What can I say - it was an unbelievable day. Check out some cool shots taken by the unbelievable Kal http://www.lovelife.typepad.com/. It started with a line up of about 150 people, some shoving, a fire truck and a line up that lasted for 2 hours - even in the rain - but we made it. Our little Crys is home and didn't deliver her baby - what a success. Somewhere in the middle we were inspired and our hearts started to feel good again. So many of you have emailed us and we are so thankful for your kind words. Many people came to the store today, friends and family, to bring us treats, cheer, coffees, wine even - thank you Margo. We cannot find the words to express our gratitude for all of the love that we were shown at Anticipation.

I could go on and on - in fact I feel like I am receiving an Academy award, and I don't want to miss anyone. But I want to say so many THANK YOUS! For all of you out there who supported us right up to the end - THANKS. To our worker bees - THANKS. To our star employee Crys - THANKS. To our families, THANKS. To our friends, THANKS. To our husbands and kids who without you we could never have taken such risks - THANKS and to my incredible business partner - THANKS.

We will continue to blog and share our trials and tribulations as moms. Although we said today that Stroller Walk isn't going to cut it anymore, I think we are going to have to start the Mom's Martini Club. Stay tuned.

Good night mamas.

With Great Risk Comes Great Reward

2007-10-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends, Colleagues, Fellow Mamas,

It is with great sadness that we write this letter. We have decided that we will be closing Anticipation. We want to explain to you why and we want to thank you with the most sincerity for you support over the past 2 years.

When we opened the store, we truly gave birth to our second babies. We poured our hearts and souls into this business. In doing so, we met some amazing women, many of you have inspired us, listened to us, helped us by giving us good advice be it on family or business and most especially you have supported us. If there was any way that we could keep going we would. With young families and increased competition we just cannot make it happen. It is really sad but the reality is that our market is saturated with competition, the rising dollar has allowed many people to shop south of the border or online and all of these things make it really hard for small businesses to survive. That being said, we have decided to close the doors and pour our hearts and souls into our families.

We feel that Anticipation was a place where powerful women (and men) gathered. We have made tremendous friends and connections that will last us a lifetime. So, please hear us when we say THANKS! It has been a blast. We would do it all over again in a heartbeat and will encourage our babes to follow their callings in life.

Please understand that we will be CLOSED Friday October 19th to prepare the store for our HUGE staying home with our babies sale. Starting Saturday October 20th at 10:00 a.m. EVERYTHING IN THE STORE will be 50% off. This includes premium denim, diaper bags, nursery bedding, floor models and so much more! Come and shop one last time. It is your chance to buy some great items while you can at cost. Stock up for the rest of your pregnancy & for the holidays now. Sale hours for the next week are Monday to Friday 12 – 8:00 p.m.. Saturday 10: - 5:00.

Please understand that our exit is fast so as not to prolong the inevitable. We can honestly say that we have given it our all and we are truly thankful to all of you who have been part of this journey.

Kath & Brandi

PS – Please pass this on to anyone you know.

2007-10-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

Moms gone Wild

hangover
n.

Unpleasant physical effects following the heavy use of alcohol.The most common reported characteristics of a hangover are feelings of extreme thirst, lethargy, nausea, sensitivity to sunlight and noise, and headache.

I can only type as of this morning! Brad Paisley did not disappoint. We danced our asses off - I wish! The whole show rocked and we met some super nice people and ate, drank, drunk and were merry! My poor mama took care of our boys until 2:30 in the morning. Yikes. Anyway, it was a night of very little sleep and lots of hammering in my head but all worth it.

Blaine, Lis, Maddy & Jen and Brad came over with yummy grub from Kings Palace - one of Brad's finds. We had slurpees and Chinese food last night and well I have a skip in my step again this morning. Go Diego Go is on in the background, I have a cup of Tim's in my hand and breakfast is cooking itself. Wait, that must be Brent.

Sunday night - hummmm, I think I will crawl in to bed and watch Brothers & Sisters with a tub of ice cream. Hello - is that show great so far this season or what???

Happy family day - I love lazy Sundays.

2007-10-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Brent is a complex man who always seems to surprise me! I have to share this side of my incredible husband. Last night at dinner time, the doorbell rang. I opened the door and there he stood with a painting in his hand. Sometimes, just when I am not expecting it, he is so incredibly thoughtful and even romantic. I lept with excitement. Last summer, so 2006 Brent, Hudson and I went to The Half Moon for lunch - one of my all time favorite places. We walked down to the water by docks and played in the park. Anyway, on our way home, we stopped at The Kennedy Tea House. At the time, there was a local artist painting outside. Inside were some of her pieces of work. Needless to say, I fell in love with one and today it hangs in our family room! What a man!

Two funny stories to share from my day with the boys...This morning as I was getting ready, Hud came into the bathroom and said, "Mom, I have earrings just like you." I smiled look at his ears and continued getting ready. Snickering he turned away. At that moment I realized, yes he did - only his were stuffed in his ears! Fear not, I got them out!

Later on, after naps, the three of us were watching The Jungle Book - I know I am predictable, it's Mougley, Diego or Dora. Anyway, I had just fed Gage. Hud came up, teeth clenched. Gage, I love you!!! he screams out. He then hugged him so tight Gage projectile vomited all of his lunch! Hudson, not understanding the connection between his squeezing and Gage's barfing said: "Gage, you need to be a good boy! Barfing is not nice!"

I should run. I need to make dinner and head out to Pilates! Kath and I are working on our abs for Brad Paisley Friday night! Wranglers and cowboy boots here I come! Just teasing!

2007-10-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

I am a Chicken (well, more like a chicken with my head cut-off) but who wants to see that picture this morning......I am with you Brandi - things are just whirling around in my head.....run home, make dinner, go to swimming, pack bag, unload wet clothes, pay bills, blah, blah....

I am back thinking 2 kids is chaos - Evy is in full force crawling and standing up so now I have to watch EVERYTHING and multi tasking is gone out the window. Even in my sleep I have to watch the kids - Harris is crazy sleep walking (yup it is hereditary and I did it too BUT it is worse in boys and it is definately worse)....Last night I found him in the bathroom trying to pee in his sleeping - can we say disaster....my cleaning lady came yesterday and while I understand that the house will not stay clean for 2 weeks before her next visit I do hope for a good week:) I got him and brough him into bed bigger mistake - he peed in my bed - nothing in my house is safe from kids....bed was my sanctuary at the end of the day but now it smells like pee.....

Does anyone have tips????Help, Help, Help.....so goes the madness - October is flying by - I am at buying shows, Kirby is off to Vegas for EO University (ha) and well, we are just juggling to get through to Novemeber which is shaping up to be just as ridiculous....aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

KAth

PS. Bon Jovi si coming - can you say Whaooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

2007-10-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

Yep, A Thousand Splendid Suns - amazing is all I can say. Happy Thanksgiving. I am getting plumper by the minute but having a great time doing it. Yesterday my sister Jen and and my future brother-in-law had us for dinner. It was amazing. Bred is Ukrainian and is teaching my sis how to cook all the yummy food. We pigged out, it was delicious. I made a Bavarian Apple Torte which was also delicious - a recipe form the Breast cancer Research Cookbook. I think Brent had to roll me home, wine and turkey and all the trimmings!

Then today I shopped Toys R US dry! I have to say that I hate shopping there 0 it is always a gong show and I always have to wait in line and I can never find someone to help me - but I keep going back because they have the toy market sewn up. I went to buy a gift for my little Ty - Mollie's son's birthday - and ended up doing whack of Christmas shopping for my little Hudson. They had PlayDoh, Tonka and Home Depot toys on sale so I bought a bunch of things for him. I hope he doesn't read my blog - just joking.

Here's the funny thing....I went by myself which should be great and stress free right??? Wrong, I almost peed my pants from the anxiety attack I was having knowing Brent was at home with the two babes by himself??? If you were at the mall today and saw a crazy woman running from store to store freaking out - don't panic, I wasn't on fire, I was just trying to get a few things. Moms out there, say it with me - AM I CRAZY!! I had to throw in a little Diego - anyway I mean come on, we do it all the time, right??? Well I still have anxiety and come home to pour myself a drink immediately! Kath and I are at a Trade Show next weekend - I hope no one lights the house on fire while I'm gone!

Anyway, I am off to watch the Jungle Book. Tomorrow we are at the outlaws, my MIL makes the greatest pumpkin pie ever!!

2007-10-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Turkey Weekend!

What a great weekend it has been so far! We have had a relaxing but fun-filled weekend thus far...Harris was pooped from the week at pre-school and both kids were sleeping by 7 pm....I know that this sometimes takes away from time with Dad but I selfishly enjoy some of those nights. It is a rare opportunity to have time to keep things done AND enjoy time with my husband. We ordered in dinner, talked about life and the week and then even watched a movie (Blades od Glory - Kirby thought it was hilarious and I thought it was stupid but apparently I have no sense of humour.....ha) I must admit that we had a great family vacation to Toronto - it is just that Kirby and I did not have one minute to speak to each other inbetween organizing, loading up, unpacking, and entertaining the kids...therefore last night was great!

Today we had two great festivities!

1. Reece's third Birthday at Cinema City...It was fun! Harris and Reece are very close and he was one of 6 kids at the party...the only MALE:) It was a princess theme but he had a very pimped out crown and felt very cool amidst the gals. We ate in th party room and then sat thru the enitre Shrek 3 which was perfect because Kirb and I wanted to see it too. I was so proud of him - he picked out her entire present....Fairy slippers, a make-up kit, a cinderella balloon (he insisted on this for weeks) and an Ariel doll. He even helped wrap it up.

2. The Fall migration dinner at Fort Whyte...probably my favorite place in the city....Evy went to the Macleans for dinner and Harris, Kirby, Grandma, Grandpa and I went to the dinner. When we sat down for an amazing meal there were only a few geese on the lake and by sunset they were coming in hundreds....the lake was filled with thousands by the time we left. This dinner and a "show" runs for the entire month of October every night with 3 dinner times and sold out in 6 days. here is my plug for FW - it is AMAZING! A family membership is only $60/year and the stuff they have for families is awesome. There is tons of regular activites likeing hiking, biking, canoeing, toboggan runs but the extra's are unreal and are often no extra charge for members. The next big thing we will be going to is the Halloween Howl...check out their website at www.fortwhyte.org for info

My family is there every week and we buy annual pass for both sets of grandparents so they can join us too with the kids. The cafe has great breakfast and foods too......

What now - well after a busy day like that Harris is sleeping and since I have not heard a peep I am assuming that Kirby is asleep with him. I am going to get a little bookkeeping done and curl up with a good book. I have just got the new one Brandi just read and like her I too have forgotten the name.

2007-10-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

So, I am home, working on the website, with help from our Tech guy! Hud is eating snacks and tearing the house apart. The Bare Necessities are blaring in the background which should be a hint - get back to basics woman!! And Gage is squawking with all of his new sounds! I think we'd give Mowgli a run for his money.

Gage is giving up nursing I think. In the past couple of days I have had to supplement more than usual and now he seems to want the hearty stuff! Last night we were in Triage at St. B - my new niece to be gave us a quite a stir as her heart rate dropped. She bounced back quickly though and all is well.

I told Crys - be weary - this is the beginning of a life where you wear your heart on your sleeve. In a split second, you can drum up a well full of tears, all because you babe wouldn't hug you! I have never felt that kind of instant emotion. It is so pure that I wonder what I will be like when the boys marry! Wahhhh - just kidding I'm alright. Truly, I am soooo excited to meet this new little girly. One bright spot in our evening was that the 3 sisters had a real bonding session. We are a remarkable team in that when anyone of us needs the others - we're there.

Thankfully I have amazing in laws to didn't bat an eyelash - they just said go and be with your sis, we'll wait until Brent comes home.

Now on to pumpkin pie and whip creammmm. Let the festivities begin!

PS - Old pic - I was pregnant with Hudson.

2007-10-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

A major tragedy occurred last night in our house and I was out with Kath - working our abs on the Bosu ball. Brent had finished reading stories and was about to say good night when Hudson said, "Daddy I need my blankie." Of course, I was unavailable. Dad, who I give tons of credit to,went downstairs to check the laundry. I can only wash the blankie when he's out. Anyway, the balnkie was in the washing machine - WET. Dad, thinking on his feet, quickly threw it into the dryer and went upstairs to control what was close to being pandemonium! Luckily it dried quickly and crisis was averted but I could feel the tension in the air when he told me.

Mamas can you imagine how hostile this situation could have become! Over tasking, that's my Thursday word of the day. So, I am working from home these days, with 2 babes underfoot and I feel like I cannot do any ONE task right never mind manage all of what I have on my plate. I sent my friend Heidi from Gingersnaps an email asking her how she works from home? She said, pathetically until the wee hours of the night. Now, here's my problem, I am still nursing and really do need sleep. Man, why couldn't I be more like Einstein - didn't he need about 4 hours????

I feel like I need to schedule every minute of my days and even at that I am rarely stimulating my kids. Maybe our moms were onto something when kids just played - be it in the cupboard or the pantry. I sometimes feel so powerful that I have the opportunity and ability to be an entrepreneur and work from home. And sometimes, I think, "Have I lost my freakin marbles??? Anyway, I know I am way off track but I sometimes sit here and envy the simple life.

Another gorgeous day. I am having lunch with my uncle, Hud is at daycare and my MIL has Gage. I hope the egg timer doesn't go off before my lunch is done! Dingggggg - next task - groceries!!! Dingggg!!! Next task - mind my marbles....

2007-10-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

I love you Winnipeg! There was a time that I would have not said this that I would have given anything to be among the concrete jungle of the big city. I did pine for Cowtown for a full year after moving home and it was still somewhat smaller than Toronto.

Where to start? We did survive and we did have a great time but I love you Winnipeg (Did I say that already???)

We had a great trip and the kids were awesome! We hit up a few of our fave places - The Ontario Science Centre, High Park, swimming at the Delta Chelsea kids floor;), we ate out, we shopped and we visited. The hard part was just getting out of downtown with 2 kids - we stayed with my BIL and SIL who have rented a condo for 2 years downtown while she finishes her Post-Doc at U of T....so you can imagine us in a smaller sized condo, 9th floor admist all of the skyscrapers...it is hard to pop outside to burn off the energies of a 3 year old boy in greenspace.

What else.....pilates tonight - ahhhhhh, where are you abs? I need you - we just booked a hot holiday to the Mayan - did I mention sans kids just us and another couple - oh ya...no 4 suitcases, 2 car seats, playpen....rental van, stroller...I can not wait:) Yes, I may be spoiled but I am a good wife and mom:)

Anyhow, the store is great - crystal sold us out of furniture this weekend so I think I should go away more often...haha.

Anyhow, back 2 work! Did I mention I love you Winnipeg??????
Oh ya, would love to include pics but we packed a camera with a dead battery (hey, you can't rememebr everything?) and am waiting for my family to email me some.......

2007-10-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

Man, what an amazing fall day. We have sure have had some great weather which made for an awesome weekend. Brent and I went to the corn maze in St. Adolphe, (cornmaze.com) on Friday night with Chad, Mol & the babes. Gage stayed home with Grandma because of his affliction to car rides which by the way I am still hoping he outgrows. It was an Amazing night - get it a MAZE ing night! Yeah, yeah, the kids loved it. We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows, pet the goats, played in the maze. Fun, fun, fun. Saturday Mol & I celebrated her birthday with breakfast at Cora's and facials. We don't do presents, we just go to the spa and treat ourselves to something relaxing. The Bombers won, Sunday dinner with the outlaws - it was a perfect weekend.

Kath is away in TO - I'm sure having a blast and the store is back in full swing. It is so busy. The furniture is a huge hit. Everyone loves the Monte Glider, I mean come on - how can you not??? And, we have a new employee starting today - Sara! Welcome to the funny farm. Just kidding! You are in very good hands with Crys! Kath and I have our first trade show this month so we are excited about buying for spring which I know sounds nuts unless you're in retail.

