New Years resolutions 2014

FAMILY

• Letting my family know everyday that I love them, take time to hug and kiss them and play with them

• be in the moment

• have family home evening every week 

• celebrate the small things

• enjoy the stage we are at

• speak kind, discipline with love, be firm and fair

• don't get distracted with things that don't matter,  eg iPhone  

MARRIAGE

• be kind and understanding

• show appreciation

• one date a month

• speak kindly

• before getting frustrated, talk, discuss

• alone time together, set aside 1 night a     week

• concentrate on not taking our relationship for granted, show our kids that a wife/husband relationship is of vital importance

• kiss goodnight no matter how busy or tired, a reminder every night of 1 thing we appreciate the other for

• make time for amourous activities;)

PHYSICAL 

• Return to healthy weight

• Moving my body for 1/2 hr everyday

• Running a 1/2 marathon as well as 4 other races, color me rad with Alin, race weekend with family

• doing a triathlon 

• eating foods that fuel, cutting back on refined sugar and mindless, stressful eating

• getting sleep, this means weaning Abbie and having her in her own room and having the kids stay in their rooms at night

• taking care of my body to set a good example for my children

• keeping hair, clothes, nails up to date

• decluttering in all aspects

MENTAL

• positive thinking, I'm not going to be able to control the actions and words of others, but I can control how I react to it

• be kind to myself

• take a few minutes (5) or more everyday to just meditate and recharge

• don't let others dictate how we treat our children or change what we think is right, together as a couple we know what is best for our children and the unique and different things we are dealing with.  

SPIRITUAL

• teaching our children

• going to church, making sacrament a better learning experience

• encouraging Mason in primary and Daniela in nursery

• going to all our meetings

• reading my scriptures daily

• writing in my journal

• taking my endowments out

• encouraging Alin in kind and gentle ways, setting an example

• working on having our family being sealed for time and all eternity

• learning primary songs, bible and b of m stories.

• prayer, personal and family

• read and put into effect one conference talk a month

EDUCATIONAL

• keeping a portfolio up to date

• learning romanian

• taking a photography class

• taking a rowing class

• doing a joy school for the kids or equivalant

• finding time for music

DEC 21, 2013 Let the Christmas adventure begin

So it has been snowing for the last couple of days and we were supposed to get another snow/ice storm on the weekend so I was praying our flights wouldn't be cancelled.  I love going home and it's so much fun for the kids to play with all their cousins and Alin has a awesome time with all my siblings. We got to the airport and checked all our luggage in which went amazingly smoothly went through security and to our gate.  Our plane was there at the gate and so we relaxed a bit.  Loaded up and got on and then the waiting began....we ended up waiting on the tarmac for probably an hour, had to be de iced and then finally on our way, but Dani was not having a great flight which ment none of us were:( there was such a frustrating moment when she wouldn't stop screaming and Alin doesn't handle kid stress well...

It was so great to finally land in Lethbridge walk off the airplane and be greeted by family with signs, welcoming us home.  It really did my heart good and so great to have people there to amuse our kids, help put car seats in and then bring food to our hotel.  

Sunday 22nd Dec 2013 

It was great for the kids to get up in the morning and run down the hall (2 rooms) to see my parents, knock on the door and then run in jump in the beds and visit with Grama and Grampa Waldie...we sure don't see them enough. The kids had a ball and Grampa Waldie took them on some walking adventures around the hotel and Grama Waldie had dried some of her special apples for them... They devoured them:) we headed to Taber for the afternoon, saw the Gednys and Abbie is a huge Uncle Brent fan, she'd follow him around, bang on his legs and yell "up" to him.

  Grampa drawing pictures of horses, trucks and whatever Mister Mason asked for. Dani just liked to be snuggled beside

This is blurry and busy, but wanted to capture fun, they wanted to build pillow piles with grandma under.  

