Wednesday evening, my Relief Society had its annual Progressive Dinner. It's kind of like a potluck that occurs in 3 different homes. Women bring the appetizers and desserts while the main course is provided. This year, the main course** was at my house.
**I did not cook the food provided. It was brought over!
The food was fabulous! Phyllo pastry-wrapped chicken, roasted red peppers and spinach was the entrée (which I obviously didn't eat, despite the word "pastry" in the description) and was served with orzo, carrots and asparagus. So delicious!
I got several compliments on my home, despite the fact our new couch hadn't arrived yet and I don't have any decorating blood in me. Our house is pretty bare bones and our very used furniture seriously needs to be retired...
I made sure Shawn heard that people were complimenting his paint job. ;)
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Toddler Tenacity
I must admit that I am quite impressed with Avi's tenacity. She insists on walking even though she has to do a full semi-circle just to turn around. When she falls, she stubbornly gets back up again. And again. And again.
It's quite comical to see her so wobbly on her pins! (For those unfamiliar with that turn of phrase, I'm pretty sure it's British for unsteady on her feet.) The balancing act will soon give way to proficiency and, perhaps, even grace. Sad, but inevitable.
It's quite comical to see her so wobbly on her pins! (For those unfamiliar with that turn of phrase, I'm pretty sure it's British for unsteady on her feet.) The balancing act will soon give way to proficiency and, perhaps, even grace. Sad, but inevitable.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Two Babies and a Toddler
My newborn niece and nephew were blessed last Sunday in Vulcan. It just happened to fall on Averi's first birthday. This is also the day that Averi decided to start walking.
She'd been getting a few steps in here and there but now she does it more regularly and for longer periods. Sometimes she'll revert to crawling but she really prefers being on her feet.
Unfortunately, we had left our camera at Lindsay's Calgary reception and so didn't have our camera for this event. (Shawn's parents had saved it for us but hadn't brought it with them.) We didn't get any cake pictures! That's totally going to come back to haunt us... It's a Nelson family tradition to have a picture of 1-year-olds eating their own cake on their birthday. Poor Avi! I think we may celebrate her birthday again, perhaps on Dude's birthday. Neither child is really old enough to care. And that way, Omi will be present. Heck, maybe Omi will make the cake! (Omi makes very special cakes.)
Uncle Aaron did get some footage of her walking though...
She'd been getting a few steps in here and there but now she does it more regularly and for longer periods. Sometimes she'll revert to crawling but she really prefers being on her feet.
Unfortunately, we had left our camera at Lindsay's Calgary reception and so didn't have our camera for this event. (Shawn's parents had saved it for us but hadn't brought it with them.) We didn't get any cake pictures! That's totally going to come back to haunt us... It's a Nelson family tradition to have a picture of 1-year-olds eating their own cake on their birthday. Poor Avi! I think we may celebrate her birthday again, perhaps on Dude's birthday. Neither child is really old enough to care. And that way, Omi will be present. Heck, maybe Omi will make the cake! (Omi makes very special cakes.)
Uncle Aaron did get some footage of her walking though...
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Kyle and Lindsay Bullock
I'm sure my mother-in-law is absolutely thrilled that Lindsay's wedding is finally over. The new Mr. and Mrs. Bullock are currently sunnin' and surfin' in Mexico. I think they're the first Nelsons to have a real honeymoon. Diana, George, Shawn and I went to Fairmont, BC (not at the same time, of course ;) ). I'm not sure the rest of the married sibs went anywhere in particular at all. To make up for this, Shawn swears that the first time his parents invite us to their future condo in Hawaii, he'll go into debt for it. He desperately wants a tropical vacation.
*ahem* Back to the happy couple!
The sealing took place at the Cardston temple on Friday, August 15th. There were plenty of babysitters in the form of bridesmaids and family guests, thank goodness.
It was hot! The entire summer has been mostly rain or temperate days but as soon as you have to be outside for something, we get summer weather. My face had a constant sheen of sweat on it. Averi was happy enough climbing her stroller in the shade.
There was a family luncheon in Barnwell, AB, where the groom's side hails from. Speeches included warnings to Kyle about Lindsay and the Nelsons and warnings to Lindsay about the Bullocks. (I'll always remember Kyle's reaction to a potato sprouting eyes placed unsuspectingly in his hand...) Kyle's brother-in-law wrote a poem entitled "So Now You're a Bullock" which was quite fun (see below). Kyle presented a "Tribute to Lindsay" slideshow that had several people in tears (Diana!).
