Swimming hole, Jet Fighters, and Date night!

Last week was a busy week - in the yay we're having fun busy kind of way!

Quinn and I went to Aldergrove Lake, a small man-made filtered 'lake' (more like a huge outdoor swimming pool) surrounded by beach in the middle of trees. Very nice setting!

A million kids though - this isn't a place you would go if you were kidless! So, a million kids, and a swimming hole - means a million X the Pee!! EEEWWWWWW.

It was 30 degrees, it was hard enough to let Quinn in the water, but it was so hot and Quinn wanted me to swim with him... So I let go of the reality of yuck and enjoyed the moment of summer fun with Quinn. We had a blast. Swam for about an hour or so, then he happily played in the sand. I was really wishing Ursula & the kids were by my side. :(

The Abbotsford airshow was this past weekend. The whole week prior we had Jet Fighters sonic booming over our heads. I thought it was really cool, but the novelty started wearing thin, especially when they were flying so low over our HOUSE! It was so loud. As cool as it was, it hurt Quinn's ears. He was scared, but not.

We filled his little pool in the backyard. It didn't warm up as much as I thought it would, but he still had fun. So much in fact that he decided to do the full Monty.


Our babysitter went home to Denmark so we haven't really gotten out so I found a new babysitter. A mature lady, just moved here from Edmonton. Quinn is quite fond of her. So Lair and I went to Restaurant 62, one of Abbotsfords few Finer dining establishments.

It was nice. A little 'unpolished' when you compare it to a few high end eateries in Calgary (and compare it to Hell's Kitchen! LOL)... However, the food was great. We got a free Appatiser (Lobster Bisque Soup) because they ran out of Lemons for my long island ice tea. I had a 14oz Rib Eye and Lawrence had a rack of Lamb... <-- WHAT Lawrence ate meat? That's right my friends, he fell off the vegetable wagon ;)

I will go back, but only because we try a sampler appy dish, and their short rib melted in our mouths - I gotta get me some more of those!

After our dinner we headed off to see the Dark Knight. Loved it!


So that's about it from our neck of the woods.


I have two summer wishes, 1) to drink beer on a patio with my friends, 2) to play in Reily Park wading pool with Quinn....



Sigh... :(

Quiet time... too good to be true.

Quinn has been having a hard time getting in his afternoon naps because we need to be up and out the door during his regular nap time... So instead, he has 1 hour of "Quiet Time", which usually consists of me going upstair 4+ times in 1 hour telling him it's QUIET time, not run all over the upper floor time....


Today however, I only had to go up there twice. I was so pleased. I figured he was either sleeping, or playing quietly in his bed. I was prepared to give him an extra special nummy snack. I approached his door, ready to enter beeming with love & adoration for him being such a good boy.... I open the door and.... No Quinn. Huh?

So I peep into our room thinking he tucked himself into mommy & daddy's bed to nap..... No Quinn. I walk into the bathroom.... no Quinn. I hear something. It's coming from the spare room. The spare room which he never goes into. The spare room that I keep the door closed all the time.......

I open the door.... He looks up and smiles and waves "Hi Mom" he says as he is sitting on the bed covered in ripped Christmas wrapping paper surrounded by all his no-longer pre-wrapped Christmas gifts from Nan....(which were in a tied black garbage bag). I had to contain myself as this was amusing and quite cute, but I was quite mad.

After a stern talking to, I made him sit in his room for another 15 minutes... I don't think he knows what he did was wrong... I hope he doesn't do it again. Now I have to re-wrap all these gifts!

Agra-Fair

It's "agra-fair' time in Abbotsford. Pretty much a a mini stampede but the focus is mainly on "Agra" stuff, antique & modern tractors, 4H clubs critters, farming, + expensive rides, games, food and drinks.

Yesterday was a beautiful day. We went at 11am, hoping to beat the crowds, and to go to the rides before it was overtaken by teenagers... omg, did I just say that?!? Once there, we decided it wasn't worth the price for the rides, but there was a 'Kid-zone' full of Boingy Castles so we steared him that way and he had a blast. Man Boingy Castle have sure changed since I was a kid! They are so cool!

This fair has family potential, maybe when Quinn is a little older he/we would have enjoyed it more. But there were many firsts for him. We shared a Corn Dog, a Shaved Ice Cone and Cotton candy!