For the rest of the holidays it has been super busy!!! And super fun!!!! The kids absolutely love playing with their cousins and all the little adventures we've been on

SKATING The ice was rented 3 times for our family, 2 for the masses and once for the boys to play hockey... They had fun but I think between Alin and Theron there are going to be sore bodies.  It was great fun the Monday night, Mandy even arranged for hot chocolate and goodies after.  The kids loved being skated around in their strollers, and the only time they got irate is when we stopped to talk or rest, they wanted us to go fast:)

SWIMMING we went once at the hotel with William and his family and ordered pizza before and the rest of the time we went to the awesome Taber pool, this is probably the first time I didn't take my camera with me to capture the fun...we went about 4 times and Daniela even went down the waterslides with Torrance and Keaton jumped off the diving board

NATIVITY the church put on a Nativity so we went and watched it, was a little chilly and the 2 of the three fell asleep, Abbie on me and Mason on Alin but Daniela was chatting up a storm on Trina's knee, talking about the Donets, the angels and everything else it was really cute to listen to her.  They had hot chocolate and goodies in the gym after

CHRISTMAS EVE was at Renee's house and she had invited Theron's family too, the food was great, the kids had a great time playing with each other, we played some games and it was such a fun relaxing evening... How Christmas should be.  The kids then opened their Christmas pjs and the only picture I got was crazy

 CHRISTMAS DAY was fun I got the kids up and we went and got their stockings, they loved opening them and eating some treats, then when others came we opened gifts and then the kids played and played and played.  Mason and Keaton had such a great time with a race track.  Then everyone started coming to Renee's and it was AMAZING!!! All of the cousins play so well   together.  Dinner was awesome and then an intense game of spoons.  Mason sat on Alins lap and after the initial shock laughed and laughed.  

MOVIE we ended up taking all the kids to a movie as well.  Cute show called "Frozen" it was neat we took up a while section, mom and dad and ted and Doris plus the rest of us.  Dani and Abbie fell asleep at the previews and slept the whole show but Mason sat there with his popcorn and auntie Renee juice and loved it.  

GIRLS NIGHT

Momma Bear Syndrome Dec 11,2013

Mama bear syndrome is a very odd thing, sometimes you let things slide and sometimes you don't. This morning was a no sliding day for this mama bear. I took the kids to Billings Bridge's mall to try and find a dress for Alins Christmas party and to drop off a little treat for Alin.  It was crazy and busy and full of Christmas shoppers, we went about our business and at the end decided to get Alin some treats at the Swiss bakery, I manovered my stroller in and was finished and trying to get out when I saw a older lady giving me the look ~ the one that says that everything I'm doing is somehow offending her, followed by some grunts, sighs and another disapproving look...at this point momma bear is still sleeping and then she wakes the beast by turning around to get a good look at my little entourage and telling the lady beside her " it is ridiculous that boy riding in the stroller, he's big enough to walk, what kind of mom lets her kid ride in a stroller (keep in mind here I have a double stroller, which is awesome so I have 2 kids in it at all times, so Abbie was in the front, and it's the kind that is narrow one on top of each other, not a double wide) then instead of stopping she continued...more grunts and hurtful comments (when your a parent you'll understand why comments like these are so heartbreaking... First it's because you are already trying to do your best, you know where you fall short and parenting is emotional, your trying to do things perfectly and the best for your children, so when people say things it stings that much more) at this point Trina you would be proud... I was already out of the store and I turned around and went up to her and said "Sorry, but what your saying about us is quite offensive, you know nothing about us and all I want you to be is kind" as I walked out she said I should stay home with them and a few other things I couldn't make out.  The store clerk and other customers were a little shocked with her abrasiveness but I could feel the tears welling up and needed to get gone.  I turned into Alins office and the first person I saw was Sylvie and then the tears flowed I was so embarrassed but thank her for her kind words.  I couldn't wait to get home, to the warm, safe haven that our home is.  My heart was a little tender and as I was getting madder and madder and of course thinking of all the great comments I should have said to her a thought crossed my mind...I was right she didn't know anything about me but I also didn't know anything about her.  What kind of day had she had? As we turned on to one of the side streets I saw a little old lady walking in the cold, covering her face as I drove on by I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed she looked like she was really struggling...so I did something I generally don't do in the city, I stopped and backed up, rolled down my window and asked if she needed a ride. She happily accepted and you know what... My heart mended a little and the sting of the morning eased

Nov 28- Dec 4 2013 Mini Holiday - Sharks and wolves Oh My!