As for the babes, they are doing awesome - Gage is struggling with sleep. Heck, so am I for that matter. Hud is maximizing his hours outdoors. He absolutely loves every sport and could play outside until you dragged him in! It will be neat to see if Gage is the same way - a sports nut just like Brent.

Anyway, I am off to do laundry, water plants, make beds etc. etc. etc.

(Grey)

2007-09-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

My new color is going to be pink - then you will know it is me - Kath. It is actually a miracle that my fingers are working and that I have any muscle movement considering last night was my first night of Bosu Pilates with Brandi. It was fun in a tortuous kind of way! Oh well, all in the name of a hot bod and a hot holiday:)

What else is new? The store is great - we are counting down the days until we meet Miss Gracie - tons of Fall clothes arrived this week and the furniture has been a huge hit! Thanks to all of our great customers!

What is on the Gompf agenda today! We have some photos this am with our dear friends at Gingersnaps - stay tuned I will post one soon, pre-school, a little work and then a hot date of packing and Grey's Anatomy while the kids hang with the the Macleans (we had Owen and Meg last night)

Tommorrow we are off to TO for a few days to visit my BIL and SIL and see there new place......Also, my grandma and 2 uncles....should be fun -plan to hit up the Science Museum - one of my favorite places and of course, Becky and I will shop Square 1 or Sherway Gardens out of stuff...while Ty and Kirb watch the kids and have anxiety:) Thankfully their business actually makes real $.

Over and out - let's start the day......GO team GO

PS. Evy (my dolly) now crawls, has a tooth, loves Spaghetti, and proudly says Dada everytime she sees him - seeing as she calls Dada from her crib in the morning - he is now getting up, who can resist that call:)

A big thanks to Kal -we love the updated blog - you RULE!

2007-09-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Winnipeg Rocks!!!

2007-09-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, this blog is all about good energy! Firstly, I made up with my amazing husband - nothing like a good Riesling to ease into a family meeting. Thanks Kath firstly for always listening to me. Thanks secondly for your words of wisdom. I absolutely love good friends who pave the way - doing things first and sharing wisdom with their gal pals about what worked and what didn't!

Furthermore, I want to dedicate this song to all the girls I LOVE!!! A little Willie Nelson. Kal - you are amazing and you have gone so much out of your way to guide us - we love what you have done so far and THANK YOU so much. Kath and I can take many things from this journey we have been on so far with Anticipation. We have met so many wicked women who are changing this world. They are leaders and entrepreneurs who are molding this world in which we are rearing our babes. Our kids are going to grow up and think that women entrepreneurs have always existed. What role models for the wee gals of the future. So, bring it!

Gingersnaps. Soul, High Tea, Tiber River, KAL, KAL, KAL, there are so many that I can go on and on. I know that it is easy to shop Walmart and the Gap which we all know now has maternity. But I give kudos to the people out there who go out of there way to support local - this is changing our city, our economy and our future. Thank you to all of you out there who do support us independents. I know Small Indulgence has a sticker in her store that reads Be Vocal Support Local. Truly, it is less expensive to shop Old Navy but make a stand and buy local and be different. Stand out and Stand Up!!!

That's my two cents. If we are still here in 5 or 10 years I say thanks because it takes a special, different person to appreciate buying from people who support local economy. You can bet your ass that the mompreneurs of Winnipeg aren't buying their eggs, bread, tshirts etc. from CHINA!!!

I think I just worked up a sweat writing this blog - does that count as a workout????

B

Extreme blog makeover.

2007-09-25T08:38:00.001-07:00

DESIGNER POST: Watch for a couple of changes around this blog over the next couple of weeks. It's Fall and that's a great time to get stuff looking top notch. I love this blog - and I want it to look and feel as great as the Anticipation Store does. Don't worry - just a few aesthetic touch ups - because I know you already love reading it. Don't forget to check out their website, too.

Kal Barteski (www.lovelife.typepad.com)

2007-09-25T08:02:00.001-07:00

I felt a little bit sad reading Brandi's blog as we at our house struggle with these same sentiments. It is funny we both definitley have great husbands and great hands on dads to our kids. They watch the kids when we are away for buying trips, we go out with friends, we do have a life...the thing is there is no rest for the brain. But yet, Moms and women are multi taskers, many of us perfectionists....I heard the manic depressed mom on Oprah yesterday say she was striving to be the "perfect" mom - but perfect in the eyes of the world, not really her own eyes. Who is that mom? Why does it matter so much if the house is a bit messy, the kids are not eating totally organic, homemade food day in day out - we will survive? I have no answers for my dear friend. Isn't the perfect mom - the one who has happy kids - hands dpown our kids are happy. The first 6 months of 2 kids has hands down been the hardest time of my life....more of what was already little me time was taken, more planning and schedules whirl around in my head than ever before, far less time to talk to husband made me feel as though we were grwoing apart when really we didn't even have time to grow apart:), and I also want to be perfect.

Here is my advice....please yourself, the rest will come....when you catch yourself doing something you think needs to be done but doesn't really have to been done -stop yourself and naturally you will stop worrying about it so much - it takes 3 weeks to break the habit.

Love ya B

Kath

2007-09-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

Fall is absolutely my favorite season! We have had a great weekend, playing soccer, bbqing, going for walks, having drinks on the deck - I love fall! We even figured out how to keep peace with Hud and his dad during football season. Hud can watch Diego on the laptop while dad shouts GO VIKINGS in front of the TV! I must say though as picture perfect as it sounds, my amazing husband and I have sure been getting at one another. And, of course it is the age old thing, he can't see my point of view nor I his. I hate when that happens. It's so funny because a lot of my friends, Kath included, have told me to read Babyproofing Your Marriage and I really should. I could sum it up though for him in a few lines instead of asking him to read the entire book...

Please love me and be as excited to be with me as you are the NFL. I promise not to nag and get cranky with you if you listen to me the first time. And, lastly, recognize that I do 90% of the keeping of this house, so if I am snippety at times, please remind me to be a nicer person as I am doing all of your laundry, the kids' laundry, groceries, errands, taking care of the babe - Yes, you are AMAZING with our toddler, I arrange all of the babysitting, do more laundry and I am still kind of working. Oh right I said a few lines!

So, I finished my book, the new Kite Runner, again I can't remember the title. It was amazing, yet heart wrenching. It got deep in my soul and I can't get it out. I am thinking about the characters as I wash the dishes - oh yeah add that to my Coles Notes! This is the first book though that I have read since having kids and man I could barely get through the tough parts relating to kids.

Speaking of which, the babes are awesome. Hud last night stayed up later than I - he is a night hawk. He was busy packing his Nemo suitcase to take on his adventure with Diego. In the process he managed to take every book off his shelf, unfold all of his clothes, pull the sheets off the bed and take off his diaper only to fall asleep in - yep big boys undies!!! He has quite a curious little monkey!

Well I should run, we're having dinner at the outlaws - just teasing! Prime rib, yum, yum yum delicioso!!!!

2007-09-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well as Kath's on the elliptical, I am on the treadmill - this morning for the first time with my kids home! Now that's success. Gage was sleeping and Hudson played while I power walked. I am on a mission to get my body back or a form there of!

Today was a total gong show here. Hudson woke up from his nap soaking wet which is odd because we're not really potty training. He proceeded to tell me that he took off his diaper before he fell asleep because he is a big boy who doesn't wear diapers. But naturally peed the bed while he was asleep. Anyway, after a few hours and a search rescue which recovered Gage's soother under a bush in the front yard - the Pirate Piggies had stolen it and were never giving me back my treasure - even though I demanded to know where it was in the sweetest voice I could muster! AS i was lying on my belly in the front yard, Hud pulled down his pants and pooped on the lawn. Hooray Geese - who were flying by - I pooped. Yep, I pooped! Man this potty training is more like one heck of a train wreck. Imagine if you were our neighbours!

Bath and bed for these monkeys. I am excited to jump into bed. I am reading the new book by the author of the Kite Runner. Sorry I am having a brain fart and can't remember the title - it's awesome.

Sleep tight.

2007-09-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

Bloggity, blog....the stroller mom's are making fun of me this morning! Shani told me I was glowing which seems funny to me because I dragged my butt out of bed this morning and have to fuel myself with coffee. Then because I picked up muffins and timbits for the stroller walkers I felt compelled to pop a few in my own mouth. The funny thing is that with timbit's they are just os damn easy to eat...now, I am going to have to bust my butt on the elliptical again tonight is why I am so tired this mroning because I was busting my butt yesterday to make up for the oreo's I inhaled. It is a viscious cycle.......but back to glowing part. I am a sucker....Shania was on Entertainment last night as I was falling asleep - she said the main thing that she does that keeps her looking so great is exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate......so I scrubbed my face ridiculous with a facecloth this am.....I am not sure if glowing or raw would describe me.

Anyhow, stroller moms are back - gotta go!

2007-09-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

What beautiful weather! What a great weekend! I love a sunny fall day - warm wiht a breeze. We have spent the weekend enjoying the outdoors with friends and family. Evy and I walked to pick Harris up from pre-school on Friday and saw so many geese. We spent Friday night with our great friends - Julie and Mark, Matt and Kelly, and my BIL Ty and SIL Becky who are in from TO. The realtionship between us is way too uncanny but it makes for great, great times.

Julie, Kelly, and I have gone thru kindergarten to high school together.
Kirby and I have been dating (and now married since high school) so of course, Julie and Kelly know him way too well.
Kirby and Ty are best friends
Mark and Matt are childhood friends
Kelly and Matt are both lawyers and now dating.....
Kirb and Ty are brother's, business partners, and best friends
Julie and becky did their Ph.D's together

and now we are all one big happy family...................

Ok, we were spoiled we spent Saturday night with some of my other fave people (Snaps and Parnells) at one of my favorite restaurants - Massawa ...of course, being in the village we all got some Baked Expectations to go.....

During the day we got lots of fresh air with the kids....spent Saturday at the corn maze...and today we took Owen with us to ride our bikes to Fort Whyte for the annual fish fry - homemade pickerel.....it was packed and gorgeous....where are all the kids now? Well, nothing like a breeze in the chariot to put the whole gang to bed:)

I am off to relax too......Happy Sunday to everyone....Here's hoping for another few great days...

Ps. Mega breakthru is Ev's world - she is now doing the downward dog around the house...she walks on her hands and toes with her butt straight up in the air - so cute (especially in the jean mini she is wearing today!!!)

2007-09-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Happy Saturday. I have had a busy week and haven't had one minute to blog. I had two sick babes all week which any mom knows is exhausting not to mention filled with sneezes, wheezes and boogies! I too was quite run down as the boys alternated by hour who woke mama up! Thanks to Dimetapp, hours of TV and an extra dose of patience, we made it! We did it! Hooray - yes I am now doing the Dora dance!

Last night we had sushi with our good friends, Wendy & Craig from Calgary. It is always so nice to get together with couples that you both have lots in common with. That's how Wendy and Craig are. They have one babe Jack and are pregnant with #2 - another boys so yes we have tons in common. They came to our place so we could have the boys in bed early. Wendy - who is so thoughtful - bought me a pedicure from the new spa on Taylor - Aevi. I am excited to go, I have heard great things about it but haven't been. What a treat!

This morning we were up early, at Tim's by 8:30 and off to the Park West Y Neighbours toy sale. It was productive. We left with a drum, a bowling set, a dump truck and a Fire Truck. Brent woke up with his head pounding - too much good wine and I ended up with my head pounding from all of the new toys I couldn't resist buying! Man, between the drum and the fire truck I begged Hud to get back to his Dora addiction!

Tonight we're off to dinner with the 'Snaps and the Gompfs. We're going for Ethiopian - Kath's ordering as we've never been but are very pumped.

Have a great weekend.

PS - Thank goodness for grandmas who babysit!!!!

2007-09-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

The perfect person! Fun, fashionable, energetic, hard working and flexible. Did we just describe you or someone you know? If so, tell them that the best place to work EVER:) is hiring. Yes, we are adding to our staff and need more people on the floor.....We are interested in part time and/or full time hours.....Apply to info@shopanticipation.com

2007-09-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Okay. I am trying to get some work done, but Kath has distracted me, so I might as well sit down and write my blog. I don't know about you guys but I feel very unmotivated with this weather.

Anyway, we survived the weekend and Brent is home. Hoorah! It was overall very good. I would say that by Sunday we were going a tad stir crazy. Hudson had 2 incidents of bad behaviour which we dealt with but made me upset. He was mean to my sister Crys. Now, I think that probably sounds nuts! But the Johnson girls, minus Jen are a sensitive bunch. Keep in mind that Crys is very pregnant. He told her he didn't want to talk to her after she had worked all day at the store and this of course sent her into a bawling mess. She left without speaking and he carried on the way toddlers do. He seems to know how to push her buttons - I know he's 2 - and this all sounds crazy. But, I want my boy to be a nice man and I don't want my sis to have a sad heart! Anyway, we went to Blockbuster and got her a movie and treats and took it over with an apology and a smooch. All is well except I am on a mission to make him nicer to her - especially as her due date approaches.

So yesterday - just as we were all about to jump ship - single parenting is tough stuff, kudos to all of you who do it all year long - I took Hud to the Bomber game. He had a great time. He was on TV, the Jumbotron and they threw a little football at us. I did my babe proud, jumped out of my seat, stretched to the right and made a fabulous one handed catch. Just kidding it was right a me! He went crazy - I have a football - horray horray! He was great. Our seats are on the West side which means that most people are sober and aren't wearing fruit on their so a toddler stands out a bit. He really was well behaved and we had a great time but I did go to bed with Alexander Keith.

I too am battling the bulge but I am aware the a Nip for dinner and Alexander in my bed doesn't help.

B

2007-09-10T10:03:00.000-07:00

"Before I had kids, I was a perfect parent" - Funny but true!

Happy Monday to you all! Sad Monday for me - my sister and my neice have gone home to Cowtown! I was just getting used to them being here and somehow tricked myself into thinking they were never going to leave but seeing as my brother-in-law left last week I should have known better.

Now, I am depressed and flabby. I am doing the elliptical but it doesn't seem to be doing much. (It have to do with the fact that I ate a huge Hazlenut Lindt chocolate bar yesterday but it was calling my name)

The kids are great - Evy's first tooth is finally coming through - where have you been tooth? Harris is counting sleeps until Wednesday when he heads back to school......

Other than that I am going to get some R&R this week....

K

2007-09-08T06:16:00.001-07:00

Both kids in bed and ASLEEP at 7:30!!!! This is what pre-school does to a little boy! Harris would argue if he read this that he is not a little boy but rather a big boy. I feel they both are true. We made it through today! He was a star - I secretly was a bit sad that we pumped up the first day of school around here so much that he was counting down the minutes to drive to school. When we got there he had a quick photo with Reece, put his stuff into his locker and went off to see his teacher Miss Candise that he had met last week. All confidence, not even a good-bye. The teacher saw my bottom liver quivering both with sadness and pride and sent him back to give his mom a hug. She handed me a note of which I only made it through one line...a poem for the parents leaving their babies at school. I was a disaster! I called kirby at work barely even able to talk and he panicked, what was wrong? I managed to stammer out " He just walked in and left me.....waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa........" "That is great, that is what we want, we have a confident little boy who is eager to learn and meet new people, we have done good!"..................waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

I left for a little retail therapy in between with my sister and was one of the first parents to pick him up - he was one of the last kids to leave - HE LOVES PRE-SCHOOL!

Anyhow, here is the funny part....we met Miss Candise , his teacher last week at meet the teacher and my husband thinking he is a comic started calling her "Candi" and "Candi-Cane".....................I told him this would be disasterous on his part but he kept it up. Well, Harris gets in the car and I am asking him about the day? If he likes Candise and he promptly tells me..." I like Miss Candise but I told her Daddy calls her Candi, Candi" I said "Harris, you did not!" "Yup, Mom I did!" Funny thing - something has come up next week - "an appointment" and Daddy is going to have to pick up H" Who is the joke on now?

Off for a family bike ride to Fort Whyte before heading out to the store. Happy Weekend!