The newlyweds spent their wedding night at a secluded, 7,500 sqare foot mansion. All I can say is, "Wow." Lindsay said they plan on spending their one year anniversary there as well. I think it might be a great place for Shawn and I to get away for an anniversary as well. At least once.
Another reception took place in Calgary the following evening. Shawn presented the Lindsay-and-Kyle-growing-up-pics slideshow. It was a collaborative effort from the both of us. ;) The speeches were all repeated and there was a dance following. Dude was, as usual, the life of the party but Avi and Mommy held their own!
*ahem* Back to the happy couple!
The sealing took place at the Cardston temple on Friday, August 15th. There were plenty of babysitters in the form of bridesmaids and family guests, thank goodness.
It was hot! The entire summer has been mostly rain or temperate days but as soon as you have to be outside for something, we get summer weather. My face had a constant sheen of sweat on it. Averi was happy enough climbing her stroller in the shade.
There was a family luncheon in Barnwell, AB, where the groom's side hails from. Speeches included warnings to Kyle about Lindsay and the Nelsons and warnings to Lindsay about the Bullocks. (I'll always remember Kyle's reaction to a potato sprouting eyes placed unsuspectingly in his hand...) Kyle's brother-in-law wrote a poem entitled "So Now You're a Bullock" which was quite fun (see below). Kyle presented a "Tribute to Lindsay" slideshow that had several people in tears (Diana!).
So now you’re a Bullock, and trust me that’s goodThe reception that evening was also in Barnwell. It was call-in only but there was TONS of food. It was seriously amazing.
Cuz you not only get Bullocks, you get a handful of Woods
And if that’s not enough to make you giddy with glee
As of a quarter to twelve, you’re related to me
I am a Nelson like you used to be
Now we’re a part of the same family
The only reason I’m here’s cuz I’m married to Cari
Her Barks worse than her bite, she’s really not scary
You’ve gained some new in-laws in Cheryl and Bob
And Emily and Blake and the rest of the Mob
But let’s not forget Brandon, the Bullock family Beef
If you want to know him better, look up pictures of the Chief
So now you’re a Bullock and you seem well equipped
I guess that’s why Kyle’s so incredibly whipped
We know that it’s you who has all the power
Why else would he drive 175 clicks an hour
I know it sounds corny to call you Kyle’s main squeeze
But somehow I had to mention macaroni and cheese
This poems dragging on, not much of a quickie
But it won’t last as long as Kyle’s mysterious hickie
So now you’re a Bullock, and for the rest of your life
You’re not just Kyle and Lindsay, you’re husband and wife
You’ve said your “I do’s”, now it’s too late to run
But why would you want to, the best part’s just begun
So now you’re a Bullock, you’re one of our own
And sadly I’ll give up the new in-law throne
We are glad that you’ve joined us, with all that you bring
The family now has at least one person who sings
So now you’re a Bullock, for now and forever
And we’ll have you’re back, through all types of weather
Come rain or come shine, or whatever the test
We will love and support you, cuz that’s what Bullock’s do best.
The newlyweds spent their wedding night at a secluded, 7,500 sqare foot mansion. All I can say is, "Wow." Lindsay said they plan on spending their one year anniversary there as well. I think it might be a great place for Shawn and I to get away for an anniversary as well. At least once.
Another reception took place in Calgary the following evening. Shawn presented the Lindsay-and-Kyle-growing-up-pics slideshow. It was a collaborative effort from the both of us. ;) The speeches were all repeated and there was a dance following. Dude was, as usual, the life of the party but Avi and Mommy held their own!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Girl Time
I had some surprise company last night in the form of Norm, Ariel and her sister, Hannah. It was decided that while Shawn and Norm would watch Beowulf on the big-arse TV with full surround sound, the girls and I would watch a chick flick on our old TV (the temperamental beast goes in to and out of operation at its merciless whim).
Anyhoo, I picked up 3 rentals that Shawn would never have allowed if he had been present: Penelope, Waitress and How She Move. The first movie was selected for viewing.
Penelope is definitely a fluffy little story. When Shawn asked my opinion, heaven help him, I replied that it was slow, but cute. That's about all I can say about it. I like James McAvoy but he really didn't play much of a role. Christina Ricci, despite some questionable movies, did well. Reese Whitherspoon was hardly in it but I loved! her hair.