We saw all sorts of farm critters, including some rediculously cute miniature ponies, and some piggies.


In conclusion... Quinn had fun. :)

The briefest glimpse that left me happy.

I was napping on the couch with Quinn this morning. I was in a very light sleep when I had a dream. Now, I'm not saying it was a vision, or a visit, it was just one of the 2 second dreams.

I was standing in my living room, looking at the front door. The door opened, and it was Sean, in a very blue shirt with a very big smile on his face....

My thought was YAY SEAN! I woke with a jolt, eyes opened wide and a very happy feeling.

Like I said, I'm not saying this was anything overly Significant; I think my subconscious brain was just trying to cheer me up. Thinking of that smile... makes me smile.

Celebrating Life. mourning death and enjoying family and friends...

My quick trip to Calgary was exhausting to say the least! I was such a wreck here all by myself after I heard about Sean. I contained myself on the flight to Calgary, but the moment my suitcase came out, I lost it; luckily mom was right outside waiting for me... I just hugged her and cried. She said "there's a little boy in the car who wants to see his mommy"; I can't remember if I said it, or thought it, but my response was "I need MY mommy" and hugged her even harder and longer.

Friday night was the wedding rehersal. It was nice to see everybody and have a visit, except I felt so awful, still hurting about Sean; I didn't want to bring it up or talk because I didn't want to ruin such a happy occasion. It was hard to keep my composure, but managed. Quinn didn't do too well with the whole walk down the isle thing, it had me quite worried (and embarrassed).... :( We've been talking about this with him since Easter, and he's been super excited to be Brent's little helper, carrying the pillow with rings, but he just didn't want to cooperate with walking down the isle.

Saturday was long. Quinn got to get ready with the Groomsmen. They all looked super fantastic! They rode in a Limo Bus to Heritage Park and Quinn got to go too! We met them there and they did photos. It was tiring trying to keep Q happy, and the few pics he was in, he wouldn't cooperate... again :( and embarrassing. But hey, what can you do, he's 3!

He did the best he could do walking down the isle.... well, walked a bit, threw the pillow (thank God the real rings weren't on it) then ran the rest of the way! Lair had to chase him to the back where we tried to keep him settled to enjoy the ever so beautiful wedding. It was hard as he was tired, cranky, hungry, uncomfortable, etc...

When the ceremony was over, I 100% lost it! Lair had to tend to Quinn for pictures while I sat in the van on the phone with my mom... Sean's funeral was at 7pm. The ceremony was at 6:15 and I think ran a bit late. There was no way I could get there in time, as well I was too upset to drive. I asked mom to watch Quinn, Lair dropped him off while I cried on a few shoulders (thanks everybody!). I hadn't really spoken to anyone about how I felt about the situation with Sean as I was trying to stay focused on the wedding, so this was my release.

I got it under control in time for dinner and Lair made it back in time too! I calmed down and enjoyed a wonderful meal, basking in the love of Mr. & Mrs. Brent & Chrystal Boychuck. There was a touching slide show and the dance was a lot of fun.

Afterwards we ended up at a post wedding house party. Again, I lost it, taking about an hour (?) to talk/cry/rant/mourne... then I just kind of went numb...

Sunday we were both really hung over. Mom was nice enough to watch Q till the mid afternoon. We then headed over to Karen & Steves for a BBQ. So now am I exhausted from the wedding and dealing with Quinn, all the days of crying, and I'm hung over and sleep deprived... Sorry y'all; You know I love you guys but I just didn't think I could take it anymore - I just needed SLEEP!

Monday morning, James, Christy, Alex and us went for Breakfast. That was awesome! Then we headed off on our long drive home. Quinn was a very good boy. We left Downtown Calgary at 10:00am, stopped on the side of the highway about 40 minutes later to change Q's bum(!), then pushed through to Golden, stopped for some ice cream and a stretch, Q slept past Revelstoke and woke up just in time to stop at the Enchanted Forrest :) It was a nice hour break. Q's energy was super high and drained us even more, but he had fun. Stopped in Salmon Arm for Lunch/dinner and was home by 9pm.

What a trip. I am still lost and confused over Sean, but there is nothing I can do at this point so I will reflect on all that was good and be thankful we have a new Guardian Angel to watch over us and for me to Pray to.

