It was all a blur...

New Club Foot Item

We did our second trip to Vancouver in October to get Parker's new boot fitted for his club foot. The cool design of cars and trucks that's on the boot got his attention! Lucky for him he only has to wear the boot at night. Some kids have to wear it all day.

This new item is much easier to sleep with compared to his boots and bars. Parker, who is known to be a bit stubborn, will often refuse to put his boot on before bed. Daddy, who has inherited enough patience for all of us, slips on the boot when Parker is in a deep sleep.

Nice Bum!

Naps Rock

A perfect picture of two tired humans.

Funny comments. Funny moments.

Humor was in the house this week...

Parker loves the outdoors. When daddy told him to get his shoes on because we where going for a nature walk Parker replied, "Awesome!" I am impressed with his quick wit!

Walking with James, his hand in mine he said, "Mom, will you marry me?" My first response in my head was that I wasn't worthy of his love!

Talking to my mom one morning this week I asked her, "Did you hear me yelling at my kids from where you are?" We reside 8 hours from one another.

Hallowe'en 2009

Baking Disaster

Time well wasted...two hours in the kitchen and the cupcakes and icing where disgusting.

It was the dried fruit that ruined the cupcakes. The icing was a flop and I don't know what I did wrong there. It looked deceivingly good.





















I've developed the attitude not to get frustrated. It's not a rare event that this happens.

My baking and cooking skills are a work in progress.

As a stay at home mom I don't do the cooking. Like hardly ever. I'm what Daddy calls his Sous-Chef. I'll clean up after him and pour him his wine.

My sister and I try as we may are far from being the next Rachel Ray. Lucky for us we married husbands who cook pretty darn good. I think both of our men figured out early that they better get in the kitchen.

Last week, I aced the banana cookie recipe my sister emailed me. James said it 3 times when he ate the first cookie, "Yummy!" I swear it sounded like he was pleasantly surprised.

Maybe I'm being paranoid.

Wordless Wednesday

Unique Taste Buds

Not my first choice but tomato juice and crackers with PB is one of Parker's regular snacks. Sometimes he'll mix it up and have Daddy's famous mustard and cracker combo.

A couple of times he's down two of these juices in a row. Then he'll get diarrhea. As he is sitting on the toilet he'll say, too much tomato juice mommy?

Yes Parker. One drink too many can cause you all kinds of grief.

My tooth is lost...

Motherhood, brings unexpected joys. I never would have thought that I'd experience such giddiness and pride seeing my child loose a tooth. But oh how I did!

Here's the story...

James discovered that two of his teeth where loose a few days ago when he accidentally bumped his mouth on a chair. I was surprised! Isn't he kinda young? Maybe his birth date isn't accurate? Maybe he just bumped them too hard. So I checked his teeth again? Further shocked! His permanent teeth where pushing through!





















I checked on the Mayo Clinic website...indeed you can start losing your teeth at 4.5. Not as common but its' not common to weigh 50lbs at this age either.

I hadn't really talked to James about the whole process of why we lose our teeth...I though I'd have a year or two more. I read to him the book, "Throw Your Tooth on the Roof. Tooth Traditions from Around the World." To try and get him up to speed.




















After reading the book James said, "I want a treat and throw it on the roof when my tooth is lost. " In other words James wants the Tooth Fairy (Canada) tradition and an African tradition where you throw your tooth on the roof for the birds when his first tooth falls out.

On day 3 James' tooth fell out! He was so proud that he kept looking at himself in the mirror...like a lot more then usual. He admires himself in the mirror about 10 times a day, this time you can definitely double that number!!!!

He quickly put the tooth under his bed.





















The Tooth Fairy will be honored to pay him a visit tonight!

Thanksgiving.

Read this on a blog..."But despite today’s legally mandated annual day of Thanksgiving, genuine thankfulness, though rare, should be much more than a once-a year-event with a web of dubious traditions."

What did this day mean to you this year?

Club Foot Update

We headed to BC Children's Hospital for Parker's club foot appointment. Parker is no longer having to wear his boots and bars at night.
















He'll be required to keep wearing his runners. Which lately he's been averse to wearing them. He rather put on his rubber boots. He seldom likes doing the norm.

We where crammed in a little corner of the Casting Room to get his foot cast so that they can fit him with an ankle foot orthosis.


















He'll wear this for a year during night time.















We will go next week to get it fitted. The clinic called me this week to see what design Parker would like his AFO to have. I think he'll be impressed with what I've choosen.

*******************

And here is my little munchkin at about five months old wearing his cast. So cute!

Hip Shoes

I confess. I broke my New Year's resolution.

I've never owned a pair of hi-top shoes. I splurged on my very first Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Top Shoes!
















Buying them on sale eased the slight guilt I had for breaking my rule. If ever in Victoria, BC go check out the store, it's very cool. In the meantime visit their website: Baggins. My next pair will be these. And I think you know why.