Bottom line? I'm not sorry I watched it but I'm sitting on the fence when it comes to recommendations.
(I promise some posts are coming to document Lizzy's wedding and Avi's bday!)
Anyhoo, I picked up 3 rentals that Shawn would never have allowed if he had been present: Penelope, Waitress and How She Move. The first movie was selected for viewing.
Penelope is definitely a fluffy little story. When Shawn asked my opinion, heaven help him, I replied that it was slow, but cute. That's about all I can say about it. I like James McAvoy but he really didn't play much of a role. Christina Ricci, despite some questionable movies, did well. Reese Whitherspoon was hardly in it but I loved! her hair.
Bottom line? I'm not sorry I watched it but I'm sitting on the fence when it comes to recommendations.
(I promise some posts are coming to document Lizzy's wedding and Avi's bday!)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Breaking Dawn
For some reason, I decided to link to my book blog. I read Breaking Dawn last week, fourth in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, and put my review here.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sleep-whiner
There's nothing worse than a kid who whines all day.
Except a kid who also whines all night. In his sleep.
Taylor is one such child.
Only 5,858 days until he goes on his mission.
Except a kid who also whines all night. In his sleep.
Taylor is one such child.
Only 5,858 days until he goes on his mission.
Why?
My mother told me this day would come.
Tonight, Taylor asked his very first "Why?" question.
Tonight, Taylor asked his very first "Why?" question.
Taylor (pointing to Burger King): We getting burgers there?I didn't answer his last question. I just grinned.
Me: No, we're getting them over there.
Taylor: Why?
Me: Because they're less expensive over there.
Taylor: Why?
Monday, August 11, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Wakeboarding and Tubing with the Bullocks
The Bullocks are Lindsay's soon-to-be in-laws. Not that we needed convincing, but inviting the entire Nelson clan to a day at the lake was a very strategic move to convert us all to the way of Bullock-ites. Rock on!
I tried wakeboarding for the first time ever! It's a lot easier to get up than waterskiing but I kept doing nose-dives because I couldn't get myself to turn the board to the side. I'm too used to waterskiing/skiing. You know, feet facing forward. Ploughing water isn't easy but I insisted on doing it every time. A little more practice, though, and I'll have it, no problem! (We've been invited back :) but we'd do it sans enfants... It is a 3 hr trip...)
We also went tubing. Always tons of fun. Screaming makes everything more fun. (Kyle has some pics on his Facebook profile that I'm getting from him.) Lindsay and I wanted a nice, mellow ride. We ended off by diving from "tube" to "tube!"
Taylor was happily occupied all day with enormous amounts of food, toy trucks, sand and water. He wasn't so fond of the boat ride.
Averi was also happy as a clam in the water. Or should I say happy as a fish? Anyway, she adored the boat ride.
I tried wakeboarding for the first time ever! It's a lot easier to get up than waterskiing but I kept doing nose-dives because I couldn't get myself to turn the board to the side. I'm too used to waterskiing/skiing. You know, feet facing forward. Ploughing water isn't easy but I insisted on doing it every time. A little more practice, though, and I'll have it, no problem! (We've been invited back :) but we'd do it sans enfants... It is a 3 hr trip...)
We also went tubing. Always tons of fun. Screaming makes everything more fun. (Kyle has some pics on his Facebook profile that I'm getting from him.) Lindsay and I wanted a nice, mellow ride. We ended off by diving from "tube" to "tube!"
Taylor was happily occupied all day with enormous amounts of food, toy trucks, sand and water. He wasn't so fond of the boat ride.
Averi was also happy as a clam in the water. Or should I say happy as a fish? Anyway, she adored the boat ride.
Kiddy Antics
Averi has groupies. I wished I had had my camera this evening when three neighbor boys, aged 5,6 and 8? 9? 10?, sat on the grass with her and just stared. Watched her do baby stuff. Girl baby stuff. They were smitten. The 6-year-old took the infatuation further and walked her all around the yard. He tried coaxing her to walk on her own. Who wouldn't be charmed by that scene? (By the way, the 5-year-old was defending Averi to Taylor just last evening.)
Taylor refused to touch the raw broccoli and dip I presented with his supper. I tried several methods to get him to just try a bite before resorting to "Just lick it then!" Taylor licked it. He liked it. He ate more broccoli of his own volition. Score one, vegetables.