I am thankful for my friends and family. I hope everyone knows how much I really love and appreciate everybody.

R.I.P. my dear friend Sean...

Well, the day just didn't start the way I ever imagined it could.

I woke up, went onto Facebook, and BOOM, my life changed. Sean Lineham has passed away... All I know at this point is, I've been told he took his life last night.

WTF? How can it be? Is it true? He just happily celibrated his 30th birthday.... and now he's dead? Did he seriously kill himself? Or maybe was there a traggic accident? I am just at a loss as to how I feel...

His Blog and such shows no signs of anything to come as such.

I am extreamly sad and angry because I go to Calgary tomorrow.... TOMORROW!

We are supposed to get together for coffee and and a chat and hug. If it was suicide, what if he gathered with friends and felt alive again? It may have been stopped....

BUT, what if it were an accident? Bad drugs? Drunk and fell? Who knows, maybe it was an anyorism or heart attack!? I need answers. I hope we get some answers soon; I really feel lost not knowing the whole storey.

I'm coming to Calgary to celebrate a wedding... last thing I expected was to say goodbye to a friend. If there is a funeral, I hope I can attend.

R.I.P. Sean. I know You know you are one of my favorite People. I guess now you are one of my families gaurdian Angels.

Namaste. :(

Life without Quinn and Lawrence

... Thursday morning at 7:30am I waved goodbye to Lair & Quinn who were driving to Calgary for their summer holiday... I wept off and on for awhile.... :( When I got my new job in May, I told them of our July vacation plans and they told me they couldn't hire me if I planned to take the 12 days I asked for; we compromised at 5 days... So I am here alone and the boys are in Alberta.

It's pretty quiet here! I can't believe I lived alone for 8 years! How did I do it!

I haven't done much of anything other than relax and watch movies. Guess I should actually clean up the house tomorrow. Wednesday I will pack and thursday I fly to Calgary. I can't wait to see Quinn! the longest we've been apart was 4 nights/5 days. This trip will be 7 nights/8 days!! In fact, I've never been away from Lawrence this long either! I've talked to Quinn every night. I can't wait to cuddle and hold him and kiss and cuddle Lawrence! But I must admit, I'm sure enjoying sleeping in our bed alone - star fish to every corner! LOL

Sunday was our six year wedding anniversary <3 It was sad being a part for it, but we did talk on the phone.

Calgary will be busy with Brent & Chrystals wedding; before I know it we will be driving home. Wish I could visit longer. Oh well, nothing I can do about it but the make the best of the time I have when I'm there!

Harrison Lake Day Trip

On saturday we packed up the van and headed to Harrison Lake, about 45 minutes from home. we lucked out and got a great parking spot. We found a spot on the grass, beside the sand beach so we could relax while Quinn played. Quinn put on his water wings and we ventured into the water. It was fantastic. Had a great time. Unfortunately, about an hour later, Quinn started shivering, so it was time to get out and warm him up! Next time we will bring the little wet suit Benny gave him, then he should be able to stay in a little longer :)

We forgot our camera so no photos, however, it was such a beautiful 'family day' it will forever be one of our memories :)

Update? Yikes! MAY & JUNE

Sorry guys, I've been procrastinating, summer is here, honestly I haven't been on the computer that much!


So a recap, MAY: I finished working for Cellcom. In doing so I also said goodbye to my Cell phone contract and haven't resigned. I feel naked and a little lost sometimes without a cell, but really, it's getting easier!

Our trip to Alberta was great. We did a lot of driving but it was worth it. Saw lots of family and friends. We had a Beer & Wing gathering with over 25 Stellar peeps! A fantastic group came out to say hello. Lair was actually in town on business so many of his days were spent at a trade show. We made it to Medicine Hat, Calgary, Red Deer and the Farm (one of my most favorite spots in the world)!

May 24th - the Parenteau invasion – Sky diving! Ursula cooked up a plan to surprise Albert. They arrived at our home and didn't even get their shoes off when we left to an unknown destination - 10 minutes from our house is the Vancouver Skydiving Ranch! Clayton, a good friend of theirs came to jump too! Albert had no idea until we pulled into the parking lot and Ursula told him he was jumping too! They both had an awesome time and loved it. Clayton said he will most likely join me again for my birthday jump in September (this time I will get the professional Video!). [if you wish to donate $$ for this, please feel free to send it my way! ha ha ha]. Speaking of video, this is one I took with my camera once the chute was open. The spins you see are a CRAZY ride, we're talking 360's, whipping around, awesome fun!