2007-09-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

Way too funny - all though naked Gompfs running around - what an image! In case anyone was wondering if I went into hiding, nope I just had writers block from my traumatic incident with Gage. Yes, we were at the store today. It was so nice and I think I still got it. I give Crys and Kath credit though - every time I come to the store it looks better and better!

So my hubby is off to Minneapolis for a boys weekend leaving in the morning. It'll be just me and my boys. Which by the way I plan on having at my side for the rest of my life. This has come up a few times with people in various settings as of late... My boys one day having a life of their own - I don't think so!

Sherry - Hudson's day home - told me today that yes, one day my Gage will have to start day care and learn to become independent of me - his mom! Well let it be known, I want to be at all of their school events, I want to root for them as they play local sports - none of this teams away from home business - I want to lunch with my boys when they have offices in the tallest building in Winnipeg. Heck if I sewed, I would want to hem their pants and pack their lunches too but I can relinquish some of my motherly duties. I mean really I want them to be well rounded and successful and fall in love but of course still love their mama more than kids love candy. Is that so wrong?????

My dear friend Wendy is coming in to Winnipeg, from Calgary and so I will get to have dinner with her this weekend. She has one boy and is pregnant with another, so we can stuff our faces and talk about how we want to be first in our boys hearts forever!

On a side note, I am getting Gage on a real routine, he's been sleeping three naps a day at quite regular intervals and hooray!!! he slept from 8:00 until 5:30 three nights in a row. Every day the balls become easier to juggle. You know it's funny that we all feel this way. We recently got an email from one of our amazing moms at the store and she recently chose to stay home with her babes. It is so hard! I think I finally get Shakespeare - To be or not to be? I ask myself that everyday!!! Until I figure out this crazy life, I will daydream about my babes staying little forever!

B

2007-09-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

Our first incident (well, major incident) as a family of 4 (ok, if you do not count Miss Evy rolling down the stairs last week)!
Picture this (but go a bit blurry on the pciture so not to be tramatized)

I am getting out of the shower in our room. Evy is playing on the floor beside the bed. Harris is in the bed watching Calliou and building a fort as per usual with the duvet. Kirby is naked getting dressed - he just came up from the shower downstairs. So 2 naked adults scrambling to get ready for a work day.....

Evy FREAKS out! She has been hit in the head from outerspace with a flying remote. Harris is stripping the bed of everything to boing!!! I yell at him and am saoking wet naked consoling Ev. Kirby hauls Harris off naked to get a time out. Both kids are crying and both parents are naked................what a way to start the morning.
Anyhow, both kids are fine! You readers are now tramatized - ah such is life. Ps. Am reading a great book - Between Interruptions - The compilation of short stories of Canadian Moms (many somewhat famous) on adjusting to parenthood. it was featured in the Free Press and is very good.

Had great visit with Brandi and Gage today! So nice....

2007-09-02T05:16:00.000-07:00

I am back to blogging. The week was slightly hectic to say the least, and although I thrive on being busy - this was a bit over the top and the house of cards (or my baby) may have fell....but more on that later.

We made it through the birthday party! It was awesome! Harris enjoyed every minute of it and has only just stopped talking about Goldie as though he was one of his best friends. To those of oyu in our section that saw the 20 of us leave mid way through a great game. We had no intention of staying just the fun of it! I would recommend a party there to anyone. Lots of stuff for the kids and a beautiful summer day! Harris was spoiled and has been outside mastering his rollerblades from the Macleans - his athletic ability is just awesome.

The rest of the week folowd with a form of organized Chaos at the Gompf house...I had my brithday and a week full of dinner dates, with friends, we made our Breakfast TV show (even Gage made a small appearance - Thnak you Gage), I ellipticalled (I did do it every day but it has oly been offsetting my eating frenzy from so many festitivies) and I worked extra because Crys was very sick.....

Oh yes, we met H's pre-school teacher on Thursday night and it was great! He loved it and slid into the open house with a quiet reserved manner but was not too shy! I am going to love going to pre-school.

The piling up began to get a bit overwhelming Friday with the arrival of our new furniture line - Yes, it has arrived and it is unreal. Solid furniture you can have from baby to wedding - it looks awesome. We worked all day and all night to get it in for Saturday! We did but we were exhausted.

Anyhow, I may have been multi tasking way too much Saturday morning when Evy rolled down th efirst 4 stairs to our basement half landing. I heard her cry but thought I would quickly finish up the dishes - what am I thinking????? I heard it the distinct cry and when I couldn't immediately looked for and took a miute to find her down at the landing. She is unscathed except for what looks to be a rug burn eye instead of a black eye....Me, I had the melt down - it took me 5 minutes to consle her and Kirby an hour to console me. I broke. I am taking the weekend off - R&R - I am not going to mulit task around the easy going baby just because she is so easy! We are going to play all weekend and make up for it!

That is why I jusped out of bed at 6:30 am to play with her - no complaints.....Don't worry as I write this the gate is closed and her big brother is teaching her to crawl ( all I need:))

Happy September long!

K -B: I am now in full running lead for the world's worst mom.

2007-08-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

Deary Diary,

I am probably THE worst mother on the planet. I'll explain but here's the road that led up to my realization.... Yesterday we spent the morning with Kath on her birthday. A Channel first where she was a super star and then breakfast. After breakfast Gage and I went to the passport office to apply for passports for the 2 boys. The line up was 3 hours - a should have lost 10 lbs sweating my ass off! Luckily there were really nice people surrounding us in line so I fed Gage and we snuck out to feed the meter all the while people kept our spot.

Anyway, by the time I hit the pillow last night I was exhausted. Hudson stays up later than I and boy are we battling bedtime these days. Anyway, I woke up this morning determined to get some things done. I needed to go through Rubbermaids to switch out clothes as these babes are growing too fast! The Rubbermaids are in the basement. By this point in the morning Hud had already watched about an hour of TV but determined to single handily steel WORST mom award I turned on the basement TV. That was just before I put Gage in his vibrating chair on the dryer. YES I AM AN IDIOT. But he cries if he can't see me. Anyway yes his chair fell off the dryer. I do accept this award. I caught him thankfully but will never sleep peacefully again.

He is now screaming as I write this entry so I should go. Please send me tips on how to get my toddler to bed! And, please don't judge I didn't mean to be so STUPID!!

B

I

2007-08-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

My Baby is 3! How does this happen? Where does the time go? I feel like crying because he getting way too big but there is no time for crying he is way too excited. The day started with a Spiderman Scooter and a hotwheels track (from Evy). We were outside watching him scooter by 7:30 am....my family arrived at 9:30 am for brunch, and presents - he is loving today. My sis, Darren, Kirb, Harris, Ev, and I went for a rollerblade and skated to show off his new pre-school - agh he is so big!

Harris has no idea it just going to get better tommorrow we head out 18 of us in the limo lounge to the Goldeyes game for his party! I am so excited I cannot wait - I may be more excited than him....Hopefully the weather holds out!

Me, well, I have done the elliptical trainer 2 days in a row so needless to say I am pretty pleased with myself. I know 2 days hardly earns a reward but this is one I can not pass up - my neighbours and dear friends the Maclean's are taking Kirby and I to St.Charles CC for dinner tonight for my bday (it's on tuesday) I have never been but I love food and I have heard it is amaxing so thank you Macleans.

Other than that - one thing, ok 2.....we are on Breakfast TV on Tuesday, Aug 28 morning so check us out......and the last thing is a customer's question....

She told me the other day that a nurse suggested that if she was planning on nurrsing she should start conditioning her nipples 2 weeks before and get her milk in pre-baby so the transition would be smoother...How.......have her husband suck on her nipples for 20 minutes each night.......OK, I am pro-breast feeding if that is what works for you ( My life moto is a happy mom be whatever that is means a happy baby) But, isn't the clenching of toes and chapping of nipples that much easier to deal with when you are staring at your new baby! Let's face the whole sex induing labour thing is hard enough at 9+ months.

Brandi asked - was this nurse a man? Oh well, off to celebrate some more.....

K

2007-08-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Okay this blog should be good, I am typing with a Mike's Hard Lemonade at my side. I have only had a few sips and am already tipsy. We're going to the Bomber Game. My mom is taking care of the boys - yes again - don't report me it's healthy! Anyway, TGIF!!! That means there's two of us to share the workload all weekend!

I had a great day today. My dear friend Katie came for lunch - we ordered in salads. We always laugh and chat and laugh and chat. I was telling her how I wished that Hud would watch TV and now I have an addict on my hands. I swear from morning until night now all he wants is Dora! She was saying how her mama - BonJo, nick name - thinks we are so funny today. because we restrict TV so much we have these addicts on our hands who act so zoned out when we actually let them. I think she's right. So, I am going to the football game, getting tipsy and throwing caution to the wind - heck we'll watch Dora all weekend!

Just kidding, tomorrow I may have a hang over, so I'll be back on track as of Sunday!

Have a great weekend.

2007-08-23T20:34:00.001-07:00

I just wanted you to know that I feel the fattest I have in weeks and I am inhaling the biggest ever piece of Raspberry pie because my new work regime starts tommorrow on my new elliptical. Yes, I am spoiled and yes, I am going to get fit or forever feel the wrath of husband if that thing starts to collects dust:)

Good night!

2007-08-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Gage is talking away to himself in his new room! Yep, we built the crib - don't ask it's a second child thing. Hudson is at Sherry's and I have had an xlarge coffee from Tim's. I wanted to pick up where Kath left off - Crys...

I remember so well the days that seemed to drag on as I increased in size. Crys is getting very close to having that babe and yet she is stellar at the store. To be quite honest, I didn't think they'd survive without me. Just kidding - they are doing an amazing job. My gratitude is endless.

Last night I went out on the town with Miss Mollie! Oh we had a blast as usual. We went to Mona Lisa - food wasn't too great, but the wine sure was and of course the company was superb. We solved the world's problems, laughed a ton and over ate. Sounds like a smashing evening to me.

My mom who is a total saint, she has been helping me out so much lately, looked after both kids. The night was a total success. I am curious though, does anyone out there ever stop and think - how can I repay my mom for all her babysitting services??? I know that as my sis reads this, she is thinking "Enjoy it while it lasts honey, there's a new baby in town!"

Oh and speaking of awesome staff, before I go I want to mention that we have a new employee - her name is Tara - who I am sorry to say I haven't even met. So welcome Tara! I am now going to relive my first mat leave and relax with my budding babe! If only I knew then....

B

2007-08-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

Evy and her Dad just hangin out!
Huskie Muskie: Where is Harris and Mom?

Rushing River - We spent the day there one day just for fun! As a child it was one of my favorite places. The funny thing is I remember it being so much bigger but Harris thought it was the biggest, greatest place on earth. I hope he will look back and remember these days as I remember my own childhood.

Jaclyn, Darren, Lilly (In the WOMbaby sling) and Kona

Uncle D with Evy and Lilly

Wednesday morning - a quick chance to blog about the weekend before H, and Kirby wake up.....Miss Evy is getting her morning exercise in the Jolly Jumper - something she loves. If only I was ambitious this early in the morning too. (oh, if you happen to read my blog Kirby which for whatever reason you only to remember to read 1 every month or so and then seem shocked that I might have been annoyed at you :) - If you read this in the next 5 days I really want an elliptical trainer fro my b-day - then Evy would be Jumped and I could elliptical beside her:) HINT HINT

Well, we are all back from the lake...well, except my parents who are staying out to "recouperate" for an extra day. (Side note: Harris is now up so this blog is getting shorter)

We had a great, great time. My sis, Hubby, and 10 week old baby Lilly are here for 3 weeks and we love spending time with them. We swam, hung out, went on adventures, ate way too much food, explored, and played games (blokus is my new favorite although my brother in law wont play with me anymore because i called him a dink - so I am a little competitive - whatever!)

They are tired. I know they are having fun and are so happy to be home but it is so hard to be living out of suitcases and travelling about with a baby and I know they are feeling a bit exhausted and the remaining 3 weeks seems a bit daunting.....my advice is move home!!! It would easier on everyone - just kidding, well not really but ok, yes.

This week is recovery - working....hanging out and trying again to eat healthy. Brandi and I signed up for Blokus Pilates are I am equally excited as scared. The store is great - Crystal covered for me this week and always did an amazing job.....we love you Crys....

Harris's bday party is this weekend and I am so excited...........# (It may seem a bit over the top) but us and 18 of our closest family and friends (4 babies, 4 toddlers) are going on the Limo lounge to the Goldeyes game. I can not wait -so excited............too bad he already spotted the Spiderman Scooter under out bed.....

Chat soon

Kath

2007-08-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday morning. I am home with just Gage. Hudson's daycare has reopened. It's the strangest thing. I am depressed. I miss him. I guess in the month that Sherry was closed we figured out a system and really made it work. On the flip side, I am going to pick myself up and enjoy Gage and all of his fascinating developments - he found his hand!!!

The weekend was fun. It was my in-laws anniversary - 36 years I think - so the kids made them dinner. It was a fish fry with home made fries, coleslaw, and lots to drink. Yep, you can imagine the calories adding up.

Because we came home early, I was able to get organized during the day and once the kids were in bed, I went for a jog, Yes, I said a jog! Now let's talk about this. Do marathoners not have children or what because last night as I began my first post baby # 2 jog, I felt as though my front bum - you know!! was going to give way to all of my organs which would fall on the ground as I peed myself. Thankfully I had Aura who pushed on and it was a beautiful evening. My question though is does that get better? The jiggles I mean.

As for today, well both boys overslept and peed through their diapers, so I have a hot date with my washer/dryer and I think my yeast has returned. Yet another reason to want to get back into bed and DIE!!!! I mean really, I thought we had this beat and then the boobies started to burn again! My husband thinks I am nuts to press on I know - of course he doesn't openly say I am nuts but the vibe is there. So, I am back to nipple cream and still have one refill of the heavy duty meds so we'll see.

And if all goes well, Gage and I may even venture out to Costco. Touch wood Gage actually made it home from the lake without crying which is a first and a huge milestone even though I had to sit in the middle seat watching Dora and shaking a Lamaze toy for 60 minutes. Wish me luck...

B

2007-08-16T10:34:00.001-07:00

Sexy Mrs. Gompf - Thanks Brandi but not the case, just holding it all in with a tight pair of jeans:) Today is Thursday and I started it out with the best intentions - to ride my bike to work but it backfired because I forgot to do a bank deposit yesterday and while ther was no way I could ride to the bank and store in time (Marley comes at 9 am and we open at 10 am) so I drove. There is a flipside - the Taylor Starbucks drive thru which just happens to be right on my way to the store. You can not do this with a bike! I am trying to skip Starbucks and hit up the Second Cup at the corner of Cockburn and Corydon - Second Cup after all is a Canadian Company and it is also owned by a super great couple who are huge supporters of our store:)

What else is new? My brother in law is in town for a few days and he is staying with us and both nights Harris has peed thru his pull up and instead of waking up his parents has gone and woken up his Uncle. Ty has been a great sport and both nights has gotten up with him, changed him and gotten him back to bed but I think this may be the last time he stays with us. On that note, does anyone have any advice on the situation? He will be 3 in a few days, when do I scrap the nighttime pullup? Is he only peeing in it becuase there is the option or is he too young to go overnight? Advice please from any experienced moms would be greatly appreciated.

Another piece of advice I need is Evy seems to have a bit of thrush in her mouth - what is up with that? She is only on the bottle and so how is she getting it? Are mny kids naturually predisposed to yeast? I have been treating it with chamomile tea on a q-tip and it seems to be passing. The only thing I read was that it may be caused by poor hygeine but I hope that is not the case with us:) Any tips on that one?

The exciting news is that my sister, her hubby, and my neice Lilly arrive today for almost a month - hurrah, hurrah...I am so pumped to be spending some serious quality time with them.

I am going to ride my bike with the kids in the Chariot to see them after work to make up for this morning. (I don't want to hear about it - Mrs. Parnell) Kirby can pick us up after work - he has been working way tooooo much these days so I am looking forward to a family vacation at the lake.

Other than that best get back to the store - I am busy bookkeeping.....