Taylor called Averi "Chunk" this evening... Hmmm....
There were a couple more tidbits I wanted to share but darned if I can remember them now.
Taylor refused to touch the raw broccoli and dip I presented with his supper. I tried several methods to get him to just try a bite before resorting to "Just lick it then!" Taylor licked it. He liked it. He ate more broccoli of his own volition. Score one, vegetables.
Taylor called Averi "Chunk" this evening... Hmmm....
There were a couple more tidbits I wanted to share but darned if I can remember them now.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Chapterbytes
Chapterbytes is seriously the coolest idea since Dairy Queen invented Blizzards. Anyone can become an author and contribute a chapter to an ongoing book! Since I like to write but have no sort of imagination or organization to create and follow through on my own entire story, I seriously love this concept. If you're interested in doing the same, Chapterbytes is always looking for new authors. Check out the About page, which includes the rules and method of contact.
Right now, the theme is chick lit and the book is called Foodie. I contributed my first chapter, Chapter 11, today! You can check it out here or start from the book's beginning here. Some of the writing is really good and, often, comical. Let me know what you think of it by commenting right on the chapter (or you can come back here).
I want to thank Dad, who patiently talked me through some medical details.
Right now, the theme is chick lit and the book is called Foodie. I contributed my first chapter, Chapter 11, today! You can check it out here or start from the book's beginning here. Some of the writing is really good and, often, comical. Let me know what you think of it by commenting right on the chapter (or you can come back here).
I want to thank Dad, who patiently talked me through some medical details.
Shoot 'Em Up
Shawn borrowed a friend's Playstation 3 so that the first movie we saw on our brand new TV would be high def. He even unpacked all his surround equipment, which is typically kept safe from the kiddies under the stairs in the basement. We rented Shoot 'Em Up on Blu-Ray. Total action mayhem!
High def experience: All I can seriously say is "Wow!" The thing about large widescreen TVs is they make regular DVDs look like VHS. Remember those things? I still own a few. So viewing Blu-Ray was awesome!
Movie review: I was actually pleasantly surprised. It is absolutely true that this movie is a testosterone-saturated, adrenaline-producing flick but the underlying premise was astonishingly original, shockingly thought-provoking and thigh-slappingly hilarious. The action is not entirely meant to be realistic (that baby would've died several times over) but it's definitely thrilling. I highly recommend it to all heterosexual males and believe that even most women would not be opposed to this movie.
B would especially love this movie because she and Clive Owen both share several of the same pet peeves!
High def experience: All I can seriously say is "Wow!" The thing about large widescreen TVs is they make regular DVDs look like VHS. Remember those things? I still own a few. So viewing Blu-Ray was awesome!
Movie review: I was actually pleasantly surprised. It is absolutely true that this movie is a testosterone-saturated, adrenaline-producing flick but the underlying premise was astonishingly original, shockingly thought-provoking and thigh-slappingly hilarious. The action is not entirely meant to be realistic (that baby would've died several times over) but it's definitely thrilling. I highly recommend it to all heterosexual males and believe that even most women would not be opposed to this movie.
B would especially love this movie because she and Clive Owen both share several of the same pet peeves!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Weekend at Omi's
It's late so this post will be brief.
My mother took Taylor for two nights starting Friday. Taylor is really much better behaved without his sister so they had a grand time. They even went on the "city bus!"
When we went to pick up Taylor on Sunday evening, Avi started climbing up the umbrella/banana stroller that Omi had been using to push Taylor around over the weekend. Taylor reacted with verbal possessiveness. Shawn explained to Taylor that it wasn't his stroller, but mommy's and daddy's stroller. Taylor's little mind quickly grasped the implication and said, "No! Mommy and Daddy can't sit in it! You're too big!"
Thanks for the break, Mom! It was wonderful to spend some quality one-on-one time with Avi. I'm sure Avi appreciated the break as well.
Coming soon: Wakeboarding with the Bullocks!
My mother took Taylor for two nights starting Friday. Taylor is really much better behaved without his sister so they had a grand time. They even went on the "city bus!"
