This is his "double chopper" (my nickname).
He's the cutest!!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Wunderkind
For his most recent birthday, we got Taylor a mega box of K'Nex. Perfect for any lego-lover! It came with a manual full of ideas and Taylor's probably made all of them. So, it wasn't long and came as no surprise when Taylor started inventing his own creations!
This is his "double chopper" (my nickname).
He's the cutest!!
This is his "double chopper" (my nickname).
He's the cutest!!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Calgary Temple Preview!
It was an exciting day after a phone call from Shawn's sister, Vickie.
Vickie has been doing the gold-leafing at the Calgary temple. Today she called one and all to invite us to the construction-worker-family-pre-Open-House-viewing! So, amongst the other construction workers and their families, we got to be one of the first groups through the new temple! It was a fabulously memorable experience!
It started pouring rain between the Stake Center and the temple. Most of it was covered but for part of it, volunteers handed out white umbrellas! There were lots of volunteers! They've been calling for them for months and it is unfortunate that our current situation (Shawn in school) renders us unable to participate. :(
The temple was, of course, beautiful! Stained glass sheaths of wheat seemed to be the theme. I had to ask what the symbolism was and was informed that it represents Alberta's wheat crops. Duh! Didn't think of that, though, as I don't associate Alberta with wheat so much as beef. Better sheaths of wheat than shanks of meat!
The baptismal font was stunning! A glass room with benches overlooks the scene which seems a much better way to go about baptisms for the dead than a long line of youth waiting their turn...
Ella was very vocal for the entire tour (of course). When she saw the baptismal font she exclaimed, "Toilet!!" and then "Bathtub!!" We were, thankfully, able to keep her from christening the font!
The gold-leafing was terrific! ;) The ceiling in the Bride's Room was stunning with Alberta's flower, Wild Rose, trimming the ceiling.
The terrestrial room had the most stunning artwork! Believe it or not, they brought in an artist from Rexburg, Idaho to tour Alberta and transfer his vision onto the walls. I laughed out loud during the tour when they mentioned that: a bit of Rexburg here in Calgary! ;)
The telestial room was very neutral but the celestial room was indescribable! The main chandelier was enormous!! Averi was quite impressed with the rainbow-producing crystals and I indicated that we could eventually get a chandelier for her room, albeit on a much less magnificent (and child-friendly) scale.
The view from the temple and the temple grounds are incomparable! You can see downtown Calgary and, though the clouds prevented us from seeing this evening, the Rocky Mountains!
The temple is situated very subtly within a NW community called Royal Oak. Since it isn't lit up yet, it seems to suddenly appear from nowhere. Access is from behind the temple and seemed quite oblique.
We brought the camera for (exterior family) pictures but with the weather and the exasperation factor (3 kids + temple tour = tired parents), we will have to wait until a future opportunity presents itself. Sorry!! Do recall that we have pictures of its construction here.
Vickie has been doing the gold-leafing at the Calgary temple. Today she called one and all to invite us to the construction-worker-family-pre-Open-House-viewing! So, amongst the other construction workers and their families, we got to be one of the first groups through the new temple! It was a fabulously memorable experience!
It started pouring rain between the Stake Center and the temple. Most of it was covered but for part of it, volunteers handed out white umbrellas! There were lots of volunteers! They've been calling for them for months and it is unfortunate that our current situation (Shawn in school) renders us unable to participate. :(
The temple was, of course, beautiful! Stained glass sheaths of wheat seemed to be the theme. I had to ask what the symbolism was and was informed that it represents Alberta's wheat crops. Duh! Didn't think of that, though, as I don't associate Alberta with wheat so much as beef. Better sheaths of wheat than shanks of meat!
The baptismal font was stunning! A glass room with benches overlooks the scene which seems a much better way to go about baptisms for the dead than a long line of youth waiting their turn...
Ella was very vocal for the entire tour (of course). When she saw the baptismal font she exclaimed, "Toilet!!" and then "Bathtub!!" We were, thankfully, able to keep her from christening the font!
The gold-leafing was terrific! ;) The ceiling in the Bride's Room was stunning with Alberta's flower, Wild Rose, trimming the ceiling.
The terrestrial room had the most stunning artwork! Believe it or not, they brought in an artist from Rexburg, Idaho to tour Alberta and transfer his vision onto the walls. I laughed out loud during the tour when they mentioned that: a bit of Rexburg here in Calgary! ;)
The telestial room was very neutral but the celestial room was indescribable! The main chandelier was enormous!! Averi was quite impressed with the rainbow-producing crystals and I indicated that we could eventually get a chandelier for her room, albeit on a much less magnificent (and child-friendly) scale.