Kath

2007-08-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

Did you know that today is actually National Relaxing Day in the US? I heard that on the radio so I tried not to work as hard around the house! Actually me and my boys spent the morning shopping. I did manage to get some new duds. So, I am hoping that before long I can have a full fledged wardrobe again!

Tonight Brent and I took Aura - our dog - and the boys to DQ for treats. On our way we saw two seniors walking, they had to be in their 80's. We slowed the van rto turn ight in front of them just as the man bent down to tie the woman's shoe. Can you imagine a more beautiful sight? Then after our treats - I know I am just adding to my spare tire - two kids on bikes drove in front of the van. They had to be about 12, 13 ish. Anyway Brent slowed down in front of them and one of the two kids waived his appreciation. Isn't that also so nice to see - not quite as nice as the two seniors. I would love to experience that once in my life - a man bending down to tie my shoe.

Ignore my admission about the waffle cone treat - I am really trying to get motivated to get fit. I want to keep up with my sexy partner - Mrs. Gompf!!! I think the only time that I can fit exercise into my life is in the evening once the babes go to bed. They're off to bed, so I should get going; however, in honor of National Relaxing Day - I think I'll start tomorrow.

Sleep tight.

2007-08-14T05:05:00.001-07:00

Like Brother, Like Sister...Asleep afater a funfilled bike ride and adventure to Fort Whyte

Harris practicing riding his "2-wheelie" WITHOUT training wheels

Michael Komenda Skateboard Park Grand Opening

Evy and Harris (6.5 months and 2.9y)

Yes, I am welcoming Fall - I love the schedule that my life takes on all around my favorite show. I love to cuddle on the couch and I must admit I was always a geek who welcomed the end of summer and the chaos for back to school routines. Why doesn't this surprise any of you? My sister, husband and new baby will be arriving in a few days for almost a month and we are all soooooo excited. We will heading out to the lake for some good food and good times. It will be different this time because we will all have kids and Harris will have to share his Aunt and Uncle's attention.

Yup, Fall clothes are another one of my weakest and they are starting to arrive at the store making me almost want to be preggo again - ok, just for a day:) But, I love jeans, cargos, henleys, and sweaters....they are like a big old bowl of mac and cheese.

What else? Well, my parents are in from the lake getting ready for my sis's arrival so I am happy to hand over my kids for some much needed errand time and for them some much needed "Grandkid" fix......Oh ya, this is the most important part - minivans....we are test driving one at the moment - my husband has seen the light, one drive in it and he admitted this is the best thing ever! I now not cool but totally cool all at the same time. If we do not buy it - I know a little boy who will try. It is this great - I even went for a "drive" last night - Harris watched Spounge Bob with his headset on, I cranked up the XM Radio and chatted with Brandi and life was good....Ahhhh, minivan I love you!

Anyhow, here are a few pics from the fun filled weekend.

2007-08-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone. I too have been a bad blogger lately. I apologize. I seem to fill my week days with play dates and errands and my weekends with the Parnell's at the lake. I loved Kath's blog as it sounds so fall. I am actually looking forward to lazy nights although I am sure my friends and family are saying, "Yeah right!" as they read this.

I took both babes to Brent's office this morning, Freedom 55 Financial where everyone oooed and awed over them.. Cindy - one of Brent's co-workers - even offered to babysit the boys! Naturally I have to give my hubby a plug, he does mortgages so if anyone out there is in need of a mortgage or looking to refinance, call my man 999-6694!

Anyway, back to lunch. We went to Mongo Grill. It was awesome and the service was so great. They really catered to us and the boys! You know how sometimes you feel like a freak entering a restaurant with kids, ahem Earls - well this place was so friendly and helpful. We had a nice lunch and Hudson even banged the gong!!! Other than Gage screaming all the way there and all the way home it was a perfect lunch. I am having deja vu - did Kath write about this already???

Anyway, one thing that Hudson said on the way home, made me laugh out loud. "Mom, I loved the gong show!" I gather he has heard me talk about something being a gong show, banged the gong this morning and put the two together! Kids! In case you can't tell each day is getting a little easier for all of you out there who just had a second babe. I promised Kath I will be at the store soon! I am soooo excited about the new fall clothes, it reminds me of back to school shopping!

The gong show calls, better urn!

2007-08-12T05:17:00.000-07:00

I know my friends out there are wondering where I am but I warned you in my last post I was going into R&R hiding. Today will be the last day and then I will be out and back into the swing of busy life. What have I been doing?

1. I am newest addicted member to Moksha yoga (the new hot yoga studio on Donald) - www.mokshayogawinnipeg.com One of the owners Amy shops in our store and seeing her inspired me to check it out since I had been meaning too anyways for months. I used to be a regualr Bikram yoga (Hot) in Calgary and this just reminded me of my youthful days there. I feel like a new woman! I have gone twice in 3 days and hope to keep it up on a regualr schedule...although life with 2 gives an anything but regualr schedule so we will see. Anyone, the studio is AMAZING...the teachers are great and knowledge and the feeling you leave with is the BEST. I even got my neighbour addicted now!
2. Hanging out with the family:) It has been so fun and relaxing! We have hung out watched movies...gone to Fort Whtye...gone for bike rides, Harris practiced with no training wheels, to the park....went swimming at PanAm - all 4 of us (Ps.Did you know there is NO ONE there on Saturdays in the summer), picked out new books at the McNally, done some home reno stuff (just minor), made good dinners and enjoyed each others company
3. Friday night we went to the Michael Komenda Skateboard Park grand opening in Charleswood. It was amazing, a huge turn out and a real nice event. The Komenda's are friends of our in-laws and if you do not read the paper. Michael and his twin brother were skateboarding with friends and he died during a fall at the CanadInns Stadium. This is to provide kids with a safe place to skateboard...so hard to see the Komenda's re-live their loss but what an amazing legacy for their son. It sure is hard to think about loss as a mom....I need my kids to live forever.

I'll be back to write more - the kids are rearing to go - they may be addicted to the full attention of their parents....Happy Sunday....

2007-08-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

The most amazing things about kids is just how beautiful they are. My day, yet another crazy one, because my husband has joined the Manitoba Golf Tournament Association has made me reflect on these babes of mine.

I packed the two up - the Dora lover and the one who screams every second he's in a car and went to Safeway for groceries this morning. Hudson asked me questions the entire time and baby Gage fell asleep - yep in the Wom Baby. Where is the watermelon mama? Mama who is that? What is a shopper mama? Who is curious? I am curious? Where is my watermelon? Who is that lady mama? Look at that man mam, he is tall. Of course, I wasn't being to reflective at that moment, nor when we came home and I tried unloading groceries, unpacking babes and swearing under my breath at the newest member of the golf association! But right now, I am doing laundry and email and tidying the house, and I think to myself...

1. What a dull life I must have led before the trial by questions.
2. A curious little mind is just so fascinating.
3. I cannot imagine doing anything else besides loving these babes full time!

B

2007-08-07T13:54:00.001-07:00

I am not going ANYWHERE excetp for maybe a date with my husband for the next 2 weeks. I am exhausted:) I love going to the beach and away with the kids but it is a ton of work for the mom. Please don't get me wrong I have a great husband who will gladly get up with the kids in the morning and play but it is the behind the scenes stuff that I am talking about...I know you all agree. The packing, the grocery shopping, ensuring the favorite balnket and stuffed toy makes it, clothes in case there is rain, toys, books, sunscreen....and then the unpacking - ahggggg. I am taking a little siesta and let's face it my neighbours are probably wondering if they live next to an abandoned home by the length of our grass and weed situation. If you need me I will be home sitting on my fat ass - I know I will here from my friends that my ass is not fat but IT IS definately heading that way - my weight is going up ( it is the highest it has been in 2 months) and I was wondering why....it is the LAKE. Lake food and beer .......mmmmmmmmmmm

I need a detox, some healthly home cooked meals not started with an appetizer and washed done with a water or milk, not a beer or a cocktail.

What else is new? Harris's language is killing me along with the total honesty of a 3 year old....Here are a few of my favorites:

When drawing on his "etch a doodle" he asks - Mommy, do you like scary pictures or girls? I ask him to reapeat himself becuase I had no idea that these are opposites? "Mom - Scary pictures or girls?" I pause too long so he just goes on to tell me that he likes Pirates and hates girls.......

How can they have such strong opinions at this age and now I totally now why marketing to kids makes adults crazy - his birthday list has to be over 100 items.....he loves and needs everything...hmmmm

Other than that I am definately trying the new Moksha yoga this week some time and Brandi and I are joining some sort of class to get our asses in gear - any ideas.

Happy Tuesday all......if you need me I will be hibernating at my house:)

Mother Gooneybird

2007-08-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well The Parnells have outdone themselves again. The running joke at the cabin is, "Brandi - will this make the blog?" And believe you me almost every hour I could be writing a new episode of The Parnells. This weekend was fun, filled with lots of good eating, lots of laughs and even some down time for the parents. I have to sneak in a few bloopers though. My mother in law completely lost it - which is VERY rare when Not Me made made an appearance at the cabin. This was about the time that we begged the kids to watch Dora and Diego. There were a few good old fashioned fights amongst the toddlers, one accidentally bumped into the other and to retaliate, the victim clubbed the clumsy one! Of course, several times someone reached for the margarita pail as they tried to calmly discipline a child. My sister in law Michelle tried to keep control as we laughed hysterically at her. She emerged from her room with a diaper dangling from her Lululemons. And the highlight had to have been the brothers, minus Brent of course, singing and dancing to Mother Gooneybird Had 7 Chicks.

We came home at a great time, bbqed and got lots of house stuff done. So, I went to bed feeling really good. Somewhere in the night, Hud threw up everywhere and Gage woke up 4 times. I feel like there is poop and laundry from one end of this house to the other. I need espresso. I am excited though because today I am going wedding dress shopping with my sisters and dear friend Jen. My middle sis - Jen is tieing the know next summer. I am so happy for her!

PS - Kal we will take any help you can give.

PPS - Sorry no time to spell check, I hear a screaming babe!

2007-08-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

I just have to post this quote that a customer told me about having 2 or more kids....

"Having more than 1 child is like running a home daycare with someone you used to date" - I thought it was funny! Have a great weekend!

K

2007-08-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

Next time we think we should take the kids out for dinner - remind me - total waste of money....we tried to go to Mongo's grill and Harris's attention lasted a short few minutes while I shovelled my stir-fry into my mouth at warped speed - nothing relaxing what so ever! It is like throwing $$$$ down the toliet:)

K

2007-08-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

Helllooooooooooooo Friday - I am in love with the weather today....a tad cooler so we can go outside and play, play, play. The shower was sooooo fun and I was in my happy place pigging out on apps and of course, the world's most amazing cupcakes and cookies from Winnipeg's Best Bakery - High Tea www.highteabakery.com I may very well be addicted to their cupcakes and sugar cookies (oh ya and the Apricot Ameretto chews are the BEST) It is so nice to catch up with girlfriends. Jen and James (the guests of honor) are miving home this Fall from the Caymans and will be living 1 street over from me - how fun and cool is that?

Brandi and I did share a few beers and are back loving (well, of course we never stopped) those hubbies of ours....how can we stop they are such great fans of ours:)

What is up for this great weekend....well, we are hanging out at home tonight....having my brother and sister in law over for ribs tommorrow and heading to the lake for Sunday night at a friends cabin - old friends - can't wait to catch up:)

The store is open tommorrow and I will be there - our employee extaordinare is heading to the lake for a well deserved weekend of R&R......

A big thanks to Kal for her kind words and great store photos on her blog today! Check it out at www.lovelife.typepad.com - we so appreciate it.

Other than that I am off to enjoying the afternoon (I think I may just get both kids to nap at the same time)

K (still smiling at the Stevenson's good news)

PS

2007-08-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

I just read Kath's blog - okay are we on the same page or what. Thankfully we are going to a baby shower together tonight for our dear friend Jen adn her babe James. Yes, we will be spiking our punch. And, two - men! That's all I can say. And 3 - such amazing news about Brent!

2007-08-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am supposed to have an appointment to go for a bikini sugar - sorry if that's too much information but hey we all do it or should - and my appointment was for 5:30. I physically inputted the appointment into my husband's Blackberry which meant that he had to be home by 5:00 so that I could leave. Well he walks in the door at 5:10, very casually and all hell is breaking loose. Hudson is melting down because nothing is coming out of his dinky. He desperately wants to pee for a treat. Yep, we're potty training and Gage has bad farts which equates to tummy pain which equates to full out hysteria.
Anyway, the "doddler" walks in and is clearly put out because of the mayhem. He grabs Gage as I put Hud in a time out and run downstairs to put a load of poop filled blankets and a onesie in the wash. I run up, speak with Hudson, notice that Gage is full on screaming because Brent put him down to change out of his office attire. I pick up Gage, try to console Hud who is now bawling because he doesn't want mommy to go. Naturally I am watching time tick away - knowing full well that I could be one hairy beast at the beach this weekend.

To make a long story short, I missed my appointment with Linda at Blush - the best sugarer ever. Is that a word? I feel terrible because I like her so much, I actually think I might cry and I feel sad for myself who is now going to be chubby and hairy at the lake. The "doddler" has offered Hudson McDonald's if he settles down. So, I say, "I have missed my appointment now, why don't you just go?"

Hang on while I sip my beer... okay I am back.

He says, "Are you sure?" I feel I like killing him. "Yes, I am sure as I now have missed my appointment." He proceeds to get ready to go. I let him leave - gladly - feed Gage who is now smiling - amazing what a little TLC can do and crack a beer.

The real question though is clearly - Why couldn't he come home and tell me that he would handle things. Just go - it'll be fine. Oh that's right - because he is the man in this relationship and I should move heaven and earth for him but God forbid I don't want to be hairy at the beach!!! Did I forget chubby?????

Mmmmmm beer.

B

PS - I am not a feminist, I am a realist.

2007-08-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Thursday - and August already...we keep moving forward at lightening speed - the summer is nearing a close (well, ok that might be a bit dramatic), this month both Harris and I will become another year older and Miss Evy will move closer to being a 1 year old than a baby:)

What has been going on? Well, my son is a fish so we have hit the wading pool everyday this week tha I have not been working. I find them the perfect place to go - the water is warm for Evy and he can swim around all by himself. I bought him a snorkel and mask (to his request) and the crazy thing is he actually knows how to use it. He goes into the water with his face under and finds things like pieces of grass for me. I am happy it is a bit cooler outside:) I know I will regret saying this come winter but the heat is starting to drive me a little nuts.

I had fully prepared to be a single parent Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday ( I stocked up on quick microwave dinners for myself) because Kirby was off to Houston. He almost didn't make it because he forgot his passport and had to burn home to get it......Here are my thoughts on that:

1. Why does my husband pack for a business trip to the US no less, 20 minutes before he has to leave for the airport?
2. Next time I am anally pre-packing for vacation a few days in advance he needs to refrain from saying things like "we have lots of time to pack, don't worry about it yet, you are way to organizing and that is what is stressing you out......"
3. This is my new way of giving up some of my "responsibilites" so as to releive my full plate of stuff....I have given up being your mother too!

The ironic thing is he only made to Minneapolis and then had to return home because the meetings got rescheduled ( they for sure were planned by a man:)) Iwas happy to have him back - I miss him when he is travelling and worry way more than neccesary about freak accidents. Speaking of those, the bridge collapse in minneapolis yesterday was very sad - those poor people.

I have another rant that may or may not be of interest to you - my period. What is up with that? I know I am done nursing, so here it is and such is life but I feel as though I am a teenager again, crampy and crabby and that sucks. I forgot all about it and PMS. Guess, I best be careful so as to avoid baby #3. On that note, my anniversary blog was a typo - no I am NOT pregnant whenI said I was thankful for my 3 kids just momma brain.......I know that may have been too much info for all of you .

I want to leave this blog with a big CONGRATS to our very dear friends The Stevenson's.......You all made it....We couldn't be happier! Brent is now cancer free! Let's go celebrate!

Happy long weekend everyone!