One of Alin's classmates was getting married this Saturday in Toronto so we decided to make a holiday out of it.  Alin took some time off work and we headed down Thursday.  Trying to get everything done with 3 little ones is like eating Oreos while brushing your teeth (Auntie Renee quote) we stayed at the Renissence (right beside CN tower and part of the Rogers centre) in the morning went to the new Ripleys Aquarium.  It was AWESOME we spent the morning then had lunch at the revolving restaurant at the CN tower, went to the glass floor (my poor hubby still hates it and won't go on it) walked back to the hotel, napped them (well Mason, Dani and dad) Abbie and I went walking.  Then when they got up we went back to the aquarium.  We all loved it

Conveyer belt ride

I love how Mason is reaching~Jelly fish exhibit

There was so many neat exhibits that I could fill a hundred pages with the photos

One of the things I love about Alin is that if we do something we do it up right

 CN Tower for lunch

                                            Great Wolf Lodge Family Trip

Sept 17,2013 I smiled

This morning started great, besides the fact that kids picked up something at a birthday party besides the treat bag like stuffed and runny noses?! How is it possible to have both at the same time. I went done and walked on the treadmill for 1/2 hr (that always makes the day go better). *note to Dani and Abbie when you become moms you need to take that time for yourself, I need to practise what I preach but it's so important to your sanity and your health.  I haven't done anything for myself for 3 1/2 years and am now just starting to make sure that I take that tiny break at least once a week, I want you girls to do it more but having 3 babies in 3 years makes it a little tougher:) then made muffins and then commenced the 2nd day of potty training.  Mason only had 1 accident!!! It was beautiful outside so we went and enjoyed the crisp, sunny, fall weather.  It was so beautiful and instead of running around trying to snap pictures of what a great day we were having I just relaxed, breathed it in and took pictures in my mind.  Mason and Dani hugging and making a train going down the slide.  Mason lugging around his new puppy (a stuffed animal, he's just latched on to) Daniela's golden locks bouncing while she's busy running "sans" shoes and sporting her sweater backwards (I put it that way because she's forever unzipping it) Abbie walking around with her cute little onsies with moccasins, only stopping to try and taste dirt, grass, leaves whatever else she can get in there faster than I can keep up with her.  The sun was shining and it was beautiful and relaxing and today I'm content.

Monday Nov, 18, 2013

Today Alin took the day off as we had to take our vehicles in to change tires and the BMW of course needs a lot of work, parts to order and what not...so we'll take it in again before our mini holiday.  

So we did some fun family things, like getting our annual family Santa picture. The kids do great mostly I think because we are all there.  The green sweater a little too festive for me but Alin was thinking it was good.  

Then home and other fun things we did were - put up the Christmas tree and decorate the house.

Hard work rewarded a bit...Nov 15, 2013

Today costco was crazy!!!! I forgot it was a pday for all of Ottawa.  As we were about to leave I decided we would eat there...this is never an option when I'm with the kids sans husband because I'm always harping on eating healthy and at home, but today I pretended to be the dad:) anyways while we were eating and I was being my usual mom self an older couple sat down beside us, made some small talk and then we countinued eating.  Of course there's all of the usual discussions that take place, sharing, manners and all that good stuff.  So I didn't pay much attention to them as the three littles hold my attention enough on their own. As they were leaving I felt a hand on my shoulder and the gentleman said to me "you have wonderful kids" and then stood up again and then the best part was yet to come, he leaned down again and said "I know it's a lot of hard work...good job" that last little comment resounded deep within me.  Sometimes I think people just think, you have good kids or not but that is rarely the case.  It is WORK and it is HARD WORK. Everyday the constant vigilant work never ceases and believe me you can never get complacent or let your guard down.  It's like their the dinosaurs on Jurassic park always checking the perimeter.  It's the daily rituals and the things I say to them a million times...I'm not even exaggerating that all of a sudden in a public place pays off...well at least until that couple was out the door and then all 3 of them started screaming like banshees, oh well we can't win them all.  Here's to kind, gentle men and a comment that gave me more courage and commitment to keep going.