No sooner did we say goodbye to the Parenteaus, we were saying Hello to James and Christy who came to Vancouver for the weekend. We had an afternoon at the beach!

Scott and Quinn dug a tunnel big enough for Quinn's truck to go through! Fun times were had by all.

We interrupt this Blog entry with a song...



JUNE: I started my new job at VersaCold. I'm totally digging the 10 minute drive! Training has been mentally exhausting but I think I am doing ok. I'm in the shipping office but am being cross trained on most positions as come september I will be a part-time floater. For June I trained full time hours 8-4:30.

We've had some fun weekends. We ran into a HUGE random street party in Burnaby so people watched and hung out for the afternoon. We went to a miniature railway and rode a little train.

For FATHERS DAY we went to the Zoo.












TIRED BOY BELOW!











On June 20th, me, Dee, Chrystal and Nicole packed up the van and headed off to the Shuswap for Chrystal's house boating stagette extravaganza - Missy Mayhem! 16 beautiful girls and a non-stop party! WOO-HOO! It was ridiculous fun!




June 26 was QUINN's THIRD BIRTHDAY!

3.... can you believe it?

We celebrated by going to Playland, a waterpark, and had a BBQ.

We interrupt this Blog entry with another song...

JULY: Quinn and I went to the Abbotsford Canada Day Parade. It was 'Cute', but absolutely no comparison to the Stampede Parade! We had a heat wave for a few days. It was so hot in the house that we had a picnic in the basement and slept there too!

I started my new shift this week. Until it gets busier, I will work 4pm - 8 pm. This is awesome! I can spend all day with Quinn, go to work, and come home in time to tuck him in. I wish this could be my permanent shift! However, when it gets busy, I will work 4pm till Midnight (july & aug only)! It will be hard on me as Quinn is up at 7am, so regardless what time I get home and sleep, I will have to be up early! So I plan to nap when he naps in the afternoon. Come Sept, I will work 9am-1pm and Quinn will be in Montessori pre-school during this time :)

We're trying to Potty Train - I can't believe he's 3 and not potty trained! He was going on the potty at Crissy's (the girl who watched him full time when I was working at Cellcom), but he refuses to go on the potty at home. So we are back to square one.









So that's about it for now!

Perhaps instead of a weekly update, a monthly update would be more suitable!


Love to you all, we love and miss you all.

My first Tattoo

Last summer, Jason and dad got a Tattoo together. It was Jason's first and other than one my dad did on himself when he was 15, this was his first pro tat. They chose two roses to honor my dads parents (R.I.P.).


This year, Marianne asked me if I would go with her to get our first's. She decided for her first tat she wanted the same roses. Rob Jobe (Pinz Tattoo in Salmon Arm, BC) redesigned it to make it her own.

Dad got another one with us :) A Killer Whale on his fore arm. (Sorry, I don't have a final pic, they wrapped it up before I had a chance).









I gave Rob several sketches/ideas, and he came up with a beautiful design.


In a nutshell - this Tattoo represents my personal Enlightenment.

When you see a Peacock feather, you may think 'Pretty colors... looks like eyes'...

To me, they remind me that I am not bound to my Earth Bound Body and that I am aware of my Astral body consciousness... We are all connected.

The three here are for myself, Lawrence and Quinn.


The Ohm (Om / Aum), Bhudist/Hindu symbol, embodies the essence of the entire universe. To me it represents the Absolute Truth; Mind, body, soul, and the Collective Consiousness. Ohm is the sounds the Universe makes (and the Mantra that got me through the pain of the tattoo!).

The Lotus flower represents awakening to the spiritual reality of life. It is thought to symbolize the Buddha's nature, purity of heart and mind.

I'll be honest, I am a little dissapointed with the Ohm, I should have gone with the Squiggle, I may need this touched up somehow to close the tail. It's not a '30' :( Oh well, at least _I_ know what it is...

It was a wonderful weekend. Great to see dad, awesome to have a good one on one with Marianne. <3

A visit with Bruce & Leona

We had a relaxed weekend. Saturday I got my stitches out and was finally able to wash my hair - it was almost as good as a post-shambhala shower!