I stumble as I try.

James is the new kid at preschool. The nine other kids where together last year. This didn't phase James. He is the most easy going person I know. He doesn't cling to my leg nor do I have to bribe him to get to school. Before I know all the mommy's know his name and the teacher reports that he is doing A+.

I am impressed by James' ability to parachute into a new environment without even showing a stumble. For me it's not that easy: evidence of this was as early as when I started kindergarten where I literally would hide in the morning so I wouldn't have to go. (Side note: my teacher was a nun, need I say more?) Twenty some years later I remember one of my performance reviews said I had to work on not being so aloof. I was insulted and chalked it up that my boss was an idiot.

Recently a friend told me her daughter said to her, "I think Joanne doesn't like me." I was shocked and sadden by this. I really like her daughter. Her confidence and ability to play all kinds of sports impresses me. What did I do that made her feel this way? Did I show signs of being "'unapproachable"? Was my boss' comment from years back coming back to haunt me?

James is the type of person, regardless of the color of his skin, that people will remember meeting him. Me on the hand, people forget my name. That doesn't bother me. I am by no means the life of the party. I like being on the side lines. But I don't want my quiet personality to be classified as snobbery...if that is even a word. I don't want people who are in my presence to have thoughts to themselves, "Isn't she anti-social. Obviously she isn't very friendly" or worse thinking I don't like them.

Last week at preschool I tried to be more 'open'. I said hello to one of James' classmate and than said hello to what I thought was the grandpa. "Hello! You must be Jane's grandpa." "No. I am her dad." Damn.

As I stumble to find my way to being a more open person I will take cues from my four year old, who to me, has mastered the art of being friendly without being overbearing.

Random Error By Moi!

If you are wondering why certain photos on my blog are gone, it's because of me.

I got focused one day during the boys nap time. I sat down on the computer and meticulously went through all my photos deciding which ones I wanted ordered to get printed. After 1.5 hours I had it all done. So I deleted them off of Picassa omitting the warning that popped-up on my screen...Are you sure you want to delete this?

I'm annoyed with myself. But too lazy to go back and try and figure out if perhaps I can get them back.

So to my faithful blog readers pardonne-moi!

Best Seat in Town

It's a feel good sensation to have the boys out of diapers and a real plus when they aim accurately in the toilet bowl.

The sound of putting the seat down brings no feel good sensation. BANG! Nope, Mommy Jo isn't going to tolerate that.

Daddy replaced the toilet seat with a new slow release seat. (Photo nicely illustrates the feature) This special seat makes me happy. It's noise free and the boys love watching the seat go down.

For all mommies with boys make this your next purchase!

Affordable Fashion Finds!

The year is more than half over and I am acing my new years resolution.

Buying clothes for less than $25 is so fun for me. I get a real kick out of it and love to show off my digs to whoever wants to see it. If I receive a compliment on an item that I got for cheap I'll tell them, "I know, I love these shorts too. I got them at Value Village for $8." Like that person cares!

Here is a list of some of my proud purchases that I must share:

• A pair of sassy high heels for $12 (used)
• Silver Jean jean jacket...$10 (used)
• Sunglasses by Nine West...$15 (Winners)
• 2 tank tops for $5 bucks each...you never have enough of those (Smart Set)
• Very cool crop jacket...$10 (regular $130 at The Bay)
• A beautiful antique bracelet for $8 (used)
• Bra made in Italy...$18 (Winners)

I can not bring myself to buying something that's not on sale. Proof of this was when I was shopping for a bathing suit. Yes, you heard correctly...a bathing suit. I have learned after a couple of mishaps that wearing a bikini while swimming with a 2 year old can cause indecent exposure.

So it was time to switch the bikini to a full suit. We all know shopping for swim wear is a lot of work. Unlike a shirt where you can take a visual and not have to bother trying it on a bathing suit needs your whole body undressed and 3-way mirrors before a purchase can be made.

I set out to find a bathing suit...on sale. After trying the fifth suit I had a winner! It was on the 30% sale racket. When it came to pay the sales associate didn't give me the sale price. She explained that this was their fall collection. The suit shouldn't have been on the sales rack. (Why is The Bay so disorganized?) I didn't buy it. I didn't fall into the 'you better buy it 'cause you'll never find one this nice, and you need it now' state. I walked away confident that all will be well in the land of bathing suit shopping...

Three days later I stopped in at a swim store (much more organized). She showed me their sale rack. There wasn't much but I scored. I tried the only one I liked and it was calling my name! I saved $30 bucks and peace of mind knowing Parker can not untie my bikini!

A nudge to the edge

It's been one of those trying days with our youngest toddler: lots of time outs, crocodile tears and throwing of food or toys.

