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.

Quinn's first Trip to the Dentist!

This morning we went for a visit to the Dentist! Their office is awesome! I wish adult dentists would do their offices like this!

His teeth are coming in straight with good spacing. When we first got in the room, I got pretty teary eyed as I couldn't believe how big my little boy was! I've been verclempted all morning! They grow up so fast, don't they!

He didn't want the Dentist to poke around in his mouth, but she's a true pro and managed to get everything looked at.

It was a positive experience, even though he cried/fused. Going to to Dentist is 'Fun' YEAY!

http://www.childsplaydentistry.com/home.htm

Hoppy Easter!

It has been a fun long weekend. Friday our alarm clock went off at 4:40am... UG. We were up shortly after 5, in the van by 6 and at the Ferry at 7 in line for the 8am sailing to Victoria.

Steve, Karen, Scott & Dee met us at the Ferry and we had breakfast on the boat. Steve & Karen bought Quinn a new pair of Rubber boats! Headed straight to Starbucks, then to Brent & Chrystals. They have an awesome apartment! Had a visit there while Quinn had an 1.5 hrs of Quiet time (he wouldn't nap), then we met up with Kelly & Ben and headed to the Ocean. A gorgeous walk - it was a gorgeous day! We eventually made our way into downtown. Went to Milestones for lunch (mmmm beer), did a little more shopping, met up with Alex and we all went to a Vegan Chinese Restaurant. It was really good. Who knew, I like Glueton! Lair pedometer showed that we walked over 18,000 steps! Time was ticking as we had to catch the 9pm ferry - so bid farewell to everybody and headed out. Quinn was alseep before we got there. I stayed in the van, laid down in the back and watch a movie while everyone else went up top. It was a painfully long drive home (1 hour) - Lair was so tired, as was I... even debated on stopping, but we were almost there and got home safely. Longest drive ever when you're tired!

Saturday morning we headed off to the Vanderlee's. Our kits babysitter met us, she was taking Quinn to the Aquarium, while we all toured around granville island (beer), Yaletown, Gastown (beer), and back to kits (beer). It was a nice day! Lair pedometer showed that we walked over 13,000 steps! Picked up Quinn and headed home (Lair was the DD).

Sunday, once I got up, we sent Quinn upstairs to grab his teddy bear, when he came down there was an Easter basket for him. He was pretty excited when he realized there were littles chocolates in the eggs! We asked him to name his rabbit and he's calling him Bunny...

For dinner I made a Prime Rib for Quinn and I, yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cassarole and roasted potatoes. It was awesome! Check out how much GARLIC is on top! Yorkshires raised, and cooked to Perfection!

Tim Hortons Road Rage

So this morning Quinn and I went to Tim Horton's to surprise Lair with coffee & a bagel when he woke up. The line up was the longest I have every seen it, but we weren't in a hurry, it was beautiful out and Quinn was in a great mood. Painfully slow - but still no big deal.

About 5 cars ahead of me a guy in a green sports car had 2 trucks in front of him before the order speaker, and 4 cars waiting for the window.

I hear a horn honk. I see the green car jut out of the line, a guy jumps out, throws his baseball cap to the ground, shaking his fist & Yelling - grabs a 'The Club' from his car and goes out of my view... I couldn't see or hear. a few moments later he gets back into his car, pulls back and off to the side about 2 car lengths and RAMS the truck in front of him!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!

Holy crap! Ridiculous! And with probably 40+ witnesses! (it's a busy strip mall)... all the cars in front of me pulled over and parked and were offering to be witnesses - since I couldn't see the whole thing I decided to just go across town to another Timmy's. Driving past I see people with their phone out either talking or taking pics. The little green car was wedged totally under the truck and that guys grill plowed into the truck in front of him.

Man oh man that is some crazy stuff.

Life's to short! If you are in a hurry for your coffee - make it at home!

Public school vs Montessori ?

This January my 'mommy boards' were all a buzz about registering their little ones for pre-school... Quinn will turn 3 this summer. Depending on my work situation, I may consider enrolling him in pre-school next January (when he's 3.5) then again when he's 4. Poor kid will be a pro by the time he hits kindergarden... I can't believe it's time to think about this stuff already!If we were in Calgary or Kelowna, I would try my best to see if we could afford him to go to the Waldorf School, but the one in Vancouver is 3 times the cost and in North Van...