Kathryn

2007-07-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am giving in. Lisa told me to do it and Kath inspired me to get some pics up on my blog, so here there are. Don't we look relaxed??? Well that was before my Monday morning shopping trip. Tomorrow is Brent's birthday and I haven't had a chance to go shopping for him. So, this morning was our first shopping outing alone with 2 kids. We managed but not well. After we had packed up the three of us, we embarked on what would be a rather stressful time for me and Gage but a great time for Hudson. As I am sure I have mentioned, Gage screamed the entire way there. I don't know why but he HATES car rides. Kath gave me a tip about the comfort of his car seat. I am going to try it.

Anyway, we pulled up promptly in front of the store at 10:30 - thinking they'd be open - nope. But I only discover that they were closed once I had unpacked the kids (Gage in Wom Baby) and got around to the front of the store. So, I had to pack us back up again and putting Gage into the bucket sent him into an utter tailspin. I quickly made a plan. I cannot go home and head back out again in 30 minutes, I'll go for gas and a carwash and maybe a coffee if Gage will allow it. Well it seemed that he calmed down by the time we got to the car wash but intuitively went crazy once trapped in the carwash. Calmed down by the time I pulled up to the pump and yes went crazy as soon as the kangaroo hooked us up. Kangaroo = grouchy Domo employee. Calmed down by the time we hit Tim's and went crazy as soon as we were trapped in the drive thru. Let me remind you that only 15 minutes have passed.

I headed back to the store and unpacked the babes once again. This time though Hud saw a fire truck at the fire station across the street so we headed over there for a peak. His eyes wide, he smiled and waved at the brave fireman. Next store, a Corvette: "My daddy loves this car." All the while he clenched his $1.26 which he stole from the change cup to buy his daddy a present.

At the store, Gage was awesome. Of course, he slept in his sling while Hud and I shopped. Well I shopped and Hud admired the skateboards. I love supporting local but definitely felt a little out of sorts at this particular store. I was old, chubby and had two kids so service wasn't great. Anyway, we got our gifts and headed back to the car. Hudson put on his headphones, dying to watch Dora and said "Mom, I hope Gage isn't fussy when I am watching my movie."

Yep, Gage screamed all the way home. We were gone for an hour and I came home drenched in sweat - probably mostly from anxiety. Anyway, we got a present which I hope Brent loves and we made it out together for the first time. Hats off to all of the mamas who came into the store with two babes while I was on shift!!

2007-07-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

Harris on the way home!

The water in this tub is way warmer than the lake!

Harris practicing to go boogie boarding!

Hanging out on the dock - thinking about a catnap in the breeze!

Most days I forget how old I am - I am still so young at heart! This morning my body has reminded me you are not a teenager, in fact it is screaming at me " Act your age!" I can barely move - WAKEBOARDING! My new nemisis - what was I thinking? My body feels as though it has been thru labour and trampled on by wild beasts - I swore off any more kids after Evy's labour and now I am swearing off wakeboarding. As you can tell we spent the weekend at the lake too - Glad to hear the Parnells had a great weekend - "relaxing"......while it is never that "relaxing" with small kids it is always fun. We had the fun of spending the weekend at Lake of the Woods between both sets of Grandparents. As always each one of us was spoiled. We tubed, wakeboarded (if you can call my lame attempts - wakeboarding) swam, fished for crayfish, had watergun fights, hung out on the dock, boated, ate, ate more, and ate more (once again I start my health kick:)) and slept like rocks. Evy and Harris had a blast! They love the beach and the water and even Miss Evy spent time in the water (the real water) not just her makeshift pool.

Kirby and I celebrated our 5th Anniversary at an amazing place Southview Inn and Bistro on Saturday - it is in Kenora and would rival any of the nicest restaurants here in the city - the patio has a huge two storey stone fireplace....gorgeous timber beam decks and tons of night time heaters - not that we needed it. The food is amazing ( I had the special - bacon wrapped fillet with a blue cheese sauce/butte, sauted mushrooms, roast potatoes, fresh veggies -we had crab cakse, bread with hummus and lots of wine) Where else would I want to be in life right now? No where...5 years of marriage to a great husband and dad, 3 beautiful kids....these are the things we whould focus on and this is what I will remind myself of when he is in Houston Tues, Wed, Thursday this week and I am running around like a chicken with my head cut-off:)

On a side note to do with business - we can not figure out the retail world - thinking this would be a slower Saturday we scaled back from 2 staff to 1...we were wrong - at one point Crystal had 11 people shopping in the store. We are very sorry if you did not recieve the service you expcet from us although I am sure despite the very busy day Crystal was still a star - she is such a great employee. Thanks Crys.

Other that that - I am trying to re-stock the fride, catch up on laundry, book keeping and have fun with the kids who are excpecting another funfilled day after the weekend. Here are a few pics - none of me wakebaording as Harris told me I was very bad at it and the pics are terrible.

Kath

A Tu Ti Ta

2007-07-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

Will someone please out a tent on this circus - The Parnells have come to town! Holy what a weekend. Again, it was nothing shy of a circus. Today we managed to take three vehicles and a boat to the beach. We packed 6 bags, 3 diaper bags and two coolers and yet somehow we managed to almost fold up a stroller with the baby in it, almost lose a set of truck keys, almost walk through a beach wedding ceremony and almost kill one another. It is all fun and games in the sun until one Parnell loses their mind and begins barking at the idiot who suggested such a feat. Do we have a HUGE deck at the cottage? Yes. Do we have a boat at the cottage? Yes. Do we have a shallow pool for swimming? Yes. Do we have a cooler full of beers? Yes. Do we have diapers and wipes and bassinets at the cottage? Yes. The question then of course is what the hell were we thinking?

The funniest thing about these wild weekends is that somehow we mange to forget the insanity by next Friday because we pack the babes up and do it all over again.

In amongst all of the commotion, my big boy had a Grand Beach first - he went tubing with Daddy. I watched from the shore, with Gage in the sling. I was sad. I was sad that I wasn't on the boat. I was sad that I didn't take pictures. And, I was sad that he wanted to do something so grown up. Of course my husband didn't understand. Why would he, he's a man. I know he had a great time and that I should be happy for his sense of adventure - I am just sad that I wasn't more part of the action.

I am going to try and unpack and head off to bed if only I can get the image of my brother-in-law, ahem Blaine, with his thumbs up and bum out singing A Tu Ti Ta out of my head!

2007-07-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

You know life is quite easy with one child! In fact, one day with just Gage and I have been able to reflect. Yeah imagine that - the old brain still works! I was thinking about a conversation Reg and I had last Tuesday. She's going back to school, her babes are 8 and 10, taking the Accelerated nursing program at RRC - KUDOS Reg. Anyway, she said she is so excited unless she thinks about it too much and then she's scared shitless - sorry for swearing in two blogs but it was necessary!

Anyway, I thought that was a great line. There are so many times in our lives when we are thrilled about an new venture but if we think about it long enough we realize the risks and challenges. With great risk comes great reward and vice versa. I think this is so true about parenting. Sure if we think about all that lies ahead for us, it's scary. But it is so exciting to think that as parents we have so much influence over another persons life. So today, I am writing to remind you that there are going to be times that are terrifying but know that the reward is intangible. You are shaping the future. Enjoy the weekend.

2007-07-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

In case anyone out there has missed me, I have been on the front lines - Brent is away on business so I am manning the fort. I hate to admit it but I have been busier than I am when he is home...

I know have mentioned this before but my friends and family are just too good to me - starting with the Gompfs. Yes our playdate was a total shit show! I am not kidding both my boys pooped their pants - Gage up to his armpits! This was not a poop bikini but a full on one piece! In between poops and shrieks and the occasional time out - Kath made us all lunch! It was fun.

We came home and our dear friend Reg brought us dinner. Sandy (Reg's partner) made us the most amazing pasta I have ever had. I ate like a pig, sour dough bread, wine and pasta with bacon in a cream sauce. Call me dense but I really don't know why I still look 4 months pregnant!

Anyway, yesterday was the birthday party which was so much fun. Something strange is happening to the Johnsons, we didn't fight once last night and Brent missed it!

In between all of our social outings, me and the boys have been bonding. We're like three peas in a pod. Hudson has been so well behaved for me - dad must have offered him something big! In fact he left for the beach this morning and my heart ached to see him go! Brent's home tomorrow, I miss him and look forward to our normal life where we are home lots, sleep deprived and bicker about taking the last cup of coffee!

B

PS - I hope my husband doesn't read this or else I won't get any sympathy at all!

2007-07-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

I know I am giving off the impression that I have free time as this is my 3rd post - not so much the case but I just wanted to comment on the Primetime: Family Secrets show that I just bawled my eyes through. About teenage adoption - I think that adoption is one of the most selfless acts you can do especially as a young person. I really felt for these girls and hink that the gift they gave those wanting families is truly an amazing gift beyond words.

Kathyn

2007-07-24T13:14:00.001-07:00

One more thing - I did want to mention that I would nto change my friends coming over for a minute - dispite the total and utter chaos I love to see all of you and your kids.

K

2007-07-24T12:07:00.001-07:00

GONG SHOW - this is the only description to honestly describe my morning and somedays it is the 2 words I think define my life. It started way too early - 6 am - Harris is up and is starting to get loud because we are refusing to put on cartoons but rather get him to sleep more. Not so lucky and in the meantime he wakes his sister an early riser also. Well, then becomes the battle of which adult with drag and heave themselves to the living room to supervise the circus brewing. Well, Kirby took the first shift and I the second while he went back to bed.

We knew the temperature was going to be a scorcher and that the Parnell family was coming over to play and for lunch. We hit the park early in the wagon and at 9 am - I was already sweaty and stinky. Perfect, we will spend the day relaxing in the pool.

Whatever!!!!!!!!!!! Who can have a baby outside in this weather, shade or no shade....and well, my wild toddler is just plain wild....I am starting to think what I once describe to many as being to smart is now just a big bad case of ADHD:)

We had 2 different sprinklers going, there is a huge playhouse, a full on camping tent that he and Marley (our nanny) set up yesterday, and a bball hoop but no this is just not enough. We also need to be inside, upstairs, downstairs, in mommy's bed, and launching ourselves off the couch.

This is before the Parnell's arrive. I think they are great but Brandi will post her own candid version of her family. My neighbour pops in with her youngest for lunch and a drink (crystal light but really all I can think of is beer, beer, beer:)) Megan has found her voice - while Brandi and I actually found it hilarious Marnie was close to pulling out her hair from Meg's new found shriek - so do you picture it now, 2 toddlers, toys EVERYWHERE, wet bathing suits, poopy baby, shrieker Megan (seriously funny), 3 very frazzled moms trying to actually have 1 (JUST ONE) meaningful conversion that does not end in " no, stop fighting, put your hat, no more spinkler, please pee in the toliet), and well, Miss Evy slept thru the whole thing:) My quiet baby girl is going to be overshadowed by her very strong, over bearing demanding, bossy almost 3 year mind of his own brother. How guilty do I feel about that.

Well, where am I now...Harris is sleeping hurrah! Thank you God.....Evy and I just got out of the pool which is as warm as a bath tub - I am hoping she will go for nap #2 soon and I will be on the deck , drinking a beer, reading a magazine trying to stay sane. Kirby - I apologize in advance but you may come home to night to find a red, drunk lobster on the deck that vauguely resembles your wife.

One more thing - the damn health kick is over - I was so frazzled this mroning I managed to inhale 3 m&m cookies that Brandi brought over for the kids and now I am considering a new diet - the liquid one - only beer.

Over and Out.

K (no time to spell check and I know it is disastourous but hey you got a good laugh)

2007-07-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well I on the other hand was home all day today with 2 babes in 37 degree heat. I mean really - who can do anything with a 7 week old in this weather? I of course began my morning with a running list of tasks, playing football was on there so I am incorporating our fun into my To Dos! After a round of long bombs, I went into the kitchen to do the breakfast dishes. Hud was with me at the fridge playing with leap Frog's fridge magnets. Now to properly set the stage, we were in the penguin pool before the football match, so naturally Hud was naked - took off swimmer upon reentering the house! Anyway, I am at the sink, Hud at the fridge yeah, yeah - when all of a sudden, Hudson says "Mama - I am a good boy, I pooped." I turned to see that yes he had pooped. The poop was right there on the floor and to be sure that he had, he checked - with his hand which was cover in poop. As though Gage knew the disaster, he burst into tears. Oh, Oh, how can I possible multitask this one. Well - first things first. I turned off the water and got the wipes - THANK GOD for wipes! "Now, touch your toes monkey!", a good angle to wipe the poop! "Stand still!" Scoop the poop, grab the babe and we're off to the races!

This week is our big week - Dad is away on business tomorrow until Friday. I am very lucky though as all of my good friends as well as our two moms have volunteered to help - even for an hour. I have playdates set up and a birthday party here on Wednesday for our star employee. Yep, my baby sis is turning 28!!! I am excited to celebrate with the baby of us three girls - as well I know my family will help me unwind and amuse my babies.

As Kath echoed - I got to see her twice last week! Man is she doing a great job at the store. It was so much fun being there last week. I love seeing all of the new preggos too. I still got it - I rang in a sale and remembered how! It's so funny because I had coffee last week with my friend Michelle and we were reminiscing about the minds we once had - that was before pregnancy anyway!

I must run as I am dying to spend a little quality time with my main squeeze before he jets off. Sleep tight!

B

2007-07-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

Monday Morning - ba baaaa - ba bap ba - Monday Morning so good to me:) Happy Monday! I am working - drinking my coffee and getting organized, filling you all in on my weekend:) How can you tell this is actually like relaxing! Wow - the weekends are busy! This weekend - a relaxing weekend at the Gompf house consisted of hanging out and taking care of 3 babies....oh you are thinking - don't you have 2 - well, Kirby has a cold so that makes 3!!!!

All 3 of my babies were sleeping by 8 pm on Friday night - so what does a mom do with her time? Well, I tidied up (yes, loser) and did some yard work - must of looked good because my next door neighbour - grass man on a mission gave me the total thumbs up on Saturday morning. I watched an episode of The Riches (my new favorite show) and went to bed - rather uneventfull but isn't that what a lazy weekend should be.

Saturday morning we let Dad sleep in - when Evy napped Harris and headed off to Canadian Tire and Home Depot to gather up a few more things for the yard. Harris was so good - he actually told me at one point "Mom, I am being a good boy because I turned on my listening ears before we left!" - It is amazing what one on one with a child can do - he is so easily bored that when I am multi tasking he starts to get crazy very fast and then we just butt heads.

I have figured Harris out - he does not like toys - he only wants to be active - unless I maybe bribe him to fix an appliance around the house with his tools - he is far more happy to be jumping off the couch, playing sprts, building forts, running around....no mega blocks, no jungle toys, no cars - nothing. This is why we are so tired:)

That was a bit off track but nonetheless Saturday continued to be a great day - Evy relaxed with her Dad and Harris and I went off in the Chariot to see my friend Cath's new house. The wind was not in favour in either direction and I was damn near dead by the time we got home ( a wrong turn in Charleswood didn't help matters). Harris at one point asked me why we weren't moving and I almost died as i was peddling as hard as I could into the wind. He proceeded to help me along by singing "Hurry, Hurry Drive the Bicycle....to the beat of Hurry, Hurry Drive the Firetruck. Thankfully, we stopped for a quick spray park on the way back to cool off.

Saturday night was a bore....Kirby still feeling the wrath of his cold had no interest in getting off the couch and well, I was starved for adult companionship. What does a girl do? Can her childless friends that might be going out? I could have but then I really just wanted to go for 1 beer and come home by 10 pm...they would just be getting going at 10 pm...I tried my neighbour but obviously she has a life as she was out......so I decided on getting a "treat" from Safeway and curling up on the couch with my sick hubbie....I head off to Safeway in my sweats and being very indecisive selected a buffet of chocolatey treats - so much so that the lady behind me in line commented on someone having a sweet tooth. I, of course, blamed my husband.

I went home and ate way too much thus going to sleep angry at myself.

Sunday - we went to our friends cabin for the day - a very fun day - Kirby was a good sport for coming but we had to leave early to get home for naptime - nope, not the kids him!