How can this sweet and beautiful boy that I love from here to the moon and back get so confident in having his way? Another wonder of motherhood.

I'm going to climb into bed and read. Let my brain and body rest.

Cuddled and Loved

During our journey of creating our family my sister presented us with this baby blanket.

"This precious child has brought us such joy. It wouldn't have mattered whether it was a girl or a boy. What means most is that it's a gift from above and all we must do is fill it with love."


I really thought becoming a mom would be so easy. In my case it was like doing a marathon every six months for five years. This blanket's words kept me from staying in the world of self-pity. The blanket has cuddled both of the boys. A true miracle, wouldn't you say?

Purgin'

So much junk and after awhile you have to admit to yourself it's time to let it go. Trash it, recycle it or feel somewhat better by giving it away.

I was 15 years old when my boarding school burned to the ground. Sounds great....school burns no more school. Not in this case. We were back in class in an old chapel a week later. Seriously. The teacher stood at the alter! It was pathetic. No air conditioning and I swear this little town in south Saskatchewan had the hottest June ever.

My dear Aunt came to visit me during the one week I had off to buy clothes and more clothes! She gave me a card and after 20 years I still remember the words she had written to me: "....they can burn your bras but not the memories in your heart."

And that is why I am an expert purger!

Stinky Feet!

After a day of walking in flip flops and walking bare feet on the sandy beach...

there is nothing so refreshing than cleaning your feet before 'night-'night.

Note: James loves this picture, "See Mommy, there are two James!"

Summer Changes

After 2 years and 5 months in diapers (Pampers was my favorite) Parker decided to help save the environment! He aced the potty training class! Having a diaper free home rocks!














After just 2 1/2 years of arriving in Canada James has gained 28lbs! Tipping the scale at 50lbs we can safely and proudly say that he is a robust and strong 4.5 year old!















After a few tests I found out my iron level was low. My doctor asked if I felt tired. Nope, I proudly said. A month later I felt extremely tired and cold! The iron pills are helping as I no longer need to wear socks to bed and do not crave an afternoon nap!















After hearing Daddy say "My knee is sore." for months it is confirmed that there will be no more badminton for him. This has been his favorite sport! After a minor knee surgery to remove the torn cartilage Daddy will focus on playing tennis. It's easier on the knees!















We had a fabulous summer filled with beach days, a couple of getaways and visitors! Now we warmly welcome September!

The Race

by Daddy (aka: Michael Epp)

The time had now come,
Race day was here
The fans were all standing
Eager to cheer

The engines had started
They lined up in place
The drivers gripped tight
Ready to race

The green flag waved down
The buggies all surged
Around the first corner
A front runner emerged

Grey buggy two-two eight
At the head of the pack
Turned corner number two
On that dusty, dirt track

Hitting the jumps
One after another
"That one's my daddy!"
Said James to his brother

Around the last turn
In the dust and the grime
The red buggy now lead
Two-two-eight now behind

Checkered flag down
The race now done
Dust hanging in air
Red buggy had won

To the pits they drove
Single file all the way
Win, lose or draw
It was a heck of a day!

"It's okay Dad", said James
His voice filled with pride
Next time you'll win
With me by your side.

*********************

A snapshot of Daddy's dune buggy after the June race!

Tennis Anyone?

It's our fourth try this tennis season to play as we once did 'sans enfants'.

James gets it. He happily plays on the the play ground. Or practices tennis on the wall.

Parker doesn't get it. He is very disrupting. Walking on the court. Fake crying. Throwing the balls around.

I almost accidentally whacked him with my racquet. Part of me wished it would have bonked him on the head. Like not so hard that he'd be injured but hard enough that he'd scram away to the playground for good.

Today we got in 15 minutes of disruptive play time.

Our aim is to play a minimum of 30 minutes of tennis with our two boys happily playing at the playground. Right now it's a pipe dream.

This 2 year old has the art of wearing us down...

Run Forest Run!

My boys are growing. I'm 'in love' with motherhood these last few weeks.

Not so long ago James was so malnourished he had trouble walking. Parker was wearing a cast for his club foot.

Now they are running as fast as they can. Picking up sticks, rocks and getting really dirty.

Not so long ago James didn't pay any attention to Parker. Parker didn't pay any attention to James.

Now they make belief together, fight together and hug each other.

I am loving the moments.

Lash Out!

This AVON mascara doesn't glob. It's inexpensive and makes eyelashing easy! I had to call Debbie, my Avon girl, to tell her how much I loved it when I first tried it.

Oppose to when my boys where two years ago: P needing to be nursed and J needing lots of food, it was really hard to get some time to brush my teeth let alone have thoughts of putting on makeup. But now that the boys are functioning at a much higher level I get to beautify myself: brush the teeth, brush the hair and put a splash of mascara on! It's a great thing!

Purging

Tell me you can tell the difference...