I don't know how much faith I have in the Public schools these days - but really - paying more money doesn't gaurantee anything either. Sigh... :(

So I'm going to do some research on Montessori education. I'd never heard of it till I moved out here.

Hair - Flu - Confrence - TGIF

Wow it's been a BUSY week! First thing is first. For those of you not in the Facebook world -

I GOT NEW HAIR! (again).

As you may or may not know, I chopped and donated a 12+ inch pony
tail to Locks of Love on December 1st; This left me with an unmanagable hair style, it took 30-45 minutes to make it look good - hello - I work full time and have a 2 year old! So it ended up in a headband.



Sick and tired of my skinny hair (why couldn't it be skinny thighs?), March 1st I got it permed. YEAY ME! I absolutley love the new cut - Voluptuous hair to match the body!

Wednesday was the Power Within confrence. Tuesday night Quinn was sleeping over at Crissy's (his Dayhome) and we were heading into Vancouver to sleep over at Scott & Dee's so we wouldn't have the long rush hour commute on wed. On tuesday I woke up not feeling so good. Tummy pains, but went to work and ended up leaving as I was really sick. I slept all day, we went to Scott & Dee's, and pretty much went straight to bed. Luckily by wed. morning I was feeling better. It was a 24 hour bug almost to the minute! I haven't been sick like that in a long time!

We took a cab to GM place, went through the no line up VIP door and sat 5th row on the floor in front of the podeum. It was a good day. Chris Gardner (Pursuit of happiness) and Frank Abegnale (Catch me if you can) were by far the most interesting. We learned a few things and were reminded about things we already know but don't practice. Good advice on Life, Time mngt, Stress mngt, investing, ... Very happy we went, though not sure I would pay to see next years (depending on the speakers). The Power Within - to have the Power you need a Good marketing team! I can't imagine how much money was made. 5,000 people. They would have easily cleard 1 million in seat sales alone, let alone all the books, CD's, DVD, classes, ect they were selling.

It ran late. Crissy offered to watch Quinn for another night! So we went out for dinner with Scott & Dee. When we left - our van was gone! ??!! I thought it was stolen, luckily it was just towed and the impound lot was only a few minutes away. A pain in the butt, but not a big deal.

I am feeling better just in time for the weekend! Hooray! It's Dee's birthday on sunday so we get to celebrate.

CHEERS!

The Power Within

So it's been a good start to the weekend. Get in the car - turn on the radio, not even 1 minute in the car and I hear "the Winner of two tickets to next week's Power Within modivational conference is... Melanie Ashmead!" Yeay Me! Then a few minutes later, driving down the highway - they do a draw for the grand prize - VIP tix to meet with Andre Agassi (not sure if it's just a quick photo, or a schmooze); They don't announce the name - they call them.... My cell rings! I turn the radio down and say "Hello Larry & Willy!".

I'm pretty excited. Life is so topsy-tervey right now I could use a little modivation!

I've heard about this and am really interested but tix are $250-400 each! I was thinking, this sucks - to go to the Power within, you need power and money.... stupid power. So I entered a Radio contest - and won!!!!

When I told my boss about it - he said he has tickets! So it wasn't a problem getting the day off.

http://www.powerwithin.com/

• Motivation: Andre Agassi
• Creativity: Quincy Jones
• Motivation: Christopher Gardner ("The Pursuit of Happiness"
• Stress Management: Loretta LaRoche (Life is short, wear your party pants)
• Self Empowerment: Frank Abagnale (Catch me if you can)
• Time Managment: David Allen (Top selling author)
• Investments: Phil Town
• Special Guest: Martha Stewart

Fun times in Calgary

Being in Calgary surrounded by family and friends has really helped
me with my Christmas/Winter blues. I was quite depressed in
December being home sick (mind you not at all missing the snow and cold!)

Lawrence flew out Thursday night and stayed at Kevin & Katies. On friday he was able to see a few friends during the day.

Quinn and I had a fairly uneventful trip out though I was getting a bit frazzeled by the time we hugged Lair hello.

