Fort Knox

We finally bit the bullet and bought some baby gates for our stairs.   Although Tayah is a rockstar at climbing the stairs, we of course have to be right behind her all of the time just in case.  This morning I put the gate up on the stairs heading to the 2nd level... and miss T spent a good hour standing there, banging on them.  Silly girl.

March 21, 2011

Cake Smashing

Maybe it was the lack of sleep, maybe it was the million changes of outfits, maybe it was the unfamiliar house.... but wow was Tayah upset during her photoshoot today.   That is until the cake came out, and then she dove in.  We didn't really get any smiles, but Robin did a great job at capturing this super cute moment for us.  We will be using this for her birthday invites....

March 20, 2011

Pretty Piggies

My husband thinks I have officially lost it, but I decided it would be super cute for Tayah to have some painted toes for her photo shoot tomorrow.  Ok, so yes, it was a bit of a struggle, she was not impressed and oh man are those toes ever little, but alas, I had success and she is now all ready for some cake smashing tomorrow!!



March 19, 2011

Bathing Beauty

Amaya had the day off of school today, and I have to admit I just love days like this.  We started off with pancakes for breakfast.... yumma

We chilled out and watched some tv and did some crafts, and then it was time for Tayah to have a nap.  I ended up falling asleep with her and when we got up, we came down to this...

God I love that kid, there was sun shining through the window so she figured she would put on her bikini and soak up the rays.  A childs imagination is just so wonderful, too bad we don't stay innocent like that forever!

March 18, 2011

She Did It!

We got Amaya's report card and we are so proud of her.  She has moved up in several things, and get's glowing reports from all of her teachers.  I truly do believe if a child loves their teacher, it's easier for them to learn.  We are so fortunate that Amaya has an amazing teacher this year, and we can really see the results of her hard work.  

After school we had our student lead conference, I really love seeing all of her work and how proud she is of what she is doing.  It really makes you step back and realize what an impact a teacher has on a child's life, and how under appreciated they are.  So, even though she does not read this blog I'm sure, thank you Ms. G, for inspiring Amaya to reach for the stars.

One thing she does have to work on is not talking quite as much... wonder where she get's that trait from?? Baffles me!

March 17, 2011

I Really Do Exist!

I spent some time today looking back through my blog, and quickly realized there are very few pictures of me.  Thankfully we were headed out for a playdate today with Jill, Anna & Lauren, and Jill is as much of a picture taker as I am, so.. just to prove that I do exist.....

I guess I am always the one behind the camera!

March 16, 2011

Sugar Rush

My children think I am the best mama ever today.  In preparation for Tayah's cakesmash photo session this weekend, we had cupcakes BEFORE dinner!!  I think the pictures speak for themselves.....  and without further ado, a gazillion cute pictures.....

Yummy cupcakes before destruction.

All for me???

What in the heck do you do with this thing? Guys?  Anyone?

OH MY GOD...... YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Happy Sugar filled baby.

Amaya loved that we got to have dessert before dinner too!!

March 15, 2011

3....4....5....

When it rains, it pours.  Over the last week, Tayah has got 3 new teeth.   As much as it's fun to watch your baby grow up, that toothless grin is still proof they are still so itty bitty.   Once they have teeth, they look so grown up.   So,  three teeth this week... college degree next??

Look at all those lil chompers... don't mind the boogies.

And in even bigger news, Tayah finally has enough hair for a clip.  Ok so she totally hated it, but I got it in for a little bit anyways! 

She looks super excited eh?

March 14, 2011

"Spring" Forward

Daylight Savings Time arrived today..... and we followed the trend to "Spring" forward.  Except it is still very much winter here.  There is nothing about spring in Manitoba quite yet.  That didn't stop me from making some very yummy chicken on the bbq and Amaya from playing outside with our extra hour of daylight.

March 13, 2011

Outta the Box

Two year ago, my amazing, loving, thoughtful husband bought me a Cricut for Christmas.  It has sat in the box, all pretty and unused, until today that is.  I have finally started to make the decorations for miss Tayah's 1st birthday party and this was the perfect opportunity for me to take my Cricut outta the box. 