The view from the temple and the temple grounds are incomparable! You can see downtown Calgary and, though the clouds prevented us from seeing this evening, the Rocky Mountains!
The temple is situated very subtly within a NW community called Royal Oak. Since it isn't lit up yet, it seems to suddenly appear from nowhere. Access is from behind the temple and seemed quite oblique.
We brought the camera for (exterior family) pictures but with the weather and the exasperation factor (3 kids + temple tour = tired parents), we will have to wait until a future opportunity presents itself. Sorry!! Do recall that we have pictures of its construction here.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
A Lesson in Safety
After watching the kids wrapping each other up in blankets, I decided it was a great time to review the dangers of suffocation. I gathered the kids around; Taylor and Averi seem used to this concept now that they're (back) in school but Ella did fairly well, also!
I started by trying to get them to tell me what we need to live. Taylor piped up with food and water so I asked what we need even before food and water. They struggled with this so I dropped a hint.
Um, no, but I had a good laugh anyway!
I started by trying to get them to tell me what we need to live. Taylor piped up with food and water so I asked what we need even before food and water. They struggled with this so I dropped a hint.
Me (gently leading): We do it all day and all night...
Taylor (jubilant): Chores!!
Um, no, but I had a good laugh anyway!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Calaway Park
I keep meaning to post the picture from Taylor's first roller coaster ride! The week before Taylor's birthday, Uncle Aaron and Sam (his GF) took Taylor (and Jace) to Calaway Park. Uncle Aaron wasn't planning on purchasing a photo but couldn't resist once he saw it!
Taylor looks absolutely terrified but he assures me that it was alright. He says that next time he'll do a funny pose for the picture. :)
Taylor looks absolutely terrified but he assures me that it was alright. He says that next time he'll do a funny pose for the picture. :)
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
First Day of School
Two kiddies in school, yippee!!
Tried to get the school name in the shot...
Unfortunately, the only sun to be had this time of day isn't at its best this time of year.
I tried to provide some shade for these shots...
Taylor's fine with his new grade two teacher, Mrs. Schmitt, even though he was sad not to have the same teacher as the last two years (Mrs. Aebli).
I'm familiar with Averi's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. White-Tucker, and her energetic creativity is a perfect match!
Tried to get the school name in the shot...
Unfortunately, the only sun to be had this time of day isn't at its best this time of year.
I tried to provide some shade for these shots...
Taylor's fine with his new grade two teacher, Mrs. Schmitt, even though he was sad not to have the same teacher as the last two years (Mrs. Aebli).
I'm familiar with Averi's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. White-Tucker, and her energetic creativity is a perfect match!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Breath vs Nose
Due to stress related to having a new job (I signed the contract yesterday!), sleep has become elusive. ;) The up-side to this is already being awake when Ella gets up. Morning's are her best time: she's sweet and loves to cuddle.
In the midst of our snuggle, I remarked to Ella that she had terrible morning breath. She turned it around by saying, "No, your nose stinks!"
In the midst of our snuggle, I remarked to Ella that she had terrible morning breath. She turned it around by saying, "No, your nose stinks!"
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
A Taylor Original
I was clearing out some papers and came across this drawing of Taylor's. I hadn't seen it before but loved it so much that I had to scan it.
Behold, our chapel:
Behold, our chapel:
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Teacher Time
Today I was officially offered a teaching position at my old tech school, SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology)!
Rewind a few years, 2008 to be exact, and I have just interviewed for a full-time position co-teaching the program I graduated from, Health Information Management, with a friend that I graduated with. I felt very good about the interview and the more I thought about teaching as a career, the more ecstatic I became. I used to play school with my younger sibs, creating mini-texts and quizzes to grade. I taught Eva (maybe Owen?) to read (not that I find that kind of patience with my own children!). I've really enjoyed any training opportunities that came my way as both a coder and an analyst.
Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.
It was just as well since our family grew once more after that. ;)
Fast-forward to the beginning of this past summer and my friend at SAIT approached me about a part-time contract (temporary) position at SAIT. It wouldn't be teaching my program but helping out the Medical Transcription and Health Information Office Assistant programs. It would be a foot in the door!