Monday, November 4th

Today Abbie had her 12 month check up and vaccines.  So glad Alin worked nights tonight so that are other 2 angelic children, didn't have to come with me...which by the way they were super upset not to be going to see the doctor.  Abbie of course is keeping up with our little family trend and is the 97% for growth, weight and height.

These pictures were before the poor thing had to have 3 needles, one in each leg and one on the arm.  So I'll quit nursing when she's feeling better... Hint, hint my hubby, I know I always tell you I'm ready but now I just need to make sure she's comfy.  She was super upset and screamed when she got the vaccines and again in my mind I was MAD, after Dani's vaccine she was so sick and had a temp for a week that I swore I'd ask to have a few more appts than have it all done in one shot.  Inside I stood there kept quite and was super upset inside lop

Oct 31, 2013 Halloween

So this morning it was pouring so I decided to take the kids to Bayshore Mall  where they were going to have a Halloween party.  It stated that it started at 9:30 but at 10 we were still waiting for the magician to start.  Note to self and anyone else reading this.  When you have an event for children please start it ON TIME.  That irritates me so anyway the littles were doing great waiting but once it started their attention span was done

So they decided they would like a "dad" juice which can mean 2 things...pop or booster juice.  They think since we have 2 that all Booster Juices belong to us

Enjoying their snack size, you can see Dani's already shed her suit and Abbie's already pulled her socks off.

Then we decided to go see dad for lunch and they got their teeth cleaned as well.  

They did a super job and had their first polish today... Helps when the dentist is your dad:) it sure made me miss work though I was hit with such a melancholy feeling, I loved working in the dental field, the work, the patients, the career I guess since I've been in the field since I was 19 and left for maternity at 36... That was 17 years of my life.  I had a hint of sadness and then I looked down at my 3 busy, busy, busy love bugs and thought how lucky I am to be able to have the opportunity to stay home with them.  That it is an option for our family, and all the fun things that we do  and the learning and growing that's going on.  For all of us.  

Tonight we went over to another friends house another Kate:) and Dan and their 2 beauties Evie and Eloise ( I think Mason and Eloise must have been bosom buddies in heaven, because here they sure are good little friends) we went for supper which was delicious and then went trick or treating.  Jessica and Jared MaCateer and their two little boys and Dave Anderson and 2 of his kids and us and Kate and Dans crew which made for a real little fun caravan while going from house to house.  The kids had a ball and it's always super fun to visit with everyone. Sister Brown (Kate's mom) was at the house too and was nice to visit with her as well. It ended up being a beautiful night despite a few raindrops.

So goodnight and sweet, sweet dreams literally

WHAT I NEED MY FAMILY TO KNOW

My little family and premium romanian I love you. I am definitely by no means perfect, but I promise that I do try my hardest. I want you to know that even if I'm frustrated or impatient I still and will ways love you.  You are all the best things that have ever happened to me…sometimes a lot of work but still my treasures.  I want the best in the world for you, I want you to be happy, healthy and if I could shield you from any and every bad thing I would... From man colds:) to hurt feelings. Instead I am trying to make our home a haven where you can always feel safe, loved and where we can grow and learn as a family, I cringe a little as I write this because there have been a few of those days where my patience has left and I am not the mom I dreamed I would be... But I am trying...anyway just so you know every night when your all tucked in I pray that tomorrow I will be better.  I LOVE YOU ALL, love your mom and your wife xxoo