I. Am. In. Love.     I love that it makes everything so perfect and cute and pretty.   My only regret, is that it is the smaller machine, so it only holds paper up to 6"x12", and there are lots of big things that would be fun to make. 

On a somewhat sad note, Amaya had the flu today.  She rarely gets the flu, and was not happy.  Finally in the evening she had a bite of dry toast, and then went right back to bed.

March 12, 2011

Used Clothes = New Friends

A few months ago I started selling some of the girls clothes and baby stuff we don't need on a Facebook page that I set up specifically for that reason.  At first it was just a little hobby, to try to make some extra money and clear out some stuff we no longer need.   

There are quite a few other Winnipeg mama's who do the same thing, and over the last few months I have bought from and met several of them.  We all seem to have a good time chatting it up online... brought together by our love of clothes.  I look forward to my daily chats with these ladies, and hope that once it gets a bit nicer we will be able to plan a little get together.

Here is one (of many many) outfits we got a little while ago.  So cute and comfy.

March 11, 2011

Shuttermums

Ever since I got my new Canon T2i, I have wanted to learn more about how to take some great pictures and use some of the fun functions my camera has.  I had been looking at some classes, but couldn't find exactly what I wanted.  Until another superfun Facebook mama mentioned ShutterMum's. 

It's exactly what I want... to learn how to take better pics of my kiddo's... and it's meant specifically for us mama's.   There are a group of 6 of us who have signed up and we are all excited for a few evenings out together!  Our class starts April 7th, so I'm assuming I will be able to produce some professional looking pictures by the April 8th.... ok maybe not quite.  I'm hoping this will help me to document our lives just a little better.

March 10, 2011

Pat-A-Cake

Just yesterday I was saying to Dino that I wonder when Tayah will start to clap.  We sing and clap with her all of the time, yet no clapping on her part.  Until today, that is!   Out of the blue, she started to clap... and clap... and clap. 

She is very proud of her new found skill. I have to admit it's pretty darn cute.

March 9, 2011

Playtime

I love that Tayah is now at the age where she loves to play with her toys.  We have several baskets of toys in our family room and she squeals with delight when she can just tear into it.  This is our basket from this afternoon, some of her favorites right now are the doll, and the blocks, she loves for me to build a tower so she can knock it down, or to bang them together.

March 8, 2011

Ladle in Red

I love chili, especially on a cold winter day.  One of my favorite recipes for chili is from the Eat, Shrink & Be Merry Cookbook called Ladle in Red.   I just happened to have everything I needed on hand, and it just happened to be a really cold winter day, so chili was on the menu. 

Here's the recipe:

1 1/2 lbs of extra lean ground beef ( i use 2lbs usually)

2tsp of minced garlic
1 cup each of diced celery, green bell pepper and red onion *note1*
1 1/2 tbsp of chili powder
1 1/2 tsp EACH of ground cumin, and dried oregano
1 tsp of ground coriander
1/2 tsp of black pepper
1 can of (19oz/540ml) diced tomato undrained ( i usually use a larger can)
1 can (14oz/398ml) tomato sauce ( if you can find no sodium added yay you!)
1 cup of beef broth (again yay you for no sodium added/fat free)
1/4 cup chopped celery leaves *see note 1*
1 tbsp of hickory flavored bbq sauce
1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19oz/540ml)
1 can of beans in tomato sauce (i don't use this and have not counted it in the w.w. points)
3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (yes you can use the plastic ones lol)
2 tsp of liquid honey

* Cook beef and garlic in a large, deep, non stick skillet or pot over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink. Stir in the celery, onion and green pepper. Cook and stirl for about 3 minutes, or until veggies start to soften

* Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander and black pepper (aren't you glad they are all ready to go??). Add undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, celery leaves, and bbq sauce. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20minutes, stirring occasionally

*Add beans and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro, lime juice and honey. Serve hot.