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We went to an Open house for a new Montessori/play-school/daycare nearby. I quite liked the teachers/Director. We have odd hours so they will have to get back to us to see if he would be a good candidate. I hope this works out, because if it does, I will not have to worry about the whole pre-school thing as his daycare will be an all in one.

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Our friends Ron & his g/f came for a visit saturday night. It was a nice visit, except she doesn't talk much.

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Sunday morning we headed into the city to have Brunch with Bruce & Leona and their friend Ellen. We went tot the Naam, a 24 hour vegetarian/Vegan restaurant that has been open for 30 years!

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It was so nice to be able to HUG these two! We haven't seen them in well over a year, but it felt like it was just yesterday that we saw them.

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Beautiful. As are they!

Potty Training

We've been potty training off and on since January. He hasn't been cooperating very well at home, but he is pretty much potty trained at his day home.

We usually put underwear on him as soon as we get home; I also put 1-2 pairs of soiled undies in the laundry every day as he just wasn't getting it. We would put him on every 20 minutes and sit for 10 for nothing to happen, only to have an accident 3 minutes after leaving the bathroom...

BUT, tonight he ran to the potty and went all by himself! As well, He was hiding in the corner... I took one look at him - grabbed him and put him on the potty just in time for #2! Woo-hoo! Never thought I'd be so happy to see that!

I hope this is the begining of the end of Diapers and pull ups! I know it will still take lots of time, but at least he's seeming to start at our house.

There is light at the end of the tunnel...

There is light at the tunnel afterall.

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(For some reason this won't let me put spaces in between paragraphs - so I will put . in to space it)...

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So, in January, Lawrence told me he didn't want to have Baby #2... The only reason I was working full time was to line the nest for said baby. From that moment forward I started job hunting for something in Abbotsford. It took awhile, it's a small city and I had specific expectations as to what I would do and how much $$ I need to bring home.

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Well I finally landed somethign - CSR at Versa Cold. I handed in my notice at Cellcom yesterday and it was announced today. Last day is May 9; I start my new job June 2nd.

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I booked a long weekend May 2nd as I'm going to Salmon Arm to meet my sister.

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May 8th will be my last day at cellcom (though I'm hoping the cut me loose w/ pay sooner!). They will most likely disolve my position (that's my recommendation to them).

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May 9th we fly to Calgary!

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May 17th Lair comes home

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May 22nd Quinn & come home

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May 24 Albert/Urs & the kids are here. Alex is coming out and we're going skydiving as a belated mothers day gift.

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May 30th James & Christy come out for the weekend!

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June 2 I start my new job.

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JUNE: I will work full time 8-4:30 training for the month.

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JULY/AUG: is their busiest season; I will work 3:30pm-midnight (40 hr weeks); this will be awesome as we'll only need 1.5 hr of childcare, so will be making a considerable amount of money!

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As of September, I will work 9-1 ish (20 hr/week).

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I am looking forward to spending much time with Quinn, making up for the past 11 months!

So, this is the begining of a new chapter. I am so very excited!

I can hear the scalple on my head!

So I went to the doctor today to have 2 moles removed off my head. My comb catches on one on the top of my head, and the other is on a part in my hair line and I have always disliked it.

I thought he was just going to 'freeze' them... He did freeze the front one, but the back one he cut out. The needle in the head was ok, except I could hear`the liquid going in! And I could feel discomfort and grossness as he did it. He pulled out a small white ball with a deep tail! It actually looked like a tooth. Once it heals I will be so happy to have that bump gone!

Tap Tap Tap... Is this thing on?

Hey everybody! So sorry for the lack uf updates lately. There's a lot going on but I can't write about it yet (No, I'm not pregnant!)... but soon I will update with more.


In the mean time, we had a bit of summer on the weekend. +27 degrees! Wow was it ever a spectacular day! We went to 'Maplewood Farm' in North Van. It was a lot of fun. Very nice environment. Many baby farm animals. Quinn had a real hoot. He even fed a rabbit a carrot!

Summer plans are slowly taking shape. Looking forward to our Calgary/Alberta trip in May.


Just a quick note to say we are indeed alive and well. I promise I will try to update this weekly, even if only to post a pic of Quinn :)



By the way - does any one even read this thing? Please leave a comment so I know!


xoxox


Melanie, Lawrence and Quinn.