Oct 30,2013

IT SNOWED a skiff but enough that it's impossible to forget that old man winter is on his way.  I can't even convey how much I am not looking forward to winter this year, the thought of dressing up a 3,2 and 1 year old makes me physically cringe, mostly because I know how it's going to go.... I'll dress Mason first then, Abbie and finally Daniela it's in this order because Daniela ALWAYS undresses the minute I have her dressed, sweaters are off the minute I turn around...but this momma got smart and started putting her sweater on backwards...it's hard to get the zipper that way :), it works for now.  The problem this year is that Mason will probably have to use the washroom the minute we are all bundled up and by the time we leave the house probably Abbie and I will be in a puddle of sweat and I will be cursing under my breath.  There is however a silver lining, since we are Canadian we have to find fun things to do or we will go crazy, so since this is the first time in 3 years I'm not pregnant I'm actually excited to go skating on the canal, cross country skiing and possibly down hill as well.  

As for last night we went with Katie and her three little ones (Paige, Sloan and theo) to a Halloween party at the Rockland library.  It was so much fun the library really outdid themselves with all the work they did. There was a maze made out of cardboard with tunnels, there were craft tables that included everything from wands, masks, bats (using hands as templates) marshmallow mummies, spider webs plus marshmallow dipping station to make monsters and there were treats for everyone (that they made to look like brooms) it was such a great and fun night. So without further ado here's some pics of the fun night

We had an astranout, elephant (which kept shedding her skin) and an adorable skeleton 

              Playing with their wands

Saturday July 20, 2013

Today was family adventure day and with final destination being Sandbanks and Isaiah Tubbs with a stop in Kingston to check out the new Booster Juice and the space where the Dental office is going to be.  The kids traveled amazing and we stopped for lunch at the mall and Alin was super happy to see that there was a line up at the Booster juice and even more excited when we saw people walking around with Booster Juices in their hands:) money in the 💲bank💲

Then we headed off to check in to cabin and get changed and head to Sandbanks (I remember telling Alin when we first came here, that it made me feel like we were as close to Mexico  that we would ever be without leaving the country) we walked onto the beach and the kids were excited and a little hesitant.  Hanging onto Alin's shorts and just putting their toes in.  Fast forward 1/2 an hour and their running in and out of the water like mad men, Abbie's sitting on sand and enjoying the water crashing against here. It was GREAT and FUN and RELAXING.  We stayed for about 3 hours and then headed back to the cabin.  Ate in the enclosed patio and then...

Started with a phone call from Trina asking me if I'd heard from dad which got my mind racing and which is never a good way to start a conversation.  When I said I hadn't she told me Auntie Betty was in a car accident and had died.  She was going to Margie's house and so far that's all I know.  It seems so unreal especially since we were going to a family reunion 2 weeks from now which we haven't done since I was in grade 5 and I'm forty now so you do the math. My heart aches for Margie and Tracy and their little families.  She was one of the best aunts and I'll have to confess my favorite on the Waldie side.  She gave the best squishy hugs and always finished with a little squeeze to let you know she loved you, her sparkling eyes and spitfire personality plus I always thought she was beautiful.  A couple years back we had a surprise birthday party for my dad and and Auntie Betty was there and there and Margie and Tracy flew in with their kids.  It was a great weekend and a really good visit.  It's always so fun when those 2 (dad and auntie betty) get together.  Their laughs are infectious and its just fun. 

Later on when I learned that she was hit head on I was mad, when I didn't know what happened I could tell myself "Maybe she fell asleep, or hit the ditch" but when its the consequence of someone else s' actions it was so much harder for me to understand.  The other 2 were killed in the crash an older man and his wife but what transpired hurt are family and the ones I love. 

Then when we were snuggling down with the kids, Mason looked up at me and told me he didn't feel well... he didn't finish the sentence before there was projectile vomit everywhere, including me (YUCK) so we called housekeeping and they bought us new sheets and covers.  Then poor Abbie had a really bad fever, I spent the night in the enclosed patio holding our poor baby and praying for daylight. 

The next day Mason was on the mend and Abbie's fever was lower so we decided to stay and enjoy the beach some more before we headed home. 

WAITING..........