I usually let it simmer for longer, and it tastes super yummy, and like many things, even better the next day!  Definitely one of our favorites.

March 7, 2011

Good Friends, Great Fun

When we moved to Harbourview South, we were so excited to be living near some of our really good friends.  Excited about all the time we would get to spend together.  Then came the move.. and the baby... and unpacking... and getting settled.  And THEN came Summer... and deck building... and sod laying... and THEN came Winter (ie: Hibernation).  We all got so busy that we just didn't get together as much as we wanted. 

Today we got invited over to visit Henry & Tanya, and we all had a great time.  Some yummy appies for dinner, followed by a slideshow of the cruise they took in Feb, and then I got to enjoy "the chair".  It's this crazy massage chair, and it was so awesome! 

Here is Amaya taking her turn in "The Chair"



Amaya and Tayah had fun playing with Uncle Henry and I had a great time visiting with Tanya... all in all , we had a fabulous evening. 

And when we left, we promised to make sure we get together more often. Super excited about the summer ahead... To enjoy good friends and great fun!

March 6, 2011

The Next Wayne Gretsky

Since my Dad has been here this week, Amaya has been lucky enough to go skating quite a bit. When she first started skating, she was scared and didn't move much.  Today I went to watch her skating, and WOW, she has really improved. 

The smile on her face was priceless, and I'm so glad I went to see her. 

She has now told Papa she needs a hockey stick. Watch out Wayne... you have some competition!

March 5, 2011

Have A Seat

When we moved into our new home, I was in love.... with every room except our back entrance.  It's too small, too narrow, and not organized at all.   I have been looking for something to put back there and finally found it today! 

I was upstairs doing something... not even sure what... and came down to find my very own little Bob the Builder helping put together our new bench.

And once it was done, there were two very happy little girls!

March 4, 2011

Return of the Shamrock

There are a few things I look forward to every year.  One of them is the short return of the Shamrock Shake from McDonalds.  Silly as it may seem, I know it's only around for a few weeks, and always have to have one. 

Today my Dad and Amaya returned home from skating with a Shamrock Shakes for us.  Being Mama of the year, meant that Tayah needed to try it too.  But she does not know how to use a straw.... however....she must have loved it, as she figured out the straw very quickly and kept going for more. 

And as if the sugar rush from the milkshake wasn't enough, she felt the need to have some of Amaya's yogurt too!  What a good big sister she is, she never complains and always does everything she can for her baby sister.

Not that you can tell from these pictures, but we do actually feed Tayah real food too!  She looks ravenous, silly girl.

March 3, 2011

A Cut & A Bump

Amaya has been trying for quite some time to grow out her hair.  Even the mention of a haircut made her was major drama, but her hair was looking very ragamuffin'ish most of the time.  So, off to the salon we went.  I wasn't smart enough to get a before shot (see pics from yesterday if you forget!), but she loves her new 'do and I have to agree, she is lookin super duper cute. 

Beware, pic overload as I don't post enough pics of my beautiful Amaya and she was so happy with her new look.

And, as if Tayah hasn't had a hard enough week, she got her first big bump on her head.  Not even from bumping into something, or falling... nope, her's is from the dog knocking her over and in doing so, caught a tooth on Tayah's head.  Along came some great big tears, a little blood, and a very sad baby girl.  Of course, Mama has to document the first big bump (not before making her all better first though!)

March 2, 2011

Vroom Vroom

Thankfully, after over a week of feeling very icky, the drugs are finally working and miss Tayah is starting to feel a bit better.  She is still super congested and coughing, but has started to eat and is playing. 

I thought she deserved to have something new to play with, so I put together her little car walker sitty onny thingamajig.  She was not a fan of walking behind it, but seemed to enjoy sitting down and playing with the steering wheel. 

Soon after she learned how to slide off the back.

Amaya was super excited, she lost another tooth today.  Funny how it's such a happy occassion to lose a tooth, it wasn't so fun when they were coming in!  I'm glad this one fell out before she goes to the dentist next week. 

March 1, 2011