At this same time, I had already applied for a part-time data quality position at the new Calgary hospital (opening end of this year/beginning of next year). Data quality is my passion (consistency appeals to my detail-oriented, problem-solving side) and these positions don't come up often. It made me consider getting out of my stay-at-home-mom mode since Averi is now going to school. Child care would be less expensive and I would be missing less time with the kids. (Ella and parents will all benefit with some time apart.)
I find it unfortunate that both of these opportunities presented themselves at the same time. It has been my experience that Heavenly Father brings about these types of situations for a reason. I went after the teaching position since it was temporary and would lead perfectly into the hospital position. SAIT, however, has offered me a year-long contract, rather than just one term. I look forward to finding out what becomes of this! Will I become a permanent instructor, coding coordinator or both (SAIT assures me that they can be flexible)??
Rewind a few years, 2008 to be exact, and I have just interviewed for a full-time position co-teaching the program I graduated from, Health Information Management, with a friend that I graduated with. I felt very good about the interview and the more I thought about teaching as a career, the more ecstatic I became. I used to play school with my younger sibs, creating mini-texts and quizzes to grade. I taught Eva (maybe Owen?) to read (not that I find that kind of patience with my own children!). I've really enjoyed any training opportunities that came my way as both a coder and an analyst.
Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.
It was just as well since our family grew once more after that. ;)
Fast-forward to the beginning of this past summer and my friend at SAIT approached me about a part-time contract (temporary) position at SAIT. It wouldn't be teaching my program but helping out the Medical Transcription and Health Information Office Assistant programs. It would be a foot in the door!
At this same time, I had already applied for a part-time data quality position at the new Calgary hospital (opening end of this year/beginning of next year). Data quality is my passion (consistency appeals to my detail-oriented, problem-solving side) and these positions don't come up often. It made me consider getting out of my stay-at-home-mom mode since Averi is now going to school. Child care would be less expensive and I would be missing less time with the kids. (Ella and parents will all benefit with some time apart.)
I find it unfortunate that both of these opportunities presented themselves at the same time. It has been my experience that Heavenly Father brings about these types of situations for a reason. I went after the teaching position since it was temporary and would lead perfectly into the hospital position. SAIT, however, has offered me a year-long contract, rather than just one term. I look forward to finding out what becomes of this! Will I become a permanent instructor, coding coordinator or both (SAIT assures me that they can be flexible)??
Ella Strikes Again
"Poor Daddy" is sort of an understatement.
Like, "Ella's mischievous" is an understatement.
I received a call at work today asking for the best way to get nail polish off of everything.
Including Miss Ella herself, of course.
I never did get to see the clothing she was wearing... *shudder*
Funnily enough, she actually did get her toes.
This incident can be blamed squarely on Mommy for painting her own toenails in front of Miss Sassafras and then leaving the nail polish on her bathroom counter.
Like, "Ella's mischievous" is an understatement.
I received a call at work today asking for the best way to get nail polish off of everything.
Including Miss Ella herself, of course.
I never did get to see the clothing she was wearing... *shudder*
Funnily enough, she actually did get her toes.
This incident can be blamed squarely on Mommy for painting her own toenails in front of Miss Sassafras and then leaving the nail polish on her bathroom counter.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Dr. Ella, MD
I can barely contain my mirth!
Ella just gave me a quick medical check-up. She approached me, placing the end of her play stethoscope on my back, and said, "Take a deep breath for me." After doing so, I was then instructed "Now breathe out." After doing this precise thing several times (rendering me somewhat dizzy), she then took my blood pressure.
I can hardly account for her knowing how to listen for lung sounds. It is true, she's been examined by a few doctors/surgeons in her time. My suspicion, however, lies with a TV show for children called Doc McStuffins about a child who fixes her toys. I am sure that there are check-ups involved.
Too cute!!
Ella just gave me a quick medical check-up. She approached me, placing the end of her play stethoscope on my back, and said, "Take a deep breath for me." After doing so, I was then instructed "Now breathe out." After doing this precise thing several times (rendering me somewhat dizzy), she then took my blood pressure.
Too cute!!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
That Child!
Ella escaped her bed this evening to paint herself front and back with Taylor and Averi's toothpastes (blue and pink, respectively).
In this context, I should indicate that her pediatrician found that she is developmentally normal. She is too young for other diagnoses but words such as "oppositional" and "impulsive" were used and describe Ella to a tee.
In this context, I should indicate that her pediatrician found that she is developmentally normal. She is too young for other diagnoses but words such as "oppositional" and "impulsive" were used and describe Ella to a tee.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Our Weekend in Crowsnest Pass
Shawn's parents built a cabin in a teensy town named Bellevue within the Crowsnest Pass area of Alberta. Shawn has been badgering me to take the family for a visit and I can't say why I resisted! We had such a fun time!