When we went to pick up Taylor on Sunday evening, Avi started climbing up the umbrella/banana stroller that Omi had been using to push Taylor around over the weekend. Taylor reacted with verbal possessiveness. Shawn explained to Taylor that it wasn't his stroller, but mommy's and daddy's stroller. Taylor's little mind quickly grasped the implication and said, "No! Mommy and Daddy can't sit in it! You're too big!"
Thanks for the break, Mom! It was wonderful to spend some quality one-on-one time with Avi. I'm sure Avi appreciated the break as well.
Coming soon: Wakeboarding with the Bullocks!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Me and My "Girlfriend"
I write this in the absolute confidence that my husband does not read my blog. That used to irk me, but now? Hah!
My little baby girl and I went shopping! this evening. I hardly ever get to go shopping! because of Shawn and the kids. Shawn is very... frugal, shall we say? And kids make anything twice as difficult and three times as long. But since Daddy was at work and Taylor is spending the weekend at Omi's house, I went shopping!. I need work clothes, especially since I've lost weight. I also need shoes but there was still a limited time in which I had to work.
I wasn't really prepared to take a baby shopping, I went after dropping Daddy off, so I didn't have the stroller. I borrowed one at the mall's Customer Service that had a TV in it!! I couldn't believe it! Here I am, pushing a little not-quite-one-year-old around with Barney playing on the little TV! (I did not pick the show.)
Avi was an absolute angel. Most of the stores had change rooms big enough for me to bring her monstrous cart in with me. The one store that didn't, I brought her in with me sans cart and she happily played on the floor with a drinking straw, my shoes and a hanger. I thought for sure she'd make a dash for the stall next door!
When my "girlfriend" started getting fussy, I knew the time had come to leave. My poor, frazzled little trooper! Or should I say shopper?
Rebecca May
Last night, there was an addition to the Nelson family clan! Norm and Ariel finally had their baby girl! They've named her Rebecca May. She was 7 lbs 13 1/2 oz.
Ariel arrived at the hospital in High River fully dilated. Norm and Ariel's mom were afraid she'd deliver in the car on the way! Needless to say, there was no time for an epidural (I hate to say "I told you so" but I will, Ariel! ;) ) Momma is doing just fine despite some tearing.
Averi, Shawn and I went to visit this afternoon (Taylor's at Omi's house this weekend). Averi just loved her new little cousin!
I know you just want to get to the pictures, so here they are. Becca is absolutely beautiful!
Ariel arrived at the hospital in High River fully dilated. Norm and Ariel's mom were afraid she'd deliver in the car on the way! Needless to say, there was no time for an epidural (I hate to say "I told you so" but I will, Ariel! ;) ) Momma is doing just fine despite some tearing.
Averi, Shawn and I went to visit this afternoon (Taylor's at Omi's house this weekend). Averi just loved her new little cousin!
I know you just want to get to the pictures, so here they are. Becca is absolutely beautiful!
P.S. My middle name is Rebecca! Can I say you named her after me?? :)
Mamma Mia!
A girls' night out to the movies turned out to be a bridal party! Lizzy had to wear a veil, carry a bouquet and wear a nametag reading "Bride." The bridesmaids carried flowers, wore nametags and the rest of us had nametags with our relation to the bride spelled out. Of course, my mom's tag wouldn't fit "Mother of the Sister-in-Law of the Bride..."
The movie itself bordered on ridiculous. I haven't felt so much estrogen in a room since Titanic. It was fun, don't get me wrong, but kind of a joke of a movie.
I'm second from the right, my mom on the very right.
The movie itself bordered on ridiculous. I haven't felt so much estrogen in a room since Titanic. It was fun, don't get me wrong, but kind of a joke of a movie.
I'm second from the right, my mom on the very right.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Avi Progresses
Avi now takes steps between people with outstretched arms!
Avi goes up and down stairs by herself!
Avi has 4 teeth in the top and 2 in the bottom.
For the last week or so, Avi has been doing the sign for milk. Of course, she hasn't been doing it just for milk. She uses it whenever she wants anything, particularly food. We're still working on the sign for food, more and all done. We started much earlier with Taylor and were much more diligent. She'll get there!
Avi goes up and down stairs by herself!
Avi has 4 teeth in the top and 2 in the bottom.
For the last week or so, Avi has been doing the sign for milk. Of course, she hasn't been doing it just for milk. She uses it whenever she wants anything, particularly food. We're still working on the sign for food, more and all done. We started much earlier with Taylor and were much more diligent. She'll get there!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
