January 30,2015 Brrrr might as well enjoy it

This morning Suzanne called and we meet up with her and her handsome little man at Confederation Park for ice sculptures. Getting 3 toddlers ready is exhausting, it was honestly easier when they were young. Pop them into a bunting and viola your done, now it entails long underwear then clothes, wool socks, mittens (which are the bain of any moms existence) snow suits, hoodies, belecalavas, hats and then boots. When they are all dressed someone needs the washroom, even after they have emptied out. Get snacks, hot beverages, get myself dressed which means I'm usually a pile of sweat by the time we leave. Carry kids out to vehicle try and buckle them in with all their gear and head off. 

Me and our crew

Suzanne and baby Milad...his smiles are absolutely adorable

They were so excited to see the Bears from Winterlude. 

The kids could have played for quite a while but Miss Abbie's nose was starting to get pretty rosy. Mason was having a ball shoving his face right into the snow (the joy of wearing a belecalava) Daniela was the snow angel queen. The stroller however was no fun to push around. 

I didn't get any pictures of the ice sculptures but they are always amazing and fantastic. 

After dinner I took Mason  and Daniela outside again. They are loving the snow

It's great to get outside but as a mom the work to play ratio for winter activities is not in our favor:)

 

January 28,2015 Aahhhhhh the smell of 2-stroke oil

I was so looking forward to our date tonight. We were asked to go snowmobiling and I could hardly contain my excitement. So we picked up Dan and Kate and headed out to Nemeth's house to meet up with the Bishop and his wife (we borrowed Terry Nemeth's sled) it was super fun and I've missed it a ton. The best part was my arms were wrapped around my best friend, and love of my life. I loved how he would reach back and give my leg a squeeze

My Premium Romanian

We ended up at a little pub/restaurant and had dinner and some hot chocolate

The Crew

Us with our toque and helmet hair :)

These pictures crack me up, the girls are standing so close together with arms around each other while our counterparts are a foot apart. The night was awesome and even included a close call with a iron fence and some trees but included 2 end of ride flip overs. Which I have the swollen knee and some pretty intense bruising as a reminder. I'm actually super surprised my leg doesn't hurt more. All in all one of the best date nights we've had. Plus I love the smell of two stroke oil. Just means a good time is about to happen:). Well goodnight my wild driving, handsome man. Xxoo

Saturday, January 17, 2015

We went to a wonderful baptism this afternoon. Our friends Richard and Amanda were baptizing their little one Alexander. At the same time 4 of his little cousins were being baptized as well.  It was a neat experience to be at. The church was beautiful as you can see and their photographer was amazing. It was such a fun family affair and busy. The priest told the congregation about the oil they were using and how it's always mixed with the older oil and sent around to the churches. So theoretically everyone is using the oil from the original concentration.   They have such a great family and extended family. Really great people, salt of the earth. The other thing the priest said was that we were all here to bring these children to Christ. For some reason that comment really struck me. To me it really doesn't matter what religion my friends are, I think it is wonderful when people are going to church, period. I think anytime anyone is going to church, or praying, teaching their families about heaven and God can only help society. 

We laughed because this was a few minutes before it was to start and it was us and the parents

Snuggles and hugs with are sweetie pies

It's hard to get a good picture of everyone:)

Our little family after the baptisms. This picture makes my heart swell. My handsome husband and our beautiful kiddos. 

The party: they have such an amazing family and we always feel like part of it. Probably one of my favorite moments of the night was when Dani was on Alins shoulders and the guys all had their littles on their shoulders, and then started dancing around and making a big circle holding hands. 

They had entertainment for the kids a clown who was really great. Mason and Daniela were giggling and laughing so hard. Then after they got their groove on as well, they were dancing machines. 

Monday, January 13th 2015 Perspective

This morning I was supposed to have a conference call with Briana Christie founder of BBM to set up personal coaching for training. I couldn't get Skype to work and then I gave her my wrong cell number and I was beyond frustrated. In the meantime Amanda Dugan came over to walk on the treadmill...she's trying to walk her twins out:) she was super nervous about this and worried about being induced and or hemorrhaging. Poor thing honestly I hope and pray that everything goes smooth for her, she's such a good friend and I'm going to miss her as they will be moving (josh is in U.S. navy) so she's amazing and walked over 5 miles while I was visiting with her.