I am officially back on my health kick - do you think I will ever be successful? The week is going to be so hot and we will relax until heading out to Lake of the Woods next weekend to hang out with both sets of Grandparents - ahhh heaven.

Now that I have bored you all to tears I will return to work. If anyone reading this has any pregnant friends send them a quick email and let them know that we are having our huge summer blowout because we need more room for Fall.......

Other than that my life is rather boring and uneventful in the busy with young children way:)

Kath

Ps. Just one thought provoking comment - mom's out there do what works for you and your kids - a customer gave me some grief about leaving Evy at home to be at work - here is my thoughts....1. This is how it works for small business - the world does not stop or pay you when you ahve a baby.
2. What makes you happy - makes your kids happy!

Over and out.

2007-07-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! I have had a great few days - 2 lunch dates with Brandi and Gage - a real treat - lots of spray park action, exercise, great company, and great friends. To all of my friends reading - I love you all! I know admist playdates a real conversation is rare but I am so glad we are friends. I love the weekend! Things are hopping back at the store and we are loving it - tons of new arrivals coming in, great sales on summer stuff we need to get rid of to make room for Fall. Welcome to all of the new faces we have seen this week! It is so fun to see a new mom come in a try on a full waredrobe for the first time - the way their face laughs when seeing them selves with the fake belly - so cute....makes me almost want to be pregnant again (just kidding:)) For sure that is the end of sex life if my husband reads this ;)

Evy is still the easiest baby on the planet I think and Harris is a wild, wild almost 3 year boy!!!! He is not into any toys AT ALL just sports - he goes non-stop, talks non-stop (yes, he inherited this from me), roars like a dinosaur, tells me I have "plumber butt" when I bend over from 7 am -7 pm.....then a small meltdown...a shower (his new fave thing - maybe because he has his "almost" own cool tiled shower with bench - don't ask me how the 3 year old got the swankiest bathroom in the house) and then bed!!! An early bedtime is a must or I would die....as I write this I am tired and going to bed - my husband is sound asleep on the couch and it is 8:30 on a Friday night.....make fun of me now all of you no-kids couples this will be youone day too.

Anyhow, have a great weekend - wear lots of sunscreen it is going to be a Manitoba scorcher - hurrah Manitoba (point for Winnipeg - Jac and Darren)

Kathryn

2007-07-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

Oh ya - one more thing - juat wanted to ditto Brandi's sentiments on Crystal - she is the best employee ever! Love ya Crys!!!!

2007-07-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Retail Therapy - It can do wonders!!! I spent the last few days in Grand Forks with the kids and our dear friends the Macleans (Marnie, Colin, Owen and Megan) going nuts at the new Canada Inns waterpark and shop, shop, shopping! It was the best! Harris would definatley agree as he spent the first hour of the ride home bawling his eyes out for the waterpark where he had decided to live. We had so much fun! Parents - of you are looking for a cheap, fun vacation that is close to Winnipeg - this is it! The waterpark is so great and is set up for everyone from 1 year to 90 years old!

Harris loved every minute of it and Kirby and I relived our youth through him...although I must say that he is far more adventurous at 2 than I ever was...by the end of the first day he was going down the big slides (tunnels and all) backwards and on his tummy, laughing the whole way with us waiting at the end. A little too fearless for his momma.

Evy, well she preferred shopping to swimming but she did put on her bikini just to flaunt her new cereal budha belly! She did love the water park just not how Harris did - she decided the water was way too cold for her liking (not that bad - princess:)) but loved the fact that it was a giant personal noise machine and spent every excurision to the park sawing logs in her stroller. In fact, it was so hypnotic for her she barely had her eyes open the entire water park expereince and we must have done a total of 15 hours over the 2.5 days......

Me, well....I ate too much and wore a bathing suit all weekend so now I am FOR SURE THIS TIME on a good health kick. I did start the day off by riding my bike to work - if only I can keep us. Kirby, well....I bought him some new work clothes at Macy's so he was happy to foot the bill for my spree:) Thanks babe.

I am back to the store today - our big sale is going great and we are making some room for Fall arrivals. Brandi - had to laugh at Hudson - if only we could harness these negotioation tactics for the debate team.....

Anyhow, off to work

Kath

2007-07-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

So I was at home with both kids today. We were busy - which any successful moms knows is the secret to a good day! We filled the pool, played at the park, picked up lunch, visited Grampa - who took Hudson for a ride on his scooter! and managed to do a few things around the house. Anyway, after naps while Gage was sleeping, Hud and I went out to lounge in the pool. I slathered on the sunscreen, put on a hat and filled up his cup.

As we were relaxing in the sun, I said to Hudson, "Please be sure to drink lots of your juice to stay hydrated." He looks at me and says, "Mama - don't be so bossy. It's rude. If you don't listen with your ears you will have to have a time out! No chances."

So, that makes me wonder, should I have had a few drinks while I was pregnant? Ha, the little stinker is just too smart. He uses all of his knowledge to negotiate and try to discipline his parents. I feel badly for Gage - imagine how he'll be bossed around???

Speaking of Gage, if anyone knows how to get a 6 week old to sleep better in the day, I am all ears!

2007-07-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

This blog has to be dedicated to our star, preggo fabulous employee Crys which many of you know and love. I spent the weekend watching my little man, Hudson go for boat rides, fish with the Parnell men and just play all day. Yes, it was another crazy weekend at the lake where I had bacon for breakfast, monster cookies for a snack and hot dogs for lunch - any wonder why I am battling the bulge???
I remembered though to change quickly after swimming to avoid a recurring episode of Thrush - touch wood I think we have it beat. Heck, I even had a couple of pina coladas all the while various outlaws made cracks about what would make it into the blog. It was a weekend of lazy days. I even shaved my legs in the shower without stressing for a minute that Gage was crying for me to get out. It was a great weekend and while I sat on my rump, my baby sis ran the store - which she has done for many Saturdays now. So, I want to say THANKS Crys - you are doing a great job.

Good nite!
B

2007-07-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

So last night we had friends over to meet Gage, Jenn: Doug & Brayden and Uncle Shawn. It was a total gong show. Gage cried from 5 - 10:00, now officially a fussy babe. I bounced with him on the giant exercise ball - works great at calming babes, thanks Kath - and walked laps with him in the Wom Baby. I actually think if I am bouncing him with the sling on, he's a perfect angel! As I said, it was a gong show and we're the parents, I think it was birth control for Shawn. At one point, he asked if he could help me. I said sure, passed him Gage and went outside with Brent to see Jenn & Doug off. When I returned, maybe 5 minutes later, Shawn was calling for me. Gage was wailing, the TV was on a station off the air and the Baby Einstein drum was in the background singing, Play the drum everyone play the drum! Man did we laugh and refill our drinks!

With all of the inspiration that has been circulating, I want to give a big shout out to all of the health care providers that have been with Gage and I over the past few months. We have some some of the best care and I think that's inspiration when so many people are upset with our health care system. There are still many people out there who care - one of the best, Dr. Black - my last minute OB/GYN. I saw her this morning. She said that I am healed - well physically that is. I doubt mentally I will ever be the same. I asked her about my hot dog bun - that's what I think my belly looks like after a c section - a half bun flap on either side of my incision. She said time heals all, except maybe the boobies - war wounds. Yikes, so much for a sex life.

Anyway, I am off to the lake. Have a great weekend everyone and pay it forward - support local and hug the ones you love.

B

By the way, I am trying block feeding and so I have one boob the size of a watermelon and one the size of a pea. I am sure that will be so sexy at the beach this weekend. Over and out.

2007-07-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

This is just what the doctor ordered to kick me out of my exhausted, depressed,over scheduled, self-doubting past few days. Hurrah mommas...hurrah Women! I am back - all of you readers, friends, amazing women out there - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all of your comments and emails. We need to do this for each other more often...confess, we aren' t perfect women, wives, moms, or friends - we are human. We have insecurities, we want to please, we stress, we struggle, we get down, we have challenges, and at times we are just getting by BUT if we are honest with each other we realize we are in this together - we can help each other out. We need each other, we best understand the pressures on today's mom and today's women!

I spent the night checking out some really great blogs and there is a ton of inspiration out there. There is a ton of great talent too! Here is one of my new fave's www.lovelife.typepad.com - this is one really cool Winnipeger and soon to be mom!

Now, if only I could fix my abs:) Off, to do a few sit-ups - What can I say it 's the new me and I am going to try and capitalize on this energy and get some new abs to go with my new attitude.....

Kath

2007-07-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... I too have a few minutes to myself :) The grandparents are in from the lake and I am getting a nice day off to run errands etc. Funny, how running errands without any kids makes it seem like a "treat" for the mom. I have to suggest that everyone read the book "Even June Cleaver would forget the Juice Box" - it is a book all about some of Brandi's earlier comments. It talks about the pressures of moms in this day and age, the stress we have (sometimes self inflicted), keeping up with the Jones, the early start to education etc.....and is very, very , very true! We have it at the store and I recommend it as a definite read!

Speaking of pressures and stresses... As I feel that I am very honest on this blog- I need to discuss the store. I have been thinking a lot about Army Surplus closing and it makes me sad to think that it is so hard for independent retailers to make a go of it. We love the store, it is for sure our "third" baby with Brandi and I being the parents BUT the store is the very challenging! We are both having a hard time struggling with the balance between our "labour of love" and our small children - both are full time jobs on top of being great wives to super hard working husbands:) Truth be told is we need more support from you , our customers, anonymous readers, friends and customers more now than ever. We receive so many great emails and so many of you come in to visit and ask advice and we really appreciate your support and encouragement. We have met many women entrepreneurs who share our struggles of owning a business. Now, we we are asking a favour of you.

If you love our store and want us to see us around for many generations of moms and families to come - we need you to put us at your fore thoughts when shopping. We know it is easy to grab a gift at Walmart or the mall but please consider us too.

We have so much to offer......maternity clothes for every price range, the coolest blankets, tried and tested baby gifts, gifts for first birthdays, gifts for moms, clothes for kids up to 24 months....shoes.....all unique, some affordable, some luxury, hand picked items that are close to our hearts and tested by our kids. We stand by all of our products and match competitor prices. Please come with your kids - it makes us miss ours a little less. We have great parking in the back. We would love to see you.

We really love the store but at times it can seem as though we bit off more than we can chew -we like all moms need a little reassurance.

Other than - we are babysitting the Maclean kids tonight - always a ton of fun and so I should go finish my to do list.

Kath

2007-07-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

I am so afraid to write this BUT both of my kids are sleeping at the same time! Yippee! I just cleaned the windows and changed the laundry - I fell like a million bucks!

Last night I snuck out for 45 minutes after the kids were asleep to go to see a friend off who I met in a Book Club. I used to read a fair bit but now I have children! Anyway, I wanted to see the group and wish Linene well. It turned out I got more than I bargained for - it was good for the soul. The group of women is very different and therefore bring different perspectives and life experiences to the group. It's great.

Anyway, two things I took away from the evening I want to share...

1. I asked one of the Grandma's in our group - What do you see as the biggest difference between your generation of moms and mine? She smiled, she has a grown daughter and a grandchild. She said that we worry too much about the small things.

"Like what?" I probed.

"Well, like brushing teeth and eating donuts." This reminded me of the poem When I am an Old Woman, please read it if you have not - it's brilliant. Anyway, she said that she thinks our generation is so worried about whether or not our kids have all the food groups at all the meals, whether or not they brush twice a day for two minutes etc. She said that she regrets not spending less time worrying about little things and enjoying herself more. I think I should heed this advice.

2. And this one from another mom - of 4!!! Our first borns will never remember life before siblings. Therefore, new mamas, don't stress about how your first born is handling the new baby so much. Yes, be considerate of their feelings, but really they will never remember - providing the age gap isn't too large - that they were once the centre of the universe! I thought this was another great nugget as I often fret over how my little Hud is doing.

And now, I must maximize this time. What shall I do: sleep, clean, read - oh the possibilities are endless. I think I will have whatever color Popsicle I want, on the couch and not share one bite! I am going to smell the roses.

2007-07-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday. I shouldn't have read Kath's blog because I just sat down and made my ToDo List of all of the household chores I should do today. Now I feel like I should just throw caution to the wind and skip out on all motherly duties for the day! Yeah right! This is especially timely because we just got home from the lake - imagine one cabin full of Parrnells - it was so much fun and totally chaotic at the same time. We ate way too much, I had more monster cookies than I am willing to admit, drank and pumped a little, swam, sunned and boated! The kids and adults alike love boating.

Sounds fabulous right? Well it is except I sometimes feel like a bug under a microscope. When you have that many people watching you - you always have to be on your best behaviour. Anyone know what I mean?

Many moons ago, that would have meant that I drank way too many margaritas, snorted when I laughed and fell out of my chair trying to get to the toilet so that I didn't pee my pants laughing! Just kidding mom, that was never my style. Now a days it isn't that kind of behaviour I am referring to, it is my anal tendencies which I am trying to work on. I like things orderly and organised and I like to get ready at my own pace. Well with a cabin full of people who are all pretty relaxed I stick out like a sore a thumb. I'll bet they giggle about my idiosyncrasies when I leave!

Switching gears , thank you to all the moms who emailed and posted Thrush advice. I wish that someone would have mentioned swimming. I - and yes I know this sound stupid - sat and swam all weekend and now am paying for it with the raging thrush!!!! Duh!

I will end today's blog with this...

Saturday at Grand Beach a huge commotion was sited. Large crowds of people simultaneously parted and made way for what appeared to be a white, jelly belly on legs. Children shrieked. As it moved closer it seemed to have blender boobies, a pony tail and a sagging butt. What was this thing? Suddenly a women blurted out: "Don't fear, it's just a mom who has donated her body to her family!".

B

2007-07-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

It is very hard hanging out at the beach allday!

Amber and Harris at Stonewall Quarry

Ahhhhh....Sunday afternoon - air conditioning and a few minutes to myself. It has been busy and hot! Harris, Evy and I spent the entire Friday swimming - so much fun. The morning was catching up with an old friend and her kids in visiting from Barrie at her parents pool and the afternoon and evening was swimming at the Stonewall quarry with friends Amber and Adam. Kirby was at an all day all night golf tournament so I decided we would do nothing but hang out and have fun! I must say while I got not one thing done at all other than fun - it was great!!! Harris behaved better than ever and well, Evy is just too young to be anything but great! I know this too could be a parenting tactic but if we did nothing but fun we would be called DAD (just kidding) and get nothing else done so we will try and alternate these days. I feel as though Harris is getting bigger on a daily basis - he swam in the pool by himself ( I was close by of course) with water wings and even went down the big slide. He has also mastered a two wheeler (or wheelie as he calls it) with training wheels - thanks Char so much for lending it to us.

Yesterday, we went to the zoo as a family and well today, since all the Dads are at our streets golf tournament - most of us moms are outside with the kids hanging out and playing toys....the sharing has been relatively ok even thought there are at least 10 boys. We will all have abbq tonight and then back to life as normal...

What else? I am still trying to eat healthier, exercise more and find a bit of time for moi aside from all of this - it isn't that easy hey mommas? Chat soon. K (This was a boring entry - just an update - unlike my husband thinks I do not thrive on drama:))

2007-07-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I shouldn't laugh but the last posting Brandi made me bust a gut! You must be also looking thru the Gompf family windows in between feedings because that with a few adjustments is my life too and that of many others.
I know that as a parent it is my job to tame my wild toddler but I am just not sure if I am going to make it - thankfully we are not a high school romance because Harris and I would definately be "taking a break"!
He is a great kid with such a fun and silly spirit but I can't seem to see past the other stuff right now as all I feel I am doing is trying to teach him manners, show him that drawing lines and circles with pee on the floor is not cool, correcting him when he tells me "To stop bugging him off" (which clearl y he has combined from my stop bugging me and bug off....aghhhhhhhhhhhhh - I was frustrated ok) and trying to beg him to nap so as to avoid an all out meltdown at 7 pm due to lack of sleep.
He will be 3 next month and yet he tells people he is going to be 20!!!! I think he might be 20 in the head - as he is full of manipulation and stamina way beyond what his mother has.