Mom made a nice home cooked meal for us and we had James & Christy over. After dinner we bid farewell to Quinn and headed off to Steve & Karen's home in Cranston where almost everyone we invited was able to come!

Party party party party!!!! Woo-hoo!!! Quick phone call with Micheal!! Strongbow! Talks, laughs, cuddles, iChat, silly movies... sun coming up - me going down - Partied like a Rockstar - Slept like a tired mom! I slept till 2pm!!!! So nice not having to get up to entertain Quinn at 7am! The best sleep in a while knowing there was no little pitter patter coming to pull me out of bed!

We drove Heather home and went back to James & Christys, showered, relaxed - Steve & Karen met us and we walked to 17th and had a Greek dinner at Mannies - Back to James' to lay and watch Across the Universe on their wall - Midnight = Pumpkins.

Sunday = Tim Hortons - moms house - Quinn! Lair's parents & sister - my sister - nice visit. After dinner Steve & Karen came to see Quinn. We left ~8:30, slept on the plane home by 11:30pm.

We had monday OFF. All we did was rest, relax, and lucky Quinn had cartoons all day!




Quinn had an eventful weekend too! He was excited for the airplane ride, he travels very well! He is a pro afterall! He loved sleeping in his little bed at Nan's (she put 2 couch cushions together and covered them with a blanket. Perfect size! He had no problems getting to sleep. In the morning Nan awoke before he did so went to read the paper. She thought she heard him so checked in on him - he was laying there with his eyes open. Gave him 10 minutes.... peeked again - he was laying their cuddling with MY sweater all balled up; She said it was adorable... gave him 10 more minutes.... peeked again - this time he was wearing my sweater! ha ha ha. So cute.

Gramma & Grampa drove in from Medicine Hat and picked up Quinn. They took him to the Zoo! Good times were had. They went to Tony Roma's for dinner and stayed in a Hotel with a swimming pool. Quinn sure loes the water! On sunday they went shopping and Quinn got some new clothes.

Around noon they came back to Nan's where we were waiting for him. He was an Angel all weekend. Hoo-ray!


Looking forward to Steve & Karens visit in March and we'll be back for a week in May!


Thanks everybody!

Infected Mushroom! May 16th!

Wow! Two days ago we decided to go to Calgary for a week (Lair has a trade show the w-f) and last night we find out that INFECTED MUSHROOM is playing the Warehouse on the 16th! AWESOME!

SO - via ticket master - we got our tickets!

See you on

the Trance Floor!

Trips to Calgary & Summer plans.

I am getting so excited for our weekend trip to Calgary for Lawrences birthday!

It will be nice to have 48 hours Quinnless! He will sleep over at my moms on friday night, then Gramma & Grampa Ashmead will pick him up on saturday to go to the zoo and have a sleepover at a hotel with a swimming pool.

We'll meet them, Quinn, and Marianne at moms on sunday monring for a family day visit and we fly out at 10pm. Another whirlwind trip but worth it!

In May Lair has a business trip in Calgary so We've booked a week off. We'll fly in on May 9 or 10 and leave on May 18 (He will have to work 3-4 of those days).

In June I will be off for a long weekend houseboating on the Shuswap with 15 lovely ladies for the 'Missy Mayhem' Stagette!

We'll be back in Calgary AGAIN in July!!! We'll be driving out, hopefully our first stop will be Motion Notion in Drayton Valley, then Calgary, Medicine Hat, back to Calgary and ending with the awesome Theme wedding for Brent & Crystal at Heritage Park, where The Mighty Quinn will be a Ring Bearer!

Not sure what August will hold as we won't have any vacation days left. Hopefully a camping trip to the island.

And in late September we will be back again for a whirlwind weekend for Mike & Vanessa's wedding. Probably fly in. Unsure if Quinn will be with us.


So yes, an exciting summer indeed!

Everything is ok - Electrical

Lair contacted Strata this afternoon to let them know we were having an electrical problem. When I got home the complex electrician was here! The problem wasn't in the outside electrical shed, it was in the house.

He came in, removed the panel front and flipped the switch. problem solved! WTF??? We both flipped that switch several times. Grrr. I guess with the metal cover on it wouldn't go into the complete Off position.

Sucky for us as we have to pay for him. Not sure how much it will be but the way I'm looking at it is, at least it wasn't something major!