We started off at the Frank's Slide Interpretive Centre. Ella started her dangerous forays immediately.
Averi has a weird face, lol!
While we didn't want to pay admission to the Interpretive Centre, the grounds boasted a hiking path that we all enjoyed!
Love the silly poses!!!
Shawn trying to keep Ella safe:
Ella after I told him just to let her go:
Shawn had to make a mad climb to prevent her from making it to the top and, in all probability, flinging herself off the precipice! She's a really fast little monkey!!
Funny how Taylor's the one who end up hurting himself:
Dad tried convincing him to be brave... He got over it soon enough.
Another silly Ella pose:
And a sweet Ella pose:
We also took the children to the swimming pool in Sparwood, BC. It was fabulous!!
It was a terrific trip up until the very end when nerves became too frazzled to withstand anymore. ;)
On the way home, we stopped at the Lundbreck Falls.
We started off at the Frank's Slide Interpretive Centre. Ella started her dangerous forays immediately.
Averi has a weird face, lol!
While we didn't want to pay admission to the Interpretive Centre, the grounds boasted a hiking path that we all enjoyed!
Love the silly poses!!!
Shawn trying to keep Ella safe:
Ella after I told him just to let her go:
Funny how Taylor's the one who end up hurting himself:
Dad tried convincing him to be brave... He got over it soon enough.
Another silly Ella pose:
And a sweet Ella pose:
We also took the children to the swimming pool in Sparwood, BC. It was fabulous!!
It was a terrific trip up until the very end when nerves became too frazzled to withstand anymore. ;)
On the way home, we stopped at the Lundbreck Falls.
Canada Day Celebration
It's high time I get these pics posted!
For the last several years, our church has put on a celebration for Canada Day. It involves food, entertainment, kid activities and the flag-raising. In the photo below, Ella can be seen plucking the Canadian flag markers for the flag-raising ceremony. Eek, that child!!
I, with a couple buddies, happened to be part of the entertainment [footage below]...
That horrific part in the first song was my fault, of course. It is quite unfortunate that I was the one holding the mike at that point. :s In our defense, we had only 4 days notice in which to find songs and practice! (And in defense of the audience size--determined by the pathetic smatter of applause--we were the first act and, therefore, a crowd had yet to accumulate.)
For the last several years, our church has put on a celebration for Canada Day. It involves food, entertainment, kid activities and the flag-raising. In the photo below, Ella can be seen plucking the Canadian flag markers for the flag-raising ceremony. Eek, that child!!
I, with a couple buddies, happened to be part of the entertainment [footage below]...
That horrific part in the first song was my fault, of course. It is quite unfortunate that I was the one holding the mike at that point. :s In our defense, we had only 4 days notice in which to find songs and practice! (And in defense of the audience size--determined by the pathetic smatter of applause--we were the first act and, therefore, a crowd had yet to accumulate.)
Ella's 3rd Bday Celebration
For Ella's third birthday, we got a strawberry-rhubarb pie and lemon cream cheese torte at Costco. Nontraditional but Ella's still too young to have a preference.
We celebrated at Grandma and Grandpa Nelson's home. There were a lot of family visiting because Shawn's cousin had gotten married that weekend.
I've been waiting for Ella to turn three FOR-EV-ER. I have been assuming that she would grow out of some crazy behaviors. Since she has not, and under the advice of 3 people who have children with disabilities (within one week!), we are having Ella assessed for behavioral or developmental issues. She's a very bright girl but extended family (and those who have followed this blog) will allow that she has more than her fair share of bizarre performances. (This comes to mind as well as the 2011 Swan family reunion sacrament table swan dive (@ Bear Lake) that I don't think I've shared on the blog yet.)
Some footage:
We celebrated at Grandma and Grandpa Nelson's home. There were a lot of family visiting because Shawn's cousin had gotten married that weekend.
I've been waiting for Ella to turn three FOR-EV-ER. I have been assuming that she would grow out of some crazy behaviors. Since she has not, and under the advice of 3 people who have children with disabilities (within one week!), we are having Ella assessed for behavioral or developmental issues. She's a very bright girl but extended family (and those who have followed this blog) will allow that she has more than her fair share of bizarre performances. (This comes to mind as well as the 2011 Swan family reunion sacrament table swan dive (@ Bear Lake) that I don't think I've shared on the blog yet.)
Some footage:
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