Then Amy Zimmerman (who I love too) and Joseph and Ammon came over at around 2.  The kids played and we're having a great time and then...my heart was almost ripped out of my chest. The kids were jumping from the big round doughnut to the floor and as they would jump they'd hit the cords on the blinds. I was watching them and so glad (honestly keep thinking how thankful I was there). When Mason jumped somehow and still this morning I can't believe how fast things happen, he got hung up on the cord and it wrapped around his neck while he hung with his toes just touching the floor. I scrambled as fast as I could picked him up and hugged him so hard. Honestly the what ifs are what kept me up last night. I ended up calling Alin home from work, I couldn't reach him on his phone, sent him a message and then out of desperation I called the front office and when she told me she would check on his schedule I said "interrupt him, he needs to call home!!!"  By the time he got here we had all settled down and watching Cinderella. So many prayers of gratitude said tonight.

Our poor Mr. M. We cut all the cords last night!!!

Later after everyone, had calmed down (mostly me) we went to McAteers (our second family...we love them) for Family Home Evening for dinner soup and cornbread and then went sledding on this hill perfect for kiddos and then back to the house for hot chocolate and decorate sugar cookies. It was just what we needed and the kids had an amazing time. 

Eloise, Daniela, Mason and Evie

Abbie after a dump in the snow

Abbie and King Arthur:)

As the title goes PERSPECTIVE the things that had upset me and annoyed me all day sure took a backseat to how upset/concerned I was about our boy. I can't imagine continuing on if anything ever happened to one of our kids or Alin. My prayers last night were full of gratitude for our little family being intact. How quickly things can change, hug longer, kiss more, snuggle forget the things not of eternity.   Love you, sweet dreams. Love mom

First Sunday of the year. Jan 4,2015

So today was the first Sunday of the year which means that our sweet Dani is going to primary. It also means it is "pop up Sunday" aka testimony meeting. So the weather outside is "frightful" Alin's parents left yesterday afternoon to beat the storm and storm it did. The snow has been falling since yesterday afternoon and today it is coupled with freezing rain. So church was only 2 hours today, sacrament and sharing time (primary). So as it was fast and testimony meeting I got up to bear my testimony, the only thing is your nerves get a hold and I can't remember what and how I say things. I just always ask Alin if it was embarrassing to him. Which he always answers no. I thought I should bear my testimony here for my husband and kids when I'm not so flustered.

I want you all to know that I have a strong testimony that comes thru and by following the teachings and guidance that I receive as a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that there is a Heavenly Father that loves me and each of you very much. I know that we each have divinity in us and that we can reach our full potential thru our Heavenly Father. I know that Jesus our eldest brother came to earth to show us the way to return to our Heavenly parents and live with our families after our mortal life. I know not by seeing or scientific explanation but I know by the feeling and confirmation of the Holy Ghost of the things that I've prayed about or hold very close and dear to my heart. As I became a parent it was easier for me to understand the love that he has for us, how even when I've made wrong choices or decisions that he wants me to return ask forgiveness pick myself up and continue on. As I became a mother and a wife I could understand this concept because even when you are being trying at times I have unconditional love for you all. I may not like your actions or choices but I will always love you, the person. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us, that he wants us to be happy and find real joy. I don't believe this earth just came to be by a Big Bang but that it was made by a loving Heavenly Father. Years ago I heard a story about talking a clock  all apart and putting into a paper bag and shaking it. It would never, no matter how hard you shook it put itself back together and be a working running clock. I feel the same way about this beautiful world, the heavens, animals and people. We were created by a loving Heavenly Father. Who thoughtfully and amazingly created us. I am personally grateful for the atonement as I have made mistakes in my life it gives me a hope and each Sunday as we take the sacrament we can renew our covenants and be a little better. I am so thankful that I met the man I call my husband, you truly make me want to be a better wife, friend, and person in general. Your kind heart and willingness to help others is truly a gift. I don't know how to truly express my feelings on paper and the depth of my love for you. I always tell you you were the best decision I ever made and it's true. You are an amazing father and it makes my heart burst when I see the way you look at our kids and the way they love you.  More than anything I want us to be a FOREVER FAMILY I want our children to be sealed to us and to have us sealed together. I can't imagine a lovingly Heavenly Father letting us work so hard on having a great marriage here in this lifetime to not be continued in the heavens. I have a testimony of temples and the peace and clarity they can bring us. As I have done baptisms before there is something of greatness the minute you step on temple grounds. I want you all to know that I truly am trying everyday to be the wife and mom that you need. That I consider being your mom a privilege that I prayed to have each and everyone of you. That the moment they placed each of you, Mason, Daniela and Abbie in my arms the feeling of love washed over me and my heart grew bigger. That I know this is the most important work  I ever do. I want you to know how amazing I think each of you are. You each have your own little personalities and talents and I'm so proud to be your momma. I love you beyond measure and want to instill in you how special you are, that you are "a child of God" that there is great potential in you.  I love you all, you are my most precious gifts. Love you Caius as a best friend, a husband, a team mate. Xxoo 