Is this what we do tame the beast? It is by far the hardest job requiring the most will power and stamina ever! Dieting should be a breeze after this:) Evy is still a great girl and I wonder why I ever bitched about 1 baby (sorry moms out there I know in the moment it too is VERY tiring) although I know with her our teenage years will be way too nuts for this blog and this is the blog of honesty.

Anyhow, I am at my sanctuary - WORK:) Good to go - I will make it I may just look a little older and have a few more, grays and winkles....and I may just be tipsy form the permanent bottle of wine in the fridge but don't judge me:)

Over and out.
Kath

2/3rds crazy and 1/4 nuts!

2007-07-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am officially losing it! Yesterday I was laying in a tanning bed relaxing when all of a sudden my milk let down and I started leaking. Holy s**t! Milk staring running down my armpits, down my back and pooling under my bum! Now shouldn't your underwear be safe from breast milk??? And this morning I feel that the theme song for the circus should be playing in every room of my messy, disorganised house. You know the one... Do do doodido!

My sister-in-law Lis said something very meaningful to me. She said, "I always thought mat leave was to figure out how to be a mom, catch up with friends, join moms groups, go for coffee! Well it's not, I have to take care of my babe every minute of the day! I can barely do housework." Well that's how I feel, especially today with two munchkins. I walked the dog, filled the pool, played trucks, nursed, had a sip of coffee, played Shrek, nursed, changed a bum, nursed, played hockey, got snacks, nursed, changed another bum, played catch, nursed, put my toddler to bed, peed, had another sip of coffee, ate on the run and of course nursed. Now throw thrush into the mix and I am verging on crazy. Somewhere in there I also spoke with a lactation consultant, the pediatrician and the pharmacy. I now have 15 free minutes and I am blogging and nursing and it's only 2:00. When does my husband get home???

By the way, if anyone out there has thrush advice - bring it on. I feel like it is slowly getting the better of me. Oh man, my baby was just about to fall asleep nursing but he pooped himself awake. I should run before I join the circus!

B

2007-07-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

I will get on the plane. I will get on the plane.....I am going to repeat this until I am actually on the plane and there is no chance to get off. It is going to be very difficult to leave my sister and Lily. We had a great weekend. Ev and I got lots of bonding in, for us and with family......We even managed to give Jac and Darren a rest and take Lilly out for a few hours. It is those slings again....I put Evy in the stroller and Lilly in the cuddle wrap (yes, I did stock Jac up with all the different ones as there is a sling for everybody out there) I have attached a few photos - one I love is Evy trying out Lilly's cowboy boots which arrived just in time for Stampede.

While I am definately goingto have a hard time going - I am sooooooooooooooo excited to see H and Kirb - I miss them crazy...of course, I have learned the hard way so I arriving with gifts for my almost 3 year old.....he will be happy. And I did drive 45 minutes to Longview to stock my hubbie up on the World's best jerky!!!!!

More to come once I am settled back at home. Evy is teething like crazy - must discuss that too.

Kath

7th Inning Stretch

2007-07-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Let me set the stage...

The Goldeyes game was so much fun. The unfortunate part is that we got there in the 3rd inning and were rained out by the 5th! After Hudson's nap, we began packing, collecting and getting the family ready - which took us to the 3rd inning - game started at 4:00 for our first big event as a family of 4. Dad dropped us off at the door because we had so much gear they probably thought we were moving in. We had spent almost $50 within 20 minutes on food and souvenirs - mini donuts were a staple of course! Hudson had his own seat, Gage was in the Wom baby. We cheered and laughed and ate. Hud even giggled the whole way to the car as we were dumped on by mother nature. It really was an hour of pure bliss. The comedic part happened when we began our descent home.

Hudson in the back in his Goldeyes hat and #1 fan mitt asked us 375 times "Where is Goldie?" We answered him about 200 times, he's at the ball park - speaking loudly over Take Me Out to the Ball Game which was playing by request on the stereo over and over again. By the time we reached Polo Park, we decided we need a coffee. So, we headed to Tim's.

In the line up, Hudson was still pestering us about Goldie as Gage woke up. Each car that edged up made me more and more tense. When we got to the window the girl was soaked and stressed out and took 3 hours to get us our order - at least it seemed that long. Dad booked it, thinking the motion would settle Gage. No luck, we had to stop. Imagine a steamy car parked in the Michael's parking lot. Upon first glance one might imagine teenagers making out. Not us, I had my boobie out, Hudson was belting out his new song, eating chocolate cookies and occasionally remembering to ask us about Goldie and Dad was losing his mind. Rain pelting the vehicle. Brent and I laughed at how funny this situation had become!

Life with babes, it is the most fun! Regrettably we didn't get to the 7th inning stretch!

Oh and I woke up in sweat, I had had a night mare that Kath wasn't returning to Winnipeg. I hope you had a great trip - now get home!

PS - First picture is of Goldie's #1 Fan - second is Gage sporting a new Parade outfit & Small Potatoes binky leash from the store- completely organic!

Happy Birthday Canada

2007-06-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day Weekend. I hope wherever you spend the long weekend you are with loved ones. What an amazing country we live in - especially to raise babes!

So, here 's the update on a life with two boys... Well firstly, my boobies are getting batter, thanks to Maria the LC. She was awesome. I went to see her on Friday - my second visit - and she gave me some great tips about feeding. In a million years, who would have thought that breastfeeding could be such a learned art??? We definitely have thrush and therefore purple nipples as well my babe is starting to fuss. But all in all we are hanging in there.

I agree with Kath about the WOM Baby sling - I couldn't survive without one. I take is to Costco, walking, and even use it around the house! Speaking of which have I mentioned I feel like Cinderella.

It's so funny as I type I have a squirmy toddler on my lap who is insisting it's his turn to send emails!

Well I must run as we are off - all four to the Goldeyes Game. I will write if we all survive.

Congrats to Cristina - our employee who had a healthy baby girl!

We made it - Hello Lillian

2007-06-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say we have arrived - oh Lilly is even cuter than I remember...just a peanut compared to Evy now. The 4 month difference is so dramatic now but in years will be non-existant. Evy was great on the plane - she realy didn't sleep just took the time to practice her smiling on new people. Upon arrival we headed right to a baby shower and it was great to see many of mine and Jac's old friends....Guess what Lilly got THE cutest pair of pink cowgirl boots ever. I am going to post of picture of Ev trying them on later today and she may just need her own:)

I am trying to get miss E to adjust to the time change so far not so good - we woke up at 5 am Calgary time and napped from 6:30-7:45 am - I guess what is the point except for the switch back to Winnipeg would be in our favour.

Oh ya, I also put Lilly in her WOMbaby sling form the store and she drifted off to sleep while I did the dishes. It is so amazing what a little experience can do for using the sling so if any of you momma;s need sling help please come see us. They are so wonderful.

Well, off to rest up for Market Mall....hurrah.

Kath and Ev on their big adventure....

PS. H is great - he and Dad shopped Toys R us for water pistols and are heading to the lake today. First thing he told me this mronig was he already had a time out for shooting it in the house so I put him in charge of watering the plants.

PPS. Marley (our nanny) the kids had an awesome time at the zoo -Harris cannot stop talking about his lemonade:)

Here's a pic of Darren and Lillian

I Know I say this often but Where does the time go?

2007-06-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

How is it that you wake up one morning and your babygirl is sitting on her playing with toys and your son is sitting, watching a movie (Chicken Little) and laughing out loud at all the funny parts ( I watched, I too would find them funny....how is it he already knows humour?) I know I say it way too often but where does the time go and how is it already July long weekend. Happy Birthday Canada - I think you are THE most beautiful place to live.

I am off to Calgary today to see my sister - the good news is she went back to the lactation consultant so she knows why she is having pain nursing - the bad news is it is that pesky thrush:) Anyhow, I can not wait to see her - I am excited to hold Evy the entire flight - there are just not enough hours in the day for her and I to cuddle. Harris and his Dad are going to the lake for a boys weekend - they are picking up supersoakers, BBQ'ing til the cows come home and doing somme tubing - not too fast ok boys. It is much deserved for H - he is such a great big brother and deserves some real quality time too. I wish him and I could get out more often together too but I know it will come and things will settle down.

Well, I am off on my travels - Don't worry I will come home - I always get to Calgary see my old friends and have a what if moment......what if we had stayed - how would our life look now? No regrets - just curiousity.....

Remember we are closed this Monday for Canada Day! Have a great weekend . I will chat at you from Cowtown.

Kath

Ps. Is the Parade stuff not the most adorable clothes - Anticipation is proud to say we are now carrying more organics.......

Our girlfriends...

2007-06-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Firstly, thank you to the moms who left me comments. I appreciate it. I often wonder, does anyone read my blog? But i had a couple of nice replies and I even checked out a few new blogs because of it. I love Blogging, it's like being that fly on the wall!

I titled this post Our Girlfriends because when I read Kath's entry, it made me realize how wonderful and important our girlfriends our - especially to our sanity. I feel so strongly about this after having a c section. There were so many good friends who made us meals, dropped off baking, came and did laundry or even came to visit and entertain Hudson. I cannot thank all of you enough for helping me maintain my sanity.

I salute you moms out there - Kath - who can take on so much and still make it a mission to help keep your friends from sinking. It's rather timely that I had a deep chat with my momma about parenting today. She thinks I am too hard on my little monkey. I on the other hand, feel that he needs boundaries and it's my job to help him see that. Anyway, I also feel that in speaking with my mom, our generation is so different. Our greatest accomplishment is that we strive for so much out of life. As moms we maintain our identities, please don't be offended mom - while we help our babes to develop their own. Somewhere between our careers and our families, there are great women who need girlfriends to keep them motivated.

So, I thank all you amazing friends that I have in my life for all that you have done to help me keep my sanity while our family grew by one! You are amazing everyone in different ways and i know who to call if I need a drink and who to call if I need a recipe and who to call if I need parenting advice.

Love you all!

2007-06-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

I thought I finally had it all together and the rest of the summer would be relaxing but clearly I am not fully recovered from my brother in laws wedding (more on that to come)....Guess, what I did this morning...I went to Assiniboine Park with Harris and Evy to meet friends for lunch in my SLIPPERS....yup, had them on and just left the house like that - not Crocs or sort of shoes but full on slippers....thankfully, I didi have a pair of pink loafer type shoes in the car but they really didn't go with the whole Lululemon outfit - where is my brain?

I guess, I still recovering from a great weekend at the island for Ty and becky's wedding - it was beautiful - even with the help of my parents full-time it was absolutely exhausting. Pakcing uo with 2 kids is just alot of work:) One another side note is my hubbie and I are all high school sweethearts again - funny how a good wedding will do that to you!

I can not even comment on the Soul to Soul concert I missed it sinks me into deep depression so I will NOT go there. Ev and I are off to Calgary on Thursday to visit my sister, Darren and my new neice Miss Lilly. She needs me - not in any way that she can handle but just in the way where the whole esxhaustion fo new parenting is sinking in. I am so looking forward to just hanging out and shopping out H&M for the kids......

Off for a nap - must take advantage.....get my brain back:)

2007-06-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Today is the 24th, Paws in Motion Day. We usually go and I miss not participating. It sure is a hot one though, I congratulate any furry people and their owners for supporting the Human Society.

The milk truck is in full force, while I blog. My doggy and two big boys are out playing. That is one disadvantage to being the milk truck - your husband can be out playing and having fun while you're stuck inside feeding. Don't get me wrong, I know it's a big help having your husband entertain the toddler, but still I like to be in on all the family fun!

Okay speaking of fun - I SAW TIM & FAITH!!!! Yes, that's right, I got tickets the day of the concert - a girl was selling them on the radio and Brent and I - yes I said Brent and I - note: Brent being NOT a country fan!!! went to the concert. It was amazing - we had so much fun. It was our first date since Gage was born. I even had 2 beers! I loved it. So, to say the least I won't be pecking any one's eyes out! I was sorry Kath couldn't be there - she would have LOVED it!!! But I know she's having an amazing time at Ty & Becky's wedding.

Switching gears.... for anyone who has bought Kula Kilps from the store... Matt Damon's daughter, Isabella was spotted wearing a pair - cool hey? The girl who makes them is from Edmonton and was down in LA and gave him a pair.

Well, I should run. I have loads of laundry to wash, dishes in the dishwasher to unload and bottles to sterilize. I must say though that I am disappointed in my lack of feedback from all you moms out there. I never get any comments.

I will try to entice you once again. Hudson is out playing with a new organic bug spray on from Australia that is edible, 100% natural and safe for use on babes. I will let you know if it works. If anyone out there has tips on Bug spray for kids, please write in! Happy Family Day - Sunday!

Brandi

2007-06-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have a coffee in my hand, am air drying my blender boobies and Gage is snoozing in his vibrating chair! My blood pressure is almost near normal - let me explain... Last night we had Jana, Russ and Tristan over for dinner. Everything was going great - the kids were playing, the dads were drinking beer and me and Jana were catching up. All at once a toddler was crying. Naturally no one panicked as this is a common occurrence with toddlers. Brent went to see who the victim was and what the problem was.

Well, it was my first born babe and he had fallen off the Little Tykes slide in our basement - (onto carpet). Blood was shooting and no I am not exaggerating, shooting out the back of his head. His new fancy shirt - my mom gave him - cover in blood as was Brent's. I started to panic! Brent calmly said, Brandi get a wet towel fast. So, I moved into assistant mode and did as he said. To make a long story short. The cut was small and we were able to stop the bleeding but man I almost had a heart attack. I have since found out, thanks to Google, that kids at this age do bleed a lot with head injuries - naturally causing their mamas to have heart failure. We all recovered, many smarties later and had a great evening. Hudson is not one bit more cautious and I am a bag of jitters. Imagine when he's playing athletics!

In case you can't tell, I am finally almost myself again! Yahoo! I had an awesome day yesterday. I spent the morning with Mollie and Maggie and we ate and chatted and laughed for hours. It was so good for my soul. Then I packed up my babe and we went to the store for coffee! So much fun! I remember why we opened the store in the first place. I got to spend time with Kath & Crys and see all the new fabulous products, but also talk to real moms. I loved it! Afterwards I even picked Hudson up from daycare. Look out world, here I come!

For all of you who are going to Tim & Faith tonight - enjoy. I will be home drooling like a dog. This is the kind of jealousy that makes one want to peck eyes out! I, like many other women LOVE Tim and would love to be at the show tonight! My mother has told me numerous times that this is the last chance to see them ever. Which makes me drool even more!

I am off to a meeting with a lactation consultant. I am going to see if I can improve Gage's latch. I did get some good advice yesterday from one of our mom's (Gurumama) which is helping but still need to get these boobies back in shape!

Have a great day.

Brandi

2007-06-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Oh my God did I laugh out loud when I read Kath's blog. How sad is it that this is how we communicate - via blog? Kath, I do remember the days when we would sit down and discuss business ideas over a few wings and many pints of beer. Where have those days gone? I had Ellen on this afternoon, it was a repeat but none the less funny, she said a day off for a mom is called College! Man.

Parents of 2 year old need to stick together!

2007-06-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Parents of 2 years old need to stick together! The occasional glass of wine may help. I am so happy you shared with us because I was there all weekend too! It started with the block party - a great day minus the one episode where I had to discipline Harris in front of ALL the parents on my street for not sharing. That is so stressful - you know everyone is watching you to see how you handle the situation....it wasn't good and resulted in me fireman carrying him home for a time-out in privacy (Brandi - think the vaccuum cleaner fight H and Hud had:))

Of course, the day was long and there was way too much sugar so once we finally got the kids to bed we went out to enjoy a drink and firepit with the neighbors on the driveway. Is is so much to ask that we too have a life? Well, we didn't go to bed early and Evy didn't sleep thru the night, and harris woke up way too early and CRABBY! I of course, wanted to also make Father's Day great so we made French Toast with our eyes half shut and No coffee ( I ran out the day before and i can not keep up with the errands). The weather wasn't so hot so we decided to skip the Ex or bike ride to the Forks and do whatever Kirby wanted. He decided a Daly burger (to satify the crave) and a stroll down Corydon with Evy in the sling and Harris could ride his bike. Ya right. We did make it into the car but stopped to get coffee - Huge mistake....Harris wanted a donut from Tim Horton's - we are on our way to lunch. However, I too bribe my child with treats (I know it is terrible) so I got him a chocolate Timbit just to avoid a meltdown from a very grumpy boy......He no longer likes timbits only donuts and this is where he lots his marbles.....and so did we. The dumb thing is we still tried to go to the Daly burger but when we got up to ordered andhe wasn't getting a donut he collapsed face first on the filthy floor and lost his mind. Kirby packed him up, I got it to go and we ate it in the car driving home.............................