Why do we spend our whole lives waiting we eagerly anticipate growing older which includes turning 16 and being able to go on your first date.  For the record mine was horrid.  It was with Blaine Heggie and it was a double date.  He picked me up we went into Lethbridge, went to a bowling alley and then they decided it was too smokey for them.  Didn't seem to phase me, they should have been at some of my family functions:) Then went to a movie, about space which I hate and then went to eat but they didn't have enough money.  As we were driving home (45 min drive, felt like 2 hrs) he started talking about aliens.  YIKES I quickly pretended I was asleep and as soon as we made it down our lane I hoped out of that car like my seat was on fire.  Ran into the house, shut the porch light out and locked the door.  Probably not the most grown up response but it was my 16 year old self's flight or fight reaction.  Thank goodness they went up from there lots of fun stories to tell but that's for a different entry.  Then we can't wait to graduate from school, go to college, find that certain someone ( for me I went through 2 certain someones before meeting my perfect match) Can't wait for our first real job, paycheck, get engaged, get married, have babies.

We spend so much of our existence waiting for the next BIG thing instead of enjoying where we are and what we are doing now.  Hindsight is always perfect vision and I sure wish I could do things over again...but I can't and so we decide to enjoy the moments as they come, each new day, each adventure and try to slow down and enjoy the here and now and really being in the present.

So here's to me enjoying this stage I will need this reminder weekly no doubt but hey I'm a work in process

Oct 12,2013 Thanksgiving weekend

Top 10 thankful list:

In the spirit of thanksgiving here is my top 10 list...

1.  This family of mine, thanks to a boy who swept me off my feet... Come to think of it I'm still sweeping...every single night:)

Date at the good old hockey game, my heart still skips a beat when I see him walking toward me.  Isn't he handsome:)

                       MASON

                  DANIELA

                      ABBIE

2.  That this amazing body was able to carry 3 babes full term and healthy.  Although it's a little worse for wear at the moment, it's a work in progress.  That it was able to feed our babes, care for them on little or no sleep.  That I can walk and do all those mundane things that come along with parenting.   As Alin and I have just started getting back to exercising it feels great to sweat and move our muscles as well.  Thank you body!!!! ( that's Abbie in the inside)

3. The food we eat, farmers markets, upick strawberries, pumpkin patches I love that our adventures include going to outdoor markets, picking apples, picking strawberries.  How lucky we are to afford great, fresh,healthy food and (by lucky I mean how hard Alin works to supply as with these things) it's great in the summer too how every Friday we get vegetables delivered to our door from a coop service by one of Alin's patient.  My mom was impressed when Alin told her once "He'd rather spend money on good food now then medicine later one" 

4. Our house and rides our home is beautiful, warm and inviting and there's not a day that goes by that when I walk in the doors I don't feel gratitude and awe with it. I work hard at making our house a home with our little family, decorating for all sorts of holidays, crafts, neat and tidy (at least at one point of the day) but most importantly that Alin and I talk with respect and love to each other and our children. To make sure our home is a refuge from the world outside, that are little ones will always feel safe and loved here.   I love our front water feature and when the little waterfall is flowing I love the sound.  As for our rides, we've always had reliable, comfortable and dare I say luxurious vehicles, I love seat warmers!!!! I think of all the excursions we go on and I'm thankful for both.

Nice and cozy in their nice warm beds

5.  My family and the one I inherited growing up I knew I was blessed to be in my family.  Whenever people wanted to get together, they generally wanted to do it at my house... not because it was fancy or new or we had stuff but because it was always warm, fun and inviting.  As long as I could remember people were always welcome in our home and another chair pulled up to the dinner table or another blanket put on the couch (not for the guests, but one of us) my parents have always been an amazing example of kindness to everyone and acceptance.  Words can't even explain my love for them and my siblings.  It's fun, busy, loud and AWESOME when we all get together.  I used to feel sorry for people not in our family because of all the humour and love they were missing out on.  I kinda still do:) my goal in life is to be as friendly and neighbourly as my dad and as patient and kind as my mom.  Plus all the other characteristics of my siblings and their spouses.  

 Blessing of Abbie ( Alin even arranged this before had)