After church picture. Daniela's first day in primary and she stuck to me like glue.

Mason is right behind us in his cute little suit jacket.

Family picture after sacrament. Abbie's first time in nursery without Dani and she rocked it:)

ROAD TRIP Before and after July 1,2014

We started our road trip on a beautiful Friday morning by the time we left the house it was around 9:30...at around 10:25 we already had experienced our first adventure compliments of Abbie. She expressed that her tummy hurt which usually means she needs to have privacy, at this point I leaned over to Alin and said "When you see somewhere to pull over we need to stop and change her" So the next stop which happened to be Prestcott, I hop out if the vehicle to change her only to discover she has decorated her cute little skirt/short outfit and her car seat.  I thought blow outs were behind us but as luck would have it... honestly sometimes there is nothing you can do about the adventures of motherhood but shake your head and laugh:)  thankfully the rest of trip was uneventful.
Our first stop if the trip was Sandbanks, love it, love the beach and that it's so shallow for so long and fairly warm. We spent the day there and then headed to Toronto.

SANDBANKS PROVINCIAL PARK

Dani and Mason chilling before beach

 Abbie

 Daniela

 Me, Abbie, Daniela and Mason

 Alin and Mason

 Mason, Daniela

Me and my Premium Romanian

Our next stop was a hotel close to the zoo in Toronto.  Where according to my husband he had the best muffins he's ever had in his life.  Then the next morning to the zoo, I think one of our favorite animals there is the polar bear.  He swims on his front then flips over onto his back at the same spot every time.  Huge hit with our family.  The day was HOT!!!  Other hits were the flamingo's, tigers, snakes, and actually everything.  Our little family loves the Toronto Zoo

 And of course Popsicles are also are favorite thing

 Rhino in background

Then off to Niagara Falls to the hubbies favorite get away...Great wolf lodge

 Since it was Canada Day they had a lot of fun celebrations going on at the Lodge.  This huge cake was one of the things along with the usual storytime and this time they had a dance party.  Which the kids loved

 Then for July 1 we stayed in a hotel in Niagara looking over the falls, we assumed that the fireworks would be amazing, we were disappointed but it led to one of the funniest nights me and my love had.  Through our big picture windows we could see people trying to leave the parking lot which was in no way user friendly.  We gave names to people and laughed at the little rat race below us.  I know it doesn't sound like much to write but honestly hilarious to be there:)

 In our Canada Day gear

 Our suite was amazing!!!

 In the fallsview casino

 Fabulous trip and here's to when we do it again.  Cheers

HAPPY NEW YEAR, WELCOME 2015

So Alin's parents came yesterday and we had a mini family New Years party. We had supper then I sent them downstairs so I could decorate a bit.  We had glow stick necklaces, noise makers, hats, leis and noise makers...I know I already said that but it bears mentioning again as they were a huge hit! Especially with Mr. M as he blew and blew and blew some more.  We played a round of Dr. Seuss game and then I had everyone write on a paper what a wish was for the New Year and then Alin had found a countdown for the kids (I don't think they need to know it was from you tube and last years celebrations:) and for the grand finale we had confetti tubes and cranberry sparkling juice aka cranberry juice and ginger ale.  All in all a fun night.

I wrote 2014 on the board but we were welcoming 2015:)

Grama and Grampa Ivanita

Our crew, kinda a awkward mom photo but all of us never the less