I can relate. I need advice - is the 3's really worse than the terrible 2's like so many people have told me? Is is now jealousy to Ev? Should I take all sugar out of his diet? Is he really not needing the nap in the afternoon. Help.

Brandi - come visit me.....I miss you:)

Here are a few block party pics.... H and E were soo cute in their Big Bro and Big Sis camo's (new at the store)

2007-06-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day! I hope everyone had a great weekend.

A few dear people in my life made mention of the fact that they thought my first blog was uneventful. Well, this entry should be anything but dull.

Firstly I woke up this morning with a real bad sleep hangover. For those of you who are wondering what the heck that is, it is when you wake up so tired you feel hung over! Brent says I am full of these odd expressions... Anyway, my babe went to bed for the night at 11:00 p.m. was up every two hours. Naturally I am exhausted and feeling sorry for myself because I look like I am four months pregnant (saggy belly) with bags under my eyes - extreme fatigue, sore boobs and the ever flattering pony tail hair do that I sport most days!

I am in a bit of a mood as well because I tend to pump up events like Fathers Day in my mind so much that reality often has trouble living up to these plans. My husband, Brent is an amazing dad and spouse. So, I wanted yesterday to be the best day for him. It started out good but spiraled into a two children disaster by night's end - let me refresh your memory - 11:00!! On our way to family brunch Gage bawled hysterically. On our way home, Hudson bawled hysterically. And somewhere in between Brent went from bribing our two year old with ice cream if he would come off the play structure to carrying him over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. Because Hudson is two, the whole event was catastrophic in his mind. He screamed and hit and embarrassed us beyond belief.

I am thankful that each day is a new start. Now that we are "experienced parents" no one gives us newborn advice. But now the joys are that everyone gives us psychological advice on why Hudson is crying hysterically. It is his way of adjusting to the baby. In my mind, he is just two and a little person with big plans. As for me, well I hope one day to do my hair again and hey if I am going to be a real optimist - have boobs that don't feel like they have been put in a blender.

How's that for real?

Brandi

What a Great Day!!!

2007-06-16T07:59:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful day! The sun is shining, I have had my coffee, and am enjoying a great morning at the store!!! We are happy to announce one of our favorite part-timers has returned to help us out - Welcome back Shani! Can you beleive that Nicolas is already 6 months old????

We are currently having our Mid-Summer sale and everything is 15% -75% off this week only so be sure to check it out. There is a ton of great stuff for both the mom and kids:)

I am so happy to have Brandi up on the blog. I miss her like crazy so it is a nice way to keep up with her without calling everyday like a stalker. I know she told me this when I was off but I really miss her here at the store - we have our own little marriage going on. Speaking of marriage - my rbother in law - Tyler is gettting married next week - hurrah!!!! If I have more typo's than normal (after all who has time for proofing) forgive me - I am growing my nails:)

Today, is our blockparty so Harris is waiting at the window for it ot start....a Superman slide and a fire truck - could life be anybetter for an lamost 3 year old???? He is going to wear his "Sharing is overrated" T from the store just to forewarn the rest of the kids, that YES, he is not into sharing anymore.......

Tommorrow, is Father's Day and we have big plans but I can not post yet or I will ruin the surprise.....Happy Saturday to my friends....I am happy to be back blogging soooooo liberating.

Kathryn

Ps. Thanks so much to everyone that supported my Weekend to End Cancer walk - our team of 6 raised over $16, 000 - I have inlcuded a few pic and 1 of my new niece (Me, My Sis, My Momma, and Lillian)

2007-06-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

This is my first official post as a mom of two! That sounds so great to say. We are all doing really well - the babes better than the parents of course! Brent and I are sleep deprived and over worked but that's the life of young parents right?

I want to thank everyone who has sent us their congrats and good wishes. I miss the store but feel like I still have my hand in the pot! I am getting updated on all of the great things that are happening and will be there for coffee real soon.

Our newest member is a total gem - touch wood. So far and I know this probably will change, but Gage is an awesome baby. He eats and sleeps and occasionally is awake looking as his new surroundings! We are very thankful for a smooth start. As well, Hudson - has taken his role as a big brother very seriously. He is a wonderful helper and full of love for his little bro! It is completely different this time around. I haven't a spare minute to educate myself on all of what I should be doing. So, I am winging it and it is working out just fine!

Today we had our pictures taken with the amazing Jodi of Gingersnaps. It felt quite chaotic so I am not sure how the pictures will turn out. I told Brent I was nervous that we didn't get too many good ones. Brent said knowing Jodi they'll all be awesome and he's probably right!

Well it's 9:30 and that means that I need to get in some sleep before my big babe is ready for his first night feeding - breastfeeding, a blog unto itself - so I better get my butt to bed. I hope that you guys will be interactive and send me any tips you have to make life easier! I would love to hear how any moms out there are combating night wakings in toddlers!

Good night and I hope that you all have a great Fathers Day weekend!

Brandi

PS - Good luck to any marathoners out there!

June 15, 2007

2007-06-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

(Gage August Parnell - Born May 31, 2007)

IIIIIIIIIIII'MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM BACK!!!

Hi Everyone,

After a month hiatus - I am back. Our website is almost re-done and so you will be able to check us out again thru it. Where have i been - everywhere!!! Celebrating the birth of Brandi's baby - Gage, visiting my new neice Lillian, and walking in the Weekend to End Cancer are a few of the past month's highlights!!! On top of that, I have been working, running the Gompf household, playing with my 2 wonderful kids and gettingready for my brother in laws wedding - what a busy life.

The great news is Brandi too - is hopping onto this blog so there will be two of us......so keep on reading - it is bound to have all the makings of a good - minus the steamy sex scenes -ha - we are parents of 2 now and both are little....so sorry to dissapoint but the steam is few and far between but enjoy!!!!

Tuesday, May 15th

2007-05-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Today has been a very relaxing day! Of course, the day started with one of favorite people - Nick the carpet cleaner.....I know I am a bit of a freak but he does the most amazing job of your carpets and for cheap too! He did all the carpet in the house and everything looks and smells so clean. I thought it was about time since Sam is in doggie heaven and cross you fingers but Harris is full on toliet trained - hurrah.

Next, came Marley our new nanny to meet Evy and start feeling her way around this house and life. She will be coming 2 days/week when I head back to work soon! She will be great and it will be nice not to battle rush hour traffic for both Kirby and I each way:(

I am a little sad still (nothing against Marley) but just for the end of the first chapater in Harris's life - Sherry's! He has been there since 11 months part-time and loves her and all of his friends. I explained that today is his last day and when he left he told me he was going to say good bye to his friends.....I wonder if he really understands and how long until it is a vague memory. Anyhow, Sherry is great and is accepting new kids so if you are interested you can call her directly at 889-0398....she is near Polo Park.

Speaking of our kids, I put on my full mama bear suit this weekend and I had to take a step back as I know this is just going to be life....but the big kids on the street left Harris out!!!!!!!!!!!!! They didn't mean too but it was so sad for me. More so than Harris.

H, Ev and I were out playing and a few kids down from us were playing hockey and we all know Harris is hockey nuts so he wanted to play. He is a naturally shy kid upon initially meeting new people but couldn't contain himslef for hockey so we went over, with our stick and helmet and offered the use of our net.....well moments later I look over to see H standing off to the side holding his stick and just staring sadly at the big kids. I ask what is wrong and in a brave but soft little voice without any tears he promptly tells me "Mom, the big kids aren't passing to me"......oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

What I really wanted to do was beat them up :) but I used my new mom attitude and let them know he was smaller but he would like a turn....well, he took a shot and scored!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The big kid announces "Hey, he scored on me and I was trying" Of course you were trying - Harris is actually good. Ha!

Anyways, being left out was a distant memory but I am still sad about it - hence you reading about it. How am I going to handle our events as he gets older....getting cut from a team.....getting dumped - my heart will not be able to take it. I wish he would stay small forever....Above are a few pics of my hockey star.

Anyhow, while Miss Evy is sleeping I am going to get some work done on my soon to be sister in law's shower - a Thursday night dessert buffet ay my place - just what my diet needs:)

Sunday, May 14th

2007-05-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hi all of you Momma's reading - I hope you are having a relaxing day................Here are a few pictures of me and my family enjoying the day:)

Off to watch Desperate Housewives and Day of Ferberizing Miss Evy..........

Saturday, May 12, 2007

2007-05-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day Weekend to all of my friends and bloggers.......

What you are about to read will revolutionize your life - my neighbour recommend me this book and I swear someone was taking the thoughts from my brain and writing them down.

Babyproofing Your Marriage (by Stacie Cockrell, Cathy O'Neill, and Julia Stone)

Listen to the chapters....

How did we get here? Parenthood Changes Everything

Baby....Boom! Welcome to the foxhole

What's the Score? The post-Baby Battle of the Sexes

The "Sex-life" of New Parents Coitus Non-Existus

In-Laws and Outlaws - The good, the bady, and the ugly

Ramping Up and Giving In - More Kids, More Chaos

Balancing Priorities - Where Do we go from here?

Ok, it also contains stuff like....Scorekeeping - an exceedingly complex, often relentless, tit for tat waged by husbands and wives over the division of parenting responsiblities and domestic chores....

The 10 O'Clock Shoulder Tap

Clash of the Grannies

Ok, Here are a few thoughts taken directly from my life - and I mean directly.....

Men Answer Women's Number one Question....

Q: Why don't guys see the domestic crap the way we do?
A: They don't see it because they don't care. They just don't care.

I will keep adding stuff here and there but read the book - it is true, funny, and gives great tips on how to survive the craziness.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!

Thursday, May 10th

2007-05-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hey there Mommas......someone got me on a kick about me and all of my damn advice ( I know I can dish it out but can I take it??? - I am a Virgo after all!!!!) I am going to post it on here and take it or leave it - just 1 measley opinion.

And all of you out there with advice send it to me and i will put it up (kathryn@shopanticipation.com)

Here is the advice I doled out the other day - GRANNY GITCH - it is an absolute must have if you have had a c-section...who wants low rise rubbing up against a scar and a bruise...not I...not Lisa :) and definatley not you my friends if you should have to end up having a c-section.

We have the best at Anticipation (if there can be a best kind of granny gitch)- Bravado Briefs....why are they the best because thy have some room for that waterbed tummy we so adore after giving birth...so it is not only, sexy high but sexy loose.

Girls - I am not kidding you these are a must - send that hubby in if you have a c-section or stock up yourself if it is planned.

On a side note - How great was yesterday????? We had a pool party in the backyard - so fun. These are the days I love being at home - great weather spent outside......I have attached a few pics.

Has everyone dropped the Mother's Day hint - do not be dissapointed and see if they remember drop 1 hint at least:) This will lead me to my next must have - read more tommorrow I am buying it today............

Oh, ya another thing I love - the Chariot - top picture - our family could not live without it - we went roller balding yesterday morning. I am still trying to get in shape. I am back to pre-baby weight but there are some serious fat deposits in weird places......I know that I am setting myself up for total dissapoint but now that I am done having babies shouldn't I get my high school body and high school romance back ( don't worry all of you Kirby was my HS sweetheart)

Kath

Sunday, May 6th

2007-05-06T17:40:00.001-07:00

What a busy weekend! I did more socializing this weekend than I have in the last month. Firday night ws a fundraiser at Alive for our" Six in the City" walk to end breast cancer team.....thanks so much for everyone's great support - we raised over $2000 that night alone. I had an awesome time - a beers with some friends I wish I could see more often. Belinda from High Tea donated a gift basket of her delicious baking (www.highteabakery.com) and when I went into pick it up, I of course had to get an assortment of her cookies. The Amaretto Apricot chews are my alltime fave and so a few of those and the beer and well, that was the start of mega blwoing my diet this weekend.

On a side note, here is a deal for any moms looking to get out - every friday at Alive (www.aliveinthedistrict.com in the exchange) you can get a manicure, 2 martini's, and a massage for $25...it lookes like a fun way to spend a few hours with the girls on Friday after work.....business girls club look out this is our next dinner date:)

Saturday, started way too early. It was the Lindenwoods gargae sale and we were doing all proceeds to Breast Cancer....it was supposed to start at 9 but when I opened up the garage door at 7:45 am to set up I was swarmed. All I can say was a cold, wet way to spend a Saturday.....

Then onto the night - we went to the Young Associates Balck and White Gala - it was really well done and we had soooooo much fun! Thanks to Grandma Harris for sleeping over to watch the kids into the wee hours of the morning. We went in the Limo Lounge (www.limolounge.ca) - the perks of owing it I guess:) with a neighbor couple also attending, Scott on of Kirby's business partner's and 2 single gals (ok, I was setting him up) ...THe pics can not be posted - way too riduclous but I was way too late, had way too many martini's and am worried now about the walk since my feet are so tired today from all the dancing......

Today is just the recovery day.....all in all a great, busy, fun filled weekend. Oh ya - the kids are great harris bought Evy a Barbie convertible at a neighbour sale - I thought to play with when she is older, he thought to drive.....

Sunday, May 6th

2007-05-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged!

2007-05-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

It's Brandi here, invading Kath's blog. I feel I can since she tagged me. I will get to that but first I wanted to brag about my new nephew. My sister-in-law is a real trooper. You may have met Lisa while she was shopping the store out; anyway after a long and no so fabulous labour, she delivered via C-Section Madden Brody. He is absolutley adorable and they are all doing great - daddy too! 9lbs. 3 oz. - man babies are getting big!

Now for the 7 things you may not know about me...

1. Pancakes have to be one of my favorite meals.

2. I LOVE Tim McGraw.

3. This is hard - maybe I am not as interesting as I once thought! I am a reformed English teacher who loves to read and write although I haven't done much of either since I had my babe.

4. I have a hard time not being in control- working on this as I age. My husband is is an amazing man who reminds me often that my way is not the only way!

5. I value grandparents more than I can articulate. I don't even mean my parents who help out tons with Hudson. I mean my grandparents.

6. I would probably eat one of everything at DQ.

7. I rarely will watch a movie twice.

Okay - now I'll pass this back to Kath. Over and out!

Saturday, April 28th

2007-04-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!! I've been tagged by Adrianna at Tiber River (www.tiberriver.ca) What this means, I think, is that I have to tell seven things about myself that you may not know, and then tag seven more people. Here are the 7 things you are least likely to know about me...

1. My husband and I have been together since I was in grade 10 :)

2. I love to cook and am a very adventurous eater! I have slowly coverted my family....

3. I have my Engineering degree.

4.. I am trained in offshore survival. This means I know how to properly evaucuate from a helipcopter that has crashed in the ocean and survive. This is mandatory for working on drilling rigs in the ocean. I have worked in the Atlantic Ocean (off of Halifax) and in the Beaufort Straight ( between Alaska and Russia)

5. I completed the Full Vancouver Marathon in 2002 (4hours 17 minutes) - one of my most proud accomplishments to date

6. I love country music:)

7. I used to love rollercoasters but now they scare me:)

8. I could spend our family fortune at Costco!

9. I absolutely hate needles and work myself into a total panic - it is a wonder I have 2 children.

10. I love a good glass of red wine or a red-eye!

There, I tag....Heidi and Jodi from Gingersnaps, and Brandi - I will think up more of you to hit up so stay tuned.

Ps. It is a beautiful Saturday morning and we are off for a family rollerblade